^ '^ " 1 \ LIBRARY OF THE University of California. Received o/}Oa^\(!Jv . t^ ./^^O Ace essiou No./^^ <=^ ^ . CL iss No. M ^S^^^s^^^^i&^4, GIFT or prof, C. H- SHINN v.^ • ^ '?iAv»v »' \N»^>v>:h A » , i»^ /tc^^ V^v ^ nV *l^ ^^^^ . . ^ -s^^,^ THE NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEEE; CONTAINING DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL THE STATES, COUNTIES AND TOWNS MIEW MK^ILAMBs DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, LAKES, CAPES, BAYS, HA»BQ^S^* ISlANDS, AND FASHIONABLE RESORTS WITHIN THAT TERRITORY. ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED. By JOHN ^AYWARD, Author of the Columbian Traveller, Keligicus Creeds, &c. &c. SECOND EDITION CONCORD, N. H: ISRAEL S. BOYD AND WILLIAM WHITE. BOSTON: JOHN HAY WARD. 18 39. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1839, by JOHN HAYWARD, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court in Masiachusetta. VS^5-^^ STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BT WILLIAM WHITE, CONCORD, N. H. it. PREFACE. The preparation of a Gazetteer of New England, worthy the patronage of its enlightened citizens, is no easy task : those only who have attempted it can form a just conception of its difficulties. Long and wearisome journeys must be performed; hundreds of volumes and local histories must be consulted, and thousands of letters must be written. Although a kind Providence has blessed the editor with health, and with numerous friends, in all parts of New England ; yet, after a long period of devotedness, he is mortified that his work is not more complete. It will be perceived that there are many towns, particularly in the eastern section of New England, whose names are merely mentioned ; and that notices of others, in many cases, are exceedingly deficient. Had our means permitted, fair representations of the character and resources of those towns might have promoted individual and public interests; and enhanced the value of our volume. There are lakes and rivers in the northern and eastern parts of New England, whose beauty, volume of water, and hydraulic power, might vie with the Winnepisiogee and Mer- rimack ; but whose locations and even names are but indistinctly known. But we have the consolation to believe that a Gazetteer of New Eng- land, perfect in all its parts, is rather desired than expected. Our coun- try is new : large portions of the territory of the New England States, are yet a wilderness, and new counties and towns are very frequently constituted. The progress of agricultural science, and of the mechanic arts ; the advancement of commerce, both at home and abroad, and the increasing success of the fisheries, united with the determination of the people of New England to connect the trade of the western oceans with their Atlantic borders, by roads of iron, which frosts cannot impede, are so great and strong, that the most devoted geographical and statistical writers must be satisfied with following at a distance, rather than keeping pace with the rapid car of improvement in New England. Al PREFACE. In the performance of our work we have derived assistance from many- valuable maps and books on New England. Among the number a re- spectful tribute is due, particularly, to Belknap's History of New Hampshire; Williamson's Maine; Dwight's Letters; Savage's Winthrop; Thatcher's Plymouth; Folsom's Saco and Biddeford ; Benton and Bahrey's Statistics: — Hale's Map of New England; Stevens' Rhode Island ; Carrigain's New Hampshire ; and Green- leaf's Maine: — to Worcester's Gazetteer; Thompson's Vermont; Pease and Niles' Rhode Island and Connecticut; Spofford's Mas- sachusetts, and Farmer and Moore's Gazetteer of New Hampshire. From the latter work, and from its authors, the lamented John Far- mer, Esq., a celebrated antiquarian and writer, and Jacob B. Moore, Esq., of Concord, N. H., author of several valuable historical and mis- cellaneous works, we are indebted for much of that which is valuable in regard to New Hampshire. From a beautiful volume, entitled " Connecticut Historical Collec- tions," by John Warner Barber, Esq., we have been permitted to enrich our pages with some of their most valuable and interesting ar- ticles. To Headsof Departments at AVashington, and to the Secretaries of the several States to wliich the work refers, for valuable public documents; to Postmasters ; and to numerous other fiiends who have kindly assisted us in our labors; whose names we should feel proud to mention, were it in accordance with their wishes ; we tender the acknowledgments of a grateful heart. For the purpose of enlarging our work, as well as for its correction, our editions will be designedly small : contributions are therefore respect- fully solicited. While it is our determination to devote our time and humble talents to render our publications worthy of general approbation; we are gratified with the assurance of co-operation from eminent men in all parts of the country; and we trust with confidence to receive that patronage, which Yankees, both at home and abroad, invariably bestow on every effort whose obvious design is usefulness. Boston, May, 1839. NORTHERN REGISTER. (' OF TF nNTvr- K It was our intention to have connected this publication with the Gaz- etteer ; but it was found that by compressing the matter, sufficiently to unite them in one volume, both would fail of the object contemplated. A great mass of materials for the Register is already received ; indeed, a considerable portion is now ready for the press; but as we have extend- ed our plan, some months will elapse before its appearance. The work will comprise the rise and progress of all the important lit- erary, religious, moral and charitable institutions in New England : — an account of the Churches and Ministers in the several towns, from their origin, and settlement to the present time : — the rise and extent of internal improvements : — statistics of various kinds : lists of Courts, At- torneys at law, Physicians, Literary and Religious Journals, Newspa- pers, Banks, Postmasters, &c. &c. : to which will be added brief notices of distinguished men. In short, the Register is designed to comprise all that may be considered important and useful,in a work of this kind, in relation to New England, and which is not contained in the Gazetteer. The number of eminent men, of every profession, who have kindly tendered the Editor their co-operation, is so great, that we feel confident that the Register will be entitled to a share of public favor. [D" -^W letters and papers for the Editor, are requested to be left at the Boston Post Office. NEW ENGLAND. Ijt presenting the public with a Gazetteer of New England, it has seemed proper to make a few introductory remarks of a general nature, on the character of its inhabitants. They may with great propriety be called a peculiar people : and perhaps New England and Pennsylvania are the only parts of the new world, which have been colonized by a class of men, who can be regarded in that light. The whole of Spanish and Por- tuguese America was organized, under the direct patronage of the mother countries, into various colonial governments, as neaily resembling those at home as the nature of the case admitted. The adventurers who sought their fortunes beyond the sea, in those golden tropical regions, carried the vices and the virtues with the laws and the manners of their native land, along with them, and underwent no farther change than was unavoidably incident to the new physical and political condition in which they were placed in America. The same remark, with nearly the same force, may be made of the Virginia colonists : they differed from Englishmen at home in no other way, than a remote and feeble colony must of necessity differ from a powerful metropolitan state. Pennsylvania was settled by a peculiar race ; but its peculiarity was of that character which eventu- ally exhausts itself; and would speedily perish but for an amalgamation, necessary though uncongenial, with the laws, the manners, and institu- tions of the world. If all mankind were Friends they might subsist and prosper. A colony of Friends, thrown upon a savage shore and environed by hostile influences from foreign colonial establishments, would perish, if not upheld by forces and principles different from its own. In the set- tlers of New England alone we find a peculiar people ; — but at the same time a people whose peculiarity was founded on safe practical principles; reconcileable with the duties of life ; capable of improvement in the pro- gress of civilization, and of expanding into a powerful state, as well as of animating a poor and persecuted colony. NEW EXGLAXD. Had not America been discovered and a tract upon our continent reserv- ed for English colonization ; — nay, further, had it not been precisely such an uninviting spot as furnished no temptation to men of prosperous fortunes, the world veould have lost that noble developement of character which the fathers of New England exhibit. A tropical climate would have made it uninhabitable to Puritans; or rather would have filled it up with adventurers of a different class. A gold mine would have been a curse to the latest generation. Had the fields produced cotton and sugar, they would not have produced the men whom we venerate as the founders of the liberties of New England. Puritanism sprang up in England, but there it could not develope itself with vigor or consist with happiness. The conflict with the hostile in- stitutions of society was too sharp, and admitted of the cultivation of none but the militant or patient elements of character. To struggle with temporary success and to bow in permanent subjection was the necessary fate of the persecuted sect. So it was wisely ordained. Had Puritan- ism permanently mastered the church and the throne in England, it would have been corrupted. It would have picked up and worn the trampled diadem : it would have installed itself in the subjected church. Regartling Cromwell and the Rump Parliament as the gift of Puritanism to English liberty, it is a bequest at which we know not whether most to sigh or smile. The seed sown in England fell by the way side and the fowls came and devoured it up. The cause of political and social reform, which was conducted with self-denying wisdom and moderation in the outset, by single-hearted, honest men, degenerated as it prospered. In the moment of its triumph it sunk under the corruptions of selfish- ness, as a noble vessel which has braved the tempest in mid-ocean some- times goes to pieces on the rocks as it approaches land. But the precious seeds of liberty, civil and religious, which were sown in New England, fell upon a genial soil, and brought forth worthy and abiding fruit. Undertaking the same work which was undertaken by their brethren in England, our fathers conducted it through the days of small things, through hardships, trial, and disasters, to a triumphant issue. It is true there were greater obstacles to be encountered in England, in the resistance of established institutions. Deep rooted errors were to be torn up ; the towers of feudal oppression, which had stood for centuries, were to be overthrown. But the influence of these formidable institutions was not limited to Old England. The rod of arbitrary power reached across the Atlantic. The little colonies had to struggle with the crown and the hierarchy, with the privy council and with special commissions, with writs and acts of parliament ; and they had besides to struggle with the NEW ENGLAND, hardsliips of the wilderness, the dangers of the savage foe, of a sterner climate than that of their native land, the privations of a settler's life, the alternating neglect and oppression of the mother country; — but they struggled successfully with all. The reformers of abuses in England, as they claimed to be called, brought a king to the block, scattered a house of lords, and saw their great military leader clothed with all the powers of state; and in twelve years the son of that king returned to the throne, not merely by an unconditional restoration, but amidst a jubilee of na- tional rejoicing and without one security for liberty. All the while the fathers of New England held on their even way; not betrayed into extravagance when their cause at home (as they fondly called Old Eng- land) was triumphant; nor in despair at the miserable relapse which en- sued. They did not indeed live to reap the fruit of their principles and their sacrifices ; and it reflects but the greater honor upon them that they persevered in their great work from a sense of duty, deep-seated, coo- trolling, fearless, and not the less so although, while they lived, unre- warded by worldly success. In fact the founders of New England were actuated by the only prin- ciple sufficient to produce this result. It need not be said that this was religious principle. How easily it is uttered of our Pilgrim fathers that they were actuated by religious principle ; how little in these prosper- ous days do we realize all that is wrapped up in that description of their character ! It is difficult to comprehend of others what we have not experienced in ourselves. That easy frame of mind which prevails among a highly favored people, in peiiods of halcyon prosperity, is scarcely capable of being placed in sympathy with the moral heroism, the spir- itual courage, the sublime equanimity of a generation truly animated by the religious principle, exalted by persecution, and purified by hard- ship. Happy if in such a period we can, by diligent contemplation of the venerated men of other days, exalt our imaginations, till by conceiving we form a desire to imitate their virtues ! In proportion as We do this, we shall realize the secret of their perseverance and success. They did all things thro\igh Christ strengthening them. What cannot man do when he has learned habitually and distinctly to regard this life as a preparatory .«:cene, — a brief hour, — nay a tieeting moment, introductory to an eternal being.' The fathers of New England were enabled, with their scanty means and feeble powers, to establish the foundation of institutions which will last to the end of time, for the very reason that they regarded all ha- nian interests and delights as transitory. That paradox in our moral na- tures which educes stiength out of weakness, triumph out of self-denial, worldly power and success out of a stern preference of things not of NEW ENGLAND. this world, received its most illustrious confirmation in the career of the pilgrim fathers of New England. This principle of our natures is the key to the great problem of the success which attended the forlorn hope of humanity that landed on these shores. There is indeed a fanaticism, which violates all the laws of our nature, alike the higher ulterior principles which belong to an immortal spirit, and the humbler influences which grow from the rela- tions of ordinary life. It leads to surprising deeds; it forms characters which dazzle us with brilliant eccentricities. It is near allied to mad- ness ; often runs into it. But the religiousness of the fathers of New England was a far different principle. It was eminently /)racficaZ. It allied itself with wise institutions of government; it sought the guid^ince of education ; it encouraged the various pursuits of industry; it provided for the public safety and defence ; and with chaste discrimination admit- ted the courtesies of polished life. It is difficult to say what sort of a commonwealth George Fox would have founded, had circumstances call- ed him to assume the province of the legislator. It is most certain, that in setting up an immediate divine inspiration as the guide of every man, he maintained a principle at war with the very idea of a politcal system and all its institutions ; nor is it less certain that the constitution which was actually granted to Pennsylvania, by its pure and noble-spirited pro- prietor, possessed little of the peculiarities of his sect but their mild, peaceful, and equitable temper. But the fathers of New England stop- ped short of the point where solemn conviction passes into enthusiasm. They pursued the ordinary occupations of life, planted the field, built vessels and navigated the sea, and carried on the usual mechanic arts. They made provision for protection against the Indians and the French. They organized a plan of civil government; they established by law a system of common school education, for the first time in the history of the world, and they founded a college for the avowed purpose of training up a class of educated men, well qualified to take the place of the learned and pious ministers who had emigrated with the first generation of pil- grims. These are the doings of intelligent and practical men, not of en- thusiasts or fanatics ; and yet they are the doings of men so resolutely hent upon the exercise of the right of worshipping God according to the dictates of their conscienc2s, that they were willing to sacrifice to it home, fortune, and all that the mass of men hold dear. To say that the fathers of New England were not faultless, is merely to say that they were men; to say that they established no institutions, the object of which was to bind the consciences of their successors is praise as just as it is high. If they adhered with undue tenacity to their NEW ENGLAND. own opinions, and failed in charity towards those who differed, they at least left their posterity free, without the attempt to secure before hand the control of minds in other ages by transmitted symbols and tests. Hu- manity mourns over the rigors practised towards Roger Williams, the Quakers, and the unhappy persons suspected of witchcraft ; but let it not be forgotten that, as late as 1749, a witch was executed at Wurzburg, and that even in 1760 two women were thrown into the water in Leices- tershire, in England, to ascertain by their sinking or swimming whether they were witches. Above all, it may deserve thoughtful enquiry, before we condemn the founders of New England, whether a class of men less stern in their principles and austere in their tempers, could have accom- plished, under all the discouragements that surrounded them, against all the obstacles which stood in their way, the greal work to which Provi- dence called them, — the foundation of a family of republics, confederated under a constitution of free representative government. There is every reason to believe, great and precious as are the results of their principles, hitherto manifested to the world, that the quickening power of those principles will be more and more displayed, with every leaf that is turned in the book of Providence. That part of the United States denominated New England, compri- ses SIX STATES, SIXTY ONE COUNTI ES , and TWELVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY TOWNS. Their extent, divisions, and population at several periods, are as follows : I * I I { Me. 32,000 12 34 r 935tJ l.n,719 N. H 9 2S0 8 224 HI. 883 133,858 Vt. iO,2r.- 14 237 Si, 539 1 4,^6-1 Mass. 7,. wo 14 3iC: 3:8,78^ 4'\ 45 R I. 1,330 5 El 03,82.5 01,1.^2 Ct -1,674 SI l.-'S' 237,913 1,010.520 251,002 S5,02') 1,233.01 1 228,705 211,460 7.!,D3I 231,9J2 1,4 7 1, 'ITS 293,33.; 244, l«l 5;'3.28 8!. 05 39J,43 2SJ,6j: 610,40t 97,19. 108 7S 304 75 The population of Maine and Massachusetts, in 1837, is given as by a census taken in that year. The population of New Hampshire, Ver- mont, Rhode Island and Connecticut, for 1837, is estimated according to the ratio of increase, from 1S20 to 183;'. NEW ENGLAND. In 1830, there were in New England 1,112 persons deaf and dumb ; 798 blind, and 18,663 aliens. The number of colored persons in 1820, was 20,782— 1830, 21,310. New England increased in population, from 1790, to 1800, 22.1 per cent: from 1800, to 1810, 19.3 per cent: from 1810, to 1820, 12.7 per cent: from 1820, to 1830, 17.7 per cent; and from 1830, to 1837, 12.4 cent. When it is consiountains. The town is plea'^antly located on the east side of lake Champlain, and nearly opposite to Crown Point, in the state of New- York. At this place the lake is about 3 miles broad. The French, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. it is said, commenced a settlement here in 1731 ; the same year that they erected a fort at Crown Point. The English came here about 1770. Otter Creek passes into the town, but affords no important mill sites. The surface of the town is low and level. Mill and Pike rivers, are small streams, which fall into the lake opposite to Crown Point. This town lies about 12 miles W. N. W. from Middlebury, and 40 W. S. W. from Montpelier. Population 1830, 1,306. Agameuticus Mountain, So called, being three elevations of land in York, Me., about 4 miles: from the sea, and a noted land mark for those on the coast to the north- ward and eastward of Portsmouth harbor. The liighest summit is 673 feet above the ocean. It is said that Saint Aspinquid died on this mountain, in 1682, and that his funeral was celebrated by the In- dians, by the sacrifice of 6711 wild animals. AgaTvam, Mass. The Indian name of a river in Wareham, and of a part of Westfield river; and the name of a village on Westfield river, 2 miles S. W. from Springfield. Albany, Me. Oxford CO. This town was incor- porated in 1803. It lies about 17 miles W. by N. from Paris, and W. from Augusta. It is the source of Crooked river, which empties in- to Sebago Lake. Population, 1837, S98. Albany, N. H., Strafford co., lies 60 miles N. by E. from Concord, and 67 N. N. W. from Dover. The principal river in Albany, is Swift river, which passes from W. to E. into the Saco, at Conway. There are several •small streams in different parts of the town, furnishing convenient mill privileges. These streams were once the residence of num- bers of the beaver, otter, &c. — There are several lofty hills and mountains in this town, the highest of which is called Chocorua, and is visible from a great extent of coun- try. It received its name from Chocorua, an Indian, who was kil- led on the summit by a party of hunters in time of peace, before the settlement of the place. The predominant rock of these hills is granite — a soft, decomposing varie- ty, in which the crystals and grains of feldspar are very large. The soil is fertile, being a sandy loam, mix- ed occasionally with coarse gravel. There are some fertile intervale lands on the borders of Swift river. This town has been considerably retarded by a peculiar disease whicli afflicts neat cattle. Young cattle cannot be reared, nor can cows or oxen be kept here for a series of years, without being attacked by a singular and fatal distemper. It commences with a loss of appetite — the animals refuse hay, grain and salt — become emaciated ; an obstin- ate costiveness attends, but the ab- domen becomes smaller than in health, and is diminished to one third its original bulk. After these symp- toms have continued for an indefi- nite period, a brisk scouring comes on, and the animals fall away and die. Though superstition may have found a reason in the dying curse of the murdered Chocorua, philoso- phy has not yet ascertained a satis- factory cause for the disease. It is probably owing to the properties contained in the waters. This town was granted Nov. 6, 1766, to Clem- ent March, Joseph Senter and oth- ers, and until the 2d July, 1833, it bore the name of Burton. Popula- tion in 1830, 325. Albany, Vt. Orleans co. Tliis town was grant- ed in the year 1781, by the name of Lutterloh ; in 1815 it was chang- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ed to its present name. It is water- ed by a number of ponds, and by Black river and its branches. Al- bany lies 34 miles N. from Mont- pelier, and 9 S. of Irasburgh. Pop- ulation, 1830, 683. Albion, Me. Kennebec co. This fine farming town lies on the stage road from Augusta to Bangor; 24 miles N. E. from the former, and 44 S. W. from the latter. Population, 1837, 1609. This town produced 10,728 bushels of wheat, in 1837. Alburgh, Vt. Grand Isle co. Settlements com- menced here by emigrants from Canada, in 1782. This town lies at the N. W. corner of the state and of New England ; 10 miles N. from North Hero, and 79 miles N. W. from Montpelier. It is bounded by the waters of Lake Champlain, ex- cept on the north, where it meets the Canada line, in north latitude 4.5°. The soil is good and finely tivabered. It has a mineral spring, of some repute in scrofulous cases. Population, 1830, 1,239. Alexander, Me. Washington co. About 25 miles N. by W. from Machias, and S. of Baileyville, and Baring, which bor- der on the river St. Croix. In this town arc some ponds, which, with the large pond in Baring and Alex- ander, produce a large stream which empties into Cobscook bay. Popu- lation, 1837, 457. .Alexander's Lake. This beautiful sheet of water, of about a mile in length and half a mile in breadth, lies in the town of Killingly, Ct., and was formerly known to (he Indians by the name of Mnshapaug. Its present name is derived from Nell Alexander, a man who settled at Killingly in 1720, and became proprietor of a large portion of the town. As this person gained his wealth in a man- ner which illustrates the antiquity of the propensity of the inhabitants of tliis state to the once honored, yet now despised employment of peddling, we will give the reader a .short notice of his history. He came from ScotlantI, with a great number of other emigrants, in a ship which was to land them at Boston. Just before leaving the ship he discovered a gold ring up- on deck, for which he could find no owner. Thus fortunately provided, after his arrival he pawned the gold ring for small articles of trade, which he pee, Mass. See Gloucester, Mass. Anson, Me. Somerset co. Anson lies about 10 miles N.E. from Norridgewock, 112 W. from Portland, and 40 N. E. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1798. Population, 1837, 1,894. It lies at the junction of Seven Mile Brook with the Kennebec, on the western side of that river. Here are fine farms and good husband- men. In 1837, 12,713 bushels of wheat was raised. Antrim, N. H. Hillsborough co. It is 20 miles N. W. from Amherst, 30 S. W. from Concord, and 67 from Boston. The E. part of Antrim lies on Con- toocook river ; and though some- what hilly, is a tract of productive land, a considerable proportion of which is arable. On the river there are valuable tracts of allu- vial land. The North Branch river, so called, a small stream originat- ing from several ponds in Stoddard, furnishes several valuable mill seats and in some parts of its course, it is bordered by tracts of intervale. The W. part of the town is moun- tainous, but suitable for grass, and affords an extensive range of good pasturage. There are six natural ponds well stored with perch and pike. A curiosity has been dis- covered in the middle branch of Contoocook river, a rock, about 10 feet long and 8 feet wide, covered with a shallow coat of moss, afford- ing sustenance to 21 different kinds of plants and shrubs, three of which produce edible fruit. Antrim was incorporated March 22, 1777. The first settlement was made by Dea. James Aiken about the year 1768. Dea. Aiken was a native of Lon- donderry, where he was born in 1731. He died July 27, 1817. He was a professor of the christian re- ligion more than 60 years, and adorned it by a serious and exem- plary life. Population, 1330, 1,309. Antrim has about 4,400 sheep. Appleton, Me. Waldo CO. This town lies 20 miles S. W. from Belfast, 84 N. W. from Portland, and 35 E. by S. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1829. — Population, 1837, 839. It is situa- ted between the head waters of the Muscongus and St. George's rivers. Considerable wheat is grown here. Argyle, Me. Penobscot co. This is a new town, but fertile, and flourishing in its agricultural pursuits. It pro- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. duces the best of wheat. It lies 89 miles N. E. from Augusta. — Population, 1830, 326 ; in 1837, 601. Arlington, Vt. Bennington co. This town was first settled in 1763. The time of its organization is not known, as one Bisco, a tory, the town clerk in 1777, destroyed the records. It is finely watered by Green river, Mill and Warm brooks, and Roaring branch which fall into the Batten- kill, at the north part of the town. These streams afibid excellent mill sites, and on their banks are large bodies of superior meadow land. West and Red mountains extend through the west part of the town and supply a gi-eat variety of good timber. Excellent marble is found here ; — considerable quantities of which are wrought and transported. Here is a medicinal spring, and a cavern of large dimensions. The spring is not of much note, but the cavern is a great curiosity. This is a flourishing town in both its ag- ricultural and manufacturing pur- suits. The number of sheep in this town in 1836, was 10,077. It lies 15 miles N. from Bennington, 106 S. W. from Montpelier, and 40 N. E. from Troy, N. Y. Popula- tion, 1830, 1,207. Aroostook River. This river rises in the interior part of Penobscot county. Me., and after traversing more than 100 miles, and receiving many and powerful tributaries in that state, it falls into the river St. Johns in New Bruns- wick. The lands on this river and its branches are very fertile, and are said to be equal to the celebrated Genesee lands for the culture of wheat. Ascutney Mountain, Vt. This mountain is situated in the towns of Windsor and Weathers- field. It is 3,116 feet above the Connecticut river, at Windsor ; and 3,320 feet above the level of th« sea. It consists of granite and is nearly destitute of vegetable cov- ering. From Windsor, to the base, is 4 miles. Its ascent is generally steep, but travellers who delight to view rich and variegated scene- ry, will be amply rewarded for the toil of a pilgrimage to its summit. AslLburnliam, Mass. Worcester co. This township was granted to Thomas Tileston and others of Dorchester, for services in an expedition against Canada, in the year 1690. For many years it was called " Dorchester Canada." It was incorporated as a town in 1765. Ashburnham lies on the height of land between the Con- necticut and Merrimack rivers. It is watered by large ponds which furnish good mill seats. Its manu- factures consist of cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, chairs, cabin- et ware, fur and palm-leaf hats ; the annual value of which is about $100,000. This town is 30 miles N. from Worcester, 50 N. W. from Boston, and 35 W. from Lowell. Population, 1837, 1,75S. Asliljy, Mass. This is a pleasant town, in the county of Middlesex, on the line of N. H. It is 25 miles N. W. from Concord, 42 W. N. W. from Boston and 8 S. E. from New Ipswich, N. H. Population, 1837, 1,201. It has some manufactures of palm-leafhats boots, shoes, chairs, wooden ware, and curled hair. AsIifieUl, Mass. Franklin co. This town was first settled in 1754, and, until its incor- poration, in 1764, it was called Huntstown. Population, 1837, — 1,656. This town is on elevated land between Deertield and Westfield rivers, to each of which it sends a small tributary. It has small man- ufactures of leather, scythe snaiths, spirits and essences, and about NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 8000 sheep. It is 105 miles W. from Boston, 12 S. W. from Greenfield, and 15 N. W. from Northampton. AsUford, Ct. Windham co. This town was first settled in 1710. Incorporated, 1714. It is watered by several small streams which afford a water power for one cotton and three woollen factories. The surface of the town is roii£;h and stony, but excellent for grazing. The num- ber of sheep in this town is about 5,000. It lies 31 miles E. from Hartford, and 14 N. W. from Brook- lyn. Population, 1830, 2,660. The following is said to have occurred in this town, and is told to illustrate the manners and customs of ancient times. " A concourse of people were assembled on the hill in front of the meeting house, to witness the punishment of a man who had been convicted of neglecting to go to meeting on the Sabbath for a pe- riod of three months. According to the existing law for such delin- quency, the culprit was to be pub- licly whipped at the post. Just as the %vhip was about to be applied, a stranger on horseback appeared, rode up to the crowd of spectators, and enquired for what purpose they were assembled. Being informed of the state of the case, the strange gentleman rose upright in his stir- rups, and with emphasis addressed the astonished multitude as follows : ' You men of Ashford, serve God as if the D...1 was in you ! Do you think you can whip the grace of God into men ? Christ will have none but volunteers.' The people stared, while the speaker, probably not caring to be arraigned for con- tempt of court, put spurs to his horse, and was soon out of sight ; nor was he evermore seen or heard of by the good people of Ashford." Col. Thomas Knowlton was a na- tive of this town. He was at the battle of Bunker Hi!!, and fell at Haerlcm Heights, in 1776. Wash- ington termed him, in a general or- der after his death, "the gallant and brave Col. Knowlton, who would have been an honor to any coun- try." Agliuelot River, X. H., Or Ashwillet, a river in Chesh- ire county, which has its source in a pond in Washington. It runs in a southerly course through Alarlow and Gilsum, to Keene, where it re- ceives a considerable branch issu- ing from ponds in Stoddard. From Keene it proceeds to Swanzey, where it receives another consider- able branch which originates in Jaf- frey and Fitzwilliam. It pursues its course southerly and westerly through Winchester into Hinsdale, where, at the distance of about 3 miles from the S. line of the state, it empties into the Connecticut. Assabet River, Mass. This river rises in the neighbor- hood of Westborough ; — it passes through Marlborough, Northbo- rough and Slow, and joins Sudbury river at Concord. Athens, Me. Somerset co. This town was incorporated in 1803. Population, 1837, 1,424. It is about 18 miles N. N. E. from Norridgewock, 114 N. N. E. from Portland and 45 N. from Augusta. It is watered by a tributary of Kennebec river. Athens Vt. Windham co. This town lies 14 miles N. from Newfane, 98 S. from Montpelier, 10 W. from Bellows' Falls, and about 40 N. E. from Ben- nington. Population, 1830, 415. This town was first settled in 1780, by people from Rindge, N. H., and Winchendon, Mass. They encoun- tered great hardships. " The snow was four feet deep when they came info town, and they had to beat their own path for 8 miles through the woods. A small voke of oxen NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. were the only domestic animals that they took with them." This is a good township of land, particu- larly for grazing. It has 2000 sheep. Here are productive orchards, pine timber, and a small mill stream. Atbol, Mass. Worcester co. The Indian name of this town was Paquoig. This pleasant place lies 60 miles W. N. W. from Boston, 28 N. W. from Worcester, and about 24 W. from Fitchburg. Miller's river is a fine stream, and affords Athol a great water power. The manufactures of Athol consist of cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, paper, iron castings, scythes, ploughs, cabinet ware, machinery, straw bonnets, palm leaf hat9-,shoe pegs, harnesses, 8hoe and hat boxes, pails, sashes, doors and blinds ; — annual amount about $175,000. Incorporated,1762. Population, 1837, 1,603. Atkinson, Me. Piscataquis co. This township was incorporated in 1819. It lies about 35 miles N. N. W. from Ban- gor, 132 N. E. from Portland, and 79 N. E. from Augusta. Popula- tion, 1837, 557. It is bounded on the N. by Piscataquis river. This town has a good soil. Wheat crop, 1837, 5,168 bushels. Atkinson, N. H. Rockingham co. It is situated 30 miles S. W. from Portsmouth, and 32 S. E. from Concord. The surface of Atkinson is uneven ; the soil of a superior quality, and well cultivated. The cultivation of the apple has received much attention here, and the finest fruit is pro- duced. Incorporated Sept. 3, 1767, by its present name, in honor of Theodore Atkinson. Several of the first settlers lived to a great age. The Rev. Stephen Peabody was the first settled minister in Atkinson. He was a native of Andover, Mass. He took an active part in the revo- lution, and served as chaplain in the regiment under Col. Poor, sta- tioned at Winter-Hill. The acade- my in this town is one of the oldest and most respectable institutions in the state ; it was incorporated Feb. 17, 1791. " In a large meadow in this town, there is an island, con- taining 7 or 8 acres, which was for- merly loaded with valuable pine timber and other forest wood. When the meadow is overflowed, by means of an artificial dam, this island rises in the same degree as the water rises, which is sometimes six feet. Near the middle of this island, is a small pond, which has been gradu- ally lessening ever since it was first known, and is now almost covered with verdure. In the water of this pond, there have been fish in plen- ty ; which, when the meadow hath been flowed, have appeared there, and when the water hath been drawn off, have been left on the meadow ; at which time the island settles to its usual place." Popu- lation, 1830, 555. Attleljorougli, Mass. This town lies at the N. W. cor- ner of the county of Bristol ; 12 miles N. from Providence, R. I., 8 N. W. from Taunton, and 28 S. from Boston. A branch of the Pawtucket rises here, and several other rivers pass thi'ough the town. It possesses a fine water power. It was first settled, 1644, and incorpo- rated in 1694. Population, 1837, 2,396. The value of the manufac- tures at this place, lor the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to about $500,000. That of cotton goods alone to $229,571. The oth- er manufactures consisted of boots, shoes, leather, metal buttons, combs jewelry, clocks, planing machines, carpenter's tools, straw bonnets, chairs and cabinet ware. This town suffered much during the reign of the celebrated Indian King Philip. In 1675, Attleborough was a fron- tier settlement. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Auburn, Hass. Worcester co. Until 1837, this town had been called Ward, in hon- or of General Ward, of the revolu- -tionary army. It was incorporated in 1778. Population, 1837, 1,183. Auburn is a pleasant agricultural town. French river passes through it. It lies 5 miles S. by W. from Worcester, and 45 W. S. W. from Boston. Augusta, Me. This delightful town, the Capi- tal of the state, and chief town of the county of Kennebec, is in N. Lat. 44° 18' 43" and W. Lon. 69° 50'. It lies 146 miles N. E. from Concord, N. H.; 182 E. N. E. from Montpelier, Vt. ; 163N.N.E. from Boston, Mass. ; 203 N. N. E. from Providence, R. I. ; 260 N. E. from Hartford, Ct. ; and 595 miles N. E. from Washington. Augusta is situated at the head of sloop naviga- tion on Kennebec river, 43 miles from the sea. The town lies on both sides of the Kennebec, and contains an area of 8 by 6 miles. It was first settled in 1771, and in- corporated in 1797. In 1836 it con- tained 6,300 inhabitants. Its In- dian name was Ciishnoe. There was, in its early settlement, a fort, and four block houses built of tim- ber, to afford protection to the in- habitants from the Indians, who were then very troublesome. The fort was called Fort Western, and is still standing on the east bank of the river, and is now occupied as a dwelling house. This is ali-eady a very flourishing town, not only in its agricultural pursuits, but in its commerce and manufactures. The tonnage of the place is about 3000 tons. Its exports are lumber of all kinds, oats, peas, beans, hay, pota- toes, wool, cider, apples, &c. — When the exte.it and resources of the noble Kennebec and its tributa- ries, above tide water, are consid- ered, some idea may be formed of the vast quantity of lumber that must pass this place on its passage to market. The Kennebec bridge, uniting the east and west parts of the town is a fine structure. It was built in 1799; is 520 feet in length, and cost $28,000. The town rises by an easy ascent on both sides of the river to a level surface ; it is well laid out, neatly built, and contains many handsome dwelling houses. Many of the streets are decorated by trees, planted on each side ; — a striking evidence of the good taste of the inhabitants. The State House is a spacious and elegant structure, located upon a beautiful eminence about half a mile from the village, on the road towards Hallowell, and commands an extensive and very delightful prospect. It is built of hammered granite, or rather gneiss of a white color, and very much resembles marble, at a distance. The materi- al of which it was built, was quar- ried from the spot on which it stands. It has a spacious hall for the Rep- resentatives ; two of convenient size for the Senate and the Executive Departments, and rooms for all the offices immediately connected with the Government. In front is an ex- tensive ro7n7Hon, adorned with trees tastefully arranged, which, when grown into shades, will afford a de- lightful promenade. The United States' Arsenal buildings are situated upon the east bank of the river, in view of the vil- lage, and are chiefly constructed of stone, and present a very fine ap- pearance. The Government has expended large sums of money in their construction, and it is expect- ed that soon the Government will make it an Arsenal of Construc- tion. There are at present about 2000 stand of arms deposited here, besides cannon and other munitions of war. The Post is commanded by a captain of the Ordnance Depart- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ment, aided by a Lieut, of the same corps. The State Insane Hospital. This splendid granite edifice, an lienor to the state and to humanity, occu- pies a plat of elevated ground, of seventy acres, on the east side of the river. Its situation is unrival- ed for the beauty of its scenery. This building was commenced in 1836, and will probably be complet- ed and prepared to receive patients, in 1839. It will cost the state, and some beneficent individuals, who have made liberal donations towards its erection, about $100,000. It is of the model of the Lunatic Hos- pital at Worcester, Mass., and is much admired for its external arch- itecture and internal arrangement. The centre building and wings are 262 feet long ; the centre building is 82 feet in length, 46 feet wide, 4 stories high, besides the basement and attic, having a chapel in the attic 80 by 40. The wings are 90 feet long in front, and 100 in the rear, 88 feet wide, and 3 stories high, di- vided into 126 rooms, 120 of which are designed for patients, the re- maining 6 for water closets and oth- er purposes, with halls between the rooms 12 feet wide running the en- tire length of each wing, and com- municating with the dining rooms in the centre building. The Augusta High School, is an elegant brick building, situated up- on a beautiful eminence, 2 stories high, 65 feet long by 50 wide, hav- ing a pediment front supported by doric columns, and contains two large school rooms, beside a labora- tory and four recitation rooms, and cost about $7,000. The above is a brief sketch of the prominent features of this beauti- ful and flourishing town ; — such as it has become by the common ef- forts of an intelligent and enter- prising people, joined to the natur- al advantages of the place. 3 But a new era is opened to Au- gusta. The mighty waters of the Kennebec have been arrested in their course. That proud stream, which, for ages, has rolled its rapid current to the ocean, unimpeded "by the devices of man, is destined for ages to come, to pay perpetual homage to Yankee perseverance and skill, and to lend its gigantic strength to aid the arts and sciences in supplying the wants of millions. We may perhaps, be suspected of partiality towards this lovely Vil- lage of the East, for giving it so ex- tended a notice ; — but, as accounts of works of great public utility are interesting to most of our readers, both duty and inclination prompt us to give a brief description of the Kennebec Dam; — a magnificent structure; — bold in its design — curi- ous in its workmanship, — and prob- ably unrivaled by any work of sim- ilar character and for similar pur- poses, in this or any other country. Although Augusta enjoys the pleasure of seeing this noble enter- prise accomplished within its own borders, and by the energy of its own people ; yet improvements oi this character are by no means lo- cal in their effects. The benefits of this undertaking will be felt, not only in the valley of the Kennebec, but throughout the state. These works were commenced in 1836, by the Kennebec Locks and Canals Company, and com- pleted in September, 1837. The cost was about $300,000. They are about half a mile above the cen- tre of the village, and were con- structed under the superintendence of Col. William BoARDMAN,of Nashua, N. H., as chief engineer, from whose report many of the fol- lowing facts are elicited. The length of the Dam, exclu- sive of the stone abutments and Lock, is 584 feet— the base, 127 feet — the height, i5 feet above or- dinary high watei mark. It is built with cribs of timber, bolted and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, trcnailed strongly together, and is filled with ballast, to the very top. The upper slope is covered with five inch pine plank, jointed and perfectly tight ; the lower with five and three inch hemlock plank. — The crest, terminating at the sluice, near the middle of the overfall, is level, and covered entirely witJi stone eight feet in length, and strongly secured with iron straps and bolts. The sluice, sixty feet in length, is covered in the same manner, and is about twenty inches lower tlian the wings. The wails of the Lock are 170 feet in length, its chamber 101 feet by 28 1-3 feet in the clear, with a single lift ; the west wall serves as the eastern abutment of the Dam — it is 28 feet thick at the base, graduated to 2.5 at the top. The head and east walls are of corresponding strength. — Both are built wholly of granite. The face courses hammered, bed and joint, rabbitted, and laid in ce- ment, and the rabbit filled with cement The floor of the Lock is constructed of timber fifteen inches deep, and covered with five inch pine plank, tongued and grooved, with an additional flooring of five inch hard wood plank, commencing at the head of the Lock and ex- tending fourteen feet. The main gates of the Lock, and guard gates of the Canals, are of white oak from the Chesapeake, and the wicket gates of cast iron. The large stone piers above the Dam, for the pro- tection of the Lock and abutments, are each 30 feet square on the base, graduated to 25 feet on the top, and about 34 feet high, and built of granite, clamped and strapped with iron. The Canals on each side of the river are 50 feet wide in the clear, carrying 10 feet of water from the level of the top of the dam. The walls are 22 feet high, 7 1-2 feet thick at the base, and 5 feet at the top. They are finished as far as, and including, the guard gates. The gates are of great strength, built oi heavy oak timber, and in the most substantial manner, revolving in stone coins, with which stone and sheet-piling is connected, extending across and 25 feet into each bank^ and driven 10 feetbelow the bottom of the Canals. The walls on the banks of the river, above and below tiie Dam, extending about 500 feet, are of the same height as the Canal walls, and 8 feet thick at the base. On the upper side of the Dam is a sheet of timber-piling, tongued and grooved, and either resting on the bare ledge, or driven as far as they could be made to penetrate into the solid bed which covers a portion of its surface, and is connected with the piling Avhich passes under and across the Lock into the east bank, and also with that which is driven in the west bank of the river. — Above this, and extending to the top of the Dam, so as to cover the entire planking of the upper slope, is a mass of gravel from 20 to 30 feet deep. 2,300,000 feet of timber and about 25 tons of iron have been used in constructing the Dam, and about 75,000 tons of ballast have been de- posited in it. The Lock, Piers, River and Mill walls, with the Canal walls, ex- tending to and including the guard gates, contain about 800,000 cubic feet of stone. During the progress of the work, and especially while the course of the river was contracted to a space of 17 feet wide by 24 deep (a time peculiarly favorable for forming an estimate, and rarely oflercd in a stream of this magnitude) repeated observations were made upon the velocity of the current, and at no time was there found a less quanti- ty than 2,500 cubic feet per second. It is proper to add that the seasons of 1836 and 1837, were both re- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. markable for the small quantity of water running in all the streams in this vicinity. The pond formed by this Dam covers 1200 acres. It is 16 1-2 miles in length, and its average depth is 16 feet. • Augusta presents advantages for manufacturing establishments, equal, if not superior to any in New England. It is located in the heart of a large and powerful state, rap- idly increasing in population and wealth ; surrounded by a fertile countrj', rich in every necessary agricultural product, and stored with granite, clay, lumber, lime, iron ore — every building material ; all of which are found near the spot, and at very low prices. The facilities affoi-ded at Ibis place, for transportation, are of in- estimable value to a large manufac- turing town. Cotton and other raw materials, and manufactured goods, may be transported by water, to and from the very doors of the mills. At no distant period the great east- ern railroad from Boston and Port- land will pass through this town, in its course to Bangor. At this time, steamboats pass from Augus- ta to Boston in eleven hours. The greatest consideration, how- ever, in regard to Augusta, as a manufacturing town, is its unfail- ing supplif of water. The main branch of the Kennebec is the outlet of an immense lake, with numer- ous powerful tributaries, connected with other lakes or large reservoirs of water. On its passage to Augus- ta, Dead river. Seven Mile Brook, the Sandy, Sebasticook, and many other less powerful streams pay their tribute to it. Indeed, all the waters of the extensive valley of the Ken- nebec, above the Dam, meet at this place. It may be said with safety, that this place possesses a water power amply sufficient to drive 200,000 spindles, day and night, throughout the year ; and an almost inexhaustable surplus power from November to July. Preparations are making for the erection of buildings for extensive manufacturing operations. Anrora, Me. Hancock co. This town lies 106 miles from Augusta. With a popu- lation of only 140, this town pro- duced, in 1S37, among its agricul- tural products, 855 bushels of wheat. AverUl, Vt. Essex CO. This town lies on the Canada line, about 30 miles N. of Guildhall. It has several large ponds and a branch of Nulhegan river. Some of these waters pass to the Connecticut, and some to the river St. Francis. The soil of Aver- ill is cold and broken, with few cul- tivators. Avon, Me. Franklin co. Avon lies 35 miles W. by N. fiom Norridgewock, and 50 N. N. W. from Augusta. It was incorporated in 1802. Popu- lation, 183T, 767. It is watered by some of the head branches of San- dy river. In 1837, this town pro- duced 3,220 bushels of wheat. Avon, Ct. Hartford co. This town was tak- en from Farmington, in 1830. Pop- ulation, 1,025. It lies between two mountainous ridges and has consid- erable rich level land on the bor- ders of Farmington river. This is a handsome agricultural town and possesses some very beautiful scen- ery. The view from Montevideo, on Talcott mountain, nearly 1000 feet above the waters of the Con- necticut, is quite enchanting. — "Wardsworth's Tower," or Monte Video, is much resorted to by par- ties of pleasure in summer months. Avon is 6 miles N. from Farming- ton, and 9 W. N. W. from Hart- ford. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Baclielder, Me. Oxford CO. Tliis township lies between two mountains on the line of New Hampshire, 20 miles W. by N. from Paris, and 60 W. from Augusta. Baileyville, Me. Washington co. This town is on the line of New Brunswick, about 45 miles N. bv W. from Machias, and 80 E. N. E. from Bangor. In- corporated, 182S. Population, 1837, 331. Baileyville is watered on the E. by the St. Croix, and on the N. by the outlet of Schoodic lakes. Baker's River, N. H. Baker's river, a considerable stream in Grafton county, is form- ed of two branches. The N. branch has its source near Moosehillock mountain in Coventry. It runs southerly through Warren into Wentworth, where it unites with the S. branch which originates in Orange. After the union of these branches, the river pursues a S. E. and an easterly course through the S. part of Rumncy and the N. part of Plymouth, where it forms a junc- tion with Pemigewaset river just above Plymouth village. It was on this river, in the township of Rumney, that General Stark was captured by the Indians, on the 28th of April, 1752. Bakersfield, Vt., Franklin oo., lies 30 miles N. E. from Burlington, 38 N. N. W. from Montpelier, and 15 miles E. from St. Albans. Branches of Missis- que river pass through if. This town is well timbered with hard wood ; the land is warm, but some- what bi-oken. 4,000 sheep. First settled about 1789. Population, 1830, 1,087. Bald^vin, Me. Cumberland co. This town is bounded E. by Sebago pond and W. by Saco river. It contains a num- ber of ponds, afibrding fish of vari- ous kiniis. Baldwin was incorpo- rated in 1802. Population, 1837, 1,133. It is 26 miles W. S. W. from Portland. Baltimore, Vt. Windsor co. This town was tak- en from Cavendish in 1793. Hawk mountain is the division line. The soil is warm but stony. 1,200 sheep. An abundance of gneiss and granite is found here. It is 10 milesN. W. from Windsor and about 65 S. from Montpelier. Population, 1830, 179. Bangor, Me. This is the chief town of Penob- scot county. It lies in N. lat. 44° 47' 50"., W. long. 68° 47'. It lies 66 miles E. N. E. from Augusta, 120 N. E. by E. from Portland, 230 N. E. from Boston, Mass., 115 S. from Eastport, and 675 N. E. from Washington. The tirst settlement in this place, by the whites, was made in the winter of 1769 — 1770. In 1772,the Plantation, Kenduskeag, as it was then called, consisted of twelve families. In 1790, the pop- ulation of BanRor was 1C9 ; in 1800, 277; in 1810,850; in 1820, 1,221; in 1830, 2,868, and in 1837, 9,201. This place is situated at the head ol navigation on the west side of Pe- nobscot river, 30 miles N. by E. from Belfast bay, 60 to Matawam- keag Point, 120 to Houlton, and about 60 miles from the open sea. The compact part of the population reside on both sides of Kenduskeag stream, about 190 yards in width at its mouth, over which are three bridges, and on which, at the foot of the falls, about a mile from the city, are numerous mills. The bridge across the Penobscot, 100 i-ods above the mouth of the Ken- duskeag, is about 440 yards in length. Itcost;jf;50,0()0. The basin at and below the mouth of the Ken- duskeag, where the shipping lie (o receive their cargoes, is 90 rods in width, and aflbrds good anchor- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. age. The tide generally rises about 17 feet. Ship building is exten- sively pursued at this place ; but commerce in lumber, of all the va- rious kinds in use, is the principal occupation of the inhabitants. An immense amount of that article is annually rafted down the rivers, and transported to almost all parts of the world. Bangor is the great- est depot for lumber on the conti- nent of America. On the Penobscot river and its tributary streams, above Bangor, are more than 250 saw-mills, capa- ble of cutting at least two hundred million feet of boards a year; all of which, except what is used in building, must be shipped at the harbor of Bangor. The value of the boards, timber, clapboards, shin- gles, oars, scantling, wood, &c., shipped at this port, varies from a million to a million and a half of dollars, annually. About 1200 ves- sels of about 110 tons burthen are annually employed during the sea- son of navigation, in freighting lum- ber, timber, &c., to various places. There are belonging to this place, about 100 sail of coasting vessels, 50 engaged in foreign commerce, and 15 or 20 other vessels engaged in the fisheries. Bangor was incorporated as a town in 1791. In 1834 it became a city. Its government is under a Mayor and seven Aldermen, who consti- tute the upper Board ; and twen- ■ty-one Common Council men, v/ho, when they have elected a Presi- dent, constitute the lower Board. A city court sets every Monday. The site of the city is pleasant, commanding fine views of the riv- ers and the adjoining country. The buildings, both public and private, are constructed with neatness and taste, and some in a style of supe- rior elegance. Conveyances for travellers from the city are frequent and comfortable ; both by land and water. A railroad is in operation to Oldtown, 12 miles, and steam- 3* boats ply to and from Portland and Boston, during the season of navi- gation, which generally continues eight months in the year. The great eastern railroad from Boston will doubtless reach this eastern city before the lapse of many years. On the banks of the Penobscot, within the city, three miles above the mouth of the Kenduskeag, is what is called " Fort Hill," the site of a fortification, supposed to be the ancient "Negas," destroyed by Cap- tain Heath, with a party of men, in 1725, who, it is said, " fell on a village of about 50 Indian houses, and committed them to the flames. The Indians becoming alarmed, de- serted them." Bangor is on one of the noblest rivers in the Northern States ; — the product of an almost innumerable number of tributary streams. Na- ture has seated Bangor at the nat- ural outlet of these mighty waters, as the mart of one of the most ex- tensive, and one of the richest al- luvial basins east of the Ohio val- ley. It is true that this section of country is in a high degree of lati- tude, and that the icy chains of winter are felt with greater force and for a longer period than in more southern climes. But this seeming disadvantage is more than compen- sated by the unrivalled purity of the air and water, — two of the in- dispensable requisitions of health and longevity. There is probably no portion of country in the world where the great staples of wheat, beef and wool can be produced with greater facility ; where surplus pro- duce can find a market at less ex- pense, or where the industrious ag- riculturalist can reap a more sure reward. Vv'hen the present popu- lation of this immense territory, extending from tide water to Mad- awaska, is compared with that of older settlements of a less fertile soil, of less navigable facilities, and in nearly as high a degree of lati- tude, the mind is favorably struck NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. with the flattering prospects of the valley of the Penobscot, and with pleasing anticipations of the pros- perity of its city. See Register. Baring, 9Ie. Washington co. This town is bounded N. by the St. Croix liver, E. by Calais and Robinston, and W. by a large and beautiful pond which empties into the St. Croix. Incor- porated, 1825. Population, 1837, 286. The railroad from Calais, 4 miles, will soon be completed to this place. 209 miles N. E. by E. from Augusta. Barkliampstead, Ct. Litchfield co. This town is wa- tered by branches of Farmington river. The soil is more particular- ly adapted to grazing : considerable beef and the products of the dairy are sent to market. It is 26 miles N. W. from Hartford, and 20 N. N. E. from Litchlield. Population, 1830, 1,715. First settled, 1746. Incorporated, 1779. Granite, iron ore and limestone are found here. The hilly part of the town presents some fine scenery. Hitchcockville, north of the centre of the town, is a flourishing manufacturing village, with great water privileges. Barnard, Me. All the knowledge we can obtain in regard to this town is, that it lies in the county of Piscataquis, 108 miles from Augusta ; — that in 1837, there were 132 people in the town, and that they raised 444 bushels of wheat, the same year; — that this town received $264 of the surplus revenue ; — that in 1837, Augustus W. Walker and others, obtained an act of the legislature for quarrying slate, and that Stephen Palmer is, or was, Postmaster. Now, the good people of Barnard are hereby respectfully requested to give the editor their latitude arid longitude, and other necessary in- fbrmation for future editions. Cit- izens of other towns, similarly sit- uated, and of all towns, who may wish more full descriptions of their resources, kc. than we are able, at present, to give, are also requested to forward their communications. Barnard, Vt. Windsor co. First settled, 1774. Incorporated, 1778. Population, 1830, 1,881. It is watered by Broad Brook which empties into White river in Sharon ; and by Lo- cust Creek, which also empties in- to White river in Bethel. On this Creek, during the revolutionary war, there was erected a Fort, where the militia of this and other towns were stationed as a defence against Indian depredations — they having surprised and carried to Canada a number of its first settlers, in 1780. In the centre of this town is the village, and a beautiful pond, fron^ which issues a stream on which there are mills. On this Creek is an establishment for the manufac- ture of starch from potatoes. This stream joins its waters with the Creek one mile from the pond. The surface of this town is hilly. The soil is well adapted to grazing ; and there are but few towns that turn oft' yearly more cattle, butter and cheese, sheep and wool. The num- ber of sheep is about 6,000. It lies 10 miles north of Woodstock, and 40 miles south of Wontpelier. It is stated as a singular fact, that the firing on Bunker Hill, on the 17th of June, 1775, was distinctly heard in this town, 130 miles N. W. from Charlestown. Barnet, Vt. Caledonia co. This town lies on Connecticut river, at the 15 mile falls, and opposite to Lyman, N. H. It has a good soil, and is an excel- lent farming town, with slate and iron ore. It lies 35 miles E. from Montpelier, 10 S. by E. from Dan- ville, and 65 N. by E. from Wind- sor. Population, in 1830, 1,764.— NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. First settled, about 1763. Many of the inhabitants are of Scotch de- scent. This town has a great water power on Passumpsic and Stevens' rivers. On the latter, are falls of 100 feet, in the distance of 10 rods. This water power is improved by three llannel and other manufacto- ries. There are a number of pleas- ant and fertile islands in the river between this place and Lyman, and some beautiful ponds in Barnet, which afford tish of various kinds. This is quite a romantic place, and lies at the head of navigation on the Connecticut river. In 183o, the product of the farms, carried to market, amounted to $26,381. One farmer sold 3,000 lbs. of butter, and 3,000 ibs. of pork. There are about 4,000 sheep in the town. Barustalile Coimty Mass. Barnstable is the chief town. — This county was incorporated, 1685. Population', 1820, 24,046—1830, 28- 525— and in 1837, 31,109; area, about 330 square miles. This coun- ty includes the whole of Cape Cod, extending E. and N. into the At- lantic ocean, and which Gosnold discovered in 1602. It is bounded N. W. by Plymouth county, and W. by Buzzard's bay. Cape Cod lies in the form of an arm, half open ; the elbow is at Chatham, 20 miles E. of Barnstable; the hand, the wrist inclining inward, is at Race Point, 33 miles N. by W. of Chat- ham. The whole length of the Cape is 65 miles, and the average breadth about 5. This county is principally diluvium. Below the town of Barnstable the county is quite sandy, so much so that the people are generally dependant on Boston and other towns for a large proportion of their meats and bread- stuffs. This deficit is amply com- pensated by the unrivalled privi- leges enjoyed, and well improved by them, in the cod, mackerel and other fisheries. This county has but little wood, but it is well stored with peat. About two millions of dollars are invested in the manufac- ture of salt. There were manu- factured in this county in the year ending April 1, 1837, 669,064 bush- els of salt, valued at $219,870. The manufactures of cotton and woollen goods, boots, shoes, iron castings, glass, cabinet and tin wares, cord- age, &c., amounted to $496,602. There are in this county 370 ves- sels employed in the whale, cod and mackerel fishery. The tonnage, 24,378 tons. The value of the fish- ery, in one year previous to April, 1837. was $557,737. Tonnage of the District, 1836, 30,278 tons. The annual amount of tonnage of vessels built is about 1,000 tons; value, $63,318. Total annual yalue of the fisheries and manufactures, $1,- 337,527. The number of sheep in the county in 1837, was 7,332. Barnstable county is noted for its fine sailors and men of superior nau- tical talents. The ladies are cele- brated for their fair complexions and good housewifery ; but are pe- culiarly subject to the vicissitudes pertaining to a maritime situation. By a statement recently made, it appears that there were in this county nearly a thousand widows living, who had lost their husbands by the dangers of the sea. In two towns, (Harwich and Wellfleet,) there were 223 widows who had thus lost their companions. This county has 13 towns ; and 91 inhabit- ants to a square mile. Barnstable, Mass. This is the chief town of Barn- stable county, and a port of entry. It is 65 miles from Boston. Sandy JVeck, on the N. side, forms a good harbor for vessels of 8 feet of water. Hyannis, on the S. side, 6 miles S. E. of Barnstable C. H., is now a good harbor ; but by an e.xpensive Breakivater, constructing at that place by the U. S. government, it will soon become perfectly safe from all winds, for all classes of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. vessels navigating the Sound, and passing round the Cape. The " Pil- grim Fathers" landed here, Nov. il, 1620, and borrowed some corn of the Mattacheeset Indians. The celebrated patriot, James Otis, was born here, Feb. 5, 1725. He died at Andover, May 23, 178.3. The manufacture of salt was commenced here as early as 1779. It then sold for ^6 a bushel. There was made 27,125 bushels of salt in this town in 1837. Between 50 and 60 sail of fishing and coasting vessels belong to this place. This town has nu- merous ponds, a considerable water power, some fine upland, and ex- tensive salt marshes. The manu- facture of vessels, salt, boots, shoes, hats, leather, cabinet ware, chairs, and wooden ware, amounted in one year to $56,562. Pop. 1837, 4,017. Bamstead, N. H. Strafford co. This town lies 26 miles W. by N. from Dover, 36 N. W. from Portsmouth, and 20 N. E. from Concord. Incorporated, 1767. Population, 1830,2,047. Barnstead is not mountainous, but has large swells of land, good for grazing. About 2,500 sheep are kept here. The soil is easy and productive. There are several ponds in this town — the largest are the two Suncook ponds, which lie near each other, Brindle pond, and Half-moon pond, on Alton line. These waters are stocked with fish, and are discharg- ed into the Suncook. Barnstead was granted May 20, 1727, to the Rev. Joseph Adams and others. Settlements commenced in 1767. Barre, Vt. A pleasant and flourishing town in Washington county, six miles S. of Montpelier, and 48 N. by W. of Windsor. This is considered one of the best farming towns in the state. Large quantities of pot and pearl ashes, beef, pork, butter and cheese, arc annually taken from this place to Boston market. About 7,000 sheep are kept here. It is well watered by Stevens' and Jail, branches of Onion river,which aiford good mill privileges. Inexhausti- ble quantities of granite are found here, of the excellent quality with which the capitol at Montpelier is built. This is a great thoroughfare for travellers, particularly for large teams from the north to Boston, by the Gulf road. A large number of these noted six and eight horse teams are owned here. Barre was first settled in 1788. Present pop- ulation, about 2,500. Barre, 3Iass. Worcester CO. This excellent ag- ricultural township is on high land, and is well watered, particularly by Ware river, on which are many mills. The manufactures of Barre for the year ending April 1,1S37, amounted to about $365,000. The articles manufactured were woollen and cotton goods, ($161,600) copper pumps, boots, shoes, carriages, leather, palm-leaf hats, ($167,200) straw bonnets, axes, scythes, and gunpowder. Large quantities of beef, butter, cheese, &c., are an- nually sent from this town to Bos- ton market. It was incorporated in 1774. Population, 1837, 2,713. It lies 65 miles W. by S. from Boston, 24 N. by W. from Worcester, and 15 N. E. from Ware. Barre took its name in honor of Col. Barre, an el- oquent friend of America in the British Parliament. Barrington, N. H. Strafford co. It lies 20 miles N. W. from Portsmouth, 10 W. from Dover, and 30 E. from Concord. The surface of Barrington is some- what broken and rocky, the soil be- ing principally a gravelly loam. — The town is abundantly supplied with ponds, of v.'hich there are no less than thirteen of considerable magnitude, from whence issue streams affording excellent mill seats. At one of these mill seats. NEAT ENGLAND GAZETTEER. on the Isinglass river, is a perpen- dicular fall of 30 feet. There is, about two miles from the centre of the town, a remarkable cavern, or fissure in a rock, commonly called the Devil's den. The entrance is on the side of a hill, and is suffi- ciently large to admit a person in a stooping posture. Having entered 5 feet in a horizontal direction, there is a descent of 4 or 5 feet, on an angle of 45°, large enough only to admit the body of a middling siz- ed man. After squeezing through this passage, you enter a chamber 60 feet in length, from 10 to 1-5 in height, and from 3 to 8 in width. — Communicating with this, are sev- eral other fissures of equal height, and from 10 to 1.5 in length. Bar- rington was incorporated May 10, 1722, and the settlement commen- ced in 1732. Population, 1830, 1,895. Barrington, R. I. Bristol CO. This small town, of about 8 square miles, originally be- longed to Massachusetts. It was attached to Rhode Island in 1746, and incorporated in 1771. It is bounded southerly by Narraganset bay, and is well watered by Palm- er's river, and by an inlet of War- ren river, over which is a bridge. The soil of the town is of a fertile, sandy loam, and quite productive. Large quantities of sea-weed are collected on its shores. A large tract in Barrington, called " the cove," now covered with water to a considerable depth, is supposed to have once been a forest, as timber and fuel are obtained from its bot- tom. Some salt is made in this town, and shell and other fish are abundant. Barrington lies 8 miles E. S. E. from Providence, and about 7 miles N. by W. from Bris- tol. Population, 1830, 612. Bartlett, ]V. H., Coos CO., is 45 miles S. E. from Lancaster, 82 N. N. E. from Con- cord, and 85 N. N. W. from Ports- mouth. It lies at the foot of the White Mountains, on the eastern side. Its soil is various, and, on the Saco, in some parts, good. This river meanders through the centre of the town. Bartlett was incorpo- rated June 16, 1790. Population, 1830, 644. Barton, Vt. Orleans co. Wis town derived its name from Gen. William Barton, of R. I., and was first settled in 1796. The town is well watered by Barton river, which rises in Glover, and empties into Memphre- magog lake. Here are several ponds containing good fish. Barton is a thriving town, with a good hy- draulic power, and about 3,000 sheep. It lies 9 miles S. E. from Irasburgh, and 40 N. E. from Mont- pelier. Population, 1830, 729. Basiu Harbor, Vt. See Ferrisburgh. Baskahegan River, Me. This river rises in a large lake of the same name, in the county of Washington, near the line of New Brunswick ; it passes westerly 15 or 20 miles, and falls into the Mata- wamkeag, a tributary of the Pe- nobscot. Bath, Me., In the county of Lincoln, is situ- ated on the west bank of Kennebec river, 12 miles from the sea, 32 N. E. of Portland, and 31 S. from Au- gusta. It is bounded E. by Ken- nebec river, S. by Phipsburg, W. by New Meadows river and Bruns- wick, and N. by Merrymeeting bay. Population, in 1830, 3,773; in 1835, 4,200, and in 1837, 4,-523. Incorporated, 1780. An attempt was made by a missionary to settle this place, and preach to the fisher- men, as early as 1670. But the In- dians would not permit it. A per- manent settlement was made in NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 1736. The principal business of IJath is commerce, trade and ship- buildini^, for which it is admirably well located. There belonged to this port in 1835, 26 ships, 32 brigs, 54 schooners, and smaller vessels. Tonnage of the district of Bath, in- cluding the waters of Kennebec river, in 1837, 41,728 tons. Total number of vessels belonging to the district of Bath, in 1835, .37 ships, 94 brigs, 195 schoon^s, 10 sloops, and 1 steam-boat. Total, 337. The harbor of Bath is seldom obstructed by ice. Regular lines of steam- boats ply between this place and Portland and Boston, about three- fourths of the year. Batlx, IV. H., Grafton co., on Connecticut river, is 32 miles N. of Dartmouth Col- lege, 82 N. W. of Concord, and 9 N. of Haverhill. Bath is pleasant- ly situated in the vale of the Con- necticut, between the Green moun- tains on the W., and the AVhite Mountains on the E., by which it is effectually shielded from high winds and long storms. The Amonoosuck river waters the S. E. part, afford- ing many fine mill seats and water privileges. The Amonoosuck has a very convenient fall at the village, calculated to accommodate ma- chinery to any extent. Two mills for the manufacture of cassimere, and other machinery, are already erected. At the principal village, (which is very pleasant,) there is a considerable bridge over the Amo- noosuck, of 350 feet in length, built in 1S07. The soil on the hills is generally a reddish loam, on a bed of marl, or hard pan. In the val- leys, it is alluvial. About one-sixth part of the whole town is intervale land. Much improvement has been made in the agriculture of this place : 550 sheep are kept here. The town was granted, 1761, and the first settlement was made in 1765, by John Herriman from Ha- verhill, Mass. Population, 1830, 1,627. Batteiikill River. This river is about 43 miles in length. It rises in Dorset, and pass- ing Manchester, Sunderland and Arlington, it receives Roaring Brook and other tributaries in Ver- mont ; it then passes into the state of New York, and falls into the Hudson, three miles below Fort IMillcr, and about 35 miles N. from Albany, N. Y. Bays and. Harbors. The bays and harbors in New England are generally mentioned under the places pertaining to them. Bear Camp River, N. H., Is formed of several branches ris- ing on the south side of Sandwich an>l Albany mountains. The two principal branches unite in Ossipee, and fall into Ossipee lake on its western border. Bear River, Me., Rises in the highlands, near Um- bagog lake, passes Newry, and empties into the Androscoggin, op- posite to Bethel. Bccket, Mass., An elevated farming township on the Green mountain range, in Berkshire county. Westfield, Farm- ington and Housatonick rivers re- ceive the waters of several ponds in this town. It has some small man- ufactures, and about 7,000 sheep. The town was incorporated in 1765, and lies 110 miles W. from Boston, 15 E. S. E. from Lenox, and 23 W. from Northampton. Population, 1837, 957. Beddingtou, Me. Washington co. There are sev- eral ponds in this town, which are among the head waters of Pleasant and Narraguagus rivers. Incorpo- rated, 1833. Population, 1837, 169. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. It lies 35 miles N. W. from Machi- as, and about 40 E. from Bangor. Bedford, N. H. This is a pleasant town in Hills- borough county. It is 3 miles N. E. from Amherst, 20 S. by E. from Concord. Merrimack and Piscata- quoag are the only rivers in this town. The latter passes through its N. E. corner, where there is the pleasant and flourishing village of Piscataquoag. This town has con- siderable very productive intervale land. It has been noted for the cultivation of hops and for its fine domestic manufactures. On the W. line of Bedford, are a remarkable gulf and precipice, which are ob- jects of curiosity. A considerable brook passes over the precipice, and falls about, 200 feet within the dis- tance of 100 yards. Here are found several excavations in solid stone, which are sufficiently large to con- tain many persons. In mineralogy, this town atfords a great variety of specimens. Iron ore is found in different places, and in several vari- eties. Sulphuretof iron, imbedded in common granite, and red oxide of iron, combined with alumine, are common. Black lead, pyritous cop- per, schorl, hornblende, epidote, talc, mica, black, yellow and green gneiss, crystallized quartz, &c. are found here. The first child born in town was Silas Barron, sonof Capt. Moses Barron, in 1741. The town was incorporated, May 19, 1750. Bedford was the residence of many Indians in former times. Near Goffe'g (alls is a spot of ground, about ten rods long and four wide, which is supposed to have been an Indian burial place. Population, 1S30, 1,554. Bedford, Mass. This is a pleasant town in Middle- sex county, and the source of Shaw- sheen river. This town was for- merly parts of Concord and Billeri- ca, and was incorporated in 172!). Population, 1837, 85S. It lies 15 miles N. W. from Boston, and 5N. E. fi'om Concord. Bedford is bound- ed N. by Concord river. It has some manufactures ; principally of boots and shoes. Belclierto-^vn, Mass., A beautiful town in Hampshire county, originally called " Cold Spring," 75 miles W. from Boston, 11 E. from Northampton, and 27 E. from Pittsfield. Population, 1837, 2,598. Fii St settled, 1732. Incor- porated, 17G1. The soil of the town is of an excellent quality, and well improved. Large quantities of wool is grov.'n in this town. It is separated from Ware by Swift river, on the N. The principal manufacture is that of pleasure wagons, of which about 600 are an- nually made. Mr. A. Shumway, of this place, has driven the stage be- tween Belchertown and Northamp- ton 25 successive years. In that period he made 15,000 trips, travel- led 218,400 miles, and carried at least 124,000 passengers ; yet, al- though his hours of tiavelling were early in the morning and late in the evening, ho never broke a limb, overturned his coach, or met with any serious accid'^nt whatever, dur- ing his whole career. Belfast, Mc., Is the chief to n of Waldo coun- ty, and a port of entry, and is beau- tifully situated on Belfast bay, on the W. side of Penobscot river. It lies 40 miles E. from Augusta, 30 S. from Bangor, 30 N. from Thom- aston, and, across Belfast bay, 12 W. from Castine. The town was in- corporated in 1773, but not perma- nently settled until about the year 17S5. There is considerable good land in Belfast. In 1837 it pro- duced 3,492 bushels of as good wheat as ever grew on the prairies of the " boundless West." The Paasaggassawakeag river passes near the centre of the town, and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. adds much to the appearance of the place. The harbor is very good — it is guarded by Long and Sears' islands, and has anchorage for a great number of vessels of the larg- est class. The proximity of Bel- fast to the sea, its site in relation to Penobscot river, and its excellent harbor, which was never known to have been obstructed by ice, but twice, (1780—1815,) gives it pe- culiar advantages for foreign com- merce, the coasting trade, and the fisheries. Considerable ship build- ing is carrie^ive and flourishing. The first manufacture of tin ware in this country was commenced at this place, in about the year 1770, by Edward Patterson, a native of Ire- land. Mr. Patterson peddled his NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ware about the country, on foot, in baskets ; his successors in the man- ufacture did the same, until the uses and value of the article becoming known, and the demand increasing, horses and wagons were employed ; and thus this important manufac- ture of New England was trans- ported to all parts of the country. Beruardstou, Mass. Franklin co. This is a township of superior land for agricultural purposes, considerably elevated, be- tween Fall and Connecticut rivers. It was formerly called Fall Town. There was a fort here in 1746, when this part of the county was peopled mostly by Indians. It was incorporated, by its present name, in 17(54. It lies 96 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 7 N. from Green- field. Population, 1837, S78. Bald and West mountains afford deliglit- ful scenery : — the former is 630 feet above the waters of the Connecti- cut. Here are springs containing magnesia, sulphur and iron. Ber- nardston produced, in one year, 16,000 bushels of corn and rye, and 5,000 barrels of cider. There are 3,022 sheep in this town, and some manufactures of shoes, leather,palm- leaf hats, and scythe snaiths. Ber-\viclt, Me. York CO. This town lies on the E. side of Salmon river, about 14 miles S. S. W. from Alfred, 45 S. W. from Portland, and 98 S. W. from Augusta. Berwick has con- siderable trade in lumber. Incor- porated, 1713. Population, 1837, 1,799. Bethany, Ct. New Haven co. Taken from Woodbridge, in 1832. It lies 10 miles N. by W. from New Ha- ven. Some portions of this town is good land and well cultivated, but a large part of it is mountain- ous, and fit only for the growth of wood. Beacon mountain, between Bethany and Naugatuck river, pre- sents some wild and picturesque features. Bethel, Me. Oxford CO. Incorporated in 1796. Population, 1837, 1,864. Bethel lies 18 miles N. W. from Paris, 61 N. W. from Portland, and 63 W. from Augusta. This town is bound- ed N. and W. by Androscoggin riv- er, and S. by Greenwood. This is a fine fai-ming town, and produced 5,214 bushels of wheat in 1837. Bethel, Vt. Windsor CO. This town was first settled in 1780, and was the first town chartered by the government of Vermont. It lies 31 miles S. by W. from Montpelier, and 30 N. W. from Windsor. Population, 1830, 1,240. Bethel is watered by branches of White river, and pos- sesses good mill sites. Soap stone is found here in great quantities and of good quality : much of it is sawed and transported. Garnet in small, but perfect crystals, is also common. The surface of Bethel is broken and mountainous, but the soil is warm and good for grazing. It has about 8,000 sheep. Consid- erable business is done at both vil- lages. East and West ; the latter is the largest. Bethel, Ct. Fairfield co. This is a pleasant and flourishing village, in the town of Danbury, and about 3 miles N. W. from the centre of that town. There are about fifty dwelling hous- es in the village, and about thirty work shops or factories. The man- ufacture of hats and combs is the principal business of the place, and large quantities of both are annu- ally transported to Boston, New York and other places. Bethlehem, N. H., Grafton co., is bounded N. by Whitefield and Dalton, E. by Car- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. roll and ungrantcd land, S. by Fran- conia and Lisbon, and N. W. by Littleton. It is watered by Great Amonoosuck river. The soil pro- duces good crops of grass and grain. There is plenty of pine timber and sugar maple. Iron ore, both of the mountain and bog kind, has been oc- casionally found. Two mineral springs have been discovered. — Bethlehem was settled in 1790. It was incorporated Dec. 27, 1799. Population, 1S30, 665. Betlileheni, Ct. Litchfield co. This town is .38 miles W. S. V/. from Hartford, 32 N. W. by W. from Xew Haven, and 8 S. from Litchfield. It was taken from Woodbury in 1787. It is hilly, with a gravelly loam, and. fit for grazing and the growth of rye. It has 2,000 sheep. Popu- lation, 1S30, 906. The town is wa- tered by Pomperaug river, a branch of the Housatonick. Beverly, ]>Iass. Essex CO. This town lies N. of Salem, and is united to it by a biidge across the North river, built in 1788, 1,500 feet in length. The people of this town are noted for their en- terprise in commerce and the fish- eries. There are some merchant vessels belonging to this place, about 50 sail of fi-iliermen, and 20 coasters. The annual value of the fisheries at Beverly is about $100,- 000. The manufactures, consisting of Brittania ware, tin and cabinet wares, chairs, hats, boots, hair, mus- tard and bricks, amounted in one year to about $120,000. The pros- perity of this town has not suffered by the growth of luxury or excess of trade; its fisheries and manufactur- ing concerns are steady and pro- gressive. First settled, 1626. In- corporated, 1688. Population, 18.30, 4,079—1837, 4,609. Among many distinguished men who have lived and died at Beverly, was Captain Thomas Lothrop, who commanded the " Flower of Essex," a compa- ny of j-oung men from this county, and who were, with their leader, almost wholly cut off by the In- dians, at Bloody Brook, in 1675. Biddeford, Me. York CO. On the S. side of Saco river, and connected with the town of Saco by a bridge. The town extends down the river to the sea, and includes a point of land called "Fletcher's Neck," off which are several small islands; on one of which, AVood Island, is a revolving light. This is a good township for agricultural pursuits, the coasting trade, ship building, and the fish- ery. It lies 38 miles N. E. from York, 15 S. W. from Portland, and 69 S. W. from Augusta. First permanently settled, 1630. Incor- porated, 17*18. Population, 1837, 2,278. See Saco. BUlerica, Mass. Middlesex co. This town is wa- tered by the Concord and Shaw- sheen rivers, and has a pleasant vil- lage, on high ground, near the cen- tre. Its soil is good and well im- proved. The Middlesex canal and tlie Boston and Lowell rail road pass through the easterly part of the town. First settled, 1653. Incor- porated, 1555. Population, 1837, 1 ,498. Here are some manufactures of woolen cloth, boots, leather, wooden ware, straw bonnets, shav- ing and splitting knives, bed bind- ing, soft soap, and spirits. Billerica lies 18 miles N. W. from Boston, 7 S. S. E. from Lowell, and 7 N. E. by N. from Concord. BingUani, Me. Somerset co. On the eastern bank of Kennebec river, opposite to Concord, 26 miles N. from Nor- ridgewock, 118 N. N. E. from Port- land, and 55 N. from Augusta. In- corporated, 1812. Population, 1837, 701. In 1837, 2,548 bushels of wheat was raised in this town. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Black Rivers. Black river, in Windsor county, Vt. is 35 miles in length. It rises in Plymouth, passes Ludlow, Cav- endish and Weathersfield, and falls into the Connecticut at Springfield. This river passes through many nat- ural ponds, and affords a great num- ber of mill seats. Black river, in Orleans county, Vt. is about 30 miles in length. It rises in some ponds in Craftsbury, and passing through Albany, Iras- burg, and Coventry, it falls into Memphremagog lake at Salem. Black river, in Somerset county. Me. is one of the head branches of the Walloostook. Blackstone River, Mass. The most inland branch of this river rises between Paxton and Hol- den. It passes Worcester, and the ponds in Shrewsbury pay it the tri- bute of their waters. After pass- ing Auburn, Grafton, Millbury, Sutton, Northbridge, Uxbridge and Mendon, it passes into the state of Rhode Island, where it changes its name to Pawtucket, and meets the tide waters in Providence river. BlackYvater River, 3V. H. Blackwater river, N. H. so called from its dark appearance, is formed by two small streams, one of which rises in Danbury, and the other is- sues from Pleasant pond, in New London. These branches unite soon after crossing the W. line of Andover, and form the Blackwater, which passes through the S. W. part of that town ; from thence through the W. part of the towns of Salisbu- ry and Boscawen into Hopkinton, where it empties into Contoocook river. Blanchard, Me. Somerset co. This town lies 116 miles from Augusta. In 1837, 795 bushels of wheat was raised here. Population, same year, 261. See Barnard, Me. 4* Blanidford, Mass. Hampden co. Branches of West- field river rise in this town and give it a good water power. Blandford was incorporated in 1741. It was originally settled by a company from the north of Ireland. It lies 114 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 15 W. by N. from Springfield. Popu- lation, 1837, 1,443. The manufac- tures of the place consist of woolen cloth, paper and leather. Annual amount, ,^50,500. The agricultu- ral products sent to market in 1836, amounted to $22,340. There were in the town 1,535 cows and 1,822 merino sheep. Block Island, R. I. See JSTew Shoreham. Bloody Brook, Masa, See Deerfield. Bloomiield, Me. Somerset co. This town was in- corporated in 1814, and lies on Ken- nebec river, 33 miles N. from Au- gusta and 7 below Norridgewock, opposite to Skowhegan. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,053. Bloomfield is a fine township of land, and produced in 1837 5,080 bushels of wheat. Bloomiield, Vt. Essex CO. Bloomfield lies on the W. side of Connecticut river, and is also watered by branches of the Nulhegan. Population, 1830, 150. It is about 20 miles N. from Guild- hall, and 60 N. E. from Montpelier. Bloomiield, Ct. Hartford co. This was formerly a parish in Windsor, called Winton- bury. It derived its name from the circumstance of the parish being formed from Windsor, Farmington and Simsbury ; the name Win-ton- bury being a part of the name of each of those towns. It was incor- porated into a town in 1835. The inhabitants enjoy a fine soil, and cul- tivate it with great industry, prQ» NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ducing large crops of grass and grain, with an abundance of clioice fruit. It lies about six miles N. from Hartford. Population, about 1,400. Blue Hill and Bay, Me. Hancock co. The town lies at the head of a large bay, of the same iiame, 12 miles E. from Castine, and 78 E. from Augusta. There arc several large ponds in Blue Hill, and a hill of 960 feet in height, from which delightful marine scenery is picsented. Incorporated 1789. Pop- ulation, 1837, 1,808. The bay has Long and other islands inside ; and outside, Burutcoat, and a group of .smaller islands. Blue HiTl bay is connected with Penobscot bay and river by a passage between the islands and main land, of about 12 miles. It lies about 16 miles W. from Frenchman's baj-. Blue HlUs. The first range of mountains on the eastern coast of New Hamp- shire and Maine ; and the elevated lands in Milton, Mass. are thus de- nominated, in consequence of their blue or cloud-like appearance, at a distance, on the ocean. Boar's Head, N. H. See Hampton. Bolton, Vt. Chittenden CO. Population, 1830, 4.52. 17 miles S. E. from Burling- ton, and 17 N. "VV. from Montpelier. Incorporated, 176.3. Bolton lies on the western side of the Green Mountains. Onion river passes through the town, on the banks of which most of the inhabitants re- side. Boltou, Mass. A good farming town in the coun- ty of Worcester, 31 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 15 N. N. E. "from M'orcester. Incorporated, 1738. Population, 1837, 1,185. It lies be- tween Concord and Nashua rivers. Here are good limestone, and small manufSctures of boots, shoes, leath- er and combs. Bolton, Ct. Tolland co. This town lies 14 miles E. from Hartford, and 10 miles S. by W. from Tolland. Popula- tion, 1830, 744. The soil is a coarse, hard, gravelly loam, fit only for grazing. It is within the granite region of the eastern section of the state. The Bolton Stone Quarry is quite noted. " The stone is a spe- cies of slate, of a brilliant light gray color, composed of mica and quartz, and is excellent for flagging and other purposes. It is extensive- ly used in the principal cities of the United States. For strength it ex- ceeds any other known in this coun- try, and the demand for it is rapidly increasing." The supply is inex- haustible. Boon Island, Me., A ledge of rocks, with a light- house thereon; about 9 miles E. from Kittery. Near this island the steamboat New England, on her passage from Boston to Gardiner, met a fatal disaster, by coming in contact with a loaded coaster, on the night of the 31st of May, iS38, by which many valuable lives were jeopardized. BootliV>ay, Me. Lincoln co. This town is bound- ed W. by the mouth of Sheepscot river, N. by Edgecomb, E. by Damariscotta river, and S. by the ocean. It is nearly surrounded by water, and is noted for its excellent harbor. Its maritime situation ren- ders it a place of considerable busi- ness in the coasting trade and fish- eries. This town lies 39 miles S. S. E. from Augusta, 12 E. N. E. from Wiscasset, 60 E. N. E. from Port- land, and about 40 miles S. W. by W. from Owl's Head, by water. Eoothbaj- is a fine watering place. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and many visit it, in summer months, for health or pleasure. Here may be found all the enjoyments of sea air and bathing; fishing and fowl- ing; ocean and island scenery; for which JVahant, in Massachusetts bay, is justly celebrated. Incorpo- rated, 1764. Population, 1837, 2,562. Bosca'^veu, N. H. Merrimack co. Boscawen is sit- uated between Concord and Salis- bury, on the W. side of Merrimack river. Boscawen is 8 miles N. W. from Concord. Besides the Merri- mack, the west part of this town is watered by Blackwater river, run- ning nearly parallel with the for- mer, through the whole extent of the town, and about five miles dis- tant from it. It is not a large stream, but very important, both on account of the fertile fields of champaign on its borders, and the numerous wa- ter privileges it affords. There are two ponds of some note. Great pOiid, near the centre of the town, Long pond, in the west part, and mill seats at the outlet of each. Boscawen is of a deep, productive soil, affording many excellent farms delightfully situated. The surface, when view- ed from its highest parts, appears uncommonly level. From the nu- merous streams of living water, and from the peculiar direction of the swells of the hills, this town prob- ably derives that pure air and uni- form temperature which are so con- ducive to health. The principal village is in the east section of the town. It is situated on a spacious street nearly two miles in length, wery straight and level. Here the eye of the traveller is attracted and delighted by the fertile intervales and windings of the river Merri- mack. There is another village oa a pleasant eminence near the west meeting house. Boscawen was granted by Massachusetts in 1733. The proprietors gave to it the name of Contoocook, after the Indian name of the river. It received its present name when it was incorpo- rated, April 22, 1760, from Edward Boscawen, a celebrated English ad- miral then on the American station. The first settlement commenced early in the season of 1734. Abi- gail Danforth was the first child born in the town. The Indians made frequent predatory incursions on the inhabitants. See Duston's Island. Among the deceased cifizens of this place entitled to respectful no- tice, are, George Jackman, Esq., the first town clerk, who continued in office 36 years. He was appoint- ed a justice of the peace under Geo. II. and continued in thatoffice during all successive changes down to IS 18. Rev. Samuel Wood, D. D., for more than half a century the min- ister of Boscawen, was distinguish- ed for his learning and piety. Hon. Ezekiel Webster, a native of Salisbury, resided here many years. He was an eminent barris- ter at law, of extraordinary talents, and great private worth. He died in the court house, at Concord, April 10, 1829, aged 49, beloved and lamented by all who knew his character. Population, 1830, 2,093. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. BO^TOIV. County of Suffolk. The ancient city of Boston, the capital of Mas- sachusetts, and of New England, and the birth place of American Free- dom, is naturally divided into three sections-^OZd Boston, South Boston, and East Boston, situated at the western extremity of Massachusetts Bay. The peninsula on which Old Boston is built, extends from Roxbu- ry, on the south, to Winnesiniet Ferry, on the north, and is nearly sur- rounded by the waters of Boston harbor on the east, and Charles river on the north and west. Its length is neyily three miles, and its average breadth about one mile. It originally contained about 700 acres, but its territory has been greatly extended, by filling up around its borders. Its surface is quite uneven. It has numerous eminences, rising from 50 to 110 feet above the sea, affording admirable sites for building, and giving to it a peculiarly romantic appearance. It is in north Lat. 42° 21' 23" and west Lon. 71° 4' 9". It lies 163 miles S. S. W. from Augusta, Me. ; 63 S. S. E. from Concord, N. H. ; 160 S. E. by S. from IMontpelier, Vt. ; 158 E. (19' S.) from Albany, N. Y. ; 40 N. N. E. from Providence, R. I. ; 97 E. N. E. from Hartford, Ct. ; 207 N. E. by E. from New York, and 432 miles N. E. by E. from Washington. Its Indian name was Shaw- mtit. It was called by the first settlers Tramount, Tremont, or Tri- mountain, from three hills nearly in its centre. It took its present name on the 7th of Sept., 1630, in honor of the Rev. John Cotton, second min- ister of the first church, who came from Boston, in England. The orig- inal proprietor of this territory was John Blackstone, who, soon after its settlement by Winthiop and others, removed to Rhode Island. Boston was incorporated as a city, February 23, 1S22. South Boston. This part of Boston was set off from Dorchester, by legislative enact- ment, March the 6th, 1804. It is bounded south by Dorchester Bay, and spreads about two miles on the south side of the harbor, above the forts. It contains about 600 acres, and is laid out into regular streets and squares. The surface of this part of Boston is exceedingly picturesque. In about the centre of this tract, and about two miles from the City Hall, the memorable " Dorchester Heights" rear their heads 130 feet above the sea, from which is presented a splendid view of Boston, its harbor, and the surrounding country. It is connected with Old Boston by two bridges. This part of Boston is rapidly increasing in population and wealth. The Washington House, near the " Heights," is a noble building, and a delightful residence. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. East Boston. This section of the city, until recently, had been called JVoddWs Isl- and. It lies about 660 yards N. E. from Old Boston, and about the same distance from Charlestovvn. It is divided from Chelsea by Chelsea Creek, 600 feet wide, over which is a bridge, and from which is an excellent road to the Salem turnpike. The Eastern rail-road, to Salem, Newbu- ryport, &c., commences at East Boston. The island contains about 660 acres of land, and a large body of flats. It was purchased by a compa- ny of enterprizing gentlemen in 1832. They were incorporated in March, 183-3, and the first house was commenced in October of the same year. A steam-boat ferry is established between this place and Old Boston, starting from each side every five minutes. The time occupied in cross- ing is about three minutes. A ferry is about being established between this island and Charlestovvn. The surface of the island is pleasingly va- riegated, and affords delightful sites for dwelling houses and gardens at moderate prices. This place is well located for manufactories of vari- ous kinds; particularly for ship building, and all those branches of me- chanics connected with navigation. The Maverick Hotel is a large and splendid building, occupying a commodious site. This house- is named in honor of Samuel Maverick, who owned the island and resided there in 1630, and who is said to have made " some figure in the history of after times — a man of very loving and courteous behavior, and very ready to entertain strangers." Boston Harbor, Extends across Light House Channel and Broad Sound, from Point Al- derton on Nantasket, to Point Shirley in Chelsea, a distance, between the islands, of about 4 miles. It is safe, and of ample capacity for the larg- est navy. The most important part of this harbor is entered by a narrow pass, between two and three miles below the city and Navy Yard ; and is well protected by two powerful forts — Independence and Warren. The outer harbor, below these forts, will shortly be protected by a very pow- erful fortress now erecting on George's Island, at a great expense, by the government of the United States. Boston harbor contains many islands of great beauty, and is the reservoir of the Mystic, Charles, J\''eponset, Manatiquot and other rivers. Its borders are environed by the towns of Hull, Hingham, Weymouth, Braintree, Quincy, Dorchester, Roxbu- ry, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, and Chelsea; and the numerous small bays, coves and inlets, indenting their shores, give great variety, and add much to the scenery of this delightful harbor. Owing to the almost insular situation of Boston, and its limited extent, its population appears small. But it must be considered that the neigh- NEW EXGLAXD GAZETTEER. boring towns of Quincy, Dorchester, Milton, Roxbury, Brookline, Brigh- ton, Watertown, Cambridge, Charlestown, Medford, Maiden, and Chel- sea, although not included in the city charter, are component parts of the city, and are as much associated with it in all its commercial, manufac- turing, literary, and social relations and feelings, as Greenwich, Man- hattanville, and Harlem are with the city of New York ; or Southwark and the Northern Liberties with Philadelphia. The population of Boston in 1700, was 7,000—1722, 10,567—1765, 15,520—1790, 18,033—1300, 24,937-1810, 33,250—1820, 43,293-1830, 61,391, and in 1337, 80,325. Avenues. The peninsular situation of Boston requires many artificial avenues to and from the surrounding country. Until 17SG, the " Neck," between Boston and Roxbury, one mile and 117 feet in length, was the only pas- sage to it by land. On the 17th June, of that year, the Charles River Bridge, leading from Boston to Charlestown, was opened for travel. It was incorporated, March 9, 1785. This bridge is 1,503 feet in length, 42 in breadth, and cost §50,000. Net revenue in 1834, $9,383. This bridge by its charter becomes state property in 1856. West Boston Bridge, leading to Cambridge, was opened on the 23d of November, 1793. It was incorporated March 9, 1792. Length of the bridgB, 2,758 feet — abutment and causeway, 3,432 — total length, 6,190 feet. Cost, $76,667. Net revenue in 1834, $12,928. This bridge will become state property in 1879. Sauth Boston Bridge, leading from Boston Neck to South Bo?ton, was incorporated March 6, 1304, and opened for travel in July, 1805. Length, 1,550 feet — width, 40. It cost the proprietors about §50,000. It is now city propertj' — free. Canal Bridge, from Boston to Lechmere Point, in East Cambridge, was incorporated February 27, 1807, and opened for travel in August, 1809. Length, 2,796 feet— width, 40. A lateral bridge extends from this to Prison Point, Charlestown. Length, 1,820— width, 35 feet. Net receipts in 1834, $3,173. This bridge will become state property in 1879. The Western Avenue, leading from Beacon street to SeicelVs Point, in Brookline, was incorporated June 14, 1814, and commenced in 1818. It was opened for travel, July 2, 1821. This avenue is a substantial dam across Charles river bay, about a mile and a half in length, and from 60 to 100 feet in width. This dam encloses about 600 acres of flats, over which the tide formerly flowed from 7 to 10 feet. A partition dam di- vides this enclosure, and forms, by the aid of flood and ebb gates, a full NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and receiving basin ; thereby producing, at all times, a great hydraulic power. The cross dam also forms an excellent avenue from the main dam to Roxbury. Cost, about $700,000. Net receipts in 1834, $6,133. The proprietors of this avenue claim a perpetual franchise. Boston Free Bridge, from Sea street to South Boston. Incorporated, March 4, 1S26— completed, 1828. Length, 500— width, 88 feet. Built by proprietors of lands in the vicinity. City property. Warren Bridge, leading to Charlestown. Length, 1,390 feet — width, 44. Incorporated March 12, 1828, and opened on the December follow- ing. It is now state property. The net receipts of this bridge in 1834, were $16,427. All the above avenues are lighted with lamps, when necessary, and make a beautiful appearance. Public Buildings. Some of those of the most prominent character only can be mentioned. The City Hall, or " the Old State House," on State and Washington streets, now occupied by the city government, Post-Office, Reading- Room, &c., is 110 feet in length, 33 in breadth, and 3 stories high. Two build- ings on this spot have been destroyed by tire. The first was built in 1659, the second in 1714, and the present in 1748. Until the erection of the present State House, this biiikiing had ever been used for governmental purposes, both colonial and state. Faneuil Hall, or the " Cradle of Liberty," in Dock Square, is three stories high, 100 feet by 80, and was the gift of Peter Faneuil, Esq. to the town, in 1742. The building was enlarged in 1805, and until the new Market was built the lower part of it was used for meat stalls. It is now improved for stores. The Hall is 76 feet square, 28 feet high, and has deep galleries on three sides. It is adorned with superb paintings of patriots, warriors and statesmen. The third story is improved for armo- ries. State House. This building is on an open square, on Beacon-street, fronting the malls and common. Its foundation is 110 feet above the lev- el of the sea. It was commenced in 17^5, and compieted and occupied in 1798. Cost, $133,333. Length^ 173 feet— breadth, 61. On the area of the lower hall stands the beautiful Statue of Washington, by Chan- try. From the top of the dome on this building, 52 feet in diameter, and 230 feet above the level of the harbor, the whole city appears beneath, with all its crooked streets, its extended avenues, its splendid buildings, and the malls and common, crossed with romantic walks, and shaded by centurian elms. On the north and west the county of IMiddlesex pre- sents its numerous villas, and a rich array of agricultural taste and beau- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ty. Here are viewed the hallowed halls of Harvard, and the sacred field of Bunker. On the south the county of Norfolk appears, with its granite hills and luxuriant vales, chequered With a thousand farm houses, cottages, and splendid mansions. On the east, the city, with its lofty spires, the harbor and the ocean, all conspire to render this the most en- chanting scene west of the Bay of Naples. The Massachusetts Hospital is on an open plot of ground of 4 acres, at the western part of the city, on the bank^ of Charles river. It is 168 feet in length, and 54 in breadth. Commenced in 1818, completed in 1821. This building is of granite, and is a beautiful monument of taste and beneficence. Faneuil Hall Market. The corner stone of this superb granite building was laid on the 27th of April 1825, and completed in 1827. Cost, .$150,000, exclusive of land. It extends east of Faneuil Hall, on Dock square, 536 feet, and is 50 feet in width. The centre part of the build- ing, 74 by 55, projects two or three feet on the north and south, and rises 77 feet from the ground, to a beautiful dome. The wings are 31 feet, and two stories high. The lower floor is exclusively appropriated as a meat, fish and vegetable market. The upper story is one vast hall, ar- ranged to be divided into compartments for ware-rooms and large sales. On the sides of this building are JVorth Market street, 65, and South Market street, 102 feet in width ; on each of which is a range of spa- cious ware-houses, with granite fronts. On the east, across Commercial street, is a commodious wharf, belonging to the city. The hall, in the centre of the building is called Quincij Hall, in honor of Josiah Quincy, L.L. D., the late indefatigable mayor of the city, and now president of Harvard University. Tremont House. This superb hotel, on Tremont and Beacon streets, was commenced on the 4th of July, 1828, and completed 16th of October, 1829. Its granite front on Tremont street is 160 feet, and 3 stories high. The wing's are four stories high ; that on Beacon street is 84 by 34 feet; and that on the south, fronting an open square, is 110 by 40 feet. This building contains 180 rooms. The dining hall is 70 by 31, and 14 feet high. Cost, $68,000, without the land. JVew Court House. The corner stone of this building, in Court square,'between Court and School streets, for the accommodation of all the courts of law for the county, city, and the United States, offices of record, &c., was laid Sept. 28, 1833. It is of cut, or hewn granite, from the Quincy quarry. Its length is 175 feet 10 inches ;— width, 53 feet 10 inches, and height 57 feet 3 inches. A portico of nearly the same model o-f the Doric portico at Athens, adorns its north and south fronts. There are four columns of fluted granite at each of these porticos, meas- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. uring 25 feet 4 inches in length, and 4 feet 5 inches in diameter. They weigh 23 tons each. The interior contains four court rooms, 50 feet by 40, and large and commodious oflices for all the respective departments. Houses of Industry , Correction, and Reformation. These houses are delightfully situated on a plot of ground of about 61 acres, situated at South Boston, on the margin of the liarbor, and near the brow of Dor- chester Heights. Trinity Church, in Summer street, St. PauVs Church and the Ma- tonic Temple, in Tremcnt street, the Washington Bank, in Washing- ton street, the granite building lately erected by the Suffolk Bank, the United Stales Bank, in State street, and the Steeple of Park street Church, are some of the best specimens of architecture in Boston. Schools and Institutions. The first settlers of New England were exceedingly tenacious of their civil and religious rights, and they well knew that knowledge was an all-powerful engine to preserve those rights, and transmit them to their posterity. They therefore very early laid the foundation of those /ree tchools, of which all the sons and daughters of New England are justly proud. Exclusive of Infant and Sabbath school scholars, about a quar- ter part of the population of Boston-* is kept at school throughout the year, at an annual expense of about $200,000. Boston is not only cele brated for its schools, but for its munificent donations in support of its institutions for moral, religious, and literary purposes. Since the year 1800, not less than two millions of dollars have thus been appropriated by the citizens of Boston. jVew England Institution for the Education of the Blind. This Institution was incorporated in 1829 ; but, Utile was accomplished until 1832, when Dr. Howe returned from Europe accompanied by a blind teacher; manifesting that zeal in the cause of the blind which had distinguished his philanthropic labors, in another sphere, in a distant land. Ke opened a school with six blind young scholars. The progress of those children was so great, and the value of an Institution of the kind so apparent, that legislatures and citizens, generally, became much interested. By public and private donations, particularly by the influence of ladies in several parts of New England, and by the munifi- cent gift of a splendid building in Pearl street, by the Hon. Thomas H. Perkins, the Institution has increased, both in reputation and funds, with unparalleled success. The scholars are instructed in all those branches common in other schools, and some of them in the higher branches of literature. Music is the study of all. Mechanical labors are taught aad enjoyed by the pupils. Musical instruments of all kinds, and other 5 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. implements are provided for their convenience and use. A printing press is established, and several books have been printed in embossed letters, which are superior to any in Europe. It is exceedingly delight- ful to see these interesting youth, whose lives once seemed a dreary waste, and to witness their improvement in acquiring useful knowledge, partaking of all those recreations, natural and proper for their age, sex, and condition, and fitting themselves for useful stations in society. The Institution is managed by a board of trustees, and is patronized by the governments of all the New England States. Eye and Ear Infirniary. This Institution was commenced in Boston, by Drs. Jeffries and Rey- nolds, in 1824, from a conviction of its utility and importance, derived from what they had seen and known of similar establishments in Europe. Those gentlemen conducted the establishment at their own expense for some time, during which large numbers received the most important benefits. In 1827, by the philanthropic exertions of those, and other gentlemen, an act of incorporation was obtained, and some funds were raised. As early as 1828, 2,610 cases were treated at the Infirmary, of which about five-sixths were cured. Of these cases about one-sixth were for diseases of the ear. Since that time the number of applicants has increased annually ; and this Institution, whose merits are not sur- passed by any other in the city, has now a beautiful and commodious building in Bowdoin square for the reception of patients. Theatres. The Boston Theatre, on Federal and Franklin streets, was first open- ed February 3, 1794. It was burnt, February 2, 1798 ; it was re-built, and re-opened on the 29th of October, the same jear. It is of brick, 152 feet long, 61 wide, and 40 high. This building is now denominated " The Odeon," and is couseciated to the worship of God. A huge wood- en building was erected on Tremont street, and opened as the " Hay- Market Theatre," December 26, 1796. The citizens in its neighbor- hood being fearful of its conflagration, caused its demolition, by subscrip- tion, and the block of elegant brick dwelling-houses, near, and north of Boylston street, now occupy the spot. The Tremont Theatre, on Tremont street, is a very neat building, with a granite front 135 feet by 79. It was commenced in July, and opened September 24, 1827. Cost, about $120,000. The JK'ational Ttieatre, at the junction of Portland and Traverse streets, near the Warren bridge, was constructed in 1831. This build- ing was first used for equestrian performances. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Boston Common. This is considered one of the most delightful promenades in the world. It comprises about 75 acres of land, of variegated surface, beautifully shaded by trees of various kinds, particularly in the malls, or walks which surround it. Some of those trees were planted more than a hun- dred years ago. The malls are wide, beveled, graveled, and smooth ; the waters of Charles river, and the romantic scenery beyond it, are in prospect. The whole is enclosed by an iron fence, on the outside of which are wide streets and beautiful buildings. The distance around the malls and common is about a mile. This plot of ground is so held by the city, that it can never be appropriated to any other than its pres- ent healthful and pleasing purposes. The foundation of a large and splendid Botanic Garden was laid in 1837, by the subscription of funds for that purpose. It is located on the city lands, on the west side of the Common. This will be a great ornament to the city, and an honor to the taste and judgment of its projectors. Finances. The public debt of the city of Boston on the 1st of May, 1837, was $1,497,200. The receipts, during the financial year, from the 30th of April, 1836, to 30th April, 1837, was $926,350— the expenditures, $904,065. Besides the public property in public buildings, city and other wharves, &c. &c., both improved for city purposes, and rented, the city has about 7,000,000 square feet of land on the Neck, exclusive of streets, public squares, and malls, and a very large property in other lands in various parts of the city, which are rapidly increasing in value. The amount of this property cannot be stated, but it is known greatly to ex- ceed the city debt, exclusive of that part which is wanted for the uses of the city. Commerce. The citizens of Boston have ever sustained a high rank for their com- mercial enterprise. After whitening every sea with their canvass, and extending their commerce with all nations of the globe, they are now looking westward and northward, and constructing new and artificial channels, to enable them not only to compete with other Atlantic cities for the already immense commerce of the western world, but to inter- cept it on its passage down the St. Lawrence. The number of vessels entered at this port the year ending September 30, 1837, was 1,544— tonnage, 242,277 tons— crews, 11,503 :— cleared, 1,367, tonnage, 184,373 tons — crews, 9,177. The registered, enrolled and licensed tonnage of this port, the same year, was 201,005 tons. A large amount of tonnage, owned at Boston, is registered at southern ports. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Commercial Accommodations. There is probably no place iu the world better accommodated for com- mercial operations than Boston. The whole length of the harbor on the east and north is lined with about 200 docks and wharves. A few of them only can be noticed Ind'a IVharf, at the foot of Fort Hill, was constricted in 1805. It extends into the harbor 980 feet, and is 246 to 230 feet in width. In the centre is a range of 39 stores, 22 by SO, and 4 stories iu helglit. Central Wliarf, between India and Long wharves, was built in 1816. In the centre are ^\ ware-houses, 23 by 50, 4 stories high. It is 1,379 feet in length, and 150 in width. Over a spacious hall in the centre of this range of stores, is one of the best observato.ries in the United States. North of this is Long IVJiarf, at the foot of State street, commenced in 1710. This wharf extends into the harbor l.'^OO feet, is 200 feet in width, and has 76 spacious ware-houses. About the centre of th - \v;Kuf is a well of fresh water, 90 feet in depth. Passing the City wharf on the north, we come to Commercial Jlliarf, 1,100 feet in length, and 160 in width. On the centre of this wharf is a range of 34 granite ware-houses, 25 by 60 feet, and are unequally. 1 by any thing of the kind in the United States for convenience or grandeur. Cost, 5 N. by E. from Machias, and 204 E. N. E. from Augusta. This is a great mart for lumber of all kinds. About 40 saw mills and other ma- chinery are in operation by the great fall of the river. The tide rises here about 20 feet, and large vessels ascend to the lower village. A rail-road is in operation between the two villages; it is to extend to Baring. Incorporated, 1809. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,GS6; 1837, 3,027. Calais, Vt. Washington co. Abijah Whee- lock and others first settled this town in 1737. It lies 36 miles E! by S. from Burlington, and 12 N. E from Montpelier. Population, 18-30 1,.539. Calais has a number of streams, branches of Onion river and several fine ponds. Two thou sand pounds of trout have been tak en in a season. There is some man ufacturing carried on in the town and it feeds about 6,000 sheep. Caledonia County, Vt. Danville is tlie chief town. — Bounded E. by Connecticut river and Essex county ; S. by Orange county ; W. by Washington coun- ty, and N. by the county of Orleans. It contains about 700 square miles. Population, 1820, 16,669; 1830, 19,913. Inhabitants to a square mile, 28. Incorporated, 1792. The eastern range of the Green moun- tains extends throui-h the western NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. part of the county. It is watered by many fine streams, but the Con- necticut and Passuinpsic are its chief rivers. A large part of the county is hijh and good land ; that along the rivers is excellent. It produces wheat and other grain, beef cattle, horses, and about 60,- 000 sheep. There are some sul- phur springs in this county ; lime- stone and granite are abundant. Cambridge, Me. Somerset co. In the year 1837 the town had a population of 431, and raised, the same year, 2,890 bushels of wheat. See Barnard, Me. Cambridge, X. H., Coos CO., is an uninhabited town- ship, of 23,160 acres, granted May 19, 1773, to Nathaniel Rogers and others. It is bounded N. by the township of Errol and Umbagog lake, E. by the state of Maine, S. by Success and Milan, and W. by Dumraer. This tract has an une- ven surface, but might be advanta- geously cultivated. Several streams rise here, and fall into the Ameris- coggin, which passes through the N. W. part of the town. Cambridge, Vt. Lamoille co. It lies 30 miles N. W. from Montpelier, and about 16 W. from Hydcpark. Population, 1830, 1,613. First settled, 1783. The Lamoille and other streams afford this town a good water pow- er. There is some good intervale in the town, but the land is rough, and chiefly valuable for grazing: it feeds about 7,000 sheep. Cambridge, Mass. Middlesex co. This town may be divided into three parts : Old Cambridge, the seat of the most ancient and best endowed college, in the United States, is 3 miles from West Boston bridge, which divides Cambridge from Boston. Cam- bridge-Port is a compact, flourish- ing village, about midway between the University and the bridge. East Cambridge is of newer growth, and is a very tlourisliing place. It is the seat of the county courts, and is immediately connected with Bos- ton by Canal bridse and the viaduct of the Boston and Lowell rail-road, over Charles river. This town was incorporated by the name of New- ton in 1630. it took the name of Cambridge in 1638. The first print- ing press in America was establish- ed here, by Stephen Day, in 1639. The first work printed was the " Freeman's Oath." In this town are various and extensive manu- factories. They consist of glass, hats, leather, boots and shoes, shoe blacking, tin ware, chairs and cabi- net ware, rail-road cars, chaises, coaches, and other carriages; iron axletrees, harnesses, organs, car- penters' tools, clothing, pumps and blocks, cigars, brass and britannia ware, bricks, ropes and twine, soap, brushes, varnish, confectionary, stamped and stained paper, stoves, sheet iron, glue, pocket books, and medicine. The value of these man- ufactures the year endina; April 1. 1837, amounted to §930,066. The amount of glass, which is consid- ered of admirable quality, exceed- ed $450,000. Cambridge is very pleasant, although not so elevated as some of the neighboring towns. Besides the buildings of the Uni- versity, it contains the United States' arsenal, other handsome pub- lic buildings, and many very ele- gant private residences. Pop." 1830, 1,072 ; 1837, 7,631. See Register. Mount Auburn Cemetery, lies about a mile W. of the Univer- sity, in the towns of Cambridge and Watertown. It contains about 100 acres of land, and is laid out with gravelled walks, and planted and embellished with all the varieties of trees, shrubbery, and flowers. Lots of ground, of 300 square feet, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. at suitable distances along the winding passages, are appropriated as family burial places, with the perpetual right to purchasers of enclosing, decorating, and using them for that purpose. Numerous monuments of exquisite workman- ship are already erected, which add, if possible, to the melancholy grandeur of the scene. It is an en- chanting spot ; — a magnificent rest- ing place of the dead. This ceme- tery was dedicated Sept. 24, 1831. We cannot deny ourselves the gratification of quoting a few lines from the descriptive part of Judge Story's admirable address on that occasion. " A rural cemetery seems to com- bine in itself all the advantages which can be proposed to gratify human feelings, or tranquilize hu- man fears ; to secure the best re- ligious influences, and to cherish all those associations which cast a cheerful light over the darkness of the grave. " And what spot can be more ap- propriate than this, for such a pur- pose ? Nature seems to point it out with significant energy, as the fa- vorite retii-ement for the dead. — There are around us all the vai-ied features of her beauty and gran- deur — the forest-crowned height; the abrupt acclivity ; the sheltered valley; the deep glen; the grassy glade, and the silent grove. Here are the lofty oak, the beech, that ' wreaths its old fantastic roots so high,' the rustling pine, and the drooping willow, — the tree, that sheds its pale leaves with every autumn, a fit emblem of our own transitory bloom ; and the ever- green, with its perennial shoots, in- structing us, that ' the wintry blast of death kills not the buds of vir- tue.' Here is the thick shrubbery, to protect and conceal the new- made grave ; and there is the wild- flower creeping along the narrow path, and planting its seeds in the upturned earth. All around us there breaths a solemn calm, as if we were in the bosom of a wilder- ness, broken only by the breeze as it murmurs through the tops of the forest, or by the notes of the warb- ler, pouring forth his matin or his evening song. " Ascend but a few steps, and what a change of scenery to sur- prise and delight us. We seem, as it were, in an instant, to pass from the confines of death to the bright and balmy regions of life. Below us flows the winding Charles, with its rippling current, like the stream of time hastening to the ocean of eter- nity. In the distance, the city, — at once the object of our admiration and our love, — rears its proud emi- nences, its glittering spires, its lofty- towers, its graceful mansions, its curling smoke, its crowded haunts of business and pleasure, which speak to the eye, and yet leave a noiseless loneliness on the ear. — Again we turn, and the walls of our venerable University rise be- fore us, with many a recollection of happy days passed there in the interchange of study and friend- ship, and many a grateful thought of the affluence of its learning, which has adorned and nourished the literature of our country. — Again we turn, and the cultivated farm, the neat cottage, the village church, the sparkling lake, the rich valley, and the distant hills, are be- fore us through opening vistas ; and we breathe amidst the fresh and varied labors of man. "There is, therefore, within our reach, every variety of natural and artificial scenery, which is fitted to awaken emotions of the highest and most affecting character. We stand, as it were, upon the borders of two worlds ; and as the mood of our minds may be, we may gather les- sons of profound wisdom by con- trasting the one with the other, or indulge in the dreams of hope and ambition, or solace our hearts by melancholy meditations." NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEEk. Caindcn, 3Ie. Waldo CO. This sea-port is fine- ly located for navigation, witli two beautiful harbors, on the W. side of Penobscot bay, 10 miles N. from Thomaston, 17 S. from Belfast, and 40 E. S. E. from Augusta. Popu- lation, 1837, 2,991. this place has some navigation engaged in the coasting trade and fisheries, and considerable ship building is carri- ed on ; but the principal business is the manufacture of lime from in- exhaustible quarries of marble, or lime stone. About 200,000 casks of lime is annually shipped from tliis place to all parts of the United States. This lime is noted for mak- ing a cement of a superior quality. The Megunticook river waters a part of the town, and gives it a great water power, which might be well applied to manufacturing purposes. From a mountain in the rear of the town a beautiful pros- pect is presented of Penobscot bay and its numerous islands. Camden is a pleasant retreat in summer moDths. Camel's Bacic Mountain, Vt. This most elevated summit of the Green mountains lies in Hunting- ton, 17 miles W. from Montpelier, 25 N. E. from Middleburv, and 20 S. E. from Burlington. It is 4,188 feet above the sea. Campton, N. H., Grafton co., Is bounded N. by Thornton, E. by Sandwich, S. by Holderness and Plymouth, W. by Rumney; is 50 miles from Con- cord, and 75 from Portsmouth. Its surface is broken and uneven, abounding with rocky ledges, and having several mountainous tracts. Besides Pemigewasset river, run- ning N. and S. through nearly the centre of the town, it is watered by Mad and Beebe's rivers, which fall into the Pemigewasset on the E., and by West Branch river and Box brook on the W. The land in the vallejs is generally good, and there is some good intervale. The high land is good for grazing. The for- est trees are mostly deciduous. No white oak or pilch pine is found N. of the centre of tlie town. Iron ore of an inferior quality .is found in some place>. The towns of Campton and Rumney were both granted in Oct. 17til, to Capt. Jabez Spencer, of East Haddam, Conn., but he dying before a settlement was etTectcd, his heirs, in conjunc- tion with others, obtained a new charter, Jan. 5, 1767. The first settlement was made in 1765, by two families of the names of Fox and Taylor. The proprietors held their first meeting Nov. 2, 1769, and the inhabitants theirs, Dec. 16, 1771. From the circumstance of the first proprietors building a canjj> when they went to survey Camp- ton and Rumney, this town derives its name. In the revolutionary war, this town, tliough in its infan- cy, furnislied nine or ten soldiers, five of whom died in the service, and three were living in 1822. Pop- ulation, in 1S30, 1,313. Canaan, Me. Somerset CO. This town was first settled in 1774, and incorporated in 1788. It formerly embraced the territory of Skowhegan and Bloom- field. It is a good farming town, and produced, in 1837, 5,444 bushels of wheat. It lies on the east side of Kennebec river, 13 miles E. from Norridgcwock,and34 N. from Au- gusta. Population, 1837, 1,347. Canaan, Ti. H. Grafton co. Bounded N. by Dame's gore, which separates it from Dorchester, E. by Orange, S. by Enfield, and W. by nanov(;r, and is situated on the height of land between the rivers Connecticut and Merrimack. It is 16 miles E. from Dartmouth college, 30 5. E. from Haverhill, 25 S. W. from Plymouth, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and 40 N. W. from Concord. The only stream of consequence is the Mascomy, which rises in the N.W. part of Dorchester, and after a me- andering course of 8 or 10 miles, falls into Mascomy pond in Enfield. Indian stream river rises in the S. E. corner of Dorchester, and run- ning about 8 miles, mingles with the waters of Mascomy, near the centre of the town. Heart pond, so called from its figure, is situated in the centre of the town, and upon a swell of land so elevated that at a distance it presents the appear- ance of a sheet of water on a hill. It is about 500 rods in length and 200 in width, and the only natural curiosity of any note, is the mound, or bank of earth, which nearly sur- rounds this pond. It is from 4 to 5 feet high, and from its uniform height and regular construction would seem to be the work of art; but from frequent annual observa- tion, it is found to have been pro- duced by the drifting of the ice when breaking up in the spring. Besides this, there are Goose, Clark's, Mud and Bear ponds. The land is not so broken as in some of the adjoining towns. There is but little not capable of cultivation. The soil is tolerably fertile, and produces wheat, rye, corn, flax, &c. Canaan was granted by charter, July 9, 1761, to 62 persons, all of whom except ten belonged to Con- necticut. It derived its name from Canaan in that state. The first per- manent settlement was made in the winter, in 1766 or 7, by John Sco- field, who conveyed what effects he possessed the distance of 14 miles over a crust of snow upon a hand- sled. Among others of the first settlers, were George Harris, Tho- mas Miner, Joshua Harris, and Samuel Jones. The first proprie- tors' meeting was held July 19, 1768. Population, in 1830, 1,423. Canaan, Vt. Essex CO. Bounded N. by Can- ada, and E. by Stewartstown, N. H.; .31 miles N. from Guildhall, and 112 N. E. from Montpelier. First settled, 1785. Population, 1830, 373. The land in this town is broken and cold. Leed's pond produces an abundance of fish. Canaan produces more fish than grain. Canaan, Ct. Litchfield co. First settled in 1738. Incorporated, 1739. Canaan lies 41 miles N. W. from Hartford, and 18 N. N. W. from Litchfield. Population, 1830, 2,301. The town lies on the E. side of Housatonick river, opposite to Salisbury. A ledge of limestone rocks crosses the river at this place, about 30 rods in length, causing a perpendicular fall of 60 feet. The river is rapid, both above and below this beautiful cata- ract. The whole descent of the river, in Canaan, is about 130 feet, " nobly arranged and distributed, and comprehending a remarkable variety of beauty and grandeur." The township is mountainous, with some arable land along the streams. About 4,000 sheep are kept here. This section of country is noted for its excellent mutton. Limestone and iron ore are abundant ; the lat- ter is of a very fine qualitj\ Iron works, on an extensive scale, are established here ; a satinet factory and other machinery. Canals in 'New Ungland. See Register. Candia, H., Rockingham co.. Was detached from the N. part of Chester and in- corporated, 1763. The soil is natu- rally hard of cultivation ; but the industry of the inhabitants has made it fruitful. It was originally cover- ed with a thick growth of oak, ash, maple, birch, &c. The site of thia town is elevated, and commands an extensive view of the rich scene- ry of the adjacent country — the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. White Hills, the Wachusett, and other mountains, the lights on Plum island, and the ocean being visible. In the \V. part of the town is a ridge of land extending from N. to S., which is the highest elevation between Merrimack river and the ocean. On the E. side of this ridge, two branches of Lamprey river take tlii'ir rise. Candia lies 15 miles from Concord. This town amoi^- others contributed largely to the attainment of independence ; and the names of 69 soldiers of the revolution arc found on its records. The inhabitants are mostly indus- ti'ious farmers, many of whom are wealthy. Population, 1830, 1,-362. Canterljury, Ti. H. Merrimack co. Canterbury, though an uneven township, is not mountainous. The soil is generally good ; the more uneven parts af- fording excellent pasturage. There are no large streams in this town ; but several ponds give rise to smal- ler streams, furnishing good mill sites, and near which are cut great quantities of hay. Two bridges over the Merrimack connect this town with Boscawen. The town was set- tled about 1727, and for a long time the inhabitants were exposed to the inroads of the savages. The hus- bandman cleared. and tilled his land under tlie protection of a guard, uncertain whether the seed he com- mitted to the ground might not be watered by his lilood, or that of an enemy. Canterbury lies 8 miles N. from Concord. Population, 1836, 1663. The Hon. Ariel Foster de- serves a particular notice. He pos- sessed in a great degree the esteem and confidence of the people ; and soon after he left the pastoral care of the church, he was called to ar- duous duties as a magistrate and legislator. In 1783, lieVas elected to Congress ; and for three years was a mei'.iber of that body under the old couXedcration. Ho was suc- cessively returned a member for nearly all the time until 1804 j when he retired to private life and domestic traquillity. He was an ardent lover of his country, and faithfully served his constituents — by whom his memory will long be clierished. He died in Feb., 1806. Canterbury, from its elevated situa- tion, has ever been a healthy town. In the S. E. part of this town, on an elevated and beautiful site, is the village of the "Shakers." At present it consists of more than two iiundred members. They have a meeting-house open at all times of public worship, where any discreet and decent spectator is allowed to attend. They have a " Trustees' Office," where all their public busi- ness is transacted, and where stran- gers are at first received on their vis- its to the society. They have also neat dwelling-houses, of two and three stories, and several work- shops both for men and won>€n. Their mills and various kinds of machinery are moved by water on an artificial stream. They manu- facture many articles for sale, which are remarkable for neatness and durability. Their gardens are perhaps the most productive of any in the country ; and indeed all their improved lands exhibit the pleasing effects of industry and rural econ- omy. They cultivate garden seeds and take much pains to pro- pagate those of the best kind. — They occupy more than 1,500 acres of land, lying principally in a body, which they have ' consecrated to the Lord,' and which they enjoy in common. They cheerfully pay their proportion of public taxes, and share all the burthens of gov- ernment, except the bearing of arms, which they deem to be con- trary to the gospel; and in return they claim from government only that protection ann, brass castings and tinware manufactured, amounted to $105,787. Some attention is paid here to rearing sheep, and the man- ufacture of cordage. There is in Duxbury an apple tree noted for its age, size and fruitful- ness. It is upwards of a hundred years old. It is forty feet in height, and its circumference, eight inches from the ground, is 16 Teet. Its Ij-uit, in one year, has made 10 bar- rels of cider, besides 30 bushels for the cellar. Population, 1837,2,789. Dyer's Bay, Me. See Steuben. Eagle liake, Me. This large lake is in the county of Penobscot, between the Aroos- took and St. John's rivers. It is 11* connected with some lakes of smaN ler size. The general outlet is north by Chipquedopskook river, about 14 miles in length, into the river St John. Great quantities of logs are taken to this outlet, sawed and sent to New Brunswick. East Bridge^vater, Mass. Plymouth co. This town lies on a branch of Taunton river, and was, until 1823, a part of the ancient Bridgewater. It is 24 miles S. by E. from Boston and 17 S. W. from Plymouth. Population, 1830, 1,653 —1837, 1,927. East Bridgewater has a good water power, and man- ufactured the year ending April 1, 1837, $414,044 value of goods. The articles consisted of cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, bar iron, nails, tacks, lead pipe, chaises, window blinds, sashes and shoe boxes. Eastlbrook, Me. Hancock co. Incorporated, 1837. See " Down East J' East Greeuwicli, R. I. Shire town of Kent co. This town was incorporated in 1677^ and is pleasantly located on Narragan- set bay, 13 miles S. from Provi- dence, and comprises an excellent harbor for ships of 500 tons burthen. A number of vessels are owned here, and the coasting trade and fisheries give employment to many of the inhabitants. The town is watered by Maskachugand Hunt's rivers, on which are cotton mills and other manufactories. The soil of the town is rather rough and stony, but it yields good crops of corn, barley and potatoes. East Greenwich is noted for excellent fruit and cider. The " Kentish Guards" was es- tablished here in 1774, and proved a nursery of distinguished officers, of which the celebrated General Nathaniel Greene was one. Across the bay, to Bristol, is about 8 miles. Population, 1830, 1,591. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. East Haddam, Ct. Middlesex co. A town of con- siderable trade and manufacturing enterprise, on the east side of the Connecticut, and at the outlet of Salmon river. It lies IS miles above the mouth of Connecticut river, 14 below Middletown, and 30 S. S. E. from Hartford. The soil is hilly and rocky, and more fit for grazing than tillage. Considerable business is done here in the shad fishery. It is supposed that more leather is made in this than in any other town in the state. This place has fine water privileges, both for navigation and manufactures. A short distance from the centre of the town is a pond covering 1,000 acres. On the river formed "by the outlet of this pond, the water is precipitated over rocks nearly 70 feet perpendicular. The scenery around these falls is beau- tiful, and worthy of particular no- tice. There are 6 cotton mills in East Haddam, two of which manufac- ture twine. Leesville, on Salmon river, and Mechanic sville, on Moodus river, a branch of Salmon river, are very flourishing settlements. This place, the Indian Macki- rnoodus, is remarkable for frequent slight shocks of earthquakes, pro- ducing singular noises, which the Indians attributed to the anger of their gods towards the white men. It is said that some valuable geolo- gical discoveries have recently been made in this quarter. The town was first settled in 1685, but not in- corporated until 1724. Population, in 183.5, about 3,000. This is the birth place of many distinguished men. The venerable Nathaniel Emmons, D. D., of Franklin, Mass. was born here. Eastliain, Mass., Barnstable co., on a narrow part of the cape, 23 miles E. by N. from Barnstable. Populatiou in 1837, 1,059. First settled, 1644. Incor- porated, 1646. The product of the cod and mackerel fishery in 1S26, was $30,900. The value of salt, boots, shoes and palm-leaf hats man- ufactured, was .'sl0,561. Blastliamiiton, Mass. Hampshire co. This is a pleas- ant town on the W. side of Connec- ticut river. The Hampshire and Hampden canal passes through it. In the year ending April 1, 1837, $40,000 worth of lasting buttons were manufactured; also cotton goods, leather, boots and shoes, to the amount of $15,300: 5 miles S. fromJS'orthaiijpton. Pop. 1837,703. East Hartford, Ct. Hartford co. This town is situa- ted opposite to Hartford, and con- nected with it by a bridge across Connecticut river. The soil of the town is generally fertile, but the alluvial meadows on the border of the river, of which there is a large tract, is of a superior quality. The agricultural products of this town are very considerable. Hackanum river furnishes the town with a good water power,on which are val- uable manufacturing establishments particularly of paper. East Hart- ford is noted for its manufactures in former years. The first powder mill in this country, it is said, was erected here in 1775. Anchors, mill screws, nail rods, gunpowder, paper, snuff and glass were manu- factured here in 1784. The early settlers found the ferocious and war- like tribe of Podunk Indians in this neighborhood. One sachem com- manded two hundred bowmen. This is a very pleasant town. The main street, which is very long and wide, is delightfully shaded by stately elms. East Hartford was taken from Hartford in 1784. Popula- tion, 1830, 3,537. East Haven, Vt. Essex CO. Moose river rises in NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the easterly part of this town and the Passumpsic passes through the westerly part. The land is moun- tainous and most of it unfit for cul- tivation. It lies 45 miles N. from Montpelier. Fii-st settled, 1790. Population, 1830, 33. East Haven, Ct. New Haven co. This town was taken from New Haven, in 1785, and is connected with New Haven by a bridge. Population, 1830, 1,229. It has good navigable privileges, and is watered by Quinnipiac river. It has some trade, but the principal employment of the inhabitants is agriculture and fishing. This was a great resort for the Indians in former years. On Grave Hill was an Indian fort and ceme- tery. Bones of Indians of a large size, and domestic and warlike im- plements for savage use, have been found here. The Indian Well, in a granite rock, on an island in Stony river, is a curiosity. It is about 30 inches in diameter, very smooth at the bottom. It is now about 5 feet in depth, but formerly it was deep- er. It was evidently formed by the attrition of sand and pebbles which passed over this rock, it being at some former period, the bed of the river. East Haven is pleasant- ly located, and commands a fine prospect of Long Island Sound. East Kingston, IV. H. Rockingham co. Its soil is of an excellent quality, and well adapted to the cultivation of grain and grass. Powow river crosses the S. W. part of this town, having its sources in the ponds of Kingston. The town was incorporated Nov. 17, 173S. Rev. Peter Coffin was settled here in 1739. Population, 1830, 442. It lies 40 miles S. E. by E. from Con- cord, and 20 S. S. W. from Ports- mouth. East Machias, Kle. Washington co. This is a flour- ishing town on navigable waters. It was incorporated in 1826, and is the eastern part of Old Machias. It lies on both sides of East Machi- as river, 149 miles E. by N. from Augusta. Population, 1837, 1,282. East Machias has a great water power, a large number of mills, and a very pleasant village. It is ex- tensively engaged in the lumber trade. Easton, Mass. Bristol CO. Two branches of Taun- ton river water this town, on which are a woolen and 4 cotton mills, and various iron works. The man- ufactures consist of cotton and wool- en goods, pig iron, iron castings, wire, boots, shoes, shovels, spades, forks, hoes, cutlery, palm-leaf hats, straw bonnets, surveyors' instru- ments and shoe pegs : — the value of which in one year (exclusive of woolen cloth, boots and shoes,) amounted to 207,100. The manu- facture of shovels, spades, forks and hoes, amounted to f 108,000. Eas- ton lies 22 miles S. from Boston and 10 N. by W. from Taunton. In- corporated, 1725. Population, 1837, 1,976. Eastport, Me. Washington co. The township of Eastport embraces and is consti- tuted of Moose, Dudley's, Frede- rick and Patmos islands, the chief of which, whereon the village of Eastport stands, is Moose island, in sight of, and but a short distance from, Indian and Campo Bello isl- ands, belonging to the British. East- port is a beautiful harbor in Passa- maquoddy bay, on the eastern boun- dary of the United States, and no- ted for smuggling adventures by strangers visiting the i>lace dur- ing the embargo and war. It is about 7 miles N. by W. from West Quoddy Head, 176 E. by N. from Augusta, and about 30 E.N. E. from Machias. The tide is very rapid, and rises 25 feet. There are two NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. long bridges connecting Moose isl- and with Dennysville and Perry ; each cost $10,000. Eastport and Lubec are the chief towns in Pas- samaquoddy bay, and are extensive- ly engaged in the fisheries, and the trade of the extensive waters of the river St. Croix and Bay of Fundy. Tonnage of Passamaquoddy bay, 10,712. Cobscook Bay and lis trih- utary waters, on the west, give to Eastport a large trade in lumber. Moose Island contains 2,150 acres of rough land. It was first settled in 1780. In 1790 it contained only 244 inhabitants. There are now on the Island a handsome village, con- taining 60 wharves, 80 stores, 5 meeting-houses, a United States garrison, and 5,000 inhabitants. East Windsor, Ct. Hartford co. Fir.'.t settled 1680. Taken from Windsor, 176S. This is an excellent township of land. Its extensive meadows on the east side of Connecticut river are of uncommon fertility and beauty. Among the various agricultural pro- ducts with which tliis to%vn abounds, tobacco has been cultivated with success, and manufactured. It is said that 70,000 bushels of rye has been raised in a season. Scantic river, a considerable mill stream, passes through the north part of the town, and gives it the name of Scantic. The village of JVapjnng is in the S. E. section of the town. The principal street, about a mile back of the river, is the village, running the whole length of the town, wide, neatly built and beauti- fully shaded. East Windsor lies 8 miles N. from Hartford. Popula- tion, 1830, 2,129. Eaton, N. H., Strafford co., lies 60 miles N. E. from Concord and 55 N. N. E. from Dover, and is bounded E. by Maine. Population, 1830, 1,432. The soil of the uplands, which are quite uneven, is moderately good, and the plains furnish excellent pine timber. There are several small ponds in this town. Eaton was granted Nov. 7, 1776, to Clem- ent March and 65 others. EdfUn^on, Me. Penobscot co. This town lies on the east side of Penobscot river, 6 miles above, and N. N. E. from Bangor, and 70 N. E. by E. from Augusta. The village is pleasantly situated at the " Bend " of the river. The soil of the town is good and well wooded. It produced, in 1837, 2,414 bushels of wheat. Population, 1S37, 558. Eden, Me., Hancock co., situated on the north part of the island of Mount Desert, and taken from the town of Mount Desert (which formerly comprised the whole island) 1795. First set- tled, 1763. Eden lies 92 miles E. from Augusta, and about 18 S. by E. from Ellsworth. Population, 1837, 1,024. The town has a good soil, good harbors, and possesses great advantages for the shore fishery. It is said that 500 bushels of cran- berries have been picked in Eden in a season. Cranberry isles lie on the coast, about 3 miles south. Eden, Vt. Lamoille CO. This township was granted to " Col. Seth Warner and his associates, our worthy friends, the ofiRcers and soldiers of his regi- ment in the line of the continental army," August 28, 1781. " Our friends," for their patriotic services, certainly deserved a better town- ship than this, for it is mountainous, rocky and cold ; it is however good for grazing, and produces some fine beef cattle and sheep. It is water- ed by Green river and Wild Branch. Several ponds in the town afford good fishing. Eden lies 30 miles N. from Montpelier, and is bound- ed S. by Hydepark. Population, 1830, 461. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. EdgartoTina, Mass. Dukes CO. County town and port of entry on the island oC jMar- tha's Vineyard — 91 miles S. E. t'roni Boston, 20 N. W. by W. from Nan- tucket, 28 S. E. by E. from New Bedford, 20 S. from Falmouth, and 495 from Washington. First set- tled, 1641. Incorporated, 1671. Population, 1837, 1,625. Edgartown (Old Town) harbor is on the east side of the town, in lat. 41° 25' N.; Ion. 70° 25' W. This township in- cludes the fertile island of Chappe- quiddick, on the southeast, on which are some Indians. This island is 5 miles in length and 2 1-2 in breadth. It is very pleasant and forms Old Town harbor. Eight whale ships belong to this place, and a number of coasting vessels. This is said to be the only place in the state where grouse are native. The value of sperm oil imported, in the year end- ing April 1, 1837, was $65,598. The value of salt, oil casks, boats and hats manufactured the same year, was $7,260. The value of VFOol, the product of 2,150 sheep, was $1,590. Edgecoml), Me. Lincoln CO. This town is bound- ed by Damariscotta river on the E. and Sheepscot river on the W., and lies nearly opposite to Wiscasset across the latter river. 26 miles S. S. E. from Augusta. Population, 1837, 1,282. This town enjoys great facilities for navigation, the fisheries, ship building and the lum- ber business. It is a place of con- siderable trade. First settled, 1744. Ediulburgli, Me. Penobscot CO. Incorporated, 1835. Population, 1837,89. See " Down East." E^dmonds, Me., Washington co., situated between Cobscook bay and East Machias. Population, 1837, 205. See " Dowa East." Effiugham, N. H. Strafford co. There are several mountains of considerable elevation in this town. The Ossipee river passes through the town, over which is a toll-bridge. Province pond lies between Effingham and Wakefield, Effingham was settled a few years prior to the revolution. It was then known by the name of Lea- vitVs Toivn. Incorporated, Aug. 18, 1778. Effingham borders W. on Ossipee lake and E. on Maine. It lies 58 miles N. E. from Concord and 25 N. E. by E. from Gilford, Population, 1830, 1,911. Kgremont, Mass. Berkshire co. A mountainous township, watered by branches of Housatonick river. Incorporated, 1760. 140 miles W. from Boston and 15 S. S. W. from Lenox. Pop- ulation, 1837, 968. The manufac- tures of Egremont consist of wheat flour, leather, boots, shoes, harness- es, stone, (sawed,) chairs and cab- inet ware. Total amount in one year,- $29,100. Value of 1,790 fleeces of wool, $2,770. i:iiza1)etIi,Cape, Me. This celebrated cape lies in the town of Cape Elizabeth, and forms the western limits of Casco bay. Near the point of the cape is a light-house, 50 feet in height, in N. lat. 43° 33', W. Ion. 70° 11'. For the totcn of Cape Eliza- beth, see Register. Elizabeth Islands, Mass. These islands are attached to Dukes county, and lie between Buzzard's bay and Vineyard sound. They are 16 in number. The larg- est, Nashawn and Nashawenna, are inhabited. Gosnold, the discoverer of Cape Cod, spent the winter of 1602-3, on one of these islands. NEW EXGLANT) GAZETTEER. Elliugtoii, Ct. Tolland co. Ellington was taken from East Windsor in 17S6, and was that part of East Windsor called the Great Marsh. The soil is light and dry, but considerably fertile. It is generally level, but the east- ern part is hilly and mountainous. Formerly tl»« lands in this town were held in low estimation, but by the industry of the people in their cultivation they have risen in char- acter and value. •' The scenery in this town embraces considerable va- riety and is uncommonly interesting and beautiful." The " Ellington School" for boys, situated in a very neat village, is in high repute. Pop- ulation, 1S30, 1,4.55. Ellington lies 12 miles N. E. from Hartford, and is bounded S. E. by Tolland. f:iliot, Me. York CO. This town lies on fhe N. W. of Kittery of which it con- stituted a part until 1810. It ad- joins Salmon Fall river on the S. W. by which it is separated from New Hampshire — and is bounded N. by South Berwick, and E. by York. It is a good farming town and probably contains as great a proportion of valuable tillage land as any in the county according to its size. Population, 18.37, 1.859. Elliot is 108 miles S. W. from Au- gusta. ElliotsviUe, Me. Somerset co. This place is 81 miles from Augusta. See " Down East." Ellis' Rivers. Ellis' river, in Maine, \s a tribu- tary to the Androscoggin. It rises N. of Rumford, in the county of Oxford, and passes through that town. Ellis' river, in J\'eie Hamp- shire, rises on the E. side of the White mountains, in several small streams, near the sources of Pea- body river, and separating into two streams which again unite, it falla into the Saco at Bartlett. Elligo Pond, Vt. This beautiful sheet of water, two miles in length and half a mile in breadth, lies partly in Craftsbury and partly in Greensborough, Or- leans county. Its northern outlet passes to Black river; its southern to the Lamoille. There are two small islands in the lake. This was a favorite resort for the Indians, and now attracts numerous lovers of fine trout and delightful scenery to its borders. EUs-n-ortli, Me. Chief town of Hancock CO. This is a pleasant and flourishing town on both sides of Union river, at the head of navigation. The village is principally on the E. side, where there is a good bridge across the river, 3 miles above the entrance of the river into the waters con- nected with Blue Hill bay. The tide rises at the biidge 10 or 12 feet, and Ellsworth possesses an enviable position for maritime and inland trade. The location of the courts for this county was changed from Castine to this place in 183S. The court house is eligibly situated on the W. side of the river. Ellsworth is quite an agricultural township. It has a good soil, and considerable attention is given to the growth of wheat and wool. It lies 81 miles E. by N. from Augusta, and 30 N. E. by E. from Bangor. Population, 1830, 1,385—1837, 2,195. Ellsworm, 3f. H., Grafton co., is 52 miles N. N.W. from Concord and 20 S. E. from Haverhill. Population, 1830, 234. It is a mountainous tract of territo- ry. The most prominent elevation is Carr's mountain. A small stream issues from West Branch pond and runs into the Pemigewasset at Campton. The soil, though in some parts sterile, produces wheat, rye NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and corn. Maple sugar is made here, and clover seed is raised in considerable quantities. This town, formerly called Trecothick, was granted May 1, 1769, to Barlow Trecothick. Elmore, Vt. Lamoille co. First settled, 1790. Elmore lies 16 miles N. from Mont- pelier and 10 S. from Hydepark. Population, 1830, 442. There are five ponds in t^s town, the waters of which, the town being very high, descend partly to Lamoille and part- ly to Onion rivers. Some cattle and some wool are sent to market. Embden, Me. Somerset co. A fine township of land with two pleasant villages, on th« W. side of Kennebec I'ivcr. Seven Mile brook passes through the S. W. corner of the town. — Embden produced, in 1837, 6,400 bushels of wheat and considerable wool. Incorporated, 1804. Popu- lation, 1837, 1,048. It is 46 miles N. N. W. from Augusta and about 18 miles N. by W. from Norridge- wock. Enfield, Me. Penobscot co. Incorporated, 1835. See " Down East." Enfield, N. H. Grafton co. Enfield comprises 24,060 acres, of which, about 2,500 acres are water. It is 10 miles S. E. from Dartmouth College and 40 N. W. from Concord. Its surface is diversified with hills and valleys, and watered by a variety of ponds and streams, stored with fish of ev- ery species common to the country. Mascomy pond, which has acquir- ed from travellers the appellation of Pleasant pond, is a beautiful col- lection of water, 4 miles in length and of various breadth, interspersed with islands and checkered with inlets. Its eastern banks are cov- ered with trees ; the hills gradually rise one above another for some dis' tance. Along the western bank, between the pond and Mont Calm, within a few rods of the water, ex- tends the turnpike road, the whole distance through a beautiful vil- lage, shaded to the N. on either side by a growth of trees. Masco- my river empties into this pond in the N. W. part. This pond is sup- posed to have once been much high- er than it now is, and the plain and villages to the south are supposed to have been the bed of it. This fact is sufficiently evident from tlie ancient shore still remaining round the pond, about 30 feet above high water, and from logs having been frequently found 12 feet below the surface of the plain once flowed. On the W. bank, near the southern extremity, is the Shakers' settle- ment, situated on a fertile plain. — The structure of the buildings, tho' not lofty, are neat and convenient. They occupy about 1,000 acres of land, and their number consists of about 240. They are agricultural- ists and mechanics. Garden seeds are grown, and wooden ware.whips, corn brooms, leather, and various other articles, are manufactured by them with peculiar neatness. See Canterbury. Mountain pond, on the summit of Mont Calm, is 200 rods long, and 100 wide. At the outlets of the ponds are mills of various kinds. The town was formerly called Rel- han, and was incorporated by char- ter, granted to Jedediah Dana and others, July 4th, 1761. Population, 1830, 1,492. Enfield, Mass. Hampshire CO. Swift river pass- es through this town, and adds much to its beauty and importance. — The manufactures of this place, the year ending April 1, 1837, amount- ed to $182^669. The articles con- sisted of cotton and woolen goods, leather, boots, shoes, hats, hoes, shingle machines, palm-leaf hats, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. wool cards, cotton batting and wick- ing. The value of wool grown was $1,090. Enfield lies 71 miles W. from Boston, and 15 E. from Northampton. Population, 1S37, 1,058. Enfield, Ct. Hartford CO. This town was first settled, 1631, by emigrants from Sa- lem, Mass. : it formerly belonged to Mass. and was a part of Spring- field. The first bridge across Con- necticut river was built in 1808, connecting Enfield with Suffield. The surface is generally level and the soil moist and fertile. The street, where most of the inhabit- ants reside, is very pleasant, wide and well shaded. The village near the river was commenced about 1831, at which the manufacture of carpeting is extensively pursued. About 120 looms are employed, making about 800 yards daily. The manufacture of ploughs is also an important pursuit in Enfield. It is watered by Scantick river. Pop- ulation, 1830, 2,129. It is 18 miles N. from Hartford, and 8 S. from Springfield, Mass. IBiiglisIiniau's Bay, Me. This bay is a few miles W. of Machias bay, in Washington coun- ty. It receives the waters of Chand- ler's river, a considerable stream : it contains a number of islands, and furnishes many fine harbors Head harbor, an island off Jonesborough, is its western limits. EInosbiu-gh, Vt. Franklin co. Missisque, Trout and other streams give this town excellent water privileges, and manufacturing establishments flour- ish. The surface of the town is pleasantly diversified by bills and valleys, and well adapted for graz- ing. The products of the town are cattle, butter, cheese and wool. — First settled, 1797. Population, 1830, 1,560. Enosburgh lies 43 miles N. by E. from Montpelier, and 20 N. E. from St. Albans. Eppiiig, ]V. H., Rockingham co., lies 29 miles S. E. from Concord, 20 W. from Ports- mouth, and 8 N. W. from Exeter. It was formerly a part of Exeter, and was incorporated Feb. 12, 1741. The town contains 12,760 acres, being nearly 20 square miles. The soil, in general, is very good, and well suited to raise |^e various pro- ductions that grow in the state. Lamprey river, at the west, receives the Patuckaway, and runs through the whole length of the town. Another livei- runs through the N. part of the town, and from that cir- cumstance is called North river. By observations taken at 6 in the forenoon, at 1 and 9 o'clock in the afternoon, from Fahrenheit's ther- mometer placed in the open air, 13 feet from the ground, and where the sun does not shine on the ther- mometer, the annual average of heat for 10 years in succession, was 44 1-12°. During that period the annual average of rain that fell, was 2 feet 10 inches, and of snow, 6 feet 7 inches. William Plitmer, one of its most distinguished and estimable citizens, resides in this town. A considerable portion of his life has been employed in the service of the people, in the several stations of representative and senator in the legislature, president of the senate, speaker of the house of representa- tives, representative and senator in congress, and for four years as chief- magistrate of the state. Popula- tion, 1830, 1,268. Epsom, ]V. H. Merrimack co. This town lies 12 miles E. from Concoi-d. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,418. The surface of the town is generally uneven. The principal eminences are called M'Coy's, Fort, Nat's, and Notting- ham mountains. The soil is in gen- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. eral good, and well adapted for graz- ing or grain. Great and Little Sun- cook are the only streams deserving the name of rivers. Here are three ponds, Chesnut, Round, and Odi- orne's. Brown oxide, and sulphu- ret of iron arc found, the latter most frequently in its decomposed state. Varieties of quartz, feldspar and schorl are also found. An alluvial deposite has been discovered, which has been ascertained to be terra de senna; it constitutes a very hand- some and durable paint for cal inct work. Epsom was granted J.Iay 18, 1727, to Theodore Atkinson and others. Like all other frontier towns, Epsom was exposed, in its early settlement,to the Indians. Maj. Andrew M'Clary, a na- tive of this town, fell at the battle of Breed's Hill, June 17, 1775. Like the illustrious Roman, he left his plough on the news of the mas- sacre at Lexington, and in the ac- tion when he lost his life displayed great coolness and bravery. Errol, N. H. Coos CO. This town is situated on the W. of Umbagog lake. It contains about 35,000 acres,of which 2,500 are water. Several consider- able streams here unite with the Androscoggin. Errol was granted Feb. 28, i774, to Timothy Ruggles and others. Population, 1830, 82. It lies about 30 miles N.N. E. from Lancaster. JSi-viug, Mass. Franklin co. This township re- mained unincorporated until April 17, 1838. Previously it had been known by the name of " Erving's Grant." It is bounded S. by Mil- ler's and W. by Connecticut rivers. Erving contains some excellent land, and a great water powei'. The year previous to its incorporation, the manufactures of the town, con- sisting of satinet, boots, shoes, palm- leaf hats, &c., amounted to $35,- 185. Population, 1837, 292. Er- lO ving lies 95 miles N. N. W. from Boston, and 10 E. from Greenfield. Essex County-, Vt. Guildhall is the county town. This county is bounded N. by Low- er Canada, W. by the counties of Orleans and Caledonia, and S. and E. by Connecticut river. Area 680 square miles. This is consid- ered the poorest county in the state ; but although much of the land is hilly and mountainous, there is con- siderable good soil, and a large por- tion of it is well adapted for grazing. There were, in 1835, about 8,000 sheep in the county, and a consid- erable number of beef cattle and horses were sent to market. The principal streams are the Nulhegan, which is exclusively in Essex coun- ty ; — the Passumpsic, Moose and Clyde. Incorporated, 1792. Pop- ulation, 1820,3,334; 1830,3,981. About 6 inhabitants to a square mile. Essex County, Mass. Salem, Ipswich, and J\''ewbury- port are the shire towns. This county is bounded N. W. by Rock- ingham county. New Hampshire, S. W. by Middlesex county, E. and N. E. by the Atlantic ocean, and S. E. by'Massachusetts bay. There is muck good land in this county, but its surface is rocky and uneven. It has an extensive sea coast, in- dented with numerous bays, inlets, and capacious harbors. It is more densely populated than any county of its size in the United States. It has great wealth, and its commerce and fisheries are unrivalled by any section of country, of its extent, on the globe. Population, 1820, 73,930; 1830,82,887, and in 1837, 93,689. This county comprises an area of 360 square miles ; — the number of inhabitants to a square mile is 260. Essex county, although of stubborn soil, has many very delightful farms, and furnishes great quantities of hay and vegetables for market. It NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. has many beautiful ponds and com- manding elevations, and its sea- board is the delight of every be- holder. However fruitful the cit- izens may have rendered the soil by their industry, this county is es- sentially a commercial and manu- facturing section of New England. The tonnage of the five districts, in 1837, was 85,933 tons. The amount of manufactures, for the year end- ing April 1, 1837, was .$10,216,300 ; and the amount of the whale, cod and mackerel fisheries, amounted to $1,378,144. The principal riv- ers in Essex county are the Merri- mack and Shawsheen. Essex coun- ty was incorporated in 1643, and has given birth to some of the most dis- tinguished merchants in the United States. Among many others may be mentioned William Gray, Israel Thorndike, and Wil- liam Parsons. I^ssex, Vt. Chittenden co. This town is fine- ly watered by Onion river on the S. and Brown's river, a branch of the Lamoille, on the N. It is also watered by other smaller streams. At Hubbell's falls, on Onion river, are admirable mill sites, at which are manufactures of some extent. The surface of the town is level ; a considerahle portion of the soil is dry and somewhat sandy, but pro- duces good crops of corn and rj'e. Along Onion river are some tracts of beautiful intervale. Essex was first settled in 1783. It lies 31 miles N. W. from Montpelier, and 8 N. N. E. from Burlington. Popula- tion, 1830, 1,664. Elssex, Mass. Essex CO. This town lies at the headof Chebacco river, running in- to Squam bay, 13 miles N. E. from Boston, and 5 miles S. E. from Ips- wich, from which it was taken in 1819. Many vessels of 50 to 120 tons are built in this town, and ma- ny small vessels are employed in the coasting trade and the fisheries. — The manufactures of vessels, leath- er, boots, shoes, bar iron, barrels, coidage, pumps and blocks, in the year ending April 1, 1837, amount- ed to $102^71. The tonnage em- ployed in the cod and mackerel fish- ery was 878 tons. Population, 1837, 1,402. Essex is a pleasant and flourishing town. Eltua, 3Ie. Penobscot co. This is an excel lent farming town with no import- ant streams. It lies 63 miles N. E. from Augusta, 17 W. from Bangor, and bounded by Dixmont on the S. Incorporated, 1S20. Popula- tion, 1830, 362—1837, 626. Etna is fine wheat land : it produced, in 1837, 2,421 bushels. Exeter, Me. Penobscot co. Exeter is 65 miles N. N. E. from Augusta, and 25 S.W. from Bangor. It was incorporated in 1811. Population, 1830, 1,438— 1837, 1,920. At the "Four Cor- ners," in the northerly part of the town, is a pleasant village with con- siderable trade and some mUls. The people of Exeter in 1837, with a soil not above mediocrity, proved without effort; by raising 12,058 bushels &f wheat, that the state of Maine is abundantly able, by means within itself, to supply the whole family of Yankees with bread stuffs, and have some to spare to their western brethren. Exeter, N. H. Rockingham co. This beautiful town lies 40 miles S. E. by E. from Concord and 14 S. W. from Ports- mouth. The compact part of the towB lies about the falls, which sep- arate the fresh from the tide water of a branch of the Piscataqua, call- ed by the natives Swamscot, and now known by the name of Exeter river. Above the falls this stream assumes the name of Great river, to distinguish it from one of its NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. smaller branches, called Little riv- er. Great river has its source in Chester, whence it runs through several towns before it meets the tide water in the centre of Exeter. On this river are many valuable mill privileges. The Exeter Cotton Manufactur- ing Company commenced opera- tions April I, 1830. Their princi- pal building is of brick, 175 feet by 45. They have 5,000 spindles, em- ploy 212 girls and 40 men and boys. They manufacture annually about 1,400,000 yards of sheeting. They consume about 1,200 bales of cot- ton, 300 cords of wood and 22,500 pounds of potatoe starch annually. They have a steam engine, 40 horse power, to operate when the water power fails. This probably con- sumes annually about 150 chaldrons of Sidney coal. The capital invest- ed in lands, buildings, machinery, &c. is about |210,0t)0. A powder mill has been in ope- ration about two years, and will manufacture fiom 130 to 150 tons of powder annually. The manufacture of potatoe starch was commenced in 1824. The es- tablishment has been twice burnt, but is rebuilt with brick, and starch is now manufactured from wheat as well as from potatoes. The amount of sales of starch and gum is about $10,000 annually. In the westerly part of the town is a paper mill, which manufactures paper to the value of $20,000 an- nually. The manufacture of books, blank books, &c. in Exeter, is very extensive. About $100,000 value of shoes and boots are made annu- ally, and a large amount of leather. There are also establishments fo'r the manufacture of morocco leath- er, carriages, of various kinds, brushes, tin and pottery wares. The soil of Exeter is in general good, though comprehending every variety, from that of the best quali- ty to the least productive. Like most towns in the state, it is essen- tially agricultural, and the improve- ment in the style of husbandry has been very great. The number of industrious and enterprising me- chanics, to whom Exeter is indebt- ed for her prosperity, is very rapid- ly increasing. See Jies;ister. Phillips' academy, in Exeter, was founded by the liberal donations of John Phillips, LL. D.,in 1781, who at his death, in 1795, bequeathed to the institution a large portion of his estate. Benjamiiv Abbott, LL. D. has discharged the duties of princi- pal with distinguished ability for more than fifty years. The build- ing stands on a plain, near the cen- tre of the town, and is well provid- ed with accommodations for the different branches of instruction, and a large hall for declamation and the annual exhibitions. The settlement of Exeter com- menced in 1638, by John Wheel- wright and others, who formed them- selves into a body politic, chose their magistrates, and bound the people to obedience. Their laws were made in popular assemblies ; and the com- bination thus entered into subsisted about three years. From 1675 to 1712, Exeter, like most of the early settlements, suffered from the at- tacks of the Indians. Hon. Samuel Teivney, M. El was an original member of the N. H. Medical Society, its vice pre- sident several years, and a mem- ber of congress in 1800 and 1804. Gen. Nathaniel Peabody was an original member of the N. H. medical society; was a member of the old congress ; a senator of the N. H. legislature in 1792 ; and speaker of the house in 1793. Hon. Nicholas Gilman was a member of the old congress, and a senator in congress from 1805 to his death in 1814. Gen. Nathaniel FoLsoMwas a member of the old congress, and a valuable revolutionary oiBcer. Hon. Jeremiah Smith, a na- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tive of Peterborough, was one of the first representatives to congress under the Federal government, was appointed Judge of S. C. of N. H. in 1802, was chief justice, and con- tinued such till 1809, when he was elected governor. He was appoint- ed chief justice of S. J. C. in 1813. Hon. John Taylor Gilmaiv, a descendant of one of the princi- pal settlers at Exeter, was an active supporter of the revolution ; a mem- ber of the old congress ; filled at times the offices of representative and state treasurer; and for four- teen years, between 1794 and 1816, was governor of the state. Exeter has at all periods of its history possessed eminent and use- ful men ; and some of the first law- yers and jurists, antiquarians and scholars, have received their eaily education at its literary institution. Population, 18.30, 2,759. Exeter, R. I. Washington co. This is an agri- cultural and manufacturing town, situated 24 miles S. VV. fi-otn Provi- dence, and from its centre about 10 miles N. W. from South Kings'on. The town is very large, being 12 by 5 miles. The surface is much di- versified by hills and valleys; the soil is a gravelly loam, and very productive of all the varieties com- mon to the climate. The products of the dairy are considerable. — Branches of Wood river give this town a good water power, wliicli IS well improved by cotton mill-i and ottier manufactories. Exeter was incorporated in 174.3. Population, 18.30, 2,383. Fairfax, Vt. Franklin co. Bounded S. by La- moille river: 37 miles N. W. from Montpelier, and 12 S. E. from St. Albans. First settled, 1763. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,729. By Parme- lee's and Stone's brooks, Brown's river, and the Lamoille, this town enjoys a good water power. The falls on Lamoille river, at this place, are singular and worthy of the tra- veller's notice. The land is gene- rally level and of a good quality. A considerable amount of agricul- tural products is sent to market, and about 6,000 sheep are reared. There are some manufactures at the falls. Fairfax is a place of considerable business. Fairfield, Me. Somerset co. This beautiful town- .^hip is located on the W . side of Kennebec river, and S. of Bloom- field. Fairfield is the most south- ern township in the county. It is v.'atered by a small stream running into the Kennebec, and by a branch of Waterville river. This town is favored with a fine soil, and naviga- ble privileges to Augusta. It has a pleasant village, considerable trado, and, in 1837, produced 11,- 531 bushels of wheat, and a large quantity of wool. Population, 1837, 2,203. "Distant from Augusta, 26 miles N., and from Norridgcwock, 10 S. E. Incorporated, 17SS. Fairfield, Vt. Franklin CO. Thistown was first settled in 1739. It is well watered by Smithficld pond, Fairfield river. Black creek, and branches of Mis- sisque river, and abounds in mill sites. Fairfield has a good strong soil and generally suitable for cul- tivation. It is a pleasant place, with some trade and consideral^le manu- factures. It produces good beef cattle and horses, and pastures about 7.000 sheep. Population, 1830, 2,- 270. Fairfield lies 45 miles N. W. from Montpelier, 27 N. N. E. from I]urIington, and is bounded W. by St. Albans. Fairfield County, Ct. Fairfield and Banbvry are the shire towns. This county is bound- ed N. by Litchfield county, N. E. and E. by Housatouick river, S. E. and S. by Long Island Sound, and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. "W. by the state of New York. This is a fine farming section of coun- try, agreeably diversified in regard to surface, with a strong fertile soil, and possesses great natural agricul- tural resources. Fairfield county extends nearly 40 miles on Long Island Sound, and enjoys great fa- cilities for navigation and the fish- eries. The beautiful Housatonick washes its northeastern boundary, and the Saugatuck, Norwalk, Mill, Pequonuck and other rivers afford it an ample water power. The man- ufacturing interests of the county are valuable and increasing. It contains many villages of superior beauty, and abounds in scenery of an interesting character. First set- tled, 1639. Area, 630 square miles. Population, 1820, 42,739 ; 1830, 46,950 ; 75 inhabitants to a square mile. In 1837 there were in this county about 22,000 sheep. FaU-field, Ct. Shire town, Fairfield co. This ancient and patriotic town compris- es three parishes, Fairfield, the seat of justice. Green's Farms and Greenfield. Fairfield lies 21 miles S. W. from New Haven, and 58 N. E. from New York. Population, 1830, 4,246. Its Indian name was Unquowa. The surface of the town is undulating and very plea- sant. The soil is fertile, well cul- tivated and productive of wheat and rye, and a great variety of fruits and vegetables for New York mar- ket. Black Rock harbor is safe and easy of entrance for vessels draw- ing 19 feet of water at common tides. The tide usually rises in Long Isl- and Sound about 5 feet. There is but little water power in Fairfield, except that produced by the tide. The tonnage of Fairfield district, in 1837, was 11,988 tons. The prin- cipal business in navigation is the coasting trade. In the year 1637, the tract of country which now forms the town of Fairfield was discovered by cap- IQ* tain Mason and the troops of Mas- sachusetts and Connecticut under his command, when they pursued the Pequots to the swamp in this town, bearing the name of " Pequot Swamp." This is the spot made memorable by the great fight that took place there, between those troops and the Pequots, terminating in the almost entire destruction of that once powerful and warlike na- tion of savages. There are no In- dian marks left by which this swamp can be traced as the place of their extermination, except a mound of earth in the centre of it, considered as a place of safety, evi- dently the effect of art, with a rais- ed foot path leading from it to the surrounding high grounds. In that expedition this region attracted the notice of adventurers. In the year 1639 a few families removed hither from Windsor, commenced a settle- ment, and, in a short period after- wards, were joined by several per- sons from Watertown and Concord, Mass. After Connecticut obtained her charter, the general assembly granted these people a patent, then including the towns now Reading and Weston. Fairfield is distinguished for its ardent attachment to American lib- erty, and for its sacrifices during the contest for independence. In 1779, when Tryon, a British governor, de- manded a surrender of the town, under a threat of its destruction, the answer of the inhabitants was, " We will never voluntarily lay down our arms till we have obtained the object for which they have been taken up. The village is in j'our power; plunder and burn it if you will, and take along with your plun- der the infamy of which it cannot be divested." "On the 7th July, 1779, gover- ernor Tryon, with a large and vengeful army, sailed from New Haven to Fairfield ; and the next morning disembarked upon the beach. A few militia assembled to NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. oppose them; and, in a desultory, scattered manner, fought with great intrepidity through most of the day. They killed some ; took several pri- soners ; and wounded more. But the expedition was so sudden and unexpected, that the efibrts, made in this manner, were necessarily fruitless. The town was plunder- ed ; a great part of the houses, to- gether with the two churches, the court house, jail, and school houses, were huriit. The barns had been just tilled with wheat, and other produce. The inhabitants, there- fore, were turned out into the world, almost literally destitute. " While the town was in flames, a thunder storm overspread the hea- vens, just as night came on. The conflagration of near two hundred houses illumined the earth, the skirts of the clouds, and the waves of the Sound, with an union of gloom and grandeur, at once inex- pressibly awful and magnificent. The sky speetiily was hung with the deepest darkness, wherever the clouds were not tinged by the mel- ancholy lustre of the flames. At intervals the lightnings blazed with a livid and terrible splendor. The thunder rolled above. Beneath, the roaring of the fires filled up the intervals with a deep and hollow sound, which seemed to be the pro- tracted murmur of the thunder, re- verberated from one end of heaven to the other. Add to this convul- sion of the elements, and these dreadful effects of vindictive and wanton devastation, the trembling of the earth ; the sharp sound of muskets, occasionally discharged ; the groans, here and there, of the wounded and dying ; and the shouts of triumph : then place before your eyes crowds of the miserable suf- ferers, mingled with bodies of the militia, and from the neighboring hills taking a farewell prospect of their property and their dwellings, their happiness and their hopes; and you will form a just but imper- fect picture of the burning of Fair- lield. It needed no great effort of imagination to believe that the final day had arrived ; and that amid this funeral darkness, the morning would speedily dawn, to which no night would ever succeed; the graves yield up their inhabitants; and the trial commence, at which was to be finally settled the destiny of man. " The next morning the troops re-embarked ; and, proceeding to Green's Farms, set tire to the church, and consumed it ; together with fifteen dwelling houses, elev- en barns, and several stores." Fairbaven, Vt. Rutland co. First settled, 1779. Population, 1830, 675. The soil is generally productive, particularly along the banks of the streams. It is watered by Castleton and Poult- ney rivers, the former of which re- ceives the waters of lake Bomba- zine, a large pond between Fair- haven and Castleton. On these streams are considerable falls, and mill site-. Fairhaven lies 16 miles W. from Rutland, and 9 N. E. from Whitehall, N. Y. Fairba-reu, Mass. Bristol CO. This pleasant town was taken from New Bedford, in 1812. It lies across Acushnett river, about a mile east of New Bedford. It is united to New Bed- ford by abridge 3,960 feetin length, and is associated with it in many of its enterprises. First settled, 1764. Population, 1830, 3,034; 1S37, 3,649. There are 37 vessels be- longing to this place engaged in the whale fishery, the tonnage of which is 11,564 tons. The value of whale oil and bone imported in- to this place the year ending April 1, 1837, was $322,272. The num- ber of hands employed in the fish- ery was 945. Capital invested, $!957,000. The Acushnett produ- ces some water power, on which are NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. two cotton mills, a paper mill, and | other operations by water. The value of cotton goods, leather, boots, shoes, tin ware, vessels, salt, wood- en ware, chairs and cabinet ware manufactured, amounted to $40,363. Fairlee, Vt. Orange co. A rough and moun- tainous township, with very little productive land, on the west side of Connecticut river, and connected with Orford, N. H. by a bridge across that river. First settled, 1768. Population, 1830, 656. This town lies about 17 miles E. S. E. from Chelsea, and 31 S. E. from Montpelier. Fairlee pond is two miles in length and about three fourths of a mile wide. It formerly had no fish. Some years ago a gentleman placed some pickerel in it, and the legisla- ture passed a law protecting the fish from molestation for two years. Since that time the pond has had an abundance of pickerel of good size and quality. Fall River, Mass. Bristol CO. This town took the name of Troy, in 1803. It was for- merly a part of Freetown. In 1834, the name was changed to that of the river within its borders, at the union of which and Taunton river the town is very pleasantly situa- ted. This town is without a paral- lel on the continent of America, in regard to the union of hydraulic powers and navigable facilities. Fall river rises in Wattuppa ponds ; one of which is 11 miles in length and 1 in breadth. These ponds are produced by perpetual springs, and lie about two miles east of the town. The descent of this rik'er is 136 feet. The volume of water is con- stant, not liable to excess, and of sufficient power for the largest man- ufactories. The harbor on Taunton river is safe and easy of access, and of suf- ficient depth of water for the larg- est ships. Six ships from this port are engaged in the whale fishery. It has also some merchant and coast- ing vessels. A marine rail-way was constructed here in 1834. This town has an abundance of fine granite, equal to the Quincy. A rail -road is in progress to meet the Boston and Providence, at Seekonk, 13 miles. The Pocasset Hotel, belonging to a company of gentlemen, is a splendid building, constructed in 1833. No house in the country af- fords better accommodations. A regular steamboat line is establish- ed between this place and Provi- dence : — distance, by water, 28 miles. The value of the manufactures of Fall River for the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $2,863,- 378, exclusive of large manufac- tures of machinery, iron hoops and rods, stoves, brass, copper, and tin wares. The ten cotton mills pro- duced 7,767,614 yards of cloth, val- ued at $668,028. The woolen mill produced 150,000 yards of cloth, valued at $180,000. The other ar- ticles manufactured consisted of leather, boots, shoes, iron castings, hats, nails, chairs, cabinet ware and vessels. The two print works printed twelve million yards of cal- ico. The number of hands em- ployed in all the factories was 1,819. The product of the whale fishery, the same year, was $68,700. Hands employed in the fishery, 120. Fall River lies 49 miles S. fmm Boston, 17 S. from Taunton, 14 VV. from New Bedford, 18 S. E. from Providence, "R. I. and 190 E. from New York. Population, in 1820, 1,594; 1830, 4,159; 1837, 6,352.— The surface of Fall River is eleva- ted, rough and uneven, and consid- ered a healthy location for a manu- facturing town. Falmoutli, Me. Cumberland co. This is a pleas- ant town at the head of Casco bay. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 6 miles N. from Portland, and 47 S. W. from Augusta. It is watered by Presumscut river, and lias a num- ber of vessels employed in coasting- and fishine;. The soil on the whole coast of Maine is not so fertile as in the interior parts of the state, yet Falmouth comprises a considerable quantity of good land. The town was incorporated as early as 1718, and included the territory of the city of Portland until 1786. Pop- ulation, 1837, 2,0(JS. Falmouth, Mass. Barnstable co. A pleasant town on Vineyard Sound. There are belong- ing to this town 9 whale-ships, and about40 sail in the coastingtrade and fishery. Two streams afford a wa- ter power, on which are two wool- en mills and oiher manufactories. There are about 40 ponds in this town, some salt and some fresh : — these, with the views of the islands in the Sound, form a variety of agreeable scenery. "Wood's Hole" harbor, at the S. W. extremity of the town, is a good harbor and much frequented by vessels, and by invalids in search of health. The value of oil imported into Falmouth, the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $146,600. The value of vessels, salt, woolen goods, boots, shoes and leather, manufactured the same year, was $58,657. Falmouth lies 71 miles S. E. by E. from Hos- ton, and 22 S. W. from Barnstable. " Woods' Hole " is 4 miles W. from the centre of the town ; ami " Holmes' Hole" harbor, on Mar- tha's Vineyard, is 6 miles S. Pop- ulation, 1837, 2,580. Incorporated, 1686. Farniington, Me. County town of Franklin co. This very beautiful town lies 29 miles N. W. from Augusta, and is water- ed by Sandy and Little Norridge- wock rivers. At the union of these rivers are excellent mill piivilcges, and a delightful village, the seat of justice. Farther up the Sandy, about 5 miles, is another beautiful village, the seat of a flourishing academy. The soil of Farmington being of a superior quality, the inhabitants are induced to devote much attention to agricultural pur- suits ; yet it is a place of some man- ufactures, and considerable trade ia lumber and other merchandize. The agricultural products of Farm- ington are various and valuable. In 1837 it produced 12,400 bushels of as good wheat as ever grew on the banks of the Ohio. Incorporat- ed, 1794. Population, 1837, 2,507. Farmington, ST. H., Strafford co., was formerly a part of Rochester, but was incorporated as a distinct town, Dec. 1, 1798. It lies 36 miles E. N. E. from Con- cord, and 17 N. W. by N. from Dover. The Cocheco meanders through the N. E. part of the town. The Blue hills or Frost mountainb extend nearly through the town under different names. From the summit of the ridge in the S. E. part, ships may be seen by the na- ked eye off Portsmouth harbor ; while to the N. and W. the White Hills and the Monadnock, with hun- dreds of .smaller mountains, meet the eye of the beholder. There is, not far from the village in Farm- ington, a rock supposed to weigh from 60 to SO tons, so exactly pois- ed on other rocks, that it may be caused to vibrate several inches by the hand. At the bank of the Co- checo, a little more than a mile S. E. from the principal village, is a place called the Dock, so named from the circumstance that the first settlers usuall3'dei)osited their lum- ber here to be floated down the riv- er. This name is some times igno- rantly applied to the village. Hon. Aaron Wingatk, for ma- ny years a member of the legisla- ture, a counsellor from 1797 to 1803, and for sometime chief-justice of the common pleas in Straflbrd, died NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. here in 1822, a^ed 78 years. Pop- ulation, 1830, f,465. Farmington, Ct. Hartford co. The first settlers of this town were from Hartford, being emigrants from the neighbor- hood of Boiton, Mass. They loca- ted themselves, in 1640, on the lux- uriant meadows of the Tunxis, or Farmington river, 10 miles W. from Hartford. The township was pur- chased of the Tunxis Indians, a nu- merous and warlike tribe. At its incorporation, in 1645, the township comprised fifteen miles squai-e ; since which the pleasant towns of Southington, Berlin, Bristol, Bur- lington and Avon have been taken /rom the original territory of Farm- ington. Farmington river rises in the high lands in the N. part of Litchfield county, and after meandeiing de- lightfully through the towns of New Hartford and Burlington, in a S. E. direction, it changes its course at Farmington to the N., and pass- ing Avon and Simsbury to the bor- der of Granby, it again turns ab- ruptly to the E. and meets the Con- necticut at Windsor. This is a beautiful and fertilizing stream, and gives to the towns through which it passes, but particularly to Farm- ington, large tracts of rich alluvial meadows. Farmington village is a delight- ful place, on an elevated plain, sur- rounded by high hills. The street is about two miles in length, beau- tifully shaded, and contains, be- sides two churches and an acade- my, about 100 neat dwelling houses, some of which are tasteful and ele- gant. The Farmington canal pass- es through the village. Round Hill, in the meadows, near the village, is a natural curi- osity. It rises abruptly, to the height of 60 feet, is nearly circular in its form and covers 12 acres. It is thought that this hill was former- Jy an island in the centre of a lake, which covered the whole of the present meadows. The population of Farmington has varied but little from 2,000 within the last 30 years. Fayette, Me. Kennebec co. This town con- tains some beautiful ponds and is the source of a branch of Sandy river. It lies 17 miles W. N. W. from Augusta, and is bounded E. by Readtield. Incorporated, 1795. — Population, 1837, 1,006. This is a good township of land ; it produced, in 1S37, 4,438 bushels of wheat and some wool. Fayston, Vt. Washington co. Fayston is gen- erally too mountainous to be much cultivated. Along the borders of some of the branches of Mad river, which rise here, is some arable land. It lies 16 miles W. S. W. from Montpelier, and 25 S. E. from Burlington. First settled, 179S. Population, 1830, 458. Ferdinand, "Vt. Essex CO. This town was char- tered in 1761, and contains 23 square miles; it is bounded. S. E. by Maidstone. Paul's stream affords it a good water power, but the land is so mountainous, rocky, cold and swampy that people do not choose to cultivate it. Ferrisburgli, Vt. Addison co. This township pos- sesses a good soil, an excellent wa- ter power by Otter, Little Otter, and Lewis creeks ; and navigable privileges on the waters of the out- lets of those creeks and lake Cham- plain. Basin Harbor in this town is deep and well protected from winds, and is a place of consider- able navigation and commercial im- portance. Across the lake to Essex, N. Y. is about two miles. Large crops of grain are produced here, and Ferrisburgh is noted for its fine butter, cheese, pork, and fat cattle. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. There are some woolen and other manufactures on its streams, and about 10,000 slieep graze in its pas- tures. Large quantities of fisli are annually taken in the season of spring. First settled, 1784. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,822. Ferrisburgh lies 19 miles S. from Burlington, 16 N. W. from Middlebury, and 34 W. from Montpelier. FUcliburgli, Mass. Worcester co. This township was first granted by " the Great and General Court of His Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay, Nov. 4, 1719." The township thus granted included the territory of some of the neighboring towns. The town was incorporated in 1764. A large branch of the Nashua and two smaller streams pass through the town, and afford it an extensive and constant water power. Over the Nashua, in the distance of two miles, are eleven dams for the ac- commodation of manufactories. This is a very flourishing town, and ex- liibits in a striking manner the ef- fect of water power on the increase, wealth and respectabiHty of many of our interior towns. There are many valuable mill sites at this place still unimproved. In the immediate vicinity of the principal village is an immense quarry of ex- cellent granite. This town lies 47 miles W. N. W. from Boston, 24 N. from Worcester, 30 W. by S. from Lowell, and 60 N. E. from Spring- field. There are in Fitchburgh^4 cotton, 3 woolen, and 2 paper mills. The manufactures for the year end- ing April 1, 1837, amounted to $429,640. The manufactures con- sisted of cotton and woolen goods, paper, leather, boots, shoes, hats, scythes, bellows, palm-leaf hats, straw bonnets, chairs, tin and cab- inet wares. The surface of the town is hilly, but the soil is strong and productive. Population, 1830, 2,169; 1837,2,662. Fitz>Tilliaiu, N. II. Cheshire CO. Fitzwilliam lies 13 miles S. E. from Keene, 60 S. W. from Concord, and 65 N. W. from Boston. Cam]) and Priest brooks, running in a S. direction, are the principal streams. South pond, 230 rods long and of various width ; Sip's pond, 200 rods long and 100 wide ; Kockwood's pond and Col- lin's pond, aie the only natural col- lections of water. The surface of this town is hilly : the soil is rocky. There is a con::^idcrable quantity of very productive and highly valua- ble meadow land. The soil is suit- able for grazing and tillage. Beef, pork, butter and cheese are the sta- ples. The farmers have of late turn- ed their attention to the raising of* sheep. Near the centre of the town is a large hill, remarkable for the beautifully romantic prospect it af- fords. Gap mountain, which at a distance, appears to be a part of the Monadnock, and on which are found various kinds of stones suitable for whetstones, lies partly in Troy and partly in the N. E. part of Fitz- william. Population, 1830, 1,229. Fletcher, Vt. Franklin co. There are some small streams in this town and .some manufacturing operations. The soil is broken, hard, and not very pro- ductive. It lies 22 miles N. N. E from Montpelier, and about IS S. E from St. Albans. Population, 1830, 793. Florida, Mass. Berkshire co. A mountainous township, 125 miles W. by N. from Boston, 27 N. N. E. from Lenox, and 7 E. from Adams. Florida is watered by Deerfield river, and ex- hibits some fine Alpine scenery. Population, 1837, 457. Inc. 1805. Foster, R. I. Providence CO. This is a large ag- ricultural and manufacturing town. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. finely watered by Hemlock brook, Ponongansett and Moosup rivers. The surface of the town, in many parts, is rough and uneven, but the soil is well calculated for the pro- ductions of the dairy. In the west- ern part are extensive forests of val- uable timber. There are a number of pleasant villages on the borders of the numerous streams, most of which are largely engaged in manu- facturing operations, particularly of cotton. Foster was first settled in 1717; incorporated in 1781, and named in compliment to the Hon. Theodore Foster, formerly a senator of the United States. It lies 15 miles W. by S. from Providence, and 50 E. from Hartford, Ct. Pop- ulation, 1830, 2,672. Foxborougli, Mass. Norfolk CO. This town was tak- en from Dorchester in 1778. It is watered by Rumford and Cocasset rivers, branches of the Taunton, on which are mills of various kinds. The manufactures of Foxborough the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $231,136 :— they con- sisted of cotton and woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, iron castings, straw bonnets, shovels, spades, hoes and forks. Foxborough lies 24 miles S. S. W. from Boston, 15 S. from Dedham, and 18 E. N. E. from Providence, R. I. Population, 1830, 1,099; 1837,1,416. Foxcroft, Me. Piscataquis co. This town is sit- uated on the north side of Piscata- quis river, opposite to Dover. The soil of the town is capable of pro- ducing all the varieties common to the climate. A part of Sebec pond lies in the north patt of the town. In 1837, 5,574 bushels of wheat was raised. This is a fine section of country for the growth of beef and wool. Foxcroft was first settled in 1805, and was named in compliment to the Hon. Joseph E. Foxcroft. The "village, with an academy, is very pleasantly located on the bank of the river, and has the appearance of prosperity. Foxcroft lies 77 miles N. N. E. from Augusta. — Population, 1830, 677; 1837,907. Incorporated, 1812. Fox Islands, Me. See Vinalhaven. Fraiuiugliani, Mass. Middlesex co. A large and flour- ishing manufacturing town, with a fine soil, and pleasant ponds: — 20 miles W. S. \V. from Boston, and 13 S. S. W. from Concord. The ponds and Sudbury river give this town a good water power. The value of the manufactures, the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $421,- 111. The articles manufactured were 268,640 yards of woolen cloth, valued at $311,800; boots, shoes, leather, hats, paper,(.$46,000) straw bonnets, chairs, tin and cabinet wares. Framingham is a delight- ful town, and approached by the rail-road with great ease. It has become an agreeable resort for fish- ing, fowling and other rural sports. Incorporated, 1700. Population, in 1830, 2,313 ; 1837, 2,881. Francestotvn, Iff. H. Hillsborough co. It is 12 miles N. W. from Amherst, and 27 S. W. from Concord. The two S. branches of the Piscataquog rise in this town ; the largest branch from Pleasant pond, the other from Haunted pond. The former branch passes near the village in Francestown. Pleasant and Haunted ponds are considerable collections of water. The land is I uneven, and in many parts stony, but the qualities of the soil are warm and moist. There are some small intervales, which are very productive. About 7,000 sheep are kept here. The streams of wa- ter are not large, and almost every mill is situated on rivers that take their rise from hills and ponds with- in the limits of the town. The NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. highest land is Crotched mountain, the summit of which is more than 600 feet above the level of the common in the centre of the town. One of the summits of tliis moun- tain is covered with wood ; the other is almost a solid ledge of rocks, af- fording a very extensive prospect to the S. W. There is in the easter- ly part of this town a very exten- sive and valuable quarry of free- stone. It is of a dark greyish col- or, and when polished strongly re- sembles the variegated marble of Vermont. In the N. part of this town black lead has been found of a good quality — and in the S. part some beautiful specimens of rock crystal. The common garnet is met with in various places. On the N. side of Haunted pond, there is a bar of 20 rods in length, 6 feet high, and 3 or 4 feet through ; but for what purpose or by what means this barrier was raised, is a matter of conjecture only. The local sit- uation of this town is very eligible for business, being near the centre of the county, and on the great thoroughfare from Windsor to Bos- ton, and on a leading road from the S. W. part of the state to Concord. The village is very pleasant, neatly built and flourishing. Francestown derived its name from Frances, the wife of the last Gov. Wcntworth. The first settlement was made about 1760, by John Carsop, a Scotch- man. Mr. James Woodbury, who died March 3, 1823, at the age of 85, closed his life in this town. He was an active soldier in the old French war, and engaged by the side of Gen. Wolfe, when he was killed at the memorable siege of Quebec. He was one of the truly invincible rangers under the im- mortal Stark, and discliarged every duty in a prompt and courageous manner. Population, 1S30, 1541. Franronia, N. H. Grafton co. It is 28 miles N. E. from Haverhill, and 74 N. from Concord. A large proportion of this town is mountainous. Its streams are branches of the Lower Amonoosuck river, and rise on the mountainous tracts to the east. Here are several ponds: one of which, called Ferrin's pond, is the source of the middle branch of Pem- igewassct river. The mountains adjoining the Notch, through which the road passes, are most conspicu- ous. These are called Mounts La Fayette and Jackson. On the lat- ter is the celebrated " Profile," or " Old Man of the Mountain." It is situated on a peak of solid rock, 1,000 feet in height and almost per- pendicular. On this peak, nature, in her wildest mood, exhibits the profile of the human face, of which every feature is delineated with wonderful exactness. The Fran- conia mountain pass presents to the traveller some of the wildest scene- ry in our country, and must ever re- main a great thoroughfare between the upper waters of the Connecti- cut river and the ocean. There are two iron establish- ments in this town. The lower works are situated on the S. branch of Amonoosuck river, and are own- ed by the New Hampshire Iron Factory Company; incorporated, Dec. 18, 1805, which was composed principally of gentlemen in Salem and Boston. Their establishment is very extensive, consisting of a blast furnace, erected in 1808, an air furnace, a forge and trip-ham- mer shop. There are also near, or connected with the establishment, grain and saw-mills, a large store, several shops, and other buildings, which make a small village. The ore is obtained from a mountain in the east part of Li>bon,N. II., three miles from the fuinace, and is con- sidered the richest in the United States, yielding from 56 to 63 per cent; and the mine is said to be in- exhaustible. First settled, 1774. Population,1830, 447. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. PranUfort, Me. Waldo CO. This excellent town- ship of land is situated on the W. side of Penobscot river, 57 miles N. E. by E. from Augusta, 12 S. from Bangor, and 18 N. from Bel- fast. It is well watered by Marsh river, on which are two beautiful villages. The largest village is near the Penobscot, on Marsh bay. The other village is at the head of the tide, on Marsh river, about 4 miles S. W. from the Penobscot, and is accommodated with excellent mill privileges. The location of Frankfort is exceeding favorable to the navigation and trade of Penob- scot river, particularly so in the winter season, as it is the highest point on the river to which vessels can ascend during the icy season of the year. The prospects of Frank- fort in its commercial and agricul- tural pursuits are very promising: indeed it bids fair to become an im- portant depot on one of our largest rivers. Among the agricultural products of this town, in 1837, was 9,.330 bushels of wheat. Popula- tion, 1830, 2,487 ; 1837,3,223. In- corporated, 1789. Fraukliu County, Me. Farmington is the county town. This county was incorporated March 20, 18.38. The following is the legislative description of its territory : " The towns of New Sharon, Chesterville, Wilton, Temple and Farmington in the county of Ken- nebec ; and Jay, Carthage, Weld, Berlin, Madrid, townships number- ed six, letter E. and D. in the coun- ty of Oxford, thence extending northerly from the north-west cor- ner of letter D. on the line be- twixt townships numbered three and four, through the several rang- es of townships to Canada line, so as to include three tiers of town- ships west of the west line of the Bingham Purchase in said county 13 of Oxford ; and Industry, New Vine- yard, Strong, Avon, Phillips, Free- man, Salem, Kingtield, townships nujnbered four in the first range west of Kingfield, three and four in the second range, and the south half of township numbered four in the third range of the Bingham Purchase, in the county of Somer- set, be and hereby are, &c." This county is therefore bounded N. by Lower Canada, E. by the county of Somerset, S. by Kenne- bec and Oxford counties, and W. by Oxfoi-d county. This county has no navigable waters, but is inter- spersed with numerous ponds and mill streams. Its surface is gen- erally undulating, with some moun- tainous tracts. Its soil, for the most part, is excellent, and cannot fail in remunerating the industrious far- mer by its products of wheat, beef, and wool. Franklin County, Vt. St. Albans, county town. This county is bounded N. by Lower Canada, E. by Orleans county, S. E. and S. by Lamoille county, S. by Chittenden county, and W. by lake Champlain. Incorporated, 1792. Population, 1830, 22,034. The Missisque river passes through the northern part of the county, and the Lamoille its most southern section. The principal part of the trade of this county goes to Canada, by lake Champlain, which affords it many facilities in transportation. Although the surface is somewhat broken and in some parts mountain- ous, yet the soil is productive of wheat and grass. Many cattle are annually taken from this county to market, and in 1837 it had 63,000 sheep. In this county, marble and iron ore of excellent qualities are found. Franklin County, Mass. Greenfield, county town. Bound- ed N. by Windham county, Vt.,and a part of Cheshire county, N. H. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. E. by Worcester county, S. by Hampshire county, and W. by Berk- shire county. Area, 650 square miles. The Connecticut river pass- es nearly through the centre of this county. It produces, in great abund- ance, all sorts of grain, fruits and vegetables common to its climate; and exports considerable quantities of beef, pork, and products of the dairy. Manufactures are increas- ing in value and importance; and this county yields to no other in the state in the extent of its hydraulic powers, or in the richness and vari- ety of its scenery. There are 44 inhabitants to a square mile. Chief rivers, Connecticut, Deerfield, and Miller's. Taken from Hampshire county in 1811. Population, 1S20, 29,268; 1830, 29,344; 1837,28,65.5. The value of tlie manufactures of this county, for the year ending April 1, 1837, was §787,900. The value of wool grown, the product of 55,713 fleeces, was .$70,513. Franklin, Me. Hancock CO. Franklin lies at the head of Taunton bay, the most northerly waters of Frenchman's bay. It is bounded S. by Sullivan, and contains several large ponds and good mill sites. Franklin is about 15 miles E. from Ellsworth. Population, 1837, 474. Incorporat- ed, 1825. Franklin, X. H. Merrimack co. This town was incorporated in 1828, from parts of the towns of Salisbury, Andover, Sanbornton. and Northfield : is 18 miles from Concord, 63 from Ports- mouth, and 7S from Boston. Frank- lin is a place of considerable and increasing business; has a cotton factory, two paper mills, an iron foundry, and other manufacturing establishments. The junction of the Winnepisiogee and Pemigewas- set rivers, in this town, form the noble Merrimack, creating on both streams an extensive and valuable water power. It is probable that within a few years the river will be rendered navigable, by means of locks and canals, as far up as Franklin, in which event it would become one of the most flourishing interior towns in New Hampshire. Population, in 1830, 1,370. Franklin, Vt. Franklin co. This town was for- merly called Huntsburgh, and was first settled in 1789. It lies 50 miles N. W. from Montpelier, 17 N. N. E. from St. Albans, and bounded N. by Canada. The sur- face of the town is rough, but the soil is tolerably well adapted for sheep, of which about 3,500 are kept. Population, 1830, 1,129. Franklin, Mass. Norfolk CO. Charles river and its branches a/Ford Franklin a good water ])ower. It was taken from Wrentliam in 1778. There are live cotton mills in the town, and man- ufactures of straw bonnets, shoes, boots, boxes and boats; total amount of manufactures in one year, $210,- 472, of which $160,186 were for straw bonnets, for which this town is celebrated. Franklin lies 27 miles S. W. by S. from Boston, and 17 S. S. W. from Dedham. Population. 1837, 1,696. Franklin, Ct. New London co. Shetucket riv- er separates this town from Lisbon. The surface of Franklin is uneven; the soil a gravelly loam, more lit for grazing than tillage. There is a woolen factory on Beaver brook, a branch of the Shetucket, but the chief business of the people is rear- ing sheep, and other agricultural* pursuits. Population, 1830, 1.194. It lies 34 miles E. S. E. from Hart- ford, and 7 N. by W. from Norwich. Franklin was taken from Norwich in 1786. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Freedom.) Me. Waldo CO. Previous to its incor- poration, in 1313, the territory of Freedora was called " Beaver Hill." It was first settled in 1794. It is a good township of land, and bound- ed W. by Albion, and E. by Knox. It is about 20 miles E. S. E. from Belfast, and 25 N. E. from Augus- ta. Freedora, in 1837, with a pop- ulation of 1,058, produced 6,084 bushels of wheat. JFreedom, IV. H. Strafford co. This town, former- ly JVorth Effingham, was incorpo- rated by its present name, Dec. 6, 1832. It is an uneven township, but has some good farms. It is bounded in part by the Ossipee lake, and river, which discharije east- wardly into tlie Saco. Distant 60 miles N. N. E. from Concord. Pop- ulation, in 1833, about 900. Freeman, Me. Franklin co. This small town of only 17,000 acres, most of which is woodland, with a population of 805, produced 6,435 bushels of wheat in 1837. Freeman is the source of a small branch of Sandy river. It lies 02 miles N. W. from Augusta, and 15 N. from Farming- ton. Freeport, Me. Cumberland CO. This is a respect- able town with a pleasant village, and small harbor at the head of Cas- co bay, on the road from Portland to Brunswick, IS miles N. by E. from the former, 9 S. W. from the latter, and 36 S. S. W. from Augus- ta. Freeport was taken from North Yarmouth in 1789, and was former- ly called the Harraseeket Settle- ment, from the name of the river that passes through it. This is a place of some navigation, ship build- ing, and agricultural enterprize. Population, 1837, 2,659. Freetown, Mass. Bristol CO. This town lies on the E. side of Taunton river, 8 miles S. from Taunton, 12 N. by W. from New Bedford, and 40 S. from Bos- ton. 'First settled, 1659. Incor- porated, 1633. Population, 1837, 1,779. It is watered by a branch of Taunton river, and has some nav- igation. The manufactures of Free- town consist of iron castings, cut- lery, axes, shovels, spades, hoes, forks, nails, leather, boots, shoes, vessels, chairs, and cabinet ware. Total amount, in one year, $43,320. The soil is light, and keeps, among other cattle, about 1,000 sheep. Frencli River. This river rises in Leicester, Mass. It passes through Auburn, Oxford, and Dudley ; it then enters the state of Connecticut and joins the Quin- ebaugh at Thompson. Some French protestants settled on this river in 1685. Frenchman's Bay, Me. This important bay, in the county of Hancock, containing a number of excellent harbors and beautiful islands, is bounded W. by Baker's island, one of the Cranberry islands, and E. by a peninsula in Goldsbo- rough, on the W. side of which is Musquito harbor. The distance across this bay, from Baker's island to Goldsborough point, is 10 miles. This bay juts in from the Atlantic ocean about 20 miles, and is envi- roned by the towns of Eden, Tren- ton, Hancock, Franklin, Sullivan, and Goldsborough, and is the recip- ient of many valuable streams. It is easy of access, never obstructed by ice, and is one of the best retreats in a storm on the American coast. Friendship, Me. Lincoln co. This is an Atlantic town, containing several islands, at the head of Muscongus bay. It was formerly called the Meduncook NEW ENGL.4..VD GAZETTEER. Settlement, as lying between a riv- er of that name and the Muscongus. Friendship is a place of consider- able navigation and trade. It lies 48 miles S. E. from Augusta, and 10 miles S. W. from Warren. Pop- ulation, 1837, 662. Fryelmrgli, Me. Oxford CO. This interesting and pleasant town lies on both sides of Saco river, on the line of New Hampshire. The uplands are pot remarkal)le for their fertility, but the intervales on the .Saco are of the choicest kind. Fryeburgh is only 6 miles square, yet the Saco Ijeie is so fantastic in its course that it winds itself between 30 and 40 miles with- in its limits. This town, the Indian Pequawket, lies 75 miles W. N. W. from Augusta, 47 N. W. from Port- land, and 28 S. W. from Paris.— Population, 1S37, 1,444. Incorpo- rated, 1777. The principal village is situated on a plain, surrounded by lofty hills, and watered by the Sa- co : it bears evident marks of anti- quity, and has an academy " with a cabinet of rare curiosities, col- lected with much diligence." — Lovewell's pond lies a short distance from the village. This beautiful sheet of water, now the resort for innocent amusements, was once the scene of bloody combat, and of tlie overthrow of a powerful Indian tribe. The story of Lovewell's Fight has been told thousands of times, but as it is identified with the town of which we treat, we quote a brief notice of the event from the North American Review. " It was on the 18th of April, 1725, that Capt. John Lovewell, of Dunstable, Massachusetts, with 34 men, fought a famous Indian chief, named Paugus,atthe head of about 80 savages, near the shores of a pond in Pequawket. Lovewell's men were determined to conquer or die, although out-numbered by the Indians more than one half. They fought till Lovewell and Pau- gus were killed, and all Lovewell's men but nine were either killed or wounded dangerously. The sava- ges having lost, as was supposed, 60 of their number out of SO, and being convinced of the fierce and determined resolution of their foes, at length retreated and left them masters of the ground. The scene of this desperate and bloody action, which took place in the town which is now called Fryeburgh, is often visited with interest to this day, and the names of those who fell, and those who survived, are yet re- peated with emotions of grateful exultation." Fundy, Bay of. This bay washes a part of the eastern shore of Maine ; and as it is an important channel of com- merce between the United States and the British provinces of New- Brunswick and Nova Scotia, it may be useful to notice it. This large and important bay sets up N. E. round cape Sable, the most south- ern point of Nova Scotia, in N. lat. 43= 24', W. Ion. 65° 39', and cross- es to the ebore of Maine a little W. of Frenchman's bay. Fro i the mouth of Frenchman's bay to Cape Sable is about 150 miles ; from Eastport to St. John's, N. B. is 60 miles ; from St. John's to Annapo- lis, in a bay of that name, on the Nova Scotia side, is 40 miles ; from thence to Halifax, by land, is 80 miles. From Eastport direct to Annapolis, across the bay, is about 70 miles. The Bay of Fundy is divided near its head by cape Chig- necto. The N. W. part is called Chignecto bay ; the S. E. part the Basin of Klines. From Eastport to Cumberland, at the head of Chig- necto bay, is about 170 miles; to Windsor, at the head of the Basia of Mines, is about 150. From Windsor to Halifax in N. lat. 44° 39' 20", W. Ion. 6i° 36' 40", is 45 miles. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The commerce on this bay with our friends and neighbors, the Eng- lish, is very considerable. While they receive bread stuffs and other productions of our soil, we are in- debted to them for vast quantities of grindstones and gypsum to sharp- en our tools and renovate the soil. The gypsum is principally from the Basin of Mines ; — it lies embediled in elevated masses along the shores of the bay ; — it is easily quarried and taken on board of vessels by the sides of the cliffs. This gypsum is of a fine quality, and it is doubtful whether any has been discovered in our own country as good. ■ The grindstones from Cumber- land, or Chignecto bay, are every where celebrated. The source is inexhaustible, and the manufacture immense. The tides in the bay of Fundy are supposed to rise to a greater height than in any other part of the world. Their elevation increases as you ascend the bay. At East- port they rise 2.5 feet ; at St. John's 30 ; at Cape Split, .55 ; at Windsor, CO, and at Cumberland, at the head of Chignecto bay, they rise to the enormous height of 71 feet. These tides announce themselves some time before their approach, by a sound resembling that of a rushing wind in a forest : they dash against the shore with a reddish hue, the color of the clay bottom over which they pass, with frightful violence ; at first, to the height of from 8 to 10 feet, overwhelming all within their reach. There are but few islands with- in this bay. Grand Menan, and a cluster of small islands round it, off West Quoddy Head, and Campo Bel- lo, near Eastport, are the principal. They belong to the British. A small island about 5 miles off the S. W. part of cape Chignecto, call- ed Isle de Haiit, contains beauti- ful specimens of asbestos. The rapidity of the tides within this bay, the fogs which frequently 13* prevail, and the absence of good harbors between Eastport and St. John's, and from St. John's to cape Chignecto, render the navigation difficult and often dangerous. The harbor of St. John's is easy of access, safe, and of sufficient ex- panse for a large fleet of any draught of water. The city of St. John's contains about 15,000 inhabitants. It is located at the outlet of the great river whose name it bears, in N. lat. 45° 20', W. Ion. 66°. This city is a very flourishing place. It is the largest resource for timber and lumber that Queen Victoria has in her possessions. St. John's river rises in Canada and the northern part of Maine. It receives the Madawaska, St. Fran- cis, Aroostook, and many other val- uable tributaries, from Maine ; it waters a large portion of its north- ern territory, and bears many valu- able productions of that state to its mouth. " This river is 350 miles long ; the tide flows up about 80 miles ; it is navigable for boats 200 miles, and for sloops of 50 tons 80 miles. This river and its branches water a large tract of excellent country. About 30 miles from its mouth commences a fine level coun- try of rich meadow lands, well cloth- ed with timber. The river furnish- es a great quantity of salmon, bass and sturgeon. About a mile above the city of St. John's is the only entrance into this river. It is about 80 or 100 yards wide, 400 yards long, called the falls of the river. It being narrow, and a ridge of rocks running across the bottom of the channel, on which there are not above 17 feet of water, it is not suf- ficiently spacious to discharge the fresh waters of the river above. The common tides here rising above 20 feet, the waters of the river at low water are about 20 feet higher than the waters of the sea ; at ifiigh water the waters of the sea are about 5 feet higher than those of the river : so that at every tide there NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. are two falls, one outwards and one inwards. The only time of pass- ing with safety is when the waters of the river and of the sea are lev- el, which is twice in a tide, and continues only about 20 minutes each time." Frederickton, the capital of New Brunswick, lies on this river, 80 miles from its mouth, in N. lat. 46° 3', W. Ion. 66= 45'. Gardiner, Me. Kennebec co. Gardiner was for- merly a part of Pittston, and lies on the W. side of Kennebec river, 6 miles S. from Augusta, and 4 be- low Hallowell. It is located at the head of large navigation, and in re- gard to its commerce, manufactur- ing and agricultural interests, it is considered one of the most flourish- ing towns in Maine. It was incor- porated in 1S03, and was named in honor of Dr. Sylvester Gardi- ner, one of the proprietors of the old Plymouth patent. The Cobbessecojitee waters meet the Kennebec river at this place, and produce a water power of great usefulness and extent. Here are mills for sawing lumber of all di- mensions, and here are vessels of from 80 to 120 tons burthen, lading it for transportation to its various markets. Here are also manufac- tures of various other kinds. This town, Hallowell and Augusta,lie in a most favored section of our coun- try. What we have said in regard to the location of Hallowell and Augusta, may be applied to Gard- iner. These towns are on the same side of a noble river, united by the same interests and feelings, and will soon be connected by a rail-road passing between them. The vil- lage of Gardiner is very pleasant. The business part lying on the riv- er, is full of activity and enterprise. The buildings, on a gentle rise from the river, are beautifully located. They command a delisiiitful pros- pect, and some of them are of superior architecture. Population, 1S37, 3,709. The present popula- tion is about 5,000. Garduer, Ztlass. Worcester co. Otter river, a con- siderable stream, a branch of Mil- ler's river, rises partly in this town, and affords good mill seats. On this river is some good intervale land ; the high lands are rough, but good for grazing. The value of palm- leaf hats, straw bonnets, chairs, cabinet and wooden wares, leath- er, boots and shoes, manufactured I in one year, amounted to $132,- I 272. The cabinet ware and chairs I amounted to !sl09,000. Gardner ] was incorporated in 1785, and lies I 54 miles N. W. by W. from Boston, and 23 N. W. by N. from Worces- ter. Population, 1837, 1,276. A church was formed here in 1756, and the Rev. Jonathan Osgood was ordained. He died in 1825, af- ter sustaining the vocations of pas- tor , physician and school master,^0 years. Garlaud, Me. Penobscot co. Garland is water- ed by some of the head branches of Kenduskeag stream. It lies 74 miles N. E. by N. from Augusta, and 27 N. W. from Bangor. Incor- porated, 1811. Population, 1830, 621 ; 18.37, 932. This is an excel- lent township of land ; it produced, in 1837, 6,521 bushels of wheat. Gay Head, Mass. See Chilmark. Georgeto^m, Me. Lincoln CO. Georgetown is con- stituted of two considerable islands lying at the mouth of Kennebec river. These islands have Kenne- bec river on the W., Sheepscot riv- er on the E., and separated from Woolwich on the N. by a naviga- ble passage between those two riv- ers. It is a little below Bath, on the opposite shore. This is one NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. of the most ancient settlements in Maine. The town was incorporat- ed in 1716. Population, 1837, 1,.355. It lies 46 miles S. from Augusta, and 12 S. W. from Wiscasset. This town has excellent harbors, and pos- sesses peculiar privileges for all oc- cupations connected with naviga- tion and the fisheries. Georgetown, Mass. Essex CO. Georgetown was the W. part of Rowley" It was called JVew Rowley for some years, un- til its incorporation as a separate town, in 1838. Georgetown is wa- tered by a branch of Parker's riv- er, and is almost entirely engaged in manufactures and the mechanic arts. It is a pleasant town and high- ly flourishing. Population, about 1,500. It lies 30 miles N. from Boston, and 10 S. W. from Newbu- ryport. The people of Georgetown are probably more extensively en- gaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes than at any other place, of its population, in America. The value of boots and shoes manufac- tured, and leather tanned, is said to exceed $.500,000 annually. Georgia, Vt. Franklin co. Population, 1830, 1,897. Georgia lies 40 miles N. W. from Montpelier, and 8 S. from St. Albans. First settled, 1784. The soil of Georgia is various but generally fertile. It feeds about 11,000 sheep. The Lamoille pass- es through the S. E. corner of the town, which, with other streams, give it an ample water power. This is a place of considerable trade and some manufactures. Over Stone Bridge brook is a stone bridge, — a curious piece of nature's mechan- ism. Georgia is washed on the W. by Lake Champlain : the village is pleasantly located, and commands some very pretty lake and moun- tain scenery. Gilead, Me. Oxford CO. Between two moun- tains on both sides of Androscoggin river. There is some good land on the river, but the chief part of the township is tit only for grazing. The expense of transportation of fuel down the mountains, in a slip- pei-y time, is very trifling. Gilead lies 71 miles W. from Augusta, and 25 S. S. W. from Paris. Incorpora- ted, 1804. Population, 1837, 374. Gilford, N. H., One of the four shire towns for Strafford county, is situated on the S. side of Winnepisiogee lake. This town lies 26 miles N. N. E. from Concord, and 48 N. W. from Portsmouth. The soil is generally productive. There are two ponds in this town, Little and Chattlebo- rough. Gunstock and Mile's rivers, rising in Suncook mountains and flowing N. into the lake, are the principal streams. The N. source of the Suncook river is on the S. of these mountains, which extend in a lofty pile over the E. part of the town, from Gilmanton line near- ly to the lake. There are seven isl- ands in the lake, belonging to Gil- ford, one of which has been con- nected to the main land by abridge 30 rods in length. This town, which was formerly a part of Gil- manton, was incorporated June 16, 1812. It was settled in 1778.— Here are manufactories of cotton goods, besides other useful mills and machinery. Four bridges across the Winnepisiogee connect the town with Meredith. The vil- lage at this place is thriving and pleasant. Population, 1830, 1,872. Gill, 9Iass. Franklin co. A mountainous township on the W. side of Con- necticut river; 86 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 5 E. N. E. from Greenfield. Gill contains a fine NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tract of ricli intervale on a bend of the Connecticut. The people are generally engaged in fanning. The town is divided from Greenfield by Fall river. It has some manu- factures of combs, wooden ware, leather and palm-leaf hats. The fleeces of 1,809 sheep weighed 5,627 pounds, and were valued, in 1837, at §2,214. Population, 18.37, 809. Taken from Deerfield in 1793. Gilmaiitou, A'. H. One of the shire towns in Straf- ' ford county, 17 miles N. N. E. from Concord, and 45 W. N. W. from Portsmouth. It is bounded N. and N. E. by Gilford and Alton. Pop- ulation, 1830, 3,816. Beside the Winnepisiogee, this town is water- ed by the Suncook and Soucook rivers, which have their sources in Gilmanton. The Suncook rises in a pond near the top of one of the Suncook mountains, elevated 900 feet above its base. The water of this pond falls into another at the foot of the mountain, of 1 mile in length and 1-2 mile wide. Passing from this, it falls into another, cov- ering about 500 acres, from which it meanders through the town, re- ceiving several streams in its course. The Soucook rises from Loon, Rocky and Shellcamp ponds, in the S. part of the town. This town is very hilly and rocky. The soil is hard, but fruitful, when properly cultivated. The geology of this town presents many varieties. — There are several springs in Gilman- ton, termed mineral ; one of which has proved efficacious in cutaneous and bilious affections. This town was granted May 20, 1727, to 24 persons of the name of Gilman, and 152 others. In Dec. 1761, Benja- min and John Mudgett, with their families, settled here. Dorothy Weed, the first child, was i)orn here Oct. 13, 1762. An academy was founded here in 1764. Its produc- tive funds are about $11,000. The theological seminary at this place is connected with the academy, and is a flourishing institution. Gilsum, JV. H. A small township in Cheshire county, situated about 10 miles E. from the Connecticut. The soil is, in many parts, fertile, and produces good crops of grass and grain. Ashuelot river runs through this town and affords a good supply of water for mills, which is improv- ed for cotton and other manufac- tures. Gilsum was granted July 13, 1763, to Messrs. Gilbert, Sum- ner and others. From the com- bination of the first syllables of the names of these men, it derives the name of Gil-sum. The first settle- ment was made in 1764. Gilsum lies 55 miles S. W. by W. from Concord, and about 9 N. from Keene. Population, 1830, 642. Gleubum, Me. Penobscot co. This territory was called Button, from 1822 to 1837. It lies 76 miles N. E. from Augusta, and 10 N. N. W. from Bangor. Population, 1837, 717. Glenburn is situated on both sides of the great bend of Kenduskeag stream. It has a water power, but the inhabitants are mostly farmers. The soil is good, and considerable wheat is raised. Glastenbury, Vt. Bennington co. This is a town- ship of 40 square miles of moun- tainous land, more fit for the resi- dence of wild beasts than human beings. It is 9 miles N. E. from Bennington. Population, 1830, 59. Glastenbury, Ct. Hartford co. This town, pre- vious to its incorporation in 1690, had been attached to Wethersfield. It lies on the east side of Connecti- cut river opposite to Wethersfield, 8 miles S. from Hartford. It has NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. some fine land on Connecticut riv- er. The face of the uplands is rough but generally productive. About a mile and a half from Connecticut river, and S miles from Chatham freestone quarry, in a romantic spot hetween the hills,is a beautiful vil- lage connected with the Hartford Manufacturing Company. Roar- ing brook, at this place, passes through a very narrow defile, afford- ing a great and constant waterpow- er. Cotton is manufactuied here to a considerable extent, and the village is very flourishing. From the hills around this village a great variety of delightful scenery is ob- servable. Population, 1S30, 2,9S0. " In the eastern part of the town there is a pond of about a mile in circumference, called ' Diamond pond,' from the circumstance of there being small pebbles or stones around its margin, having a pe- culiar brilliancy. Near the cen- tre of the town there is a mineral spring, which, though it has acquir- ed no celebrity abroad, has been thought by men of science who have examined it, to possess valua- ble medicinal qualities ; and for more than one hundred years has been known by the name of the ' Pool of Neipseic.' " Glowcester, Blass. Essex CO. This is a maritime township, comprising the whole of Cape Ann, and celebrated for the enterprise of its people in the fish- eries and commercial pursuits. It is one of the oldest fishing estab- lishments in the state. This cape extends about 8 miles into the sea, and forms the northern boundary of Massachusetts bay. Its harbor is capacious, easy of access at any season, and of sufficient water for ships of great burthen. Gloucester harbor and the chief settlements are on the south side. Sandy and Squam bays lie on the north side, about 4 miles from the south har- bor, and afford harbors for small vessels. The lights on Thatcher's island bear about northeast 6 miles from East Point, the eastern boun- dary of Gloucester harbor. A» early as 1794 the exports from this place, in one year, amounted ta !jf;230,000. Here are immense quar- ries of light and grayish granite, which is split with great ease, and in large regularly formed blocks. This stone is of a fine grain, is easi- ly dressed, and can be put on board of vessels with little expense. The demand for this stone is rapidly in- creasing, and the quarrying, ham- mering, and transporting it gives employment to many men and ves- sels. The canal across the neck of the cape has failed of that suc- cess which was anticipated. The manufacture of palm-leaf hats, hoots, shoes, hats, vessels, chairs, tin and cabinet wares, in the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $46,72(5. In that year there were 221 vessels employed in the cod and mackerel fishery, the tonnage of which was 9,824 tons. They took 55,181 quintals of cod fish, and 43,934 barrels of mackerel : 113,- 760 bushels of salt was used, ami 1,580 hands employed. The value of the cod and mackerel taken Vfleasant and flourishing villages, and a great variety of mineral treasure. Its surface is uneven with a strong and productive soil. Grafton was first settled, 1780. Population, 1830, 1,439. It lies 90 miles S. from Montpelier, and 18 N. from New- fane. Orafton, 31a ss. Worcester co. This important manufacturing town, the Hassana- misco of the Indians, v/as incorpo- rated in 1735. It lies 36 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, and 9 S. E. from Worcester. Population, 1830, 1,889; 1837, 2,910. Blackstone riv- er and several large ponds give this town a constant and valuable water power. There are 5 cotton and 1 woolen mills. The total amount of the manufactures ofGrafton, the year ending April 1, 1837, was $1,052, 448. The manufactures consisted of cotton and woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, scythes, chairs, tin, cabinet and wooden wares, shoe tools and bricks. The manufac- ture of boots and shoes^ amounted to $614,141, employing 1,392 males and females. Grafton has a fine soil, is beautifully located, and ex- ceedingly flourishing. Grauby, Vt. Essex CO. This town is nearly allied to Ferdinand, both in loca- tion and the character of the soil. Granby lies the next town S. of it, and 97 people, it is said, reside with- in the limits of Granby. Granby, Mass. Hampshire co. This town lies 90 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 9 S. E. from Northampton. Incor- porated, 1768. It has good fish ponds and two small streams. There are two woolen mills in the town and 2,067 sheep. The wool, in 1837, sold for $3,670. Population, 1837, 922. It' is said that copper ore of a good quality is found in Granby. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Grauby, Ct. Hartford co. This town was in- corporated in 1786, and was tliat part of Simsbury which contains the famous Simsbury mines ; the old state prison of Connecticut. The cavern, once occupied as a prison, is now worked, as formerly, as a copper mine. This odious place, unfit for the residence of the worst of criminals, is 16 miles N. N. W. from Hartford. The pit or cav- ern is more than 50 feet in depth, dark, damp and dismal. The worst stigma that can be cast on the good people of Connecticut is, that this infernal region was suffered to re- main nearly 40 years the abode of their fellow beings. There are some hills in Granby of considera- ble elevation. Barn door hills rise between four and five hundred feet, and have the appearance of having been separated by some convulsion of nature. Turkey hills and Sal- mon brook are pleasant villages, and have the appearance of prosperity. Farmington river waters the for- mer, and a branch of that river, the latter. Population, 1830, 2,722. Grand Isle County, Vt. JVorth Hero is the county town. This county comprises a group of islands in Lake Champlain, and a point of land jutting into the N. part of that lake on the S. side of the Canada line, on which Alburgh is situated. This county contains about 80 square miles : most of the land is level and excellent for graz- ing and tillage. This county has no considerable streams, but its nav- igable facilities are very great. It was first settled about the close of the revolutionary war. Incorpora- ted, 1802. It contained, in 1837, about 16,000 sheep. Population, 1820,3,527; 1830,3,696. Popula- tion to a square mile, 46. Grand Isle, Vt. Grand Isle co. This town is bounded on all sides by Lake Cham- plain except on the S., where it is bounded by South Hero, from which it was taken in 1809. It lies 50 miles N. W. from Montpelier, and 18 N. by W. from Burlington.— First settled, 1783. Population, 1830, 643. The soil of the town is very fertile ; it produces fine crops of grain and an abundance of fruit and cider. Marble, lime-stone, rock crystals, &c., are found here, and Grand Isle contains the only water mill in the county. This is a fine place for fishing and fowling. Grand Lake. This is a large collection of wa- ter, lying partly in the county of Washington, Me., and partly in New Brunswick. It contains a large number of islands : it receives the waters of many small lakes and rivers, and is the chief source of the river St. Croix. It lies about 90 miles N. E. from Bangor. Grantham, N. H., Sullivan co., is bounded N. by Enfield, E. by Springfield, S. by Croydon, and W. by Plainfield, which separates it from Connecticut river. It is 12 miles S. E. from Dartmouth college, and 45 N. W. from Concord. There are 7 or 8 ponds, the largest of which lies in the S. E. part of the town and is called Eastman's pond, containing nearly 300 acres. Another, lying near the centre of the town, con- tains nearly 200 acres. Croydon mountain extends through the west- erly part of Grantham in a direc- tion from S. W. to N. E. The soil is productive, especially on the W. of the mountain. It seems to be more favorable for wheat than any other species of grain. The moun- tain affords good pasturage, and the lower land yields grass in abund- ance. On the E. side of the moun- tain is a spring supposed to possess medicinal qualities, visited by hun- dreds of valetudinarians in the sum- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. mer season. On the summit of Croydon mountain is a natural pond, containing about 50 acres. Tiiis town was first granted July 11, 1761, but tbe proprietors not fulfill- ing the conditions of the charter, it was forfeited. In 1767, it was re- granted to Col. William Symmes and 63 others, by the name of Gran- tham. Incorporated in 1761. Pop- ulation, in 1S30, 1,079. GranvUle, Vt. Addison co. See Barnard, Me. Granville, Mass. Hampden co. This is a moun- tainous township, 110 miles W. S. W. fi?oin Boslon, and 14 W. from Springfield. It contains good soap- stone and 1,500 sheep. The wool sold in 1837 for ,$2,572. There are some manufactures in Granville of pocket books, boots, shoes, leather, and silver ware. Although the land is high, the soil in many parts is very good and productive. The village is very pleasant. Incorpora- ted, 1754. Population, 1837,1,439. Gray, Me, Cumberland co. This is a fine farm- ing town, watered by branches of North Yarmouth and Presumpscot rivers, and containing a large part of Little Sebago pond. It lies 17 miles N. by W. from Portland and 44 S. W. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1778. Population, 1837, 1,671. Gray is a pleasant town and a place of considerable trade and some man- ufactures. Great Barrlii^on, Mass. Berkshire co. A very pleasant town in the valley of Housatonick river, 125 miles W. by S. from Bos- ton, and 14 S. from Lenox. Incor- porated, 1761. Population, 1837, 2,440. Monument mountain, in this town, is quite lofty : it presents «ome wild and picturesque scenery. Here are good iron ore, beautifully variegated marble, and a good mill stream. The soil on the banks of the Housatonick is fertile and the uplands are well adapted for graz- ing. The manufactures consist of cotton and woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, hats, pig iron, lasts, tin ware, bcvils and guages. To- tal amount of manufactures in one year, $122,369. This town the same year (1837) produced 2,657 fleeces of merino wool, valued at $3,321. Great-Bays, Bf. H. ■ The largest is that lying E. from New Market, formed by the united waters of Swamscot, Winnicut, and Lamprey rivers. It is 4 miles wide, and at some seasons is picturesque as connected with the surrounding scenery. This bay has Newington on the E., Greenland and Stratham on the S., and New Market and Durham \\ . : its waters pass N. E. through Little bay, where Oj'ster river unites with the current which passes into the Piscataqua. Great-Bay, between Sanbornton and Meredith, is a body of wa- ter, connected with Winnepisiogee lake, and discharging its waters in- to Winnepisiogee river. Round and Long bays are situated between the lake and Great Bay, and there are two small bays on the river below Great Islaiid, X. H. See J\~ew Castle. Great Works Stream, Me. This stream has a number of trib- utaries, and is an important branch of the Penobscot. It has many sites for mills, and falls into the Penob- scot, on the E. side, opposite to the Indian settlement at Oldtown. At its confluence with the Penobscot there is a considerable village. There is another stream of this name, which rises in York county, and passes to Salmon Fall river, at South Berwick. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Greene, Me. Kennebec CO. Greene has several ponds, but no good mill privileges. It lies on the E. side of Androscog- gin river, 6 miles above Lewiston, and 22 S. W. from Augusta. It is an excellent farming town, and produced, in 1837, 3,278 bushels of wheat. Incorporated, 1788. Pop- ulation, 1837, 1,366. Greenbusli, Me. Penobscot co. This territory was called the Olammon Plantation, until its incorporation in 1834. — Olammon stream, one of the most beautiful tributaries of the Penob- scot, joins that river, on the E. side, in Greenbush, affording an exten- sive hydraulic power. Greenbush is a flourishing place, and lies about 25 miles N. by E. from Bangor. Population, 1830, 333; 1837, 666. Greenfield, Me. Hancock co. This town was in- corporated in 1834. It was No. 38 on tlie Bingham Purchase. See *' Down East." Greenfield, N. H., Hillsborough co., is bounded N. by Francestovvn and Society-Land, E. by Francestown and Lyndebo- rough, S. by Lyndeborough and Temple, and W. by Peterborough and Hancock. It is 14 miles W. N. W. from Amherst, and 38 S. W. from Concord. Contoocook river forms part of the W. boundary, and separates this town from Hancock. The soil is generally fertile. The hills afford excellent pasturage ; the valleys and plains are favorable for grain. Hops are raised in great abundance. A part of Crotched mountain rises from the N. part, and part of Lyndeborough mountain from the S. and E. sections of this town. There are some valuable meadows ; in one of them have been found many Indian relics, from which it is conjectured that it was 14* a favorite spot of the sons of the forest. There are five ponds; the largest about one mile in length, and one third of its length in width. The first settlement commenced in 1771, by Capt. Alexander Park- er, Major A. Whittemore, Simeon Fletcher, and others. It was incor- porated June 15, 1791. Population, in 1830, 946. Greenfield, Mass. County town, Franklin co. This town lies on the W. side of Connec- ticut river, and is washed by Green river, an excellent mill stream, a branch of the Deerfield. The vil- lage is situated about 2 miles from Connecticut river, and is very beau- tiful and flourishing. There is a woolen mill in Greenfield with four sets of machinery ; and manufac- tures of boots, shoes, leather, hats, iron castings, chairs, cabinet and tin wares, saddles, harnesses.trunks, stove and lead aqueduct pipe, iron work, guns, pistols, rifles, coach- es, wagons, books, &c. The total amount of manufactures, for the year ending April 1, 1837, was $164,844. The value of wool, the product of 2,153 fleeces, sheared in 1837, was $3,404. There is an academy for young ladies in this town, a farming school for young men, and some iron and copper ores. Greenfield lies 95 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 22 N. from North- ampton. Incorporated, 1753. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,540; 1837, 1,840 Greenland, Jf. H., Rockingham co., is situated five miles W.S.W. from Portsmouth, and 45 E.S.E. from Concord : it is bound- ed N. by the Great-Bay and New- ington, E. by Portsmouth and Rye, S. by North-Hampton, and W. by Stratham. The soil is remarkably good. The orchards and gardens of this town are valuable, and yield annual profits to the farmers. — Greenland, originally a part of Ports- mouth, was incorporated as a dis- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tincl town in 1703. Settlements commenced early, and in 1705 there were 320 inhabitants. Rev. S.^MUEL M'Clintock, D. D., who died in the 48th year of his ministry, was horn at Med- ford, Mass., May 1, 1732; pjradua- ted at the New Jersey college in 1751; ordained in 1756; and died April 27, 1804, aged 72. His fa- ther was a native of Ireland. Dr. M'Clintock was a sound divine, em- inent as a preacher, and distinguish- ed for his attachment to the cause of his country. He served as a chaplain in the army of the revolu- tion. Population in 1830, 681. Green Mountains. This range of mountains rises in Lower Canada. They pass nearly through the centre of Vermont, from N. to S., and the westerly parts of the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and terminate near New Haven, on Long Island Sound. From their green appearance they give the name to Vermont, and de- crease in height as they approach the south. The north peak, in Mans- field, Vt., is the greatest elevation, being 4,279 feet above the surface of lake Champlain. Green Rivers. Green, or Quodotchquoik river, in the N. E. part of Penobscot coun- ty, Maine, is an important branch of the St. John's, and joins that liv- er about 24 miles W. from the line of New Brunswick. Green river, in Massachvsetfs, rises in the high lands at the N. W. corner of Berkshire county ; it pas- .ses N. W. through Williamstown, and the S. W. corner of Vermont, and joins the Hoosick in N. Y. There are several smaller streams in New England of the same name. Greensborougli, Vt. Orleans CO. William Scott Shcp- ard, born March 25, 1789, was the first white child brought forth in | this town. Far his good fortune in this respect, the proprietors of the township gave him 100 acres of land. "Beautiful lake " and seve- ral other lakes and ponds in this town, form a part of the head wa- ters of the river Lamoille. This town is well tiiiil)ored: the sur- face is not very elevated; the soil in general is good, particularly for grazing. It produces some tine cat- tle, and keeps about 4,000 sheep. Population, 1830, 784. Green-viUe, Mc. Piscataquis co. The " Haskell Plantation," incorporated in 1836. 109 miles from Augusta. Popula- tion, 1837, 132. See "Down East." Grecn-wicli. Mass. Hampshire CO. There arc a num- ber of ponds in this town, by which, and Swift river passing through it, a good water power is acquired. There is a woolen mill in the town, and manufactures of shoes, boots, palm-leaf hats, and scythes. In- corporated, 1754. Population, 1837, 842. Greenwich lies 75 miles W. fiom Boston, and 17 N. E. from Northampton. GreentTlcIi, Ct. Fairfield co. The settlement of this town commenced in 1640, and was incorporated by »Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor at New York, in 1G65. Greenwich comprises three parishes or villages, — West Green- wich, Greenwich on the E. and Stanwich on the N. West Green- wich, on Hvrse A>cA-, so called from a peninsula on the Sound for- merly used as a horse pasture, is the largest and most important part of the town. Greenwich is watered by ]5yran river, the boundary line between the town and state of New York, and the most southern part of New England. At the outlet of Byran river, on the New York side, is a place called Sawpits, a noted landing place on the Sound, 28 miles NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. N. E from New York. Miannus creek and other smaller streams water the town. A great battle took place between the Dutch and Indians at Horse Neck, in 1646. The action was long and severe, both parties fight- ing with much obstinacy. The Dutch with much difficulty kept the field, and the Indians with- drew. Great numbers were slain on both sides, and the graves of the dead, for a century or more, appear- ed like a number of small hills. " Putnam's Hill is situated in West Greenwich, about five miles W. from Stamford, on the main road to New York. This place is cele- brated for the daring exploit of Gen- eral Putnam, who descended this precipice when pursued by the Brit- ish dragoons." Greenwich is a rough and uneven township, with a productive soil. It presents some wild scenery along the road, and many beautiful views of Long Island Sound. It lies 48 miles W. S. W. from New Haven, and 20 W. S. W. from Fairfield. Population, 1830, 3,805. GreenTvood, Me. Oxford CO. Incorporated, 1S15. Population, 1S37, 754. It lies 58 miles W. by S. from Augusta, and 7 N. W. from Paris. ""This is a township of excellent land. The inhabitants are generally engaged in agricultural pursuits. Griswold, Ct. New London co. This town was taken from Preston in 1815, and is separated from Lisbon by Quennebaugh river. The Pochaug, a sluggish stream, passes through the town. The principal village, which is very neat and pretty, con- taining about 900 inhabitants, is called Jewett City. The city lies on the east side of the Quennebaug, at this place a very powerful stream, and contains three extensive cotton factories, a church, bank, and a number of handsome buildings. — This little city is said to be very prosperous in its manufacturing and commercial concerns. It lies 8 miles N. E. from Norwich, and 4& E. S. E. from Hartford. There are other manufactories of cotton in this town, and some of wool. The surface of Griswold is hilly ; its soil a gravelly loam : some produce is sent to market, and about 3,000 sheep are kept. Population, 1830. 2,212. Groton, ]V. H., Grafton co.^ is bound N. by Rum- ney, E. by Hebron, S. by Orange, and W. by Dorchester. It is 10 miles S. W. from Plymouth, 45 N. W. from Concord, and 15 S. E. from Hanover. The north part is wa- tered by a branch of Baker's river, and the southerly part has sev- eral small streams, which fall into Newfound lake. There is but one pond of any consequence lying whol- ly in this town, and that is situated about a mile N. E. of the meeting- house. Grotou was granted July 8, 1761, to George Abbot and others by the name of Cockermouth. It was re-granted, about five years af- terwards, to Col. John Hale and oth- ers, and the first settlement was commenced in 1770. Incorporated by the name of Groton, Dec. 1796. Population, in 1830, 689. Groton, Vt. Caledonia CO. First settled, 1787. Wells river and its branches afTord this town a good water power. — There are a number of ponds in Groton, well stored with excellent fish, some of which are large and handsome. The soil of the town is generally hard, but there is some choice land along the streams, and good timber. The wife of a Mr. Page, of this town, in the year 1819, produced four lusty " green mountain boys" at a birth. When domestic manu- factures of this description and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. amount, are adduced as evidence of the prosperity of a town, it is useless to talk about water power, cotton factories, or wool growing. Groton lies 16 miles E. by S. from Montpelier, and 15 S. by W. from Danville. Population, 1830, 836. Groton, Mass. Middlesex CO. This is a delight- ful town, with an extraordinary good soil; 32 miles N. W. from Boston, and 13 W. by S. from Lowell. Groton was settled soon after Concord. It was for some years a frontier settlement, and much ex- posed to the Indians. In 1676, the town was attacked by 400 Indians, and all the buildings plundered and burnt, except four garrison hou-es. The town is finely watered by the Nashua and Squanecook rivers and a number of beautiful pond?. The buildings are in a style of great neatness and taste, and some of elegance. This town has a fe- male seminary of high reputation, and a number of moral and leli- gious institutions. The local beau- ties of Groton and its facilities for education are so great as to induce many wealthy families to made it their residence. The manufactures of Groton consist of paper, axle- trees, soap-stone pumps, mathemat- ical instruments, clothing, palm- leaf hats, chairs, cabinet ware, leather, boots and shoes. Incor- porated, 1655. Population, 1830, 2,057. Groton, Ct. New London co. Groton lies at the mouth of the river Thames, in the harbor of New London, and op- posite to that city, on the E. The lands are generally hilly and rocky, with some fertile tracts on the mar- gin of the Thames. There are sev- eral villages, Groton Bank, oppo- site New London, PortersvUle, on Mystic river, and Pequonnuck. The Pequonnuck and ISIystic riv- ers pass through the town, and emp- ty into Long Island Sound. A num* her of whale ships and coasting ves- sels are owned in this town. This is a place of some trade, and consid- erable quantities of the produce of the county is shipped to New^^York market. Ship building is carried on to a considerable extent, on the Mystic, which is navigable for large vessels about two miles from the Sound. About 300 men and boys are employed in navigation. Previous to its incorporation, in 1705, Groton was a part of New- London. Population, 1S30, 4,703. " Groton will ever be memora- ble as the theatre of the most im- portant and interesting military transactions which have taken place in the state. In the early settle- ment of the country, the fate of Connecticut was decided by the sword on Pequot hill, within the limits of this town, and the Pequots, the most haughty and warlike tribe of savages in New England, effec- tually crushed by a single blow, and their existence as a nation an- nihilated. In the war of the revo- lution, another of the ' high places of Groton became an Aceldama', and the flower of her sons were sa- crificed to the vengeance of an in- furiated enemy. " On the 6th of September, 1781, a body of British troops, about 800 in number, under the command of Lieut. Col. Eyre, landed on the Groton side, opposite the light- house, and having found a lame boy collecting cattle, compelled him to show them the cart path to the fort. They landed about 9 o'clock in the morning of a most delightful day, clear and still. Fort Griswold was under the command of Lieut. Col. William Ledyard, brother of the celebrated traveller of the same name. He resided on Groton bank, opposite New London, and was much beloved and respected by his neighbors. On the advance of the enemy, Col. Ledyard, having but about 150 men with him iu the fort. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. sent out an officer to get assistance, as there were a number of hundreds of people collected in the vicinity : this officer, by drinking too much, became intoxicated, and no rein- forcement was obtained. On the rejection of a summons to surren- der, the British extended their lines, 60 that they were scattered over the fields, and rushed on to the attack with trailed arms, under the fire of the Americans, to the assault of the fort on three sides. Having effected a lodgment in the ditch, they cut away the pickets, and hav- ing scaling ladders, they entered the fort and knocked away the gate on the inside. While the British were in the ditch, they had cold shot thrown on them, and as they were entering the embrazures, the garrison changed their weapons and fought desperately with spears or pikes, 15 or 16 feet in length, which did considerable execution. Unfor- tunately they had lent the greater part of the pikes belonging to the fort to a privateer a few days before. Major Montgomery was hoisted up on the walls of the fort by his sol- diers. As he was flourishing his sword on his entrance, he was mor- tally wounded by Jordan Freeman, a colored man, who pierced him through with a spear. Another of- ficer was killed by a musket ball, while in the fort. As he fell, he ex- claimed : ' Put every one to death, don't spare one.' Col. Ledyard, finding further resistance useless, presented his sword to an officer, who asked him who commanded the fort. 'I did,' said Col. Ledyard, ' but you do now.' The officer (Capt. Bloomfield) took his sword and plunged it into his bosom. Col. Ledyard fell on his face and instant- ly expired. An indiscriminate mas- sacre now took place, till a British officer exclaimed : ' My soul can- not bear such destruction,' and or- dered a parley to be beat. Such had been the butchery in the fort, that it was over shoes in blood in I some parts of the parade ground. Soon after the surrender, a wagon was loaded with wounded Ameri- cans, and set off down the hill; it struck an apple tree with great force, and knocked several of these bleed- ing men out, and caused their in- stant death. One of these distress- ed men having been thrown out of the wagon, and while crawling to- wards the fence on his hands and knees, was brutally knocked on the head by the butt end of a musket, by one of the refugees who were attached to the British army. The British embarked at the foot of the hill, near the ferry, and took off a number of prisoners with them. As they left the fort, they set fire to a train, intending to blow up the magazine, in which were about 100 barrels of powder. Fortunately it was extinguished by our people,, who entered the fort soon after the enemy left it. It is stated that the enemy lost in the attack on the fort 54 killed and 14.3 wounded, several of whom afterwards died of their wounds. The killed of the enemy weie buried by tlieir comrades at the gate of the fort, and were so slightly covered that many of their legs and arms remained above ground. Our people who were kill- ed at the fort, were stripped, and so disfigured, covered with blood and dust, that with the exception of two or three, they could not be re- cognized by their friends, except by some particular marks on their persons." The monument onGroton Heights, in commemoration of the destruction of Groton and New London by the traitor Arnold, " has its foundation stone at an elevation of about 130 feet above tide water : the monu- ment itself is one hundred and twen- ty seven feet in height. The pe- destal rises about eighteen or twen- ty feet, and is twenty three feet square : on the pedestal rises an obelisk square, ninety two feet in height, twenty two feet square at its NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. base, and eleven feet at the top. It is ascended by one hundred and sixty five stone steps, inserted into the outer wall, rising in a circular form, their inner ends supported by an iron rail and bannister. The mon- ument is constructed of s;ranite, of which there is an abundance in the vicinity. The expense of its erec- tion was eleven thousand dollars; this amount was raised by a lottery, granted by the state for this pur- pose. The following is the inscription, on marble, placed over the entrance of the monunient. " This Monument was erected under the patronage of the State of Connecticut, A. D. .1830, and in the 55th year of the Independ- ence of the U. S. A. In memory of the brave Patriots who fell -in the massacre at Fort Griswold, near this spot, on the Gth of September, A. D. 1781, when the British, under the command of the traitor, Benedict Arnold, burnt the towns of New Loudon and Groton, and spread dosolation and woe throughout this region." Giilldliall, Vt. County town of Essex co. Guild- hall is situated on the W. side of Connecticut river, and is united to Lancaster, N. IT., by two bridges across the river. The town is wa- tered by several small streams. — The soil of the town is quite uneven and stony, except a tract of inter- vale on the river. Cow and Burn- side mountains are considerable ele- vations, and afford excellent views of the mcanderings of the Connec- ticut. Guildhall lies 50 miles N. E. from Montpclier, and 90 N. by E. from Windsor. First settled, 1789. Population, 1830, 4SI. GuUford, Me. Piscataquis co. This town is fine- ly watered by the Piscataquis and some of its upper branches. It is of fine soil, and produced in 1837, 'J,9()5 bushels of wheat. It has a pleasant village, a number of mills, and considerable trade. Guilford is 71 miles N. by E. from Augusta, 45 N. W. from Bangor, and 12 N. W. from Dover. Incorporated, ISllj. Population, 1S37, 799. Guilford, Vt. Windham co. This town was first permanently settled in 1760. It lies 125 miles S. from Monlpelier, 15 S. by E. from Newfanc, and 30 E. from Bennington. Population, 1830, 1,7G0. The people of this town took an active part in defending the rights of Vermont against the claims of jurisdiction set up by the state of New York, about the years 1783-4. Guilford produced a num- ber of patriots in this as also in the revolutionary cause. The soil of the town is warm and fertile, ex- ceedingly productive of grain, fruits, maple sugar, butter, cheese, pork, sheep, horses, and beef cattle. It has good mill seats on Green river and branches of Broad brook, a number of manufactories, a medi- cinal spring, and various kinds of minerals. Guilford, Ct. New Haven co. This town, the Menunliatuc of the Indians, was first settled in 1639. The town was settled by a party of Non-Conform- ists from England, at the head of which was the Rev. Henry Whit- field. Mr. Whitfield's house, built of stone, in 1640, is now standing, occupied, and in good repair. The cement used in building it, is said to be harder than the stone itself. This building was used by the first settlers as a ifort and place of refuge against the attacks of the natives. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The first marriage in the town was solemnized in this building. The treat on the occasion was pork and peas. Guilford borough was incor- porated in 1S15. It is handsomely located two miles from Long Island Sound, on a tract of alluvial plain, and near a small stream called the Menunkatuc. The buildings in the borough are neat, but somewhat antiquated in their appearance. — Guilford is a place of resort for sea air and bathing. The accommoda- tions are very good. The scenery in the vicinity of Sachem's Head is wild and picturesque. The soil of Guilford is well adapted to agri- cultural pursuits, to which, and some coasting trade, the principal part of the inhabitants are devoted. It lies 16 miles E. from New Haven, and 36 S. from Hartford. Population, 1830, 2,314. Haddi i, Ct. One of the county towns of Mid- dlesex CO. Incorporated, 1608. This town lies on both sides of Connec- ticut river. Haddam Society, on the W. side, is the largest part of the town, and the seat of justice. That part of Haddam on the E. side is called Haddam Neck. There is but little alluvial land in Had- dam. The principal part of the township is hilly and stony, with considerable forests. There are valuable quarries of granite on both sides of the river. About loO men are annually employed in quarry- ing it, and about .$70,000 worth of stone is annually exported. There are many vessels built at Haddam. The timber in this quarter of the county is well adapted for that pur- pose. The village of Haddam is pleasant, and has a good pro-pect of the river. It lies 23 miles S. from Hartford, and 8 S. E. fiom Middletown. Population, 1830, 2,- 830. David Brainerd, the devoted missionary among the Indians, first drew his breath in Haddam. " If the greatness of a character is to be estimated by the object it pursues, the danger it braves, the difficulties it encounters, and the purity and energy of its motives, David Brainerd is one of the great- est characters that ever appeared in the world. Compared with this standard of greatness, what little things arc the Alexanders, the Cae- sars, the conquerors of the whole earth. A nobler object no human or angflic mind could ever propose to itself than to promote the glory of the great Governor of the Uni- verse, in studying and laboring to difi'Lise purity and happiness among his unholy and miserable creatures. " ' His life and diary among the Indians,' says a celebrated English divine, ' exhibits a perfect pattern of the qualities which should dis- tinguish the instructor of rude and barbarous tribes; the most invinci- ble patience and self denial, the profoundest humility, exquisite pru- dence, indefatigable industry, and such a devotedness to God, or rath- er such an absorption of the whole soul in zeal for the divine glory and the salvation of men, as is scarcely paralleled since the age of the apostles.' " This faithful servant of Christ died at the house of the Rev. Jona- than Edwards, at Northampton, Mass., October 10, 1747, aged 30. Hadley, Mass. Hampshire co. This is a plea- sant town on the E. bank of Con- necticut river, and unites with Northampton by a beautiful bridge, 1,080 feet in length. It was fiVst settled in 1647. Incorporated, 1661. Population, 1837, 1,805. It lies SS miles W. from Boston. Two small s^-eams afford the town some water power. Hadley contains a large and fertile tract of alluvial meadow. The village, situated on the river, is pleasant, and contains many neat and A'aluable buildings. Hadlev was a retreat of the ccle- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. brated Goffe and Whalley, two of the judges who condemned Charles I. for execution. They remained secluded here more than fifteen years, when Whalley died. Goffe died and was buried at New Ha- ven, Ct., some years after. The manufactures of Hadley con- sist of leather, boots, shoes, hats, glue, palm-leaf hats, wire, chairs, cabinet ware, brooms, and brushes. Total value the year ending April 1, 1837, §117,850. This town is celebrated for raising broom corn. The value of brooms manufactured was $39,243. A considerable quan- tity of the unmanufactured materi- al was sent to other places. Halifax, Vt. Windham co. This township is rather elevated, but of good soil, finely adapted for grazing. It is a place of considerable trade, and of manufactures on its numerous streams. Its principal streams are Green river and a branch of the Deerfield. There are some hand- some falls of water in Halifax, and a curious cave called Dun's Den. The productions of the town are butter, cheese, pork, sheep and oth- er cattle. The cau-!e of education flourishes here, and the people arc generally independent cultivators of the soil. Halifax lies 125 miles S. from Montpelier, and 15 S. from Newfane. P'irst settled, 1761.— Population, 1830, 1,562. Halifkx, Mass. Plymouth co. The Indian name of this place was Monponset. It lies 23 miles S. S. K. from Boston, and 12 W. by S. from Plymouth. The surface of the town is gener- ally level, with considerable good soil. MoupoHset and other ponds are large collections of water, and the sources of valuable mill privi- leges. There are a cotton and wool- en mill in the town, and manufac- tures of shoes and straw braid ; — total annual amount of mauufactures about $150,000. Halifax was in- corporated in 1734. Population, 1837, 781. HaUoweU, Me. Kennebec co. Hallowell is de- lightfully situated on both sides of Kennebec river, between Augusta and Gardiner, two miles below the former and four miles above the lat- ter. The principal village is on the W. side of the river. The streets run parallel w ith the river, and the ground ascends 200 feet from the lower street, or business part of the village. On this street are 60 com- modious stores, constructed princi- pally of brick. Most of the dwell- ing houses are on the back or ele- vated streets: they are built, as are the churches, with great taste, and being surrounded by beautiful groves, make a fine appearance. The varied views of the river, the neighboring towns, and of a fer- tile country of hills and vales, pre- sented from the high grounds on each side of the village, form an ex- hibition of scenery of uncommon excellence. Hallowell is about 3 miles in width, and extends back on each side of the river 5 miles. It was incorporated in 1771, and in- cluded all the territory of Augusta and a part of Gardiner. From this place the brave but traitorous Ar- nold marched on an expedition against Canada, in 1776. There is one water mill in the town ; two saw mills, an iron foun- dry and machine shop, worked by steam. Steam boats ply from this place to Portland and Boston, dur- ing the season of navigation. There is considerable tonnage at this place: a number of vessels are engaged in the freighting business, and others run as packets to various places. The principal exports are lumber, granite, and all the common pro- ductions of a fertile northern cli- mate. The granite quarries at Hallowell have been worked for fifteen years with great succesi. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The granite is of a light color and easily wrought: in some years $100,000 worth of it has been trans- ported. Vessels drawing 9 feet of water can come to the wharves in the centre of the village. As Hallowell and Augusta are .so closely united in all their vari- ous interests and pursuits, a repeti- tion of what we have said of the favorable position of Augusta, and of its future prospects, is unneces- sary. With common success in our national affairs, and with a contin- uation of that spirit of enterprize, every day manifested on the banks of the Kennebec, it requires no Mormon spectacles to foresee that within a very few years there will he a continuous village from the Kennebec dam to the mouth of the Gobbessecontee. Population. 1820, 2,919; 1830,3,961. The present population is about 5,000. Hallowell was, for many years, tiie residence of Benjamin Vaug- HAN, LL. D. a gentleman highly distinguished for his learning, pub- lic benefactions and private virtues. Hall's Stream, N. H., Rises in the liighlands which sep- arate that state from the British do- minions, and forms the N. W. boun- dary between New Hampsliiie and Lower Canada, from its source to its junction with the Connecticut at Stewartstown. Haniclen, Ct. New Haven co. This town was taken from New Haven in 1786, from which it lies about 6 miles N. It is situated between the East and West Rock ranges of mountains, the southern terminus of the Green mountain range. The soil in many parts is easy of cultivation, but in general it is more adapted to graz- ing than tillage. Alinerals are found here, among which are spe- cimens of very pure copper. Mill river affords numerous sites for wa- ter works. 15 Whitney sville, about two miles from New Haven, is admirably lo- cated for manufacturing opperations. The manufactures at the Carmel works, consist of paper, carriages, coach and eliptic springs, steps, axletrees, brass work, &c. Mount Carmel, a noted elevation, 8 miles N. from New Haven, exhibits an extensive prospect. Population, 1830, 1,669. Uaiuiltou, Mass. Essex CO. This is a beautiful farming town, and most of the in- habitants are employed in cultivat- ing it. There are some vessels built here, and some manufactures of leather, boots, and shoes. The town is quite small. Population, 1S37, 827. Taken from Ipswich in 1793. It lies 8 miles N. by E. from Salem. Hampden, Me. Penobscot co. Hampden lies on the west side of Penobscot, below and adjoining Bangor. It is also watered by the Sowadabscook riv- er, a large and valuable mill stream. This is an important township in its commerce on the Penobscot, its manufacture of lumber, and its ag- ricultural productions. It is one of the most flourishing towns on the river. The quantity of wheat pro- duced by the farmers, in 1837, wai! 5,664 bushels. Population, 1830, 2,020 ; 1837, 2,520. Hampden is 6 miles S. from Bangor, and 62 E. N. E. from Augusta. Hampden County, Mass. Springfield is the chief town. This county is very fertile and well cultivated, and in common with all the counties on Connecticut river, it presents a rich array of delightful scenery. Its rivers afford an abun- dant water power; and this county has become noted for its various and extensive manufactures. Much inland trade is brought to the banks of the Connecticut, and large exports NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. are made from this county, the pro- duct both of the soil and mechani- cal labor. This county was taken from Hampshire county in 1812. Population, 1820,28,021 ; 1830,31,- 640 ; 1837, 33,627. Area, 585 square miles. Bounded S. by Tolland and Hartfoid counties, Connecticut ; W. by Berkshire county ; N. by Hamp- shire county, and E. by Worcester county : 57 inhabitants to a square mile. The Connecticut, Wcsttield, Chickopee, and Quinebaugh are its chief rivers. The value of the manufactures of this county, the year endin;^ April 1,1837, was $3,056,302. The value of wool, the i)roduct of 29,950 sheep, was $44,786. Hampsliire County, Mass. J\~orthainpton is the chief town. This ancient county, although its limits have been greatly reduced by the production of Franklin and Hampden counties, is still increas- ing in agricultural, commercial and manufacturing strength. Located in the centre of the alluvial basin of the noble Connecticut; blessed with a rich and variegated soil, and great water power, this must ever remain one of the most independ- ent counties in New England. — Area, 532 square miles. Popula- tion, 1820, 26,447; 1830,30,210; 1837, 30,413. Incorporated, 1662. This county is bounded S. by Hamp- den, W. by Berkshire, N. by Frank- lin, and E. by Worcester counties: 57 inhabitants to a square mile. The Connecticut, Westtiold, and Swift, are its chief rivers. The manufactures of this county, the year ending April 1, 1837, amount- ed to $2,335,652. The value of wool, the fleeces of 64,274 sheep, amounted to $103,751. Hampstead, N. H., Rockingham co., lies partly on the height of land between Merri- mack and Piscataqua rivers. Most of the waters descend S W. into the Merrimack through Spiggot riv- er, which flows from Wash pond, near the centre of the town. An- glypond is in the N. E. part of the town, the waters of which pass into Powow river. Island pond, in the S. W. part of the town, contains a valuable farm of 300 acres. The town was granted by Gov. Benning Wentworth, January 19, 1749, and named by him after a pleasant vil- lage live miles N. of London, Eng- land. He reserved the island be- fore mentioned for his own farm. Population in 1830, 913. See Hampton, Me. Down East." Hampton^ N. H., Rockingham co., lies on the sea- coast, bounded N. E. by North- Hampton, S. E. bv the Atlantic, S. W. by Hampton Falls, N. W. by Hampton Falls and part of Exeter. Distant 13 miles S. W. from Ports- mouth, 7 S. E. from Exeter, and 50 S. E. from Concord. The soil is well adapted to tillage and mowing, and about one fifth of the territory is a salt marsh. Hampton is pleas- antly situated ; many eminences in the town affording romantic views of the ocean, Isles of Shoals, and sea-coast from Cape Ann to Ports- mouth. Its beaches have long been the resort of invalids and parties of pleasure, and arc little inferior to the: famous Nahant beach near Boston. Boar's Head is an abrupt emi- nence extending into the sea, and di- viding the beaches about halfway between the river's mouth and the N. E. corner of the town. On the N. beach are numerous fish-houses, from which the winter and summer fisheries have been carried on with much success. Great quantities of the winter fish are carried frozen into the interior, and to Vermont and Canada. The Indian name of this town was Winnicumet ; it was fust set- tled in 1638, by emigrants from the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. county of Norfolk, England. The first house was erected in 1635, by Nicholas Easton, and was called the Bound-house. The town was in- corporated in 1636, and then inclu- ded within its limits what now con- stitutes the towns of North Hamp- ton, Hampton Falls, Kensington and Seabrook. This town was formerly the scene of Indian depredations. On the 17th Aug. 1703, a party of Indians kill- ed 5 persons in Hampton, among whom was a widow Mu?sey, cele- brated as a preacher among the Friends. The Hon. Christopher Top- pan died here in Feb., 1S19, aged 84: he was a very useful and dis- tinguished citizen. Population in 1830, 1,103. Hampton, Ct. Windham co. This town was taken from Windham and Pomfret in 1786. The people are generally agriculturalists, with a good strong soil of an uneven surface. The village is pleasantly situated on high ground, 35 miles E. from Hartford and 6 from Brooklyn. Hampton has good mill seats on a branch of Shetucket river. Population, 1S30, 1,101. Hampton Falls, IV. H., Rockingham co., is situated 45 miles S. E. from Concord, and 16 S. W. from Portsmouth. The soil is generally good. Hampton Falls was originally a part of Hampton, from which it was separated and incorporated, in 1712. Population, 1830, 582. Hancock County, Me. Ellsworth is the chief town. This county is bounded N. by Penobscot county, E. by Washington county, S. by the Atlantic ocean, and W. by Penobscot bay and river, and a part by Penobscot county. Its ex- tent on the ocean is between 50 and 60 miles: it comprises numerous islands of great beauty, some of which are large, fertile and well cultivated ; it comprises also nu- merous bays, and a vast number of coves, inlets and spacious harbors. Perhaps there is no district of ita extent on the American coast, that oilers greater facilities for naviga- tion, in all its various branches, than the county of Hancock. The ton- nage of Frenchman's bay, in this county, in 1837, was 13,184 tons. The soil of the county is generally of an excellent quality, particularly in the interior. There are a great number of ponds in the county : ev- ery section of it is watered by mill streams, and Union river, nearly in its centre, affords the interior part great facilities for transporta- tion. This county contains an area of about 1,850 square miles. Pop- ulation, 1830, 24,347; 1837, 28,120. Population to a square mile, 15. This county produced, in 1837, 21,- 446 bushels of wheat, and contain- ed 38,870 sheep. Hancock, Me. Hancock CO. This town was tak- en from Sullivan and Trenton in 1828. It is situated between those towns, and is nearly surrounded by the head waters of Frenchman's bay. It is a place of some naviga^ tion ; 85 miles E. from Augusta, and bounded easterly by Ellsworth. Population, 1837, 653. Hancock, 9t. H. Hillsborough co. It is 35 miles from Concord, 22 from Amherst, and 19 from Keene. The W- part of the town is mountainous, but af- fords excellent pasturing and many good farms. The other parts of the town are agreeably diversified with plains, hills and valleys. On the Contoocook, and some of its trib- utary streams, there are several tracts of excellent intervale. There are two considerable ponds, one of which is in the centre, a few rods N. of the meeting-house. There NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. is a cotton factory, a paper mill, and several other manufacturing estab- lishments here ; also a nourishing academy. Hancock was incorpora- ted Nov. 5, 1779. It was named after Gov. Hancock, of Boston, who was one of the original proprietors. The tirst settlement was begun in 1764. Population, 1830, 1,316. Hancock, Vt. Addison co. Several branches of Otter creek rise in this town. Hancock is wholly on the moun- tains, and most of the land fit only for grazing. First settled, 1778. Population, 1830, 472. It lies 30 miles S. W. from Montpelicr, and 15 S. E. from Middlebury. Hancock, Rlass. Berkshire co. This is a moun- tainous township, on the line of the state of New York, the source of the Housatonick, and the residence of a family of " Shakers." It lies 129 miles W. from Boston, 15 N. by W. from Lenox, and 5 E. from New Lebanon, New York. Incor- porated, 1776. Population, 1S37, 975. There are one cotton and three woolen mills in the town, and some manufactures of leather, boots, shoes, iron castings, and wooden ware. The value of 5,445 fleeces of wool, sheared in 1837, amounted to $11,544. As we are so near the lovely val- ley of New Lebanon, its tepid springs, and a large family of our friends, the Shakers, we must be permitted to cross the line a mo- ment, "just to take a look." JVew Lebanon, New York, is in the county of Columbia, and sit- uated in a delightful valley, sur- rounded by cultivated hills, which present scenery greatly variegated and peculiarly pleasing. A community of Shakers, of be- tween 500 and 600, own about 3,000 acres of excellent land in thi s town- ship, which is highly improved by this industrious, hospitable, and cu- rious people. Their village is about two miles soutlieast of the springs. The Springs arc on the side of a hill, and are so abundant as to sup- ply a small water power. The wa- ters ai'e tasteless, pure as crystal, and appear to dilfer in no respect from other pure mountain waters, except in temperature, which is always at 72° of Fahrenheit. This is a great resort for visitors fi-om all directions : — some to enjoy the romantic scenery with which tliis region abounds, and others the benign influence of the waters. The public resorts are well located, and afford excellent accommodations. New Lebanon is 134 miles W. from Boston, 24 E. from Albany, 23 N. E. from Hudson, 7 W. from Pitts- field, 23 S. by W. from AVilliams- town, 156 N. by E. from New York, and 68 N. W. by W. from Hartford. Ct. Hanover, Bf. H. Grafton co. The Connecticut river separates it from Norwich, Yerniont. It is 53 miles N. W. from Concord, and 102 from Ports- mouth. In this town there is no river nor any considerable stream besides the Connecticut. Mink brook, running in aS. W. direction. Slate brook in a W. course, and Goose-Pond brook in the N. E. part of the town, are among the princi- pal streams. Neither of them is large enough for permanent mill privileges. There are several small islands in Connecticut river within the limits of Hanover, the largest of which is Parker's island, contain- ing about 20 acres. Tliere are no natural ponds. The surface of Hanover is agreeably diversified with hills and valleys, and the great- est part is suitable for farms. There is but a sniidl proportion of waste land; less, perhaps, than in any other town in Grafton county. It is es- timated that nearly one half is un- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. der improvement. Moose moun- tain is a considerable elevation, ex- tending across the town from N. to S.j at the distance of about five miles from Connecticut river. A handsome bridge connects the S. W. part of the town with Norwich. The principal village is in the S. W. corner of the town, on a beau- tiful and extensive plain, half a mile from Connecticut river, and 180 feet above the level of its wa- ters. Vegetable substances are found in different parts of this plain at a depth of from 50 to 80 feet. The principal houses are erected round a square, level area, of 12 acres. The remainder stand on different streets, leading from the green in all directions. In this pleasant village is located Dartmouth College. See Register. Among the worthy men who have finished their earthly career in this place, may be mentioned the following : Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, D. D., who died April 24, 1779, aged 69. Hon. John Wheelock, LL. D., president of the college 35 years, ■who died April 4, 1817, aged 63. Hon. Bezaleel. Woodward, who died Aug. 1804. Rev. John Hmith, D. D., who died April, 1809. Hon. John Hubbard, who died in Sept. 1810. Rev. Francis Brown, D. D., who died July 27, 1820, aged 36. These gentlemen were all connect- ed with the college. Population, 1830, 2,361. Hanover, Mass. Plymouth co. Hanover is bound- ed S. by North river, which fur- nishes good mill sites. It was in- corpora'ted in 1727. It lies 23 miles S. E. from Boston, and 12 N. W. from Plymouth. The manufactures of Hanover consist of bar iron, iron castings, anchors, ploughs, vessels, 15* tacks, leather, boots, shoes, and woolen cloth : total annual amount, about $75,000. Pop. 1837, 1,435. Hanson, Mass. Plymouth co. This town is wa- tered by a branch of North river and several ponds. It was taken from Pembroke in 1820, and lies in the vicinity of large beds of excel- lent iron ore. The manufactures of Hanson consist of ship anchors and knees, nails, carriage springs, iron castings, leather, shoes, sawed boxes and shingles : total annual amount, about $70,000. Population, 1837, 1,058. It lies 24 miles S. S. E. from Boston, and 15 N. N. W. from Plymouth. Harclvrick, Vt. Caledonia co. Hardwick is fine- ly watered by Lamoille river, which gives the town valuable mill sites, and which are well improved for manufacturing purposes. The soil of the town is generally very good, and produces a variety of exports. Between six and seven thousand sheep, and many other cattle, are kept in the town, a large amount of which are annually fattened and sent to market. Among the first settlers of the town, in 1790, was Mr. Gideon Sa- bin, whose wife became the mother of 26 children. Population, 1830, 1,216. Hardwick lies 20 miles N. N. E. from Montpelier, and 13 N. W. from Danville. Hardwick, Mass. Worcester co. Ware river and a smaller stream pass through the S. part of this town, and furnish good mill privileges. It lies 62 miles W. from Boston and 22 W. by N. from Worcester. Incorporated, 1738. Population, 1837, 1,818.— There are 2 paper mills in the town, and manufactures of straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, ploughs, leather, chairs and cabinet ware : annual amount about $ 50,000. -»• NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Hardwick is a pleasant town, of good 3oil, with a tine fish pond. Harmouy, Me. Somerset co. This town has an excellent soil, and is well watered by a large and beautiful pond, and bj' other sources of Sebasticook river. In 1837 it had a population of 1 ,048, and produced 6,836 bushels of wheat. It was incorporated in 1803, and lies .53 miles N. by E. from Augusta, and 23 N. E. from Norridgewock. Ilarpswell, Die. Cumberland co. This township comprises a promontory in Casco bay, formerly Merryconeng, and several islands surrounding it, the largest of which is called Sebascud- egan. The waters which enclose this territory are so situated, at the northern and eastern extremity of Casco bay, that a canal of about a mile in length would unite them with Kennebec river, near Bath. The soil of Harpswell is very fer- tile, and the location delightful in .summer. It is a resort for invalids and parties of pleasure. The peo- ple are principally engaged in farm- ing and fishing. It lies 22 miles N. E. from Portland by water, and 4 miles S. E. from Brunswick. In- corporated, 1758. Population, 1837, 1,344. Harrington, Mc. Washington co. This town is bounded on the S. and E. by the waters of Narraguagus bay, and W. by the river of that name. It has good mill privileges, excellent har- bors, considerable navigation and trade. Incorporated, 1797. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,118; 1837, 1,3.54.— Harrington lies 118 miles E. from Augusta, and 25 W. S. W. from Machias. Harrison, Itlc. Cumberland co. Crooked river passes the E. side of this town, and the waters of Long pond are its western boundary. This is a good township of land, and produced, in 1837, 3,180 bushels of wheat. In- corporated, 1805. Population, 1837, 1,161. Harrison has Otisfield on the E., and is 75 miles W. S. W. from Augusta, and 45 N. W. from Portland. Hartford, Me. Oxford CO. This excellent town- ship is watered by ponds and small streams, and produced, in 1837, 9,- 318 bushels of wheat. It lies 31 miles W. from Augusta, and 15 N. E. from Paris. Population, 1830, 1,453. Incorporated, 1798. Hartford, Vt. Windsor CO. This town is on the west side of the Connecticut, and is otherwise finely watered by White and Waterqueechy rivers. It lies 42 miles S. S. E. from Montpelier, and 14 N. from Windsor. First set- tled, 17G4. Population, 1830, 2,044. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil is rich, warm, and very productive. The two principal vil- lages are pleasantly located on the banks of the rivers that meet the Connecticut at this place, both of which are flourishing in manufac- tures and trade. Many cattle,beside pork, butter, cheese, ice, are sent to market from Hartford. In 1837 it had 13,207 sheep. Hartford County, Ct. Hartford is the chief town. This county is bounded N.by Hampden county, Mass., E. by Tolland coun- ty, S. by the counties of Middlesex and New Haven, and W. by the county of Litchfield. This is con- sidered the most important and val- uable county in the state, in re- gard to the variety and richness of its soil, and the high state of cul- ture it has attained. It was con- stituted in 1606, since which, Tol- land county and parts of Middle- sex, Windham, Litchfield, and New NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. London have been detached. Its present limits comprise an area of about 727 square miles. Besides the Connecticut, which traverses its whole length, the Farmington, Hackanum, Podunk, Scantic, and other streams, water the county in almost every direction. On these streams important manufacturing establishments have sprung up, and unite with the agricultural interest and river trade in rendering this county the centre of a large and flourishing business. In 1837 there were in the county 29,576 sheep. Population, 1820, 47,261 ; 1830, 51,141: 70 inhabitants to a square mile. Hartford, Ct. The first English settlement in Hartford was commenced in 1635, by Mr. John Steel and his associates from Newtown, (now Cambridge)in Massachusetts. The main body of the first settlers, with Mr. Hooker at their head, did not arrive till the following year. " About the beginning of June, (says Dr. Trumbull,) Mr. Hooker, Mr. Stone, and about one hundred men, women and children, took their departure from Cambridge, and traveled more than a hundred miles, through a hideous and track- less wilderness, to Hartford. They had no guide but their compass, and made their way over mountains, through swamps, thickets and riv- ers, which were not passable but with great difficulty. They had no cover but the heavens, nor any lodgings but those that simple na- ture afforded them. They drove with them a hundred and sixty head of cattle, and by the way subsisted on the milk of their cows. Mrs. Hooker was borne through the wil- derness upon a litter. The people carried their packs, arms, and some utensils. They were nearly a fort- night on their journey. This ad- venture was the more remarkable, as many of the company were per- sons of figure, who had lived in England, in honor, afiiuence and delicacy, and were entire strangers to fatigue and danger." The Indian name of Hartford was Suckiag. A deed appears to have been given by Sunckqvasson, the sachem of the place, about 1636, to Samuel Stone and William Good- win, who appear to have acted in behalf of the first settlers. The town of Hartford is bounded N. by Windsor and Bloomfield, E. by Connecticut river, S. by Weth- ersfield, and W. by Farmington and Avon. It is about six miles in length from north to south, and ave- rages about five in breadth. The western part of the town has a soil of red gravelly earth, very rich and productive. That part near the river is covered with a strong clay, or a rich black mould. The latter is principally in the valuable tract of meadow adjacent to Connecticut river. Hartford City, incorporated in 1784, is over a mile in length upon the river, and about three fourths of a mile in breadth. The alluvial flat upon the river is nar- row, being from 40 to 100 rods, and is connected with the upland by a very gradual elevation. It is situ- ated on the west side of Connecti- cut river, 45 miles from its mouth. It is in N. lat. 41° 45' 59'-', W. Ion. 72° 40'. It is 260 miles S. W. from Augusta, Maine; 139 S. S. W. from Concord, New Hamp- shire ; 205 S. from Montpelier, Ver- mont; 97 W. S. W. from Boston, Massachusetts ; 64 W. from Provi- dence, Rhode Island; 110 N. E. from the city of New York, and 335 E. from Washington. The legislature of the state as- sembles alternately at Hartford and New Haven, the odd years at Hart- ford. The city is rather irregular- ly laid out, and is divided at the S. part by Mill, or Little river. Across this stream a fine bridge of free- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. stone has been thrown, which con- nects the two parts of the city. This structure is 100 feet wide, supported by a single arch, 7 feet in thickness at the base, and 3 feet 3 inches at the centre, the chord or span of which is 104 feet; eleva- vation from the bed of the river to the top of the arch, 30 feet 9 inch- es. Another brid2:e, across Con- necticut river, 1,000 feet lon^, and which cost over $100,000, unites the city with East Hartford. Hartford is very advantageously situated for business, is surrounded by an ex- tensive and wealthy district, and communicates with the towns and villages on the Connecticut above by small steam-boats, two of which, for passengers, ply daily between Hartford and Springfield. The re- mainder are employed in towing flat bottomed boats, of 15 to 30 tons burthen, as far as Wells' river, 220 miles above the city. The coast- ing trade is very considerable, and there is some foreign trade carrieil on. A daily line of steam-boats pass between Hartford and New York. The manufactures of this city ex- ceed $900,000 per annum ; among these are various manufactures of tin, copper, and sheet iron ; block tin and pewter ware ; printing press- es and ink ; a manufactory of iron machinery ; iron foundries, saddle- ry, carriages, joiners' tools, paper- hangings, looking-glasses, umbrel- las, stone ware, a brewery, a web manufactory, cabinet furniture, boots and shoes, hats, clothing for exportation, soap and candles, man- ufactories of machine and other wire cards, operated by dogs, &c. More than twice as many books, it is stated, are published here, annu- ally, as are manufactured in any other place of equal population in the United States. The city is well built, and con- tains many elegant public and pri- vate edifices. The state-house, in which are the public offices of the state, is surmounted by a cupola, and is a very handsome and spa- cious building. The city hall, built for city purposes, is also spacious and elegant ; it has two fronts, with porticos, — supported each by six massive columns. The American Asylum for the deaf and dumb, the Retreat for the insane, and Wash- ington College, are all beautifully located, in the immediate vicinity of the city. The population with- in the city limits, in September, 1835, was nine thousand and eight hundred. " The American Asylum for the education and instruction of deaf and dumb persons, was founded by an association of gentlemen in Hart- ford, Conn., in 1815. Their atten- tion was called to this important charity by a case of deafness in the family of one of their number. An interesting child of the late Dr. Cogswell, who had lost her hearing at the age of two years, and her speech soon after, was, under Prov- idence, the cause of its establish- ment. Her father, ever ready to sympathize with the afflicted, and prompt to relieve human suffering, embraced in his plans for the edu- cation of his own daughter, all who might be similarly unfortunate. — The co-operation of the benevolent was easily secured, and measures were taken to obtain from Europe a knowledge of the difficult art, unknown in this country, of teach- ing written language through the medium of signs, to the deaf and dumb. For this purpose, the Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet visited Eng- land and Scotland, and applied at the institutions in those countries for instruction in their system ; but meeting with unexpected difficul- ties, he" repaired to France, and ob- tained, at the Royal Institution at Paris, those qualifications for an instructor of the deaf and dumb, which a selfish and mistaken poli- cy had refused him in Great 13rit- ain. Accompanied by Mr. Laurent NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Clerc, himself deaf and dumb, and for several years a successful teacli- er under the Abbe Sicard, Mr. Gal- laudet returned to this country in August, 1816. The Asylum had, in May preceding, been incorpora- ted by the state legislature. Some months were spent by Messrs. Gal- laudet and Clerc in obtaining funds for the benefit of the institution, and in the spring of 1817 the Asy- lum was opened for the reception of those for whom it was designed, and the course of instruction commenced with seven pupils. " As the knowledge of the in- stitution extended, and the facili- ties for obtaining its advantages were multiplied, the number of pu- pils increased from seven to one hundred and forty, which for seve- ral years past has not been much above the average number ; and since its commencement, in 1817, to 1837, instruction has been imparted to four hundred and seventy-seven deaf and dumb persons. " In 1819, Congress granted the in- stitution a township of land in Ala- bama, the proceeds of which have been invested as a permanent fund. The principal building was erected in 1820, and the pupils removed to it in the spring of the following year. It is one hundred and thirty feet long, lifty feet wide, and, in- cluding the basement, four stories high. Other buildings have been subsequently erected, as the in- creasing number of pupils made it necessary ; the principal of which is a dining hall and workshops for the male pupils. Attached to the institution are eight or ten acres of land, which afford ample room for exercise, and the cultivation of veg- etables and fruits for the pupils. " The system of instruction adopt- ed at this institution is substantially the same as that of the French school at Paris. It has, however, been materially improved and mod- ified by Mr. Gallaudet and his as- sociates. This system, and indeed every other rational system of teaching the deaf and dumb, is bas- ed upon the natural language of signs. By this we mean those ges- tures which a deaf and dumb per- son will naturally use to express his ideas, and to make known his wants previous to instruction. These gestures and signs are rather picto- rial, that is, an exact outline of the object, delineated by the hands in the air ; or descripttce, giving an idea of an object by presenting some of its prominent and striking features ; or conventional, such as may have been agreed upon by a deaf and dumb person and his as- sociates. As there are very few objects which can be expressed with sufficient clearness by the de- lineation of its outline alone, a de- scriptive sign is usually connected with it. Thus, in making a sign for a hook, the outline is first delin- eated by the fore finger of both hands. To this is added the descrip- tive signs of opening a book, plac- ing it before the eyes, and moving the lips as in reading. It may therefore simplify the classification of natural signs if the first two di- visions be united ; and it will be suthciently accurate to say that all the signs used by the deaf and dumb are either descriptive or conven- tional. By far the greater part of these signs belong to the former class ; as it includes the signs for most common objects, actions and emotions. A deaf and dumb child constructs his language upon the same principle as the child who can hear; that of imitation. " In the school-room, the instruc- tor makes use of natural signs to communicate ideas to his pupils, of systematic signs to enable them to translate their own into written lan- guage ; of the manual alphabet, or signs of the hand, corresponding to the letters of the alphabet ; and of written symbols to express the grammatical relations of words. " The pupils usually remain at NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the Asylum four or five years, in which lime an intelligent child will acquire a knowledge of the common operations of arithmetic, of geogra- phy, grammar, history, biograpliy, and of written language, so as to enable him to understand the Scrip- tures, and books written in a famil- iar style. He will of course be able to converse with others by writing, and to manage his own affairs as a farmer or mechanic. There are workshops connected wHh the in- stitution, in which the boys have the opportunity of learning a trade, and many of them, by devoting four hours each day to this object, be- come skillful workmen, and when they leave the Asylum find no dif- ficulty in supporting themselves. The annual charge to each pupil is one hundred dollars. '• The department of instruction is under the control of the principal of the institution, who has also a general oversight of the other de- partments. The pupils are distrib- uted into eight or nine classes, the immediate care of which is com- mitted to the same number of as- sistant instructors. When out of school, the pupils are under the care of a steward and matron." Retreat for the Insane. " This institution is situated on a command- ing eminence, at the distance of a mile and a quarter, in a southwest- erly direction, from the State House in Hartford. It was opened April 1, 1824. The elevation overlooks an ample range of fertile country, presenting on every side a most in- teresting landscape, adorned with every beauty of rural scenery, that can be found in rich and culti- vated fields, and meadows of unri- valled verdure ; in extensive groves and picturesque groups of forest, fruit and ornamental trees ; and above all, in the charming diversi- ty of level, sloping and undulating surfaces, terminating by distant bills, and more distant mountains. " This site was selected as one pre-eminently calculated to attract and engage the attention, and soothe and appease the morbid fancies and feelings of the patient whose fac- ulties are not sunk below or raised above the sphere of relations that originally existed. And if he is not beyond the reach of genial sen- sations, connected with external objects, he will undoubtedly feel the conscious evidence that this situa- tion most happily unites the tran- quilizing influence of seclusion and retirement, with the cheering effect of an animated picture of active life, continually passing in review before his eyes, while himself is remote, and secure from the annoy- ance of its bustle and noise. "The edifice for the accommoda- tion of the patients, and those who have the care of them, isconstrucf- ed of unhewn free-stone, covered with a smooth, white, water-proof cement. Its style of architecture is perfectly plain and simple, and interests only by its symmetrical beauty, and perhaps by the idea it impresses of durability and strength, derived from the massy solidity of its materials. Yet notwithstanding these, its general aspect is remark- ably airy and cheerful, from the amplitude of its lights, and the bril- liant whiteness of its exterior. The whole building is divided into com- modious and spacious apartments, adapted to various descriptions of cases, according to their sex, nature and disease, habits of life, and the wishes of their friends. The male and female apartments are entire- ly separated, and either sex is com- pletely secluded from the view of the other. Rooms are provided in both male and female apartments for the accommodation of the sick, where they are removed from any annoyance, and can continually re- ceive the kind attentions of their immediate relations and friends. Attached to the building are about seventeen acres of excellent land. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the principal part of which is laid out in walks, ornamental s;rounds and extensive gardens. With each wing and block of the building is connected a court-yard, encompass- ed by high fences, and handsomely laid out, designed to afford the ben- efit of exercise, pastime and fresh air, to those who cannot safely be allowed to range abroad." The mode of treatment at this institution is similar to that adopted at the McLean Asylum, Charles- town, Mass. " Washington College. This in- stitution was founded in 1826 It has two edifices of free stone ; one 148 feet long by 43 wide, and 4 sto- ries high, containing 48 rooms ; the other 87 feet by 55, and 3 stories high, containing the chapel, libra- ry, mineralogical cabinet, philo- sophical chamber, laboratory and recitation rooms. See Register. Tlie Charter Oak. This tree stands on the beautiful elevation which rises above the south mead- ows, a few rods north of the ancient seat of the Wyllys family. The tree is still in a vigorous state, and may flourish for another century. "That venerable tree, which concealed the charter of our rights," says a daughter of Secretary Wyl- lys, "stands at the foot of Wyllys hill. The first inhabitant of that name found it standing in the lieight of its glory. Age seems to have curtailed its branches, yet it is not exceeded in the height of its color- ing, or richness of its foliage. The trunk measures twenty one feet in circumference, and near seven in diameter. The cavity, which was the asylum of our charter, was near the roots, and large enough to ad- mit a child. Within the space of eight years, that cavity has closed, as if it had fulfilled the divine pur- pose for which it had been reared." The story of the " Charter Oak" is thus told by Mr. Barber. " Sir Edmund Andros being ap- pointed the first governor-general over New England, arrived in Bos- ton in Dec. 1686. From this place he wrote to the colony of Connecti- cut to resign their charter, but with- out success. " ' The assembly met as usual, in October, and the gov- ernment continued according to charter, until the last of the month. About this time. Sir Edmund, with his suite and more than sixty regu- lar troops, came to Hartford when the assembly were sitting, and de- manded the charter, and declared the government under it to be dis- solved. The assembly were ex- tremely reluctant and slow with re- spect to any resolve to surrender the charter, or with respect to any motion to bring it forth. The tra- dition is, that governor Treat strong- ly represented the great expense and hardships of the colonists in planting the country ; the blood and treasure which they had ex- pended in defending it, both against the savages and foreigners ; to what hardships he himself had been ex- posed for that purpose ; and that it was like giving up his life, now to surrender the patent and privileges so dearly bought and so long enjoy- ed. The important affair was de- bated and kept in suspense until the evening, when the charter was brought and laid upon the table where the assembly were sitting. By this time great numbers of peo- ple were assembled, and men suffi- ciently bold to enterprise whatever might be necessary or expedient. The lights were instantly extin- guished, and one Capt. Wadsworth, of Hartford, in the most silent and secret manner, carried off the char- ter, and secreted it in a large hol- low tree, fronting the house of Hon. " Samuel Wyllys, then one of the magistrates of the colony. The people all appeared peaceable and orderly. The candles were offi- ciously re-lighted, but the patent was gone, and no discovery could NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. be made of it, or the persons who carried it away.' " West Hartford, or, as it was formerly called, TVest Division, is a fine tract of land. The inhabit- ants are mostly substantial farmers, and the general appearance of the place denotes an unusual share of equalized wealth and prosperity. The venerable Nathan Per- kins, D. D., still continues his la- bors in the ministry in this place. In 1833, his sixtieth anniversary sermon was published. In that ser- mon he says, " I am now the oldest othciating minister of the gjospel in this state, and, as far as I can learn, in the United States. And I can- not learn.from the history of church- es in Connecticut, that there has ever been an instance of one of its ministers preaching for sixty years uninterruptedly to the same con- gregation." Dr. Perkins stated, as we are in- formed, that from the commence- ment of his ministry, that in his church there had been one thou- sand deaths and one thousand bap- tisms — that he had delivered four thousand written sermons, and ihree thousand extemporaneous ones, on other occasions of worship — that he had attended sixty ordinations and installations, and had preached 20 ordination sermons, twelve of which had been published by request ; that he had attended one hundred eccle- siastical councils, to heal dilhcultics in the churches, and that he had fitted for college one hundred and fifty students, and more than thirty for the gospel ministry. Haitland, Me, Somerset co. This excellent township is watered on its eastern boundary by one of the principal branches of Sebasticook river. The inhabitants arc principally engaged in agricultural pursuits, and the soil richly rewards them for their indus- try. Hartland produced 4,836 bushels of wheat in 1837, some wool and other valuable commodi- ties, it was incorporated in 1820. Population, 1837, 890. It lies 42 miles N. by E. from Augusta, and 18 N. E. from Norridgewock. Hartland, Vt. Windsor co. Timothy Lull was the father of this flourishing re- public. He took his family from Dumincrston, up Connecticut river about 50 miles, in a log canoe, in 1763. He landed at the mouth of a beautiful stream, called Lull's Brook. His nearest neighbors were more than 20 miles distant. He commenced a settlement on Lull's Brook, and, after acquiring a hand- some property, died there at the age of 81. Timothy Lull, jr., was the first child born in the town. — On the occasion of his birth, a mid- wife was drawn 23 miles on a hand sled. This is a rich farming town, pleas- antly diversified by hills and val- leys. Hartland produces many cat- tle : ten thousand sheep graze in its pastures. It lies on the west bank of Connecticut river. Water- queechy river, at theN. part of the town, and Lull's Brook, at the S., give it a water power of great val- ue. On these streams are neat vil- lages and nourishing manufactur- ing establishments. Hartland lies 50 miles S. S. E. from Montpelier and 9 N. from Windsor. Popula tion, 1830, 2,503. Hartland, Ct. Hartford co. This town is 22 miles N. W. from Hartford. It lies in a mountainous part of the state : most of the land is cold and fit only for grazing. A branch of Farm- ington river passes through the town, and forms what is called Hartland hollow, a deep ravine, presenting sonje bold and pictur- esque scenery. Hartlaud was in- corporated in 1761. First settled, 1753. Population, 1830, 1,221. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Harvard, Mass. Worcester co. This town was taken from Stow, Groton and Lan- caster, in 1732. It is washed on the W. side by Nashua river. It lies 30 miles N. W. from Boston, 20 N. E. from Worcester, and 13 W. from Concord. Here are two large ponds with fine fish, and quar- ries of slate used for monuments. About 200 of that industrious sect, called shakers, reside here, and own a considerable tract of excellent land. They live about 3 miles N. E. from the centre of the town, and supply the market with a great va- riety of wares, fruits, seeds, herbs, &c. &c., the product of their me- chanical ingenuity and horticultu- ral skill. There are three paper mills in Harvard, and manufactures of palm- leaf hats, boots, shoes, leather and grave stones: annual value about $40,000. Large quantities of hops have been raised in this place. — Population, 1837, 1,566. Harwicli, Mass., Barnstable co., on the S. side of Cape Cod, 14 miles E. from Barn- stable. Incorporated, 1694. Pop- ulation, 1S30, 2,464; 1837,2,771. On Herring river, the outlet of Long pond, are cotton and other mills. Some vessels are built here and some salt manufactured. The product of the cod and mackerel fishery the year ending April 1, 1837, was $33,000. Harwich is a pleasant town : the village makes a good appearance from the sea. Harwinton, Ct. Litchfield CO. Har-win-ton de- rived its name fi-om three syllables taken from the names of Hartford, Windsor and Farmington. It was first settled in 1731 ; incorporated, 1737. Population, 1830, 1,.516. It lies 23 miles W. from Hartford, 40 N. by W. from New Haven, and 8 E, from Litchfield. Harwinton is 16 situated on high ground, abounding with granite rocks and more fit for grazing than tillage. Hatfield, Mass. Hampshire co. This is a weal- thy agricultural township, noted for its good soil and fine beef cattle. It lies on the W. side of Connecti- cut river, 5 miles N. from North- ampton, and 95 W. from Boston. — Incorporated, 1670. Population, 1337, 937. The manufactures of the town consist of corn brooms, boots, shoes, palm-leaf hats, and car- riages ; annual value about ,$50,000. There is an elm tree in Hatfield which is said to measure, two feet from the ground, thirty four feet in circumference. HaverlUll, TS. H., Grafton co., is one of the shire towns. It lies 31 miles N. W. from Plymouth, and 70 N. N. W. from Concord. It is watered by Olive- rian and Hazen brooks. Haverhill is a pleasant town. The soil is suit- ed to every species of cultivation. There is a quarry of granite suita- ble for mill stones and buildings, and a bed of iron ore, on the W. side of Coventry, bordering this town. The principal village is at the S. W. angle of the town, and known by the name of Haverhill Corner. There is a beautiful common in this village, laid out in an oblong square, around which the buildings regu- larly stand. The site is a handsome elevation, overlooking the adjacent country many miles N. and S., and not less than 6 or 7 miles E. and W. From the street, the ground slopes with unusual elegance to the W., and is succeeded by broad inter- vales. The prospect here is de- lightful. There is another village at the N. W. angle of the town, on a street nearly a mile in length, straight and very level. Haverhill was granted, 1764. Its first settlement was made in 1764, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. by Capt. John Hazen, who settled on the Little Ox Bow, near where there had formerly been an Indian fort and burying ground, and wliere many Indian skulls and relics have been found. Several of the early settlers were from Newbury and Haverhill, Mass., and from the last place, this town derived its name. Its former name was Lower Coos. Hon. Moses Dow was one of tiie most distinguished citizens of this place. Hon. Charles Johxston, who died March .5, 1813, aged 76, resid- ed here. He was a valuable offi- cer in the revolution, and was ma- ny years judge of probate in Graf- ton county. Hon. James Woodward and Hon. Ezekiel Ladd were among the early settlers, and were judges of tlie old county court. Population, in 1830, 2,153. Haverhill, Maas. Essex CO. This ancient, respect- able and nourishing manufacturing town, lies on the N. side of the Merrimack river, at the head of navigation, and united to Bradford by two beautiful bridges. It is 30 miles N. from Boston, 31 N. N. W. from Salem, 12 W. by S. from Newbu- ryport, 18 N. E. from Lowell, 30 S. W. from Portsmouth, N. H. and 40 S. E. from Concord, N. II. Lit- tle river passing through the town affords a good hydraulic power, on which are manufacturing establish- ments of various kinds. The man- ufactures consist of woolen goods, leather, boots, shoes, hats, shovels, spades, forks, hoes, chairs, cabinet ware, combs, ploughs, tin ware, vessels, palm-leaf hats, shoe lasts, spirits, morocco leather, chai-;es and harnesses : total amount the year ending April 1, 1837, $l,357,i526. Haverhill is delightfully located, handsomely built, and has been the birth place and residence of many of the most valuable and distin- guished citizens of New England. Haverhill is so situated as to com- mand an extensive inland trade : it is easily approached from Boston by the Andover and Wilmington rail-road, which is extending to Ex- eter, N. H., and from thence to Maine. Haverhill, the Indian Pentuck- ett, was first settled in 1641 : it was a frontier settlement for nearly halt a century and suffered great calam- ities by savage depredations. It was incorporated in 1645. — Population, 1820, 3,070; 1830, 3,- 896; 1837, 4,726. Ha-wle}-, Mass. Franklin co. Hawley is on el- evated ground, and watered by- branches of Decrfield river. The soil is good for grazing, and feeds about 3,000 sheep. A consider- able quantity of leather is tanned in this town. Incorporated, 1792. Population, 1837, 995. Hawley has good iron ore and some iron works. It lies 107 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 14 W. by S. from Greenfield. Hayiiesville, Me. Washington county. See " Down East." Heatii, Mass. Franklin co. A mountainou< township good for grazing sheep, of which 2,312 were kept in 1837. There are in Heath some manufac- tures of leather, boots, shoes and palm-leaf hats. Incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 953. It lies 125 miles W. N. W. from Boston, and 13 W. N. W. from Greenfield. Hebron, Me. Oxford CO. This is a good farm- ing town, lying S. E. fiom Paris about 7 miles, and 42 W. S. W. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1792. Population, 1837, 972. Hebron, K^H., Grafton co., lies 9 miles S, W. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. from Plymouth, and 40 N. W. from Concord. A considerable part of Newfound lake lies in the S. E. part of this town. It has no river, nor any important streams. Near- ly one half of this town was inclu- ded in the grant of Cockermouth, now Groton. The remaining part was taken from Plymouth. It was incorporated, 1792. Population in 1830, 538. Hebron, Ct. Tolland co. Hop river, a branch of the Willimantic, waters this town. The village of Hebron, with its Gothic church, 20 miles S. E. from Hartford, and 14 S. from Tolland, is pleasant and commands a good prospect. There are in the town 2 cotton, 1 woolen, and 1 paper, mills ; a large iron furnace and other man- ufactories. The surface of the town is hilly, but fertile. North pond in the S. part of the town is a handsome sheet of water. Hebron was first settled, 1704. Incorpora- ted, 1707. Population, 1830, 1,939. Heniiiker, N. H. Merrimack co. It is 23 miles N. W. from Amherst, and 15 W. from Concord. Contoocook river passes easterly through its centre, and di- vides the town into nearly equal portions of territory and population. Its course is rather circuitous, and in many places presents scenes of considerable interest and beauty. Few places afford better prospects for the successful operation of wa- ter machinery than this. There are several ponds of considerable size. Long pond is the largest, be- ing between 1 and 2 miles in length, and from 40 to 80 rods wide — situa- ted 1 mile N.of the centre village. Craney hill is the principal eleva- tion, and embraces a large portion of territory on the S. of the town. It is mostly in a state of cultivation. The soil of the hills is favorable for wheat— the valleys produce good crops of corn. • Henniker was granted in 1752, under the name of JVumber 6. Its settlement commenced in 1761. It was incorporated in 1768, when it received its present name from Gov. Wentwoith, in honor of his friend Henniker, probably John Henni- ker, Esq., a merchant in London and a member of the British parliament at that time. Population, in 1830, 1,725. Hermou, Me. Penobscot co. A good township of land, 7 miles W. from Bangor. A large pond and the Sowadabscook river water its S. W. corner. In 1837, 1,870 bushel of. wheat was raised. Incorporated, 1814. Pop- ulation, 1837, 535. Higligate, Vt. Franklin co. This town lies on the E. side of Lake Champlain, at the N. W. corner of New Eng- land, and of the United States. It is 60 miles N. W. from Montpe- lier, and 12 N. from St. Albans. First settled, about 1784. The soil is generally sandy, in some parts swampy. Bog iron ore, of a good quality, is found here. There are many mill privileges in Highgate, particularly at a fall of the river Missisque, where are iron works, and other manufactories. The scenery at this place is quite wild and picturesque. Population, 1830, 2,038. Highgate is a place of con- siderable trade with Canada, and down the lake. Hill, ]V. H. Grafton co. This town is 24 miles N. N. W. from Concord, and 44 S. S. E. from Haverhill. It is watered by Pemigewasset and Smith's rivers, and several small streams. Eagle pond is the only one of note. Ragged mountain is a considerable elevation, and but little inferior to Kearsarge. Viewed from the sum- mit of the neighboring hills, this town appears very uneven, yet NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. there are many fine tracts converted into productive farms. The soil in some parts is rich and fertile — it is generally good. There is at the S. E. section of the town, a flourish- ing village, situated on a spacious street 1 mile in length. This town was granted Sept. 14, 1753, to 87 proprietors, who held their first meeting at Chester, and as the greater part of the inhabitants belonged to that place, it was called New Chester; which name it retain- ed until Jan. 1837, when it was changed to the name of Hill, in compliment to the then governor Hill. The first settlenient was in 1768. In Dec. 1820, six children of Mr. William Follansbee were consum- ed in the flames of his house, while he and hU wife were absent. In- corporated, 177S. Population, 1830, 1,090. HillslJorougli County, N. H. Amherst is the shu-e town. Hills- borough has Merrimack county on the N., Rockingham on the E., the state of Massachusetts on the S., and Cheshire county on the W. The surface of this county is gen- erally uneven, though there are but few lofty mountains. Lyndebo- rough mountain, in the township of Lyndeborough, the Unconoonock, in Goffstown, Crotched, in Frances- town and Society Land, are of con- siderable altitude. This section of New Hampshire is well watered. The noble and ma- jestic Merrimack passes its south- eastern border. At Nashua, the Nashua, a beautiful stream from Massachusetts, discharges its wa- ters into the Merrimack. North of the Nashua, the Souhegan and Pis- cataquog, streams of much value and consequence to the manufacturing interests, discharge themselves in- to the Merrimack ; the former in the township of Merrimack, the latter in Bedford. Part of a large collection of water, denominated a lake, the Massabesick, on the E. boundary of Manchester. Besides these there are numerous ponds, interspersed through the whole ex- tent of territory. Some of the largest of these are Gregg's pond, in Antrim, Pleasant pond, in Fran- cestown, Babboosuck pond, in Am- herst, and Potanipo, in Brookline. There are several mineral springs which have been found serviceable in cutaneous affections, but no one has yet acquired general celebrity. Minerals have been found in vari- ous places, but not in great abun- dance. This county possesses many advan- tages for manufactuiing establish- ments, and it is gratifying to find that many of its citizens are turn- ing their attention to this branch of national and individual wealth. The settlement of this county was made at Nashua, lately Dun- stable, some years before the war with king Philip, in 1675. It was constituted a county by an act of the General A-^sembly, 19 March. 1771. It received its name from the Earl of Hillsborough, one of the privy council of George III. The popdlation, in 1775, was 13,- 132; in 1790, 24,.'j:56; inlS00,3l,- 260; in 1810, 31,410; in 1820, 35,761; and in 1830, 37,762. In 1S37, there were 45,511 sheep in this county. Ilillsborousli, N. H. Hillsborough co. It is 23 miles N. W. from Amherst, 24 W. S. W. from Concord. This town is well watered. Confoocook river passes through the S. E. corner, and affords several excellent water privileges. Hillsborough river has its source from ponds in Washington ; runs in a S. E. course through the whole ex- tent of Hillsborough, receiving the outlets of several ponds on the E., and forms a junction with the Con- toocook, on the S. line of this town. The land here is uneven, but it af- fords many good farms. There is NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. a pleasant village on the 2d New Hampshire turnpike, which passes N. W. through this town, contain- ing a number of dwelling houses, stores, mills, and a cotton and wool- en factory. Hillsborough was formerly known by the name of JVumber 7 of fron- tier towns. The first settlement was made in 1741. The first chil- dren born in Hillsborough were John M'Calley and INIary Gibson, who intermarried, and received as a gift a tract of land, from the prin- cipal proprietor. It was incorpo- rated in 1772. Population, 1S30, 1,792. Hiuesburgli, Vt. Chittenden co. Piatt river and Lewis creek water this town. A part of the town is mountainous, but the soil is generally very good, particularly for grazing. About 9,000 sheep are kept here, and some products of the farms are ex- ported. Hinesburgh contains a pleasant village, and numerous manufacturing operations are found on its streams. First settled about 1783. Population, 1830, 1,669. It lies 13 miles S. S. E. from Burling- ton, and 26 W. from Montpelier. Hlngliaiu, Mass. Plymouth co. A pleasant town on Boston harbor, and an agreeable resort for citizens and strangers. It lies 11 miles S. E. from Boston, by water, and 14 by land. Hing- ham cove is 5 miles S. W. from Nantasket beach, about 6 W. from Cohasset harbor, and 24 N. N. W. from Plymouth. First settled, 1633. Incorporated, 1635. Population, in 1830, 3,357; 1837, 3,445. Major-general Benjamin Lin- coln, was born in this town, Jan. 23, 1733 ; he died May 9, 1810. This town is remarkable for its healthiness and longevity. Dur- ing 50 years, 8 persons died in one house, whose average age was 84 years. 16* About 80 sail of vessels belong to this place, which are engaged in the cod and mackerel fishery, and coasting trade ; — aggregate tonnage about 5,000 tons. In this town is an iron foundry, considerable ship building, a steam bucket factory ; and large quanti- ties of other wooden wares are manufactured, and some salt. The amount of manufactures of Hingham, for the year ending April 1, 1837, was $237,078. They con- sisted of leather, boots, shoes, iron castings, hats, ploughs, cabinet, tin and wooden wares, silk, salt, ves- sels, umbrellas, spars and blocks, cordage, carriages, hammers, and hatchets. The product of the cod and mackerel fishery, the same year, was $113,700. Total amount of the fishery and manufactures $350,778. Derby Academy, a free school, and the JVillard Private Academy, are highly respectable seminaries, and promise great privileges to pa- rents. A commodious steam-boat plies between this and Boston, in sum- mer months, two or three times a day. The hotels are large, and furnish excellent accommodations. Baker's Hill presents extensive and delightful views of Boston harbor. An excursion to Hingham is very pleasant. Hinsdale, ]V. H. Cheshire co. It is 75 miles S. W. by W. from Concord. It is well watered with springs and rivulets of the purest water. The Connec- ticut washes its western border; and the Ashuelot runs through the centre, forming a junction with the Connecticut, a little below the great bend, called Cooper's point. Kil- burn brook rises in Pisgah moun- tain, runs S. and falls into Ashuelot river. Ash-swamp brook rises in West river mountain, runs a S. W. course, and falls into the Connecti- cut, near the side of Hinsdale's fort. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. There are several islandsinthe Con necticut in this town. On the N line of Hinsdale, is West river mountain, which extends from the baniis of the Connecticut, E. across the whole width of the town. Its greatest elevation is at the W. end. President Dwight states the height above low water mark to be fi-om 800 to 900 feet. In this mountain is found iron ore, and some other min- erals and fossils. South of Ashue- iot, is Stebbins' hill, a tract of ex- cellent land, and principally in a high state of cultivation. The in- tervales here are extensive, and of an excellent quality. On the point of a hill, not far from Con- necticut river, there is to be seen the i-emains of an Indian fortifica- tion, constructed prior to the set- tlement of the town. There is a deep trench drawn across the hill, to separate it from the plain back, and is continued to the river. Hinsdale was incorporated in 175-3. It was originally a part of Northfield, and was settled as early as 1683. The former name of this place was Fort Dummer and Bridg- mari's Fort. This town encoun- tered all the difficulties of the In- dian wars, and struggled with oth- er hardships incident to frontier settlements, begun in the wilder- ness and remote from cultivated lands. Population, 1830, 937. Hinsdale, Mass. Berkshire co. Hinsdale is the source of a branch of Housatonick river. It is an elevated township, and well adapted for grazing. — There are two woolen mills in Hinsdale, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, hats, chairs, and cabinet ware : total amount in one year $86,550. The value of 11,020 fleeces of wool, sheared in Hinsdale in 1837, weighing 32,116 pounds, was $19,266. Tliis town was incorporated in 1804. Popula- tion, 1837, 832. It lies 125 miles I W. from Boston, and 15 N. N. TV. from Lenox. Hiram, Itle. Oxford CO. This town lies on both sides of a branch of Saco riv- er, 86 miles W. S. W. from Augus- ta, and 40 S. W. from Paris. The township is fertile and productive of wool and wheat. Incorporated, 1807. Population, 1830, 1,148. Hodgdon, Me. Washington co. Incorporated, 1S32 : 179 miles from Augusta. In 1S37, with a population of 552, it produced 3,184 bushels of wheat. See " Down East." Holden, Mass. Worcester co. This town is fine- ly watered by branches of Black- stone and Nashua rivers. It has a valuable water power on Quinipox- et river. It has some good mead- ow land on the borders of the streams. There are 5 cotton and 2 woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of leather,boots, shoe's, straw bonnets, and palm-leaf hats; total amount of the manufactures for the year ending April 1, 1837, $201,960. Holden^is 48 miles W. from Boston, and 6 N. W. from Worcester. Incorporated, 1740. — PopulaUon, 1837, 1,789. Holdei-uess, N. H. Grafton co. It is 65 miles N. W. from Portsmouth, and 40 N. from Concord. The soil is hard and not easily cultivated, but when sub- dued is tolerably productive. From the sap of the sugar maple, a con- siderable quantity of sugar is made. The Pemigewasset imparts a por- tion of its benefits to this place, and there are various other streams which serve to fertilize the soil, and to furnish mill seats. Squam river, the outlet of Squam ponds, runs in a S. W. direction and empties into the Pemigewasset near the S. W. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. angle of the town. This stream affords excellent mill privileges, having on it 2 paper mills and oth- er machinery. There are 3 ponds or lakes. "The road from Plymouth through this place to Winnepisiogee lake, and along the borders of "that lake to Wolfeborough is highly interest- ing ; displaying scenery which is scarcely equalled in this part of our country. Holderness was first granted in 1751. The first settle- ment was made about the year 1763. Population, 1830, 1,429. Holland, Vt. Orleans co. This is an excellent township of land, producing in great abundance all the varieties common to the climate. Previous to the year 1800, it was a wilderness. It is bounded N. by Canada : 56 miles N. N. E. from Montpelier and 20 N.E. from Irasburgh. Population, 1830, 432. Holland, Mass. Hampden co. Holland was tak- en from Brim field in 1785. It lies 70 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, and 20 E. by S. from Springfield. Population, 1837, 495. Holland has several ponds, and is otherwise watered by Quinnebaugh river. There is a cotton mill in the town, and 698 sheep. HoUis, Me. York CO. This town lies on the W. bank of Saco river, and contains numerous mill sites. Incorporated, 1812. Population, 1837, 2,374. It lies 72 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 30 N. from York. Hollls, Iff. H. Hillsborough co. It is 8 miles S. from Amherst, and 36 S. from Concord. Nashua river waters the S. E. part, and Nisitissit crosses the S. W. extremity. There are 4 ponds, known by the name of Flint'siPenichook, Long and Rocky ponds. There is a 'pleasant village near the centre of the town, on a site somewhat elevated. The ori- ginal name of Hollis was JVisitis- sit, its Indian name. The first settlement was made in 1731. It was incorpoiated in April, 1746. — . The name is either derived from Thomas Hollis, a distinguished ben- efactor of Harvard college, or from the Duke of New Castle. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,501. Hollistou, Mass. Middlesex co. First settled, 1710. Incorporated, 1721. Population in 1837, 1,775. It lies 24 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, and 21 S. from Concord. There is a woolen mill in the town, and some manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, chairs and cabinet ware, combs, ploughs, straw bonnets, books, clothing, wagons and harnesses : total value in one year $335,948. The value of boots and shoes amounted to $241,626, employing 461 hands. Holliston is watered by a small branch of Charles river. Holmes' Hole, Mass. See Tishiiry. Hooksett, N. H. Merrimack co. It lies nine miles S. S. E. from Concord. The river Merrimack, whose course here is nearly N. and S., passes through this town a little W. of the centre. Here are those beautiful falls,known by the name of Hooksett Falls. — The descent of water is about 16 feet perpendicular in SO rods. A high rock divides the stream, and a smaller rock lies between that and the western shore. There is a pleasant village on the W. side of the river. There is a strong and well built bridge over Merrimack river. Hooksett canal is in this town. It is 1-4 of a mile long — the fall is 16 feet perpendicular. Hook- sett was detached from Chester, Gofistown and Dunbarton, and in- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. corporated as a separate town in June, 1822. On the E. side of the river is an extensive cotton factory, owned by the Amoskeag Company. Population, 1S30, 880. Hoosack River aud Mountain. Two branches of the Hoosack, Hosick, or Hoosick river, rise in New England : one in the high lands in the county of Berkshire, Mass. ; the other in the mountain- ous tracts of Bennington county, Vt. These branches unite near Hoosack Falls, in the state of New York, about 3 miles W. of the cel- ebrated Bennington battle ground. Hoosack river meets the Hudson at Schagthicoke, 15 miles N. of Troy, N. Y. This stream, in many places, is exceedingly rapid in its course, and affords a great number of mill sites. Hoosack mountain lies princi- pally in Clarksburgh and Berkshire, Mass., and is the source of a branch of Hoosack river. Its elevation is from 1,500 to 2,000 feet from its base. Hope, 3Ie. Waldo CO. Hope is a township of choice land, having Camden and Megunticook lake on its south-east- ern border. It lies 44 miles E. S. E. from Augusta, and 16 S. by W. from Belfast. Hope produced in 1837, 3,142 bushels of wheat. Pop- ulation, same year, 1,733. Incoi- porated, 1804. Hopkinton, IV. H. Merrimack co. It is 28 miles N. from Amherst, 7 W. from Concord, 46 N. E. from Keene, 30 S. E. from Newport, 50 W. from Portsmouth, and 65 N. N. W. from Boston. Con- toocook river flows from Henniker into the south-westerly part of this town, and meanders in a N. E. di- rection. In its course it receives Warner and Blackvvater rivers, and several large brooks, and empties into Merrimack river at Concord. On these streams are some valuable tracts of intervale and meadow lands The principal village in Hopkinton is 7 miles from the state-house ia Concord. In this town the county jail is located. In the W. part of the town is a thriving village on the Contoocook river, known as HilVs Bridge, or Contoocookville, where is a valuable water power, and several mills. Hopkinton was granted Jan. 16, 1735, to John Jones and others, and was called JWtmber 5, and afterwards J\''ew-Hopkinto7\. The first settlement was made about 1740, bj" emigrants from Hopkinton, Mass. This town suffered from In- dian depredations. Population in 1830, 2,474. Hopkinton, Mass. Middlesex county. Branches of Charles and Mill rivers rise in this town, on which are manufacturing establishments. There are 3 cot- ton mills in Hopkinton, and manu- factures of boots and shoes, (^152,- 300,) leather, ploughs, and straw bonnets : total value, the year end- ing April 1, 1837, $217,550. The town was incorporated in 1715. Population, 1830, 1,809 ; 1837, 2,166. The mineral spring in this town has become celebrated. It con- tains carbonic acid, and carbonate of lime and iron. It is situated near White Hall pond, which abounds in tine fish of various kinds. The Boston and Worcester rail road passes within 3 1-2 miles of it, at Westhorough, and it is 7 miles from the Blackstone canal, at North- bridge. It is 30 miles W. S. W. from" Boston, 14 E. by S. from Wor- cester, and 30 N. by W. from Pro- vidence, R. I. There is a large and convenient hotel at this place, at which visitors for health or plea- sure are kindly entertained. A trip to Hopkinton springs is both plea- sant and fashionable. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Hopfeinton, R. I. Washington co. Wood river, a valuable mill stream, passes through this town, on which are cotton and woolen mills, iron works, and vari- ous other manufactories. The soil of the town is generally well adapt- ed for grazing, and the cultivation of grain. It produces large quanti- ties of fruit and excellent cider. Shad and alewives are taken in Pawcatuck river. There are seve- ral ponds within the town. Con- siderable wood and timber are sent to market from this place. Hopkinton City, at the south part of the town, on the Tomma- quaug branch of Charles river, is very pleasant and flourishing. It lies 35 miles S. W. from Provi- dence, and 15 W. from South Kingston. Hopkinton was tirst set- tled in 1660. Incorporated, 1757. Population, 1830, 1,777. Houlton, Me. Washington co. This towti is situated on the east line of the state and of the United States, on the border of the Province of New Brunswick. It lies 120 miles N. N. E. from Bangor, and about 75 W. N. W. from ^Frederickton, the capital of New Brunswick. The town was first settled in 1808, and for twenty years it was entirely cut off from all communication with the western part of the state by a dense wilderness of nearly 100 miles in extent. In 1829, a military post, the "Han- cock Barracks," was established here by the U. S. government, and in 1834 the military and state roads between Bangor and Houlton were completed and opened for travel. The great thoroughfare between the United States and the British Province of New Brunswick is through this town. The roads be- tween Bangor and Houlton are ex- cellent : stages pass and repass from Bangor through Houlton to Frede- rickton, three times a week. Fred- erickton is SO miles N. N. W. from St. Johns. A good road between Houlton and Calais, on the river St. Croix, about 90 miles distant, is now open for travel. This town is well watered by branches of Me- duxnekeag river, which empties into the St. John's. The garrison is located about a mile north of the village, and has generally contain- ed four companies of infantry. In this town the courts of probate are held, and the office of registry of deeds kept for the northern district of Washington county. The soil of Houlton and its vicin- ity is of a superior quality. Twen- ty-five bushels of wheat to the acre is an average crop : 40 bushels to the acre is frequently obtained. — Houlton, with a population of 687, raised 5,869 bushels of wheat in the year 1837. We have heard it is said, that per- sons might go so far " down east" as to "jump off." If Houlton is the jumping off place, we advise some of our westei-n brethren to go and view the precipice. Ilousatonick River. The sources of this river are in the towns of Lanesborough and Windsor, Berkshire county, Mass. The two branches meet at Pitts- field, where the river forms ; it then passes south, through Berkshire county, and enters the state of Con- necticut. After meandering through the county of Litchfield, in that state, it separates the counties of New Haven and Fairfield, and meets the tide water at Derby, 14 miles above its entrance into Long Island Sound. The source of this mountain stream is more than 1,000 feet above the ocean ; and in its course, of nearly 150 miles, it af- fords numerous mill sites, and pre- sents many pleasant and well cul- tivated towns. The volume of wa- ter of this river is not very large, except in seasons of freshet, when NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the rains from the mountains that environ its borders, inundate the valleys and greatly fertilize the soil. The scenery on the Housatonick is exceedinpjly beautiful ; in some places it is enchanting. The roman- tic cataract at Canaan, Conn., of 60 feet perpendicular, is well worthy the notice of travellers. The In- dian name of this river, signifies over the mountains. A vocabula- ry of Indian names, so beautiful and expressive, would be not only cu- rious hut valuable. Ho-wland, 9Ie. Penobscot, co. This is a large township of good land, in which tlie Piscataquis and Seboois rivers form a junction : at the mouth of the for- mer, about 50 rods from the Penob- scot, are several saw mills. The banks of the river are low and ve- ry beautiful. Rowland was incor- porated in 1S26. It lies 117 miles N. E. from Augusta, and 34 N. fiom Bangor. Populadon, 1830, 329; 1837, 507. . Hubbardstbn, Vt. Rutland co. Elizabeth Hickok, the daughter of Elizabeth and Uriah Hickok, was the first white child born in this town. This event oc- curreil in 1774. The face of the town is uneven, and in some parts mountainous. It is watered by se- veral ponds, the largest of which, lying partly in Sudbury, is Grego- ry's pond, the outlet of which is called Hubbardston river. This river empties into Lake Champlain at West Haven, and is an excellent mill stream. The village at the northwesterly part of the town is pleasant and flourishing: it con- tains mills for the manufacture of various articles. Hubbardston lies 50 miles S. W. from Montpelier, and 10 N. W. from Rutland. Population, 1830, 863. Hubbardston, Mass. Worcester co. Hubbardston is on elevated ground, and the source of several branches of Ware river. There is much unimproved water power in the town. There are con- siderable tracts of valuable mead- I ow land, and the uplands are good for grazing. It was incor|)orated in 1767. Population, 1837, 1,780. The manufactures of the town con- sist of copperas, leather, boots,shoes, palm-leaf hats, chairs, cabinet and ; wooden wares. Hubbardston lies I 54 miles W. from Boston, and 22 S. from Worcester. Hudson, N. H. Hillsborough co. This town lies 17 miles S. E. from Amherst, and 33 S. from Concord. The land here is of easy cultivation. On the river are fine intcrvaTes, of a deep rich soil. Distant from the river, the land is hilly and somewhat broken. There are two ponds, known by the name of Little Massabesick, and Otternick ponds. This town was included in the grant of Dunstable, and was settled as early as 1710. The first settlements were made on the banks of the river, where the Indians had cleared fields for culti- vating corn. The first inhabitants lived in garrisons. While the men were abroad in the fields and forests, the women and children were lodg- ed in these places of security. Near the Indian cornfields have been found cinders of a blacksmith's forge, which have led to the con- jecture that they employed a smith to manufacture their implements of war and agriculture. Incorporated, 1746, by the name of Nottingham- West, which it retained until July 1, 1830, when it was changed to Hudson. Population in 1830, 1,282. IIuU, Mass. Plymouth CO. Hull was firstset- tled about the year 1625. Incor- porated, 1644. "Population, 1837, 180. This town comprises the pen- insula of Nantasket, which forms the S. E. side of Boston harbor. It NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. extends N. by "W. from Cohasset, 5 miles, and is celebrated for its beau- tiful beach, 4 miles in length, and for its shell fish and sea fowl. The town lies between two hills of fine land, near point Alderton, opposite Boston light-house. It lies 9 miles E. S. E. from Boston, by water, and 22 by land, via Hingham. On one of the hills in this place, is a well 90 feet in depth, which is frequently almost full of water. Capital in- vested in the manufacture of salt, $12,500. Hull is remarkable for the una- nimity which always prevails i.niong its inhabitants in their deliberative assemblies, and for a spirit of com- promise manifest on all occasions in their selection of public servants. Huntington, Vt. Chittenden co. First settled, 1786. Population, in 1830, 92!).— Huntington lies 20 miles W. from Montpclier, and 15 S. E. from Burl- ington. Huntington river passes Ihrough this town ; it is a branch of Onion river, is rapid in its course, affording several towns an abund- ant water power. The soil of Hun- tington is poor : its surface is gen- erally too hilly for cultivation. — Camel's Back mountain lies in the eastern part of the town. Huntington, Ct. Fairfield co. This is a township of uneven surface, but well adapt- ed to agricultural purposes, to which the inhabitants are principally de- voted. Huntington was incorpora- ted in 1789. It lies 4 miles Vv. from Derby Landing, 12 N. E. from Fairfield, and 12 W. from New Haven. Population, 1830, 1,371. Hyannis Harbor, 3Iass. See Barnstable. Hyde Park, Vt. Lamoille CO. County to .vn. The Lamoille, Green, and other rivers give this town a great water power, some of which is advantageously improved. The soil is generallyof a good quality and easily cultiva- ted. It lies 24 miles N. from Mont- pelier, and 82 N. E. from Burling- ton. Population, 1830, 823. First settled, 1787. Indian Rivers. Indian river, Me., Washington county, is a small stream in the town of Addison. Indian stream, N. H., Coos coun- ty, is the principal and most north- erly source of Connecticut river, rising in the highlands near the N. limit of the state, and pursuing al- most a direct S. W. course to its junction with the E. branch flow- ing from lake Connecticut. Indian river, Vt., rises in Ru- pert, and falls into the Pawlet. An- other stream of this name, in Vt., rises in Essex, and falls into Col- chester bay. Indian Stream Territory. Is a tract in New Hampshire N of lat. 45°, extending to the British possessions in L. Canada. It was surveyed in 1805, and contains 160,- 363 acres. Lake Connecticut and several considerable ponds are sit- uated within this tract. Industry, Me. Franklin co. This town borders N. W. on Sandy river, and is a valuable tract of land. It lies 32 miles N. W. from Augusta, and is bounded S. W. by Farmington. Industry was incorporated in 1803 : it has a pleasant village, and raised, in 1837, 6,078 bushels of wheat, with a population of 1,014. Ipswicli, Mass. Essex CO. This is one of the shire towns of the county, and a port of entry, on a river of the same name, sometimes called ^iga- ivam, the Indian name of the place. Ipswich village is very pleasant, and the country around it is weli NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. cultivated, and l>eautifully varie- gated. There is a cotton mill in the town, and a number of vessels are engaged in the coasting trade and fishery. The manufactures consist of cotton goods, hosiery, vessels, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, and cabinet ware : — total annual amount, about $120,000. Ipswich is 12 miles N. by E. from Salem, 10 S. from Newburyport, and 26 N. E. by N. from Boston. First settled, 163.3. Incorporated, 1634. Population, 1820, 2,553 : 1837, 2,- 855. Ira, Vt. Rutland co. This township is elevated : it contains good land for rearing cattle : it has about 5,000 sheep. Castleton river and Ira brook wash a part of the town, but aflTord no valuable mill privileges. Ira lies 60 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier, and 8 S. W. from Rut- land. Population, 1830, 442. Irasburgli, Vt. Shire town of Orleans county. This township was granted to Ira Allen and others, in 17S1. It was lirst settled in 1799. Population, 1830, 860. It lies 40 miles N. by E. from Montpelier, and 30 N. by W. from Danville. The surface of the town is undulating, with an easy soil to cultivate, and general- ly fertile. Black and Barton riv- ers water the town, but move too sluggishly to produce any valuable power. Isinglass River, IV. H., Takes its rise from Long pond in Barrington, and Bow pond in Strafford, and, alter receiving the waters of several other ponds, unites with the Cocheco near .the S. part of Rochester. Isles of Shoals. These islands, 8 miles from the mouth of Portsmouth harbor, N. II. are seven in number, viz; Hog, Smutty Nose, Star, Duck, White,' Malaga, and Londonner islands. Hog contains 350 acres of rock, and its greatest elevation is 57 feet above high water mark. Smutty Nose contains about 250 acres of rock and soil — greatest elevation 45 feet. Star island contains about 180 acres of rock and soil, and its height is 55 feet. These islands, as a town, are called Gosport. Star and Smutty Nose are inhabited by fishermen, who carry on considerable business in their way ; supplying Portsmouth and the neighboring towns with fresh fish, and sending large quan- tities of cured fish to Boston and other places. The celebrated dun fish are found here, which have heretofore been considered a dis- tinct species of the cod. They differ however from the common cod only in the circumstance of their being caught and cured in winter. Star island and Smutty Nose are connected by a sea wall, built at the expense of government, for the purpose of breaking a strong south east current passing between them, and forming a safe anchor- age on the north west side of it. These objects have been attained, and the miniature fleet of the Shoal- ers, riding at anchor in tb.is artifi- cial harbor, is no unpleasant sight. Smutty Nose and Malaga are con- nected by a sea wall, built at the expense of Mr. Haley, " the King of the Shoals." This wall, 14 rods in length, 13 feet in height, and from 20 to 30 feet in width, effec- tually secui-es Haley's inlet and wharf from the easterly storms, although the waves not unfrequent.- ly break over it in a severe storm. These islands are composed of ledges of gneiss, bearing evidcnceof their igneous origin, as they are often traversed by veins of quartz, trap, and iron stone. There are a few spots of dry soil upon them under cultivation. The Shoals are a pleasant resort for water parties, and tlielc delightful NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. bracing air, cannot be otherwise than advantageous to those who are in want of pure sea breezes. The present popuhition is about 100. These islands were discovered by the celebrated John Smith, in 1614, and were named by him Smith's Isles. The line between Maine and New Hampshire passes through these islands, leaving the largest on the side of Maine. Up- on all of them are chasms in the rocks, having the appearance of being caused by earthquakes. The most remarkable is on Star island, (Gosport) in which one Betty Moody .secreted herself when the Indians visited the island and took away many female captives ; and thence called to this day " Betty Moody's hole." For more than a century previous to the revolution, these islands were populous, containing from 300 to 600 souls. They had a court-house on Haley's island ; a meeting-house, first on Hog isl- and, and afterwards on Star island. From 3 to 4 thousand quintals fish were annually caught and cured here, and 7 or 8 schooners, besides numerous boats, were employed in the business. The business has since very greatly decreased. William Pepperell and a Mr. Gib- bons, from Topsham, England, were among the first settlers at the Shoals; the former an ancestor of the cele- brated Sir William Pepperell. A woman, of the name of Pul- sey, died in Gosport, in 1795, aged 90. In her life time she kept two cows. The hay on which they fed in winter, she used to cut in summer, among the rocks, with a knife, with her own hands. Her cows, it was said, were always in good order. They were taken from her, but paid for, by the British, in 1775, and killed, to the no small grief of the good old woman. Islesborough, Me. Waldo CO. This town comprises a large and fertile island, in Penob- 17 scot bay, and several islands in its vicinity. This island has excellent harbors, and is much frequented by fishermen and coasters. The inhab- itants are independent farmers and fishermen, who are accustomed to render their insular situation a place of comfort to the wayfarer, or the invalid in pursuit of ocean breezes. Islesborough lies 10 miles S. E. from Belfast, and 56 E. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1789. — Population, 1837, 674. Israel's River, N. H., Coos CO., is formed by the waters which descend in cataracts from the summits of Mounts Adams and Jef- ferson, and running N. W. it passes through Randolph and Jefferson, discharging itself into the Connec- ticut near the centre of Lancaster. It is a beautiful stream, and receiv- ed its name from Israel Glines, a hunter, who with his brother fre- quented these regions, long before the settlement of the county. f. Jackson, Me. Waldo CO. An interior township of good land that produced, in 1837, 4,898 bushels of as fine wheat as can be raised in Tennessee. Pop- ulation, same year, 523. Jackson is 49 miles N. E. from Augusta, and 15 N. N. W. from Belfast. Incor- porated, 1818. Jackson, N. II., Coos CO., situated on the E. side of the White mountains. The sur- face of the town is uneven, but the soil is rich and productive. It is watered principally by the two branches of Ellis' river, passing from the N. and uniting on the S. border near Spruce mountain. — The principal elevations are called Black, Baldface, and Thorn moun- tains. Benjamin Copp was the first settler; he moved into Jackson in 1779, and with his family buffeteij the terrors of the wilderness four- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. teen years, before any other person settled there. The town was in- corporated December 4, 1800, by the name of Adams, which name it retained until 1829, when it was changed to Jackson. Population, in 1830, 515. Joffirey, K. II. Cheshire co. This town lies 62 miles N. W. from Boston, and 40 S. W. by S. from Concord. The Grand Monadnock is situated in the N. W. part of this town and in Dublin. Innumerable streams of water issue from the mountain. Those which issue from the western side dis- charge themselves into the Con- necticut river ; those from the east- ern form the head waters of Con- toocook river. The largest stream rises about 100 rods from the sum- mit, and descends in a S. E. direc- tion. With this brook, the thirsty and fatigued visitors of the moun- tain associate the most pleasing re- collections. The uneven soil of Jaffrey, afTording numerous mead- ows, and early and rich pastures, is peculiarly adapted to raising cat- tle. There are several ponds in this town. Out of 3, issue streams sufficient to carry mills erected near their outlets. In the largest, which is 400 rods long, and 140 wide, is an island comprising about 10 acres. About 1 1-2 miles S. K. from the mountain is the " Monadnock mine- ral spring." The spring is slightly impregnated with carbonate of iron and sulphate of soda. It preserves so uniform a temperature as never to have been known to freeze. Where the spring issues from the earth, yellow ochre is thrown out. In this town are a cotton and wool- en factory, and various mills. The first permanent settlement was made in 1758. Jaffrey was incorporated in 1773, receiving its name from George Jaffrey, Esq., of Portsmouth, one of the original proprietors. Pop- ulation in 1830, 1,354. Jamaica, Vt. Windham co. West river waters this town, and gives good mill seats. At a pleasant village near the cen- tre of the town are valuable man- ufacturing establishments. The sur- face of the town is very uneven; in some parts niountainous, but the soil is generally good and produc- tive. Lime-stone of a good quality is found here. Jamaica was first settled in 1780. Population, 1830, 1,523. It lies 90 miles S. from Montpelier, and 14 N. W. from Newfane. Jamestoi^-n, R. I. Newport co. This town compris- es Connanicut, a beautiful island in Karraganset bay, about 8 miles in length : its average breadth is about a mile. The soil is a rich loam, and peculiarly adapted for grazing and the production of In- dian corn and barley. The inhabitants of this island are remarkable for their industry and agricultural skill, which, united with the fertility of the soil and the location of the island, renders it a delightful place. The distance from the town or island to Newport and South Kingston is about a mile each way ; to each of those places a fer- ry is established. The island was purchased of the Indians in 1657. Jamestown was incoiporated in 1678. Population, 1830, 415. Jay, Me. Franklin co. Jay lies at a bend of Androscoggin river, 29 miles W. by N. from Augusta, and 12S.S. W. from Farmingfon. There is much valuable land in Jay. The inhab- itants are principally farmers, and cultivate the soil with much indus- try. The town produced, in 1837, 8,129 bushels of wheat, and con- siderable wool. Population, 1830, 1,276; 1837, 1,685. Incorporated, 1795. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Jay, Vt. , Orleans co. A part of this town is very mountainous — Jay's peak lying in the S. W. part; the other part is good arable land, and would produce good crops if well culti- vated. A number of streams issue from the mountain and produce an ample water power. Jay was char- tered in 1792, but it was not per- manently settled until about ISIG. It lies 50 miles N. from Montpe- lier, and 15 N. W. from Irasburgh. Population, 1830, 196. Jefferson, Me. Lincoln co. This town lies at the head of Damariscotta river, and embraces a large body of water. It is otherwise watered by several ponds producing streams for mill seats, which give to Jefferson great facilities for sawing and transport- ing lumber. This is a flourishing town in its trade and agricultural pursuits; it produced .3,361 bushels of wheat in 1837. Incorporated, 1807. Population, 1837, 2,246. It lies 28 miles E. S. E. fiom Augus- ta, and 15 N. E. from Wiscasset. Jefferson, ]V. H. Coos CO. Pondicherry pond, in this town, is about 200 rods in di- ameter, and is the principal source of John's river. Pondicherry bay is about 200 rods wide and 100 loui;. Mount Pliny lies in the easterly part of this town, and around its base there is excellent grazing and tillage land. On the S. W. side of this mountain are several fine farms, which command a most delightful view of the White mountains. Is- rael's river passes through Jeffer- son from S. E. to N. W., and here receives a considerable branch. The town was first settled about the year 1773. Jefferson is 77 miles N. from Concord, and 9 S. E. from Lancas- ter, Population, 1830, 495. Jerico, Vt. Chittenden co. First settled, 1774. Population, 1830, 1,654. Jericolies 25 miles N. W. from Montpelier, and 12 E. from Burlington. This town lies on the N. side of Onion river, and is otherwise finely sup- plied with mill seats by Brown's river and other streams. The soil varies in quality, from good inter- vale, on the streams, to common grazing pastures, on the hills. There is a pleasant village at the falls, on Brown's river, and some manufac- tories. Johnson, Vt. Lamoille co. Johnson was first settled in 17S4, by a revolutionary hero, of the name of Samuel Ea- ton. Mr. Eaton fi-equently passed through this toAvnship, while scout- ing between Connecticut river and lake Champlain; and several times encamped on the same flat which he afterwards occupied as a farm, it being a beautiful tract of intervale. Like many other settlers of this state, he had many difficulties to encounter. In indigent circumstan- ces, and with a numerous family, he loaded his little all upon an old horse, and set out in search of that favorite spot which he had selected in his more youthful days. He had to travel nearly 70 miles through the wilderness, guided by the trees which had been marked by the scouts, and opening a path as he passed along. He depended, for some time after he arrived at John- son, entirely upon hunting and fish- ing for the support of himself and family. The river Lamoille enters this township near the southeast cor- ner, and running westerly about two miles, through a rich tract of intervale, falls over a ledge of rocks about 15 feet in height into a basin below. This is called JW' Conner* falls. Thence it runs northwest- erly over a bed of rocks, about 100 rods, narrowing its channel and in- creasing its velocity, when it forms a whirlpool and sinks under a bar- NEW ENGLAND GAZrSTTEER. rier of rocks, which extends across the river. The arch is of solid rock, is about eight feet wide, and at low water is passed over by footmen with safety. The water rises below through numerous aper- tures, exhibiting the appearance of the boiling of a pot. The surface of this towriship is uneven, being thrown into ridges, which are covered with hemlock, spruce and hard wood. The soil is a dark, or ycHovv loam, mixed with int light-house, w. 8—40 :— to Fort Fayette, Verplanck's Point, e. 1 — 41 : — to Dunderburgh Mountain, w. and Peekskill, e. 2—43 :— (Here we enter the justly celebrated Highlands, pronounced by every honest Yankee to be equal if not superior to any scenery of the kind in his own country) to St. Antho- ny's Nose, e. and Forts Montgome- ry and Clinton, w. 3—46 :— to But- termilk Falls, w. 4 — 50 : — to West Point — Fort Putnam, w. 2 — 52: — to West Mountain, w. and Cold NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Spring, e. 4 — 5(5 : — to Newburg;h, w. 5 — Gl : — to Hamburgh, e. 7 — 68: — to Poughkcepsie, e. 4—72:— to Hyde Park, e. 9— SI :— to Lew- is' Landing, e. and Esopus, w. 5 — 86 : — to Kingston Landing, w. and Rliinebeck Landing, e. 4 — 90 : — to Upper Red Hook Landing, e. and Ulster, w. 11—101 :— to Catskill Landing, w. 9 — 110: — to Hudson, e. and Athens, w. 6 — 116: — to Coxsaekie Landing, w. 8 — 124 : — to Kinderhook Landing, e.3 — 127: — to Coemans, w. 5 — 132 : — to the Overslaugh, (sand bars) 9 — 141 : — to Albany, w. 3— 144:— to Troy,e. 6 — 150. The whole distance from Boston to Troy, by this route, is 357 miles. At Catskill Landing, visitors to the Catskill mountains stop. Pine Orchard Hotel, a splendid building, is 12 miles distant. This Mountain House is 2,274 feet above the tide of the Hudson. A few years ago this enchanting spot was a wilder- ness. " From this lofty eminence all inequalities of surface are overlook- ed. A seemingly endless succes- sion of woods and waters — farms and villages, towns and cities, are spread out as upon a boundless map. Far beyond rise the Tagkannuc mountains, and the highlands of Connecticut and Massachusetts. To the left, and at a still greater dis- tance, tlie Green mountains of Ver- mont stretch away to the north, and their blue summits and the blue sky mingle together. The beautiful Hudson, studded with islands, ap- pears narrowed in the distance, with steam-boats almost constantly in sight; while vessels of every description, spreading their white canvas to the breeze, are moving rapidly over its surface, or idly loitering in the calm. These may be traced to the distance of neaj-ly seventy miles with the naked eye ; and again at times all below is en- veloped in dark clouds and rolling 19 mist, which, driven about by the wind, is constantly assuming new, wild, and fantastic forms. From the Pine Orchard a ride or walk of a mile or two brings you to the Kauterskill falls. Here the outlet of two small lakes leaps down a perpendicular fall of 130 feet — then glides away through a channel worn in the rock, to a second fall of 80 feet. Below this it is lost in the dark ravine through which it finds its way to the valley of the Catskill." Troy is a beautiful city. It lies on the east side of Hudson river, in the county of Rensselaer, New- York, at the head of navigation, and at the junction of the northern and western canals with that noble river. The city is on an elevated plain, regularly laid out: the streets are wide and well shaded : the buildings are uniformly neat, and many of them in a style of superior elegance. St. Paul's church, and the new Presbyterian, are splendid edifices, and display great taste in their construction. The city of Troy is abundantly supplied with excellent water from the neighboring hills, at an expense of $150,000. The source of the water is 75 feet above the level of the city. At the corner of every street are hydrants, and a hose piac- cil on these sends the water up higher and with greater force than a fire engine. The squares and private gardens are ornamented with perpetual wa- ter fountains. In Washington Square is an Ital- ian marble fountain, chaste and clas- sic in its construction, in the centre of the city. It sends up the water ten or fifteen feet, and in its descent resembles the weeping willow. — This significant emblem of purity gives this beautiful square an addi- tional charm. Two streams, affording immense NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. water facilities, empty into the Hudson within the limits of the city, and one of them rolls down a beautiful cascade, a short distance from Washington square ; an ob- ject worthy of a visit from the curi- ous traveler. These streams move the machinery of numerous mills. About a quarter of a mile from the centre of the city. Mount Ida rears its head three or four hundred feet in height, from whose summit every building in the city, the windings of the canals and river, the foaming of the Mohawk, and the neighboring towns of Albany, Waterford, and Lansingburgh, are distinctly seen. Troy was incorporated as a vil- lage in 1801. It then had a popu- lation of 2,000. Population, 1810, 3,895. In 1816 it became a city. Population, 1820, 5,264; 1825, 7,875; 1830,11,405; 1836,18,000. Troy has risen to its present state of opulence and population by its favorable position for trade, but more especially the enterprize and economical habits of its people. — Many of the first settlers of Troy came from New England in humble circumstances. Some of those who thus came have amassed princely fortunes, and acquired a name more valuable than gold. A recent Mayor of the city came from the east as a day laborer. The late chief magistrate of the justly styled " Empire State," a New Englander, was found in 1822 soliciting the patronage of the Trojans as an at- torney at law. Troy was formerly called Vanderheyden, in honor of a worthy Dutchman whose farm comprised the most compact part of the city. A notice of Mrs.Willard's Fe- male Seminary must not be omitted in this brief account of the "Foun- tain City," as it is an institution of rare excellence, conducted by a lady of extraordinary attainments. This school was commenced at Troy in 1821, since which time a commodious building, on a pleas- ant site, has been erected, 130 feet by 40. The number of scholars varies from 200 to 275. They come from every state in the union, the Canada3,the West Indies, and even from Europe, but chiefly from the state of New York and New Eng- land. Mrs. Willard's plan of edu- cation has received the approbation of some of the wisest men in Eu- rope. Dr. Combe quotes it, in his essay on education, with unqualifi- ed approbation. This institution is conducted almost entirely by fe- males : it is, in fact, a female col- lege, and many are the degrees of usefulness conferred by its learned principal on its numerous and love- ly graduates. The institution is incorporated, and it cannot fail of receiving the best wishes of the community. — May no event occur to mar its pros- perity and usefulness. The traveler will visit the "Foun- tain City " again, on his way from Champlain Lake. See Burlington, Vt., in the Register. Long Meado^v, Mass. Hampden co. This is a beauti- ful town with a tine soil, on the E. side of Connecticut river, 97 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, 5 S. from Springfield, and 22 N. from Hart- ford, Ct. Incorporated, 1783. Pop- ulation, 1837, 1,251. There are several tanneries in the town, and .some other manufactures, but the inhabitants are generally engaged in cultivating the soil. The Indian name of the place was Massacsick. Long Lake, Die. This is a sheet of water at the northern part of Piscataquis county, about 15 miles in length and 2 in width, which empties by Namjam- skillecook river into Temisconata lake, the head waters o" Madawas- ka river. It lies ahout 210 miles N. by E. from Augusta. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. XiOng Pond, Me. See Bridgeton. lioudou, N. H. Merrimack co. Soucook river passes from Gilmanton S. tlirough Loudon, furnishing valuable mill privileges. There is some good in- tervale on its borders. Loudon was orlginaHy a part of Canterbury ; was incorporated, 1773. Loudon lies 7 miles N. E. from Concord. Population, 1830, 1,642. Liovell, Me. Oxford CO. This town embraces Kezer pond, a large sheet of water, and other ponds whose outlet is into the Saco, at Fryeburgh. Lovell lies 10 miles N. from Fryeburgh, 20 W. S. W- from Paris, and 67 W. S, W. from Augusta. Incorpora- ted, 1800. Population, 1837, 876. "In this town are Lovell's Falls, which are an object of great natu- ral curiosity. Wliere the water makes over into the tremendous ba- sin below, it falls perpendicularly 40 feet. Above the falls, there is a chain of eight ponds, partly in Lovell and partly in Waterford, con- nected by small natural dams one or two rods in width, through which there are sluiceways, which will admit the passage of a common sail boat. The scenery of the moun- tains and ascending lands in the vi- cinity is rural and beautiful." liowell, Me. Penobscot co. Formerly called Huntressville. Incorpoi'ated by its present name in 1838. " See Down East." liowell, Vt. Orleans co. This town was first settled in 1806, and was called Kel- leyvale for a number of years. It lies 36 miles N. from Montpelier, and 10 S. W. from Irasburgh. Pop- ulation, 1830, 314. This township is mountainous, and the fountain head of Missisque river. liowell, Mass. Middlesex co. County town. — This city, the American Manches- ter, is remarkable for the extent of its water power, its rapid growth, and the height to which it has rais- ed the American character, by the perfection of its manufactures. Lowell has risen to eminence by the remarkable energy and skill of a few individuals ; among whom Patrick T. Jackson, Esq. of Boston, and the late Kirk Boot, Esq. were distinguished. It lies on the S. side of Merri- mack river, below Pawtucket Falls, and at the union of Concord river with the Merrimack. In 1815, the site where the city stands was a wilderness, with the exception of a few lonely dwell- ings. In 1824, Lowell, then a part of Chelmsford, was incorporated as a town. In 1835, it became a city. Lowell is situated 25 miles N. from Boston, 14 N. N. E. from Concord, 37 N. E. from Worcester, and 38 S. S. E. from Concord, N. H. Popu- lation, 1830, 6,474; 1837, 18,010. The hydraulic power of this place i>; produced by a canal, of a mile and a half in length, 60 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth, extend- ing from the head of Pawtucket Falls to Concord river. This canal has locks at its outlet into Concord river; it also serves for the passage of boats up and down the Merri- mack. From this canal, the water is conveyed by lateral canals to va- rious places where it is wanted for use, and then discharged, either in- to the Merrimack or Concord. The canal is owned by " The Proprietors of the Locks and Canals on Merrimack river." This com- pany was incorporated in 1792, and have a capital of $600,000. They dispose of lands and mill privileges, and own the machine shop, and carry on the manufacture of ma- chinery. The first cotton mill at this place was erected in 1822. The whole fall of the Merrimack NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. at this place is 30 feet, and the quantity of water never falls short of 2,000 cubic feet per second, and is very rarely so low as that. This quantity of water is estimated to carry 286,000 spindles, with all the preparatory machinery. There is therefore an unimproved water power at this place sufficient to carry eleven mills of the usual size, making the whole number of mills 39, when all the water is improved. There are 10 corporations, with a j capital stock of .$8,2.'50,000 : 2S mills besides machine shops, print works, &c., all warmed in cold weather by hot air or steam. There are 1.50,404 spindles, and 4,861 looms. There are 51,147,200 yards of cloth manufactured per an- num; 12,220,000 yards dyed and printed, and 16,161,600 lbs. of cot- ton used annually, besides a large quantity of wool. There are annually used in these manufactories, 11,000 tons of An- thracite coal, 4,810 cords of wood, 500,000 bushels of charcoal, 63,439 gallons of oil, 510,000 pounds of starch, and 3,800 barrels of flour for starch in the pi-iut works and bleachery. The number of females employ- ed in the mills, is 6,295 : number of males, 2,047. Total number of hands, 8,342. The average wages of females per week, clear of board, is $1,75; of males, 80 cents per day, clear of board. The average amount of wages paid per month is $106,000. The goods manufactured in these mills consist of sheetings, shirtings, drillings, calicoes, broadcloths, cas- simeres, carpets, rugs, negro cloth ; machinery for mills, and for en- gines and cars for rail-roads. The quality of these goods is general- ly superior to those imported. The annual amount of goods manu- factured by these mills is about $8,000,000. The mills are built of brick, and are about 157 feet in length, 45 in breadth, and from 4 to 7 stories in height. The Locks and Canals Machine Shop, included among the 28 mills, can furnish machinery complete for a mill of 5,000 spindles in four months, and lumber and materials are always at command, with which to build or rebuild a mill in that time, if required. When building mills, the Locks and Canals Com- pany employ directly and indirect- ly from a thousand to twelve hun- dred hands. There are also in Lowell 10 powder mills, a flour mill, glass works, the Lowell bleachery, flan- nel mills, and manufactoriesof cards, whips, planing and reed machines, boots, shoes; brass, copper and tin wares, carriages, harnesses, iron castings, &c. &c. ; the annual pro- ceeds of which amount to about $500,000, employing about 200 hands. Lowell is finely situated in regard to health : it is surrounded by pleas- ant hills and valleys, and seated on a rapid stream. We are enabled to state on good authoiity that 6 of the females out of 10 enjoy better health than before being employed in the mills, and that one half of the males derive the same advantage. Lowell is very handsomely locat- ed : it is laid out into wide streets; all the buildings are of recent con- struction, and in a style of neatness and elegance. With regard to the future pros- perity of this interesting city, noth- ing need be said to those who know that it was founded, and is princi- pally sustained, by the most emi- nent capitalists of Boston ; a city renowned foiits enterprize, wealth, and public spirit. To strangers we would say — visit it. It is a pleasant ride of about an hour from Boston, by the rail-road. Foreigners view Lowell with ad- miration ; and every American who sees it fech proud that such a city exists on this side of the Atlantic. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Iiubec, Me. Washington co. Lubec compris- es a township of good land, lying at the northeasterly corner of the state, and contains a point of land extending easterly on which West Quoddy Head light-house is situa- ted, at the western entrance into Passamaquoddy bay. This place possesses an admirable harbor for vessels of any draught of water; it is easy of access and never obstruct- ed by ice. There are also within the town a number of bays, coves, and several islands. Grand Menan stretches off the mouth of the har- bor on the E. 5 or 6 miles distant, and Campo Ballo, another English island, lies very near and protects the harbor on the north. This town was taken from Eastport in 1811, and contained 3S0 inhabit- ants. Population, 1820, 1430; 1830, 2,081; 1837, 4,161. Lubec, in common with Eastport, enjoys a very extensive trade with the Bay of Fundy and the great waters of Passamaquoddy bay. The village, or principal place of business, is beautifully located on a point of land jutting out into the harbor ; it makes a fine appearance, commands an active trade, and is flourishing in its navigation and fishery. It lies 3 miles S. from Eastport, 30 E. from Machias, 173 E. by N. from Augusta, and 31 S. E. from Calais, at the head of navi- gation on the St. Croix river. liUdloiv, Vt, Windsor co. Black and Williams' rivers give this town a good water power. It is likewise watered by a number of large ponds well stor- ed with fish. Ludlow was first set- tled in 1784. It lies 61 miles S. from Montpelier, and 18 S. W. from Windsor. Population, 1830, 1,227. The town is mountainous, but contains good land for the grazing of sheep and other cattle. The village is very pleasant, md the centre of considerable trade with I 19* the surrounding country. Some valuable minerals have been discov- ered here. Ludlow, Mass. Hampden co. This town lies N. of Wilbraham, and is separated from it by Chickopee river. It is 84 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 10 N. E. from Springfield. Incorpo- rated, 1774. The Chickopee here is a large stream, and adds much to the beauty of the place. There are two cotton mills in the town, and manufactures of palm-leaf hats and ploughs : total value, in one year, $160,850. Population, 1837, 1,-329. liuuenbiu-gli, Vt. Essex CO. On the west side of Connecticut river, and watered by Neal's branch and pond, and Cat- bow branch ; — good mill streams. Some of the land is very good, but the most of it is stony, appearently of diluvial foi-mation, consisting of rounded masses of granite embed- ded in clay and gravel. This is a good grazing town, and produces some cattle, and butter and cheese for market. First settled about 1770. Population, in 1830, 1,054. Lunenbur^h lies 45 miles E. N. E. from Montpelier, and 8 S. from Guildhall. liunenburgli, Mass. Worcester co. The soil of this town is good, the surface uneven and watered by some branches of Nashua river. Considerable amount of books are printed and bound in this town, and there are some man- ufactures of palm-leaf hats, chairs, cabinet ware, leather, boots and shoes. Lunenburgh is a very pleas- ant town: 42 miles N. W. from Boston, and 24 N. from Worcester. Incorporated, 1728. Population, 1837, 1,250. liyman, Me. York CO. This is a pleasant NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, town, watered by several ponds which empty, some into the Saco, and others into the Kennebunk and Mousum. It lies 87 miles S. W. from Augusta, 5 E. from Alfred and 6 N. N. W. from Kennebunk. Pop- ulation, 1S37, 1,523. Iiymau, ZV. H. Grafton co. On Connecticut riv- er. This town is 13 miles above Haverhill, 90 miles N. N. W. from Concord. There is one considera- ble elevation, called Lyman's moun- tain. The N. W. branch of Burn- ham's river has its source from this mountain. There are several ponds in the E. part of Lyman, through the largest of which Burnham's river has its course. The lower bar of the Fifteen Mile falls is in this town. Carleton's falls are several miles below, and below these is Stevens' ferry, which communi- cates with Barnet. Lyman was granted in 1761. Population, in 1830, 1,321. liyme, :V. H. Grafton co. This town is G miles S. from Orford, and 5-1 N. W. from Concord. Th-e soil li-cre is similar to that of other towns on Connecti- cut river, with this difference, that there is a less proportion of inter- vale, and a less difference between that directly adjoining the river and the other parts of the town. There are three small streams passing through Lyme and emptying into Connecticut river. There are two small ponds, the largest of which is called Ports pond. There is a moun- tain, called Smart's mountain, lying in the N. E. part of the town. — Lyme was granted 17(51. The town was settled 1764. Population, in 1S30, 1,804. Liyme, Ct. New London co. Lyme is situ- ated at the mouth of Connecticut river, on the east side, opposite to Saybrook. It is a pleasant town, generally of good soil, but greatly diversified in regard to surface: some parts are mountainous and rocky, while others are level, with large tracts of salt meadow. The town is watered by several streams and ponds, and the shores on the sound and river are indented by small bays and harbors, which af- ford the town some navigable privi- leges. There are several neat vil- lages in the town, a cotton mill, 2 woolen factories, and about 6,000 sheep. Lyme was first settled in 1664. Incorporated, 1667. It lies 40 miles S. E. from Hartford, and 40 E. from New Haven. Population, 1830, 4,034.^ Its Indian name was jYehantic. Among the fii-st settlers was Matthew Griswold, the ances- tor of two governors, and of a nu- merous and highly respected family in the state. A tract of land, once an Indian reservation, was for some time in dispute between the towns of Lyme and New London. It was finally agreed to settle their respective ti- tles to the land in controversy, by a combat between two champions, to be chosen by each for that purpose. The combatants were chosen, and on a day mutually appointed, the champions appeared in the field, and fought with their fists till vic- tory declared in favor of each of (he Lyme combatants. Lyme then qui- etly took possession of the contro- verted tract, and has held it un- disputed, to the present day. Deacon Marvin, a large land holder and an exemplary man, was exceedingly eccentric in some of his notions. His courtship, it is said, was as follows: — Having one day mounted his horse, with only a sheep skin for a saddle, he rode in front of the house where Betty Lee lived, and without dismounting re- quested Betty to come to him ; on her coming, he told her that the Lord had sent him there to marry her. Betty, without much hesi- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tation, replied, The Lord's will be done. The following is on the Deacon's monument in the grave yard, dated, October 18, 1737. This Deacon aged Go : Is freed on earth from serving May for a crown no longer wait : Lyme's Captain Reynold Marvin. Iiyndeborougli, N. H. Hillsborough co. This town is 10 miles W. N. W. from Amherst, and 35 S. S. W. from Concord. It is an elevated township, having a considerable mountain which di- vides it from E. to W. There is, in the N. E. part of the town, below the mountain, a plain, where there is a small village, pleasantly situat- ed near Piscataquog river. The soil of this town, though stony, is deep and strong. For grazing it is, perhaps, not exceeded by any town in the county. The streams are small, originating principally from sources in the town, and running N. and S. from the mountain. — Lyndeborough was originally grant- ed in 1690. In 1753, Benjamin Lynde, Esq. of Salem, purchased a considerable part of the township, and adjoining lands. Fiom him, the place, when it was incorporated in 1764, took the name of Lyndebo- rough. It was settled as early as 1750. On the loth of Nov., ISOO, three children were burnt in a barn, while their parents were attending an installation at Mont Vernon. — Population, in 1830, 1,117. Iiyudou, Vt. Caledonia co. First settled, 178S. It lies 34 miles N. E. from Mont- pelier, and 10 N. N. E. from Dan- ville. Population, 1830, 1,822. Lyndon is one of the best townships in the state : its surface is undulat- ing, with a soil of rich loam, free from stone, easy to cultivate, and very productive of wool, cattle, pork, butter and cheese. It is ad- mirably well watered by the Pas- sumpsic and some of its tributaries. Two important falls of that river are in the town, one of 65 feet in the distance of 30 rods ; the other of 18 feet. These are called Great and Little Falls, and afford a water power of great extent. Agaric mineral, used for chalk, and a good substitute for Spanish white, is found here. The principal village is very pleasant and the seat of considera- ble business. The scenery about the town is picturesque and inter- esting. There is probably no inte- rior town in the state that contains more valuable water privileges than Lyndon. Liynu, Mass. Essex CO. Lynn is one of the most flourishing and beautiful towns in the state. It lies on a plain, sur- rounded by rising ground, except on the east, where it opens to Lynn bay, embracing the romantic pen- insula of JVahaiit, with its beauti- ful beach, and Phillips' Point, botli highly esteemed resorts for all class- es of people ; — the sick, the serious, and the gay. The soil of the town is fertile and well cultivated. It is watered by the river Saugus, the Indian name of the place. The town is neatly built on wide and pleasant streets, and contains a pop- ulation of about 10,000. It lies 9 miles N. E. from Boston, and 5 S. W. from S.ilem. Lynn has risen to wealth and importance by the enterprise and industry of its people, in the manu- facture of shoes, particularly for which, more than any other town in the country, it is justly celebra- ted. The manufacture of ladies' shoes was commenced here before the revolutionary war, and it is cu- rious to observe the great changes that have occurred in the fashion and manufacture of that article. " In olden times," says the New- buryport Herald, "ladies' shoes were made in Lynn of common woolen cloth, or coarse curried NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. leather; afterwards of stuffs such as cassimere, everlasting, shalloon and russet; some of satin and da- mask,others of satin lasting and t^or- entine. They were generally cut with straps, for large buckles, which were worn in those days by women as well as men. Ladies' shoes, 70 years ago, were made mostly with white and russet rands, and stitched veiy fine on the rand with white-waxed thread. Some were made turn pumps and channel pumps, all having wooden heels, called cross-cut, conunon ,a.nd court heels. Then the cork, plug, and wedge or spring heels, came into use. The sole-leather was all worked with the i^esh side out. " Previous to the war of the revo- lution, the market for Lynn shoes was principally confined to New England ; some few, however, were exported to Philadelphia. Many individuals with small capi- tal carried on the business in their own families. Fathers, sons, ap- prentices, and one or two journey- men, all in one small shop, with a chimney in one corner, formed the whole establishment. "After the revolution, the business assumed a different aspect. Enter- prising individuals embarked in the business in good earnest; hired a great number of journeymen ; built large shops, took apprentices, and drove the business. Master workmen shipped their shoes to the south, so that Lynn shoes took the place of English and other im- ported shoes. Morocco and kid leather, suitable for shoes, began to be imported from England, which soon took the place of stuffs. Roan shoes were now little called for; and the improvement of working the sole-leather grain side out, was now generally adopted, making what is called duff bottoms. About the year 1794, wooden heels began to go out of use, by the introduc- tion of leather spring heels. This improvement progressed gradually, until the heel making, which was once a good business, was totally ruined." In the year ending April 1,1837, there were manufactured in Lynn 2,543,929 pairs of shoes, and 2,220 pairs of boots, valued at .$1,689,793. In this manufacture, 2,631 males and 2,554 females were employed ; total number, 5,185. During that time the manufacture of vessels, cordage, tin ware, oil casks, moroc- co leather and shoe boxes amounted to $188,409. During the same pe- riod there were 5 vessels employed in the whale and 14 in the cod and mackerel fishery. Besides this, 4,608,000 pounds of cod, haddock, halibut and other fish were tak- en in boats and sold fresh. The to- tal value of the fisheries amounted to $170,320. Total value of the manufactures and fisheries of Lynn, in one year, $2,048,522. Lynn was first settled in 1629. Incorpo- rated, 1637. Lynnfield, Mass. Essex CO. The surface of this town is uneven, and the soil rather hard and unproductive. It contains some good farms, a number of pleas- ant ponds, and is watered by Ips- wich river on the north. There is a woolen mill in the town, and man- ufactures of bar iron, ploughs, boots and shoes; annual value about $50,000. Incorporated, 1782.— Population, 1»37, 674. Lynnfield is 12 miles N. from Boston, and 9 W. by N. fiom Salem. Macliias Rivers and Bay, Me. The river in Washington County is formed of two branches, which receive their head waters from sev- eral ponds, at the distance of about 40 miles, in a N. W. direction. — The eastern branch passes through East Machias. These branches unite near the line of Machias and Machias Port, and in their course produce a great and valuable hy- draulic power. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Machias and Little Machias riv- ers, in Penobscot county, are im- portant tributaries to the Ai'oostook. Their course is easterly, and their mouths meet near each other about 30 miles W. N. W. from Mars Hill. Machias Bay sets up from the sea about 10 miles and meets Ma- chias Port. This bay is 4 or 5 miles in width at its mouth, and contains in its bosom several coves, harbors, and beautiful islands : Cross island lying at its mouth is the largest, being about 3 miles by 2. Macliiias, Me. Washington co. County town. This was a famous lodgement of the Indians. First settled, 17G2. It was incorporated in 1784, and was the first corporate town between Penobscot and St. Croix rivers. It formerly comprised East Machias and Machias Port. The village is situated on the east side of the west branch, and near the mouth of Middle, river. It contains the county building, numerous saw mills, and has an extensive trade, particularly in lumber. Machias lies 143 miles E. N. E. from Augus- ta. Population, 1837, 1,239. this is a pleasant and interesting town. Macliias Port, Mc. Washington co. Incorporated in 1328. It is the southern part of Old Machias, and extends north- ward to the union of the branches of Machias river. It has a great number of mills, and is very exten- sively engaged in the lumber trade. It is a port of entry : — it has an excellent harbor, and considerable navigation in the coasting and fish- ing business. The tonnage of the district in 1837, was 8,360 tons. In this part of Old Machias the Ply- mouth Colony established a trading house in 1630. It was subsequent- ly occupied by the French for sev- eral years. Machias Port lies 146 miles E. N. E. from Augusta, ?nd 3 S. from Machias. Population, 1837, 821. Madamiscontis River, Me., Rises in a large pond, and emp- ties, from the N. W. into Penobscot river, about 45 miles above Ban- gor. Mada'waska River, Me. This river is in the county of Pe- nobscot, and is the outlet of Temis- couata lake, and other large bodies of water in the northern part of the county bordering on the line of Lower Canada. This river and these lakes, with their numerous tiibutaries, water a country of great extent, and which is said to equal any country in the world in fertili- ty, even the luxuriant prairies of the " boundless west." Tiie course of these waters is N. W. and traverse a distance of more than 100 miles. From the mouth of Madawaska in- to the St. John's to Augusta is about 240 miles N. N. E. Madaivaska, Me. Washington co. This town was incorporated in 1831, and comprises the territory marked F. and K. on Greenleaf's map. It is bounded E. by the British Province of New Brunswick, N. near the passage of St. John's, across the line of the state ; and W. and S. by a vast and fei-tile territory between the Aroos- took and St. John's rivers ; at pres- ent but thinly inhabited. This town was the place where the land agents of Maine were taken, by order of the British government, and impris- oned at Frederickton, N. B. In 1837, Madawaska was supposed to contain a population of 2,487. It lies about 220 miles N. E. by N. from Augusta, and 130 N. W. from Frederickton, N. B. Madbury, N. H., Strafford co., is bounded N. E. by Dover, S. W. by Durham and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Lee, N. W. bj Barrington. The soil of this town is generally pro- ductive. In some parts of the town, bog iron ore has been dug up in considerable quantities, and in some instances red and yellow ochre. — Bellamay bank river is the only stream of any magnitude, and Bar- badoes pond the only considerable body of water. This pond lies be- tween Dover and Madbury, antl is 120 rods long, 50 wide. Madbury formerly constituted a part of the ancient town of Dover; but was set off and incorporated May 31, 1755, by its present name. Population, in 1S30, 510. 3Iailisou, Me. Somerset co. This township lies on the E. siile of Kennebec river, 34 miles N. from Augusta and bounded S. by Norridgewock. It was incorporated in 1804. Popula- tion, 1830, 1,272; 1837, 1,608. It is watered by a beautiful pond, the outlet of which is at Skowhegan. There are tiiree pleasant villages in the town : — the people are general- ly husbandmen. The best compli- ment that can be paid to the soil is, that it produced, without any extra- ordinary effort, 10,188 bushels of wheat, in 1837. Madison, Ct. New Haven co. This town was taken from Guilford in 1826. It lies on Long Island Sound, and embra- ces what is called Hammonasset Point. This town lies IS miles E. by S. from New Haven, and 33 S. from Hartford. Population, 1830, 1,809. The soil of the town is stony, and naturally hard to culti- vate ; but it is made quite produc- tive of corn, rye and potatoes by the use of white fish, ploughed in. — These fish appear in the sound about the 1st of June, and continue 3 or 4 months. They are taken in great quantities and are considered an ex- cellent manure. They were first thus used about the jcar 1798. — About 10,000 of these fi.sh are con- side red a good dressing for an acre of land. This place has a small harbor and some navigation. Ship building is the most important mechanical pur- suit. The Hon. Thomas Chitten- den, for many years governor of Vermont, and his brother Ebene- ZER Chittenden, a gentleman of great m, rhauical genius, were natives of this town. The former was born in 1730, and died in 1797. The following is the inscription on a monument in the grave yard, in memory of an old sea captain. Though Boreas' blasts aiid Neptune's waves Have toss'd me to and fro, In spite of both by God's decree I harbor here below, Where I do at anchor ride With many of our fleet ; Yet once again I must set sail Our Admiral, Christ, to meet. Mad Rivers. Jifad River in JV. //., rises among the mountains in the N. E. part of Grafton county ; it crosses the S. E. part of Thornton and falls into the Pemigewasset at Campton. Mad River, Vt. A rapid stream, rises in the high lands S. of War- ren, and after passing through Waitslield, it falls into Onion riv- er at Moretown. Madrid, Me. Franklin co. This township was incorporated in 1836. It is watered by some of the head branches of Sandy river and contains a part of Saddleback mountain. The soil is excellent and yielded, in 1837, 3, .387 bushels of wheat. Popula- tion same year, 351. It lies 25 miles N. W. from Farmington and about 105 N. W. from Augusta. Madunkceuuk River, Me. Penobscot co. A tributary of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the Penobscot on the W. side, about 6 miles above the Madamiscontis. Maidstone, Vt. Essex CO. This mountainous township lies on the W. side of Connecticut river : it is watered by a pleasant pond and by Paul'? stream. It has some good land, but most of it is poor. First settled, 1770. Population, 1830, 236. It lies 54 miles N. E. from Montpelier, and 8 N. from Guildhall MAINE. This State was originally granted by James I. to the Plymouth Compa- ny, in 1606, by whom it was transferred to Mason and Gorges in 1624. This grant comprised all the territory between Merrimack river and Sa- gadahock. The territory was afterwards purchased by Massachusetts for jC1,250, who obtained a confirmation of the charter in 1691, with the ad- dition of the residue of Maine and Nova Scotia, including what is now- called the Province of New Brunswick. This state, formerly the District of Maine, became independent of Massachusetts in 1830. By the Constitution, the legislative power is vested in a Senate and House of Representatives, elected annually by the people, on the second Monday in September. The number of Sen- ators cannot be less than 20, nor more than 31. The number of Repre- sentatives cannot be less than 100, nor more than 200. No town or city is entitled to more than seven Representatives. The executive power is vested in a Governor, who is chosen annually NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. by the people, on the second Monday in September : — His ofBcial term commences on the first Wednesday in January. The Legislature meets at Attgusta, on the first Wednesday in Janu- ary, annually, on which day seven Counsellors are elected, by joint bal- lot of both Houses, to advise the Governor in his executive duties. The judicial power of the state is vested in a Supreme Judicial Court, and such other courts as the Legislature may, from time to time, estab- lish. The Judges are appointed by the Governor and Council, and hold their offices during good behavior, but not beyond the age of 70 years. The state of Maine is bounded northwest and north by Lower Canada, east by New Brunswick, south by the Atlantic ocean, and west by New- Hampshire. It is situated between 43° 5', and 48° 3' N. lat. and 70° 65', and 66° 47' W. Ion. It contains an area of about 33,000 square miles. The surface of the state is diversified by hills and valleys. A tract on the west side east of the white mountains, and a part of the north bound- ary is mountainous, though not of extraordinary elevations. The high- est mountains lie in detached groups, but they are not numerous. The range of high land which crosses Vermont and New Hampshire, enters the northwest corner of Maine, passing round Chaudiere river and the head waters of Megantic lake, in Canada, and running nearly parallel with the St. Lawrence river, at the distance of about twenty miles, terminates on the gulph of St. Lawrence, near Cape Rosier. — This is the " Height of Land" or the " North East Ridge," spoken of in the treaty of 1733, between Great Britain and the United States, and which was never called in question until 1814, when the British pleni- potentiaries at Ghent proposed to the American Commissioners to discuss and revise the boundary, so as to prevent future uncertainty and dispute. They stated that they desired a direct communication between Quebc* and Halifax, and left it to the Americans to demand an equivalent. This proposition was refused by the Americans, on the ground that there was no question in regard to the limits of their territory. The " disputed ter- ritory," so called, includes most of the country north of latitude 46°, in- cluding a part of New Hampshire, and most of that large and valuable portion of Maine watered by the Madawaska, St. John's, Walloostook, Aroostook, and other rivers. This question involves nearly a third part of the territory of the state. In the 2d article of that treaty are the following words : — " Jlnd that all disputes which might arise in future, on the subject of boundaries of the United States, may be prevented, it is hereby agreed and declar- ed that the following are, and shall be, their boundaries, viz: from the northwest angle of .Yova Scotia, (New Brunswick) viz : that angle which is formed by a line drawn due north from the source of St. Croix ]VEAV ENGLAND GAZETTEER. river to the highlands ; along the said highlands which divide those riv- ers that empty themselves into the river St. Lawrence from those which fall into the Atlantic ocean, to the northwesternmosthead of the Connec- ticut river." " Our commissioners at Ghent, having successfully resisted every attempt for the dismemberment of Maine, agreed upon an ai-ticle with the British commissioners, not to revise or to change the ancient treaty boundary, but to run and establish upon the ground that very boundary, without any alteration, and to ascertain " the northwest angle of Nova Scotia ;" its place of beginning. This article is the fifth in the treaty. Under it, each party appointed a commissioner. These commissioners disagreed. According to the treaty, the question was then referred to the. King of the Netherlands, as umpire, whose award was rejected by the United States, because it did not even profess to decide the controversy according to the terms of the submission, but proposed a compromise, by a division of the disputed teri-itory between the parties. Great Britian has also since an- nounced her abandonment of this award; and now, at the eiHi of more than half a century after the conclusion of the treaty of 1783, the ques- tion not only remains unsettled, but threatens to involve the two nations in a dangerous dispute. " The northwest angle of Nova Scotia was a well known point, capa- ble of being easily ascertained, ever since the proclamation of 17(53, by simply running a due north line from the source of the St. Croix, to in- tersect the southern line of the Province of Quebec, which consists of the highlands running from the western extremity of the bay of Chaleur, to the head of Connecticut river, and dividing those rivers that empty themselves into the river St. Lawrence from those which fall into the Atlantic ocean. It is certain as the laws of nature, that these highlands, from which we know that streams do flow in opposite directions, can be found on the face of the country. " The whole argument of the British government rests upon the assump- tion that the St. John's is not a river falling into the Atlantic ocean, be- cause it has its month in the Bay of Fundy. What is the Bay of Fundy, if it be not a part of the Atlantic ocean ? A bay is a mere opening of the main ocean into the land — a mere interruption of the uniformity of the sea coast by an indentation of water. These portions of the ocean have received the name of bays, solely to distinguish them from the remainder of the vast deep to which they belong. Would it not be the merest special pleading to contend that the bay of Naples was not a por- tion of the Mediterranean, or that the Bay of Biscay was not a part of the Atlantic ocean .' " Again, the description of the treaty is, " rivers which fall into the 20 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Atlantic ocean." Can it be said, with any propriety, that a river does not fall into the Atlantic, because in reaching the main ocean it may pass through a bay ? And yet this is the British argument. The Dela- ware does not fall into the Atlantic, because it flows into it through the bay of Delaware ; and, for the same reason, the St. John's does not fall into the Atlantic, because it flows into it through the bay of Fundy." It is ardently wished that this perplexing controversy may soon be ami- cably settled between two friendly powers, whose interests are so closely united. This will probably be the event. Maine is determined to vin- dicate her rights, and the whole country stands ready to sustain them. Maine is divided into the twelve following counties : York, Cumber- land, Lincoln, Kennebec, Waldo, Hancock, Oxford, Somerset, Penobscot, Washington, Franklin, and Piscataquis. Succession of Governors. William King, 1820. Albion K. Parris, 1821— 1S25. E. Lincoln, 1826— ISdft. Jonathan G. Hunton, 1830. Samuel E. Smith, 1831— 1833. Robert P. Dunlap, 1834—1837. Edward Kent, 1S38. John Fairfield, 1839— Succession of Chief Justices. Prentiss Mellen, 1820—1834. Nathan Weston, 1834— The soil of Maine is various. For some miles from the sea coast it is rocky, sandy or clayey, with some fertile portions; generally this is the least productive part of the stale. Advancing into the interior, the soil increases in fertility. The average quality of the soil is considered to be equal if not superior to any other portion of New England. In some parts it is not exceeded in fertility by any section of the Union. Som« of the most fertile parts of Maine are now almost a wilderness. The ability of the .soil of Maine to furnish an ample supply of bread stuffs, was fully tested in 1837, by the production of more than a million bushels of wheat, besides vast quantities of rye and corn. The natural productions in the state, already known to exist in ex- haustless quantities, are pine and hemlock timber ; granite, slate, lime, iron, and all the materials in the composition of glass. Of the first report of the learned and indefatigable Dr. Jackson, on the geology of Maine, the celebrated professor Silliman thus speaks : " Maine is a country chiefly of primary rocks, with a large division of those of transition, and towards New Brunswick it has an important region of the lower secondary. Every where it has alluvial and diluvial deposits, and vast igneous formations, not only in the interior, but form- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ing a barrier against the ocean surge along a considerable part of an im- mense sea coast, indented as it is by bays and estuaries almost beyond example. Among the mineral formations of Maine, are granite, gneiss, mica and talcose, and other slates, including roofing slate and alum slate; also, soapstone, limestone and marble, sandstones and brecciated rock-s of many varieties; jasper, including the beautiful greenstone, trap and its varieties, and porphyry. The trap dykes are numerous and exceedingly distinct : They cut tlirough most of the other rocks, and pro- duce upon them, most distinctly, those peculiar effects, which to a de- monstration prove their igneous origin. Scientific geology is greatly indebted to this survey for some of the most lucid and convincing facts on this head ; while the diluvial deposits, the boulders and ruins, the dilu- vial furrows in the i-ocks, the sea shells now adhering to and inherent in rocks which once formed the sea coast, although elevated twenty-six feet above the sea board, a salt spring at Lubec, and many other topics equally illustrate other parts of scientific geology. Dr. Jackson is entirely master of his subject, as well as of the kindred sciences of mineralogy and chemistry, and his report is remarkable for its lucid clearness and its attractive style." The sea coast of Maine, extending more than 230 miles, indented by an almost countless number of bays, harbors and islands of romantic beau- ty, presents facilities for navigation unrivalled by any portion of the globe. The great rivers, St. Croix, Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco, with their numerous tributaries piercing the interior, give to the farmer and mechanic a cheap and easy mode of transportation. These rivers, and thousands of ponds and other streams, dispersed throughout the state, afford a water power of vast extent and usefulness. The celebrated John Smith made an unsuccessful attempt to settle this part of the country as early as 1614. The first permanent lodgment of the whites in the state was made from the Plymouth colony, at York, in 1630. The first settlers of Maine were a race of men of good minds, stout hearts and strong arms. By them and their sons the stately forests were converted into an article of commerce, of immense value ; thus prepar- ing the soil for its ultimate staples, wheat, beef, and wool. See Register. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Slalden, Mass. Middlesex co. A bridge over Mystic river, 2,420 I'eet ia length, connects this town with Cliurles- town. It lies 5 miles N. from Bos- ton, and 16 E. by S. from Concord. First settled, 1648. Incorporated, 1649. Population, 1830, 2,010; 1837, 2,303. It contains a large tract of salt meadow, and consider- able timber. The uplands are rough and uneven. The manufac- tures of Maiden consist of leather, boots, shoes, block tin, tin ware, twine, lasts, and manufactures of iron and dye-wood : total amount, the year ending April 1, 1837, $351,160. Maucliestcr, N. II.; Hillsborough co., lies on the east side of Merrimack river, by which it is bounded on the W. for 8 miles ; on the N. and E. it is bounded by Chester, S. by Londonderry and Litchfield. There are several streams which have their origin in this town, and which discharge themselves into the Merrimack. — Cohass brook, issuing from Massa- besick pond, is the largest. It re- ceives two other small streams from the S., and empties itself at the S. W. angle of the town. Massabe- sick is a large pond, at the E. side of the town, and partly within its limits. There are several smaller ponds. The soil of a considerable part of the town is light and sandy. The intervales on the river arc easy of cultivation, and productive. Tlie cairal by Amoskeag falls is in this town, and was projected and constructed by the ingenuity and perseverance of the late Samuel Blodget, Esq. At these falls are the works of the Amoskeag Manufac- turing Company, where the founda- tions of another Lowell are being laid. The water power is im- mense. This town was formed of a part of Londonderry, a part of Chester, and a tract of land called Harry- town, and incorporated Sept. 3, 1751, by the name of Derryfield. This name it retained until 1810, when it was changed to Manches- ter, by an act of the legislature. The venerable general John Stark had his residence in this town, where he died May 8, 1822, at the great age of 93 years 8 months and 24 days. He was born at Londonderry, August 28, 1728; was taken prisoner by the Indians, while hunting near Baker's river, in llumney, April 28, 1752. In 1775, he was appointed a colonel of one of the three regiments raised in New Hampshire ; was engaged on the heights of Charlestown, June 17, 1775 ; was at the battle of Tren- ton, in 1776; captured Col. Baum and 1,000 of the British at Benning- ton, August 16, 1777. This event, in the language of president Jetfer- son, was " the tirst link in the chain of successes which issued in the surrender of Saratoga." He was soon after appointed a brigadier- general of the United States army, and, at the time of his death, was the only surviving American gen- eral otficerof the revolution. Pop- ulation, J830, 887. Manchester, Vt. Bennington co. One of the county towns. Situated between the Green mountains on the E.,and Equinox mountain on tlwj W. The latter is 3,706 feet above the sea. There are two neat villages in this valley; the county buililings are in the south village. The scene- ry here is very beautiful. The town is watered by the Battenkill and its branches, and aflTords good mill sites. The soil along the wa- ter courses is good, but the princi- pal part of the town is better for grazing than tillage. Here are large quarries of beautiful marble, some manufactures, a curious cav- ern, and about 6,000 sheep. Man- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Chester lies 22 miles N. by E. from Bennington, and about 40 W. from Bellows Falls, across the moun- tains. First settled, 1764. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,525. Mancliester, Mass. Essex CO. This is a flourishing fishing town on Massachusetts bay, 26 miles N. E. from Boston, and 5 S. W. from Gloucester. It was taken from Salem in 1645. Popu- lation, 1S37, 1,346. There are a number of vessels belonging to the town employed in the fishing and coasting business. The value of the fishery, the year ending April 1,1837, amounted to $12,800. The value of the articles manufactur- ed was $96,473. Those articles consisted of vessels, boots, shoes, leather, chairs, cabinet ware, palm- leaf hats, and ships' wheels. The village is very pleasant, and com- mands fine prospects. Although Manchester is a rocky, rough township, it can boast a rare native production in this climate, — the magnolia, a beautiful flowering tree. Mancliester, Ct. Hartford co. An important man- ufacturing town on the Hockanum, a valuable mill stream, 10 miles E. from Hartford. The first cotton mill in this state was built here in 1794. There are three pleasant villages, six or seven paper mills, two powder mills, woolen and other manufactures. The face of the town is uneven, but the soil, a sandy and gravelly loam, is quite produc- tive. It was called Orford, a par- ish in East Hartford, until its incor- poration, in 1823. Population, 1830, 1,576. Mauliegin Island, Me. This island lies off Muscongus bay, Lincoln county. There is a light-house on it, the tower of which is 30 feet high. It bears S. from 20* the mouth of St. George's river, about 12 miles. Mansfield, Vt. Lamoille co. There is some good land in this town, on Brown's river and the branches of Water- bury river, but in general it is too mountainous even for grazing. It lies 20 miles N. W. from Montpe- lier, 20 E. by N. from Burlington, and 13 S. W. from Hyde Park.— Population, 1830, 279. First set- tled, 1799. Mansfield Mountains extend through the town of Mansfield from N. to S. They belong to the Green mountain range, and the nose and chin, so called, from their resem- blance to the face of a man lying on his back, exhibits some of the loftiest summits in the state. The nose is 3,933 feet above tide water ; the chin, 4,279. Mansfield, Mass. Bristol CO. This town lies 26 miles S. S. W. from Boston, 18 N. E. from Providence, and 11 N. N. W. from Taunton. It was taken from Norton in 1770, and is watered by several branches of Taunton riv- er. The soil is thin and the sur- face level. Population, 1837, 1,444. There are 6 cotton and 1 woolen mills in the town, and 2 nail facto- ries. The manufactures consist of cotton and woolen goods, nails, straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, and baskets : total annual amount, about $110,000. A mine of anthracite coal was discovered in this town a few years since, near the Boston and Provi- dence lail road, which promises to be of inestimable value to the com- munity. It was discovered in dig^ ging a well. An incorporated com- pany has purchased the right of mining on that and several adjoin- ing farms. They sunk a shaft which struck a vein five feet in thickness, at the depth of 20 feet, running N, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. E. and S.W., and dipping to the N. W. 52°. The shaft was continued 44 feet further, to anotlier vein, which exceeded 5 feet in thickness, and which afforded coal of a better quality tlian tiiat found above. — Subsequent operations have shown that tlie veins are numerous, and the quantity inexhaustible. The coal is of an excellent quality, more easily broken than the Pennsylvani- an, and has less polish on its surface. Mansfield, Ct. Tolland co. -Mansfield, the In- dian jYawbesetuck, was taken fioin Windham in 1703. It lies 27 miles E. from Hartford, 12 S. E. from Tol- land, and 19 N. N. W. from Nor- vv'ich. Population, 1S30, 2,661.— The face of the town is uneven, and some of the hills have considerable elevation. The town is watered by AVillimantic river, and the Nat- chaug and its tributaries — Mount Hope and Fenton. A larger quantity of silk is man- ufactured here than in any other place in the United States. This branch of industry was introduced into the country by Dr. Aspinwall, of this place, above seventy years since, who established the raising of silk worms in New Haven, Long Island and Philadelphia. At this pe- riod half an ounce of mulberry seed was sent to every parish in Con- necticut, and the legislature for a time offered a bounty on mulberry trees and raw silk : 265 lbs. were raised in 1793, and the quantity has been increasing ever since. In 1830, 3,200 lbs. were raised. Two .small silk factories have been es- tablished in this town by an English manufacturer, with swifts for wind- ing hard silk ; 32 spindles for doub- ling ; seven dozens of spindles for throwing ; 32 spindles for soft silk winding ; and 2 broad and one fringe ailk looms. There is machinery enough to keep 30 broad silk looms and fifty hands in operation. There are i-n the town two cotton factories. Screw augers and steelyards are manufactured here. Utarbleliead, Mass. Essex CO. This is a noted fishing town, on a rocky point of land ex- tending into Massachusetts bay, with a hardy and intrepid crew of fishermen and sailors. The harbor is commodious and easy of access. The quantity of fish exported fi'oni this place in 1794 amounted to $184,532. Since that time the fish- ing business has greatly increased, and this place has now become one of the largest fishing ports on the American coast. There belong to this place from 90 to 100 sail of fishing, coasting and merchant ves- sels. Tonnage of the district, in 1837, 10,037. First settled, 1631. Incorporated, 1649. Population, 1837,5,549. It lies 14 miles N. E. from Boston, and 4 S. E. from Sa- ; lem. The value of the cod and mackerel fishery the year ending April 1, 1837, was $153,487; em- ploying 500 hands. The manufac- tures of Marblehead, the same year, amounted to $398,565. The articles manufactured consisted of boots, shoes, bar iron, chairs; cabi- net and tin wares, vessels, soap, glue, cards and wheels. This is a romantic place ; nearly allied to its neighbor, Nahant ; — only 6 miles across the bay. Margallaway River, K. H., Has its source among the high- lands which separate Maine from Lower Canada, in the N. E. ex- tremity of New Hampshire, about 30 miles N. from Errol. After a S. course of nearly 20 miles on the western border of Maine, it enters New Hampshire at the S. E. part of the 2d grant to Dartmouth col- lege, where it forms a junction with the united streams of Dead and Diamond rivers. Thence, after a S. course of about 6 miles to Errol, it NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. receives the waters of Umbagog lake. After this junction the main stream is the Androscoggin river. Mariaville, Me. Hancock co. This is a townsnip of good land, finely located on the E. side of Union river, 8 miles N. by E. from Ellsworth, and 89 E. N. E. from Augusta. This town has an extensive water power and many saw mills. It was incorporated in 1836. Population, 1837, 257. Marion, Me. Washington co. This township is bounded E. by Edmonds, and S. by Whiting. Population, 245. — Incorporated, 1834. See " Down East." MarlljorougU, ]V. 11., Cheshire co., is bounded N. by Roxbury, E. by Dublin and Jaffrey, S. by Troy, W. by Swanzey and part of Keene. It is 6 miles S. E. from Keene, and 55 S. W. from Concord. There are several ponds which are the sources of some of the branches of Ashuelot river. — The soil is rocky, but good for graz- ing. Marlborough was granted, 1751. The first settlement com- menced about 1760. Incorporated Dec. 13, 1776. Population, in 1830, Blarlboroiigh, Vt. Windham co. First settled, 1763. It lies 8 miles S. from Newfane, and 24 E. from Bennington. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,218. Mrs. Whitte- more, the wife of one of the first settlers, spent the winter of 1764-5 in this then wilderness, alone, her husband being absent in the pursuit of his calling, as a tinker. During this winter slie saw no human be- ing, except her little daughter and some hunters who happened acci- dentally to pass that way. She cut down timber and furnished browse for their cattle, and thus kept them alive through the winter. Mrs. W. was very useful to the settlers, both as a nurse and a midwife. She pos- sessed a vigorous constitution, and frequently travelled through the woods upon snow shoes from one part of the town to another, both by night and day, to relieve the dis- tressed. She lived to the age of 87 years, officiated as midwife at more than 2,000 births, and never lost a patient. The town is well watered by the W. branch of West river. Whet- stone brook, and Green river. It has a good soil, and is very produc- tive in wheat, rye, and other grain, fruit and potatoes. Here is a pleas- ant village, several fine trout ponds, various kinds of minerals and me- dicinal springs. Marlborough suf- fered some by the Indians, and did much for the cause of independ- ence. Marlborough, Mass. Middlesex co. This is a large farming town, with a soil of great fertility and undulating surface. — The inhabitants are principally de- voted to agricultural pursuits, and by their industry and skill, have ac- quired a great degree of independ- ence. Among the productions of the town, are fat cattle, pork, fruit, and all the varieties of the dairy ; a large amount of which is annually sent to Boston market. A branch of Concord river, and a number of beautiful ponds, water the town. — The manufactures consist of boots, shoes, straw bonnets, leather, chairs and cabinet ware : annual amount, about $75,000. Marlborough, the Indian Okamakamesit, was first settled in 1654. It was taken from Sudbury in 1660 ; it suffered much during the Indian wars, and was for many years the residence of a number of Indians who had em- braced the christian religion. The villages are very pleasant : the richness of the soil, and surround- ing scenery ; its excellent roads and convenient access to Boston by the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. rail road, renders Marlborough a desirable residence. It is 2S miles W. from Boston, 14 S. W. from Con- cord, and 16 E. from Worcester. — Population, 1837, 2,0S9. 9Iarlborough Ct. Hartford co. iMarlborou£;h was taken from three towns which be- longed to three different counties, in 1S03. It lies 14 miles S. E. from Hartford. The surface of the town is liilly and stony, and the lands best adapted for grazing. It has a cotton factory, a bed of black lead, and a good tish pond. Dark holloiu, in the western part of Ihe town, presents some wild scenery of more terror than beauty. Pop- ulation, 1830, 704. Marlow, N. H. Chesliire co. It is 15 miles N. from Keene, and 43 W. by S. from Concord. Ashuelot river passes through almost the whole length of the town. There are no ponds of uote, nor any mountains. Marlow was chartered, 1761. Population, 1830, 645. Marshfield, Vt. Washington co. This town, con- taining 23,040 acres, was granted to the Stockbridge Indians in 1782, and sold bv them to Isaac Marsh, in 1789, for £140. A part of the soil is good and a part wet and stony. The town produces considerable wool, and some cattle are reared for market. It has a pleasant pond, and Onion river passes through it. It Vies 12 miles N. E. from Mont- pelier. First settled, 1790. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,271. Marskfield, Mass. Plymouth co. A pleasant town cm IVIassachusetts hay, 25 miles S. E. from Boston, and 15 N. by W. from Plymouth. It is watered by North and South rivers, has a toler- able harbor, and some navigation. Ship building is an important branch of business in the town. Here are two cotton mills, an air and cupola furnace, a nail factory, and manu- factures of cotton and satinet warp. Peregrine White, the first Eng- lish child born in New England, died here in 1704, aged 83. Incor- porated, 1640. Population, 1837, 1,660. Mars Hill, Me. This celebrated mountain is situ- ated about a mile west from the east boundary of the United States; — 200 miles N. N. E. from Augusta, and 80 N. W^. from Frederickton, New Brunswick. The British Queen seems desir- ous of annexing this portion of the territory of the United States to her wide and fair possessions. This notion of the pretty maiden is alto- gether preposterous: when she has maturely considered the treaty made by her grandfather and the United States, at Paris, in 1783, we trust her good sense will deter her from urging the claim. The approach to this mountain is difficult: its sides are rugged, and its summit bold. It has two spurs; one of which is 1,506, the other 1,363 feet above the waters of Goosequill river, in New Bruns- wick. Marslipee, Mass. Barnstable co. An ancient In- dian territory, and an incorporated district of 10,500 acres, or about 16 square miles. It lies 12 miles S. E. from Barnstable, 8 S. S. E. from Sandwich, and 8 E. from Falmouth. It is bounded on the S. by the ocean. There are 330 colored inhabitants on this territory, and some whites. There now remain only seven in- habitants, of pure blood of the t.ith- ers of the forest. Their land is good for grain of all sorts, and is well wooded. The territory is pleas- ant, and some parts of it afford beau- tiful scenery. The Marshpee and Quashmet are considerable streams. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. which, with numerous ponds and the ocean, afford an abundant sup- ply of fish of various kinds. These people live by agricultural pursuits, the manufacture of various articles of Indian ware, by the sale of their wood, and by fishing, fowling, and taking deer. They are docile and hospitable ; they appear to relish moral and religious instruction ; and, under the superintendence of a hu- mane and intelligent commissioner, appointed by the state, they are prosperous aiid happy. This is the largest remnant of all the tribes of red men west of Penobscot river, who, 218 years ago, were fee sim- ple proprietors of the whole terri- tory of New England! J>Iartlia's Viueyard, Mass. The principal of a cluster of Isl- ands lying off and S. of Barnstable county and Buzzard's bay, compris- ing the towns of Edgarton, Tisbu- ry and Chilmark. See Dukes county. Mason, N. H. Hillsborough co. It is 15 miles S. W. from Amherst. 43 S. S. W. from Concord, and 50 N. W. from Boston. The surface is uneven ; the hills are chiefly large swells, with narrow valleys between them. The streams are rapid. There are no natural ponds. The principal meadows were formerly beaver ponds. Souhegan is the principal stream, affording many fine mill seats. The small streams run into Nashua river, and into Tanapus, or Potanipo pond, in Brookline. The soil in the E. part is rather light. The W. part is mostly a strong deep soil, red or dark loam, but stony.- It is good for grass and grain. In Mason village, on the Souhegan, are cotton and woolen manufacto- ries, and other machinery. Mason was granted by charter, Aug. 26, 1768. It was formerly known by the name of JVo. 1. The first ef- fort to settle this place was in 1751, and the next year a permanent set- tlement was made by Enoch Law- rence, from Pepperell, Mass. Pop- ulation, in 1830, 1,433. Massabesick Pond, X. H. See Chester. NEW ENttLAN'D fiAZETTEER. MASSACHUSETTS. This ancient commonwealth, the mother of New Engl.ind colonies, of free states, and of American liberty, was first permanently settled by Europeans, at Plymouth, on the 22d of December, 1620. The history of this state is deeply interesting ; it is interwoven with every political and moral event of important occurrence in the settle- ment and progress of the whole of North America, which preceded or was connected with the revolution of 1775. The name of this state probably arose from the name of a tribe of In- dians formerly at Barnstable ; or from two Indian words — Mos and We- tuset ; the former signifying an Indian arrutv's head, the h\tter. Hill. It is stated that the Sachem who governed in this region about the time of the landing of our forefathers, lived on a hill in the form of an Indian arrow's head, a few miles south of Boston, and was called by the Indians — Moswetuset. Massachusetts is bounded east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic ocean. It has, exclusive of the island counties of Dukes and Nantuck- et, a sea-coast of about 250 miles. It is bounded south and west by the state of Rhode Island, about 68 miles : south by the state of Connecticut, 87 miles ; west by the state of New York, 50 miles ; north by the state of Vermont, 42 miles; and north by the state of New Hampshire, 87 miles. It lies between 41° 31', and 42° 53' N. lat., and 69° 48', and 73° 17' W. Ion. from Greenwich. Its area is about 7,800 square miles, or 4,992,000 acree. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, The state comprises 14 counties, to wit: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bris- tol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Nantucket, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester. The legislative power of this State is vested in a Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate consists of 40 members, and are chosen by districts. The executive power is vested in a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and a Council of 9 members. The Council is elected b y the joint ballot of the Senators and Representatives, from the Senators ; and in case the Council thus elected or any of them decline, the deficiency is supplied from among the people. By the Constitution as amended in 1837, each town or city, having 300 ratable polls, at the last preceding decennial census of polls, may elect one representative ; and for every 450 ratable polls, in addition to the first 300, one representative more. Any town having less than 300 ratable polls, shall be represented thus : — The whole number of ratable polls, at the last preceding valua- tion census of polls, shall be multiplied by 10, and the product divided by 300, and such town may elect one representative, as many years within ten years, as 300 is contained in the product aforesaid. Any city or town, having ratable polls enough to elect one or more representatives, with any number of polls beyond the necessary number, may be represented as to that surplus number, by multiplying such sur- plus number by 10, and dividing the product by 450; and such city or town may elect one additional representative, as many years within the ten years, as 450 is contained in the pioduct aforesaid. Representation. J\rumber of Representatives to which each toicn is entitled forlO years from 1837, according to the Constitution, as amended in 1837. The column in the followinff table marked tenths, shows how many years in 10 the respective towns are entitled to an additional Representative. j; ^ i .S si ^ Toams. g- s Towns. 1 1 Towns. g. g Barnstable. ^ ^ =^ h a^ En Provincetown, I 8 Alford, 4 Barnsta'ole, 2 7 .Sandwich, 2 4 Becket, 8 Brewster, 1 1 Truro, 1 4 Cheshire, 7 Chatham, ] 6 Wellfloet, 1 C Clarksburgh, 3 Dennis, 1 9 Yarmouth, ] 8 Dalton. 7 Eastham, 8 I'.grcniont, 8 Falmouth, 1 8 14 81 Florida, 3 'Harwich, 1 8 Berkshire. G. Barrington, 1 6 Orleans, 1 4 .\dams, 2 G Hancock, 1 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Towiis. i 1 7'oiww. i 1 Towm. ill ,£ «. ^ 1 ^'i- 2« e-. K E~i s; 1 t^ Hinsdale, 7 Danvers, 3 5 Chester, 1 1 Lanesborough, 1 Esse.x, 1 1 Granville, 1 2 Lee, 1 5 Georgetown, Holland, 4 Lenox, ] Gloucester, C Longmeadow, 1 M't. VVashinffton, New Ashford, 3 Hamilton, C Ludlow, 9 2 Haverhill, 3 4 Monson, 1 3 .New Marlboro' 1 1 Ipswich, 2 Montgomery, 4 Otis, 9 Lynn, 6 2 Palmer, 1 3 Peru, 6 Lynnfield, 6 Russell, 5 Pittsfield, '2 4 Manchester, 1 Southwick, 1 1 Richmond, 7 Marblehead, 3 3 Springfield, Tolland, 5 7 Sandisfield, 1 2 Methuen, 1 9 5 Savoy, 7 Middleton, 6 Wales, \ G Sheffield, 1 6 Newbury, 2 4 Westfield, 2 1 Stockbiidge, 1 5 Newburyport, 3 9 W'. Springfield, 2 2 Tyringhain, 1 Rowley, 2 Wilbraham, ll 6 Washington, 6 Salem, 8 .5 _ W. Stockbridge, 1 1 Salisbury, 1 y 18 to Williamstown, 1 4 Saugus, 1 Windsor, Top.sfield, 1 Hampshire. — — Wenh.-im, 7 Amherst, i! "' 16 134 West Newbury, 1 3 Belchertown, 1| 8 Bristol. — —— Chesterfield, 1 Attleborough, 2 1 53 116 Cummington, i! .' Berkley. 8 Franklin. Easthampton, 5 Dartmouth, 2 4 Ashfield, 1 3 Enfield, 1 Dighton, 1 Bernardston, 7 Goshen, 5 Easton, I 5 Buckland, 8 Granby, 8 Fairhaven, 2 6 Charlemont, t) Greenwich, 7 Fall River, 3 C (Joleraiue, 1 4 Hadlev, 1 4 Freetown, 1 4 Conwav, i 1 Hatfield, 8 Mansfield, 1 Decrfield, 1 4 Middlefield, (i New Bedford, D Erving, Northampton, 2 •i Norton, 1 2 Gill, 5 Norwich, r Pawtucket, 1 5 Greenfield, 1 3 Pelham, -J Ravnham, 1 2 Hawley, 9 Plainfield, 7 Rehoboth, 1 5 Heath, r, Prescott, G Seekonk, 1 5 Leverett, 7 S. Hadley, 1 1 Somerset, 9 Leyden, 5 Southampton, 1 Swanzey, 1 2 Monroe, 1 Ware, 1 C Taunton, 4 9 Montasfue, 1 Westhampton, 7 Westport, 1 8 New Salem, 1 Williamsburgh, 1 33 81 Northfield, Orange, 1 J 2 Worthington, 9 Dukes. Rowe, f) n 117 Chilmark, 7 Shelburne, 8 Edsartown, 1 4 Shutesburv, 7 MlIJDLESEX. Tisbury; 1 1 Sunderland, 7 Acton, y Waiwick, 8 Ashbv, 1 2 12 Wendell, 7 Bedford, 8 Essex. Whalely, 9 Bilierica, 1 ] Amesbury, 1 8 — — Boxborough, 3 An('.over, 3 2 9 128 Britrhton, 1 2 Beverly, 3 Hamtden. Burlington. 5 Bo.xford, 8 Bl an lord. 1 I C'nmbridge, .5 Bradford. 1 nniuricid. 1 1 Carlisle, 5 XEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Charlestown, Chelinstbid, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Franiingham, Grolon, Holliston, Hopkinton, Lexinijton, Lincoln, Littleton, Lowell, Maiden, Marlborough, Medford, Natick, Newton, Pepperell, Heading, Sherburne, Shirley, South Reading, Stoneham, Stow, Sudbury, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyn^sborough, Waltham, VVatertown, Way land, \V. Cambridge, Westford, Weston, Wilmington, Woburn, Norfolk. Bellingham, Braintree, Brookline, Canton, Cohasset, Dedliam, Dorchester, Dover, Foxborough, Franklin, Medfield, ^Tedwav, ^. a; t; p, 4 4 3 ii 9 5 6 7 .S G 8 J) 6 7 2 4 8 8 " I h C 1 41 7 7 1 bi 18-, 1 1 1 £ C 1 J 1 o 1 5 Milton, Needliam, Quincy, Randolph, Roxbury, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, Weymouth, Wrentham, Nantucket. Nantucket, Plymouth. Abington, Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, K. Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Hull, Kings' on, iMarshlield, Middleborough, N. Bridgewater, Pembroke, i Plymouth,' jPlympton, iHochester, Sciluate, Wareham, W. Bridgewater, Suffolk. Boston, Chelsea. WoRCF.STER. Ashburiiham, \thol, Auburn, Barre, as b-< 1 5 5 2 3 5 <) I (i 1 2 2 4 1 8 28 91 6 6 2 2 9 i; 1 h 7 8 4 1 S 1 8 R 7 T (') 24 93 of! ,; 1 6 57 11 1 4 ] 5 1 9 Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Brooktield, Charlton, Dana, Douglas, Dudley, Fitchburgh, Gardner, Grafton, Hardwick, Harvard, Holden, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leicester, Leominster, Lunenburgh, Mendon, Millbrd, Millbury, New Braintree, Northborough, JNorthbridge, N. Brookfield, Oakham, Oxiord, Paxlon, Petersham, Phillipslon, Prince on, Royal ston, Rutliuid, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Templeton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster, Westborough, W. Boylston, Westminster, Winchendon, Worcester. 2; h — 6 7 9 9. 3 6 a 2 9 2 1 2 2 i 4 3 6 4 9 K 3 f 7 9 1 3 9 7 6 3 8 2 3 4 2 2 5 8 4 2 9 3 .1 3 5 2 52 22"8| The whole number of towns in the state may send 375 Representatives everj year, withmit counting the fractions. The fractions give an annual increase, on an avernge of iO years of 133 andO-lOths ; making the average number of Kepresentatives for the next 10 years, 608 9-l(Jths. 21 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators, and Representatives, are chosen annually by the people, on the 2(1 Monday of November, ami meet at Boston on the 1st Wednesday of January. The Judiciary power is vested in a Supreme Court, a Court of Com- mon Pleas, and such other courts as the Legislature may, from time to time, establish. The Judges are appointed by the Governor and Coun- cil, and hold their offices during good behavior. Succession of Governors. John Hancock, 1780—1784. James Bowdoin, 1785, 1786. John Hancock, 1737—1793. Samuel Adams, 1794—1796. Increase Sumner, 1797—1799. Caleb Strong, ISOO, 1806. James Sullivan, 1S07, 1S08. Christopher Gore, 1809. Elbridge Gerry, 1810, 1811. Caleb Strong, 1812—1815. John Brooks, 1S16— 1822. William Eustis, 1823, 1824. Levi Lincoln, 1825—1833. John Davis, 1834, 1835. Edward Everett, 1835— Soccession of Chief Justices of the Supreme Judi/^ial Court. William Gushing, 1776—1789. Nathaniel Peaslee Sargent, 1789— 1791. Francis Dana, 1791— 1S06. Theophilus Parsons, 1806—1814. Samuel Sewall, 1814. Isaac Parker, 1814—1830. Lemuel Shaw. 1830— The foundation of a school fund was laid by legislative enactment, in 1834, by appropriating " all moneys remaining in the treasury on the l«t flay of January, 1835, arising from the sale of public lands, and from pay- ments made to this commonwealth by the United States, on account of the claim for military services and disbursements during the late war, to- gether with one half of all future proceeds of the sales of public land*, as a permanent fund for the encouragement and support of common flchools, which fund is never to exceed one million of dollars." A trigonometrical and astronomical survey of the state, by order of the general court, foi- the purpose of a new map, was commenced in 1830, and will soon be completed. Surveys of the mineralogy, botany, zoolo- gy, and agriculture of the state have been commenced ; son^g favorable reports have been made, and the researches of scientitic men are con- tinued, and promise great public usefulness. The surface of the state is generally undulating. The most level parts are found in the counties of Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol. The Green and Taughkannic ranges of mountains pass through the west- em counties, but in few places are they remarkable for their elevation. The soil of the state is well adapted to the growth of all the srassefi, grains, fruits and vegetables common to a temperate climate. In no part NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, of our country is agriculture more honored, or better understood and re- warded. The resources of Massachusetts in its commerce, navigation, manufac- tures and fisheries are immense : they are stated under the counties and towns, and will be given summarily, with other statistics of New Eng- land, in the Register. Although Massachusetts cannot boast of her navigable rivers and ca- nals, to fncilitate the commerce of her capital ; yet she can boast of the most beautiful bay on the map of the western world ; of her noble streams for water power; of her luxuriant vales, of her granite hills, of her ships, and the material for building them ; and of her gallant sailors who traverse every sea, and who well understand the uses of the hook, harpoon and cannon. Itrassachusetts Bay. The whole of this bay is within the limits of Massachusetts. The exterior bounds of this celebrated bay are Capes Cod and Ann. The former is in N. lat. 42° 6', and W. long. 70° 7'. The latter in N. lat. 42° 45', and W. Ion. 70° 17'. Cape Ann bears from Cape Cod, N. N. VV., about 40 miles. The length of this bay is about C2 miles, from N. W. to S. E. : its breadth is about 25 miles. Numer- ous bays and rivers of various sizes set in from this bay, and its whole coast is lined with commodious harbors, and pleasant commercial towns. This bay is noted for its delight- ful scenery, and as containing the first settlements of the Pilgrim Fathers of New England. Matawamkeag River, Me. This is one of the most important tributaries to the Penobscot. It unites with that river at the Indian township from the E., about 60 miles N. by E. above Bangor. Matawamkcag Plantation, on this river, lies 128 miles N. E. from Augusta. Matinicus Islaiids, Me. A cluster of islands at the en- trance of Penobscot bay. The principal, or Marshall's island, is a plantation attached to the county of Hancock. The light on Matinicu? bears about S. by E. from Thomas- ton, 15 miles. Maxfield, Me. Penobscot co. This town was incorporated in 1824. It is water- ed by Piscataquis river and Seboois stream. It lies 111 miles N. N. W. from Augusta, and 25 E. by N. from Dover. Population, 1837, 215, Wheat crop, same year, 1,304 bush- els. Mayfield, Me. Somerset co. On the E. side of Kennebec river and about 10 miles from it. It is 58 miles N. from Augusta, and about 2!) N. by E. from Noiridgewock. Incorporated, ISSC. Population, 1837, 224. Medfield, Mass. Norfolk CO. This town is water- ed by Charles and Stop rivers. It is 17 miles S. S. W. from Boston, and 8 S. by W. from Dedham. During the year ending April 1, 1837, there were manufactured at Medfield, 124,000 straw bonnets, the value of which was $135,000. There are also manufactures of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. boots, shoes, leather, cutlery, and brushes. RIedfield was taken from Dedham, in 1651. During king Philip's war, in 1765, the town was burnt, and ma- ny of the inhabitants murdered by the Narragansets. Philip rode on an elegant horse, and Jirectcd the massacre. Population, 1837, 899, Medford, Mass. Middlesex co. This beautiful town is situated at the head of nav- igation on Mystic river, 5 miles N. W. from Boston, and 14 E.by S. from Concord. The Boston and Lowell rail-road, and Middlesex canal pass through the town. The finest ships that float on the ocean, are built here : during the five years preced- ing April 1, 1837, sixty vessels were built, the tonnage of w-hich was 24,195 tons: value $1,112,976. There are also manufactures of leather, spirits, linseed oil, biicks, boots, shoes, ploughs, hats and hat bodies. The soil of the town is very fertile, and in a high state of cultivation. The business of the town is much associated with the city, and many delightful country seats are scattered over and deco- rate the grounds improved as a farm by Governoi- Winlhrop in 1633. Winter Hill, memorable as the place of encampment of General Burgoyne and his army, after their capture at Saratoga, is in this town. It is 125 feet above tide water, and presents a view of great extent and beautj'. Medford was incorporated in 1630. Population, 1830, 1,755; 1837, 2,072. In the old burying ground, a beau- tiful granite monument is erected, bearing the following inscription : Sacred to the momorv of JOhN BROOKS.' Wh6 was born in Medford, in the month of May, 1752, and educated at the Town School. He took up arms for his country on the li)th .^pril, 1775. He commanded the rpiiinient which first entered the enemy's lines at Saratoga, and served with honor to the close of the war. He was ap- pointed Marshal ot' the District of IMassachusctts hv President Washing- ton, and after tiliinj several important civil and military offices, he was in the year IBlfi, chosen Governor of the Commonwealth ; and discharged the duties of that stritinn for seven suc- cessive years, to general acceptance. He was a kind and skilful physician, a brave and prudent officer, a wise, firm, and impartial magistrate, a true patri- ot, a good citizen, and a faithful friend. In mnnners he was a gentleman, in morals pure, and in profession and practice a consistant Christi.in. He departed this lile in peace on the first of March, 1823, aied 73 This monu- ment to his honored memory was erected by several of iiis fellew citi- zens and friends in the year 1838. Med«ay, fliass. Norfolk CO. Medway was taken from Medlleld, in 1713. Charles river affords Ihi-i town an excellent water power. There are 6 cotton, and 2 woolen mills in the town, 2 cotton wadi'ing factories, and a bell founi'ry. The manufactures of cot- ton ami wooI( n goods, boots, shoes, scythes, chairs, cab'inet ware, ploughs, cotton W'adding, and straw bonnets, the year ending April I, 1837, aniounte"d to $330,630. Pop- ulation, 1837. 2,050. Mcdwav lies 22 miles S. V/. from Boston, and 12 S. W. fiom Dedham. Klegunticook River and Pond. This river rises in a pond of the same name, in Lincolnville, Waldo county. The pond i- about 9 miles in length, crooked and very hand- some. It afibrds an excellent mill slreani, which falls into Penobscot bay at Camden. Meniphremagog lake, Vt. This lake is about SO miles in lenirtb, and two or three miles in width. About seven miles of it lies in the county of Orleans, the resi- due in Canada. It receives the wa- ters of Bar'on, Black, Clyde and other smaller stream? in Vermont, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and discharges into the St. Francis, in Canada. On an island in this lake is a quarry of JVovacvlite, or the " Magog Oil Stone." This ma- terial is transported and manufac- tured. See Burke, Vt. nienau Islands. Grand Menan belongs to the British, and lies off the mouth of St. Croix river, and Passamaquoddy bay. It is 16 miles in length, and its average breadth is about 5. On the south side are a number of isl- ands, and several small harbors. The inhabitants are principally fish- ermen. Little Menan, or "Petit Menan," in Washington county. Me. lies off the harbors of Goldsborough and Steuben. It has a light house, with a tower 25 feet in height. It lies about 3 miles S. S. E. from Golds- borough liarbor. Mendon, Vt. Rutland eo. This was formerly called Parkerstown,and lies 47 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier, and 8 E. from Rutland. There is some good land in the town, but it is generally too high up the Green mountains for cultivation. Population, 1830,432. Mendoii, Mass. Worcester CO. The Indian name of this town was Quanshipauge. It was first settled by people from Roxbury, about the year 1647. In- corporated, 1667. Mendon is a township of variegated surface, ex- cellent soil, and in a good state of cultivation. The products of the dairy are large and valuable. — Blackstone river and canal pass its southwestern border, and Mill river traverses its whole extent. These streams afford an excellent hydrau- lic power. There are 8 cotton and 4 woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of boots, shoes, iron castings, scythes, ploughs, straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, machinery, wagons and harnesses ; total value, 21* the year ending April 1, 1837, — $629,282. This very pleasant and flourishing town lies 32 miles S. W. from Boston, 18 S. E. from Worces- ter, and 22 N. from Providence. Population, 1830, 3,153; 1837,3,657. Mercer, Me. Sonlerset co. Mercer has a fine soil, and is watered by a beautiful pond. It lies 32 miles N. N. W. from Augusta, and 6 S. W. from Norridgewock. Incorporated, 1804. The village near the pond is beau- tifully located. Wheat crop, 1837, 6,868 bushels. Population, same year, 1,525. Mereditli, N. H., Strafford co., is bounded N. by Centre Harbor and Winnepisiogee lake, N. E. and E. by said lake and river, S. E. by Great bay, S. and S. W. by Sanbornton, W. and N. W. by N€W Hampton and Centre Harbor. This town was incorporated, in 1767, and was first called J\''ew Sa- lem. It lies 29 miles N. from Con- cord, and 8 N. W. from Gilford. There is in this town a pond adjoin- ing Centre Harbor, about 2 miles long and one wide, emptying into the lake, near the village ; be- sides this there are several smaller ponds. There is probably no town in the country more pleasantly and advantageously situated, or of a bet- ter soil, than Meredith. The, wa- ters of the Winnepisiogee washing the boundaries of a gi-eat part of the town, convey many heavy mercan- tile articles to and from almost the doors of several of the inhabitants in the summer ; and in the winter, the ice serves as a level and easy road. Near the upper or N. W. part of the town, the traveler pass- ing along the road, is presented with a very beautiful landscape. On the E. and S. E. the placid Winne- pisiogee, the largest lake in: New Hampshire, with its numerous isl- ands, arrests the eye, and bounds the circle of vision in a S. E. di- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. rection. On the N. E., Ossipee mountain rises boldly to view. Ou the N., the prospect is intercepted hy Red Hill, a pleasant and noted eminence in Moultonboiousjh, only a few miles distant. At Meredith Bridc^e is a handsome and flourish- ing village, and the scat of much business. Here are 2 cotton mills, an extensive tannery, oil mill, &c., in another village are also some im- portant manufactures. The water power of Meredith is immense. It is connected with the principal village of Gilford by a bridge over the VVinnepisiogee. Hon. Ebenkzer Smith, moved into this town at an early period of its settlement, and was as a father to the new settlers for many years. He died Aug. 22, 1807, aged 73. Population, in 1830, 2,GS3. Meriden, Ct. New Haven co. This hilly and somewhat mountainous township has, in general, a fertile soil, and is watered by Quinnepiac river. It lies 17 miles S. E. from Hartford, and 17 N. W. from New Haven. It was formerly a part of Walling- ford, and incorporated in 1806. — Population, 1830, 1,708. Tliis is one of the most flourish- ing and enterprising manufacturing towns in the state. There is a con- siderable variety of manufactures here, forming the chief employment of the inhabitants. The following is a list of the manufactories, viz : 2 for patent augers and auger bits, 3 for ivory combs, 6 for tin ware, 1 for Britannia ware, 2 iron foundries, 1 manufactory for coffee mills, 1 for clocks, 1 for Norfolk door latches, 3 for block tin spoons, 1 for wood combs, 1 for skates and iron rakes, and 1 for gridirons. The value of articles manufactured yearly, has been estimated from 800,000 to 1,000,000 of dollars. About thirty years since a road was constructed from the north- western part ol Meridcn to Berlin, through a narrow and romantic glen, between two ridges of the Blue mountains; this pass, which is more than a mile in extent, is called the Cat Hole. In some parts of this glen there is but barely room for a path ; small angular fragments of rocks rise on each side, at about an angle of forty five degrees: these rocks have been beaten down and covered with earth, which must have been brought here for the purpose. A few yards south of this place, elevated perpendicular rocks appear on the left, one of which has very much the appearance of a pro- file of the human face, and it is thought by some to resemble in a slight degree the profile of Wash- ington. Following the foot of the mountain on the right, for about a mile, you will find large pieces of rocks lying upon each other in great disorder, which have evidently fal- len from the precipitous heights above. Underneath these rocks ice may be found in almost every month in the year. A spring issues from between them, called the Cold Spring, and is a place of resort for parties in summer. Merrimack River, K. II., One of the principal rivers of New England, is formed of two branches. The N. branch called Pemigewasset, rises near the Notch of the White mountains, and passes southwardly thiough the corner of Franconia, Lincoln, Peeling, Thorn- ton and Campton, forming the bound- ary between Plymouth and Holder- ness, and also the boundary line be- tween the counties of Strafford and Grafton from the S. corner of Hol- derness to near its junction w ith the Winnepisiogee. It receives several considerable branches in its course; Mad river in Campton, Baker's in Plymouth ; and streams flowing from Squam and Newfound lakes, with numerous small tributaries. — The E. branch is the Winnepisio- gee, through which pass the waters NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. of tlie lake of that name. The de- scent of this branch from the lake to its junction with the Pemigewasset, is 2.32 feet. The confluent stream hears the name of Merrimack, and pursues a S. coui-se, 78 miles, to Chelmsford, Mass. ; thence an E. course, 35 miles, to the sea at New- Luryport. On the N. line of Con- cord, the Contoocook discharges its waters into the Merrimack. The Soucook becomes a tributary in Pembroke, and the Suncook be- tween Pembroke and Allenstown. The Piscataquog unites in Bedford ; the Souhegan in Merrimack, and a beautiful river called Nashua in Nashua. The principal tributaries are on the W. side of the river, mostly rising in the highlands be- tween the Connecticut and Merri- mack. There are numerous falls in this river, the most noted of which are Garven's, in Concord, the falls in Hooksett, and Amos- keag in Goffstown and Manchester. These falls are all rendered passa- ble by locks, and boat navigation has for several years been extended as far as Concord. There are sev- eral bridges over the Merrimack, and its principal branches, besides a number of ferries. The Merri- mack, whose fountains are nearly on a level with the Connecticut, being much shorter in its course, has a far more rapid descent to the sea than the latter river. Hence the intervales on its borders are less ex- tensive, and the scenery less beau- tiful, than on the Connecticut. It is, however, a majestic river; its waters are generally pure and heal- thy ; and on its borders are situated some of the most flourishing towns in the state. The name of this riv- er was originally written Mcrra- macke and Monnomake, which in the Indian language signified a sturgeon. Its width varies from 50 to 120 rods ; and at its mouth it pre- sents a beautiful sheet of half a mile in width. MerrimacU Conntj-, ?f. H. Concord is the county town. The county of Merrimack is bound- ed N. E. by the county of Straf- ford, S. E. by the county of Rock- ingham, S. W. by the county of Hillsborough, and N. W. by the counties of Sullivan and Grafton. Its greatest length is 38 miles; its breadth at the broadest part is 26 miles. It contains an ai-ea of 506,000 acres. The surface is un- even, and in some parts rugged and mountainous; but its general fertility, is perhaps equal to either of the other counties in the state. In the towns of Hopkinton, Henni- ker, Boscawen, Salisbury, Canter- bury, Concord, &c., are seen many extensive and well cultivated farms. The northerly part of the county is i-ough and mountainous. Kearsarge is the highest mountain, its summit being 2,461 feet above the level of the sea. It is composed of a range of hills, running north and south about six miles ; its general aspect is rugged and craggy, excepting when its roughness is shaded by the woody covering that darkens its sides. The Ragged mountains, so called, from their appearance, lie northeast of Kearsarge, and be- tween Andover and Hill. These are nearly 2,000 feet high at the north points of the range. Bear's Hill, in Northfield, Sunapee moun- tain, in Newbury, Catamount, in Pittsfield, and the peak in Hook- sett, are the other most considerable elevation^. A part of lake Suna- pee lies in Newbury ; and there are numerous ponds interspersed throughout the whole territory. The Merrimack river meanders through nearly the centre of the county, and forms the boundary some distance at the northeastern part. It receives from the west the Blackwater and Contoocook rivers, and from the east, Soucook and Sun- cook, and other smaller streams. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEEU. This county was constituted by an act of the legislature, 1 July, 1S23 — beiiiu; taken from the coun- ties of Rockingham and Hillsbo- borough, ten towns being sepaiated from tlie former, aiul thirteen from the latter. Population, 1820, 32,- 843; 1830, 34,619. Twenty four towns, 44 inhabitants to a square mile. In 1837, there were 66,152 sheep in this county. Jllerrimack, N. II., Hillsborough co., is bounded N. by Bedford, E. by Litchfield, S. by Nashua, and W. by Amherst. — It is 6 miles S. E. from Amherst, and 27 S. from Concord. Merri- mack river waters its E. border through its whole extent, opening a communication by water from this place to Boston. Souhegan en- ters this town from Amherst, pur- sues a winding course to the Mer- rimack, where it discharges itself one mile above Thornton's ferry. There are fine water privileges on this stream. Babboosuck brook, issuing from Babboosuck pond in Amherst, empties into Souhegan river, and Penichook brook from a pond in Hollis, forms the southern boundary. The soil in various pla- ces is very fertile, but a considera- ble portion of the land is plain. There are some fine intervales on the Merrimack. Some of the best and most extensive water privileges the county alTords, about 1 1-2 mile from the Merrimack, on Souhegan river, lie unimproved. This town claims the first discove- ry in this region of making what are called leghorn bonnets. They were first made several years since, by the Misses Burnaps. Some of their bonnets were sold at auction in Boston for $50. This town was formerly called Souhegan East. It was incorpo- rated, 1746, having been settled about 13 years. The first house in this town was erected ou the margin of the river for a house of traffic with the In- dians. For some time one Crom- well cariied on a lucrative trade with the Indians, weighing their furs with his foot, till, enraged at his supposed or real deception, they formed the resolution to mur- der him. This intention was com- municatetass. Worcester co. This town, the Indian JVopowage, is well watered by Charles and Mill rivers. It lies 28 milesS. W. by W. from Boston, and 18 S. E. from Worcester. Incorpora- ted, 1780. Population, 1837, 1,637. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface pleasantly diversified. The manufactures of the town, for the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $257,671. They con- sisted of cotton goods, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, tin and cabinet wares, straw bonnets, varnish, clothing, shoe pegs, wagon irons, and whips. Milford, Ct. New Haven co. This is one of the towns which composed the " Old Jurisdiction of New Haven." NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The settlement commenced in 1639. The first purchase of land was made of the Indians, for the considera- tion of " 6 coats, 10 blankets, 1 kettle, be>!ides a number of hoes, knives, hatchets, and glasses." The Indians made a reservation of 20 acres in the town, which was sold by them, in 1661, for 6 coats, 2 blankets, and a pair of breeches. Milford is bounded W. by Housa- tonick river, and S. E. by Long Island Sound. The Indian name of the place was Wepawaug. The town is generally level, and the soil productive. There is a quarry of beautiful serpentine marble in the town, and a harbor for small Poconock or Milford point is a noted place, where are a number of ■huts on the beach, occupied by persons engaged in the oyster and clam business. Milford village is very pleasant, and the scenery variegated and in- teresting. Population, 1837, about 2,800. Millbnry, Mass. Worcester co. Millbury was taken from Sutton, in 1813. It lies 42 miles W. S. W. from Boston, and 6 S.E. from Worcester. Branch- es of the Biackstone river rise in the town, and the Biackstone canal passes through it. It is a very pleasant manufacturing place, with a valuable water power. There are 1 paper, 6 woolen, and 1 cotton mills ; and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, hats, scythes, spades, forks, hoes, ploughs, muskets, trying squares, levels, trowels, machinerj', black lead, tin ware, sashes and blinds : total value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $566,150. Popula- tion, 1837, 2,153. Aliller's Rivers. Miller's i?(i'fr, in Vermont, rises in Sheffield, Caledonia county, and passing through a part of Wheelock falls into the Passumpsick at Lyn- don. Miller's River, in Massachusetts, rises in ponds in Ashburnham, and Winchendon ; it has many trib- utaries, and passes through Athol, Orange, and Wendell, and falls into the Connecticut at Erving. This is a noble mill .stream. Millinoket I^ke, Me. This is a large body of water in the county of Penobscot, the re- cipient of many rivers. It is an important source of the west branch of Penobscot river. Its outlet is a river of the same name, and unites with the waters of Pemadumcook lake, near the Great falls at the out- let of the Pemadumcook. MUl River, Mass. See Springfield. MUlsneld, N. H., Coos CO., is 7 miles W. fromUm- bagog lake, and about 35 N.from the White mountains. Clear stream waters its N. extremity, and Phil- lip's river with several small streams the other parts. Here are several ponds, the largest is about 300 rods long, 140 wide. Millsfield was granted in 1774, and was nam- ed after Sir Thomas Mills, a gran- tee. It had but 33 inhabitants in 1830. Milo, Me. Piscataquis co. This is a beau- tiful township on the fertile banks of Scbec and Pleasant rivers, at their union with the Piscataquis. It lies 103 miles N. E. from Augus- ta, and 15 N. E. from Dover. Pop- ulation, 1830, 381 ; 1837, 640.— Wheat crop, 1837, 4,514 bushels. Incorporated, 1823. Milton, Me. Piscataquis CO. Population, 1837, 352. Wheat crop, same year, 1,323 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. bushels. 94 miles from Augusta. See " Down East." Sliltou, N. 11. Strafford co. The Salmon Fall river washes its whole E. bounda- ry, a distance of 13 miles ; and a branch of the same river crosses from the S. part of Wakefield, and unites near the centre of the E. boundary. Teneriffe, a bold and rocky mountain, extends along the E. part of Milton, near which lies Milton pond, of considerable size, connecting with the Salmon Fall river. This town was formerly a part of Rochester, from which it was detached in 1802. It lies 40 miles N. E. from Concord, and 20 N. W. by N. from Dover. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,273. Milton, Vt. Chittenden co. Milton is bound- ed on the W. by lake Champlain, and is finely watered by the liver Lamoille. It lies 12 miles N. from Burlington, and 40 N. W. from Montpelier. Population, 1830, 2,- 100. The soil of the town is gen- erally good, and about 9,000 sheep graze in its pastures. There are some places in Milton worthy of the traveller's notice. A little distance from the neat and flourishing vil- lage are the Great falls, on the La- moille. In the course of 50 rods the whole river falls 150 feet. — About the middle of the rapid is a small island, by which the water passes on each side, with great vi- olence and loud roaring. The scen- ery on the banks of the river is wild and beautiful. There are some mills on the river, and consid- erable trade on the lake. Milton, Mass. Norfolk CO. This interesting and pleasant town, the Uncataquissit of the Indians, lies 7 miles S. from Boston, and 6 E. from Dedham. Neponset river washes its northern border and affords numerous valua- ble mill sites. This town was taken from Dorchester, in 1662. Popu- lation, 1837, 1,772. A large part of the land is a gravelly loam, strong and very productive. The manu- factures consist of paper, granite, leather, hats, chairs, cabinet ware, playing cards, &c. : total annual amounl, about $100,000. The man- ufacture of paper from beach grass has recently been commenced, and promises to be a good substitute for rags, for the more common kinds. The village called the " Mills," comprising a part of Dorchester, at the head of navigation, on the Ne- ponset, is a wild, romantic place, and ever since the first settlem^ent of the country, has been the seat of considerable trade and manufacture. The village at the rail-road, near the granite quarry, in Quincy, about a mile S. E. of the " Mills," is very pleasant and flourishing. — By a new and beautiful bridge, called the " Granite bridge," across the Neponset, the distance to the city is reduced to 6 miles. Milton contains some elegant country seats, and much delightful scenery. The views from " Milton Hill," near the head of the Ne- ponset ; and " Blue Hill," a cele- brated land mark for sailors, 710 feet above the sea, in the south part of the town, 12 miles from Boston, are among the most admired in our country. Minot, Me. Cumberland CO. Minot is a large and excellent township of land with three very pleasant villages. The Androscoggin passes its eastern bor- der and Little Androscoggin sepa- rates it from Poland, on the S. This is one of the most flourishing towns in the state. Although agriculture is the chief business of the people of Minot, yet its water power is so val- uable, that manufactures of various kinds are springing up with promis- ing success. Minot is connected with Lewiston, across the Andres- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. coggin, bj a bridg;e. It lies 33 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 35 N. from Portland. Population, in 1830, 2,908 ; 1837, 3,326. Incor- porated, 1802. Wheat crop, 1837, 7,266 bushels. Missisque River, Vt. This crooked river is about 75 miles in length. It rises in Orleans county, and passes N. into Canada, about 5 miles ; it then returns to the state at the N. E. corner of Franklin county, and after mean- dering thi'ough the north part of that county, it falls into Missisque bay at Highgate. There are sev- eral falls on this river, which afi'ord numerous mill sites ; but it is gen- erally sluggish in its course, and being wide, is rather shallow. Its waters fertilize a large portion of country, and it is navigable for small vessels, six miles from its mouth. niolediuukamuiik Lake, Me. This is one of a number of large lakes extending northwest from Umbagog lake, and which empty through the Umbagog into the An- droscoggin. These lakes lie in the counties of Oxford and Franklin : their borders are but little settled, but those who have visited them report that the soil is exceedingly fertile, and that the beauties of these little inland seas, equal that of the celebrated Winnepisiogee. The Molechunkamunk lies about 80 miles N. by W. from Portland. Molumkus River, A large tributary to the Mata- wamkeag from the north. It unites with that river about 8 miles above its mouth. niouadnock Mountain, N. H., Usually called the Grand Mo- nadnock, is situated in the towns of Jaffrey and Dublin, in Cheshire county, about 22 miles E. from Con- necticut river, and 10 N. of the e*iutb«»-n >ioundary of this state. — The direction of the ridge is N. E. and S. W. The mountain is about 5 miles long ironi N. to S., and 3 miles from E. to W. Its summit is 3,718 feet above the level of the sea. Thirty years since, Monadnock was nearly covei-ed with evergreen wood of consideiable growth. By the repeated ravages of lire, it now presents to the distant beholder, nothing but a barren and bald rock. But on ascending, we find plats of earth sufficient to give giovvth to the blueberry, cianben-y, mountain ash, and a vaiicty of shiubs. Some caves are discovered, which excite curiosity. They appear to have been formed by large hssures, and by extensive stiata being thrown from their primitive state, and form- ing (iifi'ei-ent angles with each other and with perpendicular precipices. The mountain is composed of talc, mica, slate, distinctly stratitied.— Garnet, schorl, feldspar and quartz occur in vaiious parts. On the E. side, plumbago is found in large quantities. Crucibles and pencils have been manufactured frbm it, but for tlie lattei', it pioves not very good. The summit, when seen at a distance of 4 or 5 miles, appears rounded and destitute of those high cliffs and mural precipices belong- ing to granitic mountains. The piospect fioni the pinnacle is very extensive ; thirty ponds of fresh water, some of which are so large as to contairt islands of 8 or 10 acres, may be seen fiom it, in the immediate vicinity. Near the base of the mountain, in Jaffrey, is the " Monadnock INIineral Spring." Monktou, Vt. Addison co. This town lies 27 miles W. from Monlpclicr, 16 N. from Middlebury, and 18 S. by E. from Builington. This is a good farming town, and the products of wool, cattle, and of the daiiy are considerable. Iron ore is found in abundance, and a bed of porcelain earth. Bv mixing this earth with NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. common clay, in different propor- tions, various kinds of pottery are produced. This earth is very pure, and it is said might be manufactur- ed into the best china ware. The bed is inexhaustible. The black oxide of manganese is also found here. There is also a curious cav- ern in the town : after descending about 16 feet, you arrive at a room 30 feet loijg, and 16 wide. Fiom this is a passage leading to a second apartment, which is not quile so large, but more pleasant. Monk- ton is a pleasant town, 3 miles E. from Ferrisburgh, and is frequent- ly visited by the curious. Popula- tion, 1830, 1,381. Monmouth, Me. Kennebec co. This is a fine township, and beautifully watered by some of the sources of the Cob- be^econtee. It lies 15 miles S. W. from Augusta. The village is very pleasant, and is the seat of a flourishing academy. Wheat crop, 1837, 5,256 bushels. Population, same year, 1,847. Incoiporated, 1792. Monroe, Me. Waldo CO. This town is watered by Marsh river, a branch of the Pe- nobscot. It lies 59 miles N. E. from Augusta, and 14 N. from Belfast. Population, 1837, 1,365. Wheat crop, same year, 5,897. Monroe, Mass. Franklin co. This is an elevated township, bounded E. by Deerlield river. It lies 105 miles W. N. W. from Boston, and 23 W. by N. from Greenfielxl. Incorporated, 1822. — Population, 1837, 232. Monroe, Ct. Fairfield co. This town was taken from Huntington in 1823. The soil is good, and well adapted for grazing, but the surface is rough and stony. Agriculture is the prin- cipal business of the inhabitants. 22* There are excellent orchards of va- rious kinds of fruit in the town, a pleasant village on elevated ground, and a classical school. It lies 15 miles W. by N. from New Haven, and 12 E. by S. from Danbury. Population, 1830, 1,522. A ricli variety of mineral sub- stances have been discovered here. Among them, are tungsten, telluri- um, native bismouth, native silver, magnetical and common iron py- rites, copper pyrites, galena, blen- de, tourmaline, &c. Monson, Me. Piscataquis co. This town is watered by Piscataquis river and AVilson's stream. Monson compris- es a fine tract of land, and is settled by a worthy class of people. In- corporated, 1822. Population, in 1837, 565. Wheat crop, same year, 2,267 bushels. It lies 83 miles N. by E. from Augusta, and 20 N. W. from Dover. A stage runs between this town and Bangor, tliree times a week. Distance from Monson to Bangor, 60 miles ; to Moosehead lake, 15. Monson, Plass. Hampden co. Monson was tak- en from Brinitield in 1760. It lies 73 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, and 13 E. from Springfield. Popu- lation, 1837, 2,179. this is a pleas- ant town of variegated surface, good soil and well watered by Chick- opee river. It contains a flourish- ing acaMass. See JSTorthampton. Mount Hope, And Mount Hope Bay. See Bristol, R. I. Mount Taljor, Vt. Rutland co. Otter Creek rises in this town, by a branch on each side of a mountain. Most of the land is unfit for cultivation, it being so high on the Green mountain range. It lies 66 miles S. by W. from Mont- pelier, and 19 S. by E. from Rut- land. Population, 1830, 210. Mount Vernon, Me. Kennebec co. This town lies. W. of Belgrade, E. of Vienna, and 15 miles N. W. from Augusta. In- corporated, 1792. Population, 1837, 1,503. There are three pleasant villages in the town : the soil is re- markably good, and is watered by a number of beautiful ponds and small streams. Wheat crop, 1837, 5,888 bushels. Mount Vernon, X. II., Hillsborough co., is 3 miles N. W. from Amherst, and 28 S. W. from Concord. There is but one stream of any note, and this was called by the Indians Quohquina- passakessananagnog. The situa- tion is elevated, and towards the E. and S. E. there is a considerable prospect. There is a flouiishing village situated near the liighest point of elevation. This town was originally a part of Amherst, from which it was detached in 1803. Dr. Daniejl Adams, who com- menced and conducted the Medical and Agricultural Register, and is author of a popular system of arith- metic, school geography, and a numbei- of usclul school books, has his residence in this place. Popu- lation, 1830, 763. Mount "Wasliington, Mass. Berkshii-e co. This town lies in the S. W. corner of the state, bor- dering on Ct. and N. Y. It is 135 miles W. by S. from Boston, 22 S. S. W. from Lenox, and 26 S. E. from Hudson, N. Y. Incorporated, 1779. Population, 1837, .337. These people seem to enjoy a more elevated situation than any of their neighbors : one of their hills is 3,150 feet above the sea. They keep 600 sheep, and manufacture NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. about 100,000 bushels of charcoal, annually. A mountain stream af- fords them a water power for an axe factory and forge. These people, likewise, appear to be more inde- pendent of the common wants of mankind than other folks ; for they have no minister, physician, law- yer, post office, or tavern, yet they are remarkably healthy ; and as far as we can judge, intelligent and kind. Muscongus River and Bay, Me. Lincoln co. Miiscongus river, rises in large ponds in the interior of the county, and on the'border of Waldo county : it passes through Waldoborough, and separating Bie- nien and Friendship, it forms the head waters of Muscongus bay. — This bay has a number of islands and lies between St. George's isl- ands off the town of St. George, on the E., and Pemmaquid point, in Bremen, on the W. Naliaiit, Mass. This celebrated watering place, is a part of the beautiful town of Lynn. It is a peninsula, jutting out about 5 miles into Massachu- setts bay, and forms Lynn bay on the south. From Boston to Nahant hotel, on the eastern point of the peninsula, by land, is 14 miles ; from the centre of Lynn, 5 ; and from Salem 9 miles. On the N. E. side of this peninsula is a beach of great length and smoothness. It is so hard that a horse's foot-steps are scarcely visible ; and, from half-tide to low water, it affords a ride of su- perior excellence. INIuch may be said in praise of Nahant without exaggeration. Its formation, situa- tion, and rugged shore, excites the curiosity of all, and many thou- sands annually visit it for health, or pleasure. It is only 10 miles N. E. from Boston, by the steam-boats, continu- ally plying in summer months : at this place are good fishing and fowl- ing, excellent accommodations; the ocean scenery is exceedingly beau- tiful in fair weather, and truly sub- lime in a storm. Nantasket, Mass. See Hull. Nantucket Co. Mass. and lowJU An island in the Atlantic ocean — town and county. It lies E. of Dukes county, and about 30 miles S. of Cape Cod, or Barnstable coun- ty. This island is about 15 miles in length, from east to west, and about 4 miles average breadth. It con- tains 50 squaie miles. The town, formerly called Shelburne, is in about the centre of the island, on the nortb side,inlat. 41° 16' 42", W. Ion., 70° 7' 42". It is 100 miles S. E. by S. from Boston, 55 S. E. from New Bedford, 30 S. E. from Falmouth, and 500 from Washing ton. Population, 1S37, 9,048. Nantucket has a good harbor, with 7 1-2 feet of water, at low tide, on the bar at its mouth. This island was formerly well wooded, but for many years it has not had a single tree of natural growth. The soil is light and sandy; it however affords pasturage for about 7,000 sheep, 500 cows, and other cattle. In 1659, when this county was incorporated, the island contained 3,000 Indians, but now, not one. The whale fishery commenced here in 1690 ; and this place is, perhaps, more celebrated than any other, for the enterprize and success of its people, in that spe- cies of nautical adventure. Indeed Nantucket is the mother of that great branch of wealth in America, if not in the world. In the year ending April 1, 1837, Nantucket employed 74 vessels in that fishery, the tonnage of which was 25,875 tons. 1,277,009 gallons of sperm and whale oil was imported, the value of which was $1,114,012. The number of hands employed, was 1,897. The capital invested, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. was $2,520,000 ; this includes the ships and outfits only ; yet many of the manufactories of the place, are appendages of the whale fishery ; altogether, employing a capital of overlive millions of dollars. There are manufactures on the island, of vessels, whale boats, bar iion, tin ware, boots, shoes, oil casks, and candle boxes. The whole amount of the manufactures, for that year, including oil and candles, was ^2,- 524,907. Total tonnage of the dis- trict of Nantucket, in 1337, 29,960 tons. Great attention is paid to educa- tion on this island. The men are noted for their sedateness and daring spirit, and the women for their in- telligence and beauty. ^''antucket Shoals is a danger- ous place, where many a sailor has found a watery grave. They lie S. E. from the island, and cover an area of about 50 by 45 miles. Bk'aplcs, j>Ie. Cumberland co. This town was formed from Otistield and Raymond, and incorporated in 1S34. It is wa- tered by Sebago and Songo ponds, and Crooked and Muddy riveys. It has good mill privileges, and a pro- ductive soil. Population, 1837, 722. Naples lies 63 miles W. S. W. from Augusta, and 27 N. N. W. from Portland. "Narragauset Bay, R. I. This delightful bay lies wholly within the limits of Rhode Island ; its entrance extends from Point Ju- dith on the west, to Seaconnet Rocks on the east, and terminates at Bullock's point, about 6 miles below the city of Providence. The length of this bay is about 28 miles : its breadth varies from 3 to 12 miles. It receives the waters of the Taun- ton, Providence, Pawtuxet, and other rivers, and on its borders are Newport, Bristol, Warren, and oth- er large and flourishing towns. It is decked with many islands of great fertility and beauty; the principal of which are Connanicut, Prudence, Patience, Block and Hope. This bay is near the ocean ; is accessible at all seasons ; is well protected by powerful forts, and affords some of the best harbors in the world. The board of naval comniisrioners have recently reported to Congress that the waters of Narraganset Bay af- ford greater advantages for a naval depot, than any other unoccupied position on the coast of the United States. Karraguagiis River & Bay, Me. AVashington co. The river rises in several ponds in Beddinglon, and passing in a southeastern direction, falls into a bay of the same name, between Harrington and Steuben. The bay contains a number of isl- ands, between which is a good pas- sage into Pleasant bay, on the east side. Xaslia-wn Island, Itlass., And Nashawexna. See Eliz- abeth Islands. Nashua River, A beautiful stream on the S.partol Hillsborough co. N.H. has its source in Worcester county, Massachu- setts. It is formed of two branches called the north and south branches. The north branch is formed of two streams, one from Ashburnham, the other from Machuset ponds. The south branch is composed of Still river, issuing from the E. side of Wachuset mountain, and a small stream from Quinepoxet pond in Holden. These branches are uni- ted in Lancaster, from which the main river proceeds in a N. E. course to Harvard, Shirley, Grofon, and Pepperell in Massachusetts; and from thence into New Hamp- shire through Hollis, and nearly the centre of the town of Nashua, where it falls into the Merrimack river. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ITasIiua, ]V. H. • Hillsborough co. This town originally embraced a large extent of territory, and was called Dun- stable until 1836. It lies 34 miles S. by E. from Concord, 12 S. E. from Amherst, and 12 N. W. from Lowell. The population of Dunsta- ble, in 1830, was 2,414. Population of Nashua, in 1836, 5,065; 1837, 5,013; 1838, 5,691. In the N. E. part of the town, on Nashua river, is the flourishing Village of JVashua, the centre of a considerable trade, and the seat of important manufactures. This village contains 8 beautiful church- es, a large number of elegant dwell- ing-houses, 50 stores, and 10 tav- erns. The JVashita Mamifacfuring Company was incorporated in 1823, It has three cotton mills, 155 feet in length, 45 in breadth and six stories in height. They contain 22,000 spin- dles, 710 looms, and manufacture 9,390,000 yards of cloth per annum. Their canal is 3 miles long, 60 feet wide, and 8 feet deep. Head and fall, 33 feet. Capital, $750,000. The Jackson Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1824. Capital, $600,000. They have two cotton mills, 155 feet long, 47 wide, and 4 stories high. These mills contain 11,500 s'pindles, and .388 looms. They manulacture 5,634,- 000, yards of cloth annually. Their canal is half a mile in length, and serves for transportation on the river. Head and fall, 20 feet. The volume of water afforded by the Nashua river, at the dryest sea- son of the year, is ISO cubic feet per second. The number of operatives in all the mills at Nashua is 1,448: — fe- males, 1,288; males, 160. The number of pounds of cotton used is 14,500 per day, or 4,538,500 lbs. per annum. There are other valuable manu- 23* factures on Nashua river and the waters of Salmon brook. The Nashua and Lowell rail- road was opened for travel on the 8th of October, 1838. The soil of Nashua has consider- able variety. It is easy of culti- vation, and is generally productive. The east part of the town, lying on the river, presents a very level sur- face. The west parts are divided into hills and valleys, but the whole township may be considered far from being hilly or mountainous. It is watered by the Nashua river, a fertilizing stream, Avhich rises in the state of Massachusetts, and Salmon brook, a small stream which originates from several ponds in Gioton. Both of these empty into Merrimack river, the former at Nashua village, the latter about one and a half mile below. This was for a long time a front tier town, and the first settlers were many times annoyed by the Indians, in the s\iccessive wars in which this country was engaged with them. In the war with the famous Narraganset sachem, this town was much exposed, and some of the inhabitants fled to the older set- tlements. In Lovewell's war, the company in this town under the brave Capt. John Lovewell, acquir- ed an imperishable name. Their successes at first, and misfortunes afterwards, have been often repeat- ed and are generally known. Dunstable belonged to Massa- chusetts till the divisional line be- tween the two provinces of Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire was settled, in 1741. It was incorpora- ted by New Hampshire, April 1, 1746, and the name was altered to Nashua in December, 1836. IVatcliaug River, Ct. This is the largest branch of the Shetucket. It rises in Union and Woodstock, and joins the Shetucket near the line of Chaplin and Mans- field. U *-'-t>f- NEW EXGL-\ND GAZETTEER. Natick, Mass. Middlesex co. Natick is a pleas- ant to*vn,-of good soil : it is watered by Charles river, and contains sev- eral delightful ponds, -vveil stored with fish. This was a favorite re- sort of the Indians. There are some mo.lerate elevations in the town : the Indians used to call it " the place of hills." Under the advice and direction of the apostle Elliot, the first In- dian church in New England was formed here in IfiGO, and comprised 40 communicants. The manufactures of the town consist principally of shoes. Dur- ing the year ending April 1, 1837, 250,650 pairs were made, valued at $213,033 : employing 452 hands. This town was incorporated in 1781. Population, 1830, §90^; 1837,1,221. It lies Ifi miles W. S. W. from Bos- ^n, and 12 S. from Concoi-d. Kaugatuck River, Ct. This important mill stream is about 50 miles in length. It rises in the north part of Litchfield coun- tj", and after travei-sing a S. course nearly the whole length of that county, it crosses the west part of New Haven county, and falls into the Housatonick at Derby. Weal's BrooU and Pond, Vt. Neal's brook, or branch, rises in Lunenburgh and the border of Guildhall, and running south falls into a pond of the same name. It continues its course south and meets the Connecticut. This is a short stream, but valuable on account of its water power. J\i~eaVs pond, a mile in length, and a half mile in width, is a handsome sheet of water, and con- tains a variety of fish. ^'cedliam, Mass. Norfolk CO. This town is nearly surrounded by the waters of Charles river. It contains numerous valua- ble mill seats. There are in the town li paper mills, a cotton facto- ry, and manufactures of shoes, hats, and window blind hinges: — annual value, about §150,000. In- corporated, 1711. Population, 1837,. 1,492. Needham lies 4 miles N. W. from Dedham, a'nd 12 W. S. W. from Boston, by the Boston and Wor- cester rail-road. JVeddock, Cape, Me. A rocky, bai-ren bluff, inhabited by a few fishermen, about 3 miles N. from York harbor. Kelson, X. H., Cheshire co., is fituated on the height of land between Connecti- cut and Merrimack, livers. The surface is hilly, but good for graz- ing. In the S. part, a branch of the Ashuelot river rises ; and frona Long pond in this town, and Han- cock, issues a branch of Contoocook i-iver. The best mill privileges are fui-nislied by streams i-suing fiom ponds in this town, of which there are four, containing a suiface of l.SOO acres. There is a cotton and other manufactories. The inhabit- ants are principally farmers o( in- dustrious habits. It was chartered Feb. 22, 1774, by the name of Packersjield. In June, 1814, the name was altered to Nelson. The first settlements commenced inl767. Nelson lies 40 miles S. W. from Concord, and 8 N. E. from Keene. Population, 1S30, 875. Neponset River, Mass. Norfolk CO. The sources of this river are in Canton, Stoughton, and Sharon. It receives a tributary from Charles river. Mother brook, so called, and meets the tide of Bos- ton harbor at Milton Mills. 4 miles from Dorchester bay. This is a noble mill stream : on its navigable waters is the depository of the Quin- cy granite rail-road company, and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. at its mouth is Commercial Point, in Dorchester, a heautilul place, with an excellent harbor. We-ivaggeii, Cape, Me. This cape is a part of the town of Boothbay. It extends aliout 5 miles into the sea, and forms the eastern boundary of Sheepscot's bay. Ke-»varlc, Vt. Caledonia co. The Passumpsic river is formed in this town by a collection of streams issuing prin- cipally from ponds. The town is not mountainous, but the soil is cold and generally unproductive. It lies 44 miles N. E. from Montpe- lier,and 19 N. W. from Guildhall. First settled, 1800. Population, in 1830, 257. Ne^v Asliford, Mass. Berkshire co. This is a moun- tainous towtHhip, but the soil is good for grazing. In 18.37, the val- ue of 2,708 fleeces of wool, pro- duced in this town, wei£>;hing 7,785 pounds, was worth $3,893. New Ashford produces fine white and variegated marble, and is the source of Green river. It lies 130 miles W. by N. from Boslon, and 18 N. from Lenox. Incorporated, 1801. Population, 1837, 253. NeAV Bedford, Mass. This is a half shire town of Bristol county, and port of. entry, pleas- antly situated on the W. side of the Acushnet, a river, or more proper- ly an estuary, connected with Buz- ;zard's hay. The ground on which the town stands rises rapidly from the river, and affords an interesting view fioin the opposite side. The upper part of the town is laid out into beautiful streets, which contain many costly and superb dwellings. This harbor, though not easy of access, is capacious and well secur- ed from winds. A wooden bridge, near the centre of the town, con- nects it with the village of Fair- haven. A ferry has also been es- tablished, on which it is proposed to run a steam boat. New Bedford was incorporated in 1787, previous to which it con- stituted a pait of the town of Dart- mouth, in 1812, the eastern part was set off" as a separate township by the name of Fairhaven. The almost exclusive business of the place is the whale fishery, which commenced before the war of the rcvolulior, and has gradual- ly grown to its present importance. The increase, however, widiin the last 12 years has been more rapid than during any former period. — The number of ships and bj-igs now employed is 1C9. Tonnage of the district, in 1837. 85,130 tons. There are 16 oil manufactories, at which a large amount of oil and can- dles i^ made. A considerable quan- tity of the oil imported is, however, sold in the crude state to other pla- ces. The manufactures of the town consist of leather, boots, shoes, hats, iion castings, axes, chairs, tin and cabinet wares, vessels, salt, cord- age, soap, Prussian blue, paper hangings, carriages, looking-glass flames, and carpenter's tools: the total value, for the year ending April 1 , 1837, including oil and can- dles, amounted -to $690,800. There were imported, during that year, 2,472,735 gallons of oil, and 305,170 pounds of whale bone, the value of which was $1,750,8.32. The capital invested in the whale fish- ery was $4,210,000. The num- ber of hands employed was 4,000. Few places in Massachusetts have increased in population more rapidly than this. By the census of 1790, the population of the village was about 700. In 1830, the township contained 7,592 ; in 1833, 9,200, and in 1837, 14,304. Within a few years,the inhabitants of this town have manifested a com- mendable liberality in providing the NE^y ENGLAND GAZETTEER. means of education. There is a flourishing academy in the town, and large sums are annually appropiia- ted for the maintenance of public and private schools. A rail-road will soon be construct- ed from this place, to meet the Bos- ton and Providence, at Seekonk, by the way of Fall River; or to meet the Taunton rail-road at Taun- ton. By either of those routes, a trip to Boston or New York, would be very pleasant. A large and wealthy town, highly flourishing in its commerce and manufactui'cs like this, with the neighboring isl- ands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, seem to require it. New Bedford lies .52 miles S. from Boston, 52 N. W. from Nan- tucket, 14 E. by S. from Fall River, 20 S. S. E. from Taunton, and 211 N. E. by E. from New York. New Boston, ]V. II., Hillsborough co., is 9 miles N. N. W. from Amherst, and 22 S. by W. from Concord. It is water- ed by several streams, the largest of which is the S. branch of Piscat- aquog river, having its source in Pleasant pond, in Francestown. — This town consists of fertile hills, productive vales, and some valuable meadows. The soil is favorable for all the various productions common to this section of the state, and there are many excellent farms, under good cultivation. In the S. part of New Boston, there is a considerable elevation, called Jo English hill, on one side of which it is nearly per- pendicular. Its height is 572 feet. Beard's pond, and Jo English pond, are the only ponds of note. New Boston was granted, 1736, to inhab- itants of Boston. It was incoipora- ted, 1763. The first settlement commenced about the year 1733. The first minister was Rev. Solo- mon Moor, from Ireland, who re- ceived his education at Glasgow. In Feb. 1767, he arrived at New- Boston, and was ordained Sept. 6, 1763 ; died May 2S, 1303, aged 67. Population, 1830, 1,630. New Braintree, Mass. ■\Vorcester co. Ware river and other streams water this town, and afford it good mill privileges. The soil of the town is good, particular- ly for grazing : it has become cele- brated for its good farmers, and for its excellent beef cattle, butter and cheese. There is a cotton mill in the town, and manufactures of leather, palm-leaf hats, Sic. It lies 60 miles W. from Boston, and 18 W. N. W. from Worcester. Incorpo- rated, 1751. Population, 1837, 780. Ke^vlmrsli, Me. Penobscot co. This is a good township of land, 54 miles N. E. from Augusta, and 14 S. W. from Bangor. Incorporated, 1819. Pop- ulation, 1S30, 626 ; 1337,867. Wa- tered hy a branch of the Sowadabs- cook. " Wheat crop, 1837, 5,041 bushels. Newbury, N. H. Merrimack co. This town was originally called Dantzick ; it was incorporated by the name of Fish- ersfield, in 1778, and took its pres- ent name, in 1337. It lies 40 miles N. W. by W. from Amherst, and 30 W. hy N. from Concord. The S. part of Sunapee lake lies in the N. W. part. Todd pond, 500 rods in length, and 60 in width, affords a small branch to Warner river. — From Chalk pond issues a small stream communicating with Suna- pee lake. The land is generally mountainous, and the soil hard and rocky. The first settlement in this town was made in the year 1762, bv Zephaniah Clark, Esq. Popula- tion, 1830, 798. Neivl»ury, Vt. Orange co. This is a beautiful town on the W. side of Connecti- cut river, and supplied with mill privileges by Wells river, and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Hariman'sand Hill's brooks. These brooks have their sources in ponds of considerable size. Newbury comprises the tract commonly call- ed the Great Oxbow, on a bend in Connecticut river. This tract is of great extent, and celebrated for its luxuriance and beauty. The agri- cultural productions of the town are very valuable, consisting of beef cattle, wool, and all the varieties of the dairy. The town cont:\ins a number of mineral springs, of some celebrity in scrofulous and cutane- ous complaints. The villages of JVewbury and Wells River are very pleasant : they command a flourishing trade, and contain manufacturing estab- lishments of various kinds. Some of the buildings are very handsome. The scenery of the windings of the river through this line ti-act of al- luvial meadow, contrasted with the abrupt acclivities in the north part of the town, is very striking and beautiful. The town is connected with Ha- verhill, N. H., by two bridges. It lies 27 miles S. E. from Montpelier, and 20 N. E. from Chelsea. Popu- lation, 1830, 2,252. First settled, 1764. The first settlers endured many hardships. For some years they had to go to Chailestovvn to mill, 60 mile5distant,cai'rying their grain in canoes down the river, or drawing it on the ice. General Bailey, a patriot of the revolution, distinguished himself in the settlement of the town. The state legislature held their sessions in Newbury, in the years 1787, and 1801. Newbury, Mass. Essex CO. This ancient and re- spectable town, lies on Merrimack river, opposite to Salisbury. It for- merly comprised the territory of Newburyport and West Newbury. The soil is of an excellent quality, and in a high state of cultivation. Packer and Artichoke rivers are pleasant streams ; the former falls nearly 50 feet in the town, and af- fords it good mill seats. A part of Plum island, is attached to this town. This island, about nine miles in length and one in breadth, extend- ing from Ipswich river to the mouth of the Merrimack, is comprised of sandy beach and salt meadow ; and is noted for the beach plum, which ripens in September. A curious cavern, called the " Devil's Den," contains specimens of asbestos, limestone, maible, ser- pentine and amiantlios. The scene- ry on the high grounds is rich, va- riegated and beautiful. Dummer academy, founded in 1756, is a flourishing institution:, it is situated in the parish of " By- tield." The manufactures of Newbury consist of cotton goods, leather, boots, shoes, carriages, cordage, fishing nets, bed cords and cotton lines : annual value about $75,000. A large number of vessels are built in the town, and some navigation is owned and employed in the coast- ing trade and fisheiy.. This town is celebrated as the birth place of many distinguished men. Theophilus PARsonfs, LL. D., an eminent jurist, was born in Newbury, February 24, 1750. He died in Boston, October 6, 1813. Newbury was first settled, in 1635. Its Indian name was Quaf- cacunquen. It lies 31 miles N. by E. from Boston, 17 N. from Salem, and 3 S. from Newburyport. Pop- ulation, 1837, 3,771. Newburyport, Mass. One of the shire towns of Essex county. Thisis considered oneof the most beautiful towns in New Eng- land. It lies on a gentle acclivity, on the south bank of the Merri- mack, at the union of that river with the ocean. In point of terri- tory, it is the smallest town in the commonwealth, being only one mile square. It was taken from New- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. bury in 1764, Population, in I80T, 6,741. This place has been and now is considerably noted for its commerce and ship building. Some of the old continental frigates were built here ; and in 1790, the ton- nage of the port was H,STO tons. Of late years the foreign commerce of the place has diminished, in con- sequence of a sand bar at the mouth of the harbor. This place has con- siderable inland and foreign com- merce. It has four whale ships, and a large amount of tonnage en- gaged in the freighting business and the cod and mackerel fisheiies. Tonnage of the district, in 1S37, 22,07S^tons. The manufactures of Newburj-- port consist of cotton goods, boots, shoes, hats, bar iron, iron castings, chairs, cabinet and tin wares, combs, spii-its, vessels, snuff, segars, or- gans, soap and candles; annual amount about $350,000. The pro- duct of the whale fishery, the year ending April 1, 1837, was $142,982. During the same peiiod, this town and Newbury had 128 vessels em- ployed in the cod and mackerel fishery, employing 1,000 hands: product that year, $177,700. Newburyport lies 34 miles N. by E. from Boston, 20 N. fiom Salem, 24 S. by \V. from Portsmouth, N. H., and 2 miles S. E. from Essex bridge. Lat. 42° 47' N. ; Ion. 70^ 47' W. From the mouth of this harbor. Plum Island, extends to the mouth of Ipswich river. The Hon. William Bartlett and MosEs Brown, Esq., distin- guished for their enterprise and in- tegrity as merchants, were natives of this town. The celebrated George White- field, one of the founders of the sect of ilie Methodists, and one of its most eloquent preachers, died in this town, Sept. 21, 1770. A handsome monument has been erected to his memory, by the Hon. William Bartlett, the fol- lowing is a part of the iutcription : Tills Cenotaph Is erected, with afiectionate veneration, to The memory of the Rev. GEORGE WHITEFIELD: Born ;it Gloucester, England, December li), 1714. Educated at Oxford University; Ordained )73'3. . In a ministry of thirty-four years, He crossed the Atlantic thirteen times, .\nd preached more Than eighteen thousand sermons. As a Soldier of the Cross, humble, devout, ardent, He put on the Whole armor of God; Preferring The honour of Christ To his own interest, repose, Reputation, and life. Ke-»v Cauaaii, C't. Fairfield CO. This town was tak- en from Norwalk and Stamford in 1801. It lies 5 miles N. W. from Norwalk, 37 W. S. W. from New Haven, and 50 N. E. fiom New York. Population, 1830, 1,826.— The surface of the town is rough and mountainous; the soil is a hard, gravelly loam, but generally pro- ductive. The manufacture of shoes is carried on to a considerable ex- tent : the annual value is about $400,000. An academy was established here in 1815, and has acquired a high reputation. It stands on an eleva- ted and commanding situation, hav- ing a fine prospect of Long Island Sound and the intervening country. Pestles and other Indian implements have been found at the north part of the town, which probably was the resort of the natives. Excavations in solid rock, one large enough to contain eight gallons, are found: these were doubtless Indian mor- tars. Neiv Castle, Me. Lincoln CO. New Castle lies on the W. side of Damaiiscotta river, about 15 miles from its mouth. It is 36 miles S. E. from Augusta, and 8 N. E. from AViscasset. Incorpa- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. rated, 1753. Population, in 1837, 1,545. This is a pleasant town, find flourishing in its trade and naviga- tion. New Castle, N. H., Rockingham co., is a rough and rocky island, situated in Portsmouth harbor, and formerly called Great Island. A handsome bridge, built in 1821, connects this town with Portsmouth. Here is an ancient church. Rev. Samuel Moody preached here previous to the com- mencement of the ISth century. New Castle was incorporated in 1693, and contains 458 acres. This island was the seat of business, when ancient Strawberry Bank was the mere germ of the town of Portsmouth. Fishing is here pur- sued with success; and the soil amons the rocks, being of good quality, is made to pioduce abund- antly. Fort Constitution and the light-house stand on this island. — Population, 1830, 850. New Fairfield, Ct. Fairfield co. This is a small town- ship, rough and hilly, with a hard and gravelly soil. It lies 64 miles S. W. from "Hartford, and 7 N. from Danbury. Incorporated, in 1740. Population, 1S30, 940. New Durham, N. H. Strafford co. The sui-face of this town is very uneven, a portion so rocky as to be unfit for cultivation. The soil is generally moist, and well adapted to grazing. There are 5 ponds in New Durham, the largest of which is Merrymeeting pond, about 10 miles in circumfer- ence, from which a copious and perpetual stream runs into Merry- meeting bay, in Alton. Ela's river flows from Coldrain pond into Farm- ington, on which is a fine waterfall. The Cocheco also has its source here. Mount Betty, Cropple-crown and Straw's mountains are the prin- cipal eminences. On the N. E. side of the latter is a remarkable cave, the entrance of which is about 3 feet wide and 10 feet high. The outer room is 20 feet square ; the inner apartments become smaller, until at the distance of 50 feet they are too small to be investigated. — The sides, both of the galleries and the rooms are solid granite. They bear marks of having been once united, and were probably separat- ed by some great convulsion of nature. There is a fountain, over which a part of Ela's river passes, which is regarded as a curiosity. By sinking a small mouthed vessel into this fountain, water may be procured e.Ktremely cold and pure. Its depth has not been ascertained. Near the centre of the town is Rattlesnake hill, the S. side of which is almost 100 feet high, and nearly perpen- dicular. Several other hills in this town contain precipices and cavi- ties, some of considerable extent. New Durham was granted in 1749. It was incorporated Dec. 7, 1762. Elder Benjamin Randall, the founder of the sect of Freewill Baptists, commenced his labors here in 1780, and organized a church. He died in 1808, aged 60. New Durham lies 30 miles N. E. from Concord, and 32 N. W. by N. from Dover. Population, in 1830, 1,162. Ne^vfane, Vt. Windham co. County town. — Newfane lies about 100 miles S. from Montpelier, and 12 N. W. fi'om Brattleborough. First settled, 1768. The town is watered by a branch of West river, and several other streams. The surface of the town is diversified by hills and val- leys; the soil is good, and produces white oak and walnut in abundance. There is but little waste land in the town: the uplands are inferior to none for grazing, and the intervales afford excellent tillage. Newfane exhibits a great variety of minerals. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. among which are some of value. Perhaps no town in the state pre- sents a more inviting field for the mineralogist than this. There are two pleasant villages in the town. The centre village contains the county buildings : it is on elevated land, and commands a very extensive and delightful pros- pect. Population. 1S30, 1,441. Ne^vfound Poud and Rivcr,Jf.H. See Bristol. Ke^rfield, 3Ie. York CO. This town is watered by Little Ossipee river, and lies 99 miles S. W. by W. from Augusta, and 15 IS. W. "from Alfred. It is a good farming town and produces considerable wheat and wool. It was incorporated in 1794. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,322. Xew Gloucester, Die. Cumberland CO. This is a pleasant and flourishing farming town, 23 miles N. from Portland, and 38 S. \y. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1774. Population, 1837, 1,861. It is well watered by Royal's river, on which are mills of vaiious kinds. The soil of the town is very fertile, containing large tracts of intervale. The first settlers were compelled to build a block house for their pro- tection against the Indians. In this building the people attended pub- lic worship for a number of years. This town has an abundant water power, a school fund of $4,000. and a society of about 300 of those neat and industrious people, " whose faith is one and whose practice i» one." See Canterbury, J\r. H. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. i!i!LJP"i'iP!r-r!(igvtr> NEW HAMPSHIRE. This state is bounded north by Lower Canada, east by Maine, south- east by the Atlantic and the State of Massachusetts, south by Massa- chusetts, and west and north-west by Vermont. Situated between 42° 40' and 45° 16' N. lat., and 72° 27' and 70° 35' W. Ion, Its length is 168, and its greatest breadth about 90 miles, and it comprises an area of about 9,2S0 square miles. The first discovery of New Hampshire was in 1614, and the first set- tlements made by Europeans were at Dover and Portsmouth, in 1623; only three years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. The next settlements were at Exeter and Hanipton, in 1638. The inhabit- ants of these and all the. early settlements, until after the cession of Can- ada to England by Fi-ance, were greatly annoyed by the Indians, who existed in large and powerful bodies in this then wilderness. In the re- peated and general wars with the Indians, New Hampshire suffered more than any other of the colonies. This colony was twice united with that of Massachusetts, and the final separation did not take place until 1741, when the boundaries of the two colonies were settled. In the revolu- tionary contest. New Hampshire bore a distinguished and honorable part. The blood of her sons was freely shed on most of the battle fields of the revolution. As early as June 15,, 1776, New Hampshire made a public Declaration of Independence, and in December of that year, the delegates of the people adopted a temporary form of Government, which was continued until 1784, when the first constitution was adopted. This 24 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. being found deficient in some of its provisions, a new constitution was adopted in 1792, which is now in force. The executive power is vested in a Governor and five Counsellors, chos- en annually by the people. The legislature consists of the Senate, com- prising twelve members, chosen in twelve districts, and the House of Representatives, chosen annually in the month of March, every town having 150 rateable polls being entitled to send one, and an additional representative for every 300 additional polls. The legislature a.5sembles annually at Concord, on the first Wednesday of June. All male citizens, of 21 years and upwards, except paupers and per- sons excused from taxes, have a right to vote for state officers — a resi- dence of at least three months within the town being required to entitle the person to vote. The judiciary power is vested in a Superior Court of Judicature, and Courts of Common Pleas. The four Judges of the Superior Court, hold law terms once a year in each of the counties ; and Judges of the Supe- rior Court are ex officio Presiding Judges in the courts of Common Pleas, holden semi-annually in each county, by one of the Superior Judges with the two Associate Justices of the Common Pleas for each county. The Judges hold their offices during good behavior, until 70 years of age ; but are subject to removal by impeachment, or by address of the two houses of the legislature. Succession of Governors. Meshech Weare,* 1776 — 1784. John Langdon, 1785. John Sullivan, 1786, 1787. John Langdon, 1788. John Sullivan, 1789. Josiah Bart- « left, 1790—1793. John Taylor Oilman, 1794—1804. John Langdon, 1805— 180S. Jeremiah Smith, 1809. John Langdon, 1810, ISll. Wil- liam Plumer, 1812. JohnTaylorGilman, 1813-1815. William Plumer, 1816—1818. Samuel Bell, 1819—1822. Levi Woodbury, 1823.— David Lawrence Morril, 1824 — 1826. Benjamin Pierce, 1827. John Bell, 1828. Benjamin Pierce, 1829. Matthew Harvey, 1830. Samuel Dinsmoor, 1831—1833. William Badger, 1834, 1835. Isaac Hill, 1836 —1838. John Page, 1839— Succession of Chief Justices of the Superior Court. Meshech Weare, 1776—1781. Samuel Livermore, 1782-1789. Jo- siah Bartlett, 1790. John Pickering, 1791—1794. Simeon Olcott, 1795 —1801. Jeremiah Smith, 1802—1808. Arthur Livermore, 1809—1812. •The Chief M;i!iistrates were styled PrfMdent, wnlW the adoption of tbe Constitution of 1792, when the title of Governor was substituted. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Jeremiah Smith, 1S13— 1815. William Merchant Richardson, 1816 — 1837. Joel Parker, 1838— New Hampshire is divided into eight counties, as follows : — bounties. IZ:{. Population in 1830. Shire Towns. Rockingham, Strafford, Merrimack, Hillsborough, Cheshire, Sullivan, Grafton, Coos, 35 33 24 30 23 15 37 27 224 44,552 58,916 34,619 37,762 27,016 19,687 38,691 8,390 Portsmouth, Exeter. Dover, Gilford, Rochester. Concord. Amherst. Keene. Newport. Haverhill, Plymouth. Lancaster. 269,633 New Hampshire is more mountainous than any of her sister states, yet she boasts of large quantities of luxuriant intervale. Her high lands produce food for cattle of peculiar sweetness ; and no where can be found the necessaries, conveniences, and luxuries of life, united, in greater abundance : cattle and wool are its principal staples. This state may be said to be the mother of New England rivers. The Connecticut, Mer- rimack, Saco, Androscoggin and Piscataqua, receive most of their waters from the high lands of New Hampshire : while the former washes the western boundary of the state 168 miles, the Merrimack pierces its cen- tre, and the Piscataqua forms the beautiful harbor of Portsmouth, a depot of the American navy. These majestic rivers, with their tributary streams afford this state an immense water power, of which manufacturers, with large capitals, avail themselves. The largest collection of water in the state is Lake Winnepisiogee, (pronounced Win-ne-pe-sok'-e.) It is one of the most varied and beau- tiful sheets of water on the American continent. Lakes Connecticut, Ossipee, Umbagog, Squam, Sunapee, and Massabesick, are large collec- tions of water, and abound with fish and fowl. New Hampshire is frequently called the Granite State, from the vast quantities of that rock found within its territory. The granite is of a su- perior quality, and much of it is quarried and transported to other states. The geological structure of the state is highly interesting. Iron and cop- per ore and plumbago, of excellent qualities, are found ; and coal and other valuable minerals are supposed to exist. This state is also called the Switzerland of America, on account of the salubrity of its climate; its wild and picturesque landscapes; its lakes and rapid streams. The celebrated White Mountains, in the north- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ern part of the state, are of great elevation, and afford the grandest dis- play of mountain scenery in our country. See Winnepisio gee Lake, and White Mountains — also Register. New Hampton, N. II., Strafford co., lies 30 miles N. by W. from Concord, and about 20 N. 'vV. from Gilmanton. Popula- tion, 1830, 1,904. Pemigewasset river, which washes the \V. bound- ary, is the only stream of magni- tude; and over it is thrown the bridge which unites the town with Bristol. There is a remarkable spring on the W. side of Kelly's hill in this town, from which issues a stream sufficient to supply several mills. This stream is never affected by rains or droughts, and falls into the river after running about a mile. Pemigewasset pond lies on the bor- der of Meredith. There are 4 other ponds in this town. The soil of New Hampton, though the surface is broken and uneven, is lemarka- bly fertile, producing in abundance most kinds of grain and grass. The industry of the inhabitants has en- abled them in years of scarcity to supply the wants of other towns. In the S. part of the town there is a high hill of a conical form which may be seen in almost any direc- tion from 10 to 50 miles ; the pros- pect from the summit of which is very pleasant. In 1763, Gen. Jonathan Monlton, of Hampton, having an ox weigh- ing 1,400 pounds, fattened for the purpose, hoisted a flag upon his horns and drove him to Portsmouth as a present to Gov. Wentvvorth. He refused to receive any compen- sation for the ox, but merely as a token of the governor's friendship and esteem, he would like to have a chai'ter of a small gore of land be had discovered adjoining the town of Moultonborough, of which he was one of the principal proprie- tors. It was gi-anted,and he called it JS^eiv Hampton, in honor of his native town. This small gore of land contained 19,422 acres,, a part of which now constitutes the town of Centre Harbor. It was incorpo- rated Nov. 27, 1777. IVew Hartford, Ct. Litchfield co. This town was first settled in 1733. It lies 20 miles N. W. from Hartford, and 11 N. E. from Litchfield. Population, 1S30, 1,766. The surface of the town is hilly and mountainous. The lands are best adapted for grazing. It is watered by Farmington river and other streams, on which are several mills. " In the eastern part of this town there is a rough and mountainous district, formerly designated Sa- tan'' s Kingdoin ; and the few in- habitants who lived here were in a measure shut out from the rest of mankind. An inhabitant of the town invited one of his neighbors, who lived within the limits of this district, to go and bear Mr. Marsh, the first minister who was settled in the town. He was prevailed upon to go to church in the forenoon. In the course of his prayer, Mr. Marsh, among other things, prayed that Sa- ian's kingdom might be destroyed. It appears that the inhabitant of this district took the expression in a literal and tangible sense, having probably never heard the expres- sion used but in reference to the district wherein he resided. Being asked to go to meeting in the after- noon, he refused, stating that Mr. Marsh had insulted him ; ' for blast NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. him,' said he, "when he prayed for the destruction of Satan's king- dom, he very well knew all my in- terests lay there." Ne%v Haven, Vt. Addison co. The soil of this town is various, consisting of marl, clay and loam, and is generally produc- tive. The waters of Otter creek, Middlebury river, and Little Otter creek give the town a good water power. There are some manufac- tures in the (own, but agriculture is the chief pursuit of the inhabi- tants. New Haven lies 30 miles W. S. W. from Montpelier, and 7 N. W. from Middlebury. First set- tled, 1769. Population, 1830,1,834. ]Ve-»v Haven County, Ct. Chief town, JVew Haven. New Haven county is bounded N. by Litchfield and Hartford counties, E. by Middlesex county, S. by Long Island Sound, and West by Litchfield county and the Housa- tonic river, which separates it from Fairfield county. Its average length from east to west is about 26 miles, and its width from north to south 21 miles; containing 540 square miles, or 345,600 acres. This county, ly- ing on Long Island Sound, has a ve- ry extensive maritime border, but its foreign trade is chiefly confined to New Haven harbor. Its fishe- ries of oysters and clams, and other fish, are valuable. It is intersect- ed by several streams, none of them of very lai-ge size, but of some val- ue for their water power and fish. Of these the principal are the Pom- peraug and Naugatuc, on the west ; Quinnipiac, Menunkatuc, West and Mill rivers, on the east. The Quin- nipiac is the largest, and passes through extensive meadows. The county is intersected centrally by the New Haven and Northampton canal, which passes through this county from north to south. There is a great variety of soil in this county, as well as of native vege- 24* table and mineral productions. The range of secondary country which extends along Connecticut river as far as Middletown, there leaves that stream, crosses into this county, and terminates at New Haven. This intersection of the primitive formation, by a secondary ridge, af- fords a great variety of minerals, and materials for different soils. The population of this county in 1820, was 39,616; 1830,43,847:— 81 inhabitants to a square mile. The manufacturing business is quite extensive in the county, and in 1837 it contained 23,835 sheep. ]Ve-»v Haven, Ct. New Haven, city and town, the chief town of New Haven county, and the semi-capital of the state of Connecticut, is 76 miles N. E. from New York, and 300 from Washing-, ton city, in latitude (Yale College Observatory) 41° 18' 30" N., and W. longitude 72° 55'. It is situa- ted on a large and pleasant plain, around the head of a bay which sets up four miles from Long Isl- and Sound. This plain is nearly level, and is partially enclosed by an amphitheati-e of lofty hills, and by two bold eminences called East and West rocks, which vary in height from 330 to 370 feet. These rocks, which consi'it of trap, terminate in naked precipitous fronts, and are conspicuous and beautiful objects in the landscape. On the west, the plain is limited by a small stream called West river, and on the east by the Quinnipiack, which is navi- gable for several miles. Another stream, called Mill river, passes through the eastern part of the city and enters the harbor in union with the Quinnipiack. New Haven was planted in April, 163S, by a company from London, under the direction of Theophilus Eaton and John Davenport. These two men, in the language of Ma- ther, were " the Moses and Aaron" of this new settlement; and what-. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ever there was of good or evil, of wisdom or folly, in laying the foun- dations of civilized society in this part of New England, must be as- cribed in a great measure to them. Though the government which was established was extremely pop- ular in its form, these men with- out doul)t were looked up to for devising and executing the most important measures. Their " com- pany," as it was called, appear to have had entire confidence in their sound judgment, ability and integ- rity ; and they did nothing to for- feit the good opinion of their fol- lowers. Their influence in all the concerns of the colonj', especially in what respected the form of gov- ernment, the jneans of education, and the institutions of religion, must have been constant and com- manding. In 1784, New Haven was incor- porated as a city, the limits of which on the northwest fall within those of the town, so that Westville, a settlement on the foot of West Rock, is excluded from the former. About one half of the village of Fair Ha- ven, in the eastern portion of the town, lies within the bounds of the city. The area of the town is about eight, and that of the city about six square miles. The harbor is well protected and spacious, but the wa- ter is shallow. A wharf extends into the harbor about three quar- ters of a mile. The original town is a square, half a mile on each side, and subdi- vided by streets four rods in width, into nine squares, the central one of which is reserved for public uses. Most of the squares are fui-ther di- vided by intermediate streets. At the present day, this original plot comprises less than half of the in- habited part of the city. Streets and avenues have been opened on every side, and many of them have become thickly settled. The streets are in general, spacious and regu- lar; very many of them adorned with lofty elms, which in the sum- mer season contribute much to the beauty and comfort of the place. The number of shade trees through- out the city is uncommonly large, and they constitute one of its most attractive features. Most of the dwelling houses are distinguished for simplicity and neatness. With- in a few years the style of build- ing has greatly improved, and many private houses have been erected and are now going up, which dis- play much elegance and architectu- ral taste. The houses are com- monly detached, and supplied with court yards and gardens ornament- ed with trees and shrubbery, and the eye is thus gratified with a de- lightful union of the country and the city. There are two principal public squares. The first, commonly call- ed the Green, is in the centre of the original town, and comprises in all a little more than sixteen acres. It is divided into two sec- tions by Temple street, which is lined with ranges of stately and over-arching elms, and is considered one of the finest streets in the city. The eastern section of the Green is entirely free from buildings. On the western section, facing the S.E., stand 3 churches, two Congregation- al, built of brick, and one Episco- pal, of stone: all of these build- ings are of excellent appearance. In the rear of the centre church stands the state house. These four buildings, taken in connexion with the line of college edifices on the next square beyond, and with the surrounding scenery, constitute a group not often equalled in this country. The state house is a structure of great size and admira- ble proportions. The porticos are modelled from those of the temple of Theseus, at Athens, and the building, viewed at a short distance, has an air of uncommon beauty NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and majesty. On the northern corner of this section stands the methodist church. Wooster Square, which lies in the eastern part of the city, com- prises five acres, and has recent- ly been planted with a large num- ber of native ornamental trees of various kinds. The Public Cemetery is situated opposite the northern angle of the original town plot, and encloses seventeen acres and two thirds. It is divided by avenues and alleys into family lots, 32 feet in length and 18 in breadth. There is a grave and silent grandeur in this place ; hut it would appear more beautiful were it shaded by native trees in- stead of Lombardy poplars. The State Hospital is located at New Haven. It is a large and commodious building of stone, very favorably situated on elevated ground, in the western part of the citj'. One daily and four weekly news- papers, and one religious weekly sheet, are published here. The Daily Herald was the earliest daily paper issued in this state, it having been commenced here November 26, 1832. The other periodical publications of the place, are the Yale Literary Magazine, edited by the students of Yale College ; the Quarterly Christian Spectator, a work of established reputation, which began as a monthly in 1819, and after ten volumes of that series had been completed, adopted its present form, in wiiich it has reach- ed its tenth volume ; and the American Journal of Science and Arts, edited by Professor Silliman. This important periodical was com- menced in 1819, and has arrived at the 35th volume, having outlived many of its early European con- temporaries. It is a work which has done much for the advancement of science, and reflects great honor on the nation and city of its birth, as well as on its distinguished editor. The population of the town, in- cluding the city, was in 1820, 8,326; in 1830, 10,678; in Decem- ber, 1833, 12,199, of whom 11,567 were within the city. The num- ber of inhabitants in 1837, was esti- mated at 14,000. As a seat of education, New Haven is justly celebrated. At a moderate estimate, one thousand persons from abroad are constantly here for the purposes of receiving instruction. Yale College is one of the most ancient and celebrated institutions of learning in the country, and num- bers among her academical gradu- ates, 4,824 persons. The Mineral Collection, well known as the most extensive in the country, occupies a spacious and well lighted apartment. The Telescope belonging to the college was made by Dolland, and presented by Mr. Sheldon Clark, of Oxford. It is an achromatic of five inches aperture and ten feet focal length, and is considered an instrument of great excellence. See Register. Besides the College libraries, there are in the city several libraries of considerable extent and importance. Among them, that belonging to Mr. Ithiel Town deserves to be particu- larized. This is a large and precious collection of books, principally on architecture and the other fine arts, together with many volumes of great antiquity and rarity. It is the most complete architectural li- brary in the United States. It is placed beyond the reach of fire, in an elegant building on Hillhouse avenue. In 1837, there were in New Haven 43 well conducted academies and private schools, some of which were of an elevated character for females. The public schools are well sustained. The annual expenditure for schools is about $30,000. The whole number of pupils is about 2,500. There are in New Haven several NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. institutions for the promotion of the science, industry and comfort of its inhabitants. The Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences w.is incorporated in 1799. It has pubUshed one volume of Memoirs, (3 vo. ISIO— 1813, pp. 412 ;) but since the establishment of Prof. Silliman's Journal of Science, their Memoirs have appeared in that work. The American Geological So- ciety was incorporated in 1819. — Its collection of specimens is con- nected with the mineral cabinet of Yale College. The Vale J\ratural History So- ciety has existed four years, and has a considerable collection of birds, shells, minerals, plants, &c. Its ti-ansactions have hitherto been made pubUc through Prof. Silli- man's Journal of Science. The Mutual Jiid Association is an insti- tution of great utility. The jXew Haven Horticultural Society and the Orphan Asylum are well sup- ported and highly beneficial. The mechanics of New Haven have long been distinguished for their industry, intelligence and love of knowledge. As early as 1807 they established the Mechanics' So- ciety, for the promotion of the use- ful arts, and the encouragement of industry and merit. The society is in a prosperous condition. The young mechanics have, moreover, established for their mutual im- provement, the Young Mechanics' Institute. The plan has been pro- secuted with zeal and success. The Institute has a cabinet of min- erals ; a collection of philosophical apparatus, and several hundred vol- umes of books. The manufactures of New Haven are numerous; among which are boots, shoes, car- pets, and rugs of a superior quality, stoves, locks, paper, books, hats, tin and cabinet wares, muskets, iron castings, machinery, sashes, window blinds, &.c. The manufacturing interest of New Haven employs an extensive capital, and a large number of per- sons. The foreign commerce of New Haven is principally confined to the West India Islands, with which a considerable trade is carried on. Tonnage of the district, in 1837, 9,559 tons. A line of packets plies between this and New York city, and an ex- cellent line of steam-boats furnish- es daily communication with that city. The New Haven and Northamp- ton Canal connects the waters of Connecticut river at the latterplace, with the harbor of this city. This great work, having surmounted many difficulties and embarrass- ments, is now in a fair way to give a new impulse to the business of the city. A line of packet boats runs daily between Northampton and New Haven, and promises to be well sustained. The New Haven and Hartford Rail-Road is now in the course of construction, and will probably be completed during the present year. When finished it must prove of great importance to the interests of the place. The village of Fair Haven is built on both sides the Quinnipiack, and about one half of it lies within the limits of the city of New Ha- ven. This village has gro^vn to its present importance with great rapid- ity, and now carries on an exten- sive and thriving business. It has two churches, and a large and pros- perous high school, known as the Fair Haven Institute. Tiie village of Westville contains about 700 inhabitants. Manufac- tures and agriculture constitute the chief business of the place. New Haven may justly boast of many distinguished men who made that city their favorite residence. The names of David Wooster, of Nathan W'hitixg, of Rog- er Sherman, of James Hili.- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. HOUSE, and many others, will nev- er be forgotten. How large a part of the United States is indebted for its prosperity to the inventive genius of Eli Whitney, late a citizen of New Haven? "The commerce, the business of the world, has been es- sentially modified and increased through the operation of his princi- pal invention, the cotton gin ; and the substantial convenience and en- joyment of mankind have, by the same means, been extended and are extending, to a degree which no man can calculate." This City of Groves is a very delightful place : it probably con- centrates more charms than any city of jts age and population in the vvoi'ld. Nevvington, Hi. H. Rockingham co. The soil is gen- erally sandy and unproductive ; ex- cepting near the waters, where it yields good crops of grain and grass. At Fox point, in the N. W. part of the town, Piscataqua bridge is thrown over the river to Goat isl- and, and thence to Durham shore. The bridge was erected in 1793, is 2,600 feet long, and 40 wide ; cost $65,401. Nevvington was origin- ally a part of Portsmouth and Dover, and was early settled. It was dis- annexed, and incorporated in July, 1764. Newington was among the set- tlements early exposed to the rava- ges of the Indians. In May, 1690, a party of Indians, under a saga- more of the name of Hoophood, at- tacked Fox point, destroyed sever- al houses, killed 14 persons, and took 6 prisoners. They were im- mediately pursued by the inhabit- ants, who recovered some of the captives and a part of the plunder, after a severe action, in which Hoophood was wounded. Nevvington is 42 miles E. S. E. from Concord, and 5 W. from Ports- mouth. Population, 1830, 549. New Ipswicli, ]V. II. Hillsborough co. This town is 50 miles S. S. W. from Concord, 70 W. S. W. from Portsmouth, and 50 N. W. by W. from Boston. The town is watered by many rivulets, but principally by the Souhegan river, which is formed by the junc- tion of two streams; the W. issu- ing fiom a small pond on the Pas- ture mountain, so called ; the S. fiom two ponds in Ashburnham, Mass., near the base of Watatick hill. Over this liver is a stone bridge, built in 1S17. It is 156 feet long, 22 feet wide and 42 feet high, resting on a .single arch of split stone ; cost $3,500. The first cot- ton factory in the state was built in this town, in 1803. There are now 4 cotton factories, and in other re- spects New Ipswich has become an important manufacturing town. — Pratt's and Hoar's ponds contain about 50 acres each. Here is fine pasture land, and under cultivation, Indian corn, rye, oats, bai-ley, pota- toes, beans, turnips, &.C., are pro- duced in abundance. The New Ipswich academy was incorporated June 18, 1789. Its funds are large. The principal village is in the centre of the town, in a pleasant and iertile valley. Many of the dwelling-houses are of brick, and are elegant in appearance. New Ipswich was first settled prior to 1749, and was incorporated by charter, Sept. 9, 1762. The first minister was the Rev. Stephen Farrar, a native of Lin- coln, Mass., where he was born Oct. 22, 173S. He was ordained Oct. 22, 1760; died June 23, 1809, aged 71. New Ipswich has produced ma- ny who have become eminent as patriots, merchants, and men of science. Population, 1830, 1,673. Ke-\v Ijimerick, Me. Washington co. In 1837, this NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. town was incorporated ; it then had 124 inhabitants and produced 1,780 bushels of wheat. See " Down East." Nc^v Iioudou, N. H. Merrimack co. It is 30 miles Vi. N. W. from Concoid, and 12 E. from Newport. Population, IS30, 913. I-ake Sunapee sepai-ates this town from V. endell, and is the principal source of Sugar river. — There are three considerable ponds. Little Sunapee pond, 1 1-2 miles in length and 3-4 of a mile in width, lies in the Vv'. part, and empties its waters into lake Sunapee. Har- vey's and Messer's ponds, near the centre of the town, are the princi- pal sources of Warner river. They are about a mile in length and 3-4 of a mile in breadth, and arc sepa- rated by a bog, many parts of which rise and fall with the water. Pleas- ant pond, in the N. part of New London, is nearly 2 miles long and 1 wide. The settlements of New London are formed principally on three large swells of land. The soil is deep and generally good. — In the N. part are several eleva- tions. In some parts the land is rocky, but there is little not capable of cultivation. New London was incorpoiated in 1779. Its first name was JDantzick. The damage sustained by the in- habitants of this town, by the vio- lent whirlwind of Sept. 9, 1821, was estimated at $9,000. A large rock lying out of the ground, 100 feet long, 50 wide and 20 high, was rent into two pieces, and thrown about 20 feet asunder. XcAv lioudon County, Ct. JVew London and JVorwich are the county towns. New London county is bounded N. by Windham, Tolland and Hartford counties, E. by Windham county and the state of Rhode Island, S. by Long Island Sound, and W.by the county of Mid- dlesex. Its average length from E. to W. averages about 26 miles, and it has a Uiedium breadth of about 20 miles. This county possesses supe- rior maritime advantages, having an extensive border on Long Island Sound, which afforils numerous bays, inlets and harbors. Excepting a small section, principally in the town of Lyme, no portion of the county can be considered as mountainous, but it is geneially hilly and elevated, and comprises a small proportion of allu- vial.- The hills and elevated tracts are considerably rough and stony. The lands in general ai-e not adapted to grain culture, although upon the intervales and other tracts Indian corn is raised to advantage, and to a considerable extent. The princi- pal agricultural interests depend very much upon grazing. The wa- ters of the county are abundant and valuable. On the south it is washed more than thirty miles by Long Isl- and Sound, part of its western bor- der by Connecticut river, and the interior of the county is watered and fertilized by the Thames and its branches. The fishing business is more extensively carried on in this county than in any other section of the state, and is an important branch of industry. The manufacturing business is carried on to consider- able extent in the northern part of the county, and is increasing. In 1837, this county contained 41,.387 sheep. Population, in 1820, 35,943 ; 1830, 42,201 : 81 inhabit- ants to a square mile. The tonnage of the district of New London, in 1837, was 41,626 tons. NeAV liOudon, Ct. One of the shire towns of New London county. The first English settlement in New London com- menced in 1646. It is situated on the west bank of the river Thames. In its territorial limits it is much the smallest of any town in the state, being about 4 miles in length from north to south, and averages about 3-4 of a mile in breadth. — NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, The city of New London is situated 3 miles from Long Island S^iund, and is a port of entry. It is 42 miles soLitiieast from Hartford, 13 south from Norwich, and 53 east from New Haven. Population, in 1830, 4,356. Lon. 72° 9' W., lat. 41° 0' 25" N. The city is princi- pally built on a declivity, which descends to the east and south. On the summit of the high ground, back of the most populous part of the city, the observer has a fine prospect of the surrounding coun- try. The city is irregularly laid out, owing to the nature of the ground on which it is built, being much incumbered with granite rocks. — The houses are not so handsome in theiroutward appearance, as might be reasonably expected, considering the wealth of the inhabitants. In the course of a few years past, how- ever, a spirit of improvement in this respect has taken place, and many buildings have been erected which are elegant in their appearance. Some of the streets liave been strait- ened and leveled, by blasting the granite rocks with which they were disfigured. These rocks aflTord an excellent material for the construc- tion of buildings, and it is believed that no city in this country has the advantages of New London, in this particular, where the materials for erecting houses can be found in their streets. The harbor is one of the best in the United States, being large, safe, and commodious, hav- ing five fathoms of water. It is 3 miles long, and rarely obstructed with ice. During the extreme cold in January, 1835, while the navi- gation of the harbor of New York was closed by the ice, the harbor of New London remained open and unobstructed. From the excellent maritime lo- cation of New London, the naviga- tion, commercial and fishing busi- ness, has ever been the principal pursuit of the inhabitants. Their iine harbor has served in a great degree as the port of Connecticut river, the impediments in which frequently prevent its being naviga- ble for large vessels fully laden. The whale fishery and sealing business is an important branch of commerce. About a million of dollars is devot- ed to its prosecution. In 1S34, up- wards of thirty ships and 900 men and boys were employed in this business. The city is defended by two forts. Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold. Fort Trumbull stands on the New London side of the Thames, about a mile below the city. It is situa- ted on the rocky extremity of a pen- insula extending eastward into the river. This fort is a station for United States soldiers. Fort Gris- wold is on the E. side of the Thames, on a commanding eminence oppo- site the city, in the town of Gro- ton. New London has been rendered conspicuous for its sufferings during the levolutionary war, and the the- atre of hostile operations. On the 6th of September, 1781, a large proportion of this town was laid in ashes by Benedict Arnold. The following account of this transaction is taken from the Connecticut Ga- zette, printed at New London, Sept. 7, 1781. " About daybreak on Thursday morning last, 24 sail of the enemy's shipping appeared to the westward of this harbor, which by many were supposed to be a plundering party after stock ; alarm guns were imme- diately fired, but the discharge of cannon in the harbor has become so frequent of late, that they answer- ed little or no purpose. The defence- less state of the fortifications and the town are obvious to our readers; a few of the inhabitants, who were equipped, advanced towards the place where the enemy were thought likely to make their land- ing, and manoeuvred on the heights adjacent, until the enemy about 9 o'clock landed in two divisions, and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. about 800 men each, one of them at Brown's farm, near the light- house, the other at Groton Point : the division that landed near the light-house marched up the road, keeping up large flanking parties, Avho were attacked in different pla- ces on their march by the inhabit- ants, who had spirit and resolution to oppose their progress. The main body of the enemy proceeded to the town, and set lire to the stores on the beach, and immediate- ly after to the dwelling-houses lying on the Mill Cove. The scattered fire of our little parties, unsupported by our neighbors more distant, gall- ed them so that they soon began to retire, setting fire promiscuously on their way. The fire from the stores communicated to the shipping that lay at the wharves, and a number were burnt ; others swung to sin- gle fast, and remained unhurt. " At 4 oclock, they began to quit the town with great precipitation, and were pursued by our brave cit- zens with the spirit and ardor of vet- erans, and driven on board their boats. Five of the enemy were killed, and about twenty wounded ; among the latter is a Hessian cap- tain, who is a prisoner, as are seven others. We lost four killed and ten or twelve wounded, some mortally. " The most valuable part of the town is reduced to ashes, and all the stores. Fort Trumbull, not be- ing tenable on the land side, was evacuated as the enemy advanced, and the few men in it crossed the river to Fort Griswold, on Groton Hill, which was soon after invested by the division that landed at the point. The fort having in it only about 120 men, chiefly militia hast- ily collected, they defended it with the greatest resolution and br;ivery, and once repulsed the enemy: but the fort being out of repair, could not be defended by such a handful of men, though brave and deter- mined, against so superior a num- ber; and after having a number of their party killed and wounded, they found that further resistance would be in vain, and resigned the fort." See Groton, Ct. The following is the inscription on Bishop Seabury's monument : Here lyeth the body of Samuf.l Seabury, D. D. Bishop of Connecti- cut and Rliode Island, who departed from this transitory scene, February 2oth, Anno Domini, 17915, in the (iclth year of his age, and the l'2th of his Episcopal consecration. Ingenious without pride, learned without pedantry, good without sever- ity, he was duly qualified to discharge the duties of the Christian and the Bishop. In the pulpit he enforced Re- ligion; in his conduct he exemplified it. The poor he assisted with his char- ity ; the ignorant he blessed with his instruction. The friend of men, he ever designed their good ; the enemy of vice, he ever opposed it. Chris- tian ! dost thou aspire to happiness ? Seabury has shown the way that leads to it. "An epitaph on Captaine Richard Lord, deceased May 17, 1662. — ^Etatis svae 51. .... Bright starre of ovr chivallrie lies here To the state a covnsillovr fvll deare And to ye trvth a friend of sweete content To Hartford towne a silver ornament Who can deny to poore he was releife And in composing paroxyies he was cheife To marchantes as a patterne he might stand Adventring dangers new by sea and land." New Market, IV. H. Rockingham CO. It lies 36 miles S. E. fiom Concord, and 12 W. by S. from Portsmouth. Population, 1830, 2,013. Piscassick river passes through this town into Durham. The Lam- pi-ey river washes its N. E. bound- ary, as does the Swamscot the S. E. The soil is good, and agricul- tural pursuits are hpre crowned with much success. There ure NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. several pleasant and thriving villa- ges, in which are large and valua- ble manufactures. New Market was originally a part of Exeter, and was detached and incorporated, 1727. Mrs. F'anny Shute, who died in this town September, 1819, was re- spected not only for her excellent qualities, but the adventures of her youth. When 13 months old, she was taken by a party of Indians, carried to Canada, and disposed of to the French — educated in a nun- nery, and after remaining 1.3 years in captivity, was redeemed and re- stored to her friends. Daniel Bracket! recently died in this town. He weighed 560 lbs. Ke'^v Marlboroiigli, Mass. Berkshire co. There is a large pond in this town, and a branch of Housatonick liver. The surface is uneven, and the soil best adapted for grazing. It was incorporated in 1759, amriies 135 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, and 20 S. by E. from Lenox. Population, in 1S37, 1,570. There are two caverns in this town, containing stalactites. The manufactures consist of leather, boots, shoes, chairs, cabinet ware, and a variety of sawed lumber. — The products of the dairy are con- siderable, and about 1,600 sheep are pastured. New Mnforcl, Ct. Litchfield CO. This township is hilly and broken, several mountain- ous ridges extending through it. The soil is much diversified, and where susceptible of cultivation, it is generally good ; but on the whole more distinguished for grain than grass. There are, however, large quantities of excellent meadow ground, but the pasturage is, on the whole, not abundant. It is essen- tially a farming town. For some time after the white people come here, an Indian chief, or sachem, 25 named JVerauhamaug, had a pal- ace standing near the Great falls, where he resided. On the inner walls of this palace, (which were of bark with the smooth side in- wards,) were pictured every known species of beast, bird, fish and in- sect, from the largest to the small- est. This was said to have been done by ai-tists whom a friendly prince at a great distance sent to him for that purpose, as Hiram did to Solomon. The town of New Milford was purchased of the Col- ony of Connecticut by a company of individuals chiefly belonging to Mil- ford, and was first settled in 1707. The first bridge that was ever built over the Housatonick river, from the sea to its source was built in this town in 1737. The village of New Milford is very handsome ; the streets are wide and well shaded. It lies 36 miles N. W. from New Haven, and IS S. W. from Litch- field. Population, 1830,3,979. The territory of this town is larger than any other in the state ; it is 13 by 6 1-2 miles. The town is well water- ed, and has some manufactures. There are large quantities of gran- ite ard marble, and the town pro- duces large quantities of grain and wool for market. Newport, Me. Penobscot co. This is a fine farm- ing town, and watered by a large and beautiful pond which empties into Sebasticook river. It lies 56 miles N. E. from Augusta and 24 W. from Bangor. Population, 18.37, 1,088. Wheatcropsame year, 5,173 bushels. This town contains a pleas- ant village and some mills. Ne-ivport, N. H. Shire town, Sullivan county. Its central situation and its water pow- er, together with the enterprising spirit of its inhabitants, has lender- ed Newport a place of considerable business. It is 40 miles W. by N. from Concord, about 35 N. from Keene, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and 14 E. S. E. from Windsor, Vt. Near the centre of the town, and the confluence of the E. and S. branches of Sugar river and the Croydon turnpike, is a handsome village. In general the soil is rich and productive. Sugar river flows through this town, and its tiiree branches unite near the village, whence it passes through Clareniont into the Connecticut. On the east- ern branch are situated, principally near the village, large and valuable manufacturing establishments. — There are other mills in di/lerent parts of the town. There are a few eminences, designated as Raid, Coitand East mountains, and Blue- berry hill. Newport was granted by charter in 176). The first ef- fort towards a settlement was made in the fall of 17G3. The first set- tlers were principally from Kill- ingworth, Ct. This town is noted for its good schools and its various charitable societies. Population, 1830, 1,913. Ne>.vport, Vt. Orleans co. This town is sepa- rated from Derby by Memphrema- gog lake, and is watered by a branch of Missisque river. It lies 48 miles N. by E. from Montpelier, and 10 N. from Irasburgh. Population, 1830, 284. Newport County, R. I. JVewport is the chief town. This county comprises seven towns and a number of islands ; but the most interesting section of it is the isl- and of Rhode Island, from which the state derives its name. This island is about 15 miles in length, and has a mean breadth of two miles and a half. The surface presents an interesting variety of moderate eminences and declivities, which render the scene- ry very pleasing. Valuable mine- rals are found on the i-land, and fossil coal, dilhcult of ignition, is found in large quantities. The soil of t}ie island is very rich, and under the management of skilful farmers is made to produce in great abundance all the varieties of grains, grasses, vegetables, fruits and flow- ers common to its latitude. It is remarkable that not only this island, but the county generally, should be so fertile. The poorest lands in New England are gener- ally on the sea board ; but as it re- gards this county, few sections of the interior present a better soil. From the earliest settlement of the country, this county has been engaged in commerce and the fish- ery. These interests are now in a flourishing condition ; and manu- facturing establishments are in- creasing, by the aid of steam pow- er. In 1S37 there were 37,340 sheep in the county. Newport county is bound N. by Mount Hope bay, and Bristol coun- ty, Mass. ; E. by said county of Bristol ; S. by the Atlantic ocean, and W. by Narraganset bay. Area, 136 square miles. Population, 1820, 15,771 ; 1S30, 16,535. Population to a square mile, 122. Ne^vport, R. I. Chief town of Newport county, and one of the seats of the state leg- islature. It is in N. latitude 41° 28' 20", and W. longitude 7P 21' 14": 5 miles from the sea, 30 miles S. by E. from Providence, 70 S. S. W. from Boston, and 153 from New York, by water. The township lies in an irregular and somewhat of a semicircular form, about 6 miles in length and 1 in breadih. In com- rton with the w hole inland of Rhode Island, on which Newport is situa- ted, the soil is remarkably fertile and under good cultivation. The surface is undulating, presenting a great variety of delightful scenery. The waters of Narraganset bay at this place are unrivalled for beauty and convenience. The harbor of Newport is considered one of the best on the coast of America : it NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. has sufficient depth of water for the largest class of vessels, is exceed- ingly easy of access from the ocean, and sufficiently capacious to con- tain whole fleets. This harbor is admirably defended by forts Wol- cott. Green and Adauis, and will probably soon become a naval de- pot. Is ewport was first settled by William Codington and his associates in 1638. The growth of the town was so rapid for the first hundred years, that in 1733 there were 7 worshipping assemblies, and 100 sail of vessels belonged to the port. Newport suffered severely dur- ing the levolutionary war, and was for a long time in possession of the enemy. After the war it revived again, but the more favorable loca- tion of Providence for an interioi- commerce, depi'i\'ed it of a large portion of its original business. Newport however retains its former character for foreign com- merce and the fishery. A number of vessels are now engaged in the whaling business, and manufactur- ing establishments have recently been put into operation by steam power, which promise success. — Ship and boat building and the man- ufacture of coidage are carried on extensively. The domestic fishe- ry is to Newport an important re- sourse. There is probably no place in the world where a greater varie- ty of fish, or of a better quality, are found. About sixtj' different kinds, comprising almost every species of fin and shell fish, fit for the ta- ble, are taken in great abundance around the shores of Narraganset. The tonnage of the district of New- port, in 1837, was 11,498 tons. The compact part of the town is built on a beautiful site, facing the harbor in a southeasterly direction. The main street extends more than a mile in length. The buildings on this and other streets and on Washington square are neatly built, and some of them are very hand- some The marks of age which some of these buildings bear, with the excellent state of preservation in which they appear, give them a grace not found in many of those of more modern construction. Although this ancient town has passed through many vicissitudes and changes of fortune, still it con- tinues to advance in the number of its people. Population, in 1820, 7,319; 1830,8,010. Newport is celebrated for its beauty and the salubrity of its cli- mate. From these circumstances, and fiom the numerous inviting objects which surround it, it has become a favorite re.=ort for visitors from warmer climates ; and in no place can the summer season be more enjoyed than amid the charms of Newport. Oliver Hazzard Perry, the victor on Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813, was boin at Newport, in 1785. — He died in the West Indies, in 1820. A monument is erected to his mem- ory. New Portland, Me. Franklin co. This town is finely watered by two branches of Seven Mile brook. This is one of the finest farming towns in the coun- ty. It produced, in 1837, 10,451 bushels of wheat. Population, same year, 1,476. This town has a pleasant village, a number of saw mills and other manufactories. It lies 48 miles N. N. W. from Augus- ta, and 18 N. by E. from Farming- ton. Incorporated, 1S08. Newry, Me. Oxford CO. A branch of Andros- coggin river waters this town, and affords it good mill privileges. It lies 63 miles W. from Augusta, and 25 N. W. from Paris. Population, 1837, 412. Incorporated, 1805. New Salem, Mass. Franklin co. This town is bound- ed N. by Miller's river, and lias a good water power. It lies 74 miles NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. W. N. W. from Boston, and 17 E. S. E. from Greenfield. This is a pleasant town of elevated surface, and good soil for grazing. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,255. The manufac- tures of the town, cdn>ist of palm- leaf hats, boots, shoes, leather, straw bonnets, and ploughs. In- corporated, 1753. 'Sew Sharon, ^le, Franklin, co. This town is water- ed on the northwest side by Sandy river, and is bounded south by \'\- enna. The soil is admirably adapt- ed to agricultural purposes. Popu- lation, ^1837, 1,771. Wheat crop, same year, 8,132 bushels. It lies 26 miles N. W. from Augusta. In- corporated, 1794. Nciv Slioreliam, R. I. Newport co. This town com- prises the island of Block Island. The island lies in the open sea, about 14 miles S.S. W. from Judith Point, and 13 N. E. from Montauk Point, on Long Island, N. Y. It is about 8 miles in length, and varies from 2 to 4 miles in width. It has several ponds, which cover about a seventh part of the island. The surface of the town is uneven ; in some parts elevated. The soil is a sandy, gravelly loam, and quite productive. This island was once famous for its cattle and good dai- ries. The people are mostly fish- ermen : thej" have no harbor, and peat is their onlv fuel. Population, 1830, 1,1S5. Incorporated, 1672. Its Indian name was Manisses. Xe^vton, Mass. Middlesex co. A very beauti- ful, agricultural and manufacturing town, the JVonantum of the In- dians, 7 miles W. by S. from Boston, 12 S. E. from Concord, and 7 N. from Dedham. Charles river wash- es the borders of this town 15 miles, and, by two fallsof considerable ex- tent, affords it a great and valuable water power. Nine bridges cross Charles river in this town. The soil is generally very good, and highly cultivated. There are 2 cotton, 1 woolen, and 5 paper mills in the town, and manufactures of nails, rolled iron, candles, vit- riol, barilla, chaises, harnesses, mo- rocco, leather, boots, shoes, ma- chinery, chairs, and cabinet ware ; the value of which, the year end- ing April 1, 1S37, amounted, to $815,872. Newton was incorpo- rated in 1691 ; it formerly com- prised the town of Cambridge, and is noted as the birth place and resi- dence of many distinguished men. Population, 1S30, 2>77 ; 1837, 3,037. A Theological Seminary was established in this town, in 1825. See Register. Kovtowii, N. H., Rockingham co., lies 40 miles S. E. from Concord, and 27 S. S. W. from Portsmouth. Country pond lies in Newtown and Kingston, and two other small ponds connect by outlets with its waters. The soil produces good croj's of grain or grass. Joseph Barilett first settled in this town, in 1720. Bartlettwas taken prisoner by the Indians at Haverhill, in 1708, and remained a captive in Canada about 4 years. Population, 1830, 510. KOTtO'WTl, Ct. Fairfield co. This tow n was in- corporated in 1708. It is watered by Patatiick river, the Indian name of the place. It lies 25 miles W. N. W. from New Haven, 10 E. from Danburv. and 22 N. from Fair- field. Population, 18.30, 3,100.— The surface of the town is hilly ; many of the eminences are exten- sive and continuous. The soil is principally a gravelly loam, gener- ally fertile and productive. It is >vell adapted lo the culture of grain, and is also favorable for fiiiit, there being many valuable orchards in the town' The borough of Newtown is beautifully situated on high NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ground ; it commands an extensive prospect, and contains some hand- some buildings. The flourishing village of Sandy Hook is situated about 1 1-2 miles N. E. of the central part of New- town, at the foot of a rocky emin- ence or bluff, from the top of which is a fine prospect of the surround- ing country. A fine mill stream (the Patatuck) runs in a northerly course through the village, at the base of the cliff, which rises almost perpendicular to the height of 160 feet. Near a cotton factory, at the northern extremity of the village, some traces of coal have been dis- covered. The village contained, in 1834, 1 cotton, 1 hat, 1 comb and 2 woolen factories. There was also 1 machine shop, and 1 establish- ment for working brass. Xew Vineyard, Me. Franklin co. This town is wa- tered by a branch of Seven Mile brook. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil, generally, is productive. It produced, in 1837, 7,063 bushels of wheat. Popula- tion, same year, S70. Incorporat- ed, 1802. it lies 40 miles N. W. from Augusta, and 8 N. by E. from Farraington. ]VobIe1}oroiigb, Me. Lincoln co. This town lies on the east side of the upper waters of Damariscotta river. It is a place of considerable trade. Many ships are built here, and a large number of vessels are employed in the coasting trade. The soil of the town is generally good, and consid- erable attention is paid by the in- habitants to agricultural pursuits. It lies 38 miles S. E. from Augusta, and 11 E. from Wiscasset. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,999. Incor., 1788. 9fo-Mans-Iiaiid, Mass. Dukes CO. A ledge of rocks, the most southern part of the state. It lies 7 miles S. from Gay Head. 25* Norfolk County, Mass. Chief town, Dedham. This county is bounded N. E. by Boston harbor, N. by Suffolk county, W. by the S. E. corner of Worcester county, S. by the N. E. corner of the state of Rhode Island, and S. S. E. and E. by the counties of Bris- tol and Plymouth. Area, about 400 sqtiare miles. Population, in 1820, 36,452; in 1830, 41,901 ; in 1837, 50,399. Taken from Suffolk county in 1793. This county has a maritime coast on Boston harbor of about 12 miles, which is indented with many small bays and navigable rivers. Its sur- face is uneven, and in some parts hilly. Its soil is generally strong and rocky. Much of the dark col- ored granite, or sienite, is found here. A large part of Norfolk county, particularly those towns near Boston, is under a high state of cultivation, and affords fruits and vegetables in great abundance. — The proximity of this county to the capital gives it many facilities ; and the towns in this, and in the county of Middlesex, that border on Boston harbor, may be called the Gardens of Boston. It contains 22 towns, and 126 inhabitants to a square mile. The Charles, Nepon- set, and Manatiquot are its chief rivers. In 1837, this county contained 2,054 sheep. The value of the manufactures in the county, the year ending April 1, 1837, was $6,466,010. The value of the fishery, the same year, was $244,- 927. Norfolk, Ct. Litchfield co. The settlement of Norfolk began in 1744. It lies 35 miles W. N. W. from Hartford, and 17 N. from Litchfield. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,485. This town is elevated and moun- tainous. The soil is a primitive, gravelly loam, generally cold and stony, but has considerable depth, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and affords good grazing. Former- ly large quantities of sugar were made from the maple : more than 20,000 lbs. have been manufactured in a single season ; but since the land has been cleared by progres- sivesettlements,and in consequence of the destruction of the maple trees by some tornadoes, the busi- ness has greatly declined. Tiie dairy business comprises the prin- cipal interests of the town. A stream, called Blackberry river, runs near the centre of the place, and a little westward of the con- gregational church falls overa ledge of rocks 30 feet in height. This "is an excellent site for mills, of which there are several near this spot. There is a handsome village, with an open square or green in fiont of tbe church, which is uncommonly neat and beautiful in its appearance. About half a mile north is another village, in which are two woolen and three scythe factories. Norridge-wock, Me. Chief town of Somerset co. This town is situated on both sides of the Kennebec river, 23 miles N. from Augusta. Incorporated, 17SS. Population, 18.37, 1,955. Its sur- face is diversified with hills of a moderate elevation, the soil various, but generally good and well culti- vated. Wheat crop, 1S37, 10,299 bushels. This town was formerly the site of the celebrated tribe of Norridgewock Indians. Their vil- lage was situated at the foot of Nor- ridgewock falls, in the N. W. part of the town, and the border of Mad- ison. The tribe had a church, the bell of which was dug up a few years since, and placed in the cabi- net at Bowdoin college. The tribe was destroyed by a party of 1G8 men, sent out from Massachusetts for that purpose, commanded by Capt. Moulton. on the afternoon of August 23, 1724. Among the kill- ed was the noted Jesuit missiona- ry, Raile. A monument v\ as erect- ed the 23d of August, 1833, by Bishop Fenwick, to his memory. — It is a plain granite pyranadal shaft, standing on a square base of the same material, having the follow- ing inscription : — Sebastianus Rasles natione Gal- luse Societate Jesu missionius, per aliquot annos Illinois et Huronibus priiuum evangelunus, deinde per 34 annos Abeiiaquis, tide et chari- tate Christi verus Apostolus, pericu- lus armorum intenitus se pro suis^ oribus mori paratum soepius testifi- cans, inter arma et cocdes ac Pagi Nanarantsouak Norridgewock, et Ecclesiae suae minas, hoc in ipso loco, cecidit tandem optimus pastor, die 23 Augusti, A. D. 1724, ipsi et filius in Christo defunctis Monu- mentum hoc posuit Benidictus Fen- wick, Espiscopus Bostoniensis dedi- cavitque 23 Augusti, A. D. 1833. A. M. D. G. Norridgewock village is situated on the north side of the river, di- rectly in the bend, five miles west of Skowhegan falls. It is one of the most pleasant and delightful villages, especially in the summer, in the state. The main street is lined with ornamental trees, some of them venerable for age and mag- nitude, extending their long arms quite across the street, forming a beautiful avenue from east to west. On the south side of the river, con- nected by a bridge, is a pleasant and rai)idly increasing village. The public buildings consist of a church and court house, on the north side of the river, and on the south, a female academy, and a free church at "Oak Hill," about 5 miles from the village. This section of country is remark- able for its luxuriant growth of the white pine. A few years since, one of these trees was cut for a canoe. Its length was 154 feet and measur- ed 4 1-2 feet in diameter. Korth Hampton, ?t'. II., Rockingham co., formerly con- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. stituting the parish called JVorth Hill, in Hampton, lies on the sea coast 50 miles S. E. by E. from Concord, and 9 S. by W. from Ports- mouth. Little river rises in the low grounds in the north part of the town, and after running southeast one or two miles, takes an east course, falling into the sea between Little Boar's head, in this town and Great Boar's head, in Hampton. Winnicut river rises near the cen- tre of the town, and passes north- west into Great bay. In 1742, the town was incorporated. Population, 1830, 767. Nortliampton, Mass. Chief town of Hampshire co. This is a very beautiful town, delightful- ly situated on the west bank of Con- necticut river, and united to Hadley by a bridge. Since the first settle- ments on the Connecticut basin, this town has been an important point of attraction. This was the third town settled on Connecticut river in this state. Its Indian name was JVonaiuck. The soil of the town is alluvial and its products ex- uberant. Both before and since the division of the old county into three, this place has been the seat of jus- tice. The buildings are handsome, and the most important county otfi- cesare_/ire proof. A fine stream passes through the centre of the town, possessing a good water pow- er, on which are manufactories and mills of various kinds. The manufactures of Northamp- ton consist of woolen and silk goods, boots, shoes, leather, paper, brooms, chairs, ii'on, tin, and cabinet wares, &c. ; total value the year ending April 1, 1837, about $350,000. The manufacture of sewing silk, rib- bons, &c., is on a large scale, and the most flourishing establishment of the kind in this country. In 1837, there were 3750 sheep shear- ed in the town ; the value of the wool was $7,075. This place has considerable river and inland commerce, which will be increased by the Hampshire and Hampden canal, which meets the Connecticut river here and termi- nates at New Haven. This town was incorporated, in 1654 ; population, 1820, 2,854, and in 1837, 3,576. It is 91 miles W. from Boston, 67 E. from Albany, 39 N. from Hartford,22 S.from Greenfield, 17N.by W. from Springfield, and 376 from Washington. There are many institutions of a literary and religious character in this town, and its schools are of the first order. The country around the town is enchanting, and those who visit Mount Holyoke, 830 feet above the river, on the east side, or Mount Tom, 1,200 feet above the river, on the west side, will find a wonderful variety of landscape scenery, probably unsurpassed in beauty by any in the New Eng- land States. Kortb Berwick, Me. York CO. This town was incor- porated in 1831, and was taken from the east side of Berwick. It com- prises a fine tract of land ; it is well watered and very pleasant. Popu- lation, 1837, 1,493. It lies 91 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 13 N. W. from York. Northborongli, Mass. Worcester CO. This is a pleasant farming town, of good soil, and wa- tered by Assabet river. It was in- corporated in 1766, and lies 32 miles W. from Boston, and 10 N. E. from Worcester. Population, 1830, 994 —1837, 1,224. The manufactures of the town consist of cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, children's wagons, &c.; an- nual amount about $75,000. KTortb Branford, Ct. New Haven co. This town was incorporated in 1S31, and was taken from Branford. A range of moun- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tains from the southwest to north- east passes through the central part of the town. The inhabitants are generally substantial farmers, and property is very equally distributed. The face of the township is gene- rally hilly, but the soil is strong and fertile. It lies 9 miles E. from New Haven. Population, 1832, 1,100 About a mile southeast of the Northford church, on Tetoket moun- tain, there is the appearance of hav- ing been, at some remote period, some violent convulsions in nature ; the rocks appear to have been rent asunder, and are thrown about in great disorder. Lead is said to have been found near this spot, a mass of it being discovered by a person who was hunting, at the time of the first settlement of the parish: he hung up a pair of buck's horns to designate the spot, but the place could not be found afterwards. Sfortlibridge, Mass. Worcester co. The Blackstone river and canal pass through this pleasant manufacturing and agri- cultural town. It has some excel- lent intervale land, and the soil of the uplands produces grass, grain, and vegetables in abundance. The river here is beautiful, and produces a great hydraulic power. The manufactures of the town consist of cotton and woolen goods, cotton machinery, boots, shoes, &c. : val- ue, the year ending April 1, 1S37, $231,000. Northbridge lies 35 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, and 13 S. E. from Worcester. Incorporated, 1772. Population, 1830, 1,053; 1837, 1,409. North Bridge^vat.er, Mass. Plymouth CO. This town lies 20 miles S. from Boston, 24 N. W. .'Vom Plymouth, and 10 S. S. W. from Weymouth Landing. Population, 1830, 1,953; 1837, 2,701. It is well watered by Salisbury river and other small streams which emp- ty into the Taunton. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil is of a good quality, particularly for grazing. Incorporated, 1821. The manufactures of the town consist of cotton goods, boots, shoes, hats, chairs, shoe tools, forks, hoes, cabinet and wooden wares, &c. : total amount, the year ending April 1, 1337, $236,700. We regret that this very pleas- ant town was not called Titicut or jWinketest, one of the Indian names of the ancient territory. This town was the first of the three Bridgewaters thathave sprung from Old Bridgewater, named after a celebrated English Duke. We can see no good cause for attaching a cardinal point of the compass to the name of any town, particularly one of foreign derivation, when some beautiful Indian name meets the ear on the bank of almost every stream. Had the noble Duke bequeathed to good old mother Bridgewater and her three handsome daughters, (as he did to the city of Manchester, )the perpetual privilege of obtaining 140 poundsof coal for four pence, there would appear some reason for per- petuating and extending the name. Some just remarks on the names of towns appeared in the Provi- dence Journal, which are worthy of repetition. " India:* Names. The new state of Michigan has passed one of the most sensible laws that was ever enacted. Its object is to pre- serve the noble and harmonious old Indian names, which have been giv- en to every river and lake and for- est and mountain in our country, and which, by a bad taste, have in many instances, been displaced by the hackneyed names of European cities, or of distinguished men. The law provides that no town shall be named after any other place or af- ter any man, without first ob- taining the consent of the Legisla- ture. The consequence is, that NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Michigan is destitute of London, Paris and Ainstej-dam ; unlike lier sister states, she boasts neither Thebes, Palmyra, Carthage or Troy. No collection of log huts, with half a dozen grocery stores, has been honored with the appellation of Liv- erpool, noi- has any embryo city, with a college or an academy, re- ceived the appiopriate name of Athens. She has no Moscow and Morocco, in the same latitude; and noEdinburgh and Alexandria within thirty miles of each other. Baby- lon, Spai'ta and Corinth, plough they have been transplanted to other parts of the Union, are destined ne- ver to flourish on the soil of Mich- igan. No Fi-anklin or Greene or Jefferson, no Washington, is to be found in her borders. On the con- trary, her rivers and lakes still re- tain the full, rich, swelling names which were bestowed upon them by the red men of the forests, and her towns bear the names of the sturdy chiefs who once battled or hunted in their streets. Strange, when we have such a noble nomenclature as the Indians have left us, that we should copy fi-om the worn out names of ancient cities, and which awake no feelings but ridicule, by the contrast between the old and the new. Mohawk, Seneca, Massasoit, Ontario, Erie, how infinitely supe- rior to Paiis, London, Fishville, Buttertown, Bungtown, &c. The feeling which prompts.us to perpet- uate the names of our revolutionary heroes by naming towns after them, is highly honorable ; but it should not be forgotten that frequent rep- etition (especially in cases where the town is utterly unworthy of its namesake) renders the name vulgar and ridiculous. - It seems, that not content with driving the Indians from the soil, we are anxious to ob- literate every trace of their exist- ence. We are glad to see a better taste beginning to prevail upon this sub- ject, and we hope that the example of Michigan will be followed, if not by legal enactments, at least by the force of public opinion." Nortli KrookfielA, Mass. Worcester co. This town is on elevated ground : it is of good soil, well cultivated, well watered and vei-y pleasant. It has a fine fish pond, and lies 68 miles W. from Boston, and 18 W. fi-om Worcester: taken from Brookfield in 1802. Population, 1830, 1,241 ; 1837, 1,509. The agricultural products sent to market are very considerable. The manufactures of the town consist of boots and shoes, woolen cloth, leather, &c., the value of which for the year ending April 1,1837, was $535,224 ; of which |470,316 was for boots and shoes. Kortlifield, Vt. Washington co. This town lies 10 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier, and 35 E from Burlington. Popu- lation in 1830, 1,412. First settled, 1785. The principal stream in this town is Dog river, which runs through it in a northerly direction, and alTords a opeat number of valu- able mill privileges. The surface is uneven, but the soil is generally good and easily cultivated. In the centre of the town is a neat, pleas- ant and flourishing village, contain- ing a numberof saw mills and other mechanical operations by water. NorUifield, Me. Incorporated 1838. See " Down East." Nortlifield, IV. II., Merriihack co., is bounded N. by Winnepisiogee river, and W. by the Merrimack. It is 14 miles N. from Concord, and 10 W. by S. of Gilmanton. The soil here is in some parts good — that of the best quality lies on the two ridges ex- tending through the town. Ches- nut pond lies in the east part of the town, and its waters flow into the NEW EAGLAND GAZETTEEH. Winnepisiogee three miles fiom its junction wiih the Pemigewasset. — Sondogaiciy pond flows into the Merrimack. Near Webster's falls, the Winnepisiogee fajls into the Pemigewasset, and the united streams form the Merrimack river. The piincipai elevation, called Bean hill, separates the town from Can- terbury. Xorthfield formerly pos- sessed valuable water privileges on the Winnepisiogee river, but this portion of its tcriitory is embraced by the new town of Franklin. — The first settlement was made here in 1760, by Benjamin Blanchardand others. A metliodist church was formed here in 1S06. Incorporated June 19, 17S0. Population, 1S30, 1,169. Xortlifielcl, Mass. Franklin co. This is an interest- ing town, on both sides of Connec- ticut river. It was incorporated in 1673, and some years after desolated by the Indians. The inhabitants returned again in 1685, but it was soon afler destroyed a second time. In 1713, it was again rebuilt. Fort Dummer was in the vicinity. This town was purchased of the Indians in 1687, for 200 fathoms of wampum and £57 value of goods. Its Indian name was Squatckeag. Most of the land in this town is excellent, and the village verv pleasant: 28 miles below Walpole, N. H., 11 N. E. from Greenlield, and 83 N. \V. by W. from Boston. Northlield produ- ces fine cattle, and considerable wool. The manufactures of the town consist of leather, boots, shoes, ploughs, chairs and cabinet ware. Population, 1837, 1,605. Xortli Haven, Ct. New Haven co. Noith Haven was taken from New Haven in 1786. The town lies on both sides of the Wallingford,or Quinnipiac river, and comprises the valley and a part of the bordering hills. The vaiit-y is partly rich intervale land, and more extensively sand ; covered with a thin stiatum of loam ; liglit but warm. Near the northern line of the town it is so light as, in two or three places of small extent, to be bloVvn into diifts. The soil of the hills is good, being a reddish loam. From the vicinity of this town to New Haven, and from its lialit and warm soil, which is favorable for eaily vegetation, there are vaiious culinary vegetables^ particularly peas, cultivated for the New Ha- ven market. But the most striking feature in the township, is the large and beaulitul tract of salt meadows on both sides of the Quinnipiac. — These meadows produce large quantities of grass, which is mow- ed and stacked upon the land, from whence, when the giound is frozen sufficiently solid in the winter, it is removed. Upon the salt marsh the hay is salt; but on those meadows which are protected from the salt water by means of dikes, the grass is fresh and of a better quality. — These are called dike marshes or meadows. The making of biick receives considerable attention in this town. Four and a half millions of them are manufactured annually, and pi-incipally sold in New Haven. The village is veiy pleasant, and was, for more than half a century, the residence of Dr. Tri-mbull, tht celebrated historian of Connec- ticut. Ezra Stiles, D. D., president of Vale college, was born in this town, in 1727, and died in 1795. He delighted in preaching the gospel to the poor. Among the members of his church at Newport were seven negroes. These occasionally met in his study, when he instructed them, and falling on their knees to- gether he implored for them and for himself the blessing of that God with whom all distinction except- ing that of Christian excellence is as nothing. In the cause of civil and religious liberty. Dr. Stiles was I an c::*husiast. He contended, that NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the right of conscience and private judgment was unalienable ; and that no exigencies of the Cliristian church could render it lawful to erect any body of men into a stand- ing judicatory over the churches. He engaged with zeal in the cause of his country. He thought, that the thirtieth of January, whicli was observed by the Episcopalians in commemoration of the martyrdom of Charles I, " ought to be celebrat- ed as an anniversary thanksgiving, that one nation on earth had so much fortitude and public justice, as to make a royal tyrant bow to the sove- reignty of the people." He was catholic in his sentiments, for his heart was open to receive all who loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity. He was couipicuous for his benev- olence, as well as for his learning and piety. He was a man of low stature, and of a small, though well proportioned form. His voice Vv'as clear and energetic. His counte- nance, especially in conversation, was expressive of benignity and mildness; but if occasion required, it became the index of majesty and authority. Kortli Hero, Vt. Chief town. Grand Isle co. This town was granted to Ethan Allen and others in 1779, and the settle- ment commenced in 1733. The British erected a block house here, at a place called Dutchman's Point, which was garrisoned ahd not given up till 1796. The soil of the town- ship is of an excellent quality, and produces grain of all kinds in abun- dance. The county buildings are well situated, and ihe scenery about the village is very pleasant. It lies .^7 miles N. \V. from Montpe- lier, and 28 N. N. W. from Burling- ton. Population, 1S30, 638. Nortli ICingston, R,. I. Washington CO. This is a wealthy township on the west side of Narra- ganset bay, 21 miles S. from Prov- idence, 10 N. W. from Newport, and 8 N. from South Kingston. — The sui-face of the town is uneven; the soil is a gravelly loam, well adapted for the culture of grain and vegetables, and the productions of the dairy. There ai-e some forests in the town of good ship timber. — It is watered by several small streams which produce a good water power, on which are numerous man- ufacturing establishments. These streams atford bass and other fish in abundance. There is considerable navigation owned at North Kings- ton, which is employed in the coast- ing trade and fishery. Wickford village, in this town, is very pleasant and flourishing: it has a good harbor, and is a place of considerable trade. It lies about 2 miles east of the Stonington rail- road. Pop. of the town, 1830,3,037. Noi'tliport, Me. Waldo CO. This town is bounded on the east by Penobscot and Bel- fast bays. It is well watered by several ponds and small streams: the soil is good and productive. The navigable advantages of the place are great. Considerable ship build- ing is carried on here, and there is considerable trade in the lumber and coasting business. It lies 46 miles E. from Augusta and 6 S. from Belfast. Population, 1837, 1,107. North Providence, R. I. Providence CO. This ancient and wealthy town was a part of Provi- dence until 1767. Population, in 1810, 1,758; 1820, 2,420; 1830, 3,-503. The surface of this town is une- ven, consisting of moderate eleva- tions and gentle declivities. The rocks are primitive and transition : some limestone is found. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, which is interspersed with tracts of sandy loam, and some of calcareous. The forests consist of oak, walnut and some pine ; and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the agricultural productions, of grass, hay, corn, some rye, pota- toes, vegetables and fruits, many of which are sent to Providence. The waters of the town consist of the Seekonk river, which wash- es its eastern border; the Wanas- quatucket, which forms its western boundary; and the Mashasuck, which intersects the interior of the township. These streams afford numerous sites for hydraulic works, some of which are almost unrival- led. There are some valuable shad and herring fisheries in the Seekonk. This town is distinguished for its manufactures, particularly those of cotton, which form an important interest. The extent of this busi- ness, having concentrated a large capital, and an immense aggregate of industry, has, within the last fif- ty years, given rise to a large and flourishing village. The village of Pawtucketis situated in the north- east section of the town, four miles northeast from Providence, on the border of the Seekonk river; its site being principally the declivity of a hill, and it is highly romantic and picturesque. The river here affords numerous natural sites for manu- facturing establishments, mills and hydraulic works of almost every description, which are scarcely ri- valled, and which are occupied to a great extent. The rapid march of manufacturing and mechanical in- dustry, which the short annals of this place disclose, has few exam- ples in our country, and has pro- duced one of the most considerable and flourishing manufacturing vil- lages in the United States. The river here forms the bouniiai'y line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and the village is built upon both sides of it; being pailly in each state. That part of the village which is in this state is principally built on four streets; and compris- es a large number of handsome buildings. Besides the cotton business, there are in the town furnaces for cast- ing, slitting mills, anchor shops, cut nail factories, screw manufac- tories, &c. &.C. See Pawtucket, Mass. Xortli Stoniugton, Ct. New London co. This town was taken from Stonington in 1808. It is watered by the Pavvcatuck and its branches, which afford good mill sites. The surface is uneven, hilly and abounding in granitic rocks. The soil is a gravelly loam, and generally productive of good pas- turage. Agriculture is the princi- pal employment of the inhabit- ants. Milltown is a pretty village with some trade : it lies 50 miles S. E. from Hartford, 13 N. E. from New London, and 7 N. by E. from Ston- ington Borough. Population of the town in 1830, 2,840. TVorthimibei-land, 2V. H., In Coos county, on Connecticut river, is ISOmiles N. from Concord, and 7 N. E. from Lancaster. The soil along the Connecticut is very productive, perfectly free from stone and gravel, and originally covered with a growth of butternut. A portion of the upland is also good, and covered with pine, spruce, fir, ash, maple, &.c. Cape Horn, an abrupt mountain of 1,000 feet in height, lies near the centre of the town. Its north base is separated from the Connecticut by a narrow plain, and the upper Amonoosuck passes near its cast base, as it falls into the Connecticut. Here the meadows are extensive, and are an- nually covered by the spring Hoods, presenting the appearance of an inland sea. At the falls in the Con- necticut, below the mouth of the Amonoosuck, a handsome bridge connects Northumberland with Guildhall, in Vermont. A dam is also thrown across the river at this place, at both ends of which are NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. pleasant villages and mills of vari- ous kinds are erected. Northum- berland was incorporated in 1779. First settled, 1767. Population, 1830, 352. Near the liver a small fort was erected during the revolutionary war, and placed in the command of Capt. Jeremiah Eames, afterwards well known for his usefulness, wit and pleasantry. Blortliwood, Iff. H. Rockingham co. There are a num- ber of ponds in this town, and ex- cellent fishing. Suncook pond, 750 rods long, 100 wide ; Jenness' pond, 300 rods long, 150 wide ; Long pond, about 300 rods long, 50 wide ; Harvey's pond, 2!)0 I'ods long, from 40 to 80 wide ; a part of Great Bow pond is also in this town, and a part of North river pond ; Pleasant pond, and Little l?ow pond. Tiie noith branch of Lamprey rivei- has its rise in this town near Saddleback mountain, a high ridge between this town and Deerfield. On the E. side of this I'idge are found crystals and crystalline spars of various col- ors and sizes. This town has an elevated site, and commands a distant and varied piospect. The waters flowing fi'oni the farm of the late Jonathan Clarke, Esq., one of the first settlers, fall into three different rivers, the Suncook, Lamprey and Isinglass. The soil of this town is generally moist, and well suited to grazing. Northwood was original- ly a part of Nottingham, and was settled in 1763. Northwood is 20 miles E. from Concord, 20 N. W. from Exeter, and about the same distance W. fi-om Dover. Popula- tion, 1S30, 1,342. Ilfortli Tarmoiitli, Me. Cumberland co. Thisi=: a pleasant town on Casco bav, 10 miles N. from Portland, and 42 S. E. from Aus:ns- ta. Population, 1837, 2,782. The town was first settled in 1640. In 1687 it was attacked by the Indians, 26 and deserted by the whites; and was not re-settled by them until 1725. It was incorporated in 1713. About 4000 tons of navigation is owned hei-e, employed in the trans- portation of luiwber and the fishery. Thei'e is a fine stream of water in the town, on which are a paper and saw mills, and other manufactories. The academy in North Yarmouth is well founded and is in a flourish- ing condition. See Register. Kortoii, Mass. Biistol CO. Norton was taken from Taunton in 1771. It lies 30 miles S. from Boston, 17 N. E. from Providence, and S N. W. from Taunton. Population, 1837, 1,530. It is well watered by Rumford, Co- casset and Canoe rivers, which empty into the Taunton. The manu- factures of the town consist of sheet copper and copper bolts, cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, iron castings, ploughs, shuttles, straw bonnets and baskets: — total value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $397,763. Winnicunnit pond, in this town, was a great resort for the Indians, some of whom resided in natural caves, on its shores, and lived on fish and clams. NorAvalk, Ct. Fairfield co. This pleasant town lies on Long Island Sound, 32 miles W. S. W. from New Haven, 22 S. from Danbury, and 48 N. E. from New York. Population, 1S30, 3,792. Norwalk originally included part of the prescwt towns of New Cana- an and Wilton, and part of West- port. In the ancient record, the bounds are stated to be " from Nor- walk river to Sauhafuck river, from sea, Indian one day walk into the country." For this tract the fol- lowing articles were given, viz ; " 8 fathom wampum, 6 coats, 10 hatch- ets, 10 hoes, 10 knives, 10 scissors, lOjewsharpSj 10 fathom tobacco, 3 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. kettles, 3 hauds-about, and 10 look- ing glasses." The following arti- cles were given to the Indi-ins for the tract " from Norwalk river to Five mile river, from sea, Indian one day in country," viz. " 10 fathom wampum, 3 hatchets, 3 hoes when ships come, (i glasses, 12 to- bacco pipes, 3 knives, 10 drillers, 10 needles." The name of Nor- walk is derived from the above bar- gain, viz ; the northern bounds of the lands purchased were to extend from the sea one day's "north walk" into the country. The soil in this town is excel- lent. The surface is uneven, be- ing pleasantly diversified with hills and valleys. On the border of the Sound the hills are generally mod- erate, and in the interior more ele- vated. " The valley which lies along Norwalk river, and in which the town is built, is beautiful. Few richer prospects of the same extent can be found than that which is presented from the neighboring em- inences of this ground : the town built in its bosom, with its cheerful spires ; the river flowing through the middle ; the farms on the bor- dering hills; the rich plain that skirts the Sound, and a triiin of is- lands fronting the mouth of the riv- er, and extending eastward five or six miles ; together with an unlim- ited view of the Sound, and the Long Island shore." Norwalk contains two considera- ble and flourishing villages, Nor- walk Borough, and the village of Old Well. Norwalk Borough, (con- stituted as such in 1836,) is a vil- lage of upwards of 130 handsome buildings, and an extensive pottery. Norwalk is a place of considerable activity and business, being a com- mercial depot and market for the northern part of the county ; a con- siderable proportion of tlie staple products being brought here for sale, or to be freighted for New York. The village is built on both sides of a small river or creek, which is much contracted in width at the bridge which connects the two parts of the village, and the buiUlings on each side ot the stieam are so near each other, that the passage of the river from the north is not readily perceived at a short distance. Ves- sels drawing six feet of water can get up to the bridge in the most compact part of the village. Tlie flourishing village of Old Well is situated about 1 1-2 miles south of the central part of Nor- walk Borough, on the west side of the creek. There are at present in this vil- lage six or seven hat factories, three potteiies, and a carriage making establishment. This is the princi- pal landing place for steam -boats for Norwalk and the vicinity, there be- ing a daily line from and to New York. A boat every other day leaves Norwalk bridge for New York. There is a cotton factory and a factoiy for manufacturing carpets in the town. This establishment, called the " Patent Carpet Compa- ny," was commenced in 1834. — Their carpeting, of which they manufacture at this time about 200 yards daily, is made without spin- ning or weaving, being made of felting, the material of which hats are composed. This town was burnt by the Brit- ish, under Tryon, on the 17th July, 1779. Eighty dwelling houses, 2 churches, 87 barns, 17 shops, 4 mills, and 5 vessels were destroyed. Norway, Me. Oxford CO. This is a fine town- ship, well watered by several streams and ponds. One of the ponds is large, — very handsome, and discharges its waters into Little Androscoggin river. Norway lies 47 miles W. by S. from Augusta, and is bounded on the E. by Paris. Incorporated, 1797. Population, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 1S37, 1,791. Wheat crop, same year, 7,272 bushels. Norwicli, Vt. Windsor co. This town lies on the west side of Connecticut river, and is connected with Hanover, N. H. by a bridge. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil is good for grain, pasturage and fruit. Omponiponoosuck river and other streams water the town and afford it good mill seats. First settled, 1763. Population, 1830, 2,316.— It lies 40 miles S. S. E. from Mont- pelier and 19 N. from Windsor. J\'orwich village is pleasantly situated on a plain, near Connecti- cut river, and contains a university and a number of handsome build- ings. See Register. Norivicli, Mass. Hampshire co. This mountain- ous town is watered by Westfield river. The soil in many parts is good for grazing, and many sheep are kept here. There is a cotton mill in the town, and manufactures of leather, boots, shoes, axes, and spirits. It lies 108 miles W. from Boston, and 12 W. by S. from Northampton. Incorporated, 1773. Population, 1837, 714. Norwich, Ct. One of the chief towns of New London county. Norwich city is situated at the head of navigation of Thames river, at the point of land formed by the junction of the Shetucket and Yantic rivers, whose united waters constitute the Thames. The main part of the city is built on the southern declivity of a high and rocky hill : the houses are built in tiers, rising one above another. The cily, as it is approached from the south, presents one of the most beautiful, interesting and romantic prospects in the state. The build- ings, which are mostly painted white, appear in full view for a con- siderable distance down the river : these contrasted with the deep green foliage covering the rocky and ele- vated banks of the river, give a picturesque variety to the scene, forming on the water a delightful avenue to the city. There are in this city, (or as it was formerly call- ed, Chelsea or Norwich Landing,) a court house and town hall. A high school for boys, and a female academy, in which the higher branches of education are taught, have been in operation for a consid- eiable time, and are in flouiishing circumstances. About a mile east- ward of the landing is situated the flourishing village of Greenville, at the eastern extremity of wliich a dam has been constructed across the Shetucket, which will, it is calculat- ed furnish sutiicient water power to carry 60,000 spindles : four or five large factories, and perhaps 40 or 50 dwelling houses, are, or are about to be built. Among the fac- tories there is perhaps the most ex- tensive paper mill in the state, own- ed, by the Chelsea Manufacturing Company. There are also two oth- er papei- mills near the falls, which do an extensive business. The first paper manufactured in Connecticut was made in this town by Col. Christopher Leffingwell. There are at, and near the falls, 9 or 10 establishments for manufacturing purposes. Besides these, and those at Greenville, there are some more in other parts of the town. The principal manufactures are those of cotton, paper and woolens. Nor- wich city is 13 miles N. from New London, 38 S. E. from Hartford, 38 S. W. from Providence, and 50 N. E. from New Haven. Population of Norwich, in 1830, was 5,179 ; of which 3,144 were in the city limits. Above the cove, which sets up about a mile from the river, " the bed of the river consists of a solid rock, having a perpendicular height of ten or twelve feet, over which the whole body of water falls in an entire sheet upon a bed of rocks NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. below. The river here is compress- ed into a very narrow channel, the banks consisting of solid rocks, and being bold and elevated. For a distance of 15 or 20 rods, the chan- nel or bed of the river has a gradual descent, is crooked and covered with pointed locks. The lock, forming the bed of the river at the bottom of the perpendicular falls, is curiously excavated, some of the cavities being live or six feet deep, from the constant pouring of the sheet of water for a succession of ages." At the bottom of the fails there is the broad basin of the cove, where the enraged and agitated element resumes its usual smooth- ness and placidity, and the whole scenery about these falls is uncom- monly beautiful and picturesque. During the wars between Uncas and the Narragansets, Uncas was closely besieged in his fort near the Thames, until his provisions be- came nearly exhausted, and he with his men weie on the point of per- ishing by famine or sword. Fortu- nately he found means of giving in- telligence to the scouts who had been sent out from Saybiook fort. — By his messcngei-s, he represented the great danger the English would be in, were the Narragansets suf- fered to overpower the Mohegans. " Upon this intelligence, one Thomas Leflingwell, an ensign at Saybrook, an enterprising, bold man, loaded a canoe with beef, corn and peas, and under the cover of night paddled from Saybrook into the Thames, and had the address to get the whole info the fort. The enemy soon perceiving that Uncas was relieved, raised the siege. — For this service, Uncas gave Lef- fingwell a deed of a great part, if not the whole town of Norwich. — In June, 16.59, Uncas with his two sons, Owaneko and Attawanhood, by a more formal and authentic deed, made over to said LeITingweli, John Mason, Esq., the Rev. James Fitch and others, consisting of thirty-five proprietors, the whole of Norwich, which is about nine miles square. The company at this time gave Un- cas and his sons about £70, as a further compensation for so large and fine a tract." Nottiugliam, X. H., Rockingham co., is 25 miles E. S. E. fi on) Concord, and 20 W. from Portsmouth. Population, in 1830, 1,157. There aie several ponds in this town, mostly of small size. Lit- tle liver and several other streams rise here ; and Noith liver passes thiough the town. The soil is in many parts good, though the sur- face is rough and bioken. Sever- al mountains extend along the W. part of the town, forming parts of the range called Blue Hills. Ji^ottinghain Square is a pleas- ant village on an elevated site. Bog iron ore is found here in great quan- tities ; and it is said inexhaustible masses of mountain ore exist in the mountains. Crystals and crystal- line spars are found here ; and also ochres in small quantities. Not- tingham was incorporated in 1722, and settled in 1727. Gen. Joseph Cilley entered the army of the revolution at its commencement and commanded the 1st N. H. regiment. He was dis- tinguished for biMvery and patriot- ism during the whole contest. Hon. Thomas Bartlett was an active revolutionary patriot ; one of the committee of safety ; Lt. Col. under Stark at the capture of Bur- goyne, and commanded a regiment at West Point in 17S0, when the treachery of Arnold betrayed that post. Gen. Henry Butler was an officer in the army of the revolu- tion, and Major General of militia. Descendants of these revolutionary worthies now live in the town. NulUcgaii River, Vt. This river rises by several branch- es in the highlands, at the north NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. part of Essex county. These branches unite and tall into the Connecticut at Brunswick. This river is in soma parts rapid ; in oth- ers, deep and sluggish. It waters about 120 square miles, and is fifty feet wide at its mouth. The head waters of this and of the river Clyde, pass N. into Memphremagog lake, and are near each other. This was formerly an Indian route be- tween Connecticut river and Cana- da. Oakham, Mass. Worcester co. The surface of this town is uneven ; some of the lands which border on the streams that fall into Cliickopee river are fertile. The highlands are not very good. iThere is" a satinet factory in the town, and manufactures of straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, leath- er, ploughs, boots and shoes. Oakham lies 60 miles W. from Boston, and 15 N. W. from Worces- ter. It was taken from Rutland in 1762. Population, 1S37, 1,109. Oldto^vn, Me. Penobscot co. See Orono. Oldtown Harbor, Mass. See Edgartown. Olammon, Me. Penobscot co. See G-reenbush. Ompomyonoosuc River, Vt. This good mill stream is about 20 miles in length : — it rises near the centre of the county of Orange, and falls into Connecticut river at Norwich. Onion liiver, Vt. This is one of the largest and most valuable rivers in the state. — It is about 70 miles in length, and in its course fertilizes large tracts of land and produces a great hydraulic power. This stream rises in Cale- donia county : it passes nearly through the centre of the counties of Washington and Chittenden, and 26* after passing " Winooski city" it falls into Champlain lake, five miles N. from Burlington village. Winooski is the beautiful Indian name of this river, and had the good people of Winooski possessed the exquisite taste of their predecessors they would probably have called their charming little city cabbage toivn. Onion river, so called, has nu- merous tributaries, and is one of the most romantic streams in the coun- try. The channels which have been worn in the rocks, by its cease- less current, are objects of great admiration. In its passage through the mountains are found fissures through solid rocks from 30 to 100 feet in depth, with smooth perpen- dicular sides, 60 or 70 feet in width. In many places on this stream are natural bridges, curious caverns, and delightful water-falls. The road near the banks of this stream, from Connecticut river to Burlington, is said to be the best passage across the mountains, in that direction: it is certainly highly picturesque and delightful. Oqiiossalc Lake, Me. Oxford CO. This large lake lies a few miles N. E. of the Mooseluck- maguntic. It is very irregular in its form, and contains many islands. Orange, N. H., Grafton co., is 16 miles E. from Dartmouth college, 10 8. W. from Plymouth, and 40 N. W. from Con- cord. Population, 1830, 405. In this town are found many mineral substances, such as lead ore, iron ore, &c. There is in the S. E. part a small pond, in which is found a species of paint resembling spruce yellow. Chalk, intermixed with magnesia, is said to be procured from the same pond. In 1810, a valuable species of ochre was dis- covered. It is found in great abun- dance, deposited in veins, and of a quality superior to the imported.-^ NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Large quantities of it are annually prepared for market. The surface of Orange is uneven, but the soil in many parts of it is proiiuctis'e. — Cardigan mountain lies in the E. part of the town. Orange was granted by the name of Cardigan, Feb. C, 1769. Its settlement com- menced in 1773. Orauge County, Vt. CAeZsea, chief town. This coun- ty is bounded N. by Washington and Caledonia counties, E. by Con- necticut river, S. by Windsor coun- ty, and W. by Addison and Wash- ington counties. Area, 650 square miles. Population, 1820, 24,169; 1830, 27,28.5. Population to a square mile, 42". Incorporated, 1781. The eastern range of the Green mountains extends along the northwestern part of the county. The principal rivers, besides the Connecticut, are the Omponiponoo- suc, Vi'ait's, branches of the While, and St-evens' branch of the Onion. The lands in Orange county are gen- erally good for grazing, and supply many cattle and all the varieties of the dairy, of which a large amount is annually sent to market. In 1837 there were 99, ."346 sheep witli- in its limits. This county contains some excellent tracts of land on the banks of the Connecticut. Iron and lead ores, slate and granite, are abundant. Orange, Vt. Orange co. This town lies 12 miles S. E. from Montpelier, and 12 N. from Chelsea. First settled, 17.93. Population, 1830, 1,016.— The soil is cold, and better suited for grazing than grain. Knox's moun- tain lies in this town : — it is quite an elevation, and is composed princi- pally of granite. Some of tlie quarries in the town produce excel- lent granite for building, and here are found plates of beautiful white mica, several inches square. The products of the town in cattle and wool are considerable. Orange, Mass. Franklin co. Orange lies 72 miles W. from Boston, and 20 E. from Greentield. Incorporated, 1783. Population, 1830, 880 ; 1837, 1,543; The iiianufactures of the town consist of iron castings, boots, shoes, palm-leaf hats, card boards, shoe pegs, chairs and cabinet ware : annual amount about $40,000. Mil- ler's river affords the town a good water power, and Tully hill a fine prospect. The soil is uneven, and better fitted for grazing than tillage. There is a pleasant village in the town, and a good fish pond. Orange, C't. New Haven CO. This town was taken from New Haven and Mil- ford in 1822. The name was adopt- ed in honor of William, Prince of Orange, in commemoration of the benefits received from him by the colony of Connecticut; particular- ly for the restoration of their char- ter after the usurpation and tyranny of Edmund Andros. Orange Jles about 4 miles S. W. from New Haven and is a plea?ant town with a productive soil. The inhabitants are principally farmers. Savin Rock in this town is a roman- tic spot, and a place of resort in the summer. There are mines of sil- ver and copper in the town, and as- bestos is found in abundance in ser- pentine rocks. Population, 1830, 1,.341. Orford, X. H. Grafton co. It lies on Connecti- cut river, over which is a bridge, connecting with Fairlee. Orford is 11 miles below Haverhill, 17 N. of Hanover, and 64 N. W. from Con- cord. The soil is generally of a fertile character. The large inter- vale farms, watered by the Connec- ticut, are particularly distinguished NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. for their beauty and fertility. There are two considerable elevations, called Mount Cuba and Mount Sun- day, lying near the centre of the town. There are four or five ponds of considerable size, one of which, called Baker's upper pond, lies with- in 3 or 4 miles of Connecticut river. This pond discharges its waters in- to another pond, lying partly in Wentworth, and the waters of both empty into Baker's river. Indian pond lies about 1 mile west Irom Baker's upper pond. Limestone is found in great abundance. It is of the primitive kind, coarse grained, and forms a strong and hard cement. It is found at the foot of a mountain, about 400 or 500 feet above Connecticut river. Soap stone is also found here in great abundance. A light grey granite rock, much used for mill stones and for building, is found in various pla- ces. Galena, or lead ore, of a very fine texture, containing needles of crystallized quartz, or lead, has been found, in considerable quantities in sinking a well. Orford contains a pleasant village, situated on the main road. " It is built on a beau- tiful plain bordered by intervale on the AV. The hills on both sides of the river, near the centre of the ex- pansion, approach each other so as to form a kind of neck ; and with a similar approximation at the two ends give the whole the appear- ance of a double amphitheatre, or of the numerical figure 8. The greatest breadth of each division is about 1 1-2 miles ; and the length of each between 2 a.Tid 3 miles." The buildings stand principally on a sin- gle street, of 2 oi- 3 miles in extent. Orford was granted Sept. 23, 1761. In June, 1765, a Mr. Cross with his family, from Lebanon, first settled in this town. A congregational church was gatliered Aug. 27, 1770. Rev. Oliver Noble was ordained Nov. 5, 1771. Population, 1S30, 1,829. Orlaiid, Me. Hancock co. This town lies on the east side of Penobscot river, op- posite to Orphan's Island. It lies 64 miles E. from Augusta and 12 W. from Ellsworth. Orland is fine- ly watered by ponds and streams: it has a good soil, a pleasant village and great navigable facilities. In- corporated, 1800. Population, 1830, 975; 1837, 1,244. Orleaus County, Vt. Irasburgh, chief town. This county is bounded N. by Lower Canada, E. by Essex and Caledonia counties, S. by Caledonia county, and W. by Franklin and Lamoille counties. This county lies between the eastern and western ranges of the Green mountains. The surface is generally handsome and the soil well adapted for wheat, rye and grass : the climate is rather too cold for corn, and some parts of the coun- ty is low and marshy. Orleans county is watered by Missisque, Black, Barton and other rivers. It contains more ponds than any coun- ty in the state. Much of its trade goes to Canada by the way of Memphremagog lake, which lies in this county and Canada. In 1837 there were 30,657 sheep in the county. Incorporated, 1792. Pop- ulation, 1830, 11,375. Orleans, Mass. Barnstable co. Orleans was tak- en from Eastham, in 1797. It ex- tends across a narrow part of Cape Cod, and is indented with coves and creeks on both sides. Stage harbor opens on the east through Chatham and Nauset beaches, which extend along the coast : — between which and the town is Pleasant bay, with several islands. In 1837, there were 33 vessels belonging to Orleans engaged in the cod and mackerel fishery, the tonnage of which was 2,310 tons. They took 20,000 quin- tals of cod fish and 600 barrels of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. mackerel. There were 31,000 bushels of sail used, and 2 84 men and boys were employed. Tlic valae of fish taken, when cured and packed, wa-: .$91,100 :— capital in- vested, $33,000. There arc 50 es- tablishments for the manufacture of salt in the town ; during the year ending April 1, 1837, there were 21,780 bushels made. There are also manufactures of palm-leaf hats, leather, boots, shoes and tin ware. Orleans lies 20 miles E. from Barn- stable. Population, 1830, 1,799; 1837, 1,936. Orono, Mc. Penobscot co. This town lies on the west side of Penobscot river, and is watered by Dead stream and a large part of Pushaw lake. It is 74 miles N. E. from Augusta. In- corporated, 1306. Population, 1830, 1,473; 1837, 3,961. The soil of the town is good, and produced, in 1837, 1,744 bushels of wheat. This town borders on the Great Falls in Penobscot river, and contains a great number of saw mills, which manufactui-e a vast amount of lum- ber annually for the Bangor market. Orono is pleasant and uncommonly flourishing. A rail-road between Bangor and the villages of Stillwater and Old- town, in Orono, was opened for travel in 1S38. It is 12 miles in length, and cost $350,000. The Penobscot river at Oldtown, above the falls, is 40 feet higher than at Bangor. The village of Stillwater 13 4 miles below Oldtown. Above the falls, and about a mile above the village of Oldtown, near the mouth of Dead stream, on " Old- town Island," is the Indian Settle- ment. This settlement is very plea- santly located, and secure from ap- proach except by boats or canoes. It contains a number of framed houses, and a neat chapel with a bell. In 1837, .John Neptune, the lieu- tenaat Governor, and other officers of the Penobscot tribe of Indians, finished taking by families a very particular census of all who belong to the tiibe, for the puipose of a just and equal distribution of the annuities and other monies paid to them. It was found that the fami- lies in all were ninety five — the list exhibiting the head of each family by name, and the number of indi- viduals each one contains, annexed thereto. The whole number of souls in the tribe was three hundred and sixty-two. Their olfirers are, a governor, lieutenant governor, a colonel, four captains, one 'squire, and one deacon. In religion they are catholics. Several of them can read, and a few can write, though in a poor hand. The whole tribe is divided in pol- itics, and on some occasions party spirit rages with almost as much warmth as among the pale faces, though generally better tempered. No affair of honor, or rather of murder, has ever been known to disgrace these savages. The tribe own, collectively, all the islands in the Penobscot river, beginning with that of Oldtown, where their village is, and including all up as far as the forks, several miles above the Matawamkeag, many of which are exceedingly pleasant and fertile. The Indians are not poor, having sold some of their lands for large sums. To such a remnant, howev- er, is this tribe reduced — a tribe an- ciently and uniformly called the Tarratines, who could bring into the field more than two thousand warriors, and who claimed the lands on both sides of the Penobscot riv- er from its sources to its mouth. Orphan's Island, Me. Penobscot co. This island, con- taining about 5,000 acres of excel- lent Kind, at the mouth of Penob- scot river, is 4 miles in length. Itis attached to the town of Bucksport ; the head or north part of it lies oppo- NEW ENGLAXD GAZETTEER. site to the beautiful village in that town. This island divides the Penob- scot into two branches: the western or main branch is called the " Nar- rows, ''on which side a fort is about to be constructed by the U. S. govern- ment for the protection of the river. The other branch is called " Eastern river." This beautiful island derived its name from its having been the pro- perty of an orphan heiress who in- herited it as her part of the Waldo Patent. Orrington, Hie. Penobscot co. This is a fine town- ship of land with a handsome vil- lage on the east side of Penobscot river, opposite to Hampden. The town has a good mill stream and en- joys great navigable facilities. Pop- ulation, 1S37, 1,426. Wheat crop, same year, 2, .340 bushels. Orwell, Vt. Rutland co. This town lies on Champlain lake opposite to Ticon- deroga, N. Y. and contains Mount Independence, celebrated in the an- nals of the revolutionary war. The lake here is about a mile wide, and from the Mount a delightful pros- pect is presented. Orwell was first permanently settled in 1783. The soil of the town is generally good and productive. In 1837 it contain- ed 21,512 sheep. There i,s a spring in the town from the waters of which Ep5om salts have been made, and shells of animals have been found supposed to have pertained to the ocean. There are good mill streams in Orwell and a pleasant village. Population, 1330, 1,598. Osaiijee, N. H., Strafford co. is 60 mile- N. N. E. from Concoid, and about 15 N. E. from Gilford, across Winnepisiogee lake. Ossipee mountain, a rough and broken range, lies in the N. W. part of Ossipee, extending into the adjoining towns. It is 6 or 8 miles in length, and i^ so elevated that in easterly storms the winds break over the summits, frequently caus- ing much injury to the farms, and buildings at its base. Ossipee lake is in this town, and Freedom : it is a fine body of water, of an oval form, covering about 7,000 acres, having no island, and its waters clear and beautiful. Ossipee river flows from this lake, from whence it passes through Fi-eedom into the Saco, in Maine. Pine river passes through the E. part of Os?ipec, and Bear- camp river falls into the lake on the N. W. There are several ponds in Ossipee, the largest of which lies partly in Tuftonborough, and is about 400 rods long. Bear pond in the S. E. part, has no visible outlet. Near the W. shore of Ossipee lake, is a mound of earth 45 or 50 feet in diameter, of a circular form, and about 10 feet high, from which have been taken several entire skeletons, and also tomahawks, &c. exhibiting the strongest evidence that the tribe once so powerful in this vicinity had their principal residence here. Ossipee was incorporated, Feb. 22, 1735. Population, 1830, 1,935. Hancock co. Otis was incorpo- rated in 1835. It is bounded on the west by Ellsworth. It is the source of some of the rivers which flow into Frenchman's bay, and Union liver, passes its N. V/. corner. Pop- ulation, 1837, 92. Otis, Mass. Berkshire co. This township is on high ground, and is the source of some of the head waters of Farm- ington and Westfield rivers. These streams tlowfrom several very hand- some ponds. The surface of the town is uneven but the soil is pro- ductive, particularly of good pastur- age. The manufactures consist of leather, boots, shoes, chairs, cabi- net ware, lumber, &c. It lies 130 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 15 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. S. E. from Lenox. Population, 1S37, 1,077. Incorporated, 1793. Otisfield, Me. Cumberland co. This town is watered by Crooked liver, which empties into Sebagojake. The soil is very good, and produced, in 1S37, 4,525 bushel- of wheat. It lies 82 miles S. S. AV. from Augusta and 32 N. N. W. from Portland. Pop- ulation 1830, 1,257. Otter Creek, Vt. ■ This stream rises on the south part oi Rutland counts' : — it traverses, in a northern course, nearly through the centre of that county, and wa- ters Clarendon, Rutland, Pittsford, Brandon and other towns; it then enters Addison county, and passes to Middlebury, whei-e it fails very considerably, affording that pleasant town an admirable water power; — it then passes Weybridge, New Ha- ven and Vergennes, and falls into Champlain lake at Ferrisburgh. From Vergennes it is navigable for the largest lake vessels, 8 miles. There are no considerable falls on this stream except at Widdlebui-y, Weybridge and Vergennes. In ma- ny parts of its course it is sluggish. From Middlebury to Pittsford, a distance of 25 miles, it is navigable for boats. Otter Creek has many tributaries which afford a great wa- ter power. Its length is about 90 miles, and on its banks are large tracts of alluvial meadows, some of the best in the state. It receives the waters of a basin of about 900 square miles. Owl's Head, Me. Lincoln co. This noted place on our eastein waters is a point of land attached to the town of Thomaston, running out three or four miles into Penobscot bay, opposite to the island town of Vinalhaven. Owl's Head forms the western entrance into the I mouth of Penobscot river, and has ' a light house to guide the wary- mariner on his way. A breakwater is about !)cing erected, which will rendei- the harlior at this place one of the most conjnioriious. as it is one of the most important, on the coast. An almost countless number of ves- sels pass this place annually. Fre- quently live bumlied pa^^s in a day. From March 15th to June 15th, 1S38, 5019 sail were seen to pass in the day lime. Owl's Head is not only a stopping place in a storm, but a resort for great numbei-s of people, for many miles arounrl, to take pas- sages on board of steamers and oth- ervessels. It is a delightful place in summer, and has justly acquired a reputation for possessing all the various enjoyments which induce thousands to visit the sea coast at other |)laces. It lies 4 miles E. from Thomaston, 55 S. from Bangor, 40 S. E. from Augusta, and 79 E. N. E. from Portland. Oxford County, Me. Paris, chief town. This county is bounded N. by Lowei- Canada, E. by Franklin and Kennebec coun- ties, S. by Cumberland and York counties, and W. by New Hamp- shire. It is watered by the Margalla- way, Androscoggin, Saco, and nu- merous other rivers. In the noith- ern part of the county lies a collec- tion of large lakes whose waters empty into the Un>bagog, and pass to the ocean by the Androscoggin and Kennebec rivers. Although some parts of the county are rough and mountainous, yet a very large part of it is e"xceedingly fertile, par- ticularly on the borders of its nu- merous rivers, lakes and ponds. This county contained an area of 2,684 square miles previous to the formation of Franklin county, in 1838, which was formed partly from Oxford county. The population of Oxford county, in 1820, was 17,630; 1S30, 35,211;" 1837, 40,640. Popu- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. lation to a square mile, 15. The number of sheep in this county, in 1837, was 76,028. Oxford, Me. Oxford CO. This town is watered by little Androscoggin river and several ponds. It contains some excellent land and two flourishing villages. It produced, in 1837, 3,226 bushels of wheat. Population, same year, 1,124. Oxford lies .52 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 8 S. from Paris. Oxford, Mass. Worcester co. This is an impor- tant manufacturing town, of uneven surface, strong, gravelly soil; 45 miles W. from Boston and 10 S. fiom Worcester. Incorporated, 1773. Population, 1837, 2,047. There are in the town 5 woolen and 4 cotton mills, and manufactures of boots and shoes : — total value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $501,394. Oxford is a pleasant town, and fine- ly watered by French river, which passes to the ocean by the Quinne- baug and Thames. The original township of Oxford was eight miles square, and was granted to Joseph Dudley and oth- ers, in 1680, for the accommodation of about 30 French protestant fam- ilies, who had escaped from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantz, when they became exposed to every cruelty and hardship that catholic intolerance and religious bigotry could invent. They were assisted in their emigration to this country by the propi-ietors of the grant, and settled here about 1686. They built a fort ort a hill in the eastern part of the town, now called Mayo's, or Foit Hill, where its remains are still visible. It was con-tructed by the rules of art, with bastions, and had a well within its enclosure. They had another fort, and a meeting house. The grapes, currants, and asparagus of their planting, scill grow here, and the last of the peach trees was destroy- ed by the gale of 1815. They had a minister while resident here, whose name was Bondet. These people remained here till 1696, when the Indians attacked the place and murdered some of the people. This so terrified the inhabitants that they left the place, and most of them settled in Boston, where a French church was maintained by them several years. Oxford, Ct. New Haven co. Oxford was tak- en fiom Derby in 1798. It lies 14 miles N. W. from New Haven and 40 S. W. from Hartford. It is watered by Housatonick and Nau- gatuck rivers. The surface of the town is diversified with hills and valleys; — the soil is generally a gravelly loam, fertile and produc- tive. There are large manufacturing establishments in Oxford, among which are three satinet factories and an extensive hat manufactory. The water power at this place is excellent. Population, 1830, 1,763. From " Governor's Hill" a fine view of the neat village of " Qua- ker Farms," and the surrounding country is presented. About one mile south of the cen- tral part of the town is a remarka- ble mineral spring, called " The Pool," from the circumstance of its waters being efficacious, and much used for the cure of the salt rheum and other complaints. " Once in a month a yellowish scum will col- lect upon the surface of the water, which in a few days runs off, and leaves the pool perfectly clear. In the coldest weather, this spring never freezes ; in the dryest season it is as full as at other times." Palermo, Me. Waldo CO. This town is watered by several beautiful ponds, which form the head waters of Sheepscot river. This is a farming town of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. good soil and undulating surface, — it produced, in 1S37, 5,326 bushels of wheat. Population, same year, 1,538. It lies 16 miles E. N. E. from Augusta, and 24 W. from Bel- fast. Incorporated, 1804. Palmer, Mass. Hampden co. This town was originally settled by a colony from Ireland. It was incorporated in 1752. The surface of Palmer is hilly, but the soil is good, particu- larly along the banks of Ware and Swift i-ivers, by which it is iinely watered, and supplied witii water power. There are 1 woolen and 2 cotton mills in the town, and manu- factures of boots, shoes, scythes, pahn-leaf hats and wagons; — total amount, the year ending April 1, 1837, $178,5.53. The value of 2,652 fleeces of wool sheared in this town, that year, was $4,243. — Palmer lies 70 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 16 E. N. E. from Springlield. Population, 1830, 1,237; 1837, 1,810. Palmyra, Me. Somerset co. Sebasticook river passes through this town, and af- fords it a good water power. The soil is rich, and the surface undulating. There are some mills in the town, and considerable attention is paid to its agricultural interests. It lies 51 miles N. N. E. from Augusta, and 25 E. N. E. fi-om Norridgewock. Incorporated, 1807. Population, in 1837, 1,328. Wheat crop, same year, 8,523 bushels. Paiitou, Vt. Addison co. This town is bound- ed W. by Champlain lake, and E. by Otter creek. A sluggish stream passes through it ; yet, although thus watered, it does not possess a good mill site, the country being exceed- ingly level. It lies' 40 miles W. S. W. from Montpelier, 13 N. W. from Middlebury, 25 S. by W. from Burlington, and is 4 miles from Elizabethtown, N. Y., across the lake. Population, 1830, G05. Paris, Me. Chief town, Oxford co. Paris is well watered, and supplied with mill privileges by Little Androscoggin river, on which are several mills in the town. The soil is excellent, al- though in some parts uneven and mountainous. The principal vil- lage is well built, pleasantly located, and the seat of considerable busi- ness. The town was incorporated in 1793. Population, 1837, 2,352. Wheat crop, same year, 10,453 bushels. Paris lies 42 miles W. by S. from Augusta, and 40 N. by W. from Portland. Parknian, Me. Piscataquis CO. This town is wa- tered by a branch of Piscataquis river, and has an excellent soil for agricultural purposes. It lies 64 miles N. by E. from Augusta, and 14 W. from Dover. Incorporated, 1822. Population, 1830, 803; 1837, 1,125. Wheat crop, 1837, 6,018 bushels. Parsonsfield, Me. York CO. This town lies at the N. W. corner of the count}', and is bounded W. by the state of New Hampshire, and N. by Ossipee riv- er. It is 36 miles W. by N. from Portland, 21 N. by W. from Alfred, and 93 W. S. W. from Augusta.— First settled, 1774. Incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 2,510.— The surface of the town is rough and hilly, but the soil, though hard, is productive of good crops of grain and hay. Wheat crop, 1837, 3,929 bushels. There are many good farmers in this town, and good specimens of iion ore, zinc and crystalized quarts are found here. In this place is an incorporated seminary, for the edu- cation of males and females. The institution is under the direction of the Free Will Baptists, and is in u flourishing condition. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Fassadumkeag, Me. Penobscot co. This town lies on the east side of Penobscot river, 9S miles N. E. fiom Augusta, and 30 N. by E. from Bangor. The soil of the town is fertile, and piomises a rich reward to the industrious farm- er. Population, 1837,422. Wheat crop, same year, 1,070 bushels. The village of Passadumkeag is admirable located, and will doubt- less become an important mart of the trade of a lai-ge section of coun- try. This flourishing village lies at the junction of Passadumkeag river with the Penobscot. This delight- ful stream is about 23 miles in length. It rises in the north east- ern part of this county, and waters the northern part of Hancock coun- ty. It re-enters Penobscot county, and receives the Cold stream, two miles from Passadumkeag village. Both the Passadumkeag and Cold stream afford excellent mill privi- leges. Passamaqiioddy Bay, Me. This bay lies partly in Maine, and partly in the Bjitish Province of New Brunswick. The bounda- ry line between the state of Maine and New Brunswick passes through the western part of this bay up the river St. Croix. Campo Bello,L)eer, and other English islands almost en- close this bay from the pecan. At its mouth it is about 9 miles in width, and extends from West Quoddy Head, in Lubec, due north into New Brunswick, about 25 miles. — This bay contains a gi-eat number of excellent harbors ; it is never froz- en over, and abounds with cod, her- ring and other fishes. Tlie most important English town on this bay is St. Andrews, a very flourishing place, 15 miles N. from Eastport. — The Passamaquoddy Indians re- side at Perry, Me. Passumpsick River, Vt. This river rises in Caledonia, and on the south border of Essex 27 counties. It passes south about 33 miles, and falls into the Connec- ticut at Barnet, about a mile below the foot of Fifteen Mile Falls. It has a number of tributaries. This is a valuable stream, both on ac- count of the numerous mill sites it affords, and the large tracts of choice intervale it forms on its borders. — It is generally deep, but in many places it is very rapid, and forms beautiful cascades. Patrickto^vn, Me. Lincoln co. This plantation contains the piincipal part of a large pond, and is watered by streams which flow into the Sheepscot and Damariscotta. This is a large plan- tation, of good soil. Population, 1837, 465. It lies 17 miles E. from Augusta, and 20 N. W. from War- ren. Pa^vcatuck River. This river rises in the western part of Rhode Island, and empties into Long Island Sound, separating, at its mouth, the towns of Westerly, R. I., and Stoninglon, Ct. It is navigable about (i miles from its mouth, and Wood and Charles riv- ers, two of its principals tributaries, are good mill streams. Pawcatuck village. See West- erly. Fa^vlet, Vt. Rutland CO. First settled, 1761. Population, 1S30, 1,965. Pawlet lies 21 miles S. W. fiom Rutland, and 27 S. E. from Whitehall, N. Y. The town is watered by Pawlet river, which falls into Champlain lake at Whitehall, and by Indian river, which i-ises from a spring sufficiently large to carry a mill. — The latter river was formerly a great resort of the natives, who fre- quented it for trout and other fisli with which it abounds. The terri- tory of Pawlet is nearly divided by a range of mountains, the highest summit of which is known by the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. name of " Haystack." This is a pleasant town, with some manufac- tures. The soil is dry and warm, and produces good crops of corn and hay. It feeds about 14,000 sheep. Pawtuckct, Mass. Bristol CO. TheiowTiof Pawtuck- et lies on the east side of the river of the same name. It is two miles square, and was taken from Seekonk in 1823. The population of the town, inlS3(), was 1,4.58; 18.37,1,881. The village of Pawtucket is very pleasant; — it is an important manufacturing place, commanding a considerable trade, and contains a population of about 8,000. It lies on both sides of the river, and in- cludes a part of the town of North Providence, in R. I. The first manufacture of cotton cloth in this country, by water pow- er machinerj', was commenced at this place. The water power is immense, and tlie fall of the river within a short distance, is 50 feet. The river is navigable to the vil- lage for vessels of considerable burthen. It runs 4 miles S. by W. to Providence river, at India Point, near the depot of the Boston and Providence rail-road, one mile be- low the centre of the city of Provi- dence. The river, above Pawtuck- et, in Massachusetts, takes the name oiBlackstone; he\ov; ihe falls it takes the name of Seekonk. This place is 4 miles N. from Providence, 36 S. from Boston, 16 W. by S. from Taunton, and 38 S. E. from Wor- cester. At this place are 12 or more cotton mills and print works, and manufactures of coUon machin- ery, bobbins, spools, &c. ; of boots, shoes, carriages, vessels, chairs, cabinet wares, &c. ; total annual value, about two millions of dollars. The turnpike road from this place to Providence is probably the best road of the kind in the world. It is very straight, wide, level, smooth, and shaded on each side by beauti- ful trees. Samuel Slateh, Esq., the father of cotton manufactures in America, resided in this village many years. He died at Webster, Mass., greatly respected, April 20, 1835, aged 67. Pa^vtuxet River, R. I. This celebrated river rises in the western part of the State. It has nu- merous tributaries, and mingles with the waters of the Narraganset, five miles below Providence. This riv- er is distinguished for its valuable mill sites, and for the numerous man- ufacturing establishments erected on its banks. Pawtuxet and its branches fertilize a large portion of the state. See Wancick. Paxton, Mass. Worcester co. Paxton was tak- en from Leicester and Rutland, in 1765. It is on high ground ; its waters descend both to the Connec- ticut and Merrimack. It lies 50 miles W. from Boston, and 7 N. W. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 619. This is a pleasant town, with manufactures of palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, leather, carriages, &c. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil is good, and well culti- vated by its proprietors. Peacliam, Vt. Caledonia co. As no town can be considered properly peopled without some of the fair sex, the date of the tirstsettlement of Peach- am must have been near 1777, when Henry Elkins, the first child in town, was born. The first mill was erected in 1781. The town is well watered by several ponds and streams ; the surface is jjleasantly diversified; the soil fertile and well cultivated by independent farmers. The agricultural products are con- siderable. About 6,000 sheep are kept. Peachairi lies 20 miles E. by N. from Monlpelier, and 8 S. by W. from Danville. Population, 1830, 1,351. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Peeling, Hi. H. Grafton co. This town is 20 miles N. from Plymouth, and 60 N. from Concord. The Pemigewasset pas- ses through its E. section. The three branches of this river unite in the N. part of Peeling. There are sev- eral brooks and rivulets which sup- ply this place with a number of mill privileges. The ponds are numer- ous. Cushman's mountain, in the S. W., Black mountain in the N. W., and Blue mountain in the W. are the highest elevations. Among these mountains, branches of the Wild Amonoosuck and Baker's riv- ers, and Moosehillock bi'ook, have their sources. On the last stream there is a beautiful cascade. There are here two springs which have been termed medicinal. Peeling was settled about 1773. Popula- tion, 1830, 291. Pelliam, TS. H. Hillsborough co. This town is distant 37 miles S. from Concord, and 19 S.E. fromAmherst. Here are three ponds, called Gumpas, Island, and Noith ponds. Beaver river passes through the town. On this river and the tributary streams there is much valuable meadow. — The inhabitants depend principally on agriculture for the means of sup- port. Much timber and cord wood are carried annually to the banks of the Merrimack, and thence convey- ed to Newburyport, w to Boston through Middlesex canal. The first settlements were made in 1722. The town was incorporated in 174G, about 5 years after the state line was established, by which a part was separated from Dracut, Mass. Pop- ulation in 1830, 1,075. Pelhaiu, Mass. Hampshire co. This town lies 80 miles W. from Boston, and 13 N. E. from Northampton. It was in- corporated in 1742. Population, in 1837, 957. The surface of the town is elevated and uneven ; the soil is hard but productive. Swift and Fort rivers afford it mill privi- leges. Some palm-leaf hats are made here. Some years ago the notorious Stephen Burroughs profaned the christian sabbath, by imposing him- self on the innocent people of Pel- ham as a minister of the gospel. Pemadumcook Lake, Me., Or the Eamedumpkok. This large lake is of very irregular form, containing a great number of isl- ands, and lies a tew miles N.from Ba- ker's mountain. It receives the waters of numerous lakes, or col- lections of water, lying between it and the eastern sources of the Moose Head. The soil on the bor- ders of the Pemadumcook, and the lakes connected with it, is remark- ably feitile. The Jo Mary lakes are beautiful sheets of water, and are surrounded by some of the best timbered land in the state. They lie near the Pemadumcook; and the facilities afforded for rafting lumber down the Penobscot, through that lake, render that section of country very valuable. Pembroke, Me. Washington co. Population, in 1837, 866. Wheat crop, same year, 1,216 bushels. It lies 178 miles from Augusta. See " Down East." Pembroke, ]V. H., Merrimack co., lies 60 miles N. W. from Boston, and 6 S. E. from Concord. This town is generally well watered. The Suncook,on the S. E. boundary, furnishes many val- uable water privileges. The main street extends nearly on a parallel with Merrimack nver in a straight course about three miles, and is very pleasant. On this are situated the academy and the principal village. Pembroke has a variety of soils, mostly very productive. On the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. rivers are small but valuable tracts of intervale, and from these the land rises in extensive and beauti- ful swells, yielding in abundance when properly cultivated. Pem- broke is the ancient Suncook of the Indians. It was granted by this name in 1727, by the government of Massachusetts, to Capt. John Lovewell, and his brave associates, in consideration of their seivices against the Indians. The whole number of grantees was 60 ; 46 of whom accompanied Lovewell in his last march to Pequawkett. The first survey was made in 172S ; and in the following year settlements were commenced. The settlements increased slowly, in consequence of the fiequent alarms from the In- dians, who committed many depre- dations upon their property. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,312. Pembroke, Mass. Plymouth co. This town was taken from Duxbury in 1711. Pop- ulation, 1837, 1,258. It lies 27 miles S. E. from Boston, and 12 N. N. W. from Plymouth. North riv- er separates this town from Hano- ver; and some branches of that stream, rising from ponds in Pem- broke, give it a good water power. For more than 40 years after the settlement at Plymouth, this town contained the only saw-mill in the colony. Pembroke is at the head of navigation on the North rivei-, and possesses superior advantages for ship building ; and many noble vessels, constructed of native white oak, are annually launched. The manufactures of the town consist of vessels, cotton goods, tacks, iron ware, chairs, cabinet ware, &c. The North river is very deep and narrow, and so exceedingly crook- ed that it meanders 18 miles in its course from Pembroke to Sciti:ate harbor, when the distance by land is less than 6 miles. Pemigovasset River, Bf. H. This stream and the Winnepisio- gee constitute the Merrimack. It is foimed of three principal branch- es, having their sources in Peeling, Franconia, and the ungranted lands S. W. of the White Mountains. — These branches unite in Peeling, fiom whence the main stream pass- es in a S. diiection through Thorn- ton, Campion, between Plymouth and Holderness; Biidgewater, Bris- tol and New Hampton; Hill and Fianklin, where it unites with Winnepisiogee liver, and the main stream becomes the Merrimack. Pemmaqnid Foiut, Me. Lincoln CO. This is an important point of land, extending into the sea between Muscongusbay on the east, and Pemmaquid liver and the waters of Damdiiscotla on the west. There is a light house on this point, which bears W. 10 miles from St. Geojge's island, and about N. E. 9 miles from Bantam Ledge. Penobscot River and Eay, Me. This large and important river, with its numerous and extensive branches water a large portion of the state. It pierces the county which bears its name and receives tributaries from Washington, Han- cock, Waldo, Piscataquis and Som- erset counties. Below the union of the eastern and westein branch- es the Piscataquis and Matawam- keag are its largest tributaries. From the junction of the two branches, or " the Forks," to tide water at Bangoi-is about 76 miles. The east branch rises at the north, in the Seboois lakes, near Aroostook river, and on its passage to the junc- tion, a distance of about 50 miles, it is propeily called Seboois river. The western branch of the Pe- nobscot ri-es in the high lands on the border of Lower Canada and the western frontier of Maine. It passes through the counties of Som- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. erset and Piscataquis in an eastern direction, to its junction with the eastern branch, receiving in its course the waters of lakes Chesun- cook, Pemadumcook, Millinoket, and other large collections of water. This branch passes within 3 miles of the northern border of Moose Head lake, the source of Kenne- bec river. The length of this branch of the Penobscot, from its source to its union with the east branch or Seboois river, may be stated at about 140 miles; and the greatest length of the river to Bangor, 215, and to the ocean, 275 miles. Some of the most important tributaries of this majestic river, are noted under their distinctive names; a description of them all with their hydraulic powers and boat- able capabilities, their rapid cour- ses and beautiful cataracts, their fertilizing qualities, and other pecu- liaiities, would till a volume. In- deed, these streams and the immense basin which they drain, are so little known, that some years must elapse before any thing like a fair delinea- tion of the value and beauty of this interesting section of New Eng- land can be given. Penobscot Bay. The waters of this bay extend from Owl's Head on the west, to Burnt Coat Island on the E. ; a distance of about 30 miles. At its mouth are Fox Is- lands, Deer Isle, Isle of Haut, and a number of smaller islands. It extends to Belfast bay, at the mouth of Penobscot river, a dis- tance of 20 miles N. from Owl's Head. This bay contains a great number of commodious harbors, and on its borders are many large and flourishing commercial towns. It affords a great variety of fish, and the scenery among the islands is de- lightful. Penobscot County, Me. Bangor, chief town. This sec- | 27* tion of country constituting a coun- ty, is rather a district within the state, to be divided into counties as exigencies may require. Not more than a fourth part of the territory is settled, incorporated into towns, or even granted. With the excep- tion of a small portion at its south- ern boundary, it comprises a fertile wilderness, densely wooded, pierc- ed in every direction with mill streams, and adorned with beautiful lakes. It contains a larger extent of territory than the whole agri- cultural state of Vermont, with its 14 large and flourishing counties ; of no better soil, at a greater dis- tance fiom the ocean, in nearly the same latitude, and, in 1837, with a population of no less than 31 to a square mile. In 1837, before a part of this ter- ritory was set off to form Piscataquis county, it comprised an area of 10,- 578 square miles. It was incorpo- rated as a county in 181G. In 1790, it contained a population of only 1,154. In 1820, the population was 13,870; 1830, 31,530, and in 1837, 54,961. Population to a square mile, 5 and a fraction. Increase of population, in 7 years, 74 per cent. There are some mountains in this county, but the surface is generally undulating, containing as small a portion of waste land as any county in the state, in proportion to its size. With regard to its soil, it is con- ceded by all who have traveled through the territory and examined it, that its quality, for the produc- tion of all the commodities necessa- ry for the wants and comforts of man, is better than the soi,l of New- England g-enerally. The manufactures of this county consist principally of lumber, of which an immense amount is annu- ally transported. Other manufac- tures, however, are rising on the banks of its rivers, and will doubt- less increase with its population. In 1837, there were 39,154 sheep NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. in the county of Penobscot, and its wheat crop, the same year, amount- ed to 202,143 bushels. Large portions of the soil of this almost wilderness county are stated to be exceedingly luxuriant, equal- ling in quality the famed lands of the Ohio valley. There are doubt- less large tracts of land in the val- leys of the Mattawainkeag, Aroos- took, St. Johns, and Madawaska, as fertile, and which will ultimately become as valuable for their agri- cultural productions, as any in our country. The water power of this county is unrivalled by any section of coun- try of its extent in the world, and the noble Penobscot furnishes it with a cheap and convenient pas- sage for the wants of its people from abi'oad, and for the surplus productions of the soil at home. When the resources of this coun- ty are more fully developed and better undei-stood ; when the healtli- fulness of the climate, the purity of its air and water, are fairly compaied with those of the western and southern prairies, and when the value of a surplus bushel of wheat, or a fat ox on the banks of the Ohio, is compared with the value of the same productions on the banks of the Penobscot, we trust there will be less complaint against the soil of New England, for the want of pat- ronage it affords to the enterprize, comfort, and wealth of her children. Penobscot, Me. Hancock co. A maritime town, on the E. side of Penobscot bay, nearly opposite to Belfast, and 12 miles E. by N. from it. It is 75 miles E. by N. from Augusta, 8 N. by E. from Castine, and 17 S. W. from Ellsworth. An arm of Penob- scot bay sets up from the S. W., and gives the town great navigable facil- ities. It has a great water power, and its manufacture of lumber, its ship building, and coasting trade, render it an important and flourish- ing sea port. The surface of the town is pleasant, and the soil good. Population, 1S37, 1,496. Wheat crop, same year, 2,074 bushels. — Incorporated, 1787. Pepperell, Mass. Middlesex co. This is a very pleasant town, with a good soil and liandsome orchards. It is watered by the Nashua river, which gives it a good water power. There are three paper mills in the town, and manufactures of palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, &c. Annual amount about $80,000. Incorporated, 1753. Population, 1837, 1,586. It lies S."? miles N. W. from Boston, and 17 N. N. W. from Concord. Col. William Prescott, the brave defender of Charlestown heights, was a native of this town. He died in 1795, aged 70. This town derived its name from Sir William Pepperell, who about the year 1727, was chosen one of his majesty's council, and was annually re-elected 32 years, till his death. Living in a coun- try exposed to a ferocious enemy, h.3 was well fitted for the situa- tion, in which he was placed, for it pleased God to give him a vigorous frame, and a mind of firm tex- ture, and of great calmness in dan- ger, lie ro-ie to the highest mili- tary honors which his country could bestow upon him. When the ex- pedition against Louisbourg was contemplated, he was commission- ed by the governors of New Eng- land to command the troops. , He invested the city in 1745. There was a remaikable series of provi- dences in the whole affair, and Mr. Pepperell ascribed his unparalleled success to the God of armies. The king, in reward for his sei'vices, conferred upon him the dignity of a baronet of Great Britain, an honor never before conferred on a native of New England. He died at his seat in Kittery, Maine, July 6, 1759jaged 63 years, leaving but ona NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. daughter, the wife of Col. Nathan- iel Sparhawk. The last Sir Vl'il- liam (son ot Col. Sparhawk,) died ill London in 1817. The name and title are extinct. Lady Mary Pepperell, relict of Sir William Pepperell, died at her seat in Kittery, Nov. 25, 1789. She was daughter of Grove Hirst, Esq. and grand-daughfer of Hon. Judge Sewall. Her natural and acquired powers were said to be very respectable, and she was much admired for her wit and sweetness of manners. William Pepperell, the fa- ther of the first Sir William, was a native of Cornwall, England, and emigrated to this country about the year 1676, and settled at the Isles of Shoals, as a fisherman. It is said, he was so poor for some time after his arrival, that the lady to whom he paid his addresses at the Shoals would not hearken to him. However, in a few years, by his industry and frugality, he got enough to send out a brig, which he loaded to Hull. The lady now gave her consent. After his mar- riage, he removed to Kittery, where he became a very wealthy merchant, and died in 17.34. Peqiiaivkett River, N. H. Pequawkett, written by Belknap Pigivncket, and by Sullivan Pick- wocket, but the true orthography is found to be Pe-quaw-kett ; an In- dian name applied to a considerable tract of country, now including Conway, N. H., Fryeburgh, Me., and some of the adjacent towns. — It is also the name of a river flow- ing into the Saco, from two ponds in Eaton ; and of a mountain be- tween Bartlett and Chatham, for- merly called Kearsarge. Perry, Me. Washington co. This town lies on the W. side of St. Croix river, and 5 miles N. W. from Eastport, to which it is connected by a bridge. It is favored with good navigable waters, and is a place of considera- ble enterprise in the fishing busi- ness, hip building, and the coasting and lumber trade. It is 184 miles E. by N. from Augusta, and 25 E. N. E. from Machias. Incorporated, 1818. Population, 1837,929. At Pleasant Point, in this town, on the margin of the liver, is an Indian reservation, (he residence of the remnant of the Openangos, or Passamaquoddy tribe. The village contains a Roman Catholic church, about 20 cottages, and 120 souls. — The reservation comprises about 27,000 acres. Peru, Me. Oxford CO. Peru is bounded on the N. by Androscoggin river, and contains some pleasant ponds and mill streams. It has a good soil and produced, in 1837, 3,457 bushels of wheat. Population, same year, 854. Incorporated, 1821. Peru lies 38 miles W. by N. fiom Augus- ta, and 17 N. by E. from Paris. Peru, Vt. Bennington CO. This is a Green Mountain township, high and brok- en. It contains two large fish ponds from which issue beautiful moun- tain streams. First settled, 1773, Population, 1830, 455. It lies 3C miles N. N. E. from Bennington, and 30 S. W. from Windsor. Peru, Mass. Berkshire co. This is a rough and mountainous town, wherein branches of Housatonick and West- field rivei's rise. It was formerly called Partridgefield, and incorpo- rated by that name in 1771. The soil is cold but adapted for grazing. The inhabitants are chiefly farm- ers. Population, 1837, 656. In that year 6,127 sheep were sheared in this town ; the value of the wool, which weighed 18,381 lbs., was $11,948. Peru lies 111 miles W. from Boston, 18 N. E. from Lenox, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and 47 E. from Albany, N. Y. It is the highest land between the Connecticut and Hudson rivers. Peterborougli, N. H. Hillsborough co. This town lies midway between Amherst and Keene, being 20 miles from each. Itis 75 miles W. S. W. from Ports- mouth, 60 N. W. from Boston, and 40 S. W. from Concord. Peterbo- rough lies in a N. E. direction from the Grand Monadnock,and is bound- ed on the E. by a chain of hills called Pack Monadnock. Contoo- cook river runs in a N. E. and N. direction through the centre of the town, affording several good pi-ivi- leges for mills and factories. The N. branch, from Dublin, originating partly from waters near the Monad- nock, and partly from Long, or Hunt's pond, lying in Nelson and Hancock, affords a never-failing supply of water, and furnishes those noble falls, on which are situated several factories. There are ex- tensive and valuable meadows on this branch, above these falls; and the soil generally throughout the town is excellent. In the centre of the town is a high hill, on which is situated the meeting house, at an elevation of 200 feet above the riv- er. The chain of hills on the E. is distinguished by two principal sum- mits. Between these summits is a depression of a quarter part of the mountain's height. About 60 rods W. of the ridge, or summit of this depression, on an embenchment of the mountain, is a pond of about 9 acres extent, very deep and re- plenished with fish, at an elevation of 200 feet above the site of the meeting house. There are rocks in several places which afford indi- cations of sulphur, and crumble on exposure to the sun and air. Iron ore of an excellent quality has been discovered, but as yet in small quantities. Peterborough was grant- ed in 173S, by the government of Massachusetts to Samuel Heywood and others. The first settlement took place in 1739. In 1759 there were 45 families, and on the 17th Jan., the next year, the town was incorporated. The first settlers of Peterborough were Scotch Presby- terians, from Ireland, or their im- mediate descendants. Wholly un- used to clearing and cultivating of wild lands, fhey endured great hard- ships. Their nearest gristmill was at Tovvnsend, 25 miles distant — their road, a line of marked trees. The first male child born here, was John Richie ; he was born Feb 22, 1751, and died in the service of his country at Cambridge, in 1776. — Population, 1830, 1,934. Fetersliam, Mass. Worcester co. Petersham is a very pleasant town, elevated on a swell of fertile land, and pre- senting a fine prospect of many of the neighboring towns. It was first settled about the year 1732, and was called by the Indians JVasha- ivang. Swift river waters a part of the town, and affords a water power. There is a woolen mill in the town; and manufactures of palm-leaf hats, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, and cabinet ware : total an- nual value, about $60,000. It lies 62 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 27 N. W. from Worcester. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,731. Incorporated, 1754. Pliillips, Me. Franklin co. This town is wa- tered by Sandy river. It lies 53 miles N. W. from Augusta, and 15 N. W. from Farmington. Incorpo- rated, 1812. Pop. 1830, 954; 1837, 1 ,283. Wheat crop, in 1837, 6,23S bushels. Plilllipstou, Mass. Worcester co. There is a large pond in this town, the source of Burnshint river. This pleasant town was taken from Athol and Temple- ton, in 1786. It was called Gerry until 1812. The manufactures of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the town consist of cotton and woolen goods, piilm-leaf hats, leath- er, boots and shoes ; annual value, about $75,000. It lies 53 miles N. \V. by \V. from Boston, and 25 N. W. from Worcester. Population, 1837, SS7. PIxipsliurgU, Me. Lincoln co. This is a maritime town at the mouth of Kennebec riv- er, on the west side, 40 miles S. from Augusta, and 18 S. W. from Wiscasset. Population, 1837, 1,430. It consists of a peninsula of land, of about 15 miles in length, and from two to four miles in width, ly- ing between Kennebec river, on the east, and New Meadows, or Stevens' river, on the west, and ex- tending from Small Point, the east- ern boundary of Casco bay, to the town of Bath on the north. It con- tains a U. S. fort, and Seguin and Pond islands, on which are light houses. Phipsburgh was taken from the ancient town of Bristol, in 1816, and named in honor of Governor Phips, who was born in Bristol. Governor Phips lived in the wil- derness of Maine till he was eigh- teen years of age, and was then an apprentice to a ship-carpenter four years. He went to lioston, and learned to read and write. He chose to seek his fortune on tlie sea, and had the good luck to discover the wreck of a very valuable Spanish vessel on the coast of Hispaniola, and by the aid of the British gov- ernment succeeded in fishing up plate, pearls and jewels, amounting in value to three hundred thousand pounds sterling, with which he sailed to England in 1687. He ob- tained by his enterprise sixteen thousand pounds, and the honor of knighthood. He returned to Bos- ton in 1690, and commanded the expedition against Port Royal, which place he captured. When the new charter of Massachu- setts was obtained he was appointed the first governor under it. He ar- rived at Boston, as governor, in 1692. In 1694, in a dispute with the col- lector of the port, Sir William so far forgot his dignity as to descend to blows. He was removed from office, and returned to England. He received assurance of being re- stored, but before that event hap- pened he died, in 1695, aged 44. Phipsburgh has considerable trade and navigation. Ship build- ing is pursued, and fishing is a source of profit. There is no bet- ter site for fisliing establishments on the coast. It is a very pleasant town, and an agieeable location to court the sea breezes in summer. Piermout, X. H., Grafton co., is bounded N. by Haverhill. It is 65 miles N. N. W. from Concord. The soil, especially on the Connecticut, is good. The meadows, or intervales, are extensive, and in some instan- es highly cultivated. The mead- ows are compoieil of sandy loam, in some places inclined to marie, and are favorable to the growth of wheat, corn and evciy kind of grain. Back trom the liver the town is made up of swells of fine grazing and mowing l.ind,well watered with brooks and s|)iings. In the N. E. part of the town are three consid- erable ponds, called Eastman's ponds. From the-ie ponds issues Eastman's brook, which, passing in a S. E. direction, falls into Connec- ticut river, forming a number of excellent mill seats. Indian brook, on which mills are erected, is in the S. part. The settlement commenc- ed in 1770. Population, in 1S30, 1,042. Pilot mountain, ]V. H. See Kilkenny. Piscataqua River, N. H. The only large river whose entire course is in New Hampshire, is formed by the junction of several NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. small streams in a widb and deep bed ; hollowed out partly by them, and partly by the tide. The names of these streams, beginning at the northeast, are Salmon Fall, Coche- co, Bellamy bank, Oyster, Lamprey, Squamscot, and Winnicut rivers. The live last unite their waters in a large and irregular bay between Durham and Greenland, more re- sembling a lake than a river. The waters of tliis bay meet those of Salmon Fall and Cocheco rivers, coming from the northwest at Hil- ton's point, a few miles below Do- ver. After this junction, they pro- ceed in a direct line to the south- east; and join the ocean 2 or 3 miles below Portsmouth; embosoming several islands, and forming one of the best harbois on the continent. Few rivers make a more magnifi- cent appearance than this; yet the streams by which it is supplied are small. Salmon Fall furnishes more than all the rest. This stream is called J\''ewichawannock fi-om the falls in Berwick till it receives the waters of the Cocheco ; but the name of Piscataqua ought to be ap- plied to the whole of Salmon Fall river. Piscataquis River, Me. The head waters of this river are found in the high lands which sep- arate the waters of Penobscot and Kennebec rivers. Its length is about 65 miles, passing in a course nearly east. It has many tributaries, of which Sebec and Pleasant rivers, and Seboois stream, from the north, are the largest. In its course it fertilizes large tracts of country, and gives to the towns through which it passes a good hydraulic power. Piscataquis County, Me. X>orer, chief town. This county was incorporated, March 23, 1838. Its territory is thus described in the act of incorporation, to wit : " That from and after the last day of April next, all that portion of territoiy lying noith of the south lines of Parkman and Wellington, in the county of Somerset, and lying north of the north lines of the towns of Dexter, Garland, Charleston, Bradford, and south line of Kilmar- nock, in the county of Penobscot; and bounded east by the east linesof Milton, Kilmarnock and townships numbered four in the eighth and ninth ranges; and thence bounded east by a line running noith from the northeast corner of said to\yn- ship numbered four, in the ninth range, to the north line of the state ; and bounded on the west by the west lines of Wellingion, Kings- bury, Shirley, and township number two in the tilth range ; and thence bounded west by a line running north from the northwest corner of said township number two, to the Kennebec river; thence up and by the southerly bank of said river to Moose Head lake ; thence bounded westerly by the westerly margin of said lake, to the northwest angle of said lake — and thence bounded west by a line running north, to the north line of the state — be and the same is hereby constituted and made a county by the name of," &c. This county is therefore bounded N. W.and N. by the British pos- sessions in Lower Canada, E. by the county of Penobscot, S. by the counties of Penobscot and Somer- set, and W. by Somerset county. There are numerous lakes and ponds in the county, the largest of which are the Moose Head, Chesuncook and Pemadumcook. The county is crossed by the Piscataquis, Penob- scot and Walloomstook rivcis, but most of its excellent mill streams, of which there are many, rise with- in the county, from its own natural sources. There are some consider- able elevations, the largest of which is Katahdin Mountain. The char- acter of the surface and soil of Pis- cataquis county is generally that of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER Penobscot and Somerset counties, from which it was taken. Piscataquog River, W. H., Is formed of two principal branch- es, one fiom Francestown, the other from Henniker and Deering, wliich unite and form the main stream near the W. line of Goffstown. It pur- sues a southeasterly course through Goffstown and the N. E. corner of Bedford, where it falls into Merri- mack river. PiSCATAQUOG VILLAGE, On this river and near its mouth, is a thriving and pleasant village, situ- ate in the N. E. pa-rt of Bedford. A handsome bridge is constructed over the Piscataquog, in this village, 60 feet in length. Since the Union Canal commenced operation, the boating business to this place has been carried on with much success. On the S. side of the river, below this village, is a public landing place, extending to the Merrimack, and from this place lumber of all descriptions from the circumjacent country, is conveyed down the riv- er to market by rafts and boats to Newburyport,and thi-ough the Mid- dlesex canal to Charlestown and Boston. The rise and present flour- ishing appearance of this village is owing in a great measure to the enterprise and industry of William Parker and Isaac Riddle, esquires, who were the first to commence the mercantile business in this place. Pittsfield, Me. Somerset co. This is a town of excellent soil, and a branch of Se- basticook river rises in the S. E. corner. The inhabitants are gen- erally good and thriving farmers. Pittsfield was incorporated in 1819. Wheat crop, 1837, 4,869 bushels. Population, 1S30, 609 ; 1837, 836. It lies 38 miles N. N. E. from Au- gusta.and 20 E. from Norridgewock. Pittsfield, IV. H. Merrimack co. The surface of Pittsfield is pleasantly varied, with a good soil. Suncook river passes through the town, affoi-ding good mill privileges. Catamount moun- tain stretches across the S. E. partot the town, from the summit of which delightful views are obtained. There are a number of ponds in tlie town ; west of which the magnetic-needle varies materially. Berry's pond is on the mountain : — it is half a mile in length, and is supplied by mountain springs. There is a neat and flour- ishing village in Pittsfield ; a large cotton mill, a scythe factory, and an academy. This town was first settled in 17S4. Population, 1830, 1,271. It is 16 miles N. E. from Concord. Pittsfield, Vt. Rutland co. Tweed river is form- ed in this town, by two branches, which afford mill seats: it empties into White river, which passes through the N. E. corner. The surface of the town is mountainous, and the soil hard. Pittsfield was first settled in 1786. Population, 1830,505. -It lies 35 miles S. S. W. fiom Montpelier, and 17 N. E. from Rutland. Pittsfield, Mass. Berkshire co. This large manu- facturing and agricultural town, a mart of trade for a large section of country, lies 125 miles W. from Boston, 5 N. from Lenox, and 33 E. from Albany, N. Y. Population, 1837, 3,575. The settlement of this place, the Indian Pnntoosuck, was commenced in 1736. It was incorporated in 1761. It was a fron- tier town for some years, and garri- sons were erected for the protection of the inhabitants against the in- roads of the savages. The town is finely watered by two branches of the Housatonick, which unite neai- its centre. There are in Pittsfield NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 6 woolen and 2 cotton mills, and miinufactures of muskets, iron cast- ings, tin ware, leather, hats, car- riages, prunella buttons, chairs, corn brooms, cabinet ware. Sic. ; total amount, the year ending April 1,1837, .$6SS,71fi. The value of 12,962 fleeces of wool sheared in the town the same year, was §19,443. Pittsfield is one of the pleasantest towns in New England : it lies 1,000 feet above the level of the sea, in a fertile valley between the Taughkannick and Green moun- tain ranges. The village is well located, and contains many beauti- ful building«, which, with the fine scenery and well cultivated farms that surround it, presents a great variety to charm the eye and to gratify the taste of the intelligent agriculturalist. There are in Pittsfield a medical institution, a female academy, &.C., which will be noticed in the' Reg- ister. Pittsford, Vt. Rutland CO. Otter creek mean- ders through this very pleasant and flourishing town, nearly in its cen- tre, and fertilizes a large part of its territory. Furness river affords the town good piivilegcs, on which are large iron works and other man- ufactories. Iron ore of a very fine quality, and elastic marble, are abundant; also, the oxide of man- ganese. The agricultural produc- tions are valuable. In 1837 there were in the town 12,.363 sheep. A female child was born here in 1784, who died at the age of 9 years, and weighed 200 pounds. Pittsford was first settled about the year 1770. — It was a frontier town for a num- ber of years. The remains of Fort Vengence are still vi-ible. Tlii< town lies 44 miles .S. W. from Mont- pelier, and 8 N. from Rutland. — Population, 1830, 2,005. PUtston, Me. Kennebec CO. Pittston is a pleas- ant town, on the east side of Ken- nebec river, opposite to Gardiner; 7 miles S. by E. from Augusta. It is a flourishing town, of good soil, and has several ponds and mill streams, and a considerable business in the lumber trade. Incorporated, 1779. Population, 1837, 2,121.— Wheat crop, same year, 2,231 bush- els. Flaiuficld, BT. II., Sullivan co., lies on Connecticut river. It is 12 miles S. from Dart- mouth college, and N. W. 55 from Concord. There is considerable valuable intervale, on Connecticut river, and in other parts are excel- lent meadows. There are two ponds. At the S. W. part of this town, in Connecticut river, is Hart's island, which contains 19 acres. — Waterqueechy falls are in this town. A bridge was erected here in 1S07. A small stream, flowing from Croy- don mountains, waters the town. — Plainfield has a pleasant village, situated on a handsome plain, through the centre of which the street passes N. and S. On a pleas- ant eminence in Meriden parish is located " The Union Academy," in- co.-porated June 16, 1813. It is en- dowed with a permanent fund of .$40,000, the liberal bequest of the late Hon. Daniel Kimball, the interest of which, as directed by his last will, is to be applied as fol- lows, viz: $150 annually to the support of a Calvinistic preacher, and the remainder for the instruc- tion of pious young men for the ministr}'. This seminary is in a flourishing condition. Plainficli) was granted in 1761, and wassettleil in 1764. Population, 1830, 1,581. Plaiufield, Vt. ■Washington co. First settled, 1794. Population, 1330, 874. It lies 8 miles E. from Montpclier, anIas9. Plj/mouth, chief town. The soil of this most ancient county in New England, is not so productive as that of many others in Massachusetts ; yet there is considerable good land within its limits. It has a great water power, which is more partic- ularly applied to the manufacture of iron ware, of all sorts, both wrought and cast. It has an abun- dant supply of iron ore, of a supe- rior quality. This county has a sea coast on Massachusetts bay, of be- tween 30 and 40 miles, and man}' ships are built in its numerous ports of native white oak. This county has considerable foreign commerce: but its shipping is principally en- gaged in the fishing business and coasting trade. It is bounded N. E. by Massachusetts bay, N. by Norfolk county, and Boston harbor, W. and N. W. by Norfolk county, S. W. by Bristol county, and S. E. by Buzzard's bay, and Barnstable county. Area, about 600 square miles. This county was incorpor- ated in 1635. Population, 1820, 38,136; 1830,42,993; 1837,46,253. Population, to a square mile, 77. — The North river, emptying into Massachusetts bay, and numerous branches of the Taunton, are its chief rivers. In lS37„there were in this coun- ty 11,410 sheep. The value of the manufactures, the year ending April 1, 1837, was $4,896,907.— The value of the fishery, during the same period, was ,$.582,419. Plymouth, Mass. Plymouth co. Chief town. This place is full of interest, it being the oldest settlement by Europeans in New England, and the landing NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. place of our forefathers on the 22d of December. 1620. Its Indian name was Patuxet. Plymouth lies 35 miles S. E. by S. from Boston : N. lat. 41° 57' 30". W. Ion. 70° 40' 45". Population, 1830, 4,384 ; 1837, 5,034. Incorporated, 1620. "Plymouth was the first town built in New England by civilized man ; j and those by whom it was built were inferior in worth to no body of men, whose names arc recorded | in history, during the last seventeen j hundred years. A kind ofvener-, ableness, arising fiom these facts, attaches to this town, which may; be termed a pi-ejudice. Still, it has its foundation in the nature of man, and will never be eradicated either by philosophy or ridicule. No New Englander, who is willing to indulge his native feelings, c;m stand upon the rock, wheie our an- cestoi-s set the first foot after their arrival on the Amei'ican shore, without experiencing emotions very different from those wliich are ex- cited by any common object of the same nature. No New Englander could be willing to have that rock buried and forgotten. Let him reason as much, as coldly, and as ingeniously as he pleases, he will still regard that spot with emotions wholly different from those which are excited by other places of equal or even superior importance. We cannot wish this trait in the human character obliterated. In a higher state of being, where truth is uni- versally as well as cordially embrac- ed, and virtue contiols without a rival, this prejudice, if it must be called by that name, will become useless, and may, therefore, be safely discarded. But in our pres- ent condition, every attachment, which is innocent, has its use, and contributes both to fix and to soften "-■■y man. (When we call to mind the ""/ history of their sufferings on both sides of the Atlantic, when we re- member their pre-eminent patience, their unspotted piety, their immove- able fortitude, their undaunted re- solution, their love to each other, their justice and humanity to the savages, and there freedom from all those stains which elsewhere spot- ted the character even of their com- panions in aliliction, we cannot but view them as illustrious brothers, claiming the veneration and ap- plause of all their posterity. The institutions, civil, literary, and religious, by which New Eng- land is distinguished on this side the Atlantic, began here. Here the manner of holding lands in free soccage, now universal in this coun- try, conmienced. Here the right of sufl'erage was imparted to every citizen, to every inhabitant not dis- qualified by poverty or vice. Here was formed the first establishment of towns, of the local legislature, which is called a town meeting, and of the peculiar town executive, styled the selectmen. Here the first parochial school was set up, and the system originated for com- municating to evei-y child in the community the knowledge of read- ing, writing, and arithmetic. Here, also, the first building was erected tbi- the worship of God ; the first religious assembly gathered ; and the first minister called and settled, by the voice of the church and con- gregation. On these simple found- ations has since been erected a structure of good order, peace, lib- erty, knowledge, morals and relig- ion, with which nothing on this side the Atlantic can bear a remote com- paiison." The land in this town is generally hilly, and sandy ; but there is a border of considerable extent on the sea board, having been well cul- tivated, consisting of a rich loamy soil, and capable of yielding large crops. The town is watered by Eel and Wonkinqua livers, Town, Willings- ly and Double brooks, and more than 200 ponds, the largest of which is called Billin^ton Sea. "This NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. was formerly called Fresh Lake. It was discovered about the 1st of January, 1()21, by Fiancis Billino;- ton, while mounted on a tree standing on a hill. It was in the midst ot a thick forest, and when seen at a distance, Biiiington sup- posed it to be another sua. On the 8th of January, he went with one of the niaster's mates, to view the place. They found two lakes con- tiguous,soparated by a narrow space; the largest is about six miles in circumference, and is the far famed Billingtun Sea. It is about two miles southwest from the town, and from it issues the Town brook. In this pond there are two sniall isl- ands. The largest, containing about two acres, having been planted with apple-trees, produces excel- lent fruit. This pond is well stock- ed with pickerel and perch. The majestic eagle is frequently seen cowerfng over this pond, and has for ages built its nest in the branch- es of the trees, visiting the flats in the harboi- at low tide in pursuit of fish and birds. Loons, and the beau- tiful wood-duck produce their young in sequestered retreats about this pond, annually. The fallow deer, tenacious of their ancient place of rendezvous, continue to visit this pond fordrink, and to browse on its margin. For many years this beautiful pond was a favorite resort for social parties. A house was erected on the bank, a pleasure-boat was in the pond, and tea-parties and iishing-parties unit- ed in the happiest enjoyments. There are on the i-oad to Sand- wich, in the woods, two rocks call- ed Sacritice rocks. They are cov- ered with sticks and stones, which have been accumulating for centu- ries. It was the constant practice among the aboriginals, to throw a stone, or stick on the lock in pass- ing. The late Rev. Mr. Hawley, who spent many years among the natives at jMurshpce, endeavored to leara from them the design of this singular rite, hut could only con- jecture that it was an acknowledg- ment of an invisible Being, the un- known God whom this people wor- shipped. This pile »vas their altar. Burying Hill, forme ily Fort Hill. Immediately in the rear of the town is a hill, rising I'iS feet above the sea level, embracing about eight acres. On the summit of the southwest side, the pilgrims erect- ed first some temporary defence, but, in 1675, on the ap|)roach of Philip's war they erected a strong fort, 100 feet square, strongly palis- adoed, ten and a half feet high. — No other place could have been so well chosen, eithei- for discovering the approach of savages, or for de- fending the town against their at- tacks. The settlement was rend- ered perfectly secure, and springs of water were at their command. The whole circuit of the fort is still distinctly vidble, a watch-house of brick was also built near the fort. The view presented from this eminence, embracing the harbor and the shoi-es of the bay for mile* aiouiid. is not, perhaps, inferior to auy in the country. Let the anti- ()uarian come at full tide and when the billows are calmed, and seat himself on this mount, that he may survey the incomparable landscape, and enjoy the interesting asso- ciations with which he will be in- spired. Immediately beneath the hill lies the town in full view, and beyond this the harbor and ship- ping. The harbor is a beautiful expanse of water, bounded on the S. by Manomet point, and near which commences a beach three miles in length, breasting the rolling billows of the bay, and serving as a barrier to the wharves ; and on the N. E. by a promon'ory extending from Marshlield, called the Gurnet, on the point of which stands the light- house. These several points, together with the ciipo^^ile shores, complete- ly enclose the harbor, having NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Clart's Island and Saquish in its bosom. Beyond these points opens the great bay of Massachusetts, bounded at the southern extremity by the peninsula of Cape Cod, which is distinctly visible, and spreading boundless to the north- east. On the N. appears the flour- ishing village of Duxbury, shooting into the bay, and exhibiting a hand- some conical hill, ever to be re- membered as once the property and residence of the gallant Standish. Between Duxbury and Plymouth, is the harbor and pleasant village of Kingston. Having taken a sur- vey of this magnificent group, so exceedingly endeared to the New England antiquarian, and enjoyed a spiritual vision of the Mayflower, laden with men, women and chil- dren, come as founders of a mighty empire, we are next led to view a scene of more solemn contempla- tion. The whole extent of the hill is covered with the symbols of mor- tality, the sepulchres of our vener- ated fathers. We tread on the ash- es of some of those to whom we are indebted, under Providence, for our most precious earthly enjoyments, all that is valuable in life, much of principle and example which are consoling in death. With what so- licitude do we search for a sepul- chral stone bearing the names of Carver, Bradford, and their glorious associates. The following are the most an- cient monuments which can be traced within this enclosure : — Here lies the body of Edward Gray, Gent., aged about fifty-two years, and departed this life the last of June, 1681. Here lyes ye body of ye Honorable Major William Bradford, who expired February ye ~0, 1703-4, aged I'J years. He lived long, but still was doing good, And in his country's service lost much blood. After a life well spent he's now at rest — His very name and memory is blest. 28* There are in Plymouth .3 cotton mills, 3 nail factories, and manufac- tures of vessels, cordage, boots, shoes, leather, hats, straw bonnets, chairs, tin and cabinet wares : — the value of which for the year ending April 1,1837, was $508,932. Dur- ing that year there were 4 vessels engaged in the whale fishery, 45 in the cod and mackerel fishery, and a large number of vessels employed in tlie merchant service and coast- ing trade. Tonnage of the district, in"lS37, 26,635 tons. The product of the fishery, the same year, was $154,636. The corner stone of Pilgrim Hall was laid in this town on the 1st of September, 1824. This edi- fice is 70 by 40 feet, with walls of unwrought split granite ; the height from the top of the foundation to the eave cornice being about 33 feet, forms two stoi-ies. The low- er room is about 10 feet in the clear of the ceiling; and the upper to the impost moulding about 20 feet, to which being added the curve of the ceiling is about 23 feet. It is intended, as soon as the state of the funds will justify, to form the front by an addition of about 20 feet, with a double tier of steps, having entrance to the upper room and by descent to the lower. The front to be finished with a Doric portico on 4 columns, of about 20 feet in height, the base of which to be fi'om 3 to 4 feet above the level of the street. The situation presents a full view of the river and outer harbor. An Annivei-sary Commemora- tion of the landing of the pilgrims commenced in Plymouth on the 22d of December, 1769, and will, we trust, be continued in Pilgrim Hall, so long as the virtues, unpar- alleled sufferings, and the conscien- tious performance of the duties of piety and benevolence of our pil- grim fathers are held in veneration by a grateful posterity. See iJeg» NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. itter, and JViachers History of Plymouth. Plymouth, Ct. Litchfield co. Plymouth lies 22 miles W. S. W. from Hartford, 31 N. by W. from New Haven, and 12 S. E. from Litchfield. Taken from Waterbufv in 1795. Popula- tion, 1830, 2,064. The surface of the town is rough and hilly, with a strong, gravelly soil, well adapted for grazing. The Naugatuck artbrds an ample water power, which is improved for the manufacture of cotton goods, clocks, &,c. The manufacture of small wood- en clocks, it is believed, originated with Mr. Terry, of this town, about 20 years ago ; since that period, the manufacture of wooden clocks has been widely extended, and forms a very important branch of the man- ufactures in this part of the state. Plymptou, Mass. Plymouth co. This town is wa- tered by a branch of Taunton river. It lies 32 miles S. E. by S. from Boston, and S W. from Plymouth. Incorporated, 1707. Population, 1S37, S35. The manufactures of the town consist of cotton and wool- en goods, nails, shovels, spades, hoes, forks, hoop rivets, shoes, leath- er, palm-leaf hats, chairs and cabi- net ware ; annual amount about $100,000. The Indian name of Plympton was Wanatuxtl. A noble white oak was cut in this town a few years ago. It contain- ed seven tons and seven feet of ship timber, and two cords of fire wood. Poge, Cax)e, Mass. This cape forms the northern ex- tremity of Chappequiddic island, a part of Dukes county. Polaud, Hie. Cumberland co. Poland is situ- «ted on Little Androscosrgin river, 6 miles above Lewiston falls. It is 44 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 26 N. from Portland. Incorporated, 1795. Population, 1837, 2,251. — Wheat crop, same year, 3,965 bush- els. This is an excellent farming town with good mill privileges, sev- eral ponds, and a pleasant village. A family consisting of about 70 of that cuiious people denomina- ted " Sliakers," re.-ide in Poland. They possess about 600 acres of choice land. They are attached to the society at New Gloucester, about a mile distant. Their village is on a beautiful eminence. To say that their village is neat and handsome, and that their lands and gardens are well improved, would be superfluous. See Canterbun/, .V. H. Pomfret, Vt. Windsor co. First settled, 1770. Population, 1830, 1,867. Pomfret lies 45 miles N. by E. from Mont- pelier and 20 N. N. W. from Wind- sor. The town is watered by White and Queechy rivers. The surface is hilly, but ihe soil is generally good, par'.icularly for grazing : — it pastures about 8000 sheep. Pom- fret cont;iiiis a mineral substance, said to prove a good substitute for paint. Pomfret, Ct. Windham co. Pomfret was first settled in 16S6. Incorporated, 1713. Its Indian name was JIashamoquet. The surface of the town is pleasantly diversified by hills and valleys: from some of the elevations, delightful views are obtained. The soil is deep, strong and fertile, and, al- though somewhat stony, is very productive, and exceedingly well adapted for grazing. A considera- ble amount of the productions of the dairy are sent to market. The Quinnebaug and several of its branches water the town, and flour- ishing manufacturing establish- ments of cotton and other materials are springing up within its borders. PomiVct lies 40 miles E. by N. from NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Hartford, 7 N. froin Brooklyn and 30 W. from Providence, R. 1. Pop- ulation, ISM), 1,981. Pomfi-et contains the "Wolf Den," celebrated for the bold exploit of the gallant Putnam, who resided here some years. He died at Brook- lyn, in this state, ni 1790. The aperture to this den or cave, which is situated under a high ledge of rocks, is about two feet square. It is about foi-ty feet in length, nar- row, of uneven surface, and in no part of it can a man stand upright. The sides of this cave are of smooth rock, which appear to have been rent asundi-r by an earthquake. Af- ter making the necessary prepara- tions for his venturous expedition, Putnam entered the den, and " hav- ing gioped his passage in the hori- zontal part of it, the most terrify- ing darkness appeared in front of the dim ciicle of light afforded by his torch. It was silent as the house of death. None but mon- sters of the desert had ever before explored this solitary mansion of honor. He cautiously pi-occeding onward came to the ascent ; which he slowly mounted on his hands and knees until he discovered the glar- ing eye-balls of the wolf, who was sitting at the extremity of the cav- ern. Started at the sight of tire, she gnashed her teeth, and gave a sudden growl. As soon as he had made the necessary discovery, he kicked the rope as a signal for pul- ling him out. The people at the mouth of the den, who had listened with painful anxiety, hearing the growl of the wolf, and supposing their friend to be in the most immi- nent danger, drew him forth with such celerity that his shirt was stripped over his head and his skin severely lacerated. After he had adjusted his clothes, and loaded his gun with nine buck-shot, holding a torch in one hand and the musket in the other, he descended the sec- ond time. When he drew nearer thaa before, the wolf assuming a still more fierce and terrible appear- ance, howling, rolling hei- eyes, snapping her teeth, and dropping her head between her legs, was evidently in the attitude and on the point cf springing at him. At this critical instant lie leveled and fired at her licad. Stunned by the shock, and suffocated with the smoke, he immediately found himself drawn out of the cave. But having re- freshed himself, and permitted the smoke to dissipate, he went down the third lime. Once moi-e he came in sight of the wolf, who appearing very passive, he applied the torch to her nose, and perceiving her dead, he took hold of her ears, and then kicking the rope, (still round his legs,) the people above, with no small exultation, dragged them both out together." Poplin, ST. 51., Rockingham co., is 24 miles W. S. W. from Portsmouth, and 33 S. S. E. from Concord. There is a small pond in the N. partof the town call- ed Loon pond ; and the town is wa- tered by Squaniscot, or Exeter riv- ei', beside several small streams. The soil is generally of a good qual- ity, and the suiface of the town is not broken by high hills. Poplin was incorporated, in 1764. The in- habitants are principally industri- ous farmers. Population, in 1830", 429. Porpoise, Cape, Me. This cape lies in the county of York, and forms the N. E. bounda- ry of Kennebunk Harbor. N. lat. 43° 22', W. Ion. 70° 23'. Porter, Me. Oxford CO. Porter is bounded W. by New Hampshire, and Ossipee river separates it from the county of York. It lies 99 miles S. W. from Augusta, 42 VV. N. W. from Portland, and 37 S. W. from Paris. Population, 1837, 1,087. Incorpo- rated, 1807. NE'.V ENGLAND GAZETTEER. PortIa:n- tained, and a government, consisting of a mayor, seven aldermen and twenty-one common councilmcn was duly organized under it in April, of the same year. There are in the city 16 houses of public worship, many of whicli are veryciegant. There is also in the city a beautiful court house, a spacious city hall, and a substantial stone jail. An athenceum was founded here in 1826, embracing a large reading i-oom and library; the library at this time contains between 3,000 and 4,000 volumes of well se- lected books. The public press is as flourishing in Portland as in other parts of the United States. There were pub- lished in that city, in 1337,3 daily papers, 2 tri-weekly, 1 semi-week- ly and 12 weekly, embracing all the subjects of politics, literature, agriculture, religion and morals. Portland is llo miles N. N. E. from Boston, 54 S. W. from Au- gusta, and 554 from Washington. Lat. 43=3 39/ ^Qti N., Ion. 70^ 20' 30" W. It is pleasantly situated between Fore 01- Casco river, and Back cove. The location is calculated to exhib- it the city very favorably on ap- proaching it from the sea, as the buildings rise between two hills in the form of an amphitheatre. On the bite of old fort Sumner is an observatory about 70 feet in height, commanding a delightful view of the city, the harbor, the islands in Casco bay ; and, extending north- west to the elevated peaks of the White mountains. The access to Portland by sea is easy, its harbor spacious and safe, and rarely obstructed by ice. It has a water communication with the country to a distance of nearly 50 miles, by the Cumbej-land and Oxford Canal, which was finished in 1330 ; and it is the nearest sea- board market for the i-ich and beau- tiful country on t!ie upper waters of Connecticut river, through the Franconiaand White mountain pass- es ; and with tlie White mountains over a level road to Lancaster in N. H. The rail -road from Boston will soon reach this place, and a i-ail-road from Portland to the iippei- waters of the Connecticut is in contempla- tion. There are numerous resources in the interior not yet brought into activity, which will give to this place continually increasing import- ance, and reward the exertions of its intelligent and enterprising in- habitants. Poi-tsmoutli, IV. H., Rockingham co., is the principal town in the state, a-nd the only sea- port which it contains. It is situa- ted in N. lat. 43^ 4' 54", W. Ion. 70^ 45'. Portsmouth is built on a bcauiifiil ])v.>nii!sula, on the south side of (he i-ivcr; and, as seen from the towers of tlie steeples, the riv- er, hai'!)or, points, islands and adja- cent CO intry, presents a delightful assemblage of o!)jects. In many parts of the town are beautiful gar- den-?. It was settled under the aus- pices of Sir Ferdinando Gorges andCapt. John Ma^on^in 1623, and was incorporated by charter in 1633. That part of it which lies round Chuich hill, extending N. and W., was oiiginally called Strawberry NEW ENGLAXD GAZETTEEn. Bank. Th3 first house of which we have any account, erected in what is now the compact part of the town, was built by Humphrey Chadbourne, and according to tra- dition, stood near the corner of Court aiid Pond streets. It was called the " Great house," and is frequently referred to in early his- tories. Within the memory of the present generation, a garrison house stood in Water sti-eet, another in Fore street, and a third at the Fer- ry-ways. Tiiese were probably the principal houses on " the Bank." The first meeting house stood on Pleasant street. Except the garri- son houses above mentioned, the earliest settlements were pj-obably on the south road. From the pe- culiar advantages of its situation, Portsmouth appears almost wholly to have escaped the ravages of the Indians. Secured on three sides by the Piscataqua, the ocean, and an inlet, it was accessible to the savages only by the isthmus which connects it with the main ; and across that a stockade fence was ex- tended for defence. The settle- ments were also compact, and the number of inhabitants at an early date considerable. In 1822, the wealthy and enterprising citizens of this town connected Portsmouth with Kittery, in Maine, by two bridges, one 4S9 feet in length, supported by 20 piers; the other 1750 feet, supported by 70 piers. Under the long bridge, for 900 feet, the water varies from 45 to 53 feet in depth at low water. The draw is 133G feet from the island, and the water is 21 feet deep at low tide. This bridge greatly increases and facilitates the travel fiom Port- land and its vicinity to this town and Boston. The town is also con- nected with New Castle by a bridge built in 1S21. The streets, though not laid out with much regularity, are neat and pleasant, and contain many beautiful buildings. Ports- mouth Aqueduct Company was in- corporated 1797, and commenced its operations in 1799. Water of excellent quality is brought from a fountain about 3 miles distant, and conducted into all the principal streets. Portsmouth pier, 340 feet in length, and about 60 feet wide, was incorporated 1795. Portsmouth Athenaeum was incoiporated, 1817, and has a library of about 5,000 volumes ; and cabinets of mineral- ogy, natural history, &c. The institution is rapidly increasing in value'. The people of this town were at an early period friendly to litera- ture, and their institutions for learning are highlj' respectable. Portsmouth is the centre of a con- siderable trade directed b\' wealthy and enterprising citizens. The Pi, 1802, 102 buildings were burnt. Dec. 24, 1806, 14 buildings, including St. John's church, were destroyed. But the most calamitous fire broke out Dec. 22, 1813, when .397 build- ings were burnt, of which more than 100 were dwelling houses. The ravages extended over about 15 acres. The United States navy yard is admirably located for its object. There are at present three ship houses in the yard, in which are a 74 and a 40 gun ship. One of the houses is 240 feet long and 131 feet VFide : — the roof is covered with 130 tons of slate. In this building the keel of the fiigate Congress was laid in 1837. 1'he government of the U. S. has been liberal in its appropriations for this excellent na- val depot, at which a dry dock will soon be constructed. Ports- mouth has ever been celebrated for its fine white oak timber and its naval architects. Ship building for the merchant service is extensively pursued, and other manufactures flourish. There are 3.5 ships belonging to this port regularly engaged in the freighting business ; 100 vessels in the cod and mackerel fisheries, 52 in the coasting trade, 3 in the West India business, and 1 employed in whal- ing. The number of men and boys employed in navigation, in 1837, was 750. The tonnage of the district, the same year, was 25,114 tons. As much of the capital of this wealthy town is employed abroad, and much of the inland trade passes on the river, there is but little show of business in the streets, compared with some othc:' commercial places. Portsmouth lies 45 miles E. S. E. from Concord, 56 N. E. from Bos- ton, and 54 S. W. from Portland. Population, 1820, 7,327; 1830, 8,082. The present population is about 9,000. The rail-road from Boston to Maine will probably pass through this town. The pioximity of Portsmouth to the ocean, its neatness, quietude and beauty, ren- der it an agreeable residence, and a fashionable resort in the summer. Among the citizens of Portsmouth distinguished for their talents or public services, we may mention William Vaughan, the origin- al projector of the expedition against Louisbourg, was born at Ports- mouth, Sept. 12, 1703, and died in London, in Dec. 1746. John \\ entworth, the first governor of that name in N. H. He died Dec. 12, 1730, aged 59. Benning Wentworth, who died Oct. 14, 1770, aged 75. Dr. Joshua Brackett, a dis- tinguished physician and founder of the N. H. Medical Society, died July 17, 1802, aged 69. Hon. Samuel Hale, a native of Newbury, Mass., who for more than 30 years, taught a public school in Portsmouth. He died July 10, 1807, aged 89. Rev. Samuel, Haven, D. D. was born at Framingham, Mass. Aug. 4, 1727 ; settled at Portsmouth in 1752 ; received the degree of D. D. from the University of Edin- burgh in 1772; and died March 3, 1806, aged 79. He was eminently useful. Dr. Ammi R. Cutter, was born at North Yarmouth, Me. in March 1735. Foi' 60 years he was an em- inent practitioner, and during life a firm supporter of his country. He died Dec. 8, 1820, aged 86. Hon. John Pickering, LL. D., was a native of Newington. He was appointed chief justice of the superior ceurt in 1790, and contin- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ued in office five years. He was afterwanli district judge of the U. S., and died April 11, 1805, aged 67. Hon. John Langdon, LL.D. was bom at Portsmouth in 1740. In 17S5 he was choien president of the state. He was elected to the same ollice in 17SS, and after the adoption of the constitution was governor six years. He ever dis- charged tlie duties of the ollices to which he was elected faithfully and acceptably. Unlike many ele- vated to oifice, he remembered that the people clothed him with autlior- ity, an.l his only study was to serve them honestly and faithfully. He died Sept. 13, 1819, aged 79. Hon. WooDBURV Langdon, a firm patriot and useful citizen. Hon. Richard Evans was born at Portsmouth, May 13, 1777. He died July IS, 1816, aged 3*. Jonathan M. Sewall, Esq., counsellor at law, and a respectable poet, was born at Salem, Mas,., in 1748, and died at Portsmouth, March 29, 1803. Rev. Joseph Buckminster, D. D. a native of Rutland, Mass., settled at Portsmouth.1779, and died alReed^borougb.Vt. June 10, 1812, aged 61. Dr. B. was a distinguish- ed scholar and an eminent divine. Portsmdntli, R. I. Newport co. The soil of this town, in common with all the lands on the island of R. I., is uncommon- ly fertile, well cultivated and pro- ductive. It i5 bounded N. by Mount Hope bay, E.'by the Seaconnct pas- sage from the sea to said bay, S. by the ocean, and W. by Middletown. The maritime situation of the town affords the people great facilities for the fisheries, which, with a fine soil, and industi'y, give them a great degree of independence. A number one called are attached to this town, of which the beautiful and fertile island of Prudence is the largest. It is si.\ miles in length, and about three quarters of a mile average width. In this town are the Rhode Island coal mines, which are not woiked at the present time. A fine bed of plumbago has recently been discovered. Portsmouth fur- nishes considerable quantities of wool, hay, grain, vegetables, and productions oif the dairy. In 1837 there were 16,000 sheep in the town. Population, 1830, 1,727. Portsmouth lies 6 miles N. N. E. from Newport. A stone bridge, 1,000 feet in length, connects it with Tiverton. It received its char- ter from Charles II., in 1663. Poultney, Vt. Rutland co. The surface of this town is pleasantly diversified ; the soil is warm and productive, partic- ularly on the borders of the river. First settled, 1771. Population,lS30, 1,909. There are two flourishing villages in the town, and manufac- tures of various sorts. The pro- ductions of the soil are considera- ble, and 12,000 sheep are kept. If lies 60 miles S. \V. from Montpe- lier, and 13 S. V/ . from Rutland. Poultney river, i-ising in the high lands near Middletown, and emp- tying into East bay, an arm of Champlain lake, is about 25 miles in length, and in its course afTords numerous valuable mill sites. This stream changed its course in 1783, by cutting a channel of 100 feet in depth through a ridge of land near the bay, and destroying the navi- gation of the bay for a time, by nearly filling it with earth. This obstruction has been removed. Powiial, Me. Cumberland co. This is a small town, of good soil, and bounded N. by Durham. It lies 35 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 19 N. from Port- land. Incorporated, 1803. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,232. Powiial, Vt. Bennington co. First settled, 1761. Population, in 1830, 1,835. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Pownal lies 30 miles W. by S. from Brattleborough, ami 8 S. from Ben- nington. The surface isbroken and hilly, but the soil is strong and re- markably well adapted for grass, producing all the varieties of the dai- ry in gi-eat abundance and of an ex- cellent quality. The number of sheep kept in this town is about 8,000. Pownal is watered by Hoo- sack and Walloomsac rivers, which produce a good water power. The village is very pleasant. Poivo^v River. Powow river has its principal source in Great and Country ponds in Kingston, N. H., and passes over the S. \V. part of East Kingston in- to South Hampton ; thence into Amesbury, Alass., where it turns E. into South Hampton again, and returns into Amesbury, falling into the Mei-rimack between Salisbury and Amesbury. Theie are several falls in this river ; those in Ames- bury being the most remarkable, "the water falling 100 feet in the dis- tance of 50 rods, and presenting, with the vaiiety of machinery and dams, houses and scenery on the falls, one of the most interesting views in the country. Pi-escott, Mass. Hampshire co. The surface of this town is rough and hilly. The principal manufacture consists of palm-leaf hats, of which about 50,000 are annually made. The soil is bettei- for grazing thlin tillage. Prescott lies 76 miles \V. from Bos- ton, and 16 N. E. from Northamp- ton. Taken from Pelham in 1822. Population, 1837, 7SS. Preston, €t. New London co. This is an ir- regular, uneven, rocky town, of a pretty good ^oil for corn and grazing. It is bounded W. and N. by the Thames and Quinnebaug rivers : 44 miles E. S. E. from Hartford. First settled, iaS6. Population, 1830, 29 1,935. Poquetannuck, an ancient village, lies partly in Preston and partly in Ledyard. It has a water power, and small vessels pass within a short distance of it. Many of the inhabitants are employed in naviga- tion, and considerable ship timber is taken from there down the river. Preston City lies in the eastern part of the town, 5 miles E. from Poquetannuck, and 6 E. from Nor- wich. Near this village is "Amos lake," a handsome sheet of water, and a place of resort for parties of pleasure. Presumpsciit River, Me. This is the outlet of Sebago lake. It passes through parts of Goi'ham and Westbrook, and falls into Casco bay at Falmouth, 6 miles N. from Portland. Princeton, Me. AVashington co. Population, in 1837, 207. See "Down East." / Princeton, Mass. '• Worcester co. This town, the Indian JVachusett, is pleasantly situated at the base of the moun- tain of that name, 45 miles W. hy N. from Boston, and 16 N. by W. from Worcester. Incorporated,175S. Population, 1837, 1,267. This is a township of good land, and produces considerable quantities of beef, butter, cheese, &c. It is watered by a branch of the Nashua, and has some manufactures. Wachusett is 2,990 feet in height ; it is the high- est land in the covinty.and presents a landscape exceedingly variegated and beautiful. It is a place much frequented in summer months. The manufactures of the town consist of shoes, leather, palm-leaf hats, chairs, and cabinet ware : an- nual amount, about $50,000. Prospect, Me. Waldo CO., This is a beautiful town, of good soil, on the west side of Penobscot river. It is bounded NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. on the S. by Belfast bay ; 52 miles E. by N. from Augusta, 12 N. N. E. from Belfast, and 18 S. from Bangor. Prospect is very flourishing in its commercial and agricultural pursuits. Population, 1330, 2,331 ; 1837, 3,198. Incorporated, 1794. Wheat crop, 1837, 4,416 bushels. Prospect, Ct. New Haven co. This stony and mountainous town was taken from Cheshire and Waterbury,ia 1827. It derived its name from its elevat- ed situation. There is a pretty village in the town. The inhabit- ants are chiefly farmers. It lies 17 miles N. by W. from New Ha- ven. Population, 1830, 651. Some difliculty arose in the con- gregational society in this town a few years since, in consequence of the minister and a number of the influential members of the church having adopted the sentiments of the Perfectionists. The stray sheep, however, soon returned to the fold again. See Religious Creeds and Statistics. Providence Comity, R. I. Providence, chief town. This ancient and respectable county is boundedN.and E. by Massachusetts, S. by the county of Kent, and W. by Connecticut. It contains an area of 331 square miles. Population, 1820, 35,736 ; 1830, 47,018. Pop- ulation to a square mile, 124. The surface of the county is generally uneven ; some sections of it presents rugged features, but no part of it is mountainous. The soil is vari- ous : some portions of the county are alluvial, some calcareous loam, and some of sileceous sand ; but a strong gravelly loam generally prevails. More attention is paid to agiicul- ture in this county than formerly ; good crops of corn, barley and rye are obtained, and all the varieties of the dairy, of fruits and vegeta- bles are abundant for the supply of its numerous villages and the city. The commercial interests of the county are important, but are prin- cipally confined to the flourishing city of Providence; but the manu- facturing interests, particularly of cotton, are extended throughout the county, and engrosses a large share of its enterprize and capital. While the Pawtucket, Pawtuxet, Mashan- ticut, Pochasset, Wonasquatucket, and other streams, give those inter- ests a constant operative power, the numerous beautiful villages erected on their borders testify that Provi- dence county is one of the most im- portant manufacturing districts in the new world. A statistical accountof the resour- ces of this county, and of all the counties and towns in Rhode Isl- and, is in preparation, and will ap- pear in the Register. Providence, R. I. Chief town. Providence co. Rog- er Williams was the founder of this beautiful city. He was banished from the Massachusetts colony for maintaining that all denominations of christians were equally entitled to the protection of the civil mag- istrate ; that the church of England was no true church, and that a patent from the king conveyed no title to the soil. In 1636, Mr. Williams, accompa- nied by William Harris, John Smith, Joshua Viriin, Thomas An- gell, and Francis Wickes, commenc- ed a settlement and called it Prov- idence ; regarding his preservation as a favorable interposition of heav- en. Jlr. Williams sustained the two-fold character of a minister of the gospel and governor of the col- ony ; he formed a constitution on the broad principle of civil and re- ligious liberty, and thus established the first free government on the continent of America. Mr. Wil- liams was a man of learning, and set a bright example of that tolera- tion which he demanded from oth- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. cr3. He was born in Wales, in 1599, and died in 1683. Providence suffered great losses in king Philip's war, and dui-ing the revolutionary contest it furnish- ed its full proportion of troops, and partook largely of the sufferings as well as of tiie glory of that struggle. On the 9th of June, 1772rthe king's ship Gaspee was taken pos- session of and burned, and the com- mander, Lieutenant Duddingston, wounded with a musket ball, in the thigh. Only one of the persons en- gaged in taking the Gaspee is now living — Col. "Ephraim Bowen, of Providence. Thus it appears, that in that con- test, the first blood was shed at Providence ; but the first American blood and life was sacrificed at Lexington, Mass., on the 19th of April, 1775, and the first British life, on the same day, a few hours after, at Concord, Massachusetts. Providence formerly comprised the territoiy of a number of the neighboring towns. Its pj-esent limits contain an area of about nine square miles. It was incorporated as a town in 1649, and as a citv in 1831. Population, in 1820, 11,7'67; 1830, 16,832; 1836, 19,277. The most compact pai't of the city is di- vided into two nearly equal parts, on both sides of Providence river, and are connected by wide and sub- stantial bridges. The two princi- pal streets are long and irregular, and comprise the business portion of the city, with the exception of a long range of large and handsome brick ware houses on the east side of the river. The buildings in oth- er parts of the city are constructed with taste, and many of them in a style of superior elegance. On the east side of the river the land rises abruptly. On this elevation are a number of streets running parallel with the river, on the summit of which is located Brown University, established here in 1770. From the beautiful buildings on these streets, delightful views are obtain- ed of a great extent of country, of the city, the shipping in the river, and of Providence and Narraganset bays. There are in Providence a large number of handsome churches, and other public buildings. The Ar- cade is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. It is sit- uated on the west side of the river, and fronts on two sti-eets. It is built of stone, 222 feet in length, and 72 feet in width. The fronts are ornamented, each with six mas- sive columns, 25 feet high, the shafts of which are single blocks, 22 feet in length. The lower part of this building is improved for dry goods shops, &c. ; the upper stories for offices, library rooms, &c. It was completed in 1828, and cost ,f 130,000. The architecture of this building is exceedingly chaste. Providence has long been cele- brated for the commercial spirit of its citizens, and for their large in- vestments of capital in foreign com- merce, particularly with India. It is still a flourishing mart of foreign trade ; the tonnage of the port, in 1837, was 17,526 tons. Much of the capital of the city has, howev- er, of late years, been diverted to the pursuit of domestic manufac- tures ; a pursuit probable of greater profit, and no less patriotic. Besides the large capital employ- ed by the citizens of Providence in manufacturing establishments with- out the city,the capital thus employ- ed within it is very great. Those manufactures consist of cotton goods, (by steam power,) machinery, steam engines, vessels, jewelry, copper, brass, iron and tin wares, glass, combs, oil, soap, candles, hats, leather, boots, shoes, and numerous other articles. About 4,000 of the people of Providence are engaged in these manufactures. The public schools in Providence are well sustained. The sum of about $10,000 is annually appropri- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ated to tliis object. The number of scholars, in 1S37, was 1626. A high school has recently been es- tablished, and $-10,000 appropnated for the erection of new school hous- es. The athenasum library con- tains 7,000 volumes. It was incor- porated in 1836. See Register. Providence is approached with great ease from almost every direc- tion. The roads are generally ex- cellent : that to Pawtucket is une- qualled by any in New England. The Black-toho canal, after wind- ing its course through a fertile and manufacturing country, from Wor- cester, Mass., terminates at tide wa- ter in the centre of the city. Steam boats, of superior construction and elegant accommodations, ply be- tween this city and New York, daily. Rail road cars between Bos- ton and Stonington cross the lower part of the city several times a day, and steam boats and packets are con- tinually passing to and fiom the several important towns on the shores of Narraganset and Mount Hope bays. Providence has frequently sus- tained heavy losses by tire, and once by water. In 1815, during the memorable gale of September 23d, the tide rose 12 feet higher than the common high tides, and spread ruin to the buildings, navi- gation, wharves and bridges in eve- ry direction. The loss sustained by this flood was estimated at a million and a half of dollars. Providence lies at the head of ship navigation on Providence riv- er, the most northern waters of Narraganset bay ; 35 miles from the sea, 40 S. \V. from Boston, 169 N. E. by E. from New York, and 396 N."E. from Washington. N. Jat. 41° 49' 32", W. Ion. 71° 24' 45". Provmcetown, Mass. Barnstable co. A noted fishing town on the extreme point of Cape Cod; including Race point, which lies 3 miles N. W. from Province- town village. It comprises Cape Cod, or Provincefown harbor, which opens on the S. This ocean harbor is very large, exceedingly easy of acces-5, and has sufficient depth of water for the largest ships of war. This is the tirst harbor the "Mayflowei-" touched at on her passage to Plymouth in 1620. An elaborate and highly interest- ing report of a survey of this har- bor and the extremity of Cape Cod, by Major J. D. Graham, has recent- ly been printed by order of con- gress. The report is accompa-nied by a series of tables, showing the result of a long course of observations on the tide, which are not only curi- ous, but may be useful to those who are in a situation for pursuing their speculations on this subject, by compaiing them with the results of similar observations in other places. The fullness and precision of these tables indicate the care and labor witJi which the work has been prosecuted. The result is of a na- ture to show the great importance of this position, both as a naval and commercial station. The vat^ue of Cape Cod harbor to our naval and mercantile marine in time of war is inappreciable. In ])ossession of an enemy, it would af- ford fiicililies for annoying our commerce, without exposure to the gales that so often sweep along the coast. Fortified, and in the occu- pancy of a portion of our navy, it offers a secure retreat, accessible at all seasons, and sheltered from eve- ry storm. The soil of this town, in common with many others on Cape Cod, is very sandy; indeed, it may be said to possess no soil, for its vegetable qualities are very deficient. During the year ending April 1st, 1837, there were belonging to Provincetown, 2 vessels employed in the whale, and 98 in the cod and mackerel fishery, besides a large number in the freiithtins; business. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The value of fish and oil taken was $298,407. Hands employed, 1,113, During that year 48,960 "bushels of salt were made, employing 156 hands, the value of which was $18,.360. Provincetown lies 50 miles N. E. from Barnstable, by land, and 50 E. S. E. from Boston, by water. Incorporated, 1727. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,710; 1837, 2,049. Putney, Vt. Windham co. This town is fine- ly located on the west side of Con- necticut i'iver,and embosoms a large tract of excellent intervale land, called the "Great Meadows. "There is also a good tract of intervale on Sacket's brook, a (ine mill stream, with beautiful falls, on which ai-e erected valuable mills for the manu- tacture of woolen goods, paper, and various other articles. Sacket's brook is a large and constant stream: jt falls 150 feet in the course of 100 rods. Some of the mill sites are unoccupied. There are various mineral substances in the town, worthy of the notice of the geolo- gist. The village is pleasant, and bears the marks of taste and pros- perity. It lies 9 miles E. from Newfane, and 9 N. from Brattle- borough. First settled, 1754. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,510. Pusliaw Iiake, Me. This lake lie? in the towns of Orono, Button and Kirkland, Pe- nobscot county. It is about 8 miles long, and one mile wide. It emp- ties into Dead stream, which meets the Penobscot at Orono. Q,ueecliy River, Vt., Sometimes called Waterqueechy, rises in Sherburne, runs nearly east to the south part of Bridgewater ; thence through Woodstock into the south part of Hartford, and thence southeast thi-ough the northeast cor- ner of Hartland into Connecticut river, about two miles above Quee- chy falls. In Bridgewater it re- 1 29* ceives two considerable branches, namely, north branch, which rises in the north part of this township from the north, and south branch, which rises in Plymouth, from the south, both considerable mill streams. In Woodstock it receives two other branches of considerable size ; one rising in the northeast corner of Bridgewater and southeast corner of Barnard, falls into Quee- chy river from the north just below the north village in Woodstock, or " Woodstock Green,''' the other rising in the south part of Wood- stock, passes through both the vil- lages in that town, and empties into it from the south just above the mouth of the last mentioned stream. Both these streams afford excellent mill seats. Queechy river in its course receives num.erous other tributaries of less note. It is a clear and lively stream, with a grav- el or stony bottom. This stream is about 35 miles in length, and wa- ters about 212 square miles. Q,uiiicy, Mass. Norfolk CO. The territory of Quincy was apart of ancient Brain- tree, until 1792. It lies on Brain- tree or Quincy bay, in Boston har- bor, and is bounded on the N. W. by Neponset river and the town of Milton. It is 8 miles S. by E. from Boston, and 10 E. by S. from Ded^ ham. Population, 1820, 1,623 ; 1830, 2,192; 1837, 3,049. The surface of the town is diver.^ sified by hills, valleys and plains. Back from the bay about 3 miles is a range of elevated land, in some parts more than 600 feet above the sea, containing an inexhaustible supply of granite. This is the source of the " Quincy Granite," a building material justly celebrated in all our cities for its durability and beauty. Vast quantities of this admirable stone are annually quarried and wrought in this vicin- ity by the most skillful workmen, into all dimensions, both plain aud NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ornamental ; and it is fortunate for the public that the supply is abun- dant, for the demand for it from va- rious parts of the United States is constant and increasing. By means of a rail-road from these quarries to tiie tide waters of Ne- ponset river, and of a canal to the centre of the town, this stone is transported with ^rpeat expedition and little coat. There are large quantities of slate stone neai- Ne- ponset river; much of which is quarried. These slate quarries bear indications of coal in their vicinity. In this town, between Quiocy and Dorchester bays, is a point of land called Squantum, celebrated as having been the residence of the famous Indian SAchem,Chicka(au- but. This place is the Jfos-vjetu- sei, " a few miles south of Boston," supposed by some to have oi-igin- ated the name of the state. Squan- tum is a i-ocky, romantic place, six miles south of Boston, and a pleas- ant resort for fishing and bathing. The soil of Quincy is generally of an excellent quality and under good cultivation. There are large tracts of salt meadow in the town, and many large and beautiful farms, which, in respect to soil and skillful management, may vie with any in the state. The Mount Wallaston fai-m is noted as the site of an early settle- ment (162.5.) and as the Merry Mount of Thomas Morton and his associates. This farm, with that of his venerated father, now belong to the Hon. Mr. Adams, representative to Congress. The ancestral estate of the Quincy family comprises one of the most beautiful and well cul- tivated farms in New England. It is the property of Josiah Quin- cy, LL. D., an eminent agricul- turist, and president of Harvard University. The village, in the centre of the town, is situated on an elevated plain, and is remarkable for its neat- ness and befauty. In this village is a stone church, designated the "Ad- ams Temple." This building was dedicated, 1S28, and coH $40,000. Within its walls is a beautiful mar- ble monument to the memory of the Hon. John Adams and his wife. About two miles east fi'om the village is Quincy Point, at the junction of Town and Weymouth Fore rivers. This is a delightful spot, and contains some handsome buildings. This point of land, with a peninsula near it called German- town, are admirably located for ship building, and for all the pur- poses of navigation and the tishery. Hei'e is a tine hai'bor, a bold shore and a beautiful country, within. 10 miles of the capital of New Eng- land. The manufactures of Quincy con- sist of stone, slate, vessels, salt, leather, boots, shoes, hats, coach lace, carriages, harnesses, bleached bees wax, &c. Total value,, the year ending April 1 , 1S37,$4~0,222. During that peiibd there were 10 vessels engaged in the cod and mackerel fishery ; the pioduct of which was ,'ft31,042. Quincy is a place of coasiilerable, trade. Large quantities of lumber, bread stuffs, &c., ai-e annually sold. The proximity of Quincy to Bos- ton, the excellent roads and bridg- es connecting it with the city and surrounding country, the beauty of the town, with the delightful scen- ery around it, render it a ..desirable residence in summer, and a pleas- ant home. Quincy was named in honor of Col. John Quincy, a native of the place, who for forty successive yeai-s was a member of the execu- tive council of the colony, and dis- charged many other public trusts with zeal and iidelitv. He died Ju- ly i:J, 1767, aged 7S. This has been the birth place and residence of some of the most distinguished sons of America. — NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The names of the patriots, John Hancock and Josiah Quincy, Jr., will live until the death of lib- erty. Two presidents of the United States, father and son, were natives of this place. John Adams, born October 19, 1735. John Quincy Adams, bci'n July 11, 1767. The senior Mr. Adams graduated at Harvard University in 1735, and was distinguished for his diligence and genius. He studied law at Worcester, and was admitted to practice in 175S. He commenced the labors of his profession in Brain- tree, his native town', and soon ob- tained business and reputation. In 1764, Mr. Adams married Miss Ab- igail Smith, a gi-and daughter of Col. Quincy, a lady as distinguish- ed for her accomplishments and virtues as for the elevated station in society which Providence had destined her to till. Mrs. Adams died at Quincy, Dec. 28, 1818, aged 74. In 1765, Mr. Adams removed to Boston ; here he obtained an ex- tensive legal practice, and, I'efusing all offers of patronage from the British government, espoused the cause of his native countiy with an ardor peculiar to himself, firmly re- solved to sink or swim with its lib- erties. He was elected a member of Congress, and was among the foremost in recommending the adoption of an independent govern- ment. In 1777 Mr. Adams was cho- sen commissioner to the Court of Versailles. In 1779 he was appoint- ed minister plenipotentiary to nego- tiate a peace and a commercial trea- ty with Great Britain. In 1780 he went embassador to Holland, and in 1782 to Paris, to negotiate a treaty of peace with Great Britain, having received the assurance that that power would recognize the indepen- dence of the United States. In 1785 Mr. Adams was appointed the first minister to the court of St. James. After remaining in Europe nine years, he returned to his native country, and in 1789 was elected first Vice President of the United States, which office he held dui-ing the whole of Washington's administration. On the resignation of Washington, in 1797, Mr. Adams became President of the United States, which office he sustained until the election of Mr. Jefferson, in 1801. Soon after this, Mr. Adams retired to his farm at Quincy, and spent the remainder of an eventful life in rural occupations, the pleas- ures of domestic retirement, and those enjoyments which a great and good mind always has in store. The account that Mr. Adams gives in a letter to a friend, of his introduction to George III., at the court of St. James, as the first min- ister from the rebel colonies, is very interesting. The scene would form a noble picture, highly honorable both to his majesty and the repub- lican minister. Here stood the stern monarch, who had expended more than six hundred millions of dollars, and the lives of two hundied thousand of his subjects in a vain attempt to subjugate freemen; and by his side stood the man, who, in the language of Jefferson, " was the great pillar of support to the declaration of in- dependence, and its a')i'js< advo- cate and champion on the floor of Congress." Mr. Adams says, " At one o'clock on Wednesday, the first of June, 1785, the master of ceremonies call- ed at my house, and went with me to the secretary of state's office, in Cleaveland i-ow, where the marquis of Carmarthen received and intro- duced me to Mr. Fi-azier, his un- der secretary, who had been, as his lordship said, uninterruptedly in that office through all the changes in administration for thirty years. After a short conversation, Lord Carmarthen invited me to go with him in his coach to court. When we arrived in the antechamber the master of the ceremonies introduc- SITT NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ed him and attended me while the secretary of state went to take llie commands of tlie king. While I stood in this place, where it seems all ministers sjand upon such occa- sions, always attended by the mas- ter of ceremonies, the room was very full of ministers of state, bish- ops and all other sorts of courtiers, as well as the next room, which is the king's bed chamber. You may well suppose I was the focus of all eyes. I was relieved, however, from the embarrassment of it, by the Swedish and Dutch ministers, who came to me and entertained me with a very agreeble conver- sation during the whole time. Some other gentlemen whom I had seen before, came to make their com- pliments to me until the marquis of Carmarthen returned, and desired me to go with him to his majesty. I went with his lordship through the levee room into the king's closet. The door was shut, and I was left with his majesty and the secretary of state alone. I made the three reverences : — one at the door, another about half way, and another before the presence, accord- ing to the usage established at this and all the northern courts of Eu- rope, and then I addressed myself to his majesty in the following words : ' Sii-e : The United States have ap- pointed me minister plenipotentiary to j'our majesty, and have dii-ected me to deliver to your majesty this letter, which contains the evidence of it. It is in obedienc to their ex- press commands, that I have the honor to assure your majesty of their unanimous disposition and de- sire to cultivate the most friendly and liberal intercourse between your majesty's subjects and their citi- zens, and of their best wishes for your majesty's health and happi- ness, and for that of your family. ' The appointment of a minister from the United States to your ma- jesty's court will form an epoch in the history of England and Ameri- ca. I think myself more fortunate than all my fellow citizens, in hav- ing the distinguished honor to be the first to stand in your majesty's royal presence in a diplomatic char- acter ; and I shall esteem myself the happiest of men if I can be in- strumental in recommending my country more and more to your ma- jesty's royal benevolence, and of restoring an entire esteem, confi- dence and affection ; or, in better words, ' the old good nature and the good old humor,' between people who, though separated by an ocean, and under different governments, have the same language, a similar religion, a kindred blood. I beg your majesty's permission to add, that although I have sometimes be- fore been instructed by my country, it was never in my whole life in a manner so agreeable to myself.' The king listened to everj' word I said, with dignity, it is true, but with apparent emotion. Whether it was my visible agitation, for I felt more than I could express, that touched him, I cannot say ; but he was much affected, and answered me with more tremor than I had spoken with, and said : — " Sir: The circumstances of this audience are so extraordinary, the language you have now held is so extremely proper, and the feelings you have discovered sojustly adapt- ed to the occasion that 1 not only receive with pleasure the assurance of the friendly disposition of the United States, but that I am glad the choice has fallen upon you to be their minister. I wish you, sir, to believe and that it may be under- stood in America, that I have done nothing in the late contest but what I thought myself indespensibly bound to do, by the duty which I owed my people. I will be frank with you. I was the last to conform to the separation ; but the separa- tion having become inevitable, I have always said, as I now say, that NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. I would be the first to meet the friendship of the United States as an independent power. The mo- ment I see such sentiments and language as yours prevail, and a disposition to give this countrj' the preference, that moment I shall say -J— let the circumstances of la.Tguage, religion, and blood have their nat- ural full effect." I dare not say that these were the king's precise words ; and it is even possible that I may have, in some particulars, mistaken his meaning ; for although his pronun- ciation is as distinct as 1 ever heard, he hesitated sometimes between members of the same period. He was, indeed, much affected, and 1 was not less so, and therefore I can- not be certain that I was so atten- tive, heard so clearly, and under- stood so perfectly, as to be confident of all his words, or sense. This I do say, that the foregoing is his ma- jesty's meaning, as I then under- stood it, and his own words, as near- ly as I can recollect them. The king then asked me whether I came last from France ; and upon my answering in the affii-mative, he put on an air of familiarity, and, smiling, or rather laughing, said, 'There is an opinion among some people that you are not the most at- tached of all your countrymen to the manners of France.' I was surprised at this, because I thought it an indiscretion, and a descent from his dignity. I was a little em- barrassed; but determined not to deny truth on the one hand, nor lead him to infer from it any attach- ment to England, on the other, I threw off as muah gravity as I could, and assumed an air of gaiety, and a tone of decision, as far as was decent, and said, ' That opinion, sir, is not mistaken : I must avow to your majesty, I have no attachment but to my own country.' The king replied as quick as lightning," An honest man will ne\er have any other.' The king then said a word or two to the secretary of state, which be- ing between them I did not hear, and then turned round and bowed to me, as is customary with all kings and princes when they give the sig- nal to retire. I retreated, stepping backwards, as is the etiquette ; and making my last reverence at the door of the chamber, I went to my carriage." Mr. Adams died on the 4th of Ju- ly, IS26, with the same words on his lips which fifty years before, on that day, he had uttered on the floor of Congress, " Independence forever." Q,uiuebaag River. This beautiful stream rises in Mashapaugpand, in Union, Ct. It passes N. to Brimfiehl, Mass., then a S. E. course to Thompson, Ct., where it receives French riverfrom the north. It then traverses a S. direction about 30 miles, affording fertility and a great hydraulic pow- er in its course, when it joins the Shetucket, near the city of Nor- wich, and takes the name of that river to the Yantic. These three streams form the Thames. Q,uinepiack River, Ct. This river rises in Bristol and Farmington, and passes through Southington, Cheshire, Meriden, Wallingford, and falls into Long Island Sound at New Haven. This is a pleasant mountain stream, of consitlerable power, and about 30 miles in length. Quoddy Head, Me., Or West Quoddy Head, the west- ern entrance into Passamaquoddy bay. It is in N. lat. 44° 55', W. Ion. 66° 49'. It has a light house 45 feet in height. See Lubec and Eastport. Race Point, Mass. The N. W. extremity of Cape NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Cod. N. lat. 42° 6', W. Ion. 70° 7'. See Provincetown. Ragged Itloiuitaius, N. II., So called from their rough ap- pearance, lie between Andover and Hill, extending in a chain about 10 miles from the Pemigewasset to the vicinity of Kearsarge. It is a bleak and precipitous range, and is nearly 2,000 feet high, in its northern points. Rail Roads iii New Kuglaud. See Register. Randolpli, If. H. Coos CO. Until 1824 this town was called Dur?nd. It is situated directly under t!ie north end of the White mountains, its southeast cor- ner bounding on the base of Mount Madison, the east peak of the range. Branches of Israel's and Moose rivers pass through it. The soil is in some parts good, but the town in- creases slowly in its settlements. It was granted August 20, 1772, to John Durand and others, of Lon- don. Joseph Wilder and Stephen Jillson were the first settlers. Pop- ulation, 1830, 78. Randolph, Vt. Orange co. This is an elevated township of good soil, particularly for grazing. It is generally well improved, and produces good but- ter, cheese and mutton. Between twelve and thirteen thousand sheiep graze in its pastures. It is well watered by branches of White river, on which are two woolen mills and other manufac- tures. There are a number of flour- ishing business locations in the town : the centre village is very pleasant, and contains an academy of excellent reputation. This town was first settled about the year 1778. Population, 1830, 2,743. Randolph lies 23 miles S. from Montpelier, 9 S. W. from Chel- sea, and 34 N. N. W. from Wind- sor. Randolph, Mass. Norfolk CO. Randolph constitut- ed a part of ancient Braintree until 1793, when it was incorporated. It lies 14 miles S. from Boston, 12" S. E. from Dedham, and 7 S. S. W. from Braintree landing. Popula- tion, 1820, 1,546; 1830, 2,200; 1837, 3,041. Manatiquot river rises in the town, which, with other small streams, affbid ita waterpow- er. Punkapog pond lies in this town and Canton. The land is ele- vated between the waters of Mas- sachusetts bay and Taunton river ; the surface is generally undulating and the soil strong and productive. There are two veiy pleasant and flourishing villages in the town. East and West, surrounded by fertile and well cultivated fields. Randolph has long been noted for the industry of its people, in the manufacture of boots and shoes. During the year ending April 1st, 1837, there were made in the town 200,175 pairs of boots, and 470,620 pairs of shoes, valued at $944,715, employing 1,475 hands. There are manufactures of leather, &.c. in the town, but that of boots and shoes is the principal. Rangely, Me. Franklin co. This town lies on the Androscoggin river, and at the outlet of Oquossack lake. It is about 40 miles N. W. from Farm- ington. See '■'Down East." Raymond, Me. Cumberland co. Raymond is watered by Crooked river, and sev- eral ponds. This is a good farming town, with two villages, and some trade. The inhabitants are princi- pally devoted to agricultural pur- suits. In 1837 the population was 1,802; wheat crop 3,203 bushels. Incorporated, 1303. It lies 75 NEW ENGLAXn GAZETTEER. miles S. W. from Auo;usta ami 22 N. N. W. from Portland. Raymond, N> H. Rockingham co. This town lies 25 miles W. by S. from Portsmouth, 25 S. E. from Concord, 13 W. liy N. fi-ora Exeter. Two branches of the Lamprey river, from Deer- field and Candia, unite in Ray- mond ; and the waters of two ponds also fall into this river as it passes through the town. The Patuckaway, from Nottingham, crosses the N. E. corner into Epping. The soil is various: that of the meadows bord- ering on the river is productive. In the N. pai-t of the town, about 100 rods from fiie principal road leading to Decrtield, near the summit of a hill about 100 feet high, is a natu- ral excavation in a ledge, called the Oven, from the appearance of its mouth. It is a regular arch about 5 feet high and of the same width, extending into the hiil about 15 feet, and terminating in a number of tissures. Raymond was originally that pait of Chester call- ed Charming-fare. It was incor- porated in 1735, by its present name. The names of 24 inhabi- tants of Raymond are found enroll- ed among the soldiers of the revo- lution, beside numbers of the mili- tia engaged for short periods. Four were killed or died in service. Hon. JoHx Dudley, a distinguish- ed patriot of the revolution, mem- ber of the co:amittee' of safety, speaker of the house, and judge of the superior court, died here May 21,1305, aged 80. Population, in 1830, 1,000. Raynliain, Mass. Bristol CO. This town lies on Taunton river, and was taken from Taunton in 1731. Population, 1837, 1,379. It is 30 miles S. from Bos- ton, 3 N. E. from Taunton, and 24 E. from Providence. There are a number of large ponds in this town producing a good water power, and to which vast quantities of herring (alewives) resort. On the banks of one of these ponds, the celebrated King Philip had a hunting house. The lirst forge in America was erected in this town, by James and Henry Leonard, in 1652. The house of the Leonards, an old Gothic build- ing, is now standing, and owned by the 7th generation. The manufactures of Raynham consist of bar iron, nails, iron cast- ings, anchors, shovels, forks, cof- fee mills, and straw bonnets : total value the year ending April 1,1S37, $360,050 ; of which $300,000 was for nails. Readiieia, Me. Kennebec co. This is an excel- lent township of land, and finely watered by ponds and small streams. The people are generally industri- ous farmers, who find the cultiva- tion of the earth the best source of independence. Readfield is a very pleasant town, and its vicinity to the Kennebec gives it many advan- tages. It lies 11 iJiiles W. from Augusta. Population, 1837, 2,019. Wheat crop, same yeai', 6,391 bush- els. Reading, Vt. Windsor co. First settled, 1772. This is an elevated to wnship, uneven and mountainous. Several small streams rise here and pass to the Queechy and Black rivers. This town affords excellent pasturage,, in which about 6,000 sheep are kept. Reading lies 53 miles S. from Montpelier, and 10 W. from Windsor. Population, 1830, 1,109. Reading, Mass. Middlesex co. Reading is an ancient town, 13 miles N. from Boston, 10 W. from Salem, and 17 N. E. from Concord. The surface of the town is une- ven, but the soil is generally of a good quality. The village is pleas- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ant and flourishing. During the year ending April 1, 1837, the val- ue of $184,583 of boots and shoes were made in Reading, and $91,360 of chairs and cabinet ware. First settled, 1640. Population, 1837, 2,144. Reading, Ct. Fairfield co. This town was in- corporated in 1767, and derived its name from Col. John Read, one of its first settlers. The soil of the town is good, but the surface is rough and hilly. The business of the people is chiefly agricultural, who live scattered about on their farms. Considerable attention is .paid in Reading to the growing of wool. It lies 15 miles N. W. from Bridgeport, 60 S. W. from Hart- ford, and 9 S. from Danbury. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,686. It is" watered by Saugatuck and Norwalk rivers. Joel Barlow, LL. D., was born in this town, 1755. He died in Poland, 1812. America has produced few men, more justly deserving of immortal- ity than Barlow ; and none, it is be- lieved, who have made their title to it more sure. He lived in an eventful period, and acted a con- spicuous part in both hemispheres ; and as a poet, a man of science, a politician, a philosopher and a phi- lanthropist, his name will long be revered by the fiiends of civil liber- ty, and of science, throughout the civilized world. Red HUl, N. H. See Moultonboroiigh. Readsborougli, Vt. Bennington co. A mountainous township, at the S. E. corner of the county, watered by Deerfield river, 12 miles S. E. from Bennington, and 18 W. by S. from Brattle bo- rough. Much of the land in the town is too elevated to admit of cul- tivation. Population, 1830, 662. Ilehobotli, Mass. Bristol CO. This town was first settled in 1643, by the Rev. Samu- el Newman and others from Wey- mouth. Rchoboth formerly com- prised the towns of Seckonk and Pawtuckef. This ancient town suf- fered greatly by Indian depreda- tions. "The surface of the town is pleasant, and the soil generally good for tillage. Its manufactures consist of cotton goods, leather, shoes, cutlery, ploughs, straw bon- nets, carpenters' and joiners' tools, wagons, o\ yokes, bobljins, cotton batting, wooden ware, &.c. : annual value, about $60,000. Rehoboth is watered by Palmer's river. It lies 40 miles .S. by W. from Boston, 10 S. W. from Taunton, and 7 E. from Providence, R. I. Popula- tion, 1837, 2,202. Its Indian nam* was Saconet. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. RHODE ISLAND. The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was settled by Roger Williams in 1636, a man remarkable for his benevolence, justice, and pacific policy. It derived its name from that of a beautiful island at the mouth of Nan-aganset bay. Its government commenced under the charter of Charles II., in 1663, which charter is the present Constitution of the State. It became a member of the Union May 29th, 1790. The Legislative power is vested in a Senate and House of Represen- tatives. The number of Senators cannot be more nor less than 10, 2 trom each county, and are chosen annually by the people on the 3d Wed- nesday in April. The Representatives are in number 72. No town has less than 2, and but 4 towns have more than 2, viz. — Newport 6, Prov- idence 4, Portsmouth 4, and Warwick 4: the number for each town hav- ing been determined by law without reference to the present ratio of population. They are elected semi-annually by the people, on the 8d Wednesday of April, and last Tuesday of August. The Legislature meet at Newport on the 1st Wednesday of May, and at Providence and South Kingston, alternately, on the last Monday of October annually. The executive power is vested in a Governor and Lieut. Governor, elected annually by the people on the 3d Wednesday of April. Their official term commences on the 1st Wednesday in May N 30 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Snccession of Governors. Nicholas Cooke, 1776—1778. William Greene, 1778—1786. John Collins, 1786—1789. Arthur Fenner, 1789—1805. Henry Smith, (Act. Gov.) 1805. Isaac Wilborn, (Lieut. Gov.) 1806. James Fenner, 1807—1811. William Jones, 1811—1817. Nehemiah R. Knight, 1817—1821. William C. Gibb?, 1821—1824. James Fenner, 1824— 1831. Lemuel H. Arnold, 1831-1833. John Brown Francis, 1833— The judicial power is vested in the Supreme Judicial Court and Court of Common Pleas. The Judges of all the Courts, Sheriffs, Notaries, Justices of the Peace, and Clerks of the Courts are chosen annually by the Legislature in Grand Committee. In all the towns (except Providence) the town coun- cils are, ex officio. Courts of Probate, and the town Clerks, Registers of Deeds and Probate. The Municipal Court in the city of Providence ex- ercise probate jurisdiction, and the Clerk is Register of Probate. The city Clerk is Register of Deeds. This state annually appropriates $10,000, to be divided among the towns for the support of free schools. Rhode Island comprises five counties : Providence, Newport, Bristol, Kent and Washington. It is bounded N. and E. by the state of Massa- chusetts, S. by the Atlantic ocean, and W. by the state of Connecticut. It lies between 41° and 42° N. lat., and between 71° and 72° W. long. ; and comprises an area of 1350 square miles. Population, 1755, 40,414; 1774,59,678; 1790,68,825; 1800, 69,122; 1810,75,188; 1820,83,059; 1830,97,196. Population to square a mile, 71. The natural features of this state are somewhat peculiar. About a tenth part of it is water, and of the residue of land a considerable portion is island territory. The interior of the state, with the exception of the in- tervales along the streams, is generally rough and hilly. The most considerable eminences are Mount Hope, in Bristol, Hop- kins* Hill, in West Greenwich, and Woonsocket Hill, in Smithfield. There are also some hills of considerable elevation in Exeter. Rhode Island, and most of the other islands in Narraganset bay, disclose a geological structure, of the transition character, and present a surface generally undulating, and often highly picturesque and beautiful. The mineral treasures of the Slate have not been explored : but so far as they are known, they are not extensive or valuable. lion ore is the most important mineral. Mineral coal is found upon Rhode Island. Limestone abounds in the northeastern section of the state ; and in these calcareous strata there are some excellent quarries of marble. Serpen- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tine marble is also found, and there are in various places extensive quar- ries of freestone. The navigable waters of Rhode Island are abundant, and mill streams are found in every section of the continental part of the state. Rhode Island claims a conspicuous rank for its enterprise in foreign commerce, domestic trade, and the fishery. The tonnage of the state in 1837, was 45,651 tons. During the war with the Indian Sachem, Philip, and the warof the revolution, Rhode Island was always found at its post. lu these wars her soldiers were conspicuous for bravery ; among whom were found some of the most distinguished officers of the age. The rise and progress of this state to wealth and reputation is very interesting. It is the smallest republican state in the world, and the most important manufacturing district of its size in America. An impartial history of Rhode Island will soon be published by one of its distinguished sons : — that history will contain a merited eulogium on the character of its people. Rhode Island is celebrated for its mild and salubrious climate, which is thought peculiarly favorable to female beauty. See Register. Ricliford, Vt. Franklin co. This is a mountain- ous township at the N. E. corner of the county, on the line of Cana- da, and watered by Missisque river and its branches. It lies 50 miles N. by W. from Montpelier, and 24 N. E. from St. Albans. There is some good land along the river; and the upland, though rough, af- fords good grazing. Population, 1830, 704. First settled, about 1790. Riclimoud, Me. Lincoln co. Within these limits, on the west bank of Kennebec river, stood an ancient fortress called Rich- mond ; hence the name of the town. It lies between Bowdoinham and Gardiner, and is the site of some ship building and navigation. The town has mill privileges on a stream which empties into Merrymeeting bay : its soil is productive, and its | location pleasant. Richmond lies 15 miles S. from Augusta and 15 N. from Topsham. Incorporated, 1823. Population, 1837, 1,526. Wheat crop, same year, 1,656 bushels. Richmond, ]V. II. Cheshire co. This town is 12 miles S. from Keene, and 70 S. W. from Concord. It is watered by branches of Ashuelot and Miller's rivers, which fall into the Connec- ticut. The ponds are three in num- ber, one of which is one of the sour- ces of Miller's river. The soil here is favorable for yielding rye, wheat, Indian corn, and most of the pro- ductions found in this section of New England. The land is gen- erally level. There are no remark- able elevations. Richmond was granted in 1752, and was settled within 5 or 6 years afterwards, by people from Massachusetts and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTKER. Rhode Island. Population, in 1S30, 1,301. Ricliinond, Vt. Chittenden co. Richmond is 24 miles N. W. from Montpelier, and 13 S. E. from Burlino-ton. Popula- tion, 1830,1,109. First settled, 1784. The town is tinely watered by On- ion and Huntington rivers, on the banks of which are good mill seats and large tracts of beautiful mead- ow. The village is neat, and the centre of considerable travel. The several religious denominations uni- ted here in building a curious look- ing meeting house ; it has sixteen sides. This is a healthy place, and noted for the longevity of its inhab- itants. Riclimond, 3Iass. Berkshire CO. This town is situ- ated in a deep valley of excellent soil, surrounded by elevated lands, and watered by Williams' river. This is an excellent farming town ; the farmers' houses, extending some miles on one street, are neatly built and make a beautiful appearance. Iron ore of a good quality is found here in abundance, also marble and lime. The manufactures of the town consist of pig iron, shovels, spades, forks, hoes, leather, boots and shoes. Annual value, about S.50,000. In 1S36, there were 4,835 merino sheep in Richmond. They produced 14,505 pounds of woof, valued at $8,703. It lies 135 miles W. from Boston, and 5 W. from Lenox. Incorporated, 1765. Population, 1S37, 820. Riclimoud, R. I. Washington co. Richmond is bounded on the west by Wood river, and on the east by the river Charles. Other streams w^ater the town, which, with the Wood and Charles give it an excellent water power. Manufacturing establishments of various kinds flourish on its streains, particularly those of cotton. The soil is a gravelly loam, with an un- even surface. The agricultural l)roductions of the town are very considerable. This is an excellent township for grazing; a large amount of wool and of the productions of the dairy is annually transported. Richmond was incoiporated in 1742. It lies 30 miles S. S. W. from Providence and is bounded E. by South Kings- ton. The Providence and Stoning- ton rail-road passes through the S. E. corner of the town. Population, in 1830, 1,363. Ridgefield, Ct. Fairfield co. Ridgefieid, or, as the Indians called it, Caudatowa, a word signifying hi/^h land, is bounded W. by New Salem, N. Y. and lies 31 miles W. by N. from New Haven, and 9 S. by W. froia Danbury. This township is very elevated, and commands extensive views of Long Island Sound and of tlie suriounding country. The soil is a strong gravelly loam, and pro- ductive of grass and grain. It is watered by Saugatuck and NorwaJk rivers, and by a branch of the Cro- ton. It comprises a very handsome village, in which are manufactures of carriages, cabinet furniture, &c. Limestone is abundant. Popula- tion, 1830, 2,323. Incorporated, 1709. The celebrated hermitess, Sarah Bishop, lived on the western bor- der of Ridgefieid. She lived on Long Island at tlie time of the Revolutionary war. Her father's house was burnt by the British, and she was cruelly treated by a Brit- ish officer. She then left society and wandered among the mountains near this part of the state : she found a kind of cave near Ridgefieid, where she resided till about the time of her death, which took place in ISIO. It is said that the wild an- imals were so accustomed to see her, that they were not afraid of her presence. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The following account of a visit to this hermitess, is taken from a Poughkeepsie paper. " Yesterday 1 went to visit the hermitage. As you pass the south- ern and elevated ridge of the moun- tain, and begin to descend the south- ern steep, you meet with a perpen- dicular descent of a rock, in the front of which is this cave. At the foot of this rock is a gentle descent of ricii and fertile ground, extend- ing about ten rods, when it instant- ly forms a frightful precipice, de- scending half a mile to the pond called Long pond. In the fjont of the rock, on the north, where the cave is, and level with the ground, there appears a large frustrum of the rock, of a double fathom in size, thrown out by some unknown con- vulsion of nature, and lying in the front of the cavity from which it was rent, partly enclosing the mouth, and forming a room : the rock is left entire above, and forms the I'oof of this iiumble mansion. This cavity is the habitation of the hermitess, in which she has passed the best of her years, excluded from all society; she keeps no do- mestic animal, not even fowl, cat, or dog Her little plantation, con- sisting of iiaif an acre, is cleared of its wood, and reduced to grass, where she has raised a few peach trees, and yearly plants, a few hills of beans, cucumbers, and potatoes ; the whole is surrounded with a luxuriant grape vine, which over- spreads the surrounding wood, and is very productive. On the oppo- site side of this little tenement, is a fine fountain of excellent water ; at this fountain we found the wonder- ful woman, whose appearance it is a little difficult to describe : indeed, like nature in its first state, she was without form. Her dress appeared little else than one confused and shapeless mass of rags, patched to- gether without any order, which obscured all human shape, except- ing her head, which was clothed 30* with a luxuriancy of lank grey hair depending on every side, as time had formed it, without any covering or ornament. When she discover- ed our approach, she exhibited the appearance of a wild and timid an- imal ; and started and hastened to iier cave, which she entered, and barricaded the entrance with old shells, pulled from the decayed trees. We approached this humble habitation, and after some conver- sation with its inmate, obtained lib- erty to remove the palisadoes and look in ; for we were not able to enter, the room being only sufficient to accommodate one person. We saw no utensil, either for labor or cookery, save an old pewter basin and a gourd shell, no bed but the solid rock, unless it were a few old rags, scattered here and there ; no bed clothes of any kind, not the least appearance of food or fire. She had, indeed, a place in one cor- ner of her cell, where a fire had at some time been kindled, but it did not appear there had been one for some months. To conlirm this, a, gentleman says he passed her cell five or six days after the great fall of snow in the beginning of March, that she had no fire then, and had not been out of her cave since the snow had fallen. How she subsists during the severe season, is yet a mystery ; she says she eats but lit- tle flesh of any kind ; in the sum- mer she lives on berries, nuts, and roots. We conversed with her for some time, found her to be of a sound mind, a religious turn of thought, and entirely happy in her situation; of this she has given re-' peated proofs by refusing to quit this dreary abode. She keeps a Bi- ble with her, and says she take3 much satisfaction, and spent much time in reading it." Rilejr, ]»Ie. Oxford CO. This is a township of rough and unprofitable land, with few inhabitants ; near to, and south NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. of Speckled niountair., on the line of New Hampshire. It lies 30 miles N. W. from Paris. Riudge, ]V. H. Cheshire co. This town is 20 miles S. E. from Keene, 50 S. W. from Concord, and 55 W. N. W. from Boston. The soil is productive, lying on swells of land for the most part inclining to the south. There are 13 ponds, the largest of which are called Manomonack, Emerson, Perley, Long, Grassy, and Bullet. The 3 tirst discharge their waters into Miller's river in Mass., thence communicating with the Connecti- cut; the 3 last discharge them- selves into Contoocook river, and from thence into the Merrimack. These ponds abound with fish, and were much frequented by the In- dians for procuring fur, &.c. There is a small elevation of land in Rindge, from which the waters that issue on one side descend into the Merrimack, and those on the other side, into the Connecticut. Iron is found here; also a species of paint neai-ly equal to the best qual- ity of Spanish brown. Rindge was originally called Roioley Canada, or Monadnock No. 1. It received its present name from one of the proprietors, when it was incorpora- ted, in 1768. The settlement com- menced, 1752, by Jonathan Stanley, George Hewitt and Abel Platts. Population, in 1830, 1,269. Ripley, Me. Somerset co. A good farming town, 60 miles N. by E. from Au- gusta, and 30 N. E. from Norridge- wock. Incorporated, 1816. Pop- ulation, 1837, 555. Wheat crop, same year, 3,512 bushels. A branch of Sebasticook river passes through the town. Ripton, Vt. Addison co. This is a mountain- ous to'vnship, the surface and soil of which are too broken and cold for much cultivation. Middlebury river and the turnpike from Royal- ton to Vergennes pass through it. Ripton lies 26 miles S. W. from Monlpelier, and 9 E. from Middle- bury. Population, 1830, 278. Roi>binstou, Me. Washington co. This town lies on the Schoodic or St. Croix river, opposite to St. Andrews, in New Bi'unswick. It is 16 miles N. N. W. from Eastport, 30 N. E. from Machias and 192 E. N. E. fiom Au- gusta. This place enjoys great navigable privileges, and is the site of considerable ship building, and commerce in lumber. Incorporated, 1811. Population, 1837, 702. This town was settled soon after the re- volutionary war. The first mail came to this place in 1796. A mail stage now ariives three times a week, and crosses the river to New Brunswick. Robbinston was nam- ed in compliment to the Hon. Ed- ward H. Robbins, formerly Lieut. Governor of Massachusetts, and for many years speaker of the House of Representatives of that state. RocUester, N. H., One of the county towns of Straf- ford CO., is 10 miles N. W. from Dover, 22 N. W. from Portsmouth, 34 E. from Concoi-d. Besides Sal- mon fall river, which divides this town from Bei-wick and Lebanon, in the state of Maine, the Coche- co river runs the whole length of the town, and nearly in the middle, and the Isinglass river crosses the southerly corner of the town just before its junction with Cocheco river, at a place called Blind AVill's Neck. Both Salmon fall and Co- checo rivers affoid valuable mill- seats; on the latter of which, near the centre of the town, stands the principal village, called JVorway Plains. It is a place of consider- able trade, and a great thorough- fare from the upper towns in the county to Dover and Portsmouth. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEEU. There is anofher village about 2 miles S. W.from this, called Squam- anagonnick, the Indian name of the falls in the Cocheco at that place. Much of the soil in Roch- ester is good ; the surface is uneven, with several swells, the principal of which is Squamanagonnick hill, which constitutes a considerable part of seveial valuable farms. In the W. part of the town, is a large tract of oak land, which is hard and stony ; has a deep rich soil, and is very productive when well cultiva- ted. Tl'.e town was incorporated, in 1722. The first permanent set- tlement was made in 1728. Until Canada was taken by the British and American troops in 1760, it I'e- niained a frontier town ; the peo- ple were poor and distressed, but not discouraged. Their men were bold, hardy and industrious ; and their sons were trained to the use of arms. They early became a ter- ror to their foes. In 1748, (he wife of Jonathan Hodgdon was killed on a Sunday morning by the Indians, on refusing to be taken to Canada with the party. Her husband mar- ried again, had 21 children in all, and died in 1815, aged 90 years. In the revolutionary war, many of the inhabitants bore a part. Captains David Place and John Brewster led companies to Ticonderoga, and suf- fered much in their retreat from that place in 1777. Of the soldiers from Rochester, 29 were killed or died in that contest. Pop.1830,2,155. Rochester, Vt. Windsor co. Rochester lies 30 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier, 37 N. W. from Windsor, and 20 S. E. from Middlebury. It is watered by White river, which supplies it with mill seats. A large partof the surface of the township is broken and moun- tainous, but it contains much good land for grazing and some tracts of excellent meadow. It has a pleasant village with some trade. In 1837, there were 9,000 sheep in the town. First settled, 17S3. Population, 1S30, 1,392. Roclicster, Mas3« Plymouth co. A large maritime town on Buzzard's bay, 9 miles E. from New Bedford, and 48 S. S. E. from Boston. Incorporated, 1686. Population, 1S37, 3,570. The lace of the town is uneven and the soil light. Mattcpoiset and Sipican riv- ers, rising in large ponds in the (own, empty into (he bay and form good harbors. The manufactures of Rochester consist of vessels, salt, bar iron, boots, shoes, &c. ; value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $101,811. During that period there were 9 vessels engaged in Ihe whale fishery, and brought into port 116,- 928 gallons of oil, valued at $71, 658. A number of merchant ves- sels belong to this place, and numer- ous coasting and fishing vessels. RocJiiiJgliani County, N. H. Portsmouth and Exeter are the chief towns. The county of Rock- ingham is bounded N. and N. E. by Strafford county; E. by the At- lantic, fiom the mouth of Piscata- qua river to the line of Massachu- setts; W. by the counties of Mer- rimack and Hillsborough. Its great- est length is about 34 miles; its greatest breadth, from the west cor- ner of Chestei- to the extremity of Rye, is about 30 miles. It compri- ses an area of 695 square miles. There are no remarkable elevations in this county ; the surface, how- ever, is uneven, and in the north part, from the higher eminences, there are some vei-y fine views of the surrounding country. The highest point is Saddleback moun- tain, in Northwood and Deerfield. The rivers are the Lamprey, Exe- ter, Beaver, and Spiggot, which water the east and southeast parts of the county. Great Bay, be- tween Newington and New Mark- et, and connecting with the Piscat- aqua, is the largest collection of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. water. Massabesick pond or lake is principally in Chester, and is picturesque from its numerous isl- ands and the surrounding eleva- tions. The other principal ponds are Islandy, in Hain-ptead, Coun- try, in Kingston, and Pleasant in Deerlield. The soil of this county having been longer cultivated than that of any other county in the slate, is very productive ; and agricultural pursuits have been very success- ful. In 1S37, there were 23,333 sheep in the county. The popula- tion, in 1S20, was 40,526; and in in 1330, 44,.W2. Population to a square mile, 64. Rockingtiam, Vt. Windham co. This town is beau- tifully situated on the west side of Connecticut river, and at the cele- brated " Bellows Falls," noted un- der JValpolei^ . H. The watei- pow- er afforded by these falls, with that of Williams and Saxton's rivers, which pass through the town, are of vast extent; it cannot fail of be- coming exceedingly useful, and of rendeiing this town and vicinity the site of immense manufactui'in^ operations. Large and expensive manufacturing establishments have recently been commenced ; an ac- count of which may be expected in the Register. This place lies on a navig.ible river, 6-5 miles above Northampton, and 85 above Springiield, Mass., Ill above Hartford, Ct., and 23 be- low Windsor, Vt. It is 85 miles S. from Montpelier, and 18 N. E. from Newfane. First settled in 1753. Population, 1S30, 2,272. The surface of the town is une- ven ; but the soil is generally strong, warm and productive. Its agricultural products are consider- able : in 1837, it pastured 12,600 sheep. The location of Rockingham renders it a mart of much interi- or trade, and has caused the erec- I tion of a number of pleasant villa- I ges. The scenery aiound the falls, in Rockingham, is of a sublime character, and perha|)s no section of New England i)ossesses a great- er variety of minerals than are found in this vicinity. Rome, Me. Franklin CO. Thi^ is a beautiful farming town, watered by several large ponds. it lies 19 miles N. N. W. I'rom Augusta, and 13 E. S. E. from Farmington. It contains a pleasant and flourishing village. Incorporated in ISOl. Population, 1837, 1,074. Wheat crop, same year, 4,177 bushels. RoAve, Mass. Franklin co. This town con- tains the site of old fort Pelham, erected in 1744. The township is elevated, and in some parts moun- tainous, but the soil is adapted for grazing. Considerable wool is pro- duced ; and there are manufactures in the town of woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, and wooden ware. Rowe is the source of a branch of Deerfield river, and lies 130 miles N. ^S' . from Boston, and 22 W. by N. (rom Greentield. Incor- porated, 1785. Population, 1837, 638. Rcwley, Mass. Essex CO. This town was first set- tled by a party of industrious and pi- ous persons from Yorkshire, Eng. in 1G39. They erected the first full- ing mill in New England, and man- ufactured the firstcloth in North America. There are a great vari- ety of soils in the town; a large part is salt meadow, and the resi- due is fertile and productive. It comprises a part of Plum island, and large tracts of wood land. It is watered by Rowley river, which rises from several ponds in Boxford. This river affords a water power, and before its junction with Plum Island Sound, forms a harbor for NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. vessels of moderate draught of wa- ter, and in which many vessels have been built. Ancient Rowley was divided in 183S : its western part v.'as de- tached and incorporated by the name of Georgetown. Since this division Rowley possesses but lit- tle manufacturing interest, but a valuable agricultural one, to which its inhabitants are principally devo- ted. This ancient town is very pleas- ant, and has been the birth place of many learned men. It lies SO miles N. from Boston, 16 N. by W. from Salem, and 25 E. N. E. from Lowell. Population, 1838, about 1,000. Roxbury, Me. Oxford CO. The surface of this town is elevated, and well timber- ed, with some good soil. Roxbury is watered by a branch of Andros- coggin river. It lies 30 miles N. from Paris, and is bounded S. by Rumford. Incorporated, 1835. — Population, 1837, 182. Roxbury, N. H., Cheshire CO., is 5 miles E. from Keene, and 50 S. W. from Concord. The N. branch of Ashuelot river forms the boundary between this town and Keene. Roaring Bj-ook, on which are several small meadows, waters the S. part, and empties in- to the Ashuelot at the S. W. cor- ner. On the E. side of the town- ship is a pond, called Roaring Brook pond, at the outlet of which are mills. Roxbury presents a rough and uneven surface, rising into consid- erable swells, affording excellent grazing land. This town was formed of a part of Nelson, Marlborough and Keene, and incorporated in 1812. Popula- tion, 1830, 322. Roxbury, Vt. Washington co. This town is elevated between the waters of Onion and White livers. It lies 13 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier. First settled, 1789. Population, 1830, 737. Roxbury, Mass. Norfolk CO. ' This town is joined to Boston by a neck of land, over which are broad and pleasant ave- nues. Betweep the centre of each town is about 3 miles. The surface is rocky and uneven, with a strong soil in a high state of cultivation. Itdisplaysagreat degree of agricul- tural taste and skill, and abounds in country seats and pleasure grounds. That part of this town bordering on Jamaica pond, 4 miles S. W. from Boston, is exceedingly pleasant. This town and Boston were incor- porated the same year, (1630 ;) and nothing but municipal regulations divide their interests and feelings. Population, 1810, 3,669; 1820, 4,135 ; 1830, 5,247 ; 1837, 7,493. The first hourly coach from Bos- ton commenced running to this town in 1827. There are now a large number continually running be- tween the two places, and not less than 250,000 persons pass annually. Since that time, others of a similar kind have been established to Charlestown, Cambridge, Dorches- ter, &c., and tend greatly to pro- mote the public convenience. The manufactures of Roxbury consist of leather, nails, hats, chairs, cabinet ware, pig iron, spirits, &c.: annual value, about .$300,000. The Rev. John Eliot, the just- ly celebrated " Apostle of the In- dians," was settled in Roxbury in 1'632. Mr. Eliot imbibed the true spirit of the gospel, and his heart was touched with the wretched condition of the Indians. He learn- ed their language, and translated the scriptures into it. This would seem the business of a life, when the sense of the simple e?{pression, " Kneeling down to him," is con- veyed in the Indian language NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. by TVutafpcssttiikqussunnooweh- tunkquoli, :i word that would jiuz- zle a Demosthenes to pionouiice, without an extra pebble .stone in his month. Mr. Eliot was remarlvablc for his iiuiefaligable labors and charities; hq endured hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and went to his reward in 1C90, aged 86. This was the Ijirth place and residence of the patriot Joseph Warren. Dr. Warren was boin iu 1740. He graduated at Harvard college in 1739. He was an ardent lover of liis country, and sen-ibly felt the weis^lit of her oppressions. Four days previous to the bailie of " Bunker Hill," he received a commi-ssion in the arniy of Major General. He was within the en- trenchment, and was slain on that hallowed spot, just at the cotn- menceinent of the retreat. Dr. Warren was an able statesman, an eloquent orator, a man of uncom- promising integrity and undaunt- ed bravery. General Warren was the first officer of rank that fell in that clorious contest for liberty. His death shed a gloom throughout the country : he was exceedingly beloved for the mildness and affa- bility of his deportment, and for the virtues of his piivate life. RoxlJwry, Ct. Litchfield co. Roxbury was tak- en from Woodbury and incorpora- ted in 1801. It lies 32 miles N. W. from Now Haven, 46 W. S. W. from Hartforil, and 15 S. by W. from Litchfield. Population, 1830,1,122. The town is diversified with hills and vales. The soil is a gravelly loam, interspersed with some small tracts of sandy loam. It is W'atei-- ed by the Shcpaug, a branch of the Honsatonick. In digging for sil- ver, a species of iron ore, called ■teel ore, was discovered. Royalston, Mass. Worcester co. Rojalston is a plea-^ant town, and is well watered by Miller's river, a beautiful mill >lream. The suiface of the town is uneven, but the soil is generally rich and productive. There are two woolen mills, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, chairs, cabinet ware, palm-leaf hats and mats, wooden ware. &.c. First settled, 1762. Incorporated, 17C5. It lies 70 miles W. N. W. from Boston, and 38 N. W. from Wor- cester. Population, 1537, 1,629. Royaltou, Vt. Windsor co. The surface of this town is somewhat rough and moun- tainous, but the soil is good, partic- ularly on the banks of White river, by which it is watered. This town was first settled in 1771, and for many years endured great suffering fiom Indian hostili- ty. This is an excellent township for grazing, and its agricultural pi'oducts are considerable. It has a pleasant village and an academj-. Royalton is 30 miles S. from Monipelier, and 25 N. N. W. from \\ indsor. Population, in 1830, 1,893. Rumford, Me. Oxford CO. Rumford is a town- ship of valuable land, 51 miles W. N. W. from Augusta, and 20 N. by W. from Paris. It lies on the northwestern bank of the Andros- coggin, and enjoys a great water power. ]\lills of various kinds are already erected, and manufactures on a large scale are contemplated. White Cap mountain, rising 500 feet above the level of the surround- ing country, and Glass-face, about 400 feet, present beautiful views from their summits. Population, 1837, 1,382. Wheat crop, same vear, 4,385 bushels. Incoi porated, 1800. Rumiiey, X. H. Grafton co. Rumnev is 8 miles N. N. W. from Plymouth, 47 N. by NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. W. from Concord. It is watered by Baker's river, of which a con- siderable branch flows from Stin- son's pond, and is called Stinson's brook. The pond is 400 rods long and 280 rods wide. Part of Loon pond is on the E. line of this town. The principal elevations are Stin- son's and U^ebber's mountains in the E. part, and a small part of Carr's mountain, whicli here ob- tains the name of Rattlesnake mountain, on its N. W. border. Rumney wa^ granted in 1767, and was first settled in 17G5. It was in this town, on the 2Sth of April, 1752, that the late General Stark, while on a hun'.ing expedition, was captured by a party of 10 Indians, commanded by Francis Titigaw. He was in company with Amos Eastman of Concord, David Stinson of Londonderry, and his brother William. Stinson was slain. Pop- ulation, in 1830, 993. Rupert, Vt. Bennington co. A part of this township is mountainous, but the soil is generally good for grazing. Rupert produces some fine cattle, and keeps about 10,000 sheep. It is watered by Pawlet river, and a branch of the Battenkili, on which streams, are mills of various kinds. Rupert is 78 miles S. W. from Mont- pelier, and 25 N. from Bennington. Population, 1S30, 1,313. Russell, Mass. Hampden co. Westfield river waters this town, and affords it good mill privileges. There is a cotton rail! in the town and other manufac- tures. Russell lies 100 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 14 W. by N. from Sprino^tield. Incorporated, 1792. Population, 1837, 475. Rutland County, Vt. Rutland, ch\e{ town. This coun- ty is bounded N. by Addison coun- ty, E. by Windsor county, S. by Bennington county, and W. by the state of New York. Incorporated, 1781. Population, 1820, 29,983; 1830, 31,294. This county contains an area of 953 square miles. In- habitants to a square mile, 33. The principal streams are Otter Creek, Black, White, Queechy and Paw- let rivers. There is some fine land in this county along Otter Creek, but a large portion of it i-i elevated, and some parts mountainous. The soil, however, is generally warm and well suited for grazing. Ma- ny cattle are annually taken to market, and in 1837, there were 180,984 sheep in Rutland county. Excellent iron ore is found at the base of the mountains, and a range of marble quarries extends the whole length of the county from north to south. This marble is of a fine quality: much of it is wrought and transported. Rutland, Vt. Chief town, Rutland co. This town was settled about the year 1770, and for some time during the revolutionary war was a frontier town. The Green mountain boys erected here two small picket forts, which vvei-e found very useful. The soil of the town is various, but gen- erally of an excellent quality. Iron ore of a good quality is found ; clay, lime, and a great abundance of beau- tifully variegated marble. The village of Rutland is neat, well built and handsomely located: it is the centre of trade for a large section of fertile country. The ag- ricultural productions of Rutland are large and valuable : — in 1837. there were within its limits 20,981 sheep. Otter Creek and its tribu- taries give (he town a good water power, and manufacturing estab- lishments are springing up along their banks. Rutland lies 50 miles S. W. from Montpelier, 52 N. by E. from Bennington, 60 S. S. E. from Burlington,'"and 34 W. N. W. from Windsor. Population, 1S30, 2,753. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Rutland, Mass. Worcester co. Rutland was for- merly twelve miles square, ami was sold by the Indians, in KJ.Sti, lor JG23 lawful money. It was tirst settled about the year 1720, and incorporated, in 1722. It lies 51 miles W. by N. from Boston and 12 N. W. from Worcester. A branch of Ware river waters the town, and gives it mill privileges. The man- ufactures consist of woolen goods, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, cabi- net and wobJen waives ; annual val- ue about .>f^5(),0()0. Rutland is a very pleasant town, of good soil and well cultivated. Its exports of beef, butter and cheese are consid- erable. It contains some fine lish ponds. Population, 1837, 1,2G5. Rye, N. H., Rockingham co., is pleasantlj- sit- uated on the sea coast, 6 1-2 miles S. from Portsmouth. It was orig- inally taken from Portsmouth, Greenland, Hampton and New Castle, chieOy the latter; and though it began to be settled as early as the year 1635, it was not incorporated till 1719. The sea coast here is about 6 miles in extent, being nearly one third of the coast in the state. On the shore, there are three consider- able and very pleasant beaches, viz. Sandy, Jenness' aad Wallis', to which many persons resort in the summer season from neighboring towns and the country, both for health and for pleasure. There is here asmall harbor, nearGoss' mill, into which vessels of 70 or SO tons burden may conveniently enter, at high water. The boat fishery is carried on to considei'able advan- tage, particularly in the fall and ■winter seasons. There was former- ly a large fresh water pond, lying contiguous to the sand bank or bounds of the sea, covering a sur- face of about 300 acres. Between this and the sea, a «omniunication was opened by the inhabitants about a century since. The waters were discharged into the sea, leaving a tract of marsh, which, being wa- tered by the regular tlowing of the tide, yields annually large quanti- ties of salt hay. Breakfast Hill, between this town and Greenland, is distinguished as the place where a party of Indians were surprised at breakfast, at the time of their in- cursion in IG'Jii. There are sm.iil circular holes in the rocks of which this hill is principally composed, supposed to have been made use of by the natives. This town has suf- fered considerably in times of war and danger. In the American or revolutionary war, 38 of its inhabi- tants lost their lives, by sea or land ; most of them young men. Popu- lation, in 1830, 1,172. Ryegate, Vt. Caledonia co. This town is situ- ated on the west bank of Connec- ticut river, opposite to B-ath, N. II. It is 33 miles E. by S. from Monl- pelier, and 14 S. by E. from Dan- ville. Ryegate is watered by Wells river, some smaller streams and sev- eral ponds. There is not much in- tervale land on the river, in th« town, but the soil is generally rich and very productive of all kinds of vegetables and grain ; but more par- ticularly of grass. About 3,000 sheep are kept, and the products of the soil, annually transported to market, are very considerable. This town was first settled by emigrants from Scotland, in the year 1774. A large part of the present population of Ryegate are of Scotch descent, and are said to follow, in a greatdegree, the peculiar habits, in regard to di- et, which Scotchmen are accustom- ed to in their own country. They annually prepare large quantities of oat meal for cakes, and lay in a good stock of hulled barley for broths, soups and puddings. The people of Ryegate are generally frugal and industrious; good farmers, and good livers. They manufac- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ture their own apparel and some for their neighbors. Popuhition, 1830, 1,119. ^'acUeni's Head, Ct. See Guilford. ^aco River, Is one of (he largest in New England; yet being much broken in its course by falls, is not naviga- ble to any consideral)le extent. It springs from three sources in the White mountains: the branch is- suing from tlic soutiiwest side of tlie mountains, near the Notch, is considered the main stream ; next to this is the middle branch, which is the smallest; and beyond is the branch called Ellis's river, which rises on the northeast side of the mountains, and after a course of about eighteen miles, unites with the main bi-anch in the town of Bartlett. Cutler's and New rivers are mountain toi rents that discharge into the Ellis. The Ammonoosuck, a branch of the Connecticut, rises within about two rods of the Saco, flowing in an opposite direction. The whole length of Saco river is estimated to be 160 miles; running in its general course S. S. E., and discharging into the sea in N. lati- tude 43° 31', W. longitude 70° 26'. The principal falls are, the Great Falls, at Hiram, where the water descends 72 feet; Steep Falls, at Limington, 20 feet ; Salmon Falls, at Hollis and Ku-ton, 30 feet ; and Saco Falls, 42 feet. The latter are about 4 miles from the mouth of the river. The ordinary rise of the wafer, in the spring, is from 10 to 15 feet, but in great freshets it has been known greatly to ex- ceed that number. A long storm which occurred in Octo'.ei-, 1785, raised the river to an immense height, sweeping away mills and bridges, and inundating houses that stood in its vicinity. In 1S14, there was the greatest freshet known since that of 1785. At such .sea- 31 sons the appearance of Saco Falls is truly sublime. Saco, Me. York CO. Saco is situated on the east side of the river of that name. It is 71 miles S. S. \\. from Au- gusta, 15 S. W. from Portland, and 29 N. E. from Yoik. Saco is a port of entry, a place of some ship building, and commands a flourishing trade. Population, 1S30, 3,219; 1837, 4,229. Saco enjoys the rare piivilege of possessing a great hydraulic pow- er united with navigable accomnjo- dations. The Saco liver termin- ates its fantastic course at this place, by leaping, within a short distance, 42 feet, and mingling with the ocean. This water power is very valuable, and cannot tail, of becom- ing the site of large manufacturing operations. From the mouth of the river a line beach extends to the east about 5 miles, called Old Oichard beach. This name aiose from a gi-owth of apple ti-ees formerly near the beach, planted at a very early period ; some of them remained as late as 1770. Another beach of less ex- tent, but not inferior in other re- spects, is found at the Pool, con- necting Fletcher's Neck with the main, and forming the south shore of that peninsula. Its distance from the Falls is about 9 miles. The small streams by which dif- ferent parts of Saco are watered, generally derive their oiigin fioni an immense bog, commonly called the Heath, and flow into the liver and sea. On one of these. Fox- well's brook, there is a fine water- fall, with a descent of about sixty feet, surrounded by scenery of a wild and striking character. The lumbei' trade has long been the principal branch of business on Saco liver. In early times, the mills were supplied with logs from the forests in the vicinity of the Falls : in the former part of the last NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEEIi. century, they were procured at the distance of a few miles above the mills. In the winter of 1772, it is said, a few persons for the first time ascended the river as far as Frye- burg, in quest of timber, and find- ing an abundance, turned the at- tention of millmen to that region for their future supplies. After the war the number of mills was increased. Before the year ISOO, seventeen saws were in operation about the Falls. There were oth- ers on the small streams in different parts of Saco and Biddeford. The quantity of boards sawed per day, (24 hours) has been estimated at fifty thousand feet. There is considerable navigation owned at Saco, employed in foreign and domestic commerce and the fishery. The tonnage of the dis- trict, in 1S37, was 3,f)66 tons. There are at present a large cot- ton mill, a rolling mill, a nail facto- ry, and numerous saw mills; but a great portion of the water power remains unimproved. The village of Saco contains ma- ny handsome buildings, and the scenery around it is romantic and beautiful. Saco and Biddeford were former- ly united. The former was first settled in 1631, the latter in 1630. We make a few extracts from Mr. Folsom's valuable history of those towns, as they contain some inter- esting information in relation to the first settlement of this part of New England. " The unfortunate termination of Sir Walter Raleigh's attempt* to colonize Virginia during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, had effectual- ly checked the spirit of enterprise in England in relation to the settle- ment of America. The discove- ries of Gosnold and Pring, and the shortness of their voyages, now caused the subject to be revived, and to excite more genei-al interest than had before existed. On the petition of a number of gentlemen, a charter was granteu by king James in the year 1606, dividing the country into two districts, call- ed North and South Virginia, anel authorizing the establishment of separate colonies in each district by two distinct companies. A right of property in the land fifty miles on each side of their first plantations, and extending 100 miles into the in- terior, was granted by this patent. The first or Southern colony were allowed to settle any part of the country within the degrees of 34 and 41 north latitude; the second, consisting chiefly of pei-sons resi- dent at Plymouth and other towns in the west of England, and thence denominated the Plymouth Com- pany, were allowed to clioo=e a place of settlement between 3S and 4.5 degrees north latitude. As » considerable portion of the territo- ry thus allotted was common to the two distiicts, a provision was added, that the colony last planted should not approach within one hundred miles of that already established. " The neat year colonies were sent out by the two companies. One was fixed at Jamestown, of which Gosnold ' was the primu mover,' and Capt. Smith an active member; the other was established at Sagadahock, or the mouth of the Kennebec, led by Captains George Popham, brother to the Chief Jus- tice, and Raleigh Gilbert. This colony consisted ^f 108 men.; — whether accompanied by their fam- ilies, we are not informed. They arrived on the coast near the island of Monheagan, a few leagues east of the Kennebec, in the month of August, and soon after entered the mouth of that river, where, on the eastern side, on an island now form- ing a part of Georgetown, they commenced preparations for a per- manent settlement without delay. Monheagan was agreed upon as a place of rendezvous for the ships before leaving Eujrland, and al- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. though we are not directly told that the destination of the colony was determined before their arrival, there is no doubt of the fact. The great patron of the enterprise, Chief Justice Popham, obtained an accu- rate survey of the coast the year before, and doubtless selected the mouth of that" fair and navigable river," as the Kennebec is styled by Smith, as a favorable location for the seat of the colony. " The lateness of the season scarcely allowed the colonists time to erect a fort and the necessary places of shelter before the ap- proach of winter, which proved excessively rigorous. More than half their number returned with the ships to England in December, in consequence of the severity of the cold and the scantiness of their supplies. Soon after those who had remained had the misfortune to lose the greatei- part of their build- ings and stores by lire. Capt. Pop- ham died in the course of the win- ter, and an arrival in the spring brought news of the death of the Chief Justice. Raleigh Gilbert, who succeeded Popham as presi- dent of the Colony, was under the necessity of returning to England on account of the decease of his brother, of which intelligence was received by another arrival, and the colonists, discouraged by so ma- ny adverse circumstances, resolved to abandon the country and return with him. Thus in less than one year from the time the settlement was commenced, the northern col- ony was broken up ; the country was denounced as uninhabitable, and no further attempts were made for many years to promote its set- tlement by the Company to whom it was assigned by the patent of King James. " Sir Ferdinando Gorges, a con- spicuous member of the Plymouth Company, alone remained undis- couraged. The attention of this gentleman appears to have been first turned to this part of America in the year 1605, when Capt. Wey- mouth arrived in the harbor of Plymouth where he resided, on his return from a voyage for the dis- covery of the northwest passage. Falling short of his course, Wey- mouth had accidently discovered the river Penobscot, from whence he cari'ied to England five of the natives, " three of whom," says Gorges, " I seized upon ; they were all of one nation, but of several parts and sevei-al families. This accident must be acknowledged the means under God of putting on foot and giving life to all our planta- tions." He retained these In- dians in his family three years, and obtained from them much informa- tion respecting their native shores: they were afterwards sent back. Gorges henceforth took a deep in- terest in schemes for the settlement of North Virginia, and was rather chagrined than discouraged by the return of the Sagadahock colonists, and the unfavorable reports which they spread concerning the coun- try. " He had too much experi- ence in the world," lie said, " to be fi'ightea with such a blast, as know- ing many great kingdoms and large territories more northerly seated and by many degrees colder, were plentifully inhabited, and divers of them stored with no better com- modities than these afforded, if like industry, art and labor be used." Unable, however, to persuade the company to undertake the planting of a second colony. Gorges engaged in private enterprises to this coast, which began to be much resorted to by English ships for purposes of trade with the natives, and of fish- ing. In the year 1616, he sent hither a party commanded by Rich- ard Vines, for the express object of exploring the country with a view to form a settlement. He con- tracted with them to remain during the winter, with the hope of remov- ing the prejudice excited by the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Sagadahock colonists against the character of the climate. "They anived during the prev- alence of a destructive disease among the natives, which spread throughout New England, com- mencing its ravages in the west. This pestilence is noticed by all the writers on the early history of New England, with some difference of opinion as to the precise year of its occurrence. A late and highly re- spectable writer supposes it to have prevailed in different places at dif- ferent times, but a few years pre- vious to the arrival of the Plymouth pilgrims. It was regarded by those pious colonists as a special interpo- sition of divine providence in their favor, so great was the havoc it made among the tribes in that quar- ter. 'Thus,' says old Morton, 'God made way for his people by remov- ing the heathen and planting them in the land.' " ?.Ir. Vines and his companions penetrated into the interior, visiting the Indians in their villages and wigwams, who received them with great kindness and hospitality. Be- side the ravages of sickness, they were at this time thrown into con- fusion by the death of the Bashaba or chief sachem, whom the Tari-an- tines, living east of the Penobscot, had attacked by surprise and de- stroyed with his family the preced- ing year. Great dissensions had immediately followed among the different tribes, who were engaged in a destructive war with each oth- er when the pestilence made its ap- pearance. In the midst of these evils, the Englishmen passed with safety among them, and slept in their cabins without sulTering from the contagion. They were in par- ticular welcomed by the savages whom they had seen in the family o( Gorges at Plymouth, and now met in their native homes. laving visited different part'^ of the cons', this little party prepared lo estab- lish themselves for the winter. The spot which they selected for their abode, we have rea-on to sup- pose, was at the mouth of Saco riv- er, on the western side, near the capacious and slicitered basin now called the Pool, but in early times known as Vi inter harbor. " Vines perloi'ined several voyages to our coast in the service of Gorges, and it is probable made Winter Har- bor his principal resort. W hile he was occupied in exploring the country and trading with the na- tives, his men were engaged in fishing. How long he pursued this course, we are not infornietl, nor do we find him mentioned again until several years after his early resi- dence at Winter Harbor. " The entployments of the colo- nists were chieffy agriculture, fish- ing, and trade with the catives. Most of them combined these pur- suits, and were styled husbandmen or planters. " The husbandmen took up tracts of 100 acres, of which they receiv- ed leases on nominal or small rents, from Mr. Vines. Some of these are now on reco.-d. An estate that had been in the possession of Thom- as Cole, including 'a mansion or dwellinghouse,' was leased by Mr. Vines to John West for the term of 1000 years, for the annual rent of two shillings and one capon, a pre- vious consideration having been paid by V.est. The lease which is partly in the latin language, was executed, 163S Ano;lierdeed from Vines requires the leasee to yield and pay an ackncwiedgement and rent-charge of 5s., two days work, and one fat goose yearly. In this manner were all tiie planters ren- dered tenants to the proprietor, none of them holding their estates in fee simple. 1 ishing was the most common occupation, as it was both easy and profitable to barter the pioducts of this business for corn from Viiginia, and other stores from England. The trade with the planters of Mas- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. sachusctts soon became considera- ble. In 1636, Mr. Vines had a consignment of bread and beef from that quarter. Joeelyn remarks that •Winter Harbor is a noted place for fishers.' He describes the mode of pursuing this bu-inessin the follow- ing manner: 'The iishermen take yearly on the coast many hundred quintals of cod, hake, haddock, pol- lock, &c. and dry them at their stages, making three voyages in a year. They make merchantable and refuse fish, which they sell to Massachusetts merchants ; the first for 32 ryals (.f 4) per quintal ; the refuse for 9 and 10 shillings ($2, and 2,2.5.) The merchant sends the first to Lisbon, Bilboa, Mar- seilles, Bordeaux, Toulon, and other cities of France ; to Canaries, pipe- staves and clapboards; the refuse fish to the W. Indies for the ne- groes. To every shallop belong four fishermen, a master or steers- man, a midshipman, and a shore man, who washes it out of the salt, and dries it upon hurdles pitched upon stakes breast high, and tends their cookery. They often get in one voyage 8 or 9 bai-rels a share per man. The merchant buys of the planters beef, pork, peas, wheat, Indian corn, and sells it to the fish- ermen.' " The expense of each planter to provision himself was quite small, if we may judge from an estimate furnished by Mr. Joeelyn for the information of proposed emigrants. A similar estimate had been previ- ously made by Capt. Smith with reference to Virginia. ' Victuals to last one man a year; 8 bushels of meal, £2: two bushels of peas, 6 shillings : two bushels of oatmeal, 9 shillings : one gallon of aqua vitse, (brandy,) 2s. 6d. : one gallon of oil, 3s. 6d. : two gallons of vinegar, 2s.:' total, i:3 3s., equal to $14. " A considerable traffic was car- ried on with the natives by many of the planters, some of them visi- ting remote parts of the coast, or 31* travelling into the interior for this purpose. English and French goods were bartered for valuable furs, particularly beaver." Saddle Mountain, Mass. See Adams. Saddleback Monntatn, Me. Franklin co. This mountain is a few miles south of Mount Abraham. It is 25 miles N. W. from Farming- ton, and about 4,000 feet above the level of the sea. Sagadaliook, Me. The ancient name of a section of country, at and east of the mouth ol Kennebec river. See Saco. St. Albans, Me. Somerset co. This is a valuable township of land, 46 miles N. N. E. from Augusta, and 26 N. E. by E. fiom Norridgewock. Incorpora- ted, 1813. Population, 1S30, 911 ; 1837, 1,393. This town contains a large and beautiful pond ; the out- let of which forms a good mill stream, a branch of Sebasticook river. There are two pleasant and flourishing villages in St. Albans. Wheat crop, 1837, 10,294 bushels St. Albans, Vt. Shire town of Franklin co. This town is bounded on the west by Champlain lake. It lies 45 miles N. W. by N. from Montpelier, and 25 N. from Burlington. First set- tled about the year 1785. Popula- tion 1830, 2,395. The soil of this town is fertile, and under the man- agement of good farmers, is render- ed very productive. In 1837, there were 8,459 sheep in the town, and the exports of wool and other pro- ductions of the soil are large and valuable. The water communica- tions by the lake to New- York and Canada, render St. Albans a mart of considerable trade from the sur- rounding country. The first ves- sel from Lake Champlain, that ar^ NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. rived at New York, by the north- ern canal, was from, built and own- ed at St. Albans. The Village of St. Albans is beautifully situated on elevated ground, and cotninands a fine pros- pect. It contains many handsome buildings, and is a busy place in the manufacture of various articles. It lies three miles from the lake, and twelve miles from the line of Can- ada. St. Croix RiT-er. This river forms the boundary line between the United States and the British Province of New Bruns- wick, from the ocean to Giand Lake. It is sometimes called Pas- samaquoddy, Schoodic and C'lie- putnetecnok. This river rises in Grand Lake and passes to the ocean in a S. E. course. The dis- tances on this important river are a-s follows: fiom Eastport to Ca- lais, at the head of navigation, is 28 miles : from Calais to the mouth of Schoodic river, 21 miles, and from thence to Grand Lake is 33 miles : total distance from Eastport to Grand Lake, 82 miles. There are many elevations in this river, and consequently many falls and rapids, producing a great hydraulic power. The mouth of the western branch of the St. Croix, or Schoodic river, is 166 feet above tide water, at Calais ; and the whole fall from Grand Lake to sea level is 444 feet. St. Francois River, Me. Or the Peclieenegamook, rises in the county of Piscataquis, on the borderof Canada. It has a number of tributaries and receives the wa- ters of several lakes. It is about 50 miles in length, and, passing nearly south falls into the river St. John, on the line of Penobscot count}'. St. George, Me. Lincoln co. This township is neariy surrounded by water It is bounded northerly by a neck of land adjoining Thomaston, E. by the western waters of Penobscot bay, S. by the Atlantic, and W. by the waters of Muscongus bay and St. George's river. This town pos- sesses, in an eminent degree, every navigable facility. It is a place of considerable ship building, and the people are engaged in the lumber trade, coasting and fishing. There are a number of islands on the coast of this town : a cluster of islands called St. Georges, are the most considerable. They lie otf the town S. by W. about .5 miles. St. George was incorporated in 1803. Population, 1837, 1,833. Itlies57 miles S. E. fi-om Augusta, and 10 S. from Warren. St. George River is a valuable stream, both on account of its hy- draulic power and navigable ac- commoilations. It receives its most distant waters from ponds in Mont- ville, Searsmont and Belmont in the county of Waldo, and, in a southerly course, passes to Union, where it receives the waters of several ponds, and meets the tide at Warren. The length of this river is about 40 miles : it is navigable to Warren, 1-5 miles from the sea. St. George, Vt. Chittenden eo. A small town bounded W. by Shelhurne, 28 mile."* W. bv N. fi-om Montpelier, and 8 S. E." from Burlington. First set- tled, 1784. Population, 1830, 135. The surface is high and uneven: the soil is composed of loam, clay and gravel. St. John's River. See Fundy, Bay. St. Johnsbiiry, Vt. Caledonia co. This pleasant and flourishing town is 35 miles N. E, from Montpelier, 57 N. from Han- over, N. H., and 7 E. from Danville. The town was organized in 1790. Population, 1830, 1,592 ; 1838, about NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 2,000. The surface is uneven, but the soil is generally strong and fer- tile. In 1837, there were 4,546 sheep in the town. The amount of available water power in St. Johnsbury is great and valuable, indicating its futuie im- portance as a site for large manu- factories. The Passumpsic river, a considerable stream, which falls into Connecticut river at the foot of Fif- teen Mile Falls, passes through the central part of the town from north to south. Moose and Sleeper's riv- ers unite with the Passumpsic and afford a succession of excellent mill seats seldom seen so closely com- bined. On Sleeper's river is the estab- lishment of E. and I. Fairbanks, for the manufacture of their improved platform balances, on an extensive scale ; also iron works of various kinds, on the other streams. There are three handsome villa- ges in the town: that called the Plain, is on elevated ground and near the junction of the streams. This town commands the trade of a considerable portion of country, and these villages, which are neatly built, enjoy an active business. Salem, Me. Somerset co. This town is wa- tered by a branch ot Seven Mile Brook, and lies 52 miles N. N. W. from Augusta, and 28 N. W. from Norridgewock. Incorporated, 1823. Population, 1837, 496. This is a good farming town ; it produced in 1837, 4,216 bushels of wheat. Salem, ]V. H., Rockingham co., is 30 miles S. from Concord, and 40 S. W. from Portsmouth. Policy pond, partly in this town, and partly in Windham, is the largest collection of water; World's end pond and Captain pond are in the S. E. and E. parts of the town ; and there are other small ponds. The Spiggot river, passing from N. to S. through the town, re- ceives in Its course numerous branches, and waters the different portions of the town, furnishing also excellent niill privileges. The soil is generally feitile, and the surface uneven. Salem was incorporated by charter. May 11, 1750. Popula- tion, in 1830, 1,310. ^alem, Vt. Orleans co. This is a township of level surface, and tolerable soil; 50 miles N.N. E. from Montpelier and ION. E. from Irasburgh. First settled, 1798. Population, 18.30, 230. Clyde river passes through the N. E. part of the town and apart of the south bay of Memphrema- gog lake lies in the N. W. corner. Salem, Mass., One of the shire towns in Essex CO. This is the oldest and largest seaport but one in old Massachu- setts. Its Indian name was JVa- u?nkeag. It is 14 miles N. N. E. from Boston, and lies in lat. 42° 31' 19" N., and Ion. 70° 54' W. Popu- lation, 1836, 15,002. Salem is near- ly sun-ounded by water, being sit- uated between two inlets of the sea, called the north and south rivers. To the main, and now inhabited part of the town, is attached a peninsular portion of land, called tlie Neck. This was the first inhabited land, and was formerly used foi- fishing and other purposes. It ultimately became the property of the town, and was, for a long time, used as a public pastuie. In 1816, when the present Alms House was built, a large portion of it was enclosed, and has since been cultivated as the Alms House farm. The finest and most comprehensive view of Sa- lem may be had from " Gallows Hill." Its situation is low, but pleasant and healthy. Its streets are quite irregular. Essex is the only sti'cet which runs through the town and is very angular and crook- ed. Federal and Bridge streets ar» broad, straight and regular. Ches- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. nut is esteemed the handsomest, though it is not the most public street. It has lovvs of elms on ei- ther side. Winter and Broad streets are the widest. The first pavement was made in Essex street, between Court and North streets, in 1773, and is still in use. The south church has great architectural beauty, and the north church is built oC stone, with a beautiful front of the gothic order. There is a Custom House at the head of Derby whai-f. Sa- lem has always been a commercial place. It has a convenient harbor and good anchorage. In point of wealth and commerce, it has al- ways ranked as the second town in New England. Its history is identified with tliat of Massachusetts, and there is much in it to interest and instruct. Its rank, the character and number of its population, its facilities for com- merce, and the advantage of being the chosen residence of niany of the first and most distinguished set- tlers, made it early and seriously thought of as the Capital, instead of Boston. It was first settled in lfi26, by Roger Conant, Peter Pal- fray and others, who had failed in an attempt to plant themselves at Cape Ann. In 1623, a cession of Massachusetts was made to Sir Henry Roswell and others, with a view to establish a colony there. Of this company, Matthew Cradock was President, and in 1628, John Endicott was sent over to resident Salem as the company's agent. In the same year, the first church was formed. It has ever been remark- able for its succession of eminent, independent and useful Divines; among whom, are the Higginsons, Skehon, Roger Williams, Hugh Pe- ters, Noyes, Fiske, Dr. Prince, &c. In 1631, the first general court met at Newton. Roger Conant was one of the first deputies from Salem. In 1643, Massachusetts was divi- ded into 4 counties; Esse.x, Mid- dlesex, Suffolk and Norfolk. In 1644, there was a strong party to make Salem the seat of government, but in this attempt, the deputies were defeated. In 1673, Capt. Thomas Lathrop and his company were killed by the Indians, at Bloody Brook. He, with Roger Conant, had removed from Salem to Beverly, in 1668. His company were called the " Flower of Essex," and many of them were from Salem. In 1681, Major William Haw- thorne died. He was a leading and inlluential character in his time, having been speaker, assistant, judge, commissioner of the united colonies, &c., and having ever showed himself able, faithful, and worthy of confidence. In 1687, William Brown gave a farm for the benefit of the schools of Salem. The Brown family were ever great friends and liberal pat- ions of learning. They not only made donations to the Salem schools, but also to Harvard College for the benefit of poor scholars. In 1692, the witchcraft delusion prevailed in Salem, and nineteen persons were tried and hanged as witches. Though designated " the Salem witchcraft," it had pervaded other places, previously to its ap- pearance here. In England, laws had been enacted against it, and Sir Matthew Hale, gave to those laws his sanction. In 1648, Margaret Jones was condemned and hanged at Charlestown, and in 1655, Ann Hibbins, at Boston. The imputa- tion for a time induced a belief of the reality of the imposition ; but time finally detected and exposed the error. The house, in which the accused were tried, is still stand- ing at the western corner of Essex and North streets, and the place of their execution is now known as " Gallows Hill." A full and inter- esting account of this delusion of the imagination has been written and published by Rev. C. W. Up- ham. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. In 1698, a great fire broke out, and destroyed several dwelling houses. In 1718, the second or east church was built and is still standing. The celebrated Dr. Bent- ley was pastor of this church. He wrote a •' Description of Salem," which is published in the " Collec- tions of the Mass. Hist. Society." In 1774, General Gage ordered the removal of the general court to Salem. At that time, Boston was a closed port. The mei-chants and citizens of Salem called a town meeting, at which, resolutions de- nouncing, in very strong terms, the Boston port bill, were passed unani- mously. The meeting was very full, and a copy of their doings was communicated to their neighbors of Boston. On the 11th of June, when Gov. Gage was at Salem, an address, numerously signed, was presented to him, which reflects high honor on the sense of justice and patriot- ism of this ancient town. Among other things it said, " By shutting up tlie port of Boston, some imag- ine that the course of trade might be turned hither and to our benefit : but nature in the formation of our harbor forbids our becoming rivals in commerce to that convenient mart. And were it otherwise, we 7nust be dead to every idea of jus- tice — lost to all feelings ofhuivani- ty — coul'l we indulge one thought to seize on wealth and raise our for- tunes on the ruin of our. suffering neighbors." In 1776, Feb. 26, Col. Leslie, with a British regiment from Bos- ton Caslle, landed privately at Sa- lem anil proceeded to the North bridge, with a view to seize on some military stores beyond it. The cit- izens were, at the time, in meeting ; but Col. Timothy Pickering, with 30 or 40 men, got there in season to raise the draw, and thus prevent Leslie and his regiment from pass- ing further. The British attempted to ci-oss the river in a gondola, but the Americans scuttled the boat. Finally, Col. Leslie proposed that if he should be permitted to pass 30 rods beyond the bridge, he would return. Having been per- mitted, the gallant colonel returned peaceably to Boston. During the revolution, there were about 60 armed vessels fitted out from Salem, manned by 4,000 men; and many unrecorded deeds of high daring and cliivalrous adven- ture wei-e perfornjed on the sea by citizens of Salem, during tiiat event- ful period. Indeed, in her naval achievements consists principally the part which Salem bore in the revnluiionary struggle. Thisseaport has been more known for its East India trade than any other in the United States. The first ship from Salem engaged in this trade was the Grand Turk, owned by E. H. Derby. She was at the Cape of Good Hope in 17S4, commanded by Capt. Jonathan In- gersoU, and at Canton in 1786, com- manded by Ebenezer West. A model of her, con Bowditch, LL. D.,F. R. S.,authorofthe Prac- tical J\''avigator, is identified with its fame and nautical achievements. Dr. Bowditch was born at Salem, March 26, 1773. He was taken from school at the age of 10 years and placed as an apprentice to a ship chandler. At the age of 22 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. he went to sea and spent nine years in the capacity of captain's c'erk, supercarjro, and finally as master of a siiip. Jn 1804, lie became presi- dent of a Marine Infiur.ince Com- pany, in Salem, which office he held until 1S23, when his superior talents called him to lecom ' Ac iiaiy of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insur- ance Company, in Boston ; the re- sponsible and laborious duties of which office he faithfully discharaj- ed until his death, March 16, 1S33. Notwithstanding h'n limited means of education. Dr. Bowditch acquir- ed, by his extraordinary genius and economy of time, a perfect knowl- edge of all the modern languages, and became the most eminent math- ematician and astronomer in Amer- ica. The Practical JVavigator, has been translated into every Europe- an language, and its use is co-exten- sive with maritime adventures. Another work of Dr. Bowditch, places his name, a^ a man of science, still higher on the roll of fame. It is his translation of the Mecanique Celeste of La Place, with an elab- orate and copious commentary on that work, in four large quarto vol- umes. This work was completed just before his death. The last hours of such a man as Dr. Bowditch, cannot fail to be in- teresting, as they mark his charac- ter through life. A friend of his who was present, says, " He did not like to see those about him look sad and gloomy ; and he remarked, on one occasion,' I feel no gloom with- in me ; why should you wear it in your faces?' On the morning of his death, when his sight was very dim and his voice almost gone, he called his children to his bed side, and, arranging them in the order of age, pointed to and addressed each by name, ' You see I can dis- tinguish you all ; and now I give you my par:ing blessing. The time is come. 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, accor- ding to thy word .'' These were his last words." Salem, Ct. New London co. T\\U town was taken fi-om the towns of Colchester, Lyme and Montville ; but the prin- cipal part from Colchester, and in- corporated in 1819. It comprise.s an area of six by fire miles of fer- tile and productive land. The in- habitants are generally good farm- ers, who live scattered about on their farms. Population, 18-30, 9.5S. Salem is well watered by small streams, and is boundeil on the N. E. by a larse and beautiful pond. It lies 29 miles S. E. irom Hartford, and 13 N. W. from New London. Salisbury, N. II., Merrimack co., lies 15 miles N. from Concord. Black water river passes through the W. part of Salis- bury. There are 5 bridges across this stream in this town. The soil of the upland is strong, deep and loamy ; the hilly 'and affords some fine tracts of tilJage, but chiefly abounds in excellent pa-;tura which may be NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. entered in a horizontal direction to the distance of 20 feet. This town was once the residence of a power- ful tribe of Indians, or at least a place where they resorted for de- fence. On the Winnepisiogee, at the head of Little bay, are found the remains of an ancient fortilica- tion. It consisted of six walls, one extending along the river, and across a point of land into the bay, and the others in right angles, con- nected by a circular wall in the rear. Traces of these walls are j-et to be seen, though most of the stones, &c. of which they were composed have been removed to the dam thrown across the river at this place. Within the fort have been found numbers of Indian relics, im- plements, &c., and also on an island in the bay. When the first settlers of Sanbornton arrived, these walls were breast high, and large oaks were growing within their enclos- ure. This town was settled in 1765 and 1766, by John Sanborn, David Duston, Andrew Rovven and oth- ers. It was incorporated in 1770. Population, 1830, 2,866. Saudgate, Vt. Bennington co. The people of this town are favored with moun- tain air, and with crystal streams which even the Bostonians might relish. Shettarack and Bald moun tains are in the N. W. part of the town ; Spruce and Equinox are in the N. E. ; Red mountain is in the S. E., and Swearing hill in the S. W. Between these elevations is some good land, which produces grass and grain; and which, with the mountain browse, affords feed for more than 7,000 sheep. Sand- gate was chartered in 1761. It is 20 miles N. from Bennington, and 31 S. by W. from Rutland. Popu- lation, 1830, 933. Saudisfield, Mass. Berkshire co. This is an eleva- ted township at the S. E. corner of the county, on the line of Connec- ticut. It is watered by a pleasant stream, a branch of Farmington riv- er. The soil is generally good, particularly for pasturage. Consid- erble wool is grown in this town, and a large amount of leather tan- ned. Sandisfield is 124 miles W. by S. from Boston, 18 S. E. by S. from Lenox, and 38 E. from Hudson, N. Y. Incorporated, 1762. Population, 1837, 1,493. Saudo^vu, ]V. H., Rockingham co., is bounded N. by Chester and Poplin, E. by Dan- ville, S. by Hampstead, W. by Chester and Londonderry. It is 31 miles S. E. from Concord, and 26 S. W. from Portsmouth. The sur- face of this town is rather uneven, but the soil in general is well ad- apted to the production of grain and grass. Phillip's pond, lying in the S. part of the town, is the largest, being about 340 rods long, 200 wide. Angle pond, in the S. E. part of this town, is about 200 rods long, and 90 or 100 wide. There are sev- eral other smaller ponds. Squam- scot river flows from Phillip's pond, and pursues a nearly level course for 1 1-2 miles, where another stream unites with it : from this junction, whenever the waters are high, the current passes back with considerable force towards the pond. The settlement of Sandown was commenced about the year 1736, by Moses Tucker, and others. — The town was originally a part of Kingston, and was incorporated, 1756. Population, in 1S30, 553. Sandwich, N. II. Strafford co. Sandwich is 70 miles N. N. W. from Portsmouth, and about 50 N. from Concord. This town was originally granted by Gov. Benning Wentworth, in 1763, and comprised 6 miles square. On the 5th Sept. 1764, upon the repre- sentation of the grantees that the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. N. and W. sides thereof were " so loaded with inaccessible mountains and shelves of rocks as to be unin- habitable" — an additional grant was made of territory on the E. and S., called Sandwich Addition. Sand- wich mountains are a lofty range extending N. E. and terminating in Chocorua Peak in Albany. Squam mountain, extending from Holder- ness through a corner of Campton into Sandwich, is of considerable height. There are other mountains. The Bearcamp river, its branches rising in the mountains N. and W., passes E. into Tamworth. The W. branch passes through Bearcamp pond. There is another pond not far distant from this, from which is- sues Red Hill river, passing S. into the Winnepisiogee lake. A small stream passes W. into the Pemige- wasset river. About one fourth of Squam lake lies in the S. W. corner of Sandwich. This is a flourishing town with a number of mills. Thir- ty thousand pounds of maple sugar was made here in the spring of 1838. Population, 1830, 2,744. Sandvricli, Mass. Barnstable CO. This town is ve- ry pleasantly situated on the shoul- der of Cape Cod, 12 miles S. W. from Barnstable, 30 E. from New Bedford, and 53 S. E. from Boston. Incorporated, 1639. Population, 1830,3,367; 1837, 3,579. Sand- wich is watered by a number of streams which afford a good water power; and by numerous ponds, some of which are large, affording a variety of excellent lish. The forests afford an abundance of deer, and to the lovers of rural sports. Sandwich and the neighboring towns of Barnstable and Ealmouth have justly become favorite resorts. The value of the manufactures of the town for the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $382,248. They consisted of glass, ($300,000) leather, nails, vessels, salt, iron cas- tings, stoves, &c. The value of the New England crown glass has been fully tested and found to be as clear and stronger than any oth- er now in use. Sandwich has a good harbor, and about 20 sail of coasting and fishing vessels. It is proposed to unite Massachu- setts and Buzzard's bays by a ship canal through this town. The dis- tance is five miles and the route level. A glance at Mr. Hale's ex- cellent n>ap of New England, shows most conclusively, the immense ad- vantages to be derived by such a work. Sandy Bay, Mass. See Gloucester. Sandy Point, Mass. The most northern extremity of Nantucket Island, on which is a light, 60 feet in height. Santly River, Me. This valuable mill stream re- ceives its head waters in the coun- ty of Franklin, near Saddleback mountain, and in a winding course through the southern part of that county it enters Somerset county aud mingles with the Kennebec at Starks, 37 miles above Augusta. Sandy river is a fertilizing stream ; it receives a number of tributaries, and waters a beautiful portion of the state. Its length is about 45 miles. Sanford, Me. York CO. Sanford is watered by Mousum river; it has a good water power, and an establishment for the manufacture and printing of cotton goods. Incorporated, 1768. Pop- ulation, 1837, 2,324. It is 94 miles S. W. from Augusta, 35 W. S. W. from Portland, and is bounded S. W. by Alfred Sangerrllle, Me. Piscataquis co. This beautiful and thriving town is not mountain- ous, but it is so elevated between Penobscot and Kennebec rivers that NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the waters of its ponds meet the ocean by both of those streams. Sangerville is 70 miles N. W. from Augusta, and is bounded by Dover on the W. Incorporated, 1814. — Population. 1H37, 1,115. Wheat crop, same year, 10,792 bushels. Saugatiick River, Ct. See Westport. Saugns, Mass. Essex CO. Saugus was taken from Lynn in 1815, and derives its name from the Indian name of the river which passes through it. That river is exceedingly crooked in its course, and forms large tracts of meadow. The uplands are uneven and rocky. It lies 10 miles S. W. from Salem, and 9 N. by E. from Boston. Population, 1837, 1,123. The value of the manufactures of Saugus, the year ending April 1, 1837, was about $200,000. They consisted of shoes, ($150,000) choco- late, morocco leather, snuff, cigars, bricks, wool cleaning, and silk and woolen dyeing. Savoy, Mass. Berkshire co. Savoy is an eleva- ted township, and gives rise to branches of Deerfield and Hoosack rivers. The land is generally good, and pastures a considerable number of sheep. It lies 125 miles W. N. W. from Boston, and 20 N. N. E. from Lenox. Incorporated, 1797. Population, 1837, 917. Saybrook, Ct. Middlesex co. This is one of the most ancient towns in the state. Lord Say and Seal, Lord Brook and other gentlemen in England, dis- satisfied with the government of Charles I., contemplating a removal to this country, procured, in 1632, of Robert, Earl of Warwick, a pa- tent of all the country " which lies west from Narraganset river, a hundred and twenty miles on the sea coast ; and from thence in lati- 32* tude and breadth aforesaid, to the South Sea." In 1635, they ap- pointed Mr. John Winthrop, a son of the governor of Massachusetts, to build a fort on Connecticut river, and appointed him governor for one year. In the summer of 1639, Colonel George Fenwick,one of the paten- tees, arrived from England, and in honor of Lord Say and Seal, and Lord Brook, gave the tract about the mouth of Connecticut river, the name of Saybrook. Colonel Fen- wick superintended the affairs of the colony until 1644, when, his associ- ates having relinquished the design of removal to America, sold the ju- risdiction of Saybrook to the Con- necticut colony. The original limits of the town extended upon the east side of the river for several miles, and included a part of the town of Lyme. The township now comprises three par- ishes, viz : Saybrook, Westbrook, and Essex. Saybrook parish is the southeast section of the town. The Indian name for this place was Pat- taqiinsset. West of this is West- brook parish, which was called by its Indian name Pochaiig, until Oc- tober, 1810. North of these two parishes is Pautapoug or Essex. Saybrook is upwards of 7 miles in length from north to south, and averages more than C in breadth. The greater part of the township is uneven and stony. There are, however, some extensive levels, and tracts of rich soil, particularly in the vicinity of Saybrook village, in the southern part of the town. Some of the hills, near Connecticut river, have good granite quarries. There are several small harbors on the Sound, and on Connecticut riv- er, at Saybrook point and Pauta- poug. The bar at the mouth of the Connecticut is an impediment to navigation ; vessels of a moderate draught are often obliged to pass it with part of their cargoes. The depth of water qit the bar, at spring NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tides, is about twelve feet. Say- brook harbor is at the mouth of a handsome cove, making up from Connecticut river, and extending west almost to Saybrook village. It is often resorted to by coasters in bad weather. To this place the river is open through the winter, and it is lierc that vessels are frequently laid up, and goods deposited, while the river is frozen over above. Large quantities of fish are taken in this town. The shad fisheries are numerous, and a source of con- siderable wealth. Connecticut riv- er shad are considered superior to any other in this country. White fish are taken upon the shores of the Sound, and are very valuable for the purposes of manure. They are afforded at a cheap I'ate ; the lightest soils, enriched by them, have produced forty bushels of rye to the acre, and they have an equal- ly advantageous effect upon the growth of corn and potatoes. Saybrook village is 40 miles S. S. E. from Hartford, 34 E. from New Haven, and 18 W. from New London. Population, 1830, 5,018. Besides the business in naviga- tion, the fishery, ship building and quanying of stone, there ai-e many manufacturing establishments in the several villages in this town. Among the articles manufactured, are augers, gimlets, hammers, steel carriage springs, ivory and iron combs, ink stands, sand boxes, &c. The Borough of Essex is about 7 miles from the mouth of Connec- ticiat river, on the west side. It is a place of considerable commerce, navigation and ship building, with a population of about 1,000. Ship building was commenced in 1740, on the Pochaug, and is still a leading branch of business in the place. There are at present about 15 vessels owned here, principally coasters. It is estimated that there are 1,200 inhabitants in its limits. Saybrook point is a peninsula, circular in its form, and connected with the main land by a narrow neck, over which the tide some- times flows. From this place to the fort, on the eastern extremity of the peninsula, the distance is about one mile. On the neck, a palisado was anciently formed from the river to the cove, to secure Say- brook point from any sudden incur- sion of the Indians. The soil on the peninsula is light and sandy, and the elevation of the highest part is about twenty feet. Being nearly destitute of trees and shrub- bery, it presents to the beholder a bleak and naked aspect. The land on the point was laid out with care, as it was expected to become the residence of great men, and the centre of great business and wealth. It is said that Oliver Cromwell, with othei- men then equally distinguished, actually em- barked in the Thames, to occupy this ground. Westward of the fort a square was laid out, on which it was intended houses should be erect- ed for Cromwell, Pymm, Hasselrig, and Hampden, the most illustrious Commoners in the English annals, who were expected from Europe ; while a square still further west was reserved for public uses. About half way between the palisado was erected the first build- ing designed for the collegiate school, since named Yale College. Thisinstitution was founded in 1700, and remained at Saybrook 17 years. The building was one story in height, and about eighty feet in length. Some remains of the cellar, " over which the ploughshare has passed," are still visible. Fifteen com- mencements were held at Saybrook. More than sixty young men were graduated, most of whom entered the ministry, and some of them be- came characters of distinguished usefulness and excellence. To educate young men of piety and talents for the ministry, was the leading design of this institution. It was desired by the founders and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. others, that the churches should have a public standard or confession of faith, agreeable to which the in- struction of the college should be conducted. This led to the adop- tion of the Sayhrook Platform, after the commencement in 1708. David Gardiner, was the first white child born in Connecticut. The following was written upon a blank leaf of an old bible, in pos- session of John G. Gardiner, Esqr., of Ganhncr's Island, N. Y. " In the year of our Lord, 1635, the 10th of July, came I, Lion Gar- diner and Mary my wife from Wor- den, a town in Holland, where my wife was born, being the daughter of one Diricke Willemson deureant ; her mother's name was Hachir, and her aunt, sister of her mother, was the wife of Wouter Leanerd- son, old burger Muster, dwelling in the hostrade, over against the Bruser in the Unicorne's head ; her brother's name was Punce Garret- son, also old burger Muster. We came from Worden to London, and from thence to New England, and dwelt at Saybrook fort four years — it is at the mouth of Connecticut river — of which I was commander, and there was born unto me a son, named David, 1635, the 29th of April, the first born in that place, and 1638 a daughter was born, named Mary, 30th of August, and then I went to an island of my own, which I had bought and purchased of the Indians, called by them Mon- chonack, by us Isle of Wight, and there was born another daughter, named Elizabeth, the 14th Septem- ber, 1641, she being the first child of English parents that was born there." Saybrook is a very pleasant town, and full of interesting associations. Saxton's River, Vt., Is formed in Grafton, Windham county, traverses an eastern course about 10 miles, and falls into the Connecticut at Rockingham. It is an excellent mill stream, and derived its name from a Mr. Sax- ton, who was drowned near its mouth. Scantic River, Ct. See East Windsor. Scarborough, Me. Cumberland co. This town lies 105 miles N. E. from Boston, and 60 S. W. from Augusta. It con- tains 30,634 acres of land, and a population of 2,244. A part of this town, called Black point, lying upon the sea, was granted by the council of Plym- outh to Thomas Cammock, in 1631 ; this was soon after settled, and be- came of considerable importance on the coast in the fisheries and trade. The land is held under that ancient grant at the present day. Another settlement was early made by a family of Algers, from England, near the centre of the town, and called Duastan corner, which name it still bears. This was wholly de- stroyed in the Indian war of 1675. It was, however, revived by a de- scendant in the female line, through whom that race is still perpetua- ted. Scarborough is principally an ag- ricultural town, for which purpose it furnishes some rich soil, and has a large quantity of salt marsh. — Ship building, however, continues to be pursued here, although not to the extent it formerly was. Nou- suck river passes through the whole length of the town. Its present name was given to it in 1658, when it submitted to the government of Massachusetts ; previously the east- ern side of the river and Marsh was called Black point, and the western. Blue point, names which are still in familiar use. This town has the honor of being the birth place of the distinguished statesman Rufus King, and his half brother, William King, the first governor of Maine. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Schoodic Lakes, Me. These are large collections of water, of very irregular form, uni- ted together, by boatable passages^, lying principally in Washington county, but extending west into the county of Penobscot. Their out- let is by a large stream of the same name, into the river Saint Croix, on the west side, of about 9 miles in length. These lakes cover a large surface, they are naviga- ble for large boats, and their bor- ders, and indeed the whole country around them, are densely wooded. Vast quantities of timber and lum- ber descend from these waters to the St. Andrews, Eastport and Lubec markets, on the Passamaquoddy. Scituate, Mass. Plymouth co. This town, the Indian Satuit, lies at the mouth of North river, in Massachusetts bay, and has a convenient harbor, defend- ed from the violence of the sea by several islands. The JVorth River rises near the sources of the Taunton. It passes Pembroke, Hanover and Marsh- field, and meets the tide water here. This river is very deep, nar- row and crooked, and is noted for the fine ships built on its banks. The manufactures of Scituate con- sist of leather, hoots, shoes, tacks, vessels, &c. The value of vessels annually built is about $40,000. These vessels are of superior me- chanism, and are built of native white oak, remarkable for its dura- bility. There are a number of ves- sels belonging to this town employ- ed in the merchant service and coasting trade. During the year ending"^April 1, 1837, Scituate had 22 vessels engaged in the fishery : they took 6,500 barrels of macker- el, valued at $46,000. The town extends back from the bay a considerable distance ; it con- tains large tracts of salt meadow and some valuable upland. Scituate is 17 miles S. E. by S- from Boston and 20 N. W. by N. from Plymouth. First settled, 1633, Incorporated, 1637. Population, 1830,3,470; 1837,3,754. The first settled minister in this town was the Rev. Charles Chauncy. He remained here twelve years previous to his becom- ing the second president of Har- vard College. Rev. Thomas Clapp, president of Yale College, was born in this town, in 1703. He graduated at Harvard College in 1722, and died in 1767. Scitnate, R. 1. Providence co. This town was a part of Providence until 1731, when it was ihcorporated. It lies 12 miles W.by S. from Providence, and, in 1830, had 3,394 inhabitants. The surface of the town is diversi- fied by hills and valleys: in the north part of the town the soil is a gravelly loam, better adapted to grazing than tillage. Pawtuxel river with several of its branches give Scituate a good water power, and large manufactories, particular- ly of cotton and wool are found on their banks. There is a valuable quarry of free-stone in the western part of the town. Seabrook, N. H., Rockingham co., is situated at the S. E. corner of the state, 17 miles S. S. W. from Portsmouth, and 7 N. from Newburyport, bounded N. by Hampton Falls, E. by the Atlan- tic, S. by Massachusetts, W. by South Hampton and Kensington. It was formerly a part of Hampton Falls,and was granted, 1768, to Jona- than Weare and others. Settlements commenced here in 1638. The riv- ers are Black, Brown's and Walton's rivers. Many of the rivulets abound with bog ore of iron. This town derives its name from the number of rivers and rivulets meandering through it. Whale-boat building is NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the most important manufacture, and is carried on to a greater extent than in any otlier town in New Eng- land. The larger part of the male inhabitants are mechanics and sea- men. Perhaps no town in the state is better situated for carrying on the Bay and Labrador fisheries than this. Population, in 1S30, 1,096. Seacounet Rocks, R. 1., Or Point. See Little Compton. Searsburgli, Vt. Bennington co. Searsburgh is too elevated on the Green Moun- tains either for cultivation, popula- tion, or wool growing. It has 40 in- habitants, and 41 sheep. It is 11 miles E. from Bennington. Searsmont, He. Waldo CO. Searsmont has a good soil, and some beautiful ponds. It is a pleasant and flourishing town, 30 miles E. from Augusta, and 12 S. W. from Belfast. Population, 1837, 1,392. Wheat crop, same year, 2,792 bushels. Seaville, Me. Hancock co. This town was in- corporated in 1838, and comprises a part of the island and town of Mount Desert, and Bartlett's, Rob- inson's, Hardwood and other small- er islands on the coast. Seliago liake, Me. Cumberland CO. Thisisabeau- ful sheet of water, about 12 miles in length, and of various breadths. The widest part is across from Baldwin to Raymond, about 7 miles. It re- ceives the waters of Long and sev- eral other ponds, and of Crooked river, at and from the north. It dis- charges into Casco bay, at Fal- mouth, by the Presumpscot. The Cumberland and Oxford canal, com- pleted in 1829, passes from this lake to Portland, and is the channel of considerable inland trade. Sebago, Mc. Cumberland co. This town lies between Sebago lake and Hancock pond, and was taken from Baldwin in 1S26. It lies 87 miles S. W. by W. from Augusta, and 30 N. W. from Portland. It has a good soil and is watered by small streams. Population, 1837, 646. Seliasticook Ri-rer, Me. This valuable mill stream rises in Sangervilie, Dover and Dexter, on the border of Penobscot and Piscataquis counties; it passes S. E. and S. through Ripley, Harmo- ny, Hartland and Palmyra toChand- lerville ; it then runsS. W. through Burnham and falls into the Kenne- bec between Clinton and Winslow, opposite to Waterville. This stream receives several tributaries ; it is about ^0 miles in length ; it has nu- merous falls and passes through a delightful country. Sebec, Me. Piscataquis co. Sebec is a town- ship of good soil, and is well water- ed by Sebec Pond and its outlet, Sebec river, which empties into the Piscataquis, on the north side, in the town of Milo. This town lies 87 miles N. N. E. from Augusta, and 9 N. N. E. from Dover. In- corporated, 1812. Population, 1837, 987. Wheat crop, same year, 7,650 bushels. Sebec Pond lies in the towns of Sebec, Foxcroft and Bowerbank : it is about 10 miles long, and about a mile average breadth. Its outlet is a good mill stream of about 10 miles in length. The country around these waters is fertile and heavily timbered, and the scenery pictur- esque and beautiful. Seboois Lakes and River, Me. Seboois Lakes are connected sheets of water, of irregular form, of about 15 miles in length, varying NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. in width from half a mile to a mile and a half. They lay near the Aroostook and constitute the head waters of the eastern branch of Pe- nobscot river. Seboois River is their outlet. See Penobscot River. Sec1g\«-ick, Me. Hancock co. Sedgwick lies on the west side of Blue Hill bay, 87 miles E. from Augusta, and about 25 S. by W. from Ellsworth. In- corporated, 1789. Population, 1837, 1,784. This town has good harbors and enjoys great privileges' for nav- igation. A number of vessels are owned here employed in the coast- ing trade and fishery, and ship building is an important branch of business. The soil of the town is not so productive as that more dis- tant from the sea, still it is abundant- ly able to supply its own people with bread stutis and all the varie- ties of fruits and vegetables com- mon to a New England climate. This town was named in honor of Theodore Sedgwick, an em- inent statesman and jurist, a senator to Congress, and for many years a judge of the supreme court of Mas- sachusetts. He died at Boston in 1813, aged 60, highly valued by his friends and country. Seekouk, Mass. Bristol CO. This town is watered by Seekonk, or Pawtucket river, also by Ten mile river, a good mill stream. It lies 41 miles S. from Boston, 4 E. by N. from Provi- dence, R. I., and 14 S. AV. from Taunton. It was taken from Re- lioboth in 1812. Population, 1837, 2,016. There are three cotton mills in the town, which constitute the principal manufactures; the annu- al value of which is about $80,000. Seven Mile Brook, Me. This stream rises by several branches in the counties of Somer- set and Franklin ; it runs in a south- eastern direction, about 35 miles, atTording mill privileges to tlie towns of Kingfield and IS'ew Portland, and nungles with the Kennebec at Anson, 40 miles N. E. from Augus- ta. Sej-iuour Lake, Vt. See Charleston. Sliaftsbury, Vt. Bennington co. This town lies between the Battenkill and Wal- loomsac, and gives to those rivers some tributaries. West mountain lies in this town and Arlington. Shaftsbury lies 97 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier, and 8 N. from Bennington. First settled, 1763. Populatwn, 1830, 2,143. Among the first settlers was the Hon. Jo- nas Galusha, late governor of the state. He was a captain in the militia in 1777, and commanded a company of the " Green mountain boys," at the battle of Bennington. Although the surface of Shafts- bury is elevated, the soil is gener- ally of an excellent quality ; it feeds 12,000 sheep, and its products of beef cattle and of the dairy are considerable. There are valuable beds of iron ore in the town, pine timber and quarries of beautiful marble. It has a number of manu- facturing concerns on its small streams, a pleasant village and a school fund of $10,000. Shapleigh, Me. York CO. Between Shapleigh and Acton are some pleasant ponds, the source of Mousum river which emp- ties into the sea at Kennebunk. A bed of rich bog iron ore has recent- ly been discovered in the town, which promises great usefulness. The surface of the town is gener- ally level, and the soil favorable for the growth of wool, grass, wheat and other grain. Here are iron works and other manufactures. Shapleigh was incorporated, 1785. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Population, 1837, 1,547. It is 103 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 6 N. W. from Alfred. Sliaron, Ji. H., Hillsborough co., is bounded N. by Peterborough, E. by Temple, S. by New Ipswich and Rindge, and W. by Jaffrey. It is 18 miles W. by S. from Amherst, and 48 S. S.W. from Concord. The streams in Sharon are small branches of Contoocook riv- er, and rise near the S. E. corner of the town. Boundary mountain lies on the line between this town and Temple, and has an elevation of 200 feet above the surrounding country. Sharon was incorporated, 1791. Population, in 1830, 271. Sharon, Vt. Windsor co. White river passes through Sharon and affords it an abundant water power. Here are mills for the manufacture of wool- en goods, paper and other articles. It contains a handsome and flour- ishing village. The surface of the town is broken, but the soil is warm and productive. It keeps about 5,000 sheep. Sharon was flrst set- tled in 1763. Population, 1830, 1,459. It lies 22 miles N. from Windsor, and 34 S. by E. from Montpelier. Sharon, Mass. Norfolk CO. Mashapoag pond in this town is one of the sources of Neponset river. Sharon has a good water power ; one woolen and two cotton mills. There are also man- ufactures of axes, bed-steads, straw bonnets, leather, boots, shoes, wool cards, machinery, joiners' gages, &c. : annual value, about f 75,000. Sharon is a very pleasant town ; the scenery around Mashapoag, the In- dian name of the place, is highly pleasing. There is good fishing in this pond. This town was incorpo- rated, in 1765. It is 18 miles S. S. W. from Boston, 8 S. from Dedham* and 24 N. by E. from Providence, R. I. Population, 1837, 1,093. Sharon, Cf. Litchfield co. Sharon lies on the west side of Housatonick river, opposite to Cornwall. The eastern part of the town is elevated, moun- tainous, and stony, but is suited for grazing : the western part, which borders on the state of New York, is a fertile tract of undulating land, and very productive of all sorts of grain. Agriculture is the chief business of the inhabitants: they provide for about 10,000 sheep. Population 1830, 2,615. Sharon was first settled in 1739. The village is situated principally on one street, on the eastern side of a beautiful valley, 16 miles W. N. W. from Litchfield, and 47 W. by N. from Hartford. There is a beau- tiful village called " Hitchcock's Corner," partly in Sharon and part- ly in the state of New York : this also is situated in a beautiful valley, and rich in agricultural resources. " Considerable numbers of the Indians resided in the western and northwestern parts of the town, which are watered by two large ponds, and by the Ten Mile river, which touches the western bor- ders of the town. Their principal village was on the east side of the Indian pond, so called, which is a body of water lying partly in the state of New York, and partly in Connecticut. On a romantic and beautiful plain, lying between this pond on the west, and the Indian Mountain, on the east, was a nu- merous village, where the natives continued to reside for many years after the whites came into the town. This tribe was visited by the Mo- ravian missionaries, and one of them died and was buried there. He died in 1749, and a plain stone was placed over his grave, with the fol- lowing inscription : " David Bruce of Edinburgh in NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Scotland, Minister of The Breth- ren's Church among the Indians. Depart'd 1749." This town took an active part in favor of the liberties of the coun- try. " The approach of a large British army from Canada, under General Burgoyne, and the expedition up the North River, under General Vaughan, in 1777, filled the whole country with terror and desponden- cy, and created strong fears and doubts as to the issue of the con- troversy : the firmness and confi- dence of Parson Smith, however, remained unbroken, and his efforts to revive the drooping spirits of his people were unremitted. In the month of October, he preached a sermon from these words : " Watch- man, what of the night? The Watchman saith, the morning Com- eth." In this discourse he dwelt much upon the indications, which the dealings of Providence afford- ed, that a bright and glorious morn- ing was about to dawn upon a long night of defeat and disaster. He told the congregation, that he be- lieved they would soon hear of a signal victory crowning the arms of America; and he exhorted them to trust with an unsliaken and fearless confidence in that God, who, he believed, would yet crown with success the efforts of the friends of liberty in this country. Before the congregation was dismissed, a mes- senger arrived, with the intelli- gence of the surrender of Bur- goyne's army. Parson Smith read the letter, conveying the intelli- gence, from the pulpit, and a flood of joy and gratitude burst from the congregation." Sliawslieeu River, 3Ias8. This river rises in Lexington and Bedford. It passes Billerica, Wil- mington and Tukesbury, and falls into the Merrimack, at Andover, 20 miles N. by W. from Boston. Sheepscot River and Bay, nie. The head waters of this river are derived from ponds in Palermo. Its course is south through the towns of Whitefield and Alna. It meets the tide water between Wiscasset and New Castle, and proceeds to a bay of the same name. The length of the river from its source to the bay is about 35 miles. This river is valuable on account of its hy- draulic power and navigable facili- ties. Sheepscot Bay sets up from the sea between Boothbay and George- town, and leceives the waters of the river. It is about 3 miles wide at its mouth, and extends about 10 miles north. The whole of these waters are often called" Sheepscot River." The mouth of this bay or river bears about N. E., 6 miles, from Seguin Light, at the mouth of Kennebec river. Sheffield, Vt. Caledonia co. This town is 35 miles N. E. from Montpelier, and 16 N. from Danville. First settled, 1792. Population, 1830, 720. This town Hes on the height of land between Connecticut river and Meniphremagog lake. Branch- es of Passumpsic and Barton rivers both rise here. It is watered by several ponds. The lands are gen- erally broken and not very produc- tive. Sheffield, Mass. Berkshire co. This is a very pleasant town, on both sides of the Housatonick. The river meanders circuitously and slowly through the town, and forms large tracts of rich alluvial meadow. In large fresh- ets the river overflows its banks to a great extent, and forms the ap- pearance of a large lake. The vil- lage is neat; situated in a beauti- ful valley, surrounded by hills, one of which is 3,000 feet in height, and presents a great variety of de- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. lightful scenery. There are man- ufactures in the town of leather, hats, ploughs, and spirits, but the principal business of the people is agricultural. In 1837, there were 6,892 sheep sheared in the town : the value of the wool amounted to $11,372. Marble and iron ore are abundant. Sheffield is the oldest town in the county : it was incorporated in 1733. It Hes 140 miles S. W. from Boston, 20 S. from Lenox, and 28 E. from Hudson, N. Y. Population, 1837, 2,308. Slielburiie, N. H. Coos CO. Androscoggin river passes through the centre of this town, into which fall the waters of Rattle river and some smaller streams. The soil on each bank of the river is very good, producing in abundance grain and grass: but fts we rise from the river, the tracts are mountainous and unfit for culti- vation. Mount Moriah, an elevated peak of the White Mountains, lies in the S. part of Shelburne. Moses' Rock, so called from the first man known to have ascended it, (Moses Ingalls) is on the south side of the river, near the centre of the town. It is about 60 feet high and 90 long, very smooth, and rising in an angle of nearly 50°. In 177^8, David and Benjamin Ingalls commenced a set- tlement at Shelburne, and not long afterwards, several families were added. In August, 1781, a party of Indians visited this town, killed one man, made another prisoner, plundered the houses, and returned to Canada in savage triumph. This town was incorporated in 1820. Population, 1830, 312. Slielbum, Vt. Chittenden co. On the east side of Lake Champlain, 33 miles W. by N. from Montpelier, and 7 S. from Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,123. Logan's and Potter's points were 33 settled previous to the revolutionary war by men of those names. Dur- ing the war these settlements were abandoned, but re-established at its close. Shelburnis finely watered by Piatt river, a pond covering 600 acres, and by the waters of the lake. Shelburn Bay sets into the town- ship about 4 miles from the N. W., and affords the town a good harbor, and a depot of the interior trade on the beautiful Champlain. The soil of the town is strong, fertile, and generally well improved. About 10,000 sheep are within its limits. Shelburne, Mass. Franklin co. This town lies on the N. side of Deerfield river op- posite to Conway. It is 100 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 5 W. from Greenfield. Population, 1837, 1,018. Incorporated, 1768. Deer- field river falls in this town a dis- tance of 20 feet, and produces a val- uable water power. The manufactures of the town consist of woolen goods, leather, boots, shoes, scythes, palm-leaf hats, &c. : annual value about $40,000. The soil of the town is generally of a good quality ; con- siderable wool is grown, and some cattle and products of the dairy are sent to market. More than common attention is paid to mental culture. This is a pleasant and flourishing town : the scenery about the falls is very handsome. Slieldon, Vt. Franklin c< . The first settle- ments commenced here in 1790, by Elisha and Samuel B. Sheldon, from Salisbury, Connecticut. This is a good township of land, productive of wool, grain, and other northern commodities. The river Missisque passes through the town, and Black creek, a branch of that river, gives Sheldon an ample water power. The village is a thriving place, both in its manufactures and trade. It lies 46 miles N. W. from Montpe- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. lier, 32 N. by E. from Burlington, and 10 N. N. E. from St. Albans. Population, 1830, 1,427. Shepaug River, Ct. This river rises in Goshen, in the countj' of Litchtield; it receives several branches, and passes south, through the towns of Washington and Roxbury, and falls into the Housatonick at Southbury. This is a good mill stream, in some parts rapid, in others gentle and fertiliz- ing. Sherburue, Vt. Rutland co. Killington Peak, 3,924 feet in height, several ponds, and Thundering brook, with a hand- some fall, lie in this town. Queechy river rises in this town, and along its banks is some good land; but the lands are generally too elevated even for pasturage. Sherburne was first settled in 178.5. It lies 22 miles N. W. from Windsor, and 10 E. from Rutland. Population, 18.30, 4-52. Sherburne, Mass. Middlesex co. This town is wa- tered by Charles and Sudbury riv- ers. It is 18 miles S. W. by W. from Boston, and 15 S. from Con- cord. Population, 1837,1,037. In- corporated, 1674. The soil of Sher- burne is very good and productive. The village is on elevated land ; it is pleasant, and commands good pros- pects. The manufactures of the town consist of straw bonnets, boots, shoes, leather, axes, forks, plougtis, muskets and whips : annual value, about $60,000. Slierman, Ct. Fairfield co. Sherman was for- merly the north part of New Fair- field, and incorporated in 1802. Pop- ulation, 1830, 947. It is 6!) miles S. W. from Hartford, 13 N. from Dan- bury, and bounded W. by the state of New York. There is a variety of soils in the town, but they are generally strong, warm, and pro- ductive of grass and grain. A branch of the Housatonick waters the town. Ii'on ore is found here. Sbetucket River, Ct. This fine mill stream receives its head waters by several branches in the counties of Windham and Tol- land. It passes between Lisbon and Franklin and uniting with the Quinnebaug at Norwicli, flowsin- to the Thames. Its principal bran- ches are the Natchaug and Willi- mantic. Sliirley, Me. Piscataquis CO. This town was in- corporated in 1834. It was former- ly No. 3 in the 4th range of the Bingham Purchase. It is watered by the higher branches of Piscata- quis river, and lies about 76 miles N. by E. from Augusta. Popula- tion, 1S37, 213. SUirley, Mass. Middlesex co. This is a very pleasant agricultural and manufac- turing town, 32 miles N. W. from Boston, 16 N. W. from Concord, and IS S. W. from Lowell. There are some elevations in the town, but of warm and fertile soil. There are large tracts of intervale land along the streams, which are very fertile and valuable. Shirley is separated from Groton by Nashua river, and from Pepperell by the Squanicook, a branch of the Nashua. These streams afford Shir- ley a fine water power, which ren- ders it an excellent location for man- ufacturing establishments. There are 1 woolen and 3 cotton mills in the town, and manufactures of boots, shoes, pnpcr, leather, palm-leaf hats, &,c. Annual value, about $125,- 000. Population, 1837, 967. Sliorehain, Vt. Addison co. This town lies on the east side of Lake Champlain, and is watered by Lemonfair river, a ffood mill stream. It is 12 miles NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. S. W. from Middlebury, and 26 N. from Whitehall, N. Y. The lake here is about a mile wide. Popu- lation, 1830, 2,137. The surface of the town is level and the soil re- markably good. This is one of the best farming towns in the state. In 1837, there was 26,384 sheep in Shoreham. There are some manu- factures in the town, and a pleasant and tlourishing village on the banks of the lake. Most of the waters here are impregnated with Epsom salts. See Bridport. Shoreham was first settled in 1766, by a numi)cr of persons who adopted the plan of holding all things in common. This mode of holding property was, however, i-elinquish- ed about the time of the revolu- tionary war. Slireivsljury, "Vt. Rutland co. This town lies 22 miles W. from Windsor and 9 S. E. from Rutland. Population, in 1830, 1 ,289. This is a mountainous township, having Shrewsbury Peak within its limits, a summit 4,034 feet above the sea. Mill and Cold riv- ers and Peal's and Ashley's Ponds water the town, and fall into Otter Creek. There is some good land in this mountain town, and between three and four thousand sheep graze on its surface. Slire-»vsbiiry, Mass. Worcester co. This is an agri- cultural town of a pleasing variety of surface, and good soil, 36 miles W. by S. from Boston and 6 E. from Worcester. Quinsigamond or Long Pond lies principally in this town. It is nearly four miles in length and from 40 to 250 rods in width. It empties into the Blackstone river and canal, and produces a consider- able hydraulic power. A floating bridge crosses this pond for the ac- commodation of the Worcester turn- pike, 525 feet in length, built in 1818, and cost $6,000. The manufactures of Shrewsbury consist of clothing, guns, hats, chairs, straw bonnets, leather, boots, shoes, &,c: the value of which, dur- ing the year ending April 1, 1837, was $211,287. The town was in- corporated, 1727. Population, 1830, 1,386 ; 1837, 1,507. Levi Pease, the father of mail stages in this country, was a native of this town. He died here in 1824, aged 86. Mr. Pease was a man of great enterprise ; he projected the first turnpike road in New England, and to his zeal and sacrifices the public is more indebted than to any other man for its excellent mail es- tablishment. At the time Mr. Pease started his first line of mail stages between Boston and New York, in 1784, the mail between those places passed only once a fort- night, on horseback, in a pair of saddlebags. Shntesbury, Mass. This town is on high land, 10 miles E. from Connecticut river, 9 N. by E. from Amherst, 16 S. S.E. from Greenfield, and 78 W. by N. from Boston. Incorporated, 1761. Population, 1837,816. Copper ore, and soapstone, are found here. On Swift river are three shingle mills and a wheel factory. There is a mineral spring of some note in this town, containing, in solution, iron, sulphur, &c. There is also a pond, covering about 700 acres, with an abundance of fine fish. Ephraim Pratt lived in this town many years, and died here in 1804, aged 116 years. He married at the age of 21, and could count 1,500 descendants. He was a very tem- perate man, so much so that for 40 years he took no animal food. He was a farmer, and his health was so uniformly good that he was able to mow a good swath 101 years in suc- cession. He was born at Sudbury, 1687. Sidney, Me. Kennebec co. Sidney is very NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. pleasantly situated on the west side of Kennebec river, and watered by a large and beautiful pond lying in this town and Belgrade. It is bounded N. by Waterville, and is 12 miles N. from Augusta. Incor- porated, 1792. Population, 1S37, 2,346. Wheat crop, same year, 6,569 bushels. Simsbiiry, Ct. Hartford co. The territory of this town was formerly a part of Windsor: its Indian name was Mas- sacoe, and was incorporated in 1670. The surface of the town is greatly diversified by hills and valleys : a range of mountains pass through the town, and there is some level and good land within its limits on Farmington river. Population, 18.30, 2,22i. Tariffville, a flourishing village, is situated at the northeastern ex- tremity of this town, on the west bank of the Farmington river,whicb at this place passes south, at the base of a range of mountains, which divides this part of the State from the great valley of Connecticut river. This place is a carpet man- ufacturing village, owned principal- ly by a company called the " New England Carpet Company," they employ 175 hands, and manufacture yearly about 132,000 yards of car- peting. This flourishing village is between three and four miles south of Simsbury mines, in Granby,near the New Haven and Northampton canal, and 12 miles N.W. from Hart- ford. SkitticooU River, Me. This is the most northern and eastern branch of the Matawam- keag. Skootum liake, Me. A sheet of water of considerable size, the outlet of which passes through Kilmarnock. Sko'wiiegan, Me. Somerset co. This town was for- merly called Milburn : it took the Indian name of the place in 1836. It is situated on the N. side of Ken- nebec river, at Skowbegan Falls. The river runs here in an eastern direction. The local situation of Skowbegan, its admirable water power, and the fertility of the adja- cent country, united with the en- terprise of its inhabitants, has ren- dered the place, but recently a wil- derness, one of the best cultivated townships in the state, the site of a great number of mills, and a mart of an extensive trade. There is much delightful scenery about Skowbe- gan"; the village is neatly built,and its beauty is much enhanced by the whiteness of the houses contrasted with the blue and green of the riv- er and its banks. Between Skow- began and Bloomfield is a small isl- and in the river. Across this isl- and are noble bridges uniting the towns. This place lies 5 miles be- low Norridgewock and 33 N. from Augusta. Population, 1830,1,006; 1837, 1,4.33. Slateiville, R. I. AVe regret to state that no ac- count of "the manufactures of this interesting manufacturing village has been received. See Smithfield. Small, Cape, Me. The eastern boundary of Casco Bay. Smithfield, R. I. Providence co. This is a large town, containing an area of about 10 by 6 miles, and a great variety of surface and soil. Smithfield has generally an un- dulating surface, presenting an agreeable diversity of moderate em- inences and gentle declivities; but in some sections it is considerably rough and broken. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The manufacture of lime is an important and extensive business, and affords employment to a great number of persons. There is also a quarry of white stone at what is called Woonsocket hill, that sus- tains heat remarkably well, which renders it very valuable for furnace hearths. About two miles distant from this, there is a quarry .contain- ing excellent whetstones, for edge tools. The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, with some sections of a cal- careous loam. It is generally rich and fertile, although in some places it has been reduced by an exhaust- ing system of cultivation. There are, however, some low and marshy tracts, which are generally appro- priated to mowing, and afford good crops of grass. The agricultural productions consist of the various articles common to the climate ; Indian corn, rye, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, flax, beef, pork, butter, cheese, apples, cider and hay. The waters of the town consist of the Blackstone, which washes its northeastern border, and a branch of this river, nearly of equal size, which intersects the town, dis- charging its waters into the former, in the northern section of the town. After the union of these streams, the Blackstone is from one to two hundred feet in width. At some seasons of the year, it overflows its banks, and has been known to rise from 15 to 20 feet above its usual height. Besides these, there are numerous small streams, some of which afford valuable sites for mills and manufacturing establishments, which are mostly occupied. In the south part of the town, within about 4 miles from Providence, there is a considerable body of wa- ter, called Scots Pond. It is near- ly a mile in length, about half a mile in width, and of great depth. What is remarkable in this pond, is 33* the steep descent of its shores. Cases have occurred, of persona being drowned in attempting to water their horses at this pond. There is a remarkable fall of wa- ter upon the Blackstone river, calK ed Woonsocket falls, which is con- sidered as quite a curiosity. The fall is about 20 feet, not perpendic- ular, but over a precipice of rocks for some distance. The fall of the water upon these rocks through a succession of ages, has occasioned numerous excavations, all of which are smooth and circular, and some of them very large, being sufficient to contain several hogsheads. The beautiful village of Woon- socket is situated at these falls, on the line of Cumberland ; the river dividing the towns, and the village into nearly equal parts. In this village are 15 cotton and 2 satinet factoi-ies, a large furnace, machine shops, sash factory, &c. The Black- stone canal passes through this village, and it is in contemplation to construct a rail road to meet the Boston and Providence rail road, either at Providence or at Dedham, Mass. This village is indeed a beautiful place, and exceedingly flourishing. It is 14 miles N. N. W. from Providence. Slaterville is another beautiful village in this town, on Branch river, about 2 miles W. from Woon- socket. Smithfield is a large manufactur- ing town, containing many other pleasant villages, almost exclusive- ly devoted to manufacturing ob- jects. The centre of the town lies 9 miles N. W. from Providence. Incorporated, 1730. Population, iij 1830, 6,857. Smith's River, IV. H. Grafton co. This river rises fron) several ponds in Grafton and Or- ange, and after pursuing a winding, but generally an east course, of from 12 to 18 miles, through Dap? NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. bury and Alexandria, falls into the Pemigewasset, between Bristol and Hill. Solon, Me. Somerset CO. Solon is a flourish- ing farming town, on the east side of Kennebec river, opposite to Embden. It lies 44 miles N. by "VV. from Augusta, and IS N. from Norridgewock. Population, 1830, 768; i837, 1,129. Wheat crop, 1837, 6,567 bushels. The town is well watered by a pond and several streams : it has a pleasant village, and some manufactures. Somers, Ct. Tolland co. This town lies 22 miles N. E. from Hartford, 10 N. by W. from Tolland, and 12 S. E. from Springfield, Mass. First set- tled, 1713. It was incorporated by Massachusetts in 1734, and named in honor of Lord Somers, at the re- quest of Governor Belcher. Part of the town is level, and productive of grass and grain, and part is quite elevated, producing good pasturage for sheep, and pre- senting delightful views of the val- ley of Connecticut river. It is wa- tered by Soantic river. Somers has a very neat village, in which is a large establishment for the manufacture of straw bon- nets. Population, 1830, 1,429. Somerset County, Me. J\'o7-ridgeioock, chief town. — Previous to the formation of Piscat- aquis and Franklin counties, in 1838, for which purpose a consider- able portion of Somerset was taken, this county contained an area of about 8,785 square miles. Incor- porated, 1S09. About one third of this territory may be said to be set- tled, incorporated or granted, the residue, a wilderness. Its popula- tion, in 1S20, was 21,787; 1830, 33,.5S8 ; 1837, 40,963. Population to a square mile, 4 1-2. Gain in population, in seven years, 22 per cent. The present county of Somerset is bounded N. by Lower Canada, E. by Piscataquis and a part of Penob- scot counties, S. by the counties of Kennebec and Franklin, and W. by Franklin county and Lower Can- ada. This county is watered by many ponds, some of the large tributa- ries of the Kennebec, and by the upper waters of many other im- portant rivers in Maine ; but its chief river is the noble Kennebec, which enters the county at its rise from Moose Head lake, and passing from that lake, which skirts the east- ern boundary of the county, it tra- verses nearly in its centre about 75 miles. This river serves, at pres- ent, as a great thoroughfare to the ocean for an immense amount of timber, lumber and wood, the first fruits of the industry of pioneers to a heavily timbered country ; and, in after times, will serve for the transportation of the productions of a fertile soil to distant markets, and of the wants of the inhabitants from abroad. The surface of this county is di- versified by considerable eleva- tions and extensive valleys, which give it a varied and pleasing as- pect. With the exception of the mountain range, which skirts the bounds of Canada, and the Bald Mountain ridge, nearly in the cen- tre of the county, Mount Bigelow and Mount Abraham, on the bor- der of Franklin county, are the most lofty. So far as the march of improve- ment has been made in this interior and almost wilderness county, the soil of the lands, generally, is found to be fertile, as easy of cultivation, and as productive of all the varie- ties of grasses, grains, vegetables and fruits, as any portion of New Eng- land, with very few exceptions. The more interior portions of the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. county, those watered by the up- per branches of the Penobscot and Walloomstook, now a wilderness, are said to be the most fertile. In 1837, there were in the old county of Somerset, 77,921 sheep; and, during that year, it produced 239,- 332 bushels of wheat, being the largest quantity of that valuable grain produced by any county in Maine, and probably by any county in New England. Somerset, Vt. Windham co. Mount Pisgah and other elevations give to the sur- face of this township so rough and drear an aspect, that but few are bold enough to attempt the cultiva- tion of its soil. It is watered by the upper branches of Deerfield river. Population, 1830, 245. Somerset stands 15 miles N. E. from Bennington, and 14 W. from Newfane. It would put the neigh- boring towns into a pretty pickle if it should turn a Somerset. Somerset, Mass. Bristol CO. This town is pleas- antly situated on the northern side of Taunton river, opposite to Fall River, and is the proposed depot of a rail road from Fall River to Provi- dence, R. I. It is 16 miles S. E. from Providence, 13 S. from Taun- ton, and 45 S. from Boston. Popu- lation, 1837, 1,063. Incorporated, 1790. There are some manufactures of stone and earthern wares, but ship building is the principal branch of mechanics in the town. SomersAvortli, N. H. Strafford co. This town was for- merly a part of Dover. It was in- corporated in 1754. It is bounded N. W. by Rochester, N. E. by Sal- mon fall river, which divides it from Berwick, Me., and S. W. by Do- ver. It is 11 miles N. by W. from Portsmouth and 45 E. from Concord. The White Mountains may be seen from the summit of Otis' hill ; also the steeples of the meeting houses in Portsmouth, and the masts of the shipping in the harbor. The soil of this town is well adapted to Indian corn, and almost all kinds of grain and grass. The tide flows on the east side of this town, four miles to Quamphegan falls. The river is of sufficient depth, till within a mile of said falls, for vessels of 250 tons. The S. part of this town is bounded on Cocheco river, from its confluence with the Piscataqua to the mouth of Fresh creek, near a mile ; and from thence by said creek to its head, nearly a mile and a half. There are but two ponds of note in this town : Humphrey's pond on the line of Dover, 200 rods long and 120 rods wide ; and Cole's pond, 150 rods long and 75 wide. Red and yellow ochre, also iron ore, have been found in this town. The ochre has been used in paint- ing houses, and has been found to make a durable paint. At Great Falls, are extensive manufactories, and a large and beautiful village. This town was settled between 1650 and 1700, by William Went- worth and others. Many of the first settlers were killed or taken captive and carried to Canada. Eb- enezer Downs, who was a quaker, was taken by the Indians at Indigo hill, in 1724, and carried to Canada. He was grossly insulted and abused by them, because he refused to dance as the other prisoners did for the diversion of their savage cap- tors. Nicholas Pike, author of a popular system of arithmetic, was born in this town, October 6, 1743. John Wentworth, son of the Hon. John Wentworth, was born in this town, July 14, 1745; and was graduated at Harvard college, 1768. He entered on the study of the law, and settled at Dover. When ap- plication was made to him to put an NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. action in suit, it was his practice to see the parties or to write to them, stating the consequences of a legal process, and aiivising them to set- tle their differences between them- selves. By this mode of procedure he was instrumental in preventing many vexatious lawsuits; and was entitled to the appellation of peace- maker. He was a member of the continental congress in the revolu- tion, and died January 10, 17S7. Hon. Thoiias Wallingford, was born at Bradford, jNIass., in 1697. He came to«his town in the early part of his life ; and by a dili- gent application to business, from a small beginning became one of the richest men in the province. IcHABOD RoLLixs, was bom in Somersworth in 1721. He was a judge of probate for the county of Strafford, and died January 31, ISOO. Population, in 1830, 3J090. SoncooU River, N. II., Has its source in three ponds in the south part of Gilmanton, lying near each other, called Loon, Rocky and Shellcamp ponds. It passes through Loudon, receiving several branches, and forms the boundary between Concord and Pembroke, falling into the Merrimack below Garvin's falls. Souliegan River, N. H. Originally Souhegenack, the name of a river in Hillsborough count}', and the former name of Amherst and Merrimack. The principal branch of this river originates from a pond in Ashburnham, Mass. It passes N. through Ashby, at the N. W. angle of the county of Mid- dlesex, into New Ipswich, and through Mason, Milford, Amherst, into Merrimack, where it unites with Merrimack river. In its course it receives several streams from Temple, Lyndeborough and Mount Vernon, and just before it falls into the Merrimack, receives Babboo- suck brook, a considerable stream issuing from Babboosuck pond. See Amherst. South Hampton, JT. H., Rockingham co., is bounded N. by East Kingston and Kensington, E. by Seabrook, S. by Amesbury, Mass., \V. by Newtown; and is 50 miles S. E. from Concord, and 18 S. S. W. from Portsmouth. The surface is generally even, and the soil of a good quality. Pow- ow river passes through this town, affording valuable mill seats. South Hampton was incorporated in 1742. Hon. Phillips White, who was a member of the old congress, a counsellor in 1792 and 1793, and for many years judge of probate, died June 24, ISll, aged 82. Pop- ulation, 1830, 487. Southanipton, ]tlass« Hampshire co. Manhan river waters the town and affords it mill privileges. The Farmington canal passes through the eastern part. Lead in various forms and qualities is found here, and here is a subter- raneous passage leading to the lead mine in Westhampton. There are some manufactures in the town, but the people are generally em- ployed in agricultural pursuits, and the soil is well adapted to that pur- pose. Southampton is pleasantly situa- ted, 9 miles S. W. from Northamp- ton, and 97 W. by S. from Boston. Incorporated, 1753. Population, 1837, 1,216. South Ber^vick, Me. York CO. This town is situated on the N. E. side of Salmon Fall river, 97 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 10 W. N. W. from York. ^ The limits of the town have recently been increased by the addition of a portion of the territory of York. It was incorporated in 1814. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,577 ; 1837, 2,342. The Great Falls on the river at this place afford an hydraulic power of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. great magnitude and value. Man- ufacturing operations commenced here many years ago, and have been gradually increasing ; but in 1S37, the " Great Works Manufacturing Company" was incorporated. This company have a lai-ge capital, and are making arrangements for man- ufacturing on an extensive scale. When it is considered that this place is located on navigable waters, and only about a dozen miles from the beautiful harbor of Portsmouth, by water, these operations promise a favorable result, both to individual enterprise and the public. The village of South Berwick is pleasantly situated ; it is a place of considerable trade, and in the vicin- ity of delightful scenery. Southborougli, Mass. Worcester co. This town was taken from Marlborough in 1727. It has a good soil, and is well culti- vated by industrious and skillful farmers. It is watered by a branch of Sudbury river, and has man- ufactures of woolen cloth, boots, shoes, and straw bonnets: annual value, about $50,000. The Boston and Worcester rail road passes through this pleasant town. It lies 26 miles W. from Boston, and 15 E. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,113. Soatlibridge, Mass. Worcester CO. Southbridge was taken from Sturbridge in 181-t. — Population, 1830, 1,444 ; 1837, 1740. It is 54 miles S. W. from Boston, and 19 S. S. W. from Worcester. This town is watered by the Quin- neboag, a branch of the Thames, and a good mill stream. There are one woolen and three cotton mills in Southbridge, and manufactures of boots, shoes and cutlery : the value of which, for the year ending April 1, 1837, was $262,212. This town has an excellent soil and a pleasant and flourishing village. Soiitlibwry, Ct. New Haven co. The principal village in this town is pleasantly situated on the Pamperaug, a line mill stream, which passes through the town. This village is 20 miles N. W. from New Haven, and 40 S. W. from Hartford. The village of* South Britain is about 4 miles S. W. from the princi- pal or central village : it is a flour- ishing place, containing a num- ber of neat buildings, a carpet and several hat factories. This village is surrounded by high hills and precipices, and has a romantic and picturesque appearance. The sur- face of the town is generally un- even : there is some good meadow land on Housatonick, Pamperaug, and Shepaug rivers, and the up- lands are warm and productive. Some traces of coal have been dis- covered. The northern part of the town is called " White Oak," from an oak tree under which the first persons who explored the town encamped. . Pieces of this tree are considered by some as precious relics. • Soutb^* bury was formerly attached, te ^ Litchfield county. It wis ap^JT of Woodbury, and was first settlitjk f about the year 1672. ItWasidc*^ ;jf, porated as a distinct town in 1786* '■'< Population, 1830* 1,557. Soutli Hadley, Mass. Hampshire co. Nature and art seem to have united to render this an interesting place. The falls on the Connecticut are 50 feet ; not perpendicular, but in so short a distance as to render the river very rapid. These falls, Mount Hol- yoke at the north part of the town, and Mount Tom on the west side of the river, with the luxuriant mead- ows along this beautiful stream, would form a picture of no ordinary character. These falls are ren- dered passable for freight and steam NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. boats by a canal of about two miles in length. In this canal is a cut through solid rock, 40 feet in depth and 300 feet in length. The hy- draulic power, at this place, is very great, having the whole volume of Connecticut river and some smaller streams at command for manufac- turing purposes. Much of the water power is* yet unimproved, but its local situation is such as to insure its usefulness as the manu- facturing interests of New England increase. There are in South Had- ley 3 paper and 2 woolen mills, and manufactures of leather, boots, shoes, pearl buttons, iron, &c. : to- tal value, the year ending April 1, 1S37, $237,650. South Hadley lies on the east side of Connecticut river, 90 miles, W. from Boston, and 5 S. by E. from Northampton. Incorporated in 1753. Population, 1837, 1,400. South Hero, Vt. Grand Isle co. Lake Champlain bounds this (own on all sides. — The passage in the lake however, is very narrow between the towns of N. and S. Hero. It lies 12 miles N. W. from Burlington, and 16 S. S. W. from St. Albans. The lake is fordable a considerable part of the year on the Vermont side. This town was formerly a part of North Hero, and was separated fiom it in 1788. First settled, 1784. Popu- lation, 1830, 717. South Hero con- tains an area of about 9,065 acres of level land of an excellent soil. Its basis is limestone. It is suppos- ed that all the lands of this island county were once covered by the waters of the lake, as clam shells are found incorporated with the rocks in the higliest places. The scenery around these islands is beautiful. This vicinity was a fa- vorite resort for the Indians, as ap- pears from a large number of their implements found on the islands. It seems they manufactured hatch- ets, spear heads, chisels, arrows, and a variety of other implements at this place, from a flint stone not found in this region, but brought from a distance. This town fur- nishes a great abundance of food for the inliabitants, and some for ex- portation. It feeds about 6,200 sheep. This is a pleasant stopping place for the angler, the painter or the geologist. Soiithington, Ct. Hartford co. Southington was taken from Farniington in 1779. There are some elevations in the town, particularly in the eastern part ; but the soil is geneially very good for all kinds of grain and the pasturage of cattle. It is watered by the Quinnepiack, and the Far- niington canal passes through it. It contains a neat village, 18 miles S. W. from Hartford and 21 N. from New Haven. Population, 1830, 1,844. The inhabitants are generally en- gaged in agriculture ; yet several kinds of manufactures receive con- siderable attention. Peck's patent for machines for making tin ware, a most valuable invention, is exclu- sively owned in this town, and the business of making them is exten- sively carried on, by Peck & Co., whose manufactory supplies almost the whole of the United SUUes and the British provinces. The manu- facture of water cement is very extensively carried on in this town, and furnishes a supply for the wants of the vicinity, and some for distant markets. There is an establish- ment for the manufacture of lasts, which are turned out by a machine : this is efTected by having a model of the shape wanted, inserted into the apparatus connected with the machinery. Besides the above, there is a brass foundry ; and sev- eral other establishments, for man- ufacturing various articles, such as saws of difTerent kinds, tin ware, combs, spoons, clocks, brushes, &c., are in operation, more or less ex- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. tensively, at different times, accor^ ding to the demands of the mark^. Copper has been discovered, in sev- eral places, in the range of moun- tains on the eastern border of the town. South Kingston, R. I. Washington co. Chief town. This town was formerly a part of North Kingston, and was first set- tled in 1670. It is the largest town in the State, comprising 98 square miles, and within its limits is the noted Point Judith. It has an uneven surface, a soil of a gravelly loam, based on a granite foundation. Large quantities of grain of vari- ous kinds and of the productions of the dairy are annually sent to mar- ket from this town ; also the fleeces of about 7,500 sheep. This town possesses great navigable advan- tages; its eastern and southern borders being washed by the At- lantic ocean and Narraganset bay. It contains a great number of fresh water ponds, and a large salt pond : one of the fresh water ponds, cov- ers an area of between three and four thousand acres. The fisheries on the shores and in the ponds of South Kingston are of considerable extent and value. The fish taken are principally bass, alewives, perch and smelts. Some portion of the inhabitants follow a maritime life for a livelihood. The principal village in South Kingston is improperly called " Lit- tle Rest Hill," for it is quite a snug and comfortable place. It lies 30 miles S. from Providence, and 9 S. from North Kingston. Population, 1830, 3,663. SoutU Reading, Mass. Middlesex co. This town was taken from Reading in 1812. It lies 10 miles N. from Boston, 18 E. by N. from Concord, and 10 W. from Salem. Population, 1330, 1,310; 1837, 1,488. The manufactures of the town consistofshoes,cabinet ware, chairs, shoe tools, razor straps, block tin and tin ware : annual value, about $60,000. This town contains a large and beautiful pond, the source of Sau- gus river. The village is compact, neat and flourishing. Soutli-wick, Mass. Hampden co. This town is bounded S. by the state of Con- necticut, and is 100 miles AV. by S. from Boston, and 10 W. S. W. from Springfield. Incorporated, 1779. Population, 1837, 1,291. It is watered by a considerable stream, and several ponds in the town sup- ply water for the Farmington canal, which passes through Southwick. The manufactures consist of gun- powder, leather, and distilled spir- its: annual value, about $70,000. The surface of the town is eleva- ted, but the soil is generally good, particularly for grazing. The val- ue of wool sheared in 1837, was $2,125. Sowailal»scool£ River, Me. Penobscot co. This stream falls into the Penobscot at Hampden, 5 miles below Bangor. Within 3 miles of its mouth it falls 120 feet, furnishing many valuable mill priv- ileges. The main branch, which rises in Stetson, unites with the Harvey stream from Levant, and the Kinsley stream from Etna, both affording excellent mill sites, near the village in Carmel. Below these, the Sowadabscook is deep and sluggish, from 15 to 25 yards in width, flowing through extensive meadows, and the Great and Little ponds in Hermon, with very little descent, to the head of the falls in Hampden. Near the east line of Carmel, this stream comes within about 20 rods of the Little Kendus- keag, a stream which flows through the N. E. part of Carmel, from Le- vant to Bangor; and the two streams are united by a branch from 20 to NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 30 feet wide and 3 feet deep, called the Cross. The Kenduskeag is so rapid that it rises and falls much quicker than the Sowadabscook. When the streams are rising, the current in the Cross sets towards the Sowadabscook, and when falling, towards the Kenduskeag. The country watered hy the Sowadabscook is generally rather level and free from hills, though there are many swells of very fine farming land. In the towns of Hcrmon and Hampden is a large tract, very little elevated above the level of the stream, and liable to be overflowed by freshets. It is too low for settlement, and is chiefly covered with wood. The improve- ment of this land requires too great an outlay of capital for a new coun- try, but it will probably at some time be among tlie most valuable in this country for mowing. There aie on this stream, in Hampden, five superior saw mills, a grist and paper mill, and the privi- leges are excelled by few in New England. Upon the Kenduskeag are 9 mills below the Cross, many of them superior double mills. The pine timber has been cut off upon the waters of this stream to such an extent, as to give a high value to that which remains, and to the hem- lock timber, of which there are great quantities of fine quality. Since our first pages Avent to press, we have received, from an obliging friend, the following infor- mation in regard to Carme.l. The township of Carmel, border- ing on the Sowadabscook, is a very level tract of land ; most of it of a very light and fertile soil, free of stone. The valleys have a fine growth of pine timber, which has been carefully preserved by the owners, and may be run, by means of the Cross, at a small expense, either to Bangor or Hampden. — There is probably no town in this section of the county, in which there was originally so valuable a growth of pine, or in wliich there is so large a quantity remaining. The swells are large, and are cov- ered with the rock maple, beech, birch, &c., and are of a very supe- rior quality for tillage. Near the streams are large tracts of intervale of great fertility, and making very fine meadows. There is little waste land in the town. The swamps are few and of small extent, but fur- nish cedars in sufficient quantities for fencing, for which use they are the finest and most durable mate- rial. The settlement of this town is rapidly progressing, and many of the farms recently cleared are very superior, and the buildings, fences, and improvements, show an active, industrious and enterprising peo- ple. The village near the centre of the town, is a very thriving and active place of business, on the stage road from Bangor to Skowhe- gan, 13 miles W. from Bangor, and 11 W. N. W. from Hampden. Here are four stores, two taverns, an apothecary shop, potash, black- smiths, coopers, shoemakers, join- ers, and other shops ; an extensive tannery, mills, &c., and a meeting house is about being built. In the town are five good school houses, five saw mills, a clapboard and shin- gle mill, grist mill, and clothing mill. There are found in this town some fine specimens of petrified shells, at an elevation of 125 to 1.30 feet above the Penobscot, and near the banks of the stream, showing that this valley was once covered by the ocean. Tlie roads in the towns watered by this stream are exceedingly well made, and creditable to the inhab- itants, though it is remarkable, that several of them, which were made in the early settlement, pass over decidedly the most inferior lands in those towns. This is particularly NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. true of the road from Hampden through Carmel and Etna to New- port: and the settlement of this section was formerly retarded, with- out doubt, by the unfavorable im- pression created by this circum- stance. The projected rail road from Bangor to Augusta is survey- ed to pass through this town, near the bank of the stream ; and the level character of the country is exceedingly well adapted for that purpose. Spaffbrd's Lake, N. H. See Chesterfield. Speckled Mountaiu, Me. Oxford CO. This mountain lies on the line of New Hampshire, partly in the town of Riley, and is said to be 4,000 feet above sea level. Speuoer, Mass. Worcester co. Seven Mile riv- er, a branch of the Chickopee, wa- ters this town. There are two woolen mills in the town, and man- ufactures of scythe snaiths, straw bonnets, boots, shoes, leather, cab- inet ware, chaii-s, palm-leaf hats, harnesses, and barrels : annual val- ue, about $80,000. This township is quite elevated for the section of country in which it lies. It is stated to be the sum- mit level between the waters of Boston harbor and Connecticut riv- er, 950 feet above the former, and SSO feet above the latter. The surface of the town is agreeably varied by hills and valleys : the soil is fertile, and cultivated by men of industry and independence. Spencer is 52 miles W. from Bos- ton, and 12 W. from Worcester. Population, in 18.30, 1,618; 1837, 2,085. It was taken fiom Leices- ter in 1753. Spiggot River, N. H., Rises in Hampstead, and passes through Salem, and into the Merri- 34 mack between Methuen and Dra- cut, Mass., nearly opposite Shaw- sheen river, which comes from the S., through Andover. Split, Cape, Me. See Addison. Springfield, Me. Penobscot co. The Matakeunk, a branch of the Matawamkeag, rises here, and, with several ponds, gives the town a considerable wa- ter power. The soil of the town is fertile, and in 1837, with a popula- tion of 398, produced 9,429 bushels of wheat. Springfield was No. 5, 2d range N. of the Bingham Pur- chase, and was incorporated in 1834. It lies about 60 miles N. E. by E. from Bangor. Springfield, N. H. Sullivan co. This town is bound- ed N. by Grafton, E. by Wilmot, S. E. by New London, S. by Wen- dell and Croydon, W. by Croydon and Grantham. It lies 35 miles N. W. from Concord and 13 N. E. from Newport. A branch of Sugar riv- er has its source in this town ; and also a branch of the Blackwater river. The former empties into the Connecticut, the latter into the Mer- rimack. There are several ponds, viz. Station pond, about 250 roIc. Franklin co. This excellent township lies on both sides of Sandy river, 45 miles N. W. from Augus- ta, and bounded South by Farming- ton. Population, in 1S37, 1,091. There is a large body of intervale land on the Sandy, very fertile and productive. Strong contains a pleasant and flourishing village, some mills on the stream, and sev- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. eral very beautiful ponds. In Por- ter's pond, about two miles long, a salmon trout was taken, which weighed ticenly seven and a half pounds. Strong was incorporated in 1801, and named in honor of Caleb Strong, LL. D., formerly a Senator to Congress, from Massa- chusetts, and Governor of that state 9 years. He died at Northampton, Mass., his native town, Nov. 7, 1819, aged 74 years. Sturbiidge, Disss. Worcester co. This is a very pleasant town, and is well watered by Quinebaug liver. It lies (iO miles W. S. W. from Boston, and 18 S. W. from Worcester. Incor- porated, 1738. Population, 1S30, 1,688 ; 1837, 2,004. The surface of the town is uneven and hilly, and the soil hard to subdue ; but it has become productive by good man- agement. There are some good fish ponds in the town, which serve to swell the Quinebaug. There are 6 cotton mills in Sturbridge and manufactures of boots, shoes, leath- er, chairs, cabinet ware, clothing, palm-leaf hats, trunks harnesses, chairs, wagons, sleighs and pocket rifles; total value, the year ending- April 1, 1837, $182,415. Success, ]V. H. Coos CO. There are several con- siderable mountains in this tract, and two or three ponds. Narmar- cungawack and Live rivers rise here, and pass westerly into the Androscoggin. Success was 2;rant- ed Feb. 12, 1773, to Benjamin Mackay and others ; and is 143 miles N. by E. from Concord. Pop- uladon, 1830, 14. Sudbnry, Vt. Rutland co. A part of Ilubbards- ton, and Hinkum's ponds lie in this town, neither of which, nor Otter Creek, which passes through the eastern part, produce any consider- ■So able water privileges. The soil is generally a warm loam and produc- tive : the surface is elevated, and, in the centre of the town, mountain- ous. There are about 5,500 sheep in the town. Sudbury is 43 miles S. W. from Montpelier, 47 S. by E, from Burlington, and 17 N. W. from Rutland. Population, 1830, 812. Swclbiiry River, Mass. This river rises in Hopkinton and its neighborhood, and after passing Framingham, Natick, Sud- bury, Wayland and Lincoln, it joins the Assabet at Concord. Sudbwry, Mass. Middlesex co. This ancient town is situated on the west side of a river of the same name, 19 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 8 S. W. from Concord. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,.388. It is watered by a small stream, a branch of Sudbu- ry river. There is a paper mill in the town, a plough factory, and manufactures of boots and shoes' annual value about $20,000. Sudbury was first settled in 1635. In 1676, about 70 men, on theii march for the relief of Marlbo- rough, fell into an ambuscade with the Indians : twenty six of the En- glish were left dead on the field ; the residue were captured, and ma- ny of them afterwards tortured and slain. West of Sudbury causeway, is a monument erected to their memory, by president Wadsworth, of Harvard College, a son of the Captain of the Band. Nuffield, Ct. Hartford co. Suffield lies on the west side of Connecticut river, and is bounded N. by Massachusetts, to which state it was attached until 1752. This territory, 8 by 5 miles, was purchased about the year 1670, of two Indian Chiefs, for one hun- dred dollars. The surface on the banks of the river, are elevated, and although the town is without NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. much alluvial meadow, the soil be- ing of a strong deep loam, is very fertile, and productive. Sufiield contains some of the best farms in the state. It lies 16 miles N. from Hartford, and 10 S. from Spring- field. Population 1830, 2,690. The principal village is pleas- antly located on rising ground ; it contains many handsome buildings ; it is the site of the " Connecticut Literary Institution," and com- mands delightful views of the riv- er and circumjacent country. GiDEOKT Granger, post master general of the United States from 1801 to 1814, was born in Suffield, in 1767. He died at Canandaigua, N. Y., in 1822. Oliver Phelps, Esq., " a man of extraordinary enterprise and ex- tensive business, was for many years a resident of this town. He was the 'maker of his own fortunes.' He was a native of Windsor, but was bred in this town, and received a mercantile education. He en- gaged in business in Granville, Mass., and soon became a very en- terprising, sagacious and successful trader. During the revolutionary war, he was employed by the state of Massachusetts, in the commis- sary department. Whilst in this situation, his transactions were of a most extensive and responsible nature, and his own paper formed a kind of circulating medium. Af- terwards he purchased a large es- tate, and returned to this town. In 1789, he, in connection with the Hon. Mr. Gorham, purchased of the commonwealth of Massachu- setts, a tract of land in the western part of the state of New York, in what is commonly called the Gen- esee country, comprising 2,200,000 acres. This is probably the great- est land purchase, or speculation, ever made by two individuals in the United States. This is a very ex- cellent tract of land, having a mild climate, and fertile soil, and an abuadance of waters, and is now comprised in the extensive counties of Ontario and Steuben. In 1795, Mr. Phelps, together with William Hart and their associates, purchas- ed of Connecticut, tlie tract of land in the state of Ohio, called the Western Reserve, comprising 3,- 300,000 acres." Suffolk Cotmly, DIass. See Boston and Chelsea. Sugar River, K. H. This river originates from Suna- pee Lake ; it passes through part of Wendell, the whole of Newport, and nearly through the centre of Claremont, where it meets the Con- necticut. Red Water brook, in Claremont, is a tributary of Sugar river. Sullivan, Me. Hancock co. This maritime town is situated at the head of Frenchman's bay, 93 miles E. from Augusta, and 17 E. by S. from Ellsworth. Population 1837, 611. Sullivan has mill piivileges, and is finely located for ship building, and other branches of business connec- ted with navigation. This town was incorporated in 1789, and received its name in hon- or of John Sullivan, LL. D., a major general in the revolution- ary war; afterwards member of congress, president of New Hamp- shire, and district Judge of the U. S. Court. He was born in Maine, and died in New Hampshire, 1795. James Sullivan, LL. D., a brother of Gen. Sullivan, was born at Berwick, in 1744. He early es- poused the cause of his country, and sustained the offices of member of the provincial congress, attorney general and governor of Massachu- setts, with great talents and faith- fulness. He died while governor, in 1808, at a period of great political excite- ment, honored and beloved by all parties. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Sulll'ran County, N. H. JVewport, chief town. This county is bounded N. by Grafton county, E. by Merrimack and a part of Hillsborough counties, S. by Cheshire county, and W. by Con- necticut river, or tlie state of Ver- mont. It was taken from Cheshire county in 1827, and contains an area of about 53.3 square miles. Population, 1830, 19,687. Popula- tion to a square mile, 37. The sur- face of the county is elevated, but not mountainous: Croydon moun- tain is the highest. Along the streams, particularly on Connecticut livcr, the soil is rich and exceedingly productive. The uplands produce good grain, and afford excellent pasturage for cattle, of which many are reared for market. Although this is the smallest county in the state; in 1837, it had 71,076 sheep, whose wool, being partly Saxony, would aver- age as good as full blood Merino. Besides the Connecticut, which waters its whole western frontier, the Ashuelot,Cold, Sugar, Little Su- gar rivers, and other streams furnish the county with an abundant water power, and Sunapee Lake and nu- merous ponds give beauty to its otherwise varied and picturesque scenery. Sullivan, IV. K. Cheshire co. The distance from Keene is 6 miles, from Concord, 42 W. S. W. The S. E. part of this town is watered by Ashuelot river. This town was incorporated in 1787, and received its name from Presi- dent Sullivan, the chief magistrate of N. H. that year. Population in 1830, 5.55. Sumner, Me. Oxford CO. Thi's town is well watered by a branch of Andros- coggin river ; it has a fine soil, and produced in 1837, 7,144 bushels of wheat. It lies 44 miles W. from Augusta, and 8 N. from Parfs. Population, 1837,1,190. This town derived its name from Increase Sumner, who was governor of Massachusetts in 1798, when the town was incorporated. Gov. Sumaer was a native of Rox- bury, Mass. He died in 1799, aged 52 years. Sunapee Lake, Bf. H. This lake is situated in the W. part of Merrimack county, and the E. part of Sullivan, in the towns of Wendell, New London and New- bury. It is 9 miles long, and about 1 1-2 miles in width. Its outlet is on the W. side through Sugar riv- er. The waters of this lake ara more than 800 feet higher than the Connecticut or Merrimack, at tha nearest points. Snueook River, N. H. This river rises in a pond be- tween Gilmanton and Gilford, near the summit of one of the Suncook mountain-s, elevated 900 feet above its base. The water from this pond passes through two others at the foot of the mountains, and thence through a flourishing village in the S. E. part of Gilmanton, into Barn- stead, where it receives several tributaries; thence through Pitts- field and Epsom, and between AI- lenstown and Pembroke, into the Merrimack. Sunderland, "Vt. Bennington co. This town was first settled in 1765. It lies 87 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier, and 15 N. by E. from Bennington. Popu- lation, 1830, 463. the town is watered by several ponds. Batten- kill river and Roaring brook. There is some fine land along the streams, in Sunderland, excellent mill sites, and lead ore in granular limestone. Sunderland, Slass. Franklin co. This town lies on the east side of Connecticut riv- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. er, JM) miles W. from Boston, and 9 S. by E. from Greenfield. It was taken from Hadley in 1718. Pop- ulation, 1837, 729. The settlement in this town is principally on a street running parallel with the river. Between the street and the river is a tract of fertile meadow : on the other side of the village is a more elevated plain, and back of that, Mount Toby rears its lofty front. This mountain is composed of pudding stone, and the small stones within it are round and smooth as though washed by the ocean ; they are of various sizes, and of every color. On one side is a cavern 60 feet deep ; and many other ruptures seem to indicate some great change in this mountain since its formation. This village is very pleasant, and the scenery around it is of a fascinating character. The people heie are good farmers, and are noted for their good schools and philanthropic disposition. SuukJiaze, Me. Sunhhaze stream meets the Pe- nobscot, from the east, about 15 miles above Old Town village, in Orono. The plantation of Sunk- haze lies on this stream, 82 miles N. E. from Augusta. The popula- tion of the plajitation, in 1830, was 250. Siirry, Me. Hancock co. Surry lies on the W. side of Union river, 6 miles S. from Ellsworth, and 87 E. by N. from Augusta. This town is accommodated with navigable privileges, arid water power of superior excellence. — There are some manufactures in the town, but the inhabitants are generally independent farmers. — Many of the farms are rendered very fertile by an inexhaustible bed of shell marl, of a very fine qual- ity. Incorporated, 1803. Popula- tion, 1830, 5(J1 ; 1837, 735. ) Surry, N. H. Cheshire co. This town lies 54 miles S. W. from Concord, and 6 N. W. from Keene. It is watered by Ashuelot river, on which there is a tract of valuable meadow land, extending almost the whole length of the town. On the east side of Ashuelot river is a steep and high mountain, on the summit of which is a pond of about 3 acres in extent, and about 25 feet depth of water. Surry was originally a part of Gilsum and Westmoreland. It was incorporated in 1769, deriving its name from iSwrry in England. The first settlement was made in 1764, by Peter Hayward. Population, 1830, 539. Sutton, ]V. H. Merrimack co. This town lies 25 miles W. N. W. from Concord. The southerly and largest branch of Warner river enters this town on the south, runs a short distance, and passes off into Warner again. The northerly branch of this river runs nearly through the centre of the town fiom north lo south, and affords several good mill seats. Ste- vens' brook, another considerable bra'nch of Warner river, has its source on the W. side of Keai-sarge, and runs about 4 miles in this town, in a S. E. direction. There is also a large branch of Blackwater riv- er, which has its source about the western confines of Kearsarge, and flows through this town in a N. E. course about 3 miles. On the margin of this stream, there is some rich meadow and intervale land. There are several ponds, the most important of whicli are Kezar's pond, situated towards the N. part of the town, which is about 190 rods square; and Long pond, situa- ted at the south part of the town. Kearsarge mountain extends more than half the length of Sutton ou NKW E-NGLANB GAZETTEER. the E. side. King's Hill is situated on the \V. part of Sutton. On the inostelevated partof this hill, which rises within a few feet as high as Kearsarge, there is one of the most extensive landscape views in the country. On the W. is seen the Sunapee lake, the Ascutney, and highlands in Vermont to the Green mountains; on the S. the Sunapee and Monadnock; on the E. you almost overlook Kearsarge, and on the north the Cardigan and White hills. Sutton was granted in 1749. It was called Perrys-town, from Oba- diah Perry, one of its original and principal proprietors. The tirst settlement was made in 1767. Pop- ulation, IS.'iO, 1,124. On the W. bank of Kezar's pond, were several acres of land, which appeared to have been cleared of their original forests. Here were found several Indian hearths, laid with stone, and with much skill and ingenuity. Here was found an Indian burial place. Gun barrels and arrows have been found in this sacred repository. Near the pond, have been found stone pestles, mor- tars and tomahawks. Sutton, Vt. Caledonia co. This town is wa- tered by several ponds and by branches of Passumpsic river. It lies 18 miles N. E. from Montpe- lier. and 13 N. from Danville. First .settled, 1791. Population, 1830, 1,005. The surface of the town is level, and in some parts so low as to ren- der the soil cold and unproduc- tive. Sutton, Mass. Worcester co. This is a very pleasant and flourishing town, 44 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 9 S. by E. from Worcester. Incorpo- rated, 171.5. Population, 1830, 2,186; 1837, 2,457. Sutton is Avatercd bv Blackstone 35* river, and the Blackstone canal passes through the town. There are in the town four cotton and two woolen mills, two scythe factories, and manufactures of boots, shoes, shuttles and spindles: total value,, the year ending April 1, 1837, $309,578. The surface of the town is agree- ably diversified, and the soil capa- ble of producing good crops. Gran- ite and soapstone are abundant. " Purgatory Cavern," in this town, is a great curiosity. It is a tissure in gneiss, nearly half a mile long, in most parts partially filled by the masses of rock that have been de- tached from the walls. The sides are often perpendicular, and some- times 70 feet high ; being separated, from each other about SOfeet. Swanzey, N. H. Cheshire co. This town lies 6 miles S. from Keene, and 60 S. W. from Concord. The principal streams are the Ashuelot and the South Branch rivers. The former passes through Swanzey in a S. W. direction, and empties into the Con- necticut at Hinsdale. This is a stream of much importance, and is made navigable for boats as far up as Keene, excepting a carrying place about the rapids at Winches- ter. The South Branch unites with the Ashuelot about one mile north from the centre of the town. The suiface here is somewhat di- versified with hills, valleys, and swells of upland. There is one pond in the S. W. part of the town, the source of the South Branch. There is a mineral spring, the wa- ter of which is impregnated with sulphate of iron. Some iron ore has been discovered. Here are 2 cotton factories, 1 cotton and woolen factory, and other machinery. Swanzey was first granted by Massachusetts, in 1733. After the divisional line was run, it was granted in 1753, by New Hamp- shire. Until that time it had been NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. called Lower Ashuelot, from tLe Indian name of the river, which was originally Ashaelock. From 1741 to 1747, this town suf- fered much from Indian depreda- tions. Several of the inhabitants were killed and many were made prisoners. After Massachusetts withdrew her protection, the set- tlers collected together their house- hold furniture, such as chests, ta- bles, iron and brass ware, and con- cealed it in the ground, covering the place of concealment with leaves, trees, &c., and left their plantation to the disposition of the Indians, who were not tardy in set- ting fire to their forts, which, with every house except one, they re- duced to ashes. Most of the peo- ple went to their former places of residence in Massachusetts. They returned about three years after- wards, and nothing about their for- mer habitation was to be seen, but ruin and desolation. Population, 1830, 1,81«. Stranzey, Mass. Bristol CO. This town lies be- tween Somerset, and Bristol, R. I. An arm of Mount Hope bay sets up some miles into the town, on which is some navigation and ship building. There are two paper mills, a cot- ton and a woolen mill in the town, and manufactures of vessels, boots and shoes: annual value, about $50,000. Swanzey is a very pleasant town, jind is interesting as the scene of much savage aggression. Here it was that Philip commenced his war, in 1675, by plunder and murder. It lies 46 miles S. by W. from Bos- ton, and 14 S. W. by S. from Taun- ton. Incorporated, 1667. Popula- tion, 1837, 1,627. S^Tanton, Vt. Franklin co. This township is situated on the east side of Lake Champlain, opposite to North Hero and Alburgh. It is 50 miles N. W. from Montpelier, 28 N. from Bur- lington, and is bounded by St. Al- bans on the south, and Highgate on the north. Population, 1S30, 2,158. Swanton was first settled by the whites in 1787. At that time the St. Francois Indians had about fifty cabins here, and large plantations of corn. Missisque river passes through Swanton, and fertilizes a considera- ble portion of its territory. This river is navigable for lake vessels to Swanton falls, six miles from its mouth. These falls descend twen- ty feet, and, with other smaller streams, give to Swanton a water power of great value. Bog iron ore is found in this town, and an abundance of beautiful mar- ble. This marble is of various col- ors, and large quantities of it is wrought into all desired patterns, polished, and transported. The surface and soil of the town is favorable to agricultural pursuits,, with the exception of a part border- ing the lake, which is low, wet and cold ; and which is the favorite abode, in summer, of wild geese, ducks and other water fowls. The village of Swanton is pleas- antly located, and is the site of a number of manufactories, and of an increasing trade from the inte- rior country, and to New York and Canada. Swanton may boast of the purity of its air and water, and of a Wal- ter Scott, who died in 1815, aged 110 years. S^vanville, Me. Waldo CO. This town lies Smiles N. from Belfast, and 46 E. by N. from Augusta. It was incorpora- ted in 1818. It is watered by Paasaggassawakeag lake and river, and possesses a pleasant surface and fertile soil. Population, 1837, 794. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEERS. Wheat crop, same year, 2,556 bush- els. Sweden, Me. Oxford CO. The waters from Ke- zer pond in Lovell, pass through this town, and give it mill privi- leges. Sweden lies 9 miles N. E. from Fryeburg, 19 S. W. from Paris, and 62 W. S. W. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1813. Population, in 1837, 621. Wheat crop, same year, 1,485 bushels. Swift Rivers. Swift river, in Maine, is a branch of the Androscoggin, from the N. These rivers unite at Mexico. Swift river, in JVeio Hampshire, rises among the mountains in the ungranted lands N. W. of Albany, and passes through the town fiom west to east with great rapidity, and falls into the Saco in Conway. Its whole course is rapid, and in one place it falls 30 feet in the distance of 6 rods, through a channel in the solid rock of about 12 feet wide — the sides being from 10 to 30 feet perpendicular height. At the up- per part of these falls, are found several circular holes worn perpen- dicularly into the rock, several feet in depth and from 6 inches to 2 feet in diameter. There is another small river in Tarn worth of the same name. Swift river, in Massachusetts, rises in a pond in New Salem: it passes through the towns of Pres- cott, Greenwich and Belchertown, and joins the Chickopee at Palmer. Tamwortli, N. H. StrafTord co. This town is situa- ted on the post road from Concord to Portland, about 58 miles from each, and 30 N. from Gilford. There is no mountain situated wholly in this town. On the N. are the mountains of Albany, and the S. the line crosses a part of Os- sipee mountain. The mountains to the N. have a romantic and pictur- esque appearance. The town lies in ridges and valleys, generally rocky and fertile. The principal rivers are Bearcamp, which passes through the town in an easterly di'- rection, and discharges its waters into Ossipee lake ; Swift river, which rises near the N. W. corner of the town, and passing through its centre, mingles its waters with the Bearcamp ; and Conway river, proceeding from Conway pond, near Albany ; and crossing the S. line of Tamworth, near the S. E. corner of the town, near which it empties into Bearcamp river. By these rivers, and other small streams, the town is uncommonly well watered. On these streams is a great number of excellent mill privileges. Tam- worth was granted in 1766, and was settled in 1771. Population, 1S30, 1,554. Tariffville, Ct. See Simsbury. Taiiglilcannic Klouutaius. This range of mountains skirt the western border of New England, and separate the waters of the Housatonick and Hudson. Taunton River. This river rises in the county of Plymouth, Mass., and falls into Mount Hope Bay. The Taunton and its branches, water the towns of Abington, Hanson, Halifax, and Plympton, all the Bridgewaters, Raynham, Taunton, Berkley, Digh- ton, Freetown, Fall river, Somer- set and Swansey. It is navigable to Taunton, for small vessels, and with its contemplated improve- ments, steam boats will be enabled to run to Taunton, and thus become another channel of conveyance be- tween Boston and New York. This river is celebrated for the great and widely distributed water power it produces, and for the multitude of alewives within its wateis. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Tanntou, Mass. One of the chief towns in Bristol CO. This very beautiful town is sit- uated at the junction of Canoe, Rumford and Taunton rivers, and possesses an excellent water power. There is some excellent land in this town, and its proprietors display much taste in its cultivation. The business of the place is, however, rather in manufactures than aori- culture. There are 8 cotton mills and a print works, in the town ; also a paper mill, 3 nail factories, a forge, a furnace, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, hats, chairs, brick, vessels, straw bonnets, and britannia, stone and cabinet wares: total value of the manufactures, the year ending April 1, 1837, exclu- sive of cloth printing and iron cast- ings, $1,425,552. The number of hands employed in these manufac- tures was 1,308. There is some navigation owned in this town^ which is employed in the coastwise trade, and domestic fishery. The manufacture of britannia ware at this place, is of recent ori- gin in this country, and proves suc- cessful. The articles manufactur- ed, are tea sets, castors, urns, and all the varieties of that description of ware. The quality of the metal, and beatify of the polish of this ■ware, is said to equal any import- ed from " Britannia." The village contains a large num- ber of handsome public and private buildings, tastefully located around a beautiful enclosure, called "Taun- ton Green." This public walk is ornamented with trees, which heightens the beauty of this de- lightful village. Taunton is 32 miles S. from Bos- ton, 20 E. by N. from Providence, and 32 N. E. from Newport. A rail road connects this town with Boston. Population, 1820, 4,520; 1S30, C,042 ; 1837, 7,647. The settlement of this place com- menced in 1637. Its principal founder was Miss Elizabeth Poole The following is on her grave stone : " Here rest the remains of Elizabeth Poole, a native of Old England, of good family, friends, and prospects, all which she left in the prime of her life, to enjoy the religion of her con- science, in this distant wilderness ; a great proprietor of the township of Taunton, a chief promoter of its set- tlement, and its incorporation in 1639 — W; about which time she settled near this spot, and having employed the opportunity of her virgin state in piety, liberality, and sanctity of man- ners, died May 21, 1664, aged G3." Temiscouata liake, Me. See Madawaska River. Temple, Me. Franklin co. This was formerly a part of Kennebec county. It lies 40 miles N. N. W. from Augusta, and is bounded N. by Farmington. It was incorporated in 1803. Pop- ulation, 1837, 871. Wheat crop, same year, 5,798 bushels. Temple, N. H. Hillsborough co. Temple is 12 miles W. by S. from Amherst, and 40 S. S. W. from Concord. The several streams which empty in- to Souhegan river at Wilton, rise among the mountainous tracts on the W., and generally from sources within the limits of Temple. This town is of considerable elevation. The prospect towards the E. and S. is very extensive, and presents a rich and diversified scenery. From the highest point of elevation, in a clear atmosphere, about 20 meeting houses may be seen by the naked eye. The surface is uneven and pleasant. The soil is tolerably good. Temple is the easterly part of what was called Peterborough Slip. It was incorporated in 1768. Population, in 1830,641. Templeton, Mass. Worcester co. Several streams, affording good mill seats, water thi« NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. town, and pass to the Connecticut, by Miller's and Chickopee rivers. The surface of the town is uneven, but not mountainous; the elevated parts afford good pasturage, and the valleys, excellent crops of grain and hay. The manufactures con- sist of woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, iron castings, shovels, hoes, spades, forks, palm leaf hats, chairs, carriages, and cabinet, tin and wood- en wares: value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $145,400. The vil- lage is very pleasantly located, and presents some beautiful landscapes. This town lies 60 miles W. N. W. from Boston, and 26 N. N. W. from Worcester. Incorpoiated in 1762. Population, 1837, 1,690. Te^vltsbury, Mass. Middlesex CO. The Indians call- ed this place IVamesit. It lies on the south side of Merrimack river, 19 miles N. W. by W. from Boston, and 6 E. S. E. from Lowell. Incor- porated, 1734. Population, 1837, 907. The surface of the town is level, and the soil light and sandy. Tliaiues River, Ct. This river is formed by the union of Quinebaug, Shetucket and Yan- tic rivers, near Norwich, and is navigable from that place to New London, 14 miles. The banks of this river are romantic and beauti- ful, and possess great interest, as the residence of the once powerful, noble hearted and brave Mohegans. Thatcher's Island, Mass. See Gloucester. Thetford, Vt. Orange co. This town is pleas- antly situated on the west side of Connecticut river, opposite to Lyme, N. H. The Oinpomponoosuc and its branches, give the town an ex- cellent water power. There are several ponds in Thetford, one of which is worthy of notice. It cov- ers about 9 acres, and is situated on an elevation, the base of which ig only 4 rods from Connecticut river, and 100 feet in height. It is very deep ; it has neither inlet or outlet, and contains large quantities of perch and other tish. The surface of the town is generally rocky and uneven; it has but little intervale, but the soil is strong and productive. It feeds between 7 and 8,000 sheep. There are some manufactures in the town, a rich vein of galena, and three neat villages. Thetford was first settled in 1761. It lies 34 miles S. S. E. from Montpelier, and 18 S. E. from Chelsea. Population, in 1830, 2,113. ThLomaston, Me. Lincoln co. This is a very flour- ishing maritime town, situated be- tween the western entrance of Pe- nobscot Bay and St. Georges' river, and comprises the celebrated penin- sula of Owl's Head. It lies 36 miles S. E. from Augusta, 37 E. from Wiscasset, and is bounded N. W. by Warren. Incorpoi-ated, 1777. Population, in 1820, 2,651; 1830, 4,221 ; 1837, 5,272. Thomaston is the site of the State prison, which is located on the bank of the St. George. The build- ings occupy a plat of 10 acres, in- cluding a marble quarry; they are all of stone, and are surrounded by a high stone wall. The convicts are principally employed in cutting granite into various forms for build- ing, and which, when prepared, is transported by water. The granite is of an excellent quality, and is found in large quantities on the river. Thomaston is a place of consider- able maritime commerce and ship building; but the most important business of its people, is the quar- rying and burning of lime, from inexhaustible ledges of limestone within its limits. There are annu- ally made at this place, no less than 350,000 casks of lime, the same ia quality and reputation as that pre- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. pared at Camden, 10 miles distant. ■' This manufacture, united with those of granite and marble, give constant employment to a large number of men and vessels. Thomaston is a beautiful Atlantic town, and commands a great variety of marine scenery. Thompson, Ct. Windham co. This town lies 47 miles E. N. E. from Hartford, 14 N. from Prooklyn, 27 V,'. N. W. from Providence, R. I., and 53 S. W. from Boston. It is bounded N. by Massachusetts, and E. by Rhode Island. It was formerly a part of Killingly, and was first settled about the year 1715. The surface of the town is hilly, but not moun- tainous : it presents a pleasing va- riety of elevations and valleys. The soil is a gravelly loam, strong, and productive of good crops of corn and hay, and affords excellent pasturage. French river meets the Quinnebaug near the centre of the town, and Five Mile river, issuing from several ponds, waters the east- ern part. These streams give to the town a valuable water power, and on their banks are the pleasant and thriving villages of Masonsville, Fishersville and New Boston. These are manufacturing villages, and contain 10 cotton and woolen mills, and a number of other manu- factures. This town is large, and very pleasant; it contains a class of enterprising and intelligent agri- culturalists and mechanics. The population of Thompson, in 1337, was about 4,100. The Indian name of the place was Quinnetessett. The plantations of the natives are still apparent. Thorndike, Me. Waldo CO. This is an agricultural town of pleasant surface and fertile soil, 59 miles N. E. from Augusta, and 17 N. W. from Belfast.^ It is watered by a branch of Sebasticook river. Thorndike was incorpora- ted in 1819. Population, 1837, 763. Wheat crop, same year, 6,975 bushels. Thornton, IV. II., Grafton co., is bounded N. by Peeling and Lincoln, E. by ungrant- ed land,S. by Campton, and W. by- Ellsworth and Peeling. It is 12 miles N. from Plymouth, and 58 N. by W. from Concord. It is water- ed by Pemigewasset river, passing through the town from N. toS.,by Mad river at the S. E. extremity, and by several small brooks. On Mill brook, there is a cascade, at which the water falls 7 feet in 2 rods, and then falls over a rock 42 feet perpendicular. The intervales on the Pemigewasset are produc- tive. There are many elevations, but none distinguished for a remai-k- able height. Thornton was grant- ed in 17(33. It was first settled in 1770. Thornton was incorporated in 1731. Population, 1S30, 1,049. Tiumoutli, Vt. Rutland co. This town is sepa- rated from Wallingford by Otter Creek. Furnace brook rises from a pond in the south part of the town, and passing through Tinmouth and Clarendon, falls into Otter Creek, at Rutland. This stream has been noted for great quantities of fish of a remarkable large size. The surface of the town is hilly, in some parts mountainous. There is some good land on the streams, and a large portion of the high land is good for the pasturage of sheep, of which between 3,000 and 4,000 are kept. There are several quar- ries of beautiful marble in the town, iron ore in abundance, and several iron works. Tinmouth was first settled in 1770. It lies 8 miles S. from Rutland. Population, 1830, 1,049. Tisl>iiry, Masg. Dukes CO. Tisbury lies on the north side of Martha's Vineyard, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER* and contains the noted harbor of "Holmes' Hole." This harbor is large and safe, and of a sufficient depth of water for the largest mer- chantmen. It is much frequented by vessels passing through Vine- yard Sound ; particularly when the winds are contrary. From this harbor, across the Sound, to Fal- mouth, on Cape Cod, is 6 miles. A number of small vessels belong to this place, and one of 388 tons is employed in the whale fishery. There are some manufactures of salt, boots, shoes, leather, and hats ; and, in 1837, there were 2,655 sheep in the town. Tisbury is 77 miles S. S. E. from Boston, 8 VV. from Edgarton, and 23 S. E. from New Bedford. In- corporated, 1671. Population, 1837, 1,461. Tiverton, R. I. Newport CO. Tiverton is bound- ed N. and E. by Massachusetts, S. by Little Compton, and W. by the eastern passage into Mount Hope and Narraganset bays. It is con- nected with Portsmouth, on the isl- and of Rhode Island, by a stone bridge at a place called " How- land's Ferry." The surface of the town is varied by hills and valleys. Its structure is granite, and the land, in some parts, is stony. The soil is princi- pally a gravelly loam, and capable of producing good crops. There are valuable forests of timber in the town, and a considerable num- ber of sheep. The navigable privileges of Tiv- erton are of a superior kind ; and are improved, to some extent, in the fishery, and foreign and domes- tic trade. There are large ponds in the town, well supplied with fish. These ponds produce a water power which is applied to the man- ufacture of cotton and other mate- rials. This town was attached to Mas- sachusetts until 1746. It is 24 miles S. E. from Providence, and 13 N. E. from Newport. Population, 1830, 2,905. The captor of the British Gener- al Prescott, was a native of Tiver- ton. His name was Tak, a slave, the property of Thomas Sisson, a wealthy farmer. " During the Revolution, Tak was sent by his master into the army, to serve as a substitute for another man who was drafted. When Col. Barton took Gen. Prescott on Long Island, Tak was one of Col. Barton's chosen men ; and the one on whom he most depended. Having entered the house where Gen. Prescott was quartered. Col. Barton, follow- ed by Tak and two or three others, proceeded silently to the door of the chamber where General Pres- cott was sleeping. The colonel finding the door fastened, turned and whispering to Tak, ' I wish that door opened, General Prescott taken, and carried by the guard to the boat, without the least noise or disturbance.' " Tak stepped back two or three paces, then plunging violently against the door, burst it open, and rushed into the middle of the room. At the same instant General Pres- cott sprang from his bed and seized his gold watch, hanging upon the wall. Tak sprang upon him like a tiger, and clasping the general in his brawny arms, said in a low, stern voice, 'One word, and you are a dead man ! ' Then hastily snatching the general's cloak and wrapping it round his body, and at the same time telling his compan- ions to take the rest of his clothes, he took the general in his arms, as if a child, and ran with him by the guard towards the boat, followed by Colonel Barton and the rest of his little company." Tak was more than six feet in height, well proportioned, and re- markable for his shrewdness, agil- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ity and strength. He attained great age, and was never known to taste of any kind of meat. Tolland, Ma8S. Hampden co. Tolland is situated on the border cf Litchfield countj', Connecticut, and is watered by the upper branch of Farinington river. The surface is elevated, but the lands are finely adapted for graz- ing. Thei-e are manufactures in the town of shovels, spades, forks, hoes, and wooden ware ; and here is a large tannery, but the inhabi- tants are chiefly farmers. Tolland was incorporated in 1810. Population, 1830, 570. It lies 110 miles W. S. W. from Boston, and 20 W. from Springfield. Tollaud County, Ct. Tolland is the chief town. This county was taken from Hartford and Windham counties in 1786. It is bounded N. by Massachusetts, E. by Windham, S. by New Lon- don, and W. by Hartford counties. Its greatest length from N. to S. is 30 miles. It covers an area of 337 square miles. Population, 1320, 14,330 ; 1830, 18,700. Inhabitants to a square mile, 56. The western part of the county lays within the great valley of the Connecticut : it is generally free from stone, undulating, fertile and productive : the eastern section is within the granitic range which extends through the state : much of this portion of the couiity is cov- ered with forests; that part which is cleared affords good grazing. In 1837, there were in the county 23,096 sheep. The Scantic, Willi"- mantic, Salmon, Hockanum and Hop rivers, with their tributaries, afford the county a good water power, and manufactures flourish within its limits. Tolland, Ct. Shire town of Tolland county. This town has a population of 1,700 inhabitants, and is situated on the nearest mail route from Hartford to Boston. Its products are English grain, grass, potatoes, 8tc. It con- tains two small woolen manufacto- ries, with water power sufficient to operate a greater number with cor- responding machinery. It lies IS miles E. N. E. from Hartford, 17 N. from Windham, 27 W. N. W. from Brooklyn, and 30 N. from Nor- wich. The land is rather sterile, mountainous and uneven. The in- habitants are industrious and intel- ligent. Topsfield, Me. Washington co. This township was number eight in the second range north of the Bingham Penob- scot Purchase. It was incorporated in the year 1838. We guess that this town lies about 25 miles N. N. E. from the mouth of Matawain- keag River. We should like to know " how the land lies." See " Down East." Topsfield, Mass. Essex CO. This is a very pleas- ant town, watered by Ipswich river and its branches. The surface is agreeably diversified by hills and valleys. There are some fine tracts of intervale in the town, and the uplands possess a strong soil, ren- dered productive by industrious and skilful farmers. The principal manufacture is that of boots and shoes, in which between 500 and 600 hands are employed, making annu- ally about $100,000 in value. This town lies 21 miles N. by E. from Boston, and 9 N. by W. from Sa- lem. Population, 1837, 1,049. Topsfield was first settled about the year 1642. It was incor[)orated in 1650. Among the names of the first settlers were Peabody, Per- kins, Clark, Cummings, Bradstreet, Gould, Town, Easty, Smith, and Wildes ; many of whose descend- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, ants now cultivate the soil of their progenitors. Topsham, Sle. One of the shire towns of Lincoln CO. Topsham is pleasantly situated on the N. side of Androscoggin riv- er, opposite to Brunswick. This is a good farming town, and, in com- mon with Brunswick, enjoys a great hydraulic power, and accommoda- tions for ship building and naviga- tion. It is a place of considerable trade, and much lumber is annual- ly shipped. Topsham was .incorporated in 1764. Population, 1837, 1,778. Topsliaxn, Vt. Orange co. This town is on ele- vated ground ; with a rocky, strong soil, adapted to grazing. It con- tains much granite, and is watered by the upper branches of Wait's river, which propel a number of mills. The town was first settled in 1781. Population 1830, 1,3S4. It is 19 miles S. E. from Alontpe- lier, 47 N. from Windsor, and 15 N. E. from Chelsea. Torrington, Ct. Litchfield co. This town was first settled in 1737. Its surface is diversified by hills and valleys, and the soil is better adapted to grazing than the culture of grain. There are many sheep in the town, and the products of the dairy are con- siderable. Population, 18.30, 1,654. Two branches of Naiigatuck riv- er meet at IVnlcottville, a beauti- ful village, in the south part of the town ; 26 miles W. N. W. from Hartford, 40 N. by W. from New Haven, and 7 N. by E. from Litch- field. This village is situated in a valley, and contains an extensive woolen factory, a church, an acad- emy, and a number of handsome dwelling houses. Near this village, a good bed of copper ore has re- cently been discovered ; and Mr. Israel Coe, the proprietor, has com- 36 menced the manufacture of brass kettles, the first establishment of the kind, it is believed, in the Uni- ted States. Wolcottville owes its rise, prin- cipally, to Oliver Wolcott, secretary of the United States Treasury, during the administra- tions of Washington and John Ad- ams ; and governor of Connecticut 10 successive years. He was born at Litchfield, and died in New York, 1833, aged 74. Townseiid, Mass. Middlesex co. The surface of this town is rather level ; some parts are pine plains. The soil is gener- ally light, but in some sections it is productive, particularly of fruit trees. It is watered by a branch ot the Nashua, a beautiful mill stream, on which are divers mechanical op- erations. "Townsend Harbor," on the road from Groton to New Ips- wich, N. H., is an active, pleasant village. The manufactures of this town consist of leather, palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, ploughs, straw bonnets, fish barrels, nail kegs, and dry casks; annual value, about $75,000. This town was incorpo- rated in 1732. Population, in 1830, 1,-506 ; 1837,1,749. It lies 38 miles N. from Boston, and 22 N. AV. from Concord. To^vusheud, Vt. Windham co. This town was first settled in 1761. Among the first settlers, was Gen. Samuel Fletcher, who was a sergeant at the battle of Bunker Hill, in 1775, and a captain at Ticonderoga, in 1777. He afterwards rose to the rank of major general of the mili- tia ; was high sheriff of the county 18 years, and finally became judge of the court. He was formerly a blacksmith ; but having welded himself to a buxom lass, he came to this, then wilderness spot, and, with his axe cut his way to fortune, use- fulness and renown. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. West river passes through the towa with considerable rapidity : along its banks are some tracts of good intervale ; but the surl'ace of the town is generally hilly, and the soil more calculated for grazing than tillage. There are some manu- factures in the town, a high school of good reputation, and two pleas- ant villages. TowiishenJOLAND GAZETTEER. ing April 1, 1837, $34S,067. The roads in this and the neighboring towns, are uncommonly exc%llent. Perhaps in no section of country in the world, are the roads better than within 10 miles of Boston. "Wartlsborougli, Vt. Windham co. This town is 15 miles N. W. from Erattleborough, 20 N. E. from Bennington, and 10 N. W. from Newfane. It was first settled in 1780. Population, 1830, 1,148. The surface of the town is hilly, and in some parts rocky : the soil is hard, but rendered pioductive by the industry of its people. Wards- borough is watered by West river, and contains a number of minerals, of which tremolite and zoisite are the most important, and of which fine specimens are found. There are some mills in the town, but the water power is not extensive. "Ware River, Mass. Branches of this large and pow- erful mill stream rise in Hubbards- ton, Barre and Oakham. It passes through Hardwick, New Braintree and Ware, and joins the Chickopee at Palmer. AVare, Mass. Hampshire co. Ware possesses «n admirable water power by Ware and Swift rivers. The surface of the town is rough and hilly, and the soil more htfor grazing than tillage. In 1837, there were 1,330 sheep in the town: value of wool, ,f 1,667. Ware is 66 miles W. by S. from Boston, 22 E. by S. from Northamp- ton, and 23 N. E. from Springfield. Incorporated, 1761.. Population, 1830, 2,045; 1837,2,403. Ware contains a beautiful village which commands an active and flourishing trade. There are two cotton and two woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, hats, tin ware, straw bonnets, palm-leaf ha,ts, augers, 37* sheet iron, starch, carriages, har^ nesses, and boxes : total value, the year ending April 1, 1837,|645,121. WareUani, Mass. Plymouth co. The surface of this town is generally level, with a light, sandy soil, not very produc- tive. It is favorably situated for manufacturing purposes, being wa- tered by two tine mill streams, and for ship building, the fishery, and foreign and domestic commerce, having a number of good harbors at the head of Buzzard's bay. Wareham lies 50 miles S. S. E. from Boston, 16 S. from Plymouth, and 15 E. N. E. from New Bedford., It was incorporated in 1739. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,885; 1837, 2,166. There are in this town six nail fac-. tories, six air and cupola furnaces, two rolling mills, 2 cotton mills, a paper mill, and manufactures of vessels, salt, nail casks, chairs, cabinet ware, leather, boots, shoes, &c. : the total value of these man- ufactures, the year ending April 1, 1837, was $1,260,637. Thenum- berof bands employed in these man- ufactures, was 682. One whale ship, of 374 tons, belongs to this place : the cargo of oil, in 1837, amounted to $78,286. In 1836, there arrived and clear- ed at Wareham, 2 ships, 7 brigs, 86 .schooners, and 193 sloops : aggre- gate tonnage, 20,140 tons. During that year there were exported from this place 7,107 tons of nails, 421 tons of iron hoops, 1,969 tons of hollow ware, 144 tons of iron cast- ings, 98 tons of nail rods, 386 doz- en of shovels, and 4,180 bushels of salt. The number of tons of manufactured iron, exported that year, was 9,765. "Warner, N. H» Merrimack co. This town is bound N. by Sutton and Salisbury, E. by Boscawen, S. by Hopkinton and Henniker, and W. by Brad- ford. The distaqce of Waraer NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. from Hopkinton is 8 miles, and from Concord, 15. It is watered by War- ner river, a handsome stream, which rises in the Sunapee mountain in Newburj-. It passes through Brad- ford, enters Warner at the N. W. corner, and runninj in an E. and S. E. direction, divides the town into nearly two equal parts, and falls into Contoocook river in Hop- kinton., The lands, though broken, have, in general a good soil. Mink hills lie in the W. part, and furnish tine orchards and good pasturage. There are four ponds, viz: Tom, Bear, Baglej' and Pleasant ponds. Pleasant pond, the waters of which are clear and cold, deep, and of a greenish cast, has no visible outlet or inlet, and overflows its banks in the driest seasons. This town was granted in 1735, by the general court of Massachu- setts, to Dea. Thomas Stevens and others. It was incorporated in 1774, by the name of Warner. The lirst settlement was made in 1762, by David Annis and his son-in-law, Reuben Kimball, whose son Daniel was the tirst child born in town. Population, 1830, 2,221. The following account of a terri- ble tornado, in this section of coun- try, is by the Rev. John Woods, published in Pi-ofessor Silliman's Journal, Vol. XXXV.— No. 2.— January, 1839. Mr. Woods says, " The event occurred about half past 5 o'clock, Sunday evening, September 9th, 1S21. The wind, I suppose, was a proper whirlwind, precisely such as occasion water-spouts at sea. A very intelligent woman in War- ner, who, at a distance of two or three miles, observed its progress, compared its appearance to a tin trumpet, the small end downward, also to a great elephant's trunk let down out of hearen, and moving majestically along. She remarked, that its appearance and motion gave her a strong impression of life. When it had reached the easterly part of the town, she said the low- er en^ appeared to be taken up from the earth, and to bend around in a serpentine form, until it passed be- hind a black cloud and disappeared. Its course was southeasterly. It was attended with but little rain in some parts of its course, more in others. The rain, or what appear- ed like it, was in my opinion taken from bodies of water which it pass- ed over. It was said, that it low- ered the water in a small pond in Warner, about three feet. To peo- ple near Sunapee lake, in New London, I was told, it appeared as if the lake was rushing up towards heaven. The appearance of the cloud to beholders at a little dis- tance, was awfully terrific. It commenced its desolating progress east of Grantham mountain, in Croydon. In Wendell, beside oth- er buildings, it demolished a dwell- ing house, and carried a child who was asleep upon a bed, into Suna- pee lake. In New London and Sutton it did considerable damage, but met with few dwelling houses and destroyed no lives. From Sut- ton it passed over the southwest branch or spur of Kearsarge moun- tain, with a gore of land belonging to Warner, called Kearsarge gore. At the foot of thi§ mountain, it en- tirely demolished five barns, un- roofed another, and utterly destroy- ed two dwelling houses and so rent another as to render it irrepara- ble. " The houses wholly destroyed belonged to two brothers, Robert and Daniel Savary. They contain- ed fourteen persons. In the house of the latter were their aged par- ents, seventy years old, I should think, or upwards. The old gen- tlemen, as he saw the cloud com- ing, went into a chamber to close a window, and was there when the wind struck the house. He was cariied four or five rods, dashed upon the rock, and instantly killed. NEW ENGLANT) GAZETTEER. A part of his brain was left upon the rock where he fell. His wife was very badly wounded, and it was thought would not recover. A child of Daniel Savary, in the same house, was also killed. In the house of Robert Savary, several were much wounded and bruised, but no lives lost. The houses and barns and other buildings at this place were not only levelled with the foundation, but the materials and contents were dashed in ten thousand pieces, and scattered in every direction. Carts, wagons, sleighs, ploughs, and sleds which were new and strong, (one ox-sled, I recollect, was entirely new,) were carried to a considerable dis- tance — from twenty to sixty rods — and so broken and shattered as to be fit only for fuel. Stone walls were levelled, and rocks, weighing two, three, or four hundred pounds, were turned out of their beds, apparent- ly by the bare force of the wind. Large logs, also, two feet or more in diameter, which were bedded in- to the ground, and were fifty or sixtj' feet long, were not sufficiently weighty to retain their location. In one instance I recollect to have seen one large log lying upon an- other in such a condition, that it was thought by good judges, that ten yoke of oxen could not have moved the lower one from its bed ; but both were removed by the wind several feet. An elm tree near where old Mr. Savary fell, which was one foot at. least in di- ameter, and too strongly rooted to yield, was twisted like a withe to the ground, and lay prostrate across the path like a wilted weed. Not an apple or forest tree was left standing. One barn was seen to be taken up whole, with its contents of hay, grain, &c. After being carried several rods, it came to pieces, and flew like feathers in every direction. From the neighborhood of the Savarys, it passed over another spur of the mountain, and fell with great violence on the buildings of Peter Flanders and Joseph True. Their houses, which were but a few rods distant, one in Warner, the other ia Salisbury, were utterly demolished. In Mr. F.'s house were nine per- sons, two of whom were instantly killed. Mr. F. and wife were very badly wounded, but at length re- covered. In Mr. T,'s house were 7, all of whom were most wonder- fully preserved, except that 2 chil- dren, 10 or 12 years old, were bad- ly burnt by hot bricks, the oven having been heated and the bread then in it ; one of whom lingered several weeks in extreme suffer- ing and then died. The father and mother of Mrs. T., who lived about half a mile distant, were visiting there. They had just left the tea table. Mr. T. and his father-in-law went out at the door and saw the cloud, but thought at first they were so under the hill it would pass harmless over them. But they were soon convinced that its track was marked with desolation. Mr. T. just gave an alarm to his family, then ran under the end of his shop, which happened to stand beyond the violence of the wind so as not to be demolished. His father-in- law, (Jones,) stood his groutid un- til the wind struck the barn, a few rods to the northwest of him, and he saw the fragments of it flying thick in the air over his head. He then threw himself flat upon the ground by a heavy pile of wood. Instantly a rafter fell endwise close by him, entering the ground a foot or two in depth, and immediately a beam grazed down upon the raf- ter and lay at his feet. He and Mr. T. were entirely unharmed. In a moment they saw, instead of a new and strong and very comforta- ble dwelling house, a perfect desola- tion. Not even a sill remained up- on its foundation. Even the cellar stairs, and the hearths, which were of tile or brick eight inches square, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. were taken up and removed. The bricks of the chimney lay scattered along, partly covering Mrs. T., and covering to a considerable depth two of the childien. Mrs. T. was soon taken up with but little inju- ry. The shrieks and cries of the two children, under a weight of hot bricks, next pierced the heart of their father. In removing them, he burnt his hands to the bone. They were at length taken out alive, but in a state of great suffer- ing, one of whom, as I have men- tioned, after a few weeks, died. All were now found but the b-abe, about one year old. Supposing it to be under the bricks, Mr. T. re- newed his labor; but soon it was heard to cry in the direction of the wind. .Such as could run, ran in search of it, and soon found it ly- ing safe upon the ground beneath a sleigh bottom, 10 or 15 rods from where the house had stood. When the wind came, the sleigh was in the barn, six or eight rods north or northwesterly from the house. The two last mentioned houses were one story, well built, and well fur- nished dwellings. Their materials were not merely separated, but broken, splintered, reduced to kind- ling wood, and scattered like the chaff 'of the summer thrashing floors. It was the same with fur- niture, beds, bedding, bureaus, chairs, tables, and the like. A loom was, to appearance, carried whole about forty rods, and then dashed in pieces. The width of the deso- lation here was about twenty or twenty-five rods. On the higher grounds over which it passed it was forty, fifty, or sixty rods. The deeper the valley, the narrower and 7nore violent was the current. From the last mentioned neighbor- hood it passed on to the east part of Warner, but met with no other dwelling houses, and did but little damage, except to fences and for- ests. The appearance of the ground where it passed, was as if a migh- ty torrent had swept over if, up hill as well as down. Near the boundary, between Warner and Boscawen, the desolation ceas- ed. It was taken up from the earth, but spruce fioor boards, which were taken from New London, were borne upon its bosom and dropped in the Shaker village in Canterbury, a distance of about thirty miles. In following its track in Kearsarge gore, I came to a considerable stream of water, across which had been a bridge, covered with large oak logs, split in the middle, instead of planks. These half logs were scattered in every direction, some carried, I should think, ten rods in the direction from which the wind came, others sixty ro(is in the direction it went, and others were dropped near the mar- gin at the right and left. One remarkable fact is, that the same day, and about the same time in the day, two other similar whirl- winds were experienced, which moved in nearly parallel lines, one passing through Warwick, Mass., and the other about the same dis- tance to the northeast." "W'arreii, Me. One of the county towns of Lin- coln county. This town is situated on both sides of St. Georges' river, at the head of the tide waters, and is bounded N. by Union, S. by Camp- den and Thomaston, S. by Gushing, and W. by Waldoborough. Incor- porated, 1776. Population, 1S30, 2,030 ; 1S37, 2,143. It is 34 miles S. E. from Augusta. The location of this town is very favorable for manufactures and navigation. The lumber business is not so large as formerly, yet con- siderable quantities are now sawed and shipped. Ship building is an important branch of business, and the manufacture of lime, from a superior quality of limestone, with wiiich this section of country abounds, is carried on extensively. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. and is annually increasing. The village is well located and pleasant : it contains a well conducted acade- my or high school, lor youth of both sexes; in which all the lan- guages and other branches of edu- cation may be obtained, and such as are necessary to prepare them for future usefulness in society. Warren, N. II. Grafton co. This town is 10 miles S. E. from Haverhill corner, and 63 N. by W. from Concord. It is wa- tered by the N. branch of Baker's river, which has its source on the E. side of Moosehillock mountain. It passes in a N. direction to VVent- worth, and, near the S. line of War- ren, furnishes several valuable mill seats. The S. E. part presents a mountainous aspect, having a large portion of Carr's mountain on its southeastern border. Warren was granted by charter, in 1763. Popu- lation, iu 1S30, 702. AVarreii, Vt. Washington co. This town was first settled about the year 1797, by Samuel Lard and Seth Leavitt. It lies 16 miles S. W. from Montpe- lier, and 31 S. E. from Burlington. Population, 1330, 766. This town is watered by Mad river, and al- though between the two Green mountain ranges, the surface is not much broken ; it has some good mill sites, and some mechanical opera- tions by water. Many cattle are reared in the town, and- about 4,000 sheep are kept. ■\Varreii, Mass. Worcester co. This town was called Western from 1741 to 1834. It lies 60 miles W. by S. from Bos- ton, and 23 W. S.W from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,196. It is wa- tered by Chickopee river, and con- tains one cotton and two woolen mills, a scythe factory and manu- factures of palm-leaf hats. The value of goods annually made in thetown, is about $75,000. A large portion of the lands in Warren are uneven and hilly, but the soil is warm, and favorable to the growtlt of grain, and the support of sheep, of which 1,110 were kept in 1837. The village is quite pleasant. Warren, R. I. Bristol CO. This small town, com- prising an area of only about 2,600 acres, is situated on the E. side of Narrngansetbay, and is bounded N. and W. by Palmer or Warren river, E. by Massachusetts, and S. by Bristol. It is 11 rniles S. E. from Providence, and 19N.by E. from Newport. Incorporated, 1746. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,800. The surface of Warren is undu- lating,^ with a soil of rich mould, very fertile and productive. Great attention is paid in this place to ag- riculture, and particularly to horti- culture ; and all the varieties of fruits and culinary vegetables are produced in abundance and perfec- tion. Warren has a safe and com- modious harbor for vessels of 300 tons burthen : a number of vessels are owned here, engaged in foreign commerce, the coasting trade and tishery. Ship building has been pursued here to a great extent, and some vessels are now built, but not so many as formerly. This place has produced a great number of ex- cellent sailors and ship masters, as well as ship builders. The village is delightfully situa- ted on a rise of ground fronting the harbor: it is neatly built, and is surrounded by a variety of interest- ing scenery. This town is noted for the healthiness of its climate, and the longevity of its inhabitants In 1834, there were only 19 deaths in the town, and the average age of 7 of those was 85 years. War- ren is a tine resort in summer, and is much frequented. Warren,^ Ct. Litchfield co. Warren was taken NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. from Kent, in 1786. It is bounded on the E. by Litchfield, and is 3S miles W. from Hartford. The town is watered by Shepaug river, a branch of the Housatonick, and by a large and handsome pond, called Raumaug. Warren is hilly and rocky, and in some parts mountain- ous. It however produces butter, cheese, beef, pork, some grain, and considerable wool. Population, in 1830, 986. IVarivick, Mass. Franklin co. This town is ele- vated, and contains Mount Grace, from which a delightful prospect is presented. The soil is strong, warm, and produces excellent pasturage. There are no considerable streams in the town, and its manufactures consist only of leather, scythes and palm-leaf hats. Moose pond, a pleasant sheet of water, furnishes an abundance of fine trout, picker- el and perch. Warwick was incorporated in 1763. Population, 1837, 1,111. It is 78 miles W. N W. from Boston, and 1-1 E. by N. from Greenfield. AVarwick, R. I. Kent CO. This important town, the Indian Shawomtt, is situated en fhe W. side of Narraganset bay, 5 miles S. from Providence. Pop- ulation, 1820, 3,443 ; 1S30, 5,.529. It contains an area of 54 square miles. The surface of the town, along the bay, is generally level, but the westerly part is hilly, so much so that from some of the el- evations, a large part of the state may be seen in a clear day. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, strong, and productive of grain, grass, fruits and vegetables. The town is well supplied with a great variety of fish, and forests of wal- Dut, oak and chesnut. Pawtuxet river washes the north- ern part of the town, and meets the waters of the Narraganset at this place, separating Warwick from Cranston. An arm of the bay ex- tends westward, giving to Warwick and East Greenwich a number of excellent harbors. Vessels of 50 tons burthen pass to the flourishing village of Apponaug, between 4 and 5 miles from the bay. This vil- lage is pleasantly located, 10 miles S. from Providence, and is the site of considerable enterpi-ize in ship building, the fishery, and the coast- ing trade. Pawtuxet village is at the mouth of Pawtuxet i-iver, a port of entry, and lays partly in Warwick, and partly in Cranston. This beautiful village, 5 miles S. from Providence, is celebrated for its great hydraul- ic ])ower on navigable waters. War- wick is eminently distinguished as a manufacturing town ; but all we can at present state is, that but ve- ry few villages in our country can boast of a more valuable manufac- turing interest, particularly in cot- ton goods. As early as 1822, there were 15 cotton and 2 woolen mills in V/arwick. Warwick is the birth place of two distinguished patriots and warriors. Col. Christopher Greeiv was born in 1737. He was in the ill- fated attack upon Quebec, in which the brave Montgomery fell. He was afterwai-Ie. Lincoln co. This town contains several ponds, and some branches of the Damariscotta and Mus- congus rise here. It lies 35 miles E. from Augusta, and 25 N. N. E. from Wiscasset. Population 1837, 1,378. Wheat crop, same year, 2,269 bushels. Incorporated, 1811. It was formerly called Putnam. Washington, Iff. H., Sullivan co., lies, 22 miles N. N. E. from Keene, 20 E. by S. from Charlestown, and 35 W. from Con- cord. This town is hilly, but not mountainous. Lovewell's moun- tain, so called from Capt. Love- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. well's killing 7 Indians near it, is ot a conical shape, about 3-4 of a mile in diameter, and may be seen at a considerable distance. Wash- ington abounds with springs, rivu- lets, and natural ponds, of the last of which, there are no less than 16, and some of them of considerable magnitude. Island pond, so called from its being full of islands, is 2 miles long, and 1 1-2 wide. Half moon pond is 1 1-2 miles in length. Ashuelot pond is 1 1-2 miles long, and 1 mile wide, and is the source of one of the principal branches of Ashuelot river. Brockway's pond, a beautiful sheet of water, lying on a white sand, is 1 mile long and 1-2 a mile wide. Long pond, lying in this town and Stoddard, is 5 miles in length. These ponds abound with a variety of lish. A branch of Contoocook river has its source from several small ponds in the E. part of the town. The soil is generally deep and moist, better for grass than tillage. Washington was settled in 1768. It was first called Monad- nock, JVo. 8. From its settlement, it was called Camden, till Decem- ber 13, 1776, when it was incoipo- rated by its present name. The first settlers had 150 acres of land each for settling. Population, in 1830, 1,135. Washiiigtoii County, Vt. MoNTPELiER is the chief town. This county is nearly in the centre of the state, and the principal part of it lies between the two ranges of the Green Mountains. It is bounded N. by Lamoille and parts of Chittenden and Caledonia coun- ties, E. by Caledonia county, S. by Orange and Addison, and W. by Addison, and Chittenden, counties. It was incorporated in ISIO, by the name of Jefferson, and took its pres- ent name in 1S14. The county is finely watered by its chief river, the Winooski, or Onion, and many of its important branches. These streams afford the county an abun- dant water power, and manufac- turing establishments increase and flourish in this mountainous region. The surface of the county is uneven, hilly, and in some parts mountainous, but there is much valuable land along the streams, which in many parts are sluggish, and form large tracts of excellent intervale. The agricultural pro- ductions consist of neat cattle, hors- es, hogs, wool, and of the produc- tions of the dairy. In 1837, there were 60,025 sheep in Washington county. There are large bodies of beautiful granite, in the county, and slate of various kinds. Popu- lation, 1820, 14,113; 1330, 21,378. Since 1830, there have been some small changes in Washington coun- ty, in regard to territory. We will thank any of our Green Mountain friends to give us all the necessary information respecting it, for future editions. The rail road from Bos- ton to Ogdensburgh will probably pass through this county, but we beg them not to wait for tliat event. AVashiugton, Vt. Orange co. Branches of Onion, Wait's and White rivers rise in this town, but afford no considerable water power. The two former are called Jail Branches, from the cir- cumstance that the pioprietors were required by their charter, of 1781, to erect a jail within the limits of the town, at an early period. There is some excellent land along the streams, and the uplands are gener- ally arable, and afford good pastu- rage. There is a neat village in the town, some trade and manufac- tures, and between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep are annually sheared. Wash- ington is 15 miles S. by E. from Montpclier, and is bounded S. by Chelsea. Population, 1830, 1,374. 'W'ashington, Mass. Berkshire co. This mountainous town is watered by branches of Westfield and Housatonick rivers. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The soil is well adapted for grazing. In 1837, 5,209 sheep were shear- ed in the town, producing 15,627 pounds of wool, principally merino. There is found in this town a po- rous quartz, which is used as buhr stones, for mill stones ; and is re- markable for resisting heat. Wash- ington was incorporated in 1777. It is 122 miles W. from Boston, and S E. from Lenox. Population, 1837, 758. Washingtou County, R.I. South Kingston is the shire town. This is a mai-itime county situated in the southwestern section of the state ; bounded on the north by Kent county, on the east by Nar- raganset bay, on the south by the Atlantic ocean, and on the west by the state of Connecticut. The av- erage length of the county, from east to west, is about 20 miles, and it has a mean breadth of more than 18 miles, coit\prising about 367 square miles. The geological char- acter of this county is primitive; the rocks consist of granite and oth- er original formations. The sur- face is generally diversiiied with moderate hills and narrow dales; there are, however, some consider- able eminences in the northwest section of the county, and some flats of considerable extent in the south section, bocdering upon the Atlantic. The prevailing soil is a primitive gravelly loam, strong and fertile ; there are some considera- ble tracts of sandy loarh, and some of alluvial. A considei'able section of this county was formerly called the Narraganset country, and was celebrated for an excellent bi-eed of pacing horses ; the other section was called the Shannock country, and was equally distinguished for a valuable breed of neat caltle. This county still maintains a high reputation as a grazing district, and affords many extensive and valua- ble dairies. But the agricultural interests are not confined exclu- 38 sively to the objects of the grazing business ; in some sections of the county considerable attention is paid to the cultivation of grain, particu- larly Indian corn and barley ; some rye also is raised. The inhabitants are distinguished for their habits of industry and frugality, and in gen- eral enjoy their necessary results, health and competence. The waters of the county are ex- tensive and important, possessing a maritime border upon the Atlantic ocean and the Narraganset bay, of more than 50 miles extent. There are, however, but 2 or 3 harbors ; the principal of which is Wickford, in the northeastern section of the county ; the next most important is the Pawcatuck. The principal in- terior waters of the county are em- bodied in the Pawcatuck river, which forms part of the western boundary of the state. The prin- cipal branches of the Pawcatuck are the Wood and Charles rivers ; which, with their tributary streams, water a large portion of the west- ern section of the county, and af- ford numerous sites for mills, and other hydraulic works. There are, in the county, several salt and fresh water ponds, which are well supplied with fish. The fisheries of the county are extensive and valuable, affording employment to considerable indus- try, which is usually well reward- ed. The fish taken, not only sup- ply the home consumption, but con- stitute an article of exportation. Although the commercial busi- ness carried on within the county is not very considerable, yet its maritime situation has had its nat- ural influence upon the habits of the people ; a considerable portion of whom are employed in seafaring business. The manufacturing interests of the county are considerable, and consist principally of the woolen and cotton manufactures, and the business of ship building. Besides NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. these, there is considerable me- chanical industry in the other de- partments of mechanical business. In 1837, there were 81,619 sheep in the county. Population, in 1800, 16,13.5; 1810, 14,963; in 1820, 15,687; 1830, 15,411. Population to a square mile, 42. From this statement of the population, it ap- pears that this county must have suffered greatly by emigration. Washiii^on, Ct. Litchfield co. Judea, the first society in this town, was a part of Woodbury until 1741. It was first settled in 1734. It was incorpora- ted as a town in 1779. This town is 40 miles S. W. from Hartford, and 10 S. W. from Litch- field. Population, 1830, 986. "A large pai't of this town is el- evated and mountainous. Lime- stone abounds in many of the val- leys. Several quarries of marble have been worked, from which con- siderable quantities have been rais- ed. Iron ore has been found in va- rious places. Ochre, fuller's earth, and white clay, have also been found. The town is watered by the Shepaug river, a branch of the Housatonick, which passes through the whole length of the town, di- viding it into two nearly equal parts. The town is divided into two so- cieties, Judea and New Preston. There is in Judea, or Washington as it is called, about two miles S. W. of the centre of the town, a place called " Steep Rock." From the top of this eminence, which is easy of access, the beholder has one of the most interesting and beautiful prospects in the state. The scene presents an area in the form of an amphitheatre, the sides of which are covered with a dense forest. The Shepaug river is seen flowing in a beautiful circle at the base of the bluff. Within the cir- cle of the river, there are several cultivated fields, affording a beauti- ful landscape to the beholder. " This town has been the theatre of one of the most atrocious mur- ders ever committed in New Eng- land. The murderer was a man or rather fiend, by the name of Barnett Davenport. From his own confes- sion, it appears that his parentage and early education were exactly fitted to produce his wicked life and his tragical end. Untutored and unrestrained by parental govern- ment, he was left to a^-ow up at random. In the morning of life, no morality was inculcated upon him, and no sense of religion, either by precept or example. On the contrary, he was, from early years, unprincipled, profane, and impious. Before he was 9 years old, he was expert in cursing and swearing, and an adept in mischief At 11 years he began to pilfer. At 13 he stole money. At 15 he entertained thoughts of murder, and rapidly waxed harder and bolder in wick- edness. At 19, he actually mur- dered a family in cold blood. As a friendless wandering stranger, he was taken into the house of Mr. Caleb Mallory, and treated with the utmost kindness, in December, 1779. Scarcely two months had elapsed, before the murder was de- termined on. The night of Febru- ary 3d, 17S0, was fixed on to exe- cute the horrid purpose. With a heart hard as adamant, he lighted a candle, went into the lodging room of his benefactors, and beat them to death with a club. A little grand child being with its grand parents shared the same fate, and two others were left in a sound sleep to perish in the flames. Having kindled a fire in three of the rooms, he fled, after robbing the house of its most valuable articles. But from an ac- cusing conscience, and from the hand of justice, which followed hard upon his steps, he was unable to flee. He was taken, and execu- ted at Litchfield in the May ensu- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. 'Waterborougli, Me. York CO. This town is watered by a large and pleasant pond, which empties into Little Ossipee river, a branch of the Saco, and hy the head branches of the Mousum, a stream which meets the ocean at Kennebunk. This is a flourishing town, with a pleasant surface and good soil. It lies SI miles S. W. from Augusta, 24 W. froui Portland, and is bounded S. by Alfred. Incor- porated, 17S7. Population, 1830, 1,816 ; 1837, 1,953. Waterbury, Vt. Washington co. The surface of Waterbury is generally level, with some pleasant swells. The soil is warm and fertile : the meadow lands on the rivers, of which there are large tracts, are not excelled, in richness, by any in the state. This town is separated from Duxbury by Onion river, which, with Waterbury river and other streams, afford the town a good water power. It was first settled in 1784. Population, 1830, 1,650. It lies 12 miles N. W. from Mont- pelier, and 24 E. S. E. from Bur- lington. In the southwest corner of the township, the passage of Onion riv- er through a considerable hill, is considered a curiosity. The stream has here worn a channel through the rocks, which in times past, un- doubtedly, formed a cataract below of no ordinary height, and a consid- erable lake above. The chasm is at present about one hundred feet wide, and nearly as deep. On one side the rocks are nearly perpendic- ular, some of which have fallen across the bed of the stream, in such a manner as to form a bridge, pas- sable, however, only at low water. On the same side the rocks which appear to have been loosened and moved by the undermining of the water, have again rested, and be- come fixed in such a posture as to I form several caverns or caves, some of which have the appearance of rooms fitted for the convenience of man. Several musket balls and flints were found in the extreme part of this cavern, a few years since, with the appearance of hav- ing lain there many years, which makes it evident that it was known to the early hunters. Waterbury River, rises in Mor- ristown, and runs south through the western part of Stow and Wa- terbury into Onion river. In Stow, it receives one considerable tribu- tary from the east which rises in Worcester, and two from the west which rise in Mansfield. It also receives several tributaries from the west, in Waterbury, which originate in Bolton. The whole length of the stream is about 16 miles, and it affords a number of good mill privileges. IVaterbury, Ct. New Haven co. The Indian Mattatuck, a territory comprising this and some of the neighboring towns, being 18 miles in length and 10 miles in width, was sold by the red men to the whites,, in the year 1684, " for divers good causes and thirty-nine pounds." This piece of ground was supposed by the white men, to afford sufficient room and accommodations for thirty f am,- Hies. The territory now contains 8,000 people ; and if its population was as dense as that of England, in 1831, it would contain no I^ess than 20,ni0, or of Belgium, 35,370 souls. There are some good lands on the borders of the streams, within the present limits of Waterbury ; but the surface of the town is gen- erally rough, and the soil difficult of cultivation. This town lies 28 miles S. W. from Hartford, and 20 N. by W. from New Haven. Population, 1830, 3,070. " The site upon which the bor- NEW EXGLAND GAZETTEER. ough of Waterbury stands, is situa- ted in a valley which is washed by Mad river on the east, and the Nau- gatuck on the west ; and in its cen- tral partis about a mile in breadth. The main street runs east and west ; but since the increase of the manu- facturing establishments within the last twelve years, a large share of the new buildings have been erect- ed in their vicinity, which is in the southeast part of the village. On either side of the village, hills gradually lise to a considerable elevation, presenting to the eye the galleries of an amphithea- tre, the village forming the area. The number of houses is about one hundred and fifty, and the popula- tion fifteen hundred ; which it is calculated has doubled itself dur- ing the last twelve years; most of the factories having been established within that time. Some of the private dwellings may be called splendid, and a majority of them neat, convenient, with handsome court yards in front. " Of the articles manufactured in the village, those of gilt buttons and the rolling of brass and copper metals for a great variety of uses, constitute the greatest business. There are three factories of this kind upon an extensive scale, two in the village, and one about two miles north, connected with wliich is a gold refinery. There are like- wise two factories of gilt buttons upon a considerable scale, uncon- nected with rolling mills. One extensive rolling mill connected with the brass wire and tubing manufacture, two satinet factories, one woolen factory, besides a great number of minor establishments, in which buttons of various kinds and other articles are manufactured to a considerable extent. The number of persons in the village, of both sexes, who are employed in the manufacturing establishments, is between six and seven hundred. It is not precisely known what amount is manufactured yearly, but it has been estimated by good judges to exceed a million of dollars, and is upon the increase. The route has been surveyed by a prac- tical engineer, for constructing a canal to bring the Naugatuck on to the bank at the west end of the town, which will, when completed, afford a supply of water power, ca- pable of employing as much or more capital than has been already invested." Samuel Hopkixs, D. D., the founder of a religious sect, denom- inated Hopkinsiaiis, was born in this town, in 1721. He died at Newport, R. I., in 1803. See Reli- gious Creeds, and Statistics. Dr. Lemuel Hopkixs, a poet, and an eminent physician, was born in Waterbury, in 1750. He died at Hartford, in ISOl. "Waterford, Me. Oxford CO. This town is water- ed by a number of beautiful ponds, and Crooked river passes through its northeast bord«r. The surface is generally level and the soil good. It produced in 1S37, 5,545 bushels of wheat. Waterford was incorporated in 1797. It lies 57 miles W. by S. from Augusta, and 10 W. by S. from Paris. Population, in 1837, 1,2S7. "Waterfbrd, Vt. Caledonia co. This town was chartered in 17S0, by the name of Littleton, which name it retained until 1797. It was first settled in 1787. It lies on the west side of Connecticut river, 32 miles E. N. E. from Montpelier, and 12 E. S. E. from Danville. Population, 1S30, 1,35S. The west part of the town is watered by the Passumpsic, and the north border by Moose river. Here is a water power, and some manufactures. A part of the town borders on Fifteen Mile Falls, in Connecticut river. The banks of NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. that river are steep at this place, and form but little intervale. The uplands are rough and stony, but good for sheep, of which 3,500 are kept. Waterford, Ct. New London co. This town was taken from New London in 1801. It is washed on the east side by the river Thames; and on the south by Long Island Sound, from which a bay or inlet extends, be- tween Millstone and Black Points, quite into the centre of the town, affording a harbor for small vessels. This is a resort for fishei-men on the Sound, and many species of the finny tribe are taken captive. There are a number of ponds in the town, three considerable mill streams, and two woolen factories. The surface of the town is rocky and uneven, with a gravelly loam, pro- ductive of corn, vegetables, fruits, and feed for cattle. In 1837, it con- tained 2,582 sheep. Waterford lies 37 miles S. E. from Hartford, and 4 VV. from New Lon- don. Population, 1830, 2,463. "WaterqueecJiy River, Vt. See Qucechy River. Watertown, Mass. Middlesex co. Cliai-les river gives this town a valuable water power, which is well improved. The river is navigable to the centre of the town for vessels of 6 or 7 feet draught of water. The surface of the town is diver- sified by hills and valleys, which is rendered very beautiful by a high state of cultivation, and by the nu- merous villas, neat farm houses, cottages, and delightful gardens which meet the eye in every direc- tion. A part of the beautiful sheet of water, called " Fresh Pond," and apart of the celebrated Mount Auburn Cemetery lie in this town. On the north bank of the river, a short distance below the princi- 38* pal village, the United States Arse- nal, containing a large amount of munitions of war, occupies a site of 40 acres of ground. At the commencement of the revolution- ary war, this place was the chosen seat of the continental congress. That body of patriots was in session at Watertown on the day of the battle of " Bunker Hill." There are two paper mills in the town, a cotton mill, print works, an establishment for finishing woolen goods, and manufactures of soap, candles, boots, shoes, boxes, &c. Large quantities of beef, pork, bacon, &.c., are annually packed at this place for the Boston market, and for transportation. In 1837, three soap and candle manufactories used 300 tons of tallow, 350 tons of barilla, 50 tons of palm-oil, 1,750 barrels of rosin, 2,000 casks of lime, and 1,000 bushels of salt. Watertown was first settled in 1630, by the sons of Sir Richard Saltonstall and others. It was in- corporated the same year. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,641; 1837, 1,739. It is 7 miles W. from Boston. Its Indian name was Pigsgusset. Watertown, Ct. Litchfield co. This town lies 30 miles S. S. W. from Hartford, 26 N. by W. from New Haven, and 10 S. E. from Litchfield. Popu- lation, 1830, 1,500. Watertown was formerly a parish in Waterbury, by the name of West- bury. It was incorporated as a town in 1780. It is bounded N. by Litchfield, E. by the Naugatuck river, separating it fi-om Plymouth, W. by Bethlem and Woodbury, and S. by Middlebury and Waterbury. It is about 61-2 miles in length, and 4 in breadth. The township is gen- erally uneven, or rather hilly ; but some sections are level. The pre- vailing soil is a dry gravelly loam, and best adapted to grazing, but the different grains common to this part of the country are cultivated' NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Steel's brook, a sprightly stream, passes through the central part of the town, and for a mile below and some distance above the centre of the town, a chain of rich meadows, though small in extent, border the sides of this stream. This is the birth place of John Trumbull,, the celebrated author of " McFingal." He graduated at Yale College, and studied law with John Adams, in Boston. Tlie first part of his McFingal appeared in 1775. It was completed in 1782. He was a judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut from 1801 to 1819. In 1825, he removed to Detroit, where he died, in 1831, aged 81 years. The people of this town make some boast of the size of their for- est trees. It is said, as an extraor- dinary fact, " that one of the first settlers, having no slielter for the night, peeled off the bark of one of the trees he had felled, and lay down upon the inside. In the morning when he awoke, he found the bark rolled up so closely that it was with some difficulty he could extricate himself." This story will do to tell as far west as Connecticut, but the ' Down Easters' would laugh at it. It would take Dame Nature more than a night to screw up tiie bark of one of their common pines even to the circumference of the New Hampshire Giant. The Maine folks willingly grant to Connecti- cut the tallest poets, but claim to their state the biggest trees. ^I'^aterviUe, Me. Kennebec CO. This town is situ- ated on the west bank of the Ken- nebec river, 18 miles N. from Au- gusta. It was incorporated as a part of Winslow in 1771, and as a separate town in 1802. Popu- lation in 1820, 1719; in 1830, 2,216; in 1837, 2,905. It contains 30 square miles, mostly of the best quality of farming land of the Kennebec region. Seven twelfths of the population is estimated to be agricultural. The pi'incipal village, of about 180 houses, is on the Ken- nebec, at Ticonic Falls. These falls are 18 feet in height, extending quite across the river. In the town, there are 17 saws, four grist mills, carding machines, three plaster mills, two extensive tanneries and a machine shop. One iron (oiin(!ry, a branch of the celebrati-il Fair- banks establi'^hment in Vermont, supplies a great portion of the inte- rior of the state with ploughs. The public structures are 4 meeting houses, an Academy, and the Lib- eral Institute, a Seminary founded by Universalists. This latter edi- fice, though small, is one of the most beautiful specimens of archi- tecture in the state. Ticonic bridge, crossing the Kennebec, 550 feet in length, is a fine specimen of Col. Long's plan of construction. Waterville College is pleasantly situated near the village, on the bank of the river. There are 2 ed- ifices for rooms, a chapel, and a commons hall. Tiiis Institution was founded in 1S13, as a Theolo- gical school; in 1821 it was con- verted into a College, and lias 143 graduates. It was founded by i3aptists, but is open to all denomi- nations, and affords facilities for manual labor. Its Faculty is a President, three Professors, and two Tutors. Fi-om Augusta, the head of sloop navigation, goods are ti-ansported to Waterville in large flat-boats, some of which carry 40 tons. This renders the place an important depot of merchandise for an extensive country above, and of produce and manufactuies brought down to be shipped for a market: great quanti- ties of oats, shingles and other lum- ber, leather, potash and potatoes, are thus transported fiom this place. The erection of a dam at Augusta, is thought to have improved the navigation, and aflTords facilities for NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. making Waterville the centre of trade for the country above. A steam boat now runs between this place and the lower towns. The village of West Waterville is on Emerson stream, atributary of the Kennebec. Here is a remark- ble cascade, the highest known in the state, and is much resorted to for its picturesque scenery. At this village are manufactories for cut- ting out last blocks, which are ex- ported in great quantities to Massa- chusetts, and a scythe factory of high reputation, which made 300 dozen scythes in the year 1838. The water power at Waterville and in the vicinity, is singularly great. A circle described from the Ticonic falls, before named, as a centre, with a radius of five miles, includes two falls across the whole Kennebec, at Kendall's mills, two miles above Wateiville; two falls, 5 miles distant, on the Sebasticook, a large tributary stream ; and an in- definite series of falls upon the Emerson stream, from the cascade to its confluence, besides numerous rapids, which could easily be dam- med, on all these streams. It is be- lieved that no similar circle of 10 miles diameter in New England, comprehends so large and conven- ient water power. But a very small part of this power is yet occupied, and situated as Waterville is, in the centre of these manufactui-ing fa- cilities, enjoying convenient boat navigation to the sea ports, with an extensive region of the best agri- cultural advantages in the rear, it promises to become a thrifty and populous town. "Waterville, 3V. H. Grafton co. This town compris- es the territory called Gillis and Foss^ Grant, until its incorporation, in 1829. It is bounded N. by un- granted land, E. by Albany, S. by Sandwich, and W. by Thornton. It was granted June 29, 1819, to Jo- siah Gillis, Moses Foss, jr. and oth- ers. It is watered by Mad rivej, which rises among the mountainous tracts on the N. ; runs S. W. about 20 miles, and falls into Pemigewas- set river in Campton. Swift river has its source in this town, pursues an E. course through Albany, into Conway, where it unites with Saco river. There are 2 ponds, and sev- eral considerable elevations. Mo- ses Foss, jr. commenced the settle- ment some years sihce. It has 96 inhabitants. AVaterville, Vt. Lamoille co. This town is envi- roned by mountains, and is itself mountainous. It is watered by a branch of Lamoille river, and is bounded E. by Belvidere, W. by Fletcher. It lies about 25 miles S. E. from St. Albans. Population, 1830, 488. AVayland, Mass. Middlesex co. The name of this town was East Sudbury, from 1780 to 1835. It lies on the east side of Sudbury river, and is bounded east by Weston. The surface of the town is pleasant ; the soil is gener- ally good, and contains some well cultivated farms. There are 4 for- ges in this town, and manufactures of chairs and cabinet ware ; but the principal manufacture is that of boots and shoes ; the annual value of which is about $25,000. Way- land is 16 miles W. from Boston, and 7 S. from Concord. Population, 1837,931. Wayne, Me. Kennebec co. Wayne lies N. of Leeds, and is situated a little be- low the centre of a chain of beau- tiful lakes or ponds, whose outlet, which passes through the town, falls into the Androscoggin. The centre of the town is about 4 miles east of the Androscoggin, and 16 W. from Augusta. The surface of the town is undulating, and the soil fertile. It was incorporated in 1798. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Population, in 1837, 1,170. Wheat crop, same year, 3,268 bushels. AVeare, S. H. Hillsborough co. The only riv- er in Weare, is the N. W. branch of Piscataquog, which enters the west boundary from Deering, and meanders through the N. and E. sections of the town, and passes the S. line about half a mile from the S. E. corner. This river affords the best mill seats in the town. There are three small ponds in tliis town. Rattlesnake hill, nearly in the centre of the N. line of the town, abounds with shelving rocks, abrupt precipices, forming dens and caves. During the summer season, the reptile fi-om which the hill takes its name, is frequently found. The town, though rather broken, is not mountainous. It has small swamps, and some good meadows. It is now settled and cultivated to its extreme limits by industrious and wealthy husbandmen. It was incorporated in 1764, and receiv- ed its name in honor of Meshech Weare, chief justice of the prov- ince of N. H. Weare is 15 miles S. W. from Concord, and 17 N. N. W. from Amherst. Population, 1830, 2,430. AVeathersfield, Vt. Windsor co. [Those who wish to find the course and distance to the onion iields in Connecticut, or to their fair cultivators, will please see WethersheU, Ct.] Weathersfield was first settled about the year 1778. It is bounded S. by Springfield, N. by Windsor, and is 61 miles S. by E. from Mont- pelier. Population, in 1830, 2,213. This town lies on the west side of Connecticut river, at the " Bow," so called from a bend in the river. It contains large tracts of ricii meadow land, and the uplands are of a good quality. William Jarvis, Esq., for many years a resident here, owns a large and superior farm, and has greatly benefited this section of country by the introduction of new modes of agriculture, and more valuable breeds of stock. The agriculhiral products of Weathersfield are very valuable : about 15,000 fleeces of fine wool are annually sheared. This town is large, and contains a number of pleasant villages. It is watered by several ponds, and by Black river, which gives it a water power, and which is applied to manufacturing operations to some extent. In common with all the towns on Connecticut river, Weath- ersfield has its share of delightful scenery ; and there is no better place to find it, in all its richness, i than on the Ascutney,di\. the north part of the town. Webster, Mass. Worcester co. This town was incorporated in 1832, and named in compliment to Hon. Daniel Webster, including a part of Dudley and Oxford, and a tract of land previously unincorporated. It is bounded N. by Oxford, E. by Douglas, S. by Thompson, in Connecticut, and W. by Dudley. It is 46 miles W. S. W. from Bos- ton, 16 S. from Worcester, 45 E. by S. from Springfield, and 28 N. W. from Piovidence, R. I. Popu- lation, 1837, 1,210. There are in operation in this town two woolen and four large cotton mills, a cotton thread mill, 1 machine shop, 1 bleachery, a tan- nery, and a manufactory of tin ware : total value of manufactures, the year ending April 1, 1837, $312,277. French river and a pond give this place a large and unfailing water power. The original name of this pond, as appears from ancient deeds, was Chabanaknngkomom,\.\\e same name by which Dudley was known, though the latter probably borrow- ed it from the former. Some re- cords and maps of New England NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. have given the name of Chargog- gagoggmanchoggagogg. The fall at the outlet of this pond is 24 feet, which is increased after it empties into French river to about 90 feet before it passes into Connecticut. This afforded ample water power for the late Samuel Slater to con- centrate here a large portion of his manufacturing capital ; and it is to the enterprise of this ' Father of American manufactures,' that this place is indebted for most of the prosperity which it at present en- joys. It was his favoiite residence, and where his remains now rest. A remnant of the Dudley, or more properly of the Nipmuck In- dians, reside here. They are about 40 in number, though but few of them are of pure blood. These Indians formerly owned a consider- able tract of reserved land in the centre of Chabanakongkamon or Dudley. This was sold by order of the legislature, and the proceeds appropriated to their support, and to the purchase of about 30 acres, on which they now reside. This mon- ey is now expended, and they arc dependent on the bounty of the state for support. Weld, Me. Franklin co. This town contains a large and beautiful pond, the out- let of which forms a considerable river, which passing south falls into the Androscoggin at Mexico. The surface of the town is remark- ably pleasant, and the soil fei-tile. Wheat crop, 1837, 6,039 bushels. Weld lies 53 miles W. N. W. from Augusta, and 14 W. from Farmington. Population, in 1830, 766 ; 1837, 953. Wellfleet, Mass. Barnstable co. This township lies on both sides of Cape Cod : it is bounded N. by Truro, S. by East- ham, and is 33 miles below Barn- stable. The town is on the west side of the Cape : it is neatly built, and although it is surrounded by sand hills, and almost entirely destitute of vegetation, it makes a handsome appearance. Wellfleet bay sets into the town from the south, and is separated from Cape Cod bay by several islands, which form a good harbor, at a place called " Deep Hole." In 1837, there were 120 vessels, measuring about 0,000 tons, belong- ing to this place, employed in the cod and mackerel fisheries, and a number engaged in the coa.*ting trade. The lishermen took 3,100 quintals of cod (ish, and 17,500 bar- rels of mackerel : the value of which was $123,500. The quantity of salt used was 29,330 bushels : the number of hands employed was 496. During that year there were 39 es- tablislnnents for the manufacture of salt in this place ; the quantity made was 10,000 bushels. There are several ponds and streams in the town, which afford water power sufficient for a large cotton mill. There are some man- ufactures of leather, boots and shoes; but the people are princi- pally employed in the fishery, coast- ing trade and manufacture of salt. Wellfleet was incorporated in 1723. Population, 1830, 2,044; 18.37, 2,303. Dr. Morse stated in 1797, that " since the memory of people now living, there have been in this small town thirty pai- of twins, besides two births that produced three each." This is one of the most thriving towns in the state. One of its for- mer residents. Col. Elisha Doane, is said to have acquired a fortune of 120,000 pounds sterling on this sandy spot. The Indian name of the towQ was Rinonakamiit. Wellington, Me. Piscataquis co. 'Wellington is bounded E. by Parkman, S. by Har- mony, and W. by Brighton. It i» NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. watered by one of the head branch- es of Sebasticook river, and lies about 22 miles N. by E. from Skow- hegan. A part of the town is ele- vated, but its surface, generally, is undulating, with a productive soil. Population, 1837, 721. Wheat crop, same year, 4,290 bushels. Wells, Me. York CO. Wells lies on tlie sea coast between York and Kenne- bunk, and is 85 miles S. W. by S. from Augusta, and .30 S. W. by S. from Portland. The first settlers came from Exeter, N. H., about the year 1640. A noted Indian chief, Wawwaw, lived here about one hundred j^ears ago, pretending to claim this and some adjoining towns. There is no evidence of any purchase of Indian title to the soil. The town charter from Thomas Gorges is dated Sept. 27, 1643. There are a number of small streams or brooks running through the town in various directions, on which are 1 fulling, 16 saw and 10 grist mills. The principal river is near the middle of the town, and was called by the Indians Wehhan- net, but is now generally called the " Town river." A sand bar at the entrance renders the navigation somewhat difficult. Ogunquit riv- er, in the southerly part of the town, forms a harbor for small coasting and fishing vessels. The town contains about 35,000 acres, of which one fifth may be considered waste land, or unfit for cultivation. It contains large tracts of salt meadow. Wood for fuel is exported to Boston and other places, in considerable quantities. Some trade is carried on with the West In- dies, and vessels of various size are built from timber in the town. In- corporated, 1653. Population, 1837, 3,042. This town furnished a large number of revolutionary officers. AVells River, Vt. This river has its source in Ket- tle pond, which lies at the north- west corner of Groton and a part of it in Marshfield. It runs nearly southeast about two miles, and falls into Long pond in Groton, which is about two miles long and 100 rods wide. From this pond it continues its southeasterly course half a mile, and falls into another pond, which is about half a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide. It then runs a mile and a half, and meets the south branch, which lises near the southwest corner of the town, and runs nearly east to its junction with the main stream ; it then runs east southeast about a mile, and receives the north branch, which has its source near the southeast corner of the town. Continuing the same course, it passes through the northwest part of Ryegate into Newbury, and running near the line between Newbury and Ryegate about 4 miles, falls into Connecti- cut river about half a mile south of the northeast corner of New- bury. This is generally a rapid stream, furnishing many excellent mill privileges. Wells, Vt. Rutland co. A part of this town- ship is level, and a part mountain- ous. The soil is generally good, and productive of grain, and of pas- turage for sheep, of which between three and four thousand are kept. The piincipal stream in the town is- sues from Wells or St. Augustine lake or pond, a beautiful sheet of water, partly in Poultney, 5 miles in length, and covering 2,000 acres. At the outlet of this pond is a snug village, with some water power machinery. Wells was first settled in 1768. It lies 65 miles S. S. W. from Mont- pelier, and 13 S. W. from Rutland. Population, 1830, 880. Wendell, N. H., Sullivan co., is bounded N. by Springfield, E. by Sunapee lake. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, separating it from New London and Newbury, S. by Goshen, W. by Newport and Croydon. It is 35 miles N. W. from Concord, and 7 E. from Newport. A considerable part of lake Sianapee, a noble sheet of water, lies in this town. The surface of this lake is said to con- tain 4,095 acres, of which 2,720 acres are in Wendell. Here is the principal source of Sugar river, which flows from the lake near its centre from north to south ; passes through the centre of the town into Newport, from thence into Clare- mont, where it unites with the Con- necticut. There are three small ponds, containing an area of about 300 acres. This town was granted by the name of Saville in 1768. It was settled in 1772, and was incor- porated in 1781, when it received its name from John Wendell, one of the principal proprietors. Popula- tion, 1830, 637. Wendell, Mass. Franklin co. The surface of Wendell is uneven, and in some parts hilly ; but the soil is strong and productive. Miller's i-iver passes through the north part of the town, giving mill privileges, fertil- ity and beauty in its course. There is a curious kind of stone found he.-e, embedded with mica slate ; and Chalk pond furnishes a sub- stance from which chalk is made by burning it. The manufactures of this pleas- ant town consist of palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, leather, cabinet ware, chairs, &c. Wendell was incorporated in 1781, and named in honor of Oliver Wendell, Esq., a very worthy man, for many years president of Union Bank, in Boston, the second insti- tution of the kind in Massachusetts. Mr. Wendell was a great patron of tMstown, and frequently visited it. Wendell is bounded north by Ervi-ng, east by Phillipston, south by &a.Ieni, and west by Montague. | The mill privileges on Millers river in this town are very valua- ble ; many of which remain unim- proved. Wendell lies 80 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 14 E. from Green- tield. Population, 1837, 347. AVeiihaoL, Mass. Essex CO. This town is 20 miles N. by E. from Boston, 6 N. from Salem, and 16 S. from Newbury- port. First settled, 1639. Incor- porated, 1643. Population, 1837, 698. Wenham or Enon pond is a beau- tiful sheet of water, about a mile square, and affords an abundance of excellent fish. It is much visi- ted. The first sermon preached ia this place was on the border of this pond, by the celebrated Hugh Pe- ters, minister of Salem, about the year 1636. His text was, '• At Enon near Salem, because there was much water there." Mr. Peters went to England, as agent for the colony, 1641 ; en- gaged in the civil wars on the side of the parliament, and was execu- ted after the restoration of Charlea II. The surface of the town is pleas- ant: the soil is generally of a good quality, and well cultivated by in- dustrious and independent farmers, John Duntan, an Englishman who travelled in this country in 1686, and on his return to England pub- lished a journal of his travels, gives the following account of Wenham, and of its minister, Joseph Gerrish, who was ordained Feb. 13, 1675, and died Jan. 6, 1719. " Wenham is a delicious para- dise, it abounds with rural pleas- ures, and I would choose it above all other towns in America to dwell in ; the lofty trees on each side of it are a sufficient shelter from the winds, ami the warm sun so kindly ripens both the fruits and flowers, as if the spring, the summer, and the autumn had agreed together to NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. thrust the winter out of doors. It were endless to enter on a detail of each faculty of learning Mr. Ger- rish is master of, and I therefore take his character in short hand. The philosopher is acute, ingenious and subtle. The divine, curious, orthodo.x and profound. The tnaii of a majestic air, without austerity or sourness; his aspect is masterly and great, yet not imperious or haughty. The cliristian is devout without moroseness, or starts of ho- ly frenzy, and enthusiasm. The preacher is primitive without the occasional colors of whining, or cant, and methodical, without in- tricacy or affectation ; and which crowns his character, he is a man of public spirit, zealous for the conversion of the Indians, and of great hospitality to strangers. He gave us a noble dinner, and enter- tained us with such pleasant fruits, as I must own. Old England is a stranger to." Wenlock, Vt. Essex CO. This mountain town gives rise to a principal branch of Nulhegan river. The lands here are too elevated for cultivation. Wenlock lies 53 miles N. E. from Montpelier. Population, in 1S30, 24. Wentwortli, IV. H. Grafton co. This town is bound- ed N. by Warren, E. by Rumney, S. by Dorchester, and W. by Or- ford. It is 15 miles N. W. from Plymouth, and 52 N. N. W. from Concord. This town is watered by Baker's river, on which is a fall of 18 or 20 feet, affording an excellent privilege for all kinds of water ma- chinery. The South branch of Baker's river passes through the southerly part of this town and joins the main branch near Rumney line. There are but few ponds. Baker's, situated on Orford line, is the most considerable ; the uutlet of which is called Pond brook, and affords water sufficient for several valuable mill seats. In the east part of the town, lies part of Carr's mountain, covered in its natural state with a heavy growth of forest trees. A part of the elevation called Mount Cuba lies in the W. part of Went- worth. This mountain contains in- exliaustible quantities of the best limestone, of which a constant sup- ply of good lime is made, and sold at a low price. Iron ore is found in various parts. The soil is gen- erally good ; the lands in the vicin- ity of the rivers are of the first quality. Wentworth was granted in 17G6. It received its name from governor Benning Wentworth. — The first settlement commenced a few years before the revolutionary war. Articles of subsistence, po- tatoes and seeds for the propagation of vegetables, were transported thither from the lower part of the state on pack horses, hand-sleighs and in knapsacks. Population, in 1830,624. Wesley, Me. Washington co. We should like to know the particular circumstan- ces of Wesley, which doubtless was named in honor of one of the best of men that ever lived — John Wesley. It must be a thriving town, for its population, for the last 7 years, has increased fiom 80 to 232. But very little information can be obtained respecting a town, from merely its act of incorporation. AVestborougli, Mass. Worcester co. This town lies on the route of the Boston and Worces- ter rail road, 32 miles W. from Bos- ton, 10 E. from Worcester, and 3 1-2 N. W. from Hopkinton Springs. It was taken fiom Marlborough in 1717. Population, 1S30, 1,438; in 1837,1,612. As several persons were engaged in a field spreading flax, in 1704, the Indians rushed upon them from the woods, and seized 4 boys, and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. killed one, named Nahor Rice, about 5 years of age, who was the first while person buried in the town. The men made their escape to the house. One of the boys was redeemed, the others remained and mixed their posterity with the French and Indians. Timothy Rice, the youngest, 7 years of age, when taken, became a chief of the Cog- nawaga Indian's. He visited West- borough in 1740, and remembered the house where he had lived, and the field whei'e he was captured, and some aged people. He had lost the English language, and was accompanied by an interpreter. He was sent for and visited Gov. Bel- cher, at Boston, but chose to return to his Indian habits. The waters of this town consist of some of the sources of Concord and Blackstone rivers, which furnish a good water power. There are sev- eral handsome ponds in the town, well stocked with fish. The manufactures consist of boots, shoes, leather, axes, chairs, cabinet and tin wares, -ploughs, straw bonnets, sleighs, and harnes- ses ; total value, the year ending April 1, 1S37, $169,476, of which amount $148,774 was for boots and shoes. This is a very pleasant town : the surface is diversified by hills and valleys: the soil is good, and appears to be cultivated by men who understand their business. A brief statement of the products of Mr. Samuel Chamberlain's farm of about 100 acres, in 1833, is here given. Butter, 3,486, lbs. $767. Cheese, 3,S3G, 221. Beef, - - 603. Pork, - - 652. Veal, - - 152. Total, $2,3.95. This is the native place of Eli Whitney. Soon after he gradua- ted at Yale College, he went to Georgia, where he resided many 39 years. He died, and was buried in the city of New Haven. The fol- lowing is inscribed on his monu- ment. Eli Whitney, the inventor of the Cotton Gin. Of useful Science and Arts, the efficient patron and improver. Born December 8th, 1765. Died Jan. 8th, 1825. In the social relations of life, a model of excellence. While private affection weeps at his tomb, his comitry honors his memory. See J\''ew Haven, Ct. West Boylston, Mass. Worcester co. This territory was a part of Boylston until ISOS, and was first settled about the year 1720. It is 42 miles W. from Boston, and 8 N. from Worcester. Population, in 18-30, 1,053; 1837, 1,330. The surface of the town is very pleasant; the soil good, and well cultivated. The Quinepoxet and Stillwater rivers meet the Nash- ua in this town. These streams fer- tilize a large portion of the town, and afford a water power to propel a number of mills. There are in the town 7 cotton mills, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, palm-leaf hats, cot- ton machinery, baskets, boxes, straw braid, hatchets and school appara- tus; annual value about $200,000. The venerable Robert B.Thomas, author of the Farmer's Almanac, is a resident of this (own. There are some mineral treasures in West Boylston, and a spring, the waters of which are strongly impregnated with iron. West Bridgewater, Mass. Plymouth co. This is the sec- ond daughter of the venerable Bridgewater, who found it difficult to find names for her progeny. This NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. daughter was born in 1822, and al- though not so stout as her sisters, is healthy, comely and industrious. The manufactuies of West Bridge- water consist of iron castings, shov- els, forks, hoes, ploughs, hoots and shoes: annual value, about $100,- 000. West Bridgewater is suppli- ed with mill privileges by a branch of Taunton river; and is 25 miles S. from Boston, 19 N. W. from Plymouth and 9 N. N. E. fiom Taunton. The number of her ciiil- dren in 1S37, was 1,145; increase in 7 years, 103. In 1820, ancient Bridgewaler contained 5,662 children : the whole family, in 1S37, consisted of 7,865 members. AVestbrook, Me. Cumberland co. Thi-s flourishing town was taken from Falmouth in 1814. It is 52 miles S. S. W. from Augusta, and is bounded E. by Portland. The Pi'esumpscot river passing through the town fj-om west to east, furnishes it with rich inter- vales, and numerous valuable mill privileges. The Cumberland and Oxford canal also passes through the town. This town is noted for its working cattle which aie said to equal any in the country. The principal place of business in Westbrook,is at the pleasant vil- lage of Saccarappa, where are large operations in the manufacture of lumber, and where has recently been erected, by citizens of Port- land, a large brick cotton mill, con- taining 2^900 spindles, and 104 looms, and which is in successful operation. Stroudwater, another village, has ■ome navigation employed in (he fishery and coasting trade, and has been celebrated for the fine ships built there. In Wcstbrook are ex- tensive manufactures of tin ware and combs, wiiich are sent to all parts of the United States. The scenery along the canal, and about the falls on the Presumpscut, is very pleasant. Population, 1830, 3,238; 1837, 3,755 West Cambridge, J>Iass. Middlesex co. This was a par- ish of Cambridge, called " Meno- tomy," until its incorporation, in 1807. A part of the lands are low and swampy, but the general fea- tures of the town are pleasant. Spy, Little, and a part of Fresh ponds lie in this town ; they abound with fish, and add m\ich to the beauty of the place. These pondu cover an area of about 200 acres, and furni-;h large quantities of ice fortran-portalion. In this town are some vei-y pleasant villages, nu- merous country seats, and well cul- tivated farms. Large quantities of milk are daily taken to the Boston market, and this place is a conSid- ablc niart for cattle from the inte- rior country. Sucker brook, though a small stream, furnishes a good water pow- er. The descent of this stream is so great, that dams are erected in the town foi- appropiiating its wa- ter nine different times. The me- chanical operations of West Cam- bridge consj-tof dying and printing calico, pulverizing drugs, medi- cines and dye-stuffs, a turning and sawing mill, and the manufacture of saws, cards, iioots, shoes, cabi- net ware and chairs; total value, the year ending April 1, 1S37, $312,'50O. West Cambridge is 6 miles N. W. from Boston, and 12 E. by S. from Concord. Population. 1830, 1,303. "Westerly, R. I. Washington co. Westerly i«i washed by the Atlantic ocean on the south, and Pawcatuck liver, which separates this state from Coimecticut, on the west. This maritime town has its principal har- bor at the mouth of the Pawcatuck, in which vessels are built, and in which some navigation is employed ill the fishery and domestic trado. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The Pawcatuck affonis a great va- riety of scale and shell fish. The surface of the town is gen- erally uneven; in some parts it presents rugged features. Its soil varies from good to bad, but its av- erage quality is well adapted to the culture of all the vai-ieties of grains, grasses, fruits and vegetables com- mon to the climate. The business of the dairy is extensive and lucra- tive. The village of Pawcatuck is ve- ry handsome ; it is finely located G miles from the sea, at the head of navigation on the Pawcatuck, and at the falls on that stream. This village is the site of valuable man- ufactures, and of a large interior trade. It is crossed by the Provi- dence and Stoniiigton rail road, and Hes 40 miles S. S. W. from Provi- dence, 5 N. N. E. from Stonington, and 35 VV. by S. from Newport. There are a number of pleas- ant ponds in the town, well stoied with fish. Westeily was incorpo- rated in 1669. Population, 1830, 1,904. Its Indian name was Mis- quamicut. West Fairlee, Vt. Orange co. This town is water- ed by Ompomponoosuc river, and by a part of Fairlee pond. The surface is rough and mountainous, but capable of sustaining a consid- erable number of cattle. West Fairlee was chartered in connexion with Fairlee, in 1761; and incorpoi-ated as a distinct town in 1797. It lies 23 miles S. E. from Montpelier, and 12 E. by S. from Chelsea. Population, l'S30, 841. ^Vestfield, Vt. Orleans co. A number of the branches of Missisque river meet in this town, and afford a good wa- ter power. A part of the sur- face of Westfield is mountainous ; through which is the pass in the Green mountains, called Hazen's Notch. Westfield was first settled about the year 1800. It lies 42 miles N. from Montpelier, and 44 N. E. from Burlington. Population, 1830, 353. Westfield River, Mass. This river, often called the Aga- wam, rises in the north part of Berkshire county. It has many tributaries, ami is exceedingly wild and romantic in many places. Its main bi-anch traverses the towns of Plainfield, Cummington, Goshen, Worthington, Chesterfield, Nor- wich, Montgomery, Russell, and Westfield, and meets the Connec- ticut at West Springfield, 30 miles N. from Hartford, Ct. W^estfield, Mass. Hampden co. This is a place of singular beauty, on Westfield river. It lies in a valley or basin of about 4 miles in diameter, sur- rounded by high hills, and is sup- posed to have been the bed of a lake whose waters burst the Mount Tom range of mountains and dis- charged itself into Connecticut riv- er. The Hampshire and Hampden canal passes through this town, and promises great advantages to its trade and hydraulic power. About a third part of the popula- tion of the village is engaged in making whips. The annual amount of that article manufactured here is about $160,000. There are also three powder mills in the town, and manufactures of tin ware, ploughs, boots, shoes, leather, cigars, palm- leaf hats, chairs, cabinet and wood- en wares : total annual value, about $250,000. The Westfield academy is in high standing : it has considerable funds, and its annual number of scholars is about 400. Westfield was firstsettled in 1659. Incorporated in 1669. It lies 99 miles W. S. W. from Boston, 9 W. by N. from Springfield, and 16 S. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. by W. from Northampton. Popu- lation, 1837,3,039. 'VTestford, Vt. Chittenden co. This township was settled soon after the revolu- tionary war, by Hezekiah Parme- lee and others. It lies 13 miles N. N. E. from Burlington, and 32 N. W. from Montpelier. Westford is well watered by Brown's river, a branch of the La- moille. The surface is rough, and the soil good for grazing. Between 3,500 and 4,000 sheep are kept. Population, 1830, 1,290. Westford, Mass. Middlesex co. This is a good farming town, on elevated ground, 26 miles N. W. from Boston, and 10 N.W. from Concord. Incorporated, 1729. Population, 1837, 1,451. The surface and soil of the town are well adapted to the growth of grain, grass and fruit, and large quanti- ties of hay and vegetables are an- nually sent to Boston and Lowell. Quantities of tine granite, common- ly called " Chelmsford granite," are found here, quarried and transpor- ted. Westfonl is watered by sev- eral beautiful ponds, and by Stoney brook which rises in the town and gives it mill privileges. The manufactures of Westford, consist of bar iron, shoes and leath- er : annual value, about $25,000. The village is handsomely situa- ted on a swell of line land, com- manding a beautiful prospect, of great extent, and contains an Acad- emy of ancient date and respect- able standing. AVest Green^ricli, R. I. Kent CO. This town was taken from East Greenwich in 1741, by which it is bounded on the east. It lies 18 miles S. W. from Provi- dence. Population, 1830, 1,SI8. This town possesses a primitive ge- ological character, and its surface presents a diversity of hills and valleys. Hopkin's Hill, affords an agreeable view of the surrounding country. The waters of the town consist of the south branch of the Pawtuxet, which rises here; and of the upper branches of Wood river, which pass through it. There are some manufactures in the town, but the people are generally en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. AVestliampton, Mass. Hampshire CO. This township is rough, but the soil is generally good, particularly for grazing. There is a valuable lead mine in the town ; about 1,000 merino sheep are kept, and some hats and leather are man- ufactured. It lies 8 miles W. by S. from Northampton. Incorporated, 1772. Population, 1837, 818. AVest Haven, Vt. Rutland co. This town was set off from Fair Haven in 1792. It lies 19 miles W. from Rutland, and is bounded W. by lake Champlain, and S. by Whitehall, N. Y. This town is well watered by Hubbardston and Poultney rivers, and Cogman's creek ; on the for- mer of which are handsome falls and mill sites. The soil is produc- tive of grain and grass : there is much limestone and clay in the town, and a large number of sheep are annually sheared. The site of the village is pleas- ant; it is a place of some trade, navigation and manufactures. Pop- ulation, 1837, 724. "Westminster, Vt. Windham co. This town is bounded N. by Rockingham, E. by Connecticut river, and S. by Put- ney. It lies 82 miles S. from Mont- pelier, and 13 N. E. from New- fane. Population, 1330, 1,737. This town was one of the first settled townships in the state, and being situated near a fort for the protection of the country, it pros- pered rapidly. For some years the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. courts of law were held here ; here the legislature of the state held several sessions, and here the mas- sacre of the 13th of March, 1775, was perpetrated. The surface and soil of this town are favorable for agriculture; and various articles of produce are an- nually sent to market. In 1S37, 13,766 sheep were sheared in West- minster The principal and oldest village is delightfully situated in the east parish, on the bank of Connecticut river. The main street, which is perfectly level, crosses a table of land about one mile in diameter, considerably elevated above the river, and also above the large and fertile meadows by which it is ap- proached on the north and south ; and the whole is enclosed by a semi- circle of hills which touch the river about two miles above and be- low the town. It is this barrier which, while it contributes to the natural beauty of the place, has, by turning the water course in an- other direction, deprived it of all those facilities of access, and of water power, which have so much contributed to the rapid growth of some of the neighboring villages. AVestmlnster, Mass. Worcester co. Tliis town lies on the range of high lands which separate the waters of the Connec- ticut and Meirimack, From tlie village a prospect is presented of lake and mountain with all the va- ried scenery which renders a New England town peculiarly delight- ful. Several streams, rising from large ponds in this town ami its neigh- borhood, produce a considerable water power, which is improved for manufactures of various kinds. These waters are so elevated and constant that, with a small expense, they might be rendered exceeding- ly valuable. They deserve p^ir- ticular attention of those in search 39* of mill sites in this part of the state. This town lies 50 miles W. N. W. from Boston, 20 N. by W. from Worcester, and 7 S. W. from Fitch- burgh. Incorporated, 1759. Pop- ulafion, 1830, 1,640. The manufactures of Westmin- ster consist of chairs, cabinet and wooden wares, hats, boots, shoes, straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, card boards, saddlery, and leather: an- nual value, about $00,000. Westmore, Vt. Orleans co. This town contains Willoughby's lake, a handsome sheet of water, surrounded by mounts Hor, Pico, and other eleva- tions. This lake is about 6 miles in length, and one and an half in width. Branches of Barton, Clyde and Passumpsic rivers lise in this and other ponds in the town. Westmore appears to be too high for (he habitation of many people or sheep: in 1830, it contained 32 inhabitants, and in 1837, 10 sheep. "Westmoreland, H. H. Cheshire co. Westmoreland is bounded N. by Walpole, E. by Sur- ry and Keene, S. by Chesterfield, and W. by Dummerston and Put- ney, Vt. Its distance from Con- cord is 65 miles S. W. Population, 1830, 1,647. This town is watered by several small streams vi^hich empty into the Connecticut. The one issuing from Spaftbrd's lake in Chesterfield is the largest, and affords some of the best water privileges in town. The present charter of the town was granted by New Hampshire, in 1752. The first settlement was made in 1741. The early settlers were several times attacked by the Indians. In one of their excur- siops, they killed William Phips, the first husband of Jemima How; and in another, carried Neheniiah How, the father of her second hus- band, a captive to, Canada, where NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. he died. The surface of Westmore- land is less varied by mountains, vales, rivers and ponds, than the neighboring towns. West Kewbury, Slass. Essex CO. This is a part of the ancient town of Newbury, and was taken from it in 1S19. This pleasant town lies on the S. side of Merrimack river; 33 miles N. from Boston, 20 E. from Lowell, and 4 W. from Newburyport. Pop- ulation, 1837, 1,443. This is a line township of land, and many excellent farms and coun- try seats are found within its limits. Asbestos and marble are found here. Although most of the inhabitants of the town are professional farm- ers, still there are manufactures of bar iron, combs, chaises, leather, and shoes: annual value, about $75,000. Westani, Ble. Washington co. This town was incorporated in 1835. It is the half township granted to Hampden academy. It lies a few miles west from Grand Lake : it is watered by Baskahegan river, and is about 90 miles N. E. from Bangor. Popu- lation, 1837, 213. Wheat crop, same year, 4,706 bushels. Weston, Vt. Windsor co. West river passes through this town, and on its banks are some good land, some manufac- tures and two pleasant villages. It was set off from Andover in 1790, and organized as a town in ISOO. Weston lies 66 miles S. by W. from Montpelier, and22S. W.from Windsor. Population, 1830, 972. Weston, Olass. Middlesex co. This is a town- ship of good land with a neat and flourishins: village. It lies 14 miles W. from ^Boston, 9 S. by E. from Concord, and is watered by Stony brook. Population, 1837, 1,105. The manufactures of the town consist of boots, shoes, leather, ma- chinery, ploughs, chairs, harnesses, pottery ware, &c. : annual value, about $60,000. Incorporated, 1712 AV'eston, Ct. Fairfield co. Weston was taken from Fairfield in 1787. It was set- tled in 1738. The town is watered by Saugatuck and Mill rivers, and a pleasant brook, which furnish a good water power. There are some valuable mills for manafactures in the town, but the chief business of the inhabitants is agricultural. The soil is a gravelly loam, with an uneven surface. Weston is 60 miles S. W. from Hartford, and is bounded N. W. by Fairfield. Population, 1330, 2,997. "On Monday, the 14lh of Decem- ber, 1807, at about the break of day, or a little after, the weather being moderate, calm, and the at- mosphere somewhat cloudy and foggy, a meteor ov fire ball, passing from, a northern point, disploded over the western part of this state, with a tremendous report. At the same time several pieces of stony substance fell on the earth in Fair- field county. One mass was driven against a rock and dashed in small pieces, a peck of whicli remained on the spot. About three* miles distant, in the town of Weston, an- other large piece fell upon the earth, of which a mass of about thirty pounds weight i-emains en- tire, and was exhibited the same day at town meeting. A small mass has been sent to Yale College, and examined by a number of gen- tlemen. It was immediately per- ceived by Professor Silliman to contain a metal, and on presenting it to a magnet a powerful attraction proved it to be iron. This is, we believe, the first instance in the United States, in which the sub- stance of this species of meteor has been found on the earth, though it has often been found in Europe." NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Westport, Me. Lincoln co. This town is sur- rounded by the waters of Sheepscot river and bay, and is bounded N. by Wiscasset, E. by Edgecoinb and Boothbay, and S. and W. by Sheep- scot's bay and Georgetown. It is 29 miles S. by E. fi-om Augusta. Pop- ulation, 1837, 580. Incorporated in 1828. Westport, Mass. Bristol CO. This town is pleas- antly situated on Acoakset river, near the mouth of Buzzard's bay, on the line of Rhode Island; IS miles N. N. E. from Newport, 25 S. from Taunton, 10 S. by E. from Fall River, 10 S. W. from New Bedford, and GO S. from Bos- ton. Five vessels belong to this place, engaged in the whaling bu- siness, and a number of small ves- sels are employed in coasting and fishing. The value of whale oil imported into Westport, the year ending April 1, 1837, was ,$53,670. The value of the manufactures of this town, the same year, was $69,375; they consisted of cotton yarn, salt and hoes. The number of sheep sheared that year, was 2,392; val- ue of the wool, $2,551. This town was incorporated in 1787. Popula- tion, in 1837,2,618. W^estport, Ct. Fairfield co. This pleasant town was called Saugatuck,. the name of a river that passes through it, un- til 1835. It was taken from the towns of Fairfield, Norwalk and Weston. It is about 5 miles in length from north to south, and is bounded E. by Fairfield, S. by Long Island Sound, and W. by Norwalk. Population, 1835, 1,800. There are in the town, 2 or 3 cot- ton mills, 2 carriage factories, and manufactures of shoes, hats and va- rious other articles. The village is quite a business place, and com- mands considerable trade. The Saugatuck is navigable for vessels of 7 feet draught of water to the village, which is 6 1-2 miles W. from Fairfield, 3 1-2 N. E. from Norwalk, and 27 S. W. from New Haven. About 2 1-2 miles south of the village of Westport, is a smooth and beautiful elevation, called Compo. It was at this place that the British troops landed in April, 1777, when on their expedition to Danbury. They also returned to this place when they embarked on board of their shipping. Seven or eight men were killed in the vicinity of the Congregational church in West- port. Ball Mountain, a conical eminence, covered with large trees from its base to its summit, is situa- ted a little south of the village, and is a striking feature in the landscape. West Q,iiotldy Head, Me. See Quoddy Head. West River, Vt. This river rises in Weston, in the county of Windsor, and passing S. through the towns of Londonder- ry, Jamaica, Wardsborough, and Newfane, in the county of AVind- ham, it falls into the Connecticut at the north part of Brattleborough. This river receives many branches in its course, which are good mill streams : the main river is rather sluggish, and fertilizes large tracts of meadow. West river traverses a distance of about 50 miles, and waters a basin of 440 square miles. •^Vest River Mountain, N. H. See Chesterfield and Hinsdale. AVest Springfield, Mass. Hampden co. This town is beau- tifully situated on both sides of Westfield river, at its confluence with the Connecticut, opposite to NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Springfield, to which it is connect- ed by a beautiful bridge. Some parts of the town are rough and un- even, and in some parts are stony plains ; but the general character of the town in regard to soil is allu- vial meadow of an excellent quali- ty. On the summits of the hills and along the rivers, a great variety of wild and delightful scenery is exhibited. There are 1 cotton and 2 woolen mills in the tovvn, and manufactures of leather, boots and shoes; annual value, about $100,00a. In 1837, there were 3,374 lleeces of wool sheared in the town, which weigh- ed 8,512 lbs., and sold for $3,107. Good ii-on ore is found in West Springfield, and a species of lime- stone, used for making water pi-oof cement. Incorporated, 1774. Pop- ulation, 1S37, 3,227.- West Stockbridge, Mass. Berkshire co. "Williams riv- er which rises in Richmond, runs through the whole length of this town, and gives it a great hydraulic power. This town is hounded W. by the state of New York, and lies on the route of the great western rail road from Boston to Albany. A part of the town is hilly ; but the soil is generally good. Along the river is a valh^y of fine land which gives beauty to the village, and value to the town. Mines of iron ore are found in this town, and an inex- haustible quantity of beautifully variegated marble. The manufactures of the town consist of bar ii-on, axes, brads, machinery, marble, leather, wood- en ware, &.c; annual value, about $50,000. West Stockbridge lies 135 miles W. from Boston, 9 S. S. W. from Lenox, 26 E. by N. from Hudson, N. Y., and 37 1-2 S. E. by S. from Albany, by the proposed rail road. Incorporated, 1774. Population, in 1837, 1,244. Wetliersfieia, Ct. Hartford co. This town, the In- dian Pyquag, was one of the first settled towns in the state. It is supposed tliat most of the Weth- ersfield settlers came round from Boston by water, and arrived in Ju- ly, before the Windsor and Hartford settlers, who came through the wilderness, and did not reach the Connecticut until about the 9th of November. Wethersfield is bounded N. by Hartford, E. by Connecticut river, S.by Middletown, and W.by Berlin. It lies 4 miles S. from. Hartford. Population, in 1820, 3,823 ; in 1830,. 3,853. Piper's river and other small streams water the town, but afford no important mill sites. The area of the town is about 6 miles square, cont;iining 23,000 acres. This is an excellent town- ship of land, having an undulating surface, and exhibiting a beautiful divei-sity of hill and dale. The soil is generally a rich gravelly and sandy loam, but in the western part of the town, argillaceous loam pre- vails ; and son>e small sections in the centre, may be considered as a garden mould. It is well adapted to glass and grain, and particularly to esculent roots. The tract of allu- vial upon Connecticut river is ex- tensive and beautiful, and very productive. Among other agricultural inter- ests in this town, the cultivation of onions has long held a conspicuous rank. This is an important agri- cultural pursuit, although it occu- pies but a small portion of land, and the service is piincipally per- formed by females. Wethersfield onions have long been justly cele- brated, and large quantities are exported to the southern states and the West Indies for a mai'ket. The changing of the bed of the river in this town has been the oc- casion of much litigation respecting NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. the title to the soil. Mr. Butler, who owned a tract upon which the river was encroaching, found after a while, some of his land appearing on the opposite side of the river, and accordingly laid claim to it. His claim was disputed, as he nev- er owned land on ihat side of the river. It was a long time before this case was decided. There ap- peared some difficulty in making the jury who sat on the case, to un- derstand the merits of the question. Mr. Ingersoll, a relative of the In- gersoll family in New Haven, was the counsel employed by Mr. But- ler. He illustrated the case by supposing that Mr. B. had built a castle on the land in question. Al- though the ground on which it stood might be overflowed, yet still it was his castle, and also the ground on which it stood, and he had a right to his property wherever he could find it. The case was finally deci- ded in accordance with these views. The State Prison of Connecticut was erected in this town in 1S26, and the piisoners from Newgate prison, in Granby, were removed here the next year. This building is situated on the south margin of the cove, which sets back from Connecticut river, at the north end of Wethersfield village. The build- ings of the prison form very near- ly a quadrangle, on the south side of which, stands the building which is more properly the Prison. The apartments of the warden are situ- ated in the east end of this build- ing ; the centre surrounds the block of cells 4 stories high, in which the male prisoners are lock- ed up. This hall or centre is 154 feet long, 43 feet wide, and .30 feet high ; the number of cells or night rooms is 200. The west end, is used as the female department, containing cells, i-ooms for labor, kitchen, and apartments for the matron. The east, north, and west sides of this quadrangle, are form- ed by a wall 20 feet high. With- in this yard are situated two ran- ges of shops ; one on the east side, and one upon the west, in which the convicts perform their daily la- bor. The passage into the prison, is through the warden's apartment, into the guard room, thence into the hall surrounding the cells, thence into the yard. This is the only passage, except through a large gate on the north side of the yard. Rocky Hill, the south parish of Wethersfield, lies on a collection of hills which are a continuation of the Middletown range : one of these eminences, Rocky hill, has given name to the paiish. It has a pleasant little village on an eleva- ted situation, 7 miles from Hartford, with a landing at some distance, where considerable commerce and ship building twere formerly car- ried on. JK^ewingtnn, the 2d society in Wethersfield, was formerly called Cow plain. The village is pleas- antly situated in a fertile valley, west of Cedar mountain : the cen- tral part is 6 miles from Hartford, and 4 from Wethersfield village. The inhabitants are chiefly engag- ed in agriculture, and are distin- guished for their general intelli- gence, and attachment to the in- stitutions of morality and religion. Many years since, a gentleman of Newington, who was a very re- ligious and conscientious man, mar- ried for a wife, one of the most ill natured and troublesome women which could be found in the vicini- ty. This occasioned universal sur- prise wherever he was known, and one of his neighbors ventured to ask him the reasons which govern- ed his choice. The gentleman re- plied, that having had but little or no trouble in the world, he was fearful of becoming too much at- tached to things of time and sense. And he thought by experiencing some afflictions, he should become more weaned from the world, and NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. that he married such a woman as he thought would accomplish the object. The best part of the story is, that the wife hearingof the rea- sons wliy he married her, was much offended, and out of revenge, became one of the mo^t pleasant nnd dutiful wives in the town, de- claring that she was not a going to be made a pack horse, to carry her husband to heaven. Welherslield was the scene of one of the most horrible butcheries ever committed ; that of the Bea- dle family, in 1782. Beadle was an Englishman, and came to this country in 1762. He settled in Fairfield, where he mar- ried, and remained until about 10 years before this tragedy. The following are extracts from an ac- count of this event, written by a neighbor, and attacMbd to the funer- al sermon of Mrs. Beadle and her children. " When the war commenced, he had on hand a very handsome as- sortment of goods for a country store, which he sold for the curren- cy of the countiy, without any ad- vance in the price ; the money he laid by, waiting and expecting the the time would soon arrive when he might therewith replace his goods, resolving not to part with it until it should be in as good de- mand as when received by him. His expectations from this quarter daily lessening, finally lost all hope, and was thrown into a state little better than despair, as appears from his writing: he adopted apian of the most rigid family economy, but still kept up the outward appear- ance of his former affluence, and ever to the last entertained his friends with his usual decent hospi- tality, although nothing appeared in his outward deportment, which evinced the uncommon pride of his heart. His writings show clearly that he was determined not to bear the mortification of being thought by his friends poor and dependent. On this subject he expresses him- self in the following extraordinary manner : ' If a man, who has once lived well, meant well, and done well, falls by unavoidable accident into poverty, and then submits to be laughed at, despised and trampled on, by a set of mean wretches as far below him as the moon is be- low the sun; I say if such a man submits, he must become meaner than meanness itself, and I sincere- ly wish he might have 10 years ad- ded to his natural life to punish him for his folly.' " He fixed upon the night suc- ceeding the 18th of November for the execution of his nefaiious pur- pose, and procured a supper of oys- ters, of which the family eat very plentifully : that evening he writes as follows : ' I have prepared a noble supper of oysters, that my flock and I may eat and drink together, thank God and die.' After supper he sent the maid with a studied er- rand to a friend's house at some dis- tance, directing her to slay until she obtained an answer to an insig- nificant letter he wrote his friend, intending she should not return that evening — she did however return ; perhaps her return dis- concerted him and prevented him for that time. The next day he carried his pistols to a smith for re- pair : it may be, the ill condition of his pistols might be an additional reason of the delay. " On the evening of (he 10th of December some persons were with him at his house to whom he ap- peared as cheerful and serene as usual ; he attended to the little af- fairs of his family as if nothing uncommon was in contemplation. The company left him about nine o'clock in the evening, when he was urgent as usual for (heir stay : whedier he slep( (hat night is un- certain, but it is believed he went to bed. The children and maid slept in one chamber: in (he grey of (he morning of the 11th of De« NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, ccmber he went to their bed cham- ber, awaked the maid and ordered her to rise gently, without disturb- ing the children, when slie came down stairs ; he gave lier a line to the family physician, who lived at the distance of a quarter of a mile ; ordered her to carry it immediately, at the same time declaring that Mrs. Beadle had been ill all night, and directing her to stay until the phy- sician should come with her : this he repeated sundry times with a degree of ardor. There is much reason to believe he had murdered Mrs. Beadle before he awaked the maid. Upon the maid's leaving the house he immediately proceeded to execute his purpose on the children and himself. It appears he had for some time before, carried to his bedside every night an axe and a carving knife ; he smote his wife and each of the childi-en with the ^xe on the side of the head as they lay sleeping in their beds ; the wo- man had two wounds in the head, the skull of each of them was frac- tured ; he then with the carving ■knife cut their throats from ear to ■ear; the woman and litlle hoy were drawn partly over the side of their beds, as if to prevent the bedding from being besmeared with blood : the three daughters were taken from the bed and laid upon the floor aide by side, like three lambs, be- fore their throats were cut ; they were covered with a blanket, and the woman's face with a handker- chief. He then proceeded to the lower floor of the house, leaving marks of his footsteps in blood on the stairs, carrying with him the axe and knife, the latter he laid on the table in the room where he was found, reeking with the blood of his family. Perhaps he had thoughts he might use it against himself if his pistols should fail. It appears he then seated himself in a Windsor chair, with his arms supported by the arms of the chair; he fixed the Buzzles of the pistols into his two ears, and fired them at the same in- stant: the balls went through th» head in transverse directions. Al- though the neighboi-3 were very near and some of them awake, none heard the report of the pis- tols. " The line to the physician ob- scurely announced the intentions of the man ; the bouse was soon opened, but alas, too late ! The bodies were pale and motionless, swimming in their blood, their faces white as mountain snow, yet lif« seemed to tremble on their lips : description can do no more than faintly ape and trifle with the real figure. " Such a tragical scene filled ev- ery mind with the deepest distress: nature recoiled, and was on tha lack with distorting passions : the most poignant sorrow and tender pity for the lady and her innocent babes, who were the hapless vic- tims of the brutal, studied cruelty of an husband and father, in whose embraces they expected to find se- curity, melted evei-y heart. Shock- ing effects of pride and false notions about religion ! " To paint the first transports this affecting scene produced, when the house was opened, is beyond my reach. Multitudes of all aget and sexes were drawn together by the sad tale. The very inmost souls of the beholders were wound- ed at the sight, and torn by con- tending passions. Silent grief, with marks of astonishment, were succeeded by furious indignation against the author of the affecting spectacle, which vented itself in incohei'ent exclamations. Nature itself seemed ruffled, and refused the kindly aid of balmy sleep for a time. " Near the close of the day on the 12th of December, the bodies being still unburied, the people who had collected in great num- bers, grew almost frantic with rage, and in a manner demanded NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, the body of the murderer : the law being silent on the subject, it was diflBcult to determine where decen- cy required the body should be placed : many proposed it should be in an ignominious manner where four roads met, without any coiiin or insignia of respect, and perfora- ted by a stake. Upon which a question arose, where that place could be found which might be unexceptionable to the neighbor- hood, but no one would consent it should be near his house or land. After some consultation it was thought best to place it on the bank of the river between high and low water mark : the body was handed out of the window and bound with cords on a sled, with the clothes on as it was found, and the bloody knife tied on his breast, without coffin or box, and the horse he usu- ally rode was made fast to the sled : the horse, unaccustomed to the draught, proceeded with great un- steadiness, sometimes running full speed, then stopping, followed by a multitude, until arriving at the wa- ter's edge, the body was tumbled into a hole dug for the purpose, like the carcase of a beast. "On the 13th of December, the bodies of the murdered were in- terred in a manner much unlike that of the unnatuial murderer. The remains of the children were borne by a suitable number of equal age, attended by a sad pro- cession -of youths of the town, all bathed in tears ; side by side the hapless woman's corpse was cai-- ried in solemn procession to the parish church yard, followed by a great concourse, who with affec- tionate concern and every token of respect were anxious to express their heartfelt forrow in perform- ing the last mournful duties. "The person of Mr. Beadle was small, his features striking antl full of expression, with the aspect of fierceness and determination; his mind was contemplative ; when once he had foimed an opinion, he was remarkably tenacious: as a merchant or trader, he was esteem- ed a man of strict honor and integ- rity, and would not descend to any low or mean artifice to advance his fortune. He was turned of 52 years of age when he died. " Mrs. Beadle was born at Ply- mouth in Massachusetts, of reputa- ble parents, a comely person, of good address, well bred, and unus- ually serene, sincere, unaffected and sensible. She died in the mid- dle of life, aged 32 years. " The children, (the eldest of which was a son, aged 12 years, the other three, daughters, the youngest aged 6 years) were such as cheered the hearts of their par- ents, who were uncommonly fond of displaying their little virtues and excellencies, and seemed to antici- pate a continuance of growing pa- rental satisfaction : alas, like early, tender buds nipped by untimely frosts, they did but begin to live ! " It is more than probable, that this man had for months past desir- ed that some or all of his children might be taken out of the world by accident : he removed all means of security from a well near his house, which he was careful heretofore to keep covered. His little boy he often sent to swim in the i-iver, and has been heard to chide the child for not venturing further into deep water than his fears would sufi'er him. He has at times declared it would give him no pain or uneasi- ness to follow his children to the grave : his acquaintance knew these expressions could not arise fiom want of affection or tender- ness for his children, but rather imagined him speaking rashly in jest. He ever spoke lightly of death as a bugbear the worhl cause- lessly feared. It appears from his writings, lie at first had doubts whether it was just and reasonable for him to deprive his wile of life, and offers against it only this reason, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. that he had no hand in bringing her into existence, and consequent- ly had no power over her life. She set out on the 7th of Novem- ber on a journey to Fairfield, which he thought was by direction of Heaven to clear him of his doubts and remove her out of the way, at the time the business was to be done ; and his intention was to have executed his design on himself and children in her absence. She pro- ceeded no furtlier than New Ha- ven, and by reason of some disap- pointment, returned ten days earlier than expected : he appeared cha- grined at her early return, and soon began to invent some justifying reasons for depriving her of life also. He finally concludes it would be unmerciful to leave her behind to languish out a life of misery and wretchedness, which must be the consequence of the surprising death of the rest of the family, and that since they had shared the frowns and smiles of foitune together, it would be cruelty to her, to be di- vided from them in death." Weybridse, Vt. Addison co. Weybridge is wa- tered by Otter Creek, which af- fords it good mill sites. Lemonfair river, a sluggish stream, also waters the town. Some parts of the town are mountainous, but the soil is gen- erally good : the basis being lime- stone, it yields good crops, and pas- tures about 6,000 sheep. It lies 30 miles S. by E. from Burlington, and is bounded on the S. E. by Middle- bury. Population, 1830, 8.50. "Weymouth, Mass. Norfolk CO. This was the sec- ond settlement made by white men in New England. Mr. Thom- as Weston, a respectable merchant of London, who had been active in promoting the interests of the Plymouth colonists, sent two ships and 50 or 60 men to plant a colony at this place, in the year 1622. The 40 fate of the colony was as unfortu- nate as the designs of Mr. Weston were philanthropic. By the unjust and wanton conduct of his agents towards the natives, the colony would have been totally destroyed, were it not for the timely assistance affoi-ded it by a band of men from the Plymouth Colony, commanded by the gallant Standish. The col- ony was broken up, and Mr. Wes- ton lost his life on the coast in at- tempting to reach it. This place, the Indian Wessagiisset, named Weymouth from a town in England, was however permanently settled by the Rev. William Morrill, Capt. Robert Georges and others, in the year 1624. The surface of the town is pleas- antly diversified by hills and val- leys. Some of the elevations are commanding, and present delight- ful views of Boston harbor, Mas- sachusetts bay and the adjacent country. The soil is a strong grav- elly loam, with a granitic super- structure. This town was formerly noted for its excellent dairies, particular- ly for its cheese of a superior rich- ness and flavor ; but little of which is now made in consequence of the increased value of the lands. Weymouth is finely watered by large and beautiful ponds, and by two important arms of Boston har- bor, called Fore and Back rivers. These rivers are navigable for large vessels, and at their head are valua- ble mill privileges. Between these rivers, and between the towns of Braintree and Hingham is a large tract of gently swelling land of good soil, extending to Quincy, and is united to "Quincy Point" by a bridge across Fore river. Over this ground the turnpike road between Quincy and Hingham passes. There are several pleasant vil- lages in Weymouth, but the prin- cipal place of business in the town is at " Weymouth Landing," so NEW E.\C.!.A.VD GAZETTEER. called, or Washiucrton Square, at the head of Fore river, on the line of Braintree. This place, beins; at the head of navigation for a large and flourishing section of country, has long enjoyed, and must ever pos- sess superior privileges as a place of trade. About 1,000 tons of ship- ping is owned here, employed in the fisheiy and domestic trade. At this place are a number of wharves, ware houses, a steam saw mill, and manufactures of various kinds. Ship building is carried on to some extent, and large quanti- ties of lumber, flour, grain, lime, coal, wood, &c., are annually sold. This village lies on the Plr- mouth and New Bedford roads, 11 miles S. by E. from Boston, 24 N. N. W. from Plymouth, U S. E. from Dedham, 5 W. from Hin^ham, and 9 S. S. W. from Boston Light. The village at the south part of the town is pleasantly situated on elevated ground, about 3 miles S. from Washington Square. The people here are extensively enga- ged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. Stages pass between these villa- ges and Boston, daily; and pack- ets, for the transportation of mer- chandize, navigate the rivers about nine mouths in the year. The roads in this section of the country are remarkably tine, and many citizens of Boston make Wey- mouth their summer residence. The manufactures of the town are various, but those of leather, boots and shoes, are the most con- siderable. The annual amount of these manufactures varies from $500,000 to $300,000. Weymouth was incorporated in 1635. Population, 1S20, 2,404; 1830, 2,839 ; 1337, 3,337. This ancient town has been the birth place and residence of many men of great usefulness in society. Among the number, the name of CoTTOPr Tufts, M. D., M. M. S. S. A. A. S., will long be re- membered as a revolutionary patri- arch and skillful physician. AVliately, 3Iass. Franklin CO. This town lies on the west side of Connecticut river, 9 miles N. from Northampton, 11 S. from Greenfield, and 92 W. by N. from Boston. Incorporated in 1771. Population, in 1337, 1,140. There are some pine plains, and a part of Sugar Loaf mountain ex- tends into the town from Deerfield ; still there are some tracts of good intervale land on the Connecticut, and smaller streams, by which it is watered. The number of sheep in Whately, in 1837, was 1,6.50 ; weischtof wool, 4,953 lbs. : value, $2,862. There are 3 woollen mills in the town, 3 tanneries, 3 distilleries, and manu- factures of gimblets, augers, ham- mers, brooms, brushes, palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, pocket-books, &.c. Annual value, about $90,000. ■\\Tieelock, Vt. Caledonia co. There is some £00(1 land in this town, but a ffreat part of it is mountainous or hilly, and fit only for the pasturao;e of sheep, of which about 3,000 are kept. The streams flow N. W. into the Lamoille ; and S. E. into the Passump«ic. This town was granted in 1735, to the charity school at Dartmouth College, and named in honor of John AVheelock, who was, at that time, president of that institution. Wheelock lies 30 miles N. N. E. from Montpelier, and 9 N. from Danville. Population, 1830, 834. WTieelwriglit's Pond, N. H. See Lee. WUite River, Vt. This is the largest stream in the state on the east side of the Green Mountains. It waters a basin of about 700 square miles, and traver- ses in its course from Kingston, iu NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Addison county, about 60 miles. It passes through Hancock, Rochester, and Pittsfielil, in Rutland county, and Stockbridge, Bethel, Royalton, and Sharon, in Windsor county, to its fall into the Connecticut at Hart- ford, about 5 miles above the mouth of Queechy river. White river receives many large tributaries ; the most considerable of which are the three branches, so called, from the north ; and Broad brook and Locust creek from the south. This stream and its branches, afford a great hydraulic power; and large tracts of country are fertilized by its waters. It passes through a country of lofty mountains, deep ravines ' and fertile valleys ; the scenery of which is much enhanc- ed by the devious course of this beautiful river. AVTiite Cap Monntaiii, Me. See Andover. ■Whitefieia, Me. Lincoln CO. Sheepscot river pass- es through this town, giving it fer- tility, beauty, and a good water power. It lies Ifl miles S. E. from Augusta, and 14 N. from Wiscas- set. Incorporated, 1809. Popula- tion, in 1837, 2,1.36. Wheat crop, same year, 3,637 bushels. WHitefield, N. II. Coos CO. This is an irregular township, lying S. from Lancaster, W. from Jefferson, N. from Carroll and Bethlehem, and E. from Dalfon. It is 120 miles N. from Concord. Its soil is generally thin and light, of easy cultivation and tolerably good ; though in the N. part low spruce swamps abound. In this town lie part of Blake's, Long, Round and Little river ponds, be- side two other small ponds. The second of these is a beautiful pond of considerable size, abounding with fish. John's river passes through this town. Whitefield was granted July 4, 1774, to Josiah Moody and others, and soon after settled by Maj. Burns and others. Popula- tion, 1830, 685. W^Iiitehead, Me. Lincoln co. An Island off the town of St. George, with a light and tower 30 feet in height. The light bears about S. W. by S. 9 miles from Owl's Head. "White Mountains, N. II. These mountains are situated in the county of Coos, in the north part of the state. They extend about 20 miles from S. "W. to N. E., and are the more elevated parts of a range extending many miles in that direction. Their base is about 10 miles broad and their cen- tral latitude is 44° 15' N., and 71° 20' W. longitude. The Indian name of these moun- tains, according to Dr. Belknap, was JIgiocochook. An ancient tra- dition prevailed among the savages, that a deluge once overspread the land, and destroyed every human being, except a single powow and his wife, who sheltered themselves in these elevated regions, and thus preserved the race fiom extermi- nation. The fancy of the natives peopled this mountain with beings of a^superior rank, who were invis- ible to the human eye, but some- times indicated their presence by tempests, which they were believ- ed to control with absolute authori- ty. The savages therefore, never attempted to ascend the summit, deeming the attempt perilous, and success impossible. But they fre- quented the defiles and environs of the mountain, and of course propa- gated many extravagant descrip- tions of its appearance ; declaring, among other things equally cred- ible, that they had seen carbun- cles at immense heights, which, in the darkness of night, shone with the most brilliant and dazzling splendor. President Alden states, that the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. White mountains were called by one of the eastern tribes IVaum- bekketmethna: Waumbekket sio;ni- fiQs white, and methna, mountains. Before we attempt a description of these mountains, we shall en- deavor to direct the traveller in his course, from the east, the south and the west, to this magniticent exhibition of Almighty power. Routes from Boston, through Concord, jX. H. Travellers take the rail road to Lowell, pass to Nashua, by rail road, and then by stage through Amoskeag to Concord, or take the Mammoth road at Low- ell, through Manchester and Lon- donderry, or pass through Andover and Haverhill, Mass. The distance from Boston to Concord, by the Mammoth road, is 65 miles : by Nashua, 72, and by the way of Haverhill, 70 miles. From Con- cord you pass to Meredith bridge, either by the Shaker village in Canterbury, 12 miles; or Sanborn- ton bridge, 16 miles from Concord. The distance from Concord to Mer- edith bridge is 26 miles. From Meredith bridge to Meredith vil- lage, is 9 miles ; from thence to Cen- tre Harbor, at the north western extremity of Winnepi^iogee lake, is 4 miles. Here you have a fair view of the lake for 15 miles, and here you can be accommodated with a passage down the lake, to Alton, any day in the season of nav- igation. From Centre Harbor to Moultonborough is 5 miles, to Sand- wich, 2, to Tamworth, 12 ; to Eaton, 6, to Conway, 8, to Bartlett, on the south east side of the mountains, 10 ; to the entrance of the Notch," 12 miles; and from thence to the •'Crawford House," is 12 miles. The Crawford liouse is about 9 miles from the summit of Mount Wash- ington. About two thirds of this distance is traveled by horses, pro- cured at the accommodation house of Crawford ; the residue is traveled on foot, by a pretty good path, cot lor the purpose. The total distance from Boston to the base of Mount Washington, is 171 miles. These are very pleasant routes : you pass through the capital of New Hamp- shire, a beautilul town ; you enjoy a great variety of delightful and ro- mantic river and lake scenery, and are accommodated with good houses, gentlemanly landlords, skillful and obliging stagemen. There is another route from Con- cord to these hills, by the way of Plymouth, through the Franconia Notch, that is very pleasant and frequently traveled. From Con- coid through Boscawen, Frank- lin, Andover, Hill, Bristol, and Bridgewater, to Plymouth, is 40 miles ; from thence, through Camp- ton, Thornton, Peeling, Lincoln, to Littleton, through the Franconia Notch, is 40 miles. From Littleton to Crawford's, is 18 miles. Total distance from Boston, by this route, 163 miles. From Plymouth to Littleton the roads are remarkably good, and the landscape delightful; but the scenery is not so beautiful as by the Winnepisiogee, nor so magnificent as through the Notch of the White Mountains. The Portsmouth and Dover route, from Boston, is very pleasant : you exchange the beautiful scene- ry along the Merrimack, for a visit to some of our mo«t delightful At- lantic towns. On this route we pass through the principal towns of Sa- lem, JBeverly, Ipswich, Newbury- port, Hampton, to Portsmouth, 56 miles fiom Boston. From thence we go to Dover, 12 miles, to Alton, at the southeastern extremity of Winnepi-iogee lake, 28 miles; from thence up the lake, by steam boat, to Centre Harbor, 20 miles, and from thence, to Crawford's, at the base of Mount Washington, as by the Concord route. Total distance, by this route. 183 miles. NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. The Portland route, from Bos- ton, by steam boat and stage, is another very pleasant way to reach this mountainous region. You leave Boston in the evening, on board one of our beautiful, sea- worthy steamers, and take an early breakfast, the next morning, at our friend Haskell's, at the "Elm House," in Portland. The distance from Boston to Portland is about 120 miles ; but distance, in this case, is generally lost in sleep. After breakfast you take the northern stage, and passing through Gorham and other towns, to Fryeburgh, you arrive at Conway, (the centre of all the eastern routes,) 57 miles from Portland, and find excellent accom- modations for tlie night. The next day you have ample time to go to the Crawford house, and to prepare for an aerial excursion the next morning. The distance from Bos- ton, in this way, is 211 miles. This is the most expeditious route, and has the charms of both ocean and inland scenery. The Connecticut River route, to the " Crystal Hills," is full of beauty in almost all its course. You leave Hartford and ascend one of the most delightful rivers in the world, to Littleton, N. H.,a dis- tance of 188 miles. Some of this distance may be travelled by water, but the most agreeable mode of travelling is by land, on either side of the river. As you pass the principal towns of Springfield, Northampton, Deeriield, Green- field, Brattleboro', Walpole, Wind- sor, Hanover, Norwich, Haverhill and Newbury, you ai-e charmed with all the varieties of scenery, which elevated mountains, placid and rapid waters, a wide, luxuriant and densely populated alluvial basin can yield. The distance from Lit- tleton through Bethlehem to Craw- ford's House is 18 miles. Total dis- tance from Hartford, by this route, 206 miles. 40* TTie Hudson River Route. Ex- cursions to these mountains from New York by the Hudson river. Lake Champlain, and back by the waj' of Boston or Hartford, affords our southern and western friends a rich repast of New York and New England scenery. The distances on the Hudson, from New York to Troy are given under Long Island Sound. From Ti'oy to the far famed Min- eral Springs, at Ballston and Sara- toga, is a pleasant ride, by the rail i-oad. The distance to the former is 2."), and to the latter 32 miles. The distance from Albany to Sara- toga Springs, by the way of Sche- nectady, is 36 miles. The waters of these springs have long been justly celebrated for their medicinal and exhilarating quali- ties ; and a vast number from all parts of the United States, and even from foreign countries, resort to them, eithei' for health, or to joia the gay and fashionable throng who. hold an annual festival around these hygeian fountains. The accommodations at these villages, for the entertainment of strangei's, are of the first order: no expense seems to be spared to render them acceptable to their numerous visitants. These springs are numerous, but generally contain the same sub- stances, only in a greater or less quantity.. The most celebrated of them is the Congress, at Saratoga, which has given, in analysis, 471,5 grains muriate of soda ; 178,4 3-4 carbonate of lime ; 16,5 carbonate of soda ; 3,3 1-2 carbonate of mag- nesia, and 6,1 3-4 carbonate of iron, to one gallon of wafer: carbonic acid gas, 343 cubic inches. Tem- perature through the year, 50° of Farenheit. A few miles east from Saratoga village is Fish Creek, memorable as. the scene of the surrender of Burgoyne's army, of 5,791 men,, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. to the Americans, under General Gates, October 17, 1777. From Troy to Whitehall, N. Y., is 70 miles by stage, and 72 by the Champlain canal. In this distance we pass Bemis' Heiglits, and forts Miller, Edward, and Anne; im- portant stations during the revolu- tionary war. Tl'liitehall is at the southern ex- tremity of lake Champlain, and at the junction of the canal with the lake. This place is an impoi-tant location for trade on Lake Chain- plain, and of an extensive tract of countr}'. The lake is navigable here for all classes of lake vessels ; and from this place steam boats ply along the sliores of this beautiful lake to St. Johns in Lower Canada. This is a pleasant and flourishing town, and a great thoroughfare for travelers in the season of naviga- tion. It is situated in the county of Washington, and contains a pop- ulation of about 3,500. About a dozen miles west from Whitehall lays Lake George, cele- brated for the purity of its waters, its enchanting island and mountain scenery, its salmon trout, and above all, for its history, as connected with the memory "of our fathers in their glorious struggle for liberty. This lake is about 33 miles in length, and averages about 2 miles in breadth. It discharges its wa- ters into Lake Champlain, near the ruins of Ticonderoga, by an outlet of 3 miles in length ; in which dis- tance the fall is about 150 feet. On some of the islands in this lake, crystals of quartz are found of uncommon transparency and per- fection of form. Rogers' Rock, is on the west side of the lake, near the outlet. It rises abruptly between 300 and 400 feet. It received its name from a Major Rogers, who, to elude his Indian pursuers, deceived them by asscending the rock, throwing his pack into the lake, and chang- ing his snow shoes heels foremost ; thus inducing them to believe that he had leaped into the lake. This is indeed one of the most beautiful and romantic sheets of water in the woi-ld. From Whitehall to Burlington, Vermont, is 70 miles. On this route we pass the memorable for- tresses of Ticonderoga and Crown Point; Mount Independence, and a great number of beautiful towns which skirt the lake on each side. Opposite to Charlotte, Vermont, 11 miles S. frOm Burlington, in the town of Essex, N. Y., is Siilit Hock, a great natural curiosity. This rock projects into the lake 150 feet. The point is separated from the main rock about 20 feet : it con- tains about half an acre, and is cov- ered with trees. The height of the i-ock, on each side of the opening, is about 20 feet; and appears to have been rent asunder by some great convulsion. From the beautiful town of Bur- lington w? cioss the mountains to Montpelier, situated in a delightful valley amid the hills. The distance is as miles. On this route we travel along the romantic banks of the Winooski ; we listen to the rushing of its waters down its mountain course ; view its foaming cataracts, and stop to admire the wonderful fissures and fantastic mechanism, which, in the course of ages, that stream has wrought, by its ceaseless current, amid these adamantine hills. From Montpelier we pass to Con- necticut rivei, and Littleton, N. H., a distance of 40 miles, and from Lit- tleton to the base of Mount Wash- ington, a distance of 18 miles. By this route from the city of New York, the distance is 386 miles : from that city by the way of Stonington, Providence, and the nearest route from Boston, the dis- tance is 383 miles. This route may be varied so as to enjoy the beauties of Winnepisiogee lake, by leaving Troy, 150 miles, fox NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Bennington, SO miles, ISO ; Brat- tleboi-ough, 40—220; Keene,20— 240 ; Concord, 55— 295 ; to the base of the mountains, 106 ; total dis- tance, 401 miles. These mountains are the highest in New England ; and, if we except the Rocky mountains, wiiose height has not been ascertained, they are the most lofty of any in the United States. Their great elevation has always rendered them exceeding- ly interesting both to the aborigi- nal inhabitants and to our ances- tors. They were visited by Neal, Jocelyn, and Field as early as 1632 : they gave romantic accounts of their adventures, and of the ex- tent and sublimity of the mountains. They called them the Crystal Hills. Since that time this mountainous region has been repeatedly explor- ed by hunters and men of science. Their height has been a subject of much speculation ; but from the best surveys. Mount Washington is 6,234 feet above the level ofthe sea. The following is the height of the principal mountains above Connecticut river at Lancaster, to wit : Mount Washington, - 5,850 feet. " Adams, - - 5,383 " Jefferson, - 5,281 Madison, - - 5,039 " Monroe, - - 4,932 Franklin, - 4,470 La Fayette, - 4,.339 Although these mountains are 65 miles distant from the ocean, their snow white summits are distinctly visible, in good weather, more than 50 miles from shore. Their ap- pearance at that distance is that of a silvery cloud skirting the horizon. The names here given are those generally appropriated to the differ- ent summits. Mount Washington is known by its superior elevation, and by its being the southern of the three highest peaks. Mount Adams is known by its sharp termi- nating peak, and being the second north of Washington. Jefferson is situated between these two. Madison is the eastern peak of the range. Monroe is the first to the south of Washington. Franklin is the second south and is known by its level surface. LaFayette is known by its conical shape, and be- ing the third south of Washington. The ascent to the summits of these mountains, though fatiguing, is not dangerous ; and the visitant is rich- ly rewarded for his labor and curi- osity. In passing from the Notch to the highest summit, the travel- ler crosses the summits of Mounts La Fayette, Franklin and Monroe. In accomplishing this, he must pass through a forest, and cross several ravines. These are neither wide nor deep, nor are they discovered at a great distance ; for the trees fill them up exactly even with the mountain on each side, and their branches interlock with each other in such a manner, that it is very difficult to pass through them, and they are so stifT and thick as almost to support a man's weight. Mount La Fayette is easily ascended. Its top, to the extent of 5 or 6 acres, is smooth, and gradually slopes away in every direction from its centre. It even has a verdant ap- pearance, as it is every where cov- ered with short grass, which grows in little tufts to the height of four or five inches. Among these tufts, mountain flowers are thinly scat- tered, which add life and beauty to the scene. The prospect from this summit is beautiful : to the N. the eye is dazzled with the splendor of Mount Washington; N. W. are seen the settlements in Jefferson ; W. the courses of the Amonoosuck, as though delineated on a map : S. W. the Mooschillock and Haystack are discovered; S. Chocorua peak; S. E. the settlements and moun- tains in Bartlett; E. only dark mountains and forests. On descend- ing this mountain, a small patch of water is found at its base ; from NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. which the ascent is gradual to the summit of Mount Fiankliii. Aftui- crossing tiiis mountain, you pass over the east pinnacle ol" Mount Monroe, and soon find yourself on a plain of some extent, at the foot of Mount Washinciton. Here is a fine resting-place, on the margin of a beautiful sheet of water, of an oval form, covering about 3-4 of an acre. The waters aie pleasant to the taste, and deep. Not a living creature is to be seen in the waters, at this height on the hills ; nor do vegetables of any kind grow in or around them, to obscure the clear rocky or gravelly bottom on which they rest. A small spring discharg- es itself into this pond at its south- east angle. Another pond, of about 2-3 its size, lies N. W. of this. Directly before you, the pinnacle of Mount Washington rises with majestic grandeur, like an immense pyramid, or some vast Ki-emlin in this magnificent city of mountain**. The pinnacle is elevated about 1,5(>0 feet above the plain, and is coinpo- eed principally of huge rocks of granite and gneiss piled together, presenting a variety of colors and forms. In ascending, you must pass enor- mous masses of loose stones ; but a walk of half an hour will gener- ally carry you to the summit. The view from this point is wonderfully grand and picturesque. Innumer- able mountains, lakes, ponds, riv- ers, towns and villages meet the de- lighted eye, and the dim Atlantic stretches its waters along the east- ern horizon. To the N. is seen the lofty summits of Adams and Jefier- son ; and to the east a little di-tach- ed from the range stands Mount Madison. Mount Washington is supported on the N. by a higli ridge, which extends to Mount Jefferson ; on the N. £. by a large gi'assy plain, terminating in a vast spur extend- ing far away in that direction ; E. by a promontory, which breaks off abruptly at St. Anthony's Nose ; S. and S. E. by a grassy plain, in sum- mer, of more than 40 acres. At the southeastern extremity of this plain, a lidge commences, which slopes gracefully away towards the vale of the Saco; upon which at short distances from each other, arise rocks, resembling, in some places, towers; in others, repre- senting the various orders of archi- tecture. It would be vain in us to attempt a description of the varied wonders which here astonish and delight the beholder. To those who have vis- ited these mouDtains, our descrip- tions would be tame and unin- teresting ; and he who has never ascended their hoary summits, can- not realize the extent and magnifi- cence of the scene. These moun- tains are decidedly of primitive formation. Nothing of volcanic origin has ever yet been discover- ed on the most diligent research. They have for ages, probably, ex- hibited the same unvarying aspect. No minerals are here found of much rarity or value. The rock which most abounds, is schistus, intermix- ed with greenstone, mica, granite and gneiss. The three highest peaks are composed entirely ot fragments of rocks heaped together in confusion, but pretty firmly fix- ed in their situations. These rocks are an intermediate substance be- tween gneiss and micaceous schis- tus ; they are excessively rough and coarse, and grey, almost black, with lichens. The mica in them is abundant, of different colors, red, black, and limpid, and though some- times several inches in diameter,yet most often irregularly stratified. The granite contains emerald, tour- maline, of which are found some beautiful specimens, atid garnets, besides its proper constituents. Crystals of quartz, pyrites, actin- ote, jasper, porphyry, fluate of lime, and magnetic iron ore, are some- limes obtained. During 9 or 10 months of the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. year, the summits of the mountains are covered with snow and ice, giv- ing them a bright and dazzling ap- pearance. On every side are long and winding gulleys, deepening in their descent to the plains below. Here some of the finest riv- ers of New England originate. The Saco flows from the east side of the mountains ; the branches of the Androscoggin from the noi-th ; the Amonoosuck and other tiibuta- ries of the Connecticut from the west ; and the Pemigewasset fiom tlie south, its fountain being near that of the Saco. The sides of the hills are in many parts covered with soil ; but this is very superticial in all cases, and every spot, that can be reached by running vvatei-, is left destitute of every thing but rocks and jjcbbles, of which like- wise the river bottoms are exclu- sively composed. In these cold and elevated regions, the period for the growth of vegetables is ex- tremely brief; the mountains must be forever sterile. Moss and li- chens may be found near the sum- mits, but of meagre and scanty growth — looking as if they had wandered from their proper zone below, into these realms of barren desolation. A visit of Mr. Vines to the White Mountains, described by Winthrop, is woi-thy of notice. It was per- formed in the month of August, 1642, by him in company with Thomas Gorges the deputy-gover- nor. Darby Field, who was liv- ing at Exeter, 16.39, has the credit of being the first traveller to these mountains. His journey also is described by Winthrop, who says it was performed in the year 1632. He appears to have returned by the way of Saco. " The report he brought," says Winthrop, " of shin- ing. stones, &c. caused divers others to travel thither, but they found nothing worth their pains. Mr. Gorges and Mr. Vines, two of the magistrates of Sir F. Gorges' prov- ince, went thither about the end of this month," (August.) They set out, probably, a few days after the return of Field, dazzled by visions of diamonds and other precious minerals, with which the fancy of this man had garnished his story. " They went up Saco river in birch canoes, and that way they found it 90 miles to Pegwagget, an Indian town, but by land it is but 60. Up- on Saco river they found many thousand acres of rich meadow, but thei-e are 10 falls which hinder boats, &c. Fi-om tlie Indian town they went up hill (for the most part) about 30 miles in woody lands, then they went about 7 or 8 miles upon shattered rocks, w ithout tree or grass, very steep all the way. At the top is a plain about 3 or 4 miles ovei', all shattered stones, and upon that is another rock or spire about a mile in height, and a!)out an acre of ground at the top. At the top of the plain arise 4 great rivers, each of them so much wa- ter at the first issue as would drive a mill : Connecticut river fiom two heads at the N. W. and S. W., which join in one about 60 miles off; Saco river on the S. E. ; Am- ascoggin, which runs into Casco bay, at the N. E. ; and the Ken- ncbeck at the N. by E. The mountain runs east and west 30 or 40 miles, but the peak is above all the i-est. They went and returned in 15 days." This description of the mountains was pi-obably com- municated by Mr. Vines to Gov. ^Vinlhrop. It conveys a very accu- rate idea of them, as they now strike the traveller. The A^otch of the mite Moun- tains, is a phrase appropriated to a very narrow defile, extending two miles in length between two huge cliffs apparently rent asunder by some vast convulsion of nature : probably that of the deluge. The entrance of the chasm on the east side, is formed by two rocks stand- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ing perpendicular at the distance of 22 feet from each other : one about 20 feet in height, the other about 12. The road from Lancnster to Portland passes through Ihir! notch, following the course of the head stream of the Saco. The scenery at this place is ex- ceedingly beautiful and grand. The mountain, otherwise a continued range, is here cloven quite down to its base, opening a passage for the waters of the Saco. The gap is so narrow, that space has with dif- ficult}' been found for the road. About half a mile from the entrance of the chasm is seen a most beau- tiful cascaile, issuing from a moun- tain on the right, about 800 feet al)0ve the subjacent valley, and about 2 miles distant. The stream passes over a series of rocks almost perpendicular, with a course so lit- tle broken as to preserve the ap- pearance of a uniform current, and yet so far disturbed as to be per- fectly Avhite. This beautiful stream, which passes down a stupendous precipice, is called by Dwight, tlie Silver Cascade. It is pj-obably one of the most beautiful in the world. At the distance of 3-4 of a mile from the entrance of tlie chasm is a brook, called the Flume, which falls from a height of 240 or 250 feet over three precipices — down the two first in a single current, and over the last in three, which unite again at the hottom in a small basin formed by the hand of nature in the rocks. The water is pure and transparent, and it would be impossible for a brook of its size to be modelled into more diversified or delightful forms. It is by no means strange tliat the unlettered Indian fancied these regions to be the abodes of celes- tial beings ; while the scholar, with- out a stretch of fancy, in calling to mind the mythology of Greece, might find liere a fit place for the assemblies and sports of the Dry- ads, Naiads and Oreade?. Avalanches or slides from the mountains. On the 2Sth of Au- gust, 1S26, there occurred one of the most remarkable floods ever known in this mountainous region ; and which was attended by the awful calamity of the destruction of a whole family, by an Avalan- che or slide fiom the mountains. These Avalanches, as they are termed in Switzerland, are produced by heavy rains : they commence generally near the highest limits of vegetation on the mountains, which, on some of them, is near their summits ; the slides widening and deepening in their downward course, carrying along all the trees, shrubbery, loose rocks and earth from their granite foundation. At this time there were probably thou- sands of acres reft from the sides of the mountains and carried to the valley in the Notch below. The house inhabited by Capt. Samuel Willey and his family, stood on the westerly side of the road, in the Notch, and a few rods distant fiom the liigh bluft" which rises with fearful rapidity to the height of 2,000 feet. Adjoining was a barn and woodhouse ; in front, was a beautiful little meadow covered with crops, and the Saco passed along at the foot of the easterly pre- cipice. Neaily in range of the house, a slide from the extreme point of the westerly hill came down in a deep and horrible mass to within about five rods of the dwelling, where its course appears to have been checked by a large block of granite, which, falling on a flat surface, backed the rolling mass for a moment, until it separated into two streams, one of which rushed down by the north end of the house, crushing the barn, and spreading itself over the meadow ; the other passing down on the south side, and swallowing up the unfortunate beings, who probably attempted to fly to a shelter, which, it is said. NEW ENC,.LA.\D CAZETTEER. had been erected a few rod:! dis- tant. This shelter, whatever it might have been, was completely overwhelmed : rocks weighing 10 to 50 tons being scattered about the place, and indeed in every direc- tion, rendering escape utterly im- possible. The house remained un- touched, though large stones and trunks of trees made fearful ap- proaches to its walls, and the mov- ing mass, which separated behind the building, again united in its front! The house alona could have been their refuge from the horrible uproar around, the only spot untouched by the crumbling and consuming power of the storm. The family consisted of 9 per- sons ; Capt. Willey, his wife, 5 chil- dren, and two men by the names of Nickerson and Allen. Travelers visiting this section of country, in autumn, will be gratified ■with the rich and varied beauties of Autumnal foliage, common in this country, but more particularly so at the north ; and which is thus described by Dr. U wight. " The bosom of both ranges of mountains was overspread, in all the inferior regions, by a mixture of evergreens, with trees, whose leave? are deciduous. The annual foliage had been already changed by the frosts. Of the etfects of this change it is. perhaps, impossible for an in- habitant of Great Britain, as I have been assured by several foreigners, to form an adequate conception, without visiting an American for- est. When I was a youth, I re- marked, that Thompson had entire- ly omitted, in his seasons, this line part of autumnal imagery. Upon enquiring of an English gentleman, the probable cause of the omission, he informed me, that no such scene- ry existed in Great Britain. In this country it is often among the most splendid beauties of nature. All the leaves of trees, which are not evergreens, are by the first severe f.'-o?t changed from their verdure towards the perfection of that color, which they are capable of ultimate- ly assuming, through yellow, or- ange, and red, to a pretty deep brown. As the frosts aifects differ- ent trees, and the dilTerent leaves of tho same tree, in very different degrees; a vast multitude of tinc- tures are commonly found on those of a single tree, and always on those of a grove or foi-est. These colors, also, in all their varieties are generally full; and in many in- stances are among the most exquis- ite, which are found in the regions of nature. Different sorts of trees are susceptible of different de- grees of this beauty. Among them the maple is preeminently distin- guished by the prodigious varie- ties, the finish, beauty, and the in- tense lustre, of its hues ; varying through all the dyes, between a rich green and the most perfect crimson ; or more definitely, the red of the prismatic image." ^Vliiting, Me. Washington co. This town lies at the head of Machias bay, and is watered by several ponds and a good mill stream. It lies 152 miles E. N. E. from Augusta, and 6 N. E. from Machias. Inporporated, 1825. Population, 1S37, 462. Wliitiiig, Vt. Addison co. Whiting lies 40 miles S. W. from Montpelier, and 10 S. from Middlebury. It is washed on the eastern border by Otter Ci-eek, but is without any valuable mill stream. This is a fine farming town : the soil is composed partly of marl, and affords excellent crops of grain and hay : about 7,000 sheep are kept here. Some years since fish were introduced from the lake, to Otter Creek, at this place, and have been found to multiply exceedingly. Whiting was first settled in 1772. It was named in honor of John NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Whiting of Wrentham, Mass. Pop- ulation, 1830, 653. AV'hitingham, Vt. Windham co. Deerfield river passes through this town and forms considerable tracts of valuable in- tervale. The surface of the up- lands is diversified ; with a good soil for sheep, of which many are kept. Sawdawgapond, in Whitingham, is rather a curiosity. It is a hand- some sheet of water, covering about 500 acres. For many years past earth has been forming over its surface, and from 75 to 100 acres of land now rise and fall with the waters of the pond. Among the lirst settlers of Ver- mont, many remarkable instances of longevity and fecundity are found. A Mr. Pike had 28 children ; 19 of whom were living a few years since ; the j'oungest aged 25 years. Mr. Benjamin Cook died in this town, a few years since, aged 106 years. He had followed the busi- ness of shoemakiug through life. He celebrated his hundredth birth day by making a pair of shoes, without the use of spectacles. Whitingham was first settled in 1773. It lies 17 miles W. by S. from Brattleborough, and 18 E. S. E. from Bennington. Population, 1830, 1,477. Wlckford Village, R. I. See .Yorth Kingston. Wilbraliam, Mass. Hampden co. The people of this pleasant town are principally employed in agricultural pursuits, and are remarkable for equality of property. • This town is watered by the Chickopee and several of its small tributaries. The surface is agreeably diversified by hills and valleys, and the soil is well adapted to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. The products of Wil- braham are numerous; among oth- ers, the weight of 2,292 fleeces of wool, sheared in this town in 1837, was 6,1 10 pounds, valued at §3,669. There are some manufactures in the town of boots, shoes, leather, straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, wag- ons, &.C. The " Wesleyan Academy," in Wilbraham,is au institution of great value, and in high reputation. It has considerable funds, and about 240 scholars attend throughout the year. Scholars are received at this seminary from ten years of age and upwards. The annual cost to a scholar, for board and tuition, is from $80 to $90. This institution was incorporated in 1824, and is governed by a board of trustees. Great excitement existed in this quiet town and vicinity by the murder of Marcus Lyon, on the 9th of November, 1805. The mur- der was committed by two foreign- ers, Halligan and Daley, who were hanged at Northampton on the 5th of June, 1S06. Wilbraham lies SO miles W. S. W. from Boston, and 10 E. from Sprinoffield. It was incorporated in 16.53. Population, 1837, 1,802. "VVUliams' Rivers. Williams' river, in Vermont, is formed in Chester by the union of three considerable branches, which originate in small streams in the townships of Ludlow, Andover, Windham, and Grafion. These three branches unite about a mile and a half to the southeast of the two villages in Chester, and their united waters, after running 15 miles in a southeasterly direction, fall into Connecticut river in RoiJk- ingham, three miles above Bellows' Falls. Along this stream is some fine intervale, and it affords several good mill privileges. Williams' river derives its name from the celebrated Rev. John Vv'illiams, who was taken by the Indians at Deerfield, Ma^s., in 1704. and who. at the mouth of this stream, preach- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. ed a sermon to his fellow captives. Williams' river, in Massachu- setts. See West Stockbridge. Williamsburgli, Me. Piscataquis co. This town was incorporated in 1820. In 1834 the easterly part of the town was set off and called Barnard: this fact was unknown to the editor when the first pages of this edition were printed. The lands in Williamsburgh and Barnard are undulating, heavily wooded, with a fertile soil. The population of Williamsburgh, in 1837, was 120. Williamsburgh and Barnard are at present but thinly settled; but in consequence of a vast body of slate for roofing houses and other purpo- ses being found within their limits, the lands within these towns must enhance in value and increase in population. These quarries are common to both towns; they lie at an elevation of from 150 to 200 feet above Pleasant river, a branch of the Penobscot, which passes their northern and eastern borders, about two miles distant. These quarries are inexhaustible in quantity, and are stated to be fully equal to the celebrated Welsh slate. They are situated 40 miles N. from Bangor; and, by the Ban- gor and Piscataquis rail road, now in operation to Orono ; and in pro- gi-ess fiom Orono to these quairies, the Bangor of the new world seems likely to become as celebrated for its fine slate as the Bangor of the old. See Barnard. Williaansbiirgli, Mass. Hampshire co. The surface of this town is elevated and uneven ; but it is pleasant, and has a warm and fertile soil. It is watered by a good stream which meets the Connecti- cut at Northampton. It lies 8 miles N. W. from Northampton, and 100 W. from Boston. Incorporated in 1771. Population, 1837, 1,345. 41 The manufactures of the town consist of woolen cloth, (3 mills,) boots, shoes, leather, hats, iron cast- ings, axes, gimlets, screw drivers, augers, punches, bitts and bitt stocks, flexible and japan buttons, stocking j'arn, and lather boxes; annual value, about $200,000. — The value of buttons, manufactur- ed the year ending April 1, 1837, was $102,500. In 1837, there were 2,815 sheep sheared in this town, whose fleeces weighed 8,362 pounds, and sold for 5,017. Williamstown, Vt. Orange CO. This town lies on the height of land between Onion and White rivers ; 10 miles S. E. from Montpelier, and about the same dis- tance N. W. from Chelsea. First settled, 1784. Population, 1830, 1,487. This mountain town pro- duces good crops of grain and hay. It pastures about 7,500 sheep. The "Gulf Road," so called, between Royalton and Montpelier, passes through this town. This mountain pass is some miles in length, wild and picturesque. The mountains on each side of the gulf are very high, and the sides are so steep as to leave only a narrow passage for the turnpike, and a gurgling branch of White river on the south side, and of a branch of Onion river on the north. ^V^illiamstotvii, Mass. Berkshire co. This town is situ- ated in a large and fertile valley, surrounded by romantic elevations, and watered by Hoosack and Green rivers. These beautiful streams unite their hydraulic powers and fertilizing qualities, to render this remote valley a scene of compe- tence and peace, and a delightful retreat for the muses. Williamstown lies at the N. W. corner of the state, on the lines of Vermont and New York ; 135 miles W. by N. from Boston, 27 N. fiom NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, Lenox, and 36 E. by N. from Al- bany, N. Y. It was incorporated in 1765. Population, 1837, 1,931. There are 1 cotton and 2 woolen mills in the town, and manufactu- res of potatoe starch, cabinet ware, chairs, palm-leaf hats, shovels, hats, leather, Sac. : annual value about $75,000. The number of sheep in this flourishing agricultural town, in the year 1837, was 8,000— viz: 2,000 Saxony, 5,800 Merino, and 200 common. The fleeces of these sheep weighed 23,200 lbs., and •old for $13,965. The village in this town is de- lightfully situated on a gentle rise from the river. The buildings are generally tastefully constructed and command a great variety of superb scenery. This town contains a te- pid spring, of some repute in cu- taneous diseases. Williatns College, in this town, is handsomely located. It derived its name from Col. Ephraim Williams, a native of Newton, and a distinguished benefactor of Williamstown. Col. Williams was a man of talents, brave, witty, po- lite and popular. He commanded the line of forts on the west side of Connecticut river, in the French and Indian wars from 1740 to 1748. In 1755, he received the command of a regiment, and joined general Johnson. He fell at the head of 1,200 men, near lake George, on the 8th of September of that year. Col. Williams, being a bachelor, gave the most of his estate for the estab- lishment of a free grammar school at this place. The school went in- to operation in 1791, and in 1793 the legislature vested it with col- lege privileges. See Register. WillimanUc River, Ct. Also Village, see IVindham. Willington, Ct. Tolland co. This town was sold by the Connecticut colony, to Rog- er Wolcott, Esq. and others, for £510, in the year 1720. It is about 7 miles in length, and 4 J in width. There is an abundance of granite in the town, and good iron ore. The surface is uneven and the soil hard. The Wiliimantic and other streams give Wiliington some ex- cellent mill privileges, some of which are profitably improved. — There are about 2,500 sheep in the town. Population, in 1830, 1,305. It is 24 miles N. E. from Hartford, and bounded W. by Tolland. Williston, Vt. Chittenden co. This is an ex- cellent farming town of a rich soil, with an uneven surface, but not mountainous. It is very produc- tive of all the varieties common to a northern climate : its product of wool, in 1837, was 9,225 fleeces. Williston is watered by Onion river, and some smaller streams ; but its water power is small. It is 27 miles W. N. W. from Montpelier, and i* bounded on the W., by Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,608. Thomas Chittendeiv wasthe father of this town. He came here in 1774. He was a member of the convention, which, in 1777, declar- ed Vermont an independent state, and was active in procuring its ad- mission into the Union. When the Vermont Constitution was estab- lished, in 1778, Mr. Chittenden was selected as a candidate for gover- nor ; to which office he was annu- ally elected, with the exception of one year, till his death in 1797. He was 67 years of age. Wilmington, Vt. Windham co. The east and west branches of Deerfield river unite in this town, which, with the waters of Beaver and Cold brooks, and of Ray's pond, a large and beauti- ful sheet of water; a valuable mill power is produced. There are some fine tracts of land in the town, and a considerable portion that ii NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. rough and hard to till. There are a number of mills of various kinds in the town, and a pleasant and thriving village. Wilmington was settled before the revolutionary war, but increas- ed but slowly until the peace. It lies 46 miles S. S. W. from Wind- sor, 14 S. W. from Newfane, and 17 E. from Bennington. Popula- tion, 1830, 1,367. AVUmiugton, Mass. Middlesex co. The surface of this town is generally level, with a light and sandy soil. The wood is chiefly pine, and much charcoal is made. This kind of soil, although unfit for the generality of crops, is well adapted for the growth of hops, of which large quantities, of a fine quality, are produced in Wilmington, and which frequently afford the cultivator a large profit. During the period of 32 years, 1806 — 1837, inclusive, there were inspected at Charlestown, Mass. 76,860 bags of hops, weighing 16,467,182 lbs. The price varied from 34 to 5 cents a pound. The highest price was in 1817, the low- est, in 1819 ; aveiage price, 13 1-5 cents. Total value, $2,169,430. The town is watered by a branch of Ipswich river : the Middlesex canal passes through it, and adds much to the beauty of its scenery. Wilmington was incorporated in 1730. It is 14 miles N. N. W.from Boston, and 10 S. E. by E. fiom Lowell. Population, 1837, 795. Wllmot, IV. H. Merrimack co. Wilmot is 30 miles N. W. from Concord, and 87 from Boston. The streams form- ing Blackwater river have their ori- gin in the vicinity of Wilmot. — They afford a number of good mill seats. The 4th N. H. turnpike from Concord to Hanover passes through this town. It was made in 1803, through an entire forest, with- out any inhabitants for 14 miles above, and about 6 miles below Wilmot. The land near the turn- pike appears rude and barren ; but the acclivities on either side are susceptible of cultivation. The town is composed of hills and val- leys, presenting a rough surface. There are no large collections of water, norany mountains, excepting Kearsarge, whose summit forms the southern boundary. It was incor- porated June IS, 1807. It receiv- ed its name in honor of Dr. Wilmot, an Englishman, who, at one time, was supposed to be the author of the celebrated letters of Junius. Population, 1S30, 835. Wilson, Me. This town was incorporated in 1836, as " township number 9 in the 9th range, north of the Waldo Patent in the county of Somerset." AVe repeat, that but very little in- formation respecting a town is gain- ed from its act of incorporation. We beg our friends " Down East" to write to us. AVilton, Me. Franklin co. This is one of the most flourishing agricultural town- ships in the state. It has a fertile soil, a beautiful surface, and two pleasant villages. It lies a little distance from Sandy river, 5 or 6 miles S. W. from Farmington, and 38 W. N. W. from Augusta. Wilton has an adequate water power for common purposes, pro- duced by streams issuing from beautiful ponds in the town. The people are principally agricultural- ists, and tested their skill in that delightful pursuit, in 1837, by pro- ducing 11,071 bushels of good clean wheat. Wilton was incorporated in 180S. Population, in 1830, 1,140; 1837, 2,102. AVilton, Hr. H. Hillsborough co. This town is bounded S. by Mason, and W. by NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Temple. It is 9 miles W. by S. from Amherst and 37 S. by W. from Concord. Souhegan is the principal river. Its main branch enters this town near the S. W. corner and proceeds in a N. E. course till it forms a junction with several branches running from Lyndeborough and Temple. These flow through the N. part, and are sufficiently large for mill streams. On these streams are some valuable manufactures, and a pleasant village has sprung up within a few years. This town has neither mountains, ponds or swamps. It is in general of strong and excellent soil. Good clay is found in plenty near the streams. There are several quar- ries of excellent stone for splitting and hewing. The first settlement Mas made in 1738, by 3 families from Danvers, Mass., 2 by the name of Putnam, and 1 by the name of Dale. Hannah, the daughter of Ephraim Putnam, was the first child born in town. The town was incorporated June 25, 1762, and derived its name from Wilton, an ancient borough in Wiltshire, England. A distressing accident occurred in raising the second meeting house, September 7, 1773. The frame fell, and three men were instantly killed ; two died of their wounds soon afterward, and a num- ber of others were badly injured. On July 20, 1804, the same meet- ing house was struck by lightning and considerably shattered. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,039. Wilton, Ct. Fairfield co. Wilton was taken from the north part of Norwalk, in 1S02. The surface of the town is broken by two ridges of hills, but the soil is a gravelly loam and pro- ductive of grain and a great variety of fruit. Agriculture is the prin- cipal business of the inhabitants. The town is watered by Norwalk river, and has a satinet factory and other mechanical operations by water. A classical school, of high reputation, was established here in 1818, by Hawley Olmstead, Esq. This school is worth a million of the silver mines that were discov- ered and worked in this town dur- ing the revolutionary war. Wilton lies 34 miles W. S. W. from New- Haven, and 6 N. from Norwalk. Population, 1330, 2,095. Wiucbendon, Mass. Worcester co. This town was incorporated in 1764. It is 60 miles N. W. by W. from Boston, and 34 N. N. W. from Worcester. Pop- ulation, 1830, 1,463; 1837,1,802. The surface of the town is uneven and rocky, with a strong soil, which, when subdued, is quite productive of grain, grass and fruit trees. There are fine quarries of granite in the town ; and a spring tinctured with iron and sulphur, but which is less visited than formerly. Mil- ler's river rises in this town and Ashburnham, and affords conven- ient mill seats. There are 2 pleas- ant villages in the town, a cotton mill, a woolen mill, and manufac- tures of cotton and wool bobbins, leather, palm-leaf hats, chairs, cab- inet and wooden wares : annua! value, exclusive of cotton goods, about $100,000. Tinder Warner, N. H., we gave an account of a frightful tornado in that and the neighboring towns in 1821. It appears that this part of the country was visited by a simi- lar desolation, at the same time, more than 40 miles distant. A Worcester paper thus describes it: " About 6 o'clock, Sunday even- ing, September 9th, a black and terrific cloud appeared a li ttle south of the centre of Nortbfield, Frank- lin county, nearly in the form of a pyramid reversed, moving very rap- idly and with a terrible noise. In its progress it swept away or prostrat- ed all the trees, fences, stone walls, and buildings which came with- NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. in its vortex, which in some places was not more than 20 rods and in others 40 or 50. It passed from Northfield through Warwick and Orange, to the southwesterly part of Royalston, where its force was broken by Tully Mountain. Its path was strewed for the distance of 25 miles, through the towns of Royals- ton, Winchendon, Ashburnham and Fitchburg, with fragments of build- ings, sheaves of grain, bundles of corn stalks, clothing, &c. " Several persons were killed and wounded, numerous houses, barns, &c. demolished, and many domestic animals, in the track of the tornado, were destroyed. Large trees were taken 200 feet into the air, and logs which would require 4 oxen to remove them were swept out of the bed of Tully river where they had lain for more than half a century. The ground was torn up from the river to the mountain, about 40 rods, from 1 foot to 6 feet deep. The surface of the earth was broken throughout the whole course of the whirlwind, as with the ploughshare of destruction. Stones of many hundred pounds weight, were rolled from their beds. Lots of wood were whirled into promiscuous heaps, with roots and tops, and tops and roots. The ap- pearance presented by the track of the whirlwind, indicated, as near as the writer can judge from actual in- spection, that the form of the cloud, and the body of air in motion, was that of an inverted pyramid, draw- ing whatever came within its in- fluence towards the centre of mo- tion." ■Wincliester, N. II. Cheshire co. This pleasant town is bounded N. by Swanzey and Chesterfield, E. by Richmond, W. by Hinsdale, and S. by Massachu- setts line. It lies 13 miles S. W. from Keene, 65 S. W. from Con- cord, 80 W. from Boston, SO N. from Hartford, Ct., and 12 E. from Brat- 41* tiebo', Vt. Population, 1837, 2,500. The face of this town is diversified with hills and valleys. The soil is of an excellent quality, furnishing in abundance, all the agricultural products natural to this section of the country. Ashuelot river pass- es through the centre of this town, affording a number of mill privi- leges, and is bordered on each bank by extensive intervales, of a fer- tility rarely excelled. There are other small streams run- ning in various directions through the town, affording faciKties for wa- ter power. The centre village is on the S. E. bank of the Ashuelot, and the principal street, running parallel with its border, has a number of dwelling houses, with stores and shops, 3 meetinghouses, an elegant district school house, saw and grist mills, shops for turning wood and iron, an extensive establishment for the manufacture of musical in- struments of all kinds, and 2 organ manufactories; and, at the lower end, the street is adorned with a beautiful row of native ever-green trees, which extends nearly half a mile. Two miles west is another con- siderable village, containing 1 large woolen factory, 1 cotton factory, I satinet factory, saw, grist and oil mills, two furnaces, together with shops, stores, meeting houses, &c. In the S. E. part of the town there are saw mills, grist mills, clothier's works, and 1 satinet fac- tory. This town was sacked by the In- dians, and the inhabitants taken prisoners or driven off in 1745 or '6, and did not return under about 5 years to resume the settlement of the place. The former name of the town was Arlington, and it was in- corporated by its present name in 1753. Winchester, Ct. Litchfield co. Winchester was NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER, incorporated in 1771. Population, 1830, l,7f)C. The geological char- acter of the town is primitive ; the rocks consisting of granite, mica slate, &c. The soil is gravelly, hard and coarse : it affords good grazing, and its products of butter, cheese and wool are considerable. The Borough of Clifton was in- corporated in 1S32. It is a flour- ishing village, consisting of about sixty or seventy dwelling houses, and 4 mercantile stores. The vil- lage is principally built in a nar- row valley, 'on the banks of a mill stream, called Mad river, which is a tributary of Farmington river. The valley at this place is but bare- ly of sufficient width to admit of a street, with buildings on each side, the ground rising immediately in every direction. Westward of the main street in the village, a road passes up a steep hill for nearly a quarter of a mile, where, upon an elevated plain, is an interesting lake or pond, which is one of the largest bodies of water in the state, being .3 1-2 miles in length and 3-4 of a mile in breadth. The outlet of this lake presents a novel scene ; it consists of a small stream, com- pressed within a narrow channel, and literally tossed from rock to rock till it unites with Mad liver. Most of the manufacturing estab- lishments in the village are situa- ted on this outlet, upon which there are some of the best natural sites for hydraulic works in the state. In this village are four large scythe factories, one machine shop, and five forges. The ore to supply these forges is brought from Ca- naan, Kent and Salisbury. Winsted, or the East village, is very pleasant, and contains a large woolen mill, an extensive clock factory, an iron foundry, and an axe factory. This village is 26 miles N. W. from Hartford, 49 N. by W. from New Haven, and 17 N. by E. from Litchfield. Winchester lies within the " ev- ergreen district," so named from the forests of hemlock and other evergreen trees with which it abounds. These " Green Woods" present one of the most impressive scenes which can be found in an American forest. The branches of the trees are thickly covered with a deep green foliage, closely interwoven overhead, nearly exclu- ding the light of the sun. The scene forcibly reminds the con- templative traveler of the words of Thomson, in his celebrated hymn: " Oh, talk nf Him in solitary elonms ! Wliere. u'erttie rock Itie scarcely waving pine Fills the brown shade with a religious awe." Windham, Me. Cumberland co. Windham lies on the N. E. side of Presumpscut river, which separates it from Gor- ham. It is 78 miles S. W. from Augusta, and 14 N. N. W. from Portland. This is a valuable farm- ing town, and the inhabitants are principally employed in agricul- ture. Branches of the Presump- scut give the town good mill priv- ileges. There are 2 pleasant vil- lages in the town, some manufac- tures, and several beautiful fish ponds. Population, 1837, 2,207. Wimlliam, N. H. Rockingham co. This town is 34 miles S. by E. from Concord, and 45 W. S. W. from Portsmouth. Policy pond lies in this town and Salem, about one half in each. Cabot's pond lies E. of the centre of the town. Golden pond is in the south, and Mitchel's in the northeast part of the town. Bea- ver river or brook forms the W. boundary, upon which are some meadow lands. The town is also well supplied with small streams. Windham was originally a part of Londonderry ; and was detached and incorporated in 1739. The in- habitants, principally derived from the first settlers of Londonderry, have firmly adhered to the religious NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. principles of their fathers, to the doctrines and forms of the presby- terian church as originally estab- lished in Scotland, and administer- ed in this country. Population, 1830, 998. IVindham County, Vt. J^ewfane is the shire town. — This county is bounded N. by Wind- sor county ; E. by Connecticut riv- er ; S. by the state of Massachu- setts, and W. by the county of Ben- nington. It contains an area of about 780 square miles. Popula- tion, 1810, 26,7C0; 1820, 28,457; 1830, 28,748. Incorporated, 1789. For some years it bore the name of Cumberland. Population to a square mile, 37. The surface of the county is much broken by hills and valleys : the western part is very elevated, and contains a part of the Green Mountain range. The geological character of the county is primi- tive. Immense quantities of gran- ite are found in all parts of the county, both in quarries and bould- ers, most of which is of fine grain and very handsome. It also con- tains gneiss, hornblende, serpen- tine, primitive limestone, and mi- ca, talcose, chlorite, and argellite slates. The soil of the county is various ; from the rich and alluvial meadows on the Connecticut, to the cold and .rugged lands on the sides of the mountains. The general character of the soil may be considered as tolerable for grain and excellent for grazing. In 1837, there were 76,582 sheep in the county. Some of the wool is of a fine quality, but generally it is about half blood. Windham county is finely wa- tered by Williams', Saxton's, and West rivers, with their branches, and by numerous other streams. These waters give the county a great hydraulic power, which is rapidly coming into use for man- ufacturing purposes. AViiidliam, Vt. Windham CO. Branches of West, Williams' and Saxton's rivers give this town a good water power. The surface of the town is elevated; the soil, though strong, is better adapted for grazing than tillage. About 4,000 sheep are kept here. Windham was formerly a part of Londonderry. It is 30 miles N. E. from Bennington, and 25 S. W. from Windsor. Population, 1830, 847. The actynolite embedded in talc, is found in this town, in slender four sided prisms of a leak green color. The crystals vary in size ; some are six inches in length and an inch in breadth. Thes'e crys- tals are abundant. Chlorite, gar- nets, serpentine, and steatite are also found. Windliam County, Ct. Brooklyn is the county town. This county is uniformly hilly, yet no part of it is mountainous or very elevated. The jjrevailing soil is a primitive gravelly loam. The greatest portion of the county is stony and considerably rough, and the lands generally best adapted for grazing, and many sections afford some of the richest dairy farms in the state. The Quinnebaug and Shetucket, with their branches, intersect this county, and afford many valuable water privileges for mills and manufacturing purposes. The valley of the Quinnebaug riv- er comprises the best land in the county. The inhabitants of this county are more extensively enga- ged in the manufacturing business than in any other county in the state. Cotton and woolen goods are the principal articles manufac- tured. Windham county originally be- longed to the counties of Hartford and New London. It was incorpo- rated as a county in May, 1726. This county is bounded N. by NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Massachusetts; E. by Rhode Isl- and; S. by the county of New London, and W. by ToHand county. It contains an area of about 620 square miles. Population, 1810, 28,611; 1820,31,CS4; 1830,27,077. Population to a square mile, 44. In 1S37, there were 26,017 sheep in Windham county. WindUam, Ct. Windham co. The territory of this town, Mansfield and Canter- bury, was given by Joshua, a son of Uncas, the celebrated Mohegan sachem, to John Mason, James Fitch and others, in the year 1675. " Lieut. John Cates, a pious pu- ritan, who served in the wars in England, holding his commission under Cromwell, when Charles IL came to the throne, fled to this country for safety. He landed first in Virginia, where he procured a negro servant to attend him. But when advertisements and pursuers were spread through this country, to apprehend the adherents of the Pro- tector, he left Virginia, came to New York, and from thence to Nor- wich. Still feeling that he should be securer in a more retired place, he came to this new plantation, dug the first cellar, and with his servant, raised in Windham the first Eng- lish habitation, in the spring of 1689. The settlers, rapidly increas- ing, petitioned the general court, and obtained a grant of town privi- leges in May, 1692. It was made a county town in May, 1726." Windham is bounded N. by the towns of Hampton, Chaplin and Mansfield ; E. by Franklin and Lisbon, and W. by Lebanon and Columbia. It contains an area of about 8 by 6 miles. It has an uneven surface, with a tolerable soil. The following is a copy of the inscription on Lieutenant Cates' monument, in the village burying ground. memory of Mr. John Cates. He was a gentleman born in England, and the first setteller in the Town of Windham. By his last Will and Testament, he gave a generous Legacy to ye first Church of Christ in Windham, in plate, and a generous Legacy in Land for ye support of ye Poor, and another Legacy for ye support of ye School in said town for ever. He died in Windham, July ye KSth, A. D. 1GU7. Since the removal of the county courts from this place to Brooklyn, and the establishment of the vil- lage of Willimantic, the ancient village of Windham has somewhat declined in its trade and population. It is pleasantly located, compactly and neatly built, and contains the charm of antiquity, in as great per- fection as can probably be found in New England. This village is 30 miles E. from Hartford, 14 N. by W. from Norwich, 44 W. S. W. from Providence, R. I., and 12 S. W. from Brooklyn. Population of the town, 1820,2,489; 1830,2,812. The Borough of Willimantic is 3 miles W. from Windham vil- lage. It is well situated on Willi- mantic river: it is built piincipally on one street, and contains some very handsome buildings. In this village are six cotton mills, con- taining 13,000 spindles ; a paper mill and a satinet factory. This flourishing village has grown up in the course of a few years. The population of this borough, in 1837, was 2,000. Willimantic River rises in the county of Tolland, and with the NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Natchaug, forms the Shetucket in Windham. " Much pleasantry," says Mr. Barher, " has been indulged at the expense of the inhabitants of Wind- ham, on account of a singular oc- currence which happened in the year 1758, by which the inhabit- ants were very much frightened. There is probably some exaggera- tion in the account, though the foundation of the story is believed to be a matter of fact." We copy it as an amusing relic. " On a dark, cloudy, dismal night in the month of July, A. D. 1758, the inhabitants of Windham, a small town in the eastern part of Con- necticut, had retired to rest, and for several hours, all were wrapped in profound repose — when sudden- ly, soon after midnight, the slum- bers of the peaceful inhabitants were disturbed by a most terrific noise in the sky light over their heads, which to many, seemed the yells and screeches of infuriated Indians, and othei-s had no other way of accounting for the awful sounds, which stili kept increasing, but by supposing the day of judg- ment had certainly come ; and to their terrified imaginations, the aw- ful uproar in the air seemed the immediate precursor of the clangor of the last trumpet. At intervals, many supposed they could distin- guish the calling out of paticu- lar names, as of Colonels Dyer and Elderkin, two eminent law- yers, and this increased the general terror. But soon there was a rush from every house, the tumult in the air still increasing — old and young, male and female, poured forth info the streets, " in pw-is naturalibus," entirely forgetful, in their hurry and consternation, of their nether habiliments, and with eyes upturned tried to pierce the almost palpable darkness. Some daring " spirits," concluding there was nothing supernatural in the hubbub and uproar over head, but rather, that they heard the yells of Indians commencing a midnight attack, loaded their guns and sal- lied forth to meet the invading foes. These valiant heroes, on ascending the hill that bounds the village on the east, perceived that the sounds came fiom that quarter, and not from the skies, as first be- lieved, but their courage would not permit them to proceed to the dar- ing extremity of advancing east- ward, until they had discovered the real cause of alarm and distress, which pervaded the whole village. Towards morning the sounds in the air seemed to die away. In the morning, the whole cause of alarm, which produced such distressing apprehensions among the good peo- ple of the town, was apparent to all who took the trouble to go to a certain mill pond, situated about three fourths of a mile eastward of the village. This pond, hereafter, in the annnh of Fame, forever to be called the Frog Pond, in conse- quence of a severe drought, which had prevailed many weeks, had be- come nearly dry, and the Bull Frogs (by which it was densely popu- lated) at the mill fought a pitched battle on the sides of the ditch which ran through it, for the pos- session and enjoyment of the fluid which remained. Long and ob- stinately was the contest maintain- ed ; and many thousands of the combatants were found defunct, on both sides of the ditch, the next morning. It had been uncommon- ly still, for several hours before the battle commenced, but suddenly, as if by a preconcerted agreement, every frog on one side of the ditch, raised the war cry. Col. Dyer, Col. Dyer, and at the same instant, from the opposite side, resounded the adverse shout of Elderkin too, El- derkin too. Owing to some pecu- liar stale of the atmosphere, the awful noises and cries appeared to the distressed Windhamites to be I directly over their heads." NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. Windsor, Me. Kennebec co. Windsor was in- corporated by the name of Malta, in 1S09. In 1821 it tooic the name of Gerry, and in 1S22 it received its present name. It lies 12 miles from Augusta, by wliich it is bound- ed on the west. Population, 1837, 1,660. Wheat crop, same year, 5,947 bushels. This town is watered by the up- per branches of Slieepscot river, and by several handsome ponds. The surface of the town is diversi- fied : the soil is generally good, and its agricultuial condition improv- ing. There are some manufactures in the town. AVindsor, ]V. H. Hillsborough co. This town con- tains only 5, .335 acres. It is diver- sified with hills : its soil is strong, good for grazing, and for bread stuffs, of which quantities sutficient for use at home, and some for the markets are raised. Black pond, near the centre, is said to be 160 rods long and 80 broad ; and one near the S. E. corner of the town, is about 80 rods long and 40 wide. Windsor was foimerly called CampbelVs Gore. It was incorpo- rated with town privileges in 1798. Population, 1830, 226. Windsor County, Vt. Woodstock is the county town. This county is bounded N. by the county of Orange, E. by Connecti- cut river, S. by Windham county, and W. by Rutland and a part of Addison counties. It contains an area of about 900 square miles. Population, 1810, 34,877 ; 1820, 38,233; 1830, 40,625: population to a square mile, 48. Incorporated in 1781. Windsor county is watered by White, Queechy, Black, West and Williams' rivers, and by other ex- cellent mill streams. The surface of the county is uneven, and in some parts mountainous, but gen- erally, it is not too elevated to ad- mit of cultivation. The soil pro- duces fine crops of grain, hay, veg- etables and fruits : the lands are peculiarly adapted for grazing, and about 200,000 sheep graze on its varied surface of hills and valleys. The beautiful Connecticut, which washes its whole eastern boundary, gives to this county large tracts of alluvial meadow land, and affords it a navigable channel to the sea board, for its surplus productions, and for its wants from abroad. The hydraulic power of Windsor county is verj' large, and its local position is such as to induce men of enterprize and capital to embark in manufacturing operations, which are annually increasing with fair prospects of success. AVindsor, Vt. Windsor co. Windsor was first settled in 1764. Its surface is un- even, but there are but few parts of it unfit for cultivation. It con- tains large tracts of alluvial mead- ow, and the uplands are generally fertile. Mill brook waters the south part of the town, and fur- nishes it with excellent mill sites. The manufactures of the town are numerous and valuable. The ag- ricultural interests are also valu- able : 10,000 sheep are annually sheared in the town, and many neat cattle, horses and productions of the dairy are annually transpor- ted to its various markets. This town has become the cen- tre of an important commerce, both from the river and a fertile interior country. The favorable position of Windsor, as a place of trade, was early discoveied, and it has been fortunate in possessing a suc- cession of men, who, by their en- terprise and wealth, have rendered it one of the most flourishing towns on Connecticut river. Windsor is situated on the west side of that delightful river, 55 NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. miles S. by E. from Montpelier, 105 N. W. from Boston, 55 N. E. from Bennington, 95 S. S. W. from Burlington, and 127 miles above Hartford, Ct. Population, in 1820, 2,956 ; 1830, 3,134. The village of Windsor is on el- evated ground, on the bank of the river : it is compactly, and some- what irregularly built, but very beautiful. There are but few vil- lages in our country which make a more delightful appearance. It contains a great number of hand- some dwelling houses and stores. Some of the private houses, church- es and other public buildings are in a style of superior elegance. This is the site of the Vermont State prison. The streets are wide and beautifully shaded. The scenery around Windsor is highly pictur- esque ; from the high lands across the river, in Cornish, which is uni- ted to Windsor by a bridge, or on the Ascutney at the south part of the town, some of the best land- scapes in our country are presen- ted to view. 'Windsor, Mass. Berkshire co. This town is situa- ted on the ridge of high lands which divides the waters of the Hous- atonick and Connecticut. Branch- es of the Housatonick and West- field rivers rise here. There are some good fish ponds in the town, but no important streams. The surface of the town is much brok- en, but the soil is warm and finely adapted for grazing. There are some excellent farmers in Windsor, and the productions of the dairy and of cattle are considerable. In 1837, there were 7,157 sheep in the town, principally of the Saxo- ny and Merino breeds. Their wool weighed 21,3S7 lbs., and sold for $10,521. This town is remarka- ble for the longevity of its inhab- itants ; which is doubtless owing to the purity of its air and water. Windsor contains beds of serpen- tine and soapstone. It is 117 miles W. by N. from Boston, 18 N. N.E. from Lenox, and 12 E. N. E. from Pittsfield. Incorporated in 1771. Population, 1837, 887. Windsor, Ct. Hartford co. This most ancient town in Connecticut is situated on the west side of Connecticut river, 6 miles N. from Hartford. Popu- lation, 1830, 3,220. The surface of the town is generally level, hav- ing some extensive plains. The soil is various, and free from stone : some of it is light, but a large pro- portion of it is fertile, containing extensive tracts of rich meadow. Farmington river passes through the town, and meeting the Con- necticut, gives the town a good hy- draulic power. There are in Windsor 4 paper mills, 2 manufactories of cotton batting, and factories of satinet, Kentucky jean, wire, &c. The business in these manufacturing establishments is very considerable. At a place called Pine Meadow, at the commencement of the locks on the Enfield canal, a variety of ship and other timber is prepared for market. Pine Meadow is opposite to Warehouse Point, in East Wind- sor. The centre village in Windsor is pleasantly extended on the banks of the Connecticut : it is well built, well shaded, and commands de- lightful prospects. Poquonnuck village is a few miles N. from the centre. It is a manufacturing village, delightfully situated at the head of navigation on Farmington river. " In 1631, Wahquimacut, an Indi- an sachem, living near Connecticut river, made a journey to Plymouth and Boston, and earnestly entreat- ed the governors of each of thu colonies to send men to make set- tlements on the river. He repre- sented the fruitfulness of the coun- try, and promised the English, that NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. if they would make a settlement, he would annually supply them with corn, and give them eighty beaver skins. " The governor of Massachusetts, although he treated the sachem and his company with generosity, paid no attention to his pi-oposals. Mr. Winslow, the governor of Plymouth, judged it worthy of at- tention. It seems that soon after that, he went into Connecticut, and discovered the river and the adja- cent parts. It appeared that the earnestness withwliich the sachem solicited the English to make set- tlements on the river, originated from the distressed state of the riv- er Indians. Pekoath, the great sa- chem of the Pequots, was at war with them and driving them from the country, and they imagined that if the English made settle- ments on the river, they would as- sist them in defending themselves against their too powerful enemies. "Governor Winslow of Plymouth, being pleased with the appearance of the country, having visited it, the Plymouth people made prepar- ations for erecting a trading house, and establishing a small company upon the river. In 163.3, WiMiam Holmes, with his associates, having prepared the frame of a house, with boards and materials for covering it immediately, put them on board of a vessel and sailed for Connecticut. Holmes landed and erected his house a little below the mouth of Farmington river, in Windsor. The house was covered with the utmost dispatch, and fortified with palisa- does. The Plymouth people pur- chased of the Indians the land on which they erected their house. This, governor Wolcott says, was the first house erected in Connecti- cut. " In June, 1634, the Dutch sent Jacob Van Curter to purchase lands on the Connecticut. He made a purchase of about twenty acres at Hartford, of Nepuquash, a Pequot captain, on the 25th of October. Curter protested against Holmes, the builder of the Plymouth house. Some time afterwards, the Dutch governor. Van Twiller, of Fort Am>terdam, sent a reinforcement to Connecticut, in order to drive Holmes from the river. A party of seventy men under arms, with banners displayed, assaulted the Plymouth house, but they found it so well fortified, and the men who kept it so vigilant and determined, that it could not be taken without bloodshed. They therefore came to a parley, and finally returned in. peace. " A number of Mr. Wareham's people came, in the summer of 1635, to Connecticut, and made prepara- tions to bring their families and make a permanent settlement. Af- ter having made such preparations as they judged necessary, they be- gan to remove their families and property. On the 15tii of October, about sixty men, women and chil- dren, with their horses, cattle and swine, commenced their journey fiom JNIassachusetts, through the wilderness, to Connecticut river. After a tedious and difficultjourney, through swamps and livers, over mountains and rough grounds, which were passed with great difficulty and fatigue, they arrived safely at the places of their respective des- tination. They were so long on their journey, and so much time and pains were spent in passing the river, and in getting over their cattle, that after all their exertions, winter came upon them before they were prepared. " About the beginning of Decem- ber, provisions generally failed ' \ the settlements on the river, and famine and death looked the in- habitants in the face. In their dis- tress, some of them in this severe season attempted to go through the wililerness to the nearest settlement in Massachusetts. A company of thirteen, who made the attempt, NEW ENGLAND GAZETTEER. lost one of their number, who, In passing a river, fell through the ice and was drowned. The other twelve were ten days on their jour- ney, and had they not received as- sistance from the Indians, would all have perished. Such was the general distress by the 3d and 4th of December, that a considerable part of the settlers were obliged to leave their habitations. Seventy persons, men, women and children, were obliged, in the severity of winter, to go down to the mouth of the river to meet their provisions, as Uie only expedient to preserve their Jives. Not meeting the vessels which they expected, tliey all Went on board of the Rebecca, a vessel of about 60 tons. This vessel, two days before, was fiozen in, twenty miles up the river ; but by the fall- ing of a small rain, and the influ- ence of the tide, the ice became so broken, that she made a shift to get out. She however ran upon tlie liar, and the people were forced to unlade hei- to get her off. She was I'eladed, and in five days reached Boston. Had it not been for these providential circumstances, the peo- ple must have perished from fam- ine. " The people who remained and kept their stations on the river, suf- fered in an extreme degree. After all the help they were able to ob- tain, by hunting and fiom the In-