A 
 SUMMARY HISTORY 
 
 O F 
 
 NEW-ENGLAND, 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 FIRST SETTLEMENT AT PLYMOUTH, 
 
 \ 
 
 TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE 
 
 FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 
 
 COMPREHENDING 
 A GENERAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 AMERICAN WAR. 
 
 - xxxxxx<O < O >< O>xxxxxx - 
 BY HANNAH ADAMS. 
 
 " Hail, O hail 
 
 My much lov'd native land ! New Albion hail ! 
 The happieft realm, that, round his circling courfe, 
 The all fearching fun beholds. 
 
 With wifdom, virtue, and the generous love 
 Of learning fraught, and freedom's living flame, 
 Eledlric, unextinguifhable, fir'd, 
 Our Sires eftablifh'd in thy cheerful bounds, 
 The nobleft infKtutions man has let?i .;"?> ; 
 Since time his reign began." 
 
 DWIGHT'S 
 
 according to aft of Congrefs* 
 
 DEDH4M ; PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, a* 
 
 ff. MANN AND J. H. ADAMS. 
 
 JM.DCC.XC.1X, 
 
 '11 'f 
 
^ 
 
 To the READER. 
 
 M. 
 
 ANY, efpecially in early life, may wifli 
 to perufe a {ketch of American affairs, before they have 
 time or ability to acquire more enlarged knowledge. Though 
 the compiler of the enfuing work is impreffed with the many 
 difficulties attending it, yet fhe hopes the charge of arrogance 
 will not be incurred, fmce her defign is merely to encourage 
 and gratify fuch a wifh, by giving the outlines of the intereft- 
 ing hiftory of New-England, In the profecution of this 
 work, fhe has, with great care and affiduity^ fearched the 
 ancient Hiftories of New-England. She has alfo had re* 
 courfe to various manufcripts, particularly, .thofe which 
 throw light on the hiftory of Rhode-Iiland. For more mod- 
 ern information, fhe has recurred to Belknap's Hiftory of 
 New-Hamplhire, TrumbuH's Hiftory of Connecticut, Ram- 
 fay's Hiftory of the American Revolution, Gordon's Hifto- 
 ry of the American War, Minot's Hiftory of the Infurrection, 
 and his Continuation of Hutchinfon j Williams' Hiftory of 
 Vermont, Sullivan's Hiftory of the Diftrict of Maine, and 
 Morfe's Geography. In abridging the works of thofe excel* 
 lent authors, ihe is fenfible of her inability to do them juf- 
 tice, and has fometimes made ufe of their own words. The 
 reader is always referred, for further in formation > to thofe 
 ingenious performances ; and the higheft ambkion of the 
 compiler is, that her imperfect fketch may excite a more 
 general attention ta the large and valuable hiftories of die 
 country. In giving a fketch of the American war, her 
 ignorance of military terms has rendered it necelTary to 
 iruafcribe more liter^dly from the words of the aujjiors> 
 
To THE R K A D E It. 
 
 thai* -in the other parts of the hiftory. But though a female 
 cannot b fuppofed to be accurate in defcribing, and muft 
 fhrink with horror in relating the calamities .of war, yet fhe 
 may be allowed to feel a lively intereft in the great caufe, fir 
 'which the fvjord was drawn in America. The compiler is 
 apprized of the numerous defects of the work, and fenfible 
 it will not bear the teft of cnticifm. Her incapacity for exe- 
 cuting it has been heightened by a long interval of ill health, 
 which has precluded much of that ftudipus application, 
 which, in a work of this kind, is indifpcnfably nece/Tary* 
 She hopes, therefore, that generous humanity will foften the 
 afperity of cenfure, and that the public will view with can T 
 dpr the afliduous, though, perhaps, unfuccefsful efforts of 
 a female pen, 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I, 
 
 F the perfecution in England, and fettlement of Plymouth. 
 
 CHAPTER IT. 
 
 Of the fettlement cfthe Maffachufetts colony. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of the fettlement of New-HavtpJhire, the Province of Maine^ 
 Connecticut and New-Haven. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Qf the fettlement cf Providence, Rhodc-Iftand, and fome other 
 places. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Various particulars rcfpetling the colonies, from 1637 to 1646, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Of the comer/ion of the Indians to Chriftianity. The New-Eng- 
 land churches ejlablijh a platform of church government. The 
 folonies form a code of/aivs. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Of the perfecution of the Bapttfts and Quakers, 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Of the proceedings in the colonies, from 1661 to 1668, 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Of the i^ar with Philip, a fid the E after n Indians. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Of the arbitrary proceedings of the Englifh government towards 
 }hs colonies. 
 
 CHAPTER XI, 
 
 Qfthe war with the Eaftern Indians. Of the charter granted to 
 
 Majj'achufetts. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Of 'the fapfofsd witchcrafts in New-England. Of the renewal cf 
 (he Indian war. Peace concluded* 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII, 
 , from the year 1699 to 1713. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Of t l e attention paid to learning in Npw-Englaiqk Various relt* 
 gious denominations, and other particulars. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Gftbe altercations of the gownvrs of maffackufetti wM tie /*<?? 
 pie, and ot',.cr particulars. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Hiftorical events, fro??z the year 1730^ l 74-6- 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Far'tour particulars resetting the difputes, between the French and 
 Britijh colonies. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Gfthf fuccefs which attended tho^olonics hi their ivar with th$ 
 French nation. General peace, 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 An accQiuit of the femnanes of learning in New-England, and 
 other particulars. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Rife cfthf controwrfy bet<--ween Great-Britain and tL? colonies* 
 Of the Jtamp-ach 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Nc-w plan of ralftng a revenue in Atncrtca. Spirited oppfohn of 
 the colonies. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 *Tbe Eiift-India company Jcnd tea to Jlweric.a. The tea thrown 
 into the fea at Bofton. Confluences of that nieafarc. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Of the proceedings of the continental convrefs Of the meafures 
 taken by tie Brit '///' parliament. The colonies prepare for cwr, 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 The commencement ' of hoflilities at Lexington* Bunker-kill battle^ 
 find other tranfaftions. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Of the proceedings of the fecond continental congrcfs, and other par-\ 
 ticuUrs ref pc fling the near. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 The Canada expedition. TrxufettiMs in th 
 
C O N T E N T S. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 YtVfUtpt&iQtls in Maffachufetts. Particulars refpefting thf war in 
 Canada^ and Ch.arlejlon^ in South-Carolina. Proceedings of the 
 Britijh pai -iiii mer.t. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Gf American independence ^ and the formation offtate conjlituticfts . 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 An account of the difajlroiis events in 1776. Battles of Trenton 
 
 at!d Princeton. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 The campaign of '1777, in the middle ft dts. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 *T!:e Northern campaign of 1777. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 "Tie alliance between France and the United States. Campaign 
 6/1778. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Campaign of 17/9. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Campaign of 1780.. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 Rfvolt cf a number of tke American foldicrs. Campaign of 1781. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Campaign cf 1 7 8 1 . Cortiwallis captured. Treatment of Amer- 
 ican frifoners. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 Cf foreign affairs. The definitive treaty of peace is concluded. 
 Tie A 'i/;c -lii an army dijlianded. Gen. Washington rejigns his 
 commijjlon, and retires to his feat in Virginia. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 Difficulties after the peace. RMllon in Majfachufcttt. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 A neiv confiitiiiion formed^ and received by the United States. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 State of literature in Nt~jj-ILngland. The condujisn* 
 
CHAPTER t 
 
 Difcovery of America by Columbus, tifoifwns ift 
 England after tie reformation. Perfection un* 
 der the reigns of Elizabeth and James* Mr. Rob* 
 infon and his congregation remove to Holland* 
 Part of his congregation embark for America* 
 Their fettlement at Plymouth, and the hard/hips 
 they endured. They are joined by a f mall party* 
 Treaty of alliance 'with the Indian princes. Death 
 and character of Mr. Robin/on. A number of the 
 Ley den congregation Arrive at Plymouth. The col* 
 ony obtain a patent. Char-after 9 government and 
 religion of the fettlers. 
 
 rr^ 
 
 JL H E difcovery of America is one of 
 the moft celebrated achievements in the annals 
 of hiftory. Chriftopher Columbus, the difcover- 
 er, was a native of the Republic of Genoa. He 
 was born in 1447, and, at the age of fourteen, 
 entered upon a feafaring life, in which profeflion 
 he was eminently diftinguifhed. After a long and 
 fruitlefs application to feveral courts of Europe, 
 his plan of exploring new regions obtained the ap- 
 probation, of (fabella, Queen of Caftile. Through 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 her patronage he fet fail, 1492, with three final! 
 vefTels, which contained one hundred and twenty 
 feameri. The formidable difficulties, which at- 
 tended his voyage to regions hitherto unexplored, 
 were, at length, furmounted by his aftonifhing 
 fortitude and perfeverance. After difcovering fev- 
 eral of the Weft-India iflands, he built a fort, and 
 left a garrifon of thirty-five men in Hifpaniola, to 
 maintain the Spanifh pretenfions in that country. 
 He fet out on his return to Spain in 1493, anc * 
 arrived in March, with the joyful intelligence of a 
 new world, excelling the kingdoms of Europe in 
 gold and filver, and blefl with a luxuriant foil. 
 
 ^THE voyages of Columbus paved the way for 
 ether European adventurers, who were flimulat- 
 cd by ambition and avarice to make further difcov- 
 eries ; till, finally, the rich empires of Mexico 
 and Peru were fubdued by lawlefs invaders. The 
 feeling heart bleeds in reviewing the hiftory of 
 South-America, and is filled with horror at the 
 fuccefsful villainy of its intrepid conquerors.f 
 
 THE hiftory of North-America exhibits a very 
 different fcene. Many of the firft fettlers of this 
 country were animated, by the defire of pofTeiling 
 religious liberty, to abandon their native land, 
 where they enjoyed eafe and affluence ; and to 
 ftruggle through a variety of hard/hips, in an un- 
 cultivated wildernefs inhabited by favages. 
 
 THE fettlements of New-England, which are 
 the particular object of the enfuing hiftory, owe 
 
 f See Robert/en* t Hiforj of South* dmtrita. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D, * a 
 
 their rife to the religious difputes that attended 
 the reformation in England. 
 
 WHEN King Henry VIII. renounced the pa- 
 pal fupremacy, he transferred to himfelf the fpi- 
 litual power which had been exercifed by the 
 Bjfhops of Rome- He fet up himfelf as fupreme 
 head of the Englifh church, and commanded all 
 his fubjeds to pay allegiance to him in his newly 
 aflumed chara&er. 
 
 THIS claim was maintained by his fon and fuc- 
 ceffbr Edward VI. in whofe reign the reforma- 
 tion made great progrefs, and a fetvice book was 
 publifhed by royal authority, as the ftandard of 
 worfhip and difcipline. His fitter Mary, who fuc- 
 ceeded him, reftored the papal fupremacy, and 
 raifed fuch a violent perfecution againft the re- 
 formers, that numbers of them fled into Germany 
 and the Netherlands, where they departed from 
 the uniformity eftablifhed in England, and became 
 divided in their fentiments and practice refpe&ing 
 religious worfhip, 
 
 AT the acceflion of Elizabeth, they returned 
 to their native country with fanguine hopes of re- 
 forming the church of England, according to the 
 refpective opinions which they had embraced in 
 their exile. But they foon found that the Queen 
 was fond of the eftablifhment made in the reign of 
 her brother Edward, and ftrpngly prejudiced in 
 favor of pomp and ceremony in religion. She 
 afferted her fupremacy in the mofl abfolute terms, 
 aad ere&ed an high commiflion court, withexten* 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 five jurifdicUon in ecclefiaftical affairs. In confe* 
 quence of the rigorous meafures which were pur* 
 fued to enforce uniformity, a feparation from the 
 eflablifhed church took place. Thofe who were 
 defirous of a further reformation from the Rom- 
 ifh fuperftitions, and of a more pure and perfect 
 form of religion, were denominated Puritans.! 
 
 DURING the reign of Elizabeth, the Puritans, or 
 Non-Conformifts, as they were called, from their 
 refuting to conform to the ceremonies of the 
 church of England, were feverely perfecuted. 
 Some were cafl into prifon, where a number per- 
 ifhed ; others were baniihed, and a few were put 
 to death. Thofe Proteftants who, during the 
 bloody reign of Mary, fuffered all the rigor of 
 perfecution, now encountered each other with the 
 fame cruel animofity. The manner of proceeding 
 was indeed foftened ; banifhment, fines and im 
 prifonment were fubftituted for the unrelenting 
 vengeance of the flake. But the principle was 
 the fame, and produced a fimilar effect. In both, 
 reigns the number of thofe who refufed to con* 
 form to the eftablifhed worfhip increafed.| 
 
 THE peifecution of the Puritans was continued 
 with great feverity during the reign of James I. 
 until, defpairing of redrefs, they determined to 
 feek an afylum in a foreign land, where they 
 could enjoy the free exercife of their religious 
 opinions. 
 
 f Neal 7 / Hiftory of the Puritan*. Belknap's HiJIory of New* 
 tftimpjhire, fo/. I p. 6l, 62, 63. 
 J Sfe Ntal'j Hiforj o/jfa Puritan?. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND, *3 
 
 AT the period, when the perfecution in this 1608. 
 reign had arifen to its higheft degree under Arch- 
 biihop Bancroft, Mr. Robinfon, a diflenting cler- 
 gyman in England, with part of his congregation, 
 removed to Amflerdam, in Holland, and, with 
 permifiion of the magiflrates, fettled at Leyden 
 the fubfequent year. There they formed a church, 
 and enjoyed religious liberty. After twelve years 
 refidence in Holland, they meditated a removal to 
 America, becaufe they judged it unfafe to educate 
 their children in a country, where the day devoted 
 by Chriftiarts to religious reft, was treated, by too 
 many of the inhabitants, as a day of levity and 
 diverfion. The other motives, which induced them 
 to emigrate to America were, to preferve the mo- 
 rals of the youth j to prevent them from leav- 
 ing their parents, and engaging in bufmefs un- 
 friendly to religion, from want of employment at 
 home ; to avoid the inconvenience of incorporat- 
 ing with the Dutch ; to lay a foundation for pro- 
 pagating the gofpel in the remote parts of the 
 world ; and, by feparating from all the exifting 
 eftablifhments in Europe, to form the model of a 
 pure church, free from the admixture of human 
 additions ; and a fyftem of civil policy unfettered 
 by the arbitrary inftitutions of the old world. J 
 
 As the new world appeared the proper thea- 
 tre for the execution of their defigns, after ferious 
 and repeated addreffes to Heaven for direction, 
 they refolved to crofs the Atlantic. They appli- 
 
 J Print f 4 Chrowhycal Htfory cfNtiv England, Vol. L j>. 82. 
 
* 4 HISTORY OF 
 
 1608. ed to the Virginia company for permiffion to ef- 
 ^"^ tablilh themfelves in America within their limits, 
 and petitioned King James to allow them liberty 
 of confcience. 
 
 THE Virginia company freely confented to give 
 them a patent, with as ample privileges as were 
 in their power to grant. But fuch was the pre- 
 vailing bigotry of the age, that the folicitations of 
 fome of the moft refpectable characters in the king- 
 dom could not prevail on the King and Bimops 
 to allow the refugees liberty of confcience under 
 the royal feal. His Majefty, however, at lad 
 gave private affurance, that they mould live un- 
 molefled, provided they behaved peaceably, but 
 perfifted in refuting to tolerate them by public au- 
 thority. The hope that the diftance of their fitua- 
 tion would fecure them from the jurifdiction of 
 ecclefiaftical courts, induced them, notwithftand- 
 ing, to put their plan in execution ; and, after 
 long attendance, much expence, and labor, they 
 obtained a patent.f 
 
 1620- WHILST pieparations were making for the de- 
 parture of the adventurers for New-England, a 
 day was appointed for folemn prayer, on which 
 occafion Mr. Robinfon, in a difcourfe from the 
 iftof Samuel, xxiii. 3 4, endeavoured to difpel 
 their apprehenfions, and infpire them with Chrif- 
 tian fortitude. As it was not convenient for all 
 to remove at firft, the majority, with their paf- 
 
 f- Mather's Magnolia, Book 1. p. 6. 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 15 
 
 tor, concluded to remain for the prefent in Ley- 1620. 
 den. Mr. John Brewfter, affiftant to Mr. Rob- 
 infon, was chofen to perform minifterial offices 
 to the firft adventurers. Two fhips were prepared, 
 one of which was fitted out in Holland, the other 
 hired in London. When the time of feparation 
 drew nigh, their paftor preached a farewell dif- 
 courfe from Ezra viii. 21. A large concourfe of 
 friends from Leyden and Amfterdam accompanied 
 the emigrants to the fhip, which lay at Delft-Ha- 
 ven. The night was fpent in fervent and affec- 
 tionate prayers, and in that pathetic intercourfe 
 of foul, which the feeling heart can better con- 
 ceive than defcribe. The afFe&ing fcene drew 
 tears even from the eyes of (hangers. When the 
 period, in which the voyagers were about to depart, 
 arrived, they all, with their beloved paftor, fell 
 on their knees, and, with eyes, hands and hearts 
 raifed to heaven, fervently commended their ad- 
 venturing brethren to the bleffing of the Lord* v 
 Thus, after mutual embraces, accompanied with 
 many tears, they bade a long, and to many of 
 them a final adieu.f 
 
 ON the 22d of July, they failed for Southamp- 
 ton, where they met the fhip from London, with 
 the reft of the emigrants. 
 
 ON the 5th of Auguft, both veflels proceeded 
 to fea, but returned twice into port, on account 
 of defects in the one from Delft, which was dif- 
 miffed. 
 
 ft Prime's Chronology > Vol. L /. 66s 
 
ifi HISTORY Otf 
 
 1620* AN ardent defire of enjoying religious li 
 
 finally overcame all difficulties. A company of an 
 hundred and one perfons betook themfelves to the! 
 London fhip, and failed from Plymouth the 6th 
 of September. After many delays, difficulties and 
 dangers, they made Cape-Cod on the pth of No- 
 vember, at break of day, and entered the harbor* 
 on the i oth* 
 
 IT was their intention to fettle at the mouth of 
 Hudfon's River ; but the Dutch, with the view of 
 planting a colony in that place, bribed the pilot 
 to conduct tliem to thefe northern coafts, and 
 then, under various pretences, to difcourage thetn 
 from profecuting their former plan.* 
 
 As they were not within the limits of their pa- 
 tent from the Virginia company, they faw the 
 neceffity of eftabliihing a feparate government for 
 themfelves. Accordingly, having offered their de- 
 vout and ardent acknowledgments to God for 
 their fafe arrival, they formed themfelves into a 
 body politic, under the crown of England, whilft 
 on board, for the purpofe of eflablilhing " juft 
 and equal laws, oidinances, acts, conftitutions 
 and offices." On the loth of November the ad- 
 venturers fubfcribed this contract, thereby making 
 it the bafis of their government. They chofe 
 Mr. John Carver, a gentleman of piety and ap- 
 proved abilities, to be their governor the firfl 
 year \ and the practice of an annual election con- 
 
 New -England's Memorial, /; 13* 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 17 
 
 tmued unchanged during the exiftence of their 1620. 
 government.* 
 
 THE firft objeel: of the emigrants, after difem- 
 barkation, was to fix on a convenient place for 
 fettlement. In this attempt they were obliged to 
 encounter numerous difficulties, and to fuffer 
 incredible hardfhips. Many of them were fick in 
 confequence of the fatigues of a long voyage ; 
 their provifions were bad ; the feafon was un- 
 commonly cold ; the Indians, though afterwards 
 friendly, were now hoflile, and the adventurers 
 were unacquainted with the coaft. Thefe difficul- 
 ties they fur mounted, and on the 31(1 of De- 
 cember were all fafely landed at a place, which 
 they called Plymouth, in grateful remembrance of 
 the laft town they left in their native country.! 
 
 THE hiftorians of New-England relate two 
 remarkable events, which wonderfully facilitated 
 the fettlement of Plymouth and Maffachufetts. 
 The one was a war begun by the Tarratenes, a 
 nation who refided eaftward of Penobfcot. Thefe 
 formidable people furprifed the chief fachem at his 
 head-quarters, and deftroyed him with all his fam- 
 ily ; upon which all the other fachems, who were 
 fubordinate to him, contended among themfelves 
 for the fovereignty ; and in thefe diffenfions many 
 of them, as well as their unhappy people perifhed.J 
 The other was a mortal and contagious diftemper 
 
 * Mather, B. I. p. 8. 
 
 f Morlef Geography, Vol. 1. p. 344.. 
 
 % Gookim* Hijiorical Collection^ p. 148; 
 
iS HISTORY OF 
 
 1620. which prevailed among the Indians two or 
 
 years previoufly to the arrival of the Englifh at 
 Plymouth, and proved fatal to fuch numbers, 
 fhatfome tribes were almoft extinft. The ex- 
 tent of this peftilence was between Penobfcot int 
 the eaft, and Narraganfet in the weft. Thefe two 
 tribes efcaped, while th& intermediate people wers 
 wafted and deftrfoyed.*" 
 
 THE prbfpefts aftd iituation of the "Plymouth 
 fettlers were gloomy beyond expreflion. The 
 whole corhpany, which landed confifted of but one 
 Hundred and one fouls. They were three thoir- 
 farid miles from their native country, with a dreary 
 winter in profpeft, in" an uncultivated wildernefsj 
 furrounded with hoftile barbarians, and without 
 any hope of human fuccoiir. Their only civilis- 
 ed neighbors were a French 1 fettlement at Port- 
 Royal, and an Englifn fettlement at Virginia ; the 
 neareft of which was five hundred miles diftanr, 
 much too remote to afford a hope of relief in a 
 time of danger or famine. To obtain a fupply of 
 provifions by cultivating the ftubborn foil requir- 
 ed an immenfity of previous labor, and was, at 
 beft, a diftant and uncertain dependence. They 
 were denied the aid or favor of the court of Eng- 
 land without a patent without a public promife 
 of a peaceable enjoyment of their religious liber- 
 ties. In this melancholy fituation, forty-five of 
 their number died before the opening of the ne.\t 
 fpring, of diforders occafioned by their tedious 
 
 * Marten's Memorial, p. 18, 19, 2O. Belknafs Amtricax 
 Biography, VoL /. p. 358. 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 19 
 
 -voyage, with infufficient accommodations, and 1620. 
 their uncommon exertions and fatigues.* 
 
 THE new colony fupported thefe complicated 
 hardships with heroic fortitude. To enjoy full lib- 
 erty to worfhip God, according to the dilates of 
 their confciences, was efteemed by them the .great- 
 eft of bleffings. And the religious fervor, which 
 induced them to abandon their native country for- 
 tified their minds, and enabled them to furmount 
 every difficulty, which could prove their patience, 
 or evince jtheir firmnefs. 
 
 To their unfpeakable fatisfaclion, their affociates 
 in England fent them a fupply of neceifaries, and 
 a reinforcement of colonifts the fubfequent year.f 
 
 THE prudent, friendly and upright conduct of 1621. 
 the Plymouth fettlers towards .the natives fecured 
 their friendfhip and alliance. As early as March 
 Maffaffoiet, one of the mo ft powerful fagamores 
 of the neighboring Indians, with fixty attendants, 
 paid them "a vifit, and entered into a treaty of 
 peace and amity. They reciprocally agreed, to 
 avoid injuries, to punifh offenders, to reftore ftolen 
 goods, to afford mutual afliftance in all juftifiable 
 wars, to promote peace among their neighbors, 
 &c. Maflaffoiet, and his fucceflbrs, for fifty years 
 inviolably obferved this treaty. His example was 
 followed by others. On the 131!! of September 
 nine facheins declared allegiance to King James. 
 Mafiaffoiet and many of his fub-fachems, who in- 
 habited round the bays of Plymouth and Maffa, 
 
 * Prin;is Chronology, Vol< L p. 98. 
 ' 'Jmlmtrf PQtititai dnnals t /. 88. 
 
to HISTORYOF 
 
 T62r. chufetts, fubfcribed a writing, acknowledging fub- 
 jection to the king of England.* 
 
 THE Plymotheans early agreed, and purchafed 
 a right to the lands, which they cultivated from the 
 Indian proprietors.! 
 
 FOR fevt'ral years after their arrival the whole 
 property of the colony was in common, from 
 which every perfon was furnimed with neceflary 
 articles. In the beginning of each year a certain 
 quantity of land was fele&ed for planting, and 
 their proportion of labor was affigned to each one.| 
 
 AT the clofe of the year 1624 the plantation 
 confided of one hundred and eighty perfons. 
 They had built a town 'confiding of thirty-two, 
 dwelling houfes, erected a citadel for its defence, 
 and laid out farms for its fupport.jj 
 
 THE following year the riew colony receive^ 
 the melancholy intelligence of the death of the. 
 Rev. Mr. Robinfon, who died at Leyden in the. 
 month of March, in the 5oth year of his age. 
 The character of this excellent man, who was dif- 
 tinguifhed both by his natural abilities and art 
 highly cultivated mind, was greatly dignified by 
 the mild and amiable virtues of Chiiftianity. Fie 
 poffeffed a liberality of fentiment which was un- 
 common for the age, in which he lived. He was; 
 
 * Mother, B'j^k /. p JO. 
 
 f- Declarations reflecting the proceedings of the government cf. 
 Plymouth. 
 
 J Hutchinfon's Hijlory ofMafiackuJetts Bay, Vol. //, p, 474. 
 || Chalmsr, ^.89. 
 
 bet Robinfon s farewell charge to his focr, when embarking 
 for dmerica t in Neafj li:jhry of AVTt-#g ///;, >"c,l. I p. 84. 
 
NE W- ENGLAND. *i 
 
 revered and efleemed by the Dutch divines, vene- 1625. 
 rated and beloved by his people ; and the harmo- ******* 
 ny which fubfifted between them was perfect ancj 
 uninterrupted. His death was greatly lamented 
 by the people at PIymouth,^who were flattering 
 themfelves with the plealing hope of his fpeedy ar- 
 rival in New-England. In, the beginning of the 
 year 1629, they chofe Mr. Ralph Smith for their 
 paftor. Previoufly to his ordination, Mr. Brewf- 
 ter, who had been ruling elder to the church at 
 Leyden, performed all the minifterial offices among 
 them, except adminiflenng the facraments. 
 
 AFTER the death of Mr. Robinfon, another 
 part of his congregation joined their brethren in 
 America. 
 
 WHEN the plantation amounted to about three 1630, 
 hundred perfons, they obtained a patent from the 
 council of Plymouth. By this grant their lands 
 were fecured againfl all Englifh claims.* 
 
 IT is a diftinguifhed trait in the fettlements of 
 New-England, that they were eftablifhed from re- 
 ligious motives, by perfons of piety and inform- 
 ation. 
 
 "^HE Plymotheans were a plain, induftrious, 
 conscientious and pious people. Though their 
 piety was fervent, yet it was alfo rational., and 
 difpofed them to a ftricl: obfervance of the moral 
 and focial duties. The leading characters among 
 them were men of fuperior abilities and undaunt- 
 ed fortitude. The refpe&able names of Carver, 
 
 * Mother, Book I. p. 12. 
 
its HISTORY OF 
 
 .630. Bradford, Window, Prince and others, are i 
 m0 rtalized in the annals of New-England. 
 
 RESECTING their civil principles, an ardent 
 love of liberty, an unfhaken attachment to the 
 rights of men, wjtb defire to tranfmit them to 
 their latefl pofterity, were the principles, which gov- 
 erned their condud.* 
 
 THEY made the general laws of England their 
 rule of government, and never eftablifhed a dif- 
 tmcl code for themfelves. They added, however, 
 ich municipal laws as were, from time to time, 
 found necefTary to regulate new and emergent 
 cafes, which were unprovided for by the common, 
 and ftatute laws of England 
 
 DURING the infancy of the colony, the whole 
 body of male inhabitants were frequently affem- 
 bled, to determine affairs both legiilative and ju- 
 dicial. When their incre$fe rendered this method 
 impracticable, the governor and affiftants were the 
 fupreme judiciary power, and fole in judging high 
 offences. Crimes of lefs magnitude were cognizr 
 able before inferior courts and fmgle magiftrates j 
 and in civil matters appeals could be made from 
 inferior jurifdi&ions to the fupreme. In the year 
 1639, they eftablifhed a houfe of reprefentatives, 
 compofed of deputies from the feveral towns.f 
 
 As the profeffed defign of the fettlement of the 
 colony was the advancement of religion, their 
 
 * See an account of the church in Plymouth, in the Hiflorieaj 
 Collections for the year 1794- See alfo Dr. Robbint 
 ty Scrmw preached in Plymouth, 1796. 
 
 ., VoL // />. 467, CLulmer, p. 88. 
 
N'E tV.ENGL Atf0. 23; 
 
 principal objecl was to form churches on what 1630. 
 they fuppofed to be the gofpel plan. Part of the 
 Plymouth fettkrs had imbibed the opinions of the 
 Brownifts ; but the inftru&ions of Mr. Robinfon 
 feffened their attachment to their former fenti- 
 ments, and they embraced the congregational fyf- 
 tem, which was maintained by this pious and be- 
 nevolent divine. Tlley were of opinion, that no 
 churches or church officers had any power to con- 
 troul other churches or officers ; and th^t all church 
 members had equal rights and privileges. Their 
 church officers were paftors, ruling elders and: 
 deacons. In do&rm-a-l points they agreed with the 
 articles of the church of England, which arc 
 ffcrietly Calvinian.* 
 
 AGREE ARLY to- the prevailing prejudices of tfrfe 
 age in which they lived, they aiferted the neceffi- 
 ty of uniformity in religious worlhip. Yet, how- 
 ever rigid the Plymotheans might have been at 
 their frrfHeparatioa from the church of England, 
 they never difcovered fo great a degree of intoler- 
 ance as,= at a fubfequent period, was exhibited i& 
 the Maflachufetts colony.f 
 
 * Prince s Chr analogy > Vol. L p. g$* 
 f Hut chin/on,- Vol* /A ^.478. 
 
 \ 
 
24 H I S T O R Y O IT 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Perfection in England. Settlement of the Mafia* 
 chufetts colony. A charier obtained. Salem is 
 founded, and a church incorporated. Large ad- 
 ditions are made to the plantation. Sufferings of 
 the emigrants. Bojion founded. Correfp-ondcnce 
 fettled between Plymouth and Maffachufctts. Great 
 numbers arrive from England. Of the Maffa+ 
 chufetts government* Of the religion of the firjl 
 fettle rs of that colony. Their char after. 
 
 1 630 \VH I L S T the fir ft fettlers of New- 
 
 England were encountering various difficulties, 
 their brethren, the Puritans, in England were fuf- 
 fering a fevere perfecution. Under the reign of 
 Charles I. the government of the church was 
 committed to Archbifliop Laud, a man of warm 
 paflions and ftrorig prejudices. Through his in- 
 fluence the royal prerogative was drained to the 
 higheft defpotifm. He was ambitious in his ad- 
 miniftration to imitate the fplendor of the church 
 of Rome. He entertained exalted ideas of the 
 authority of the ecclefiaftical hierarchy, and was 
 determined to fupport it by coercive meafures. 
 His averfion to the Puritans impelled him to pro- 
 fecute them with rigorous feverity. In the high 
 commiffion court and ftar-chamber they were im- 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 25 
 
 prifoned, fined and banifhed, in an arbitrary and 
 illegal manner.* 
 
 " THE Laudean perfecution, which caufed the 
 deftru&lon of thoufands in England, proved to be 
 a principle of life and vigor to the infant fettle- 
 ments in America."! The oppreflive government, 
 which was exercifed in England, both in church 
 and (late, induced feveral men of eminence to 
 meditate a removal to America, if the .meafures 
 they purfued for eftablifhing civil and religious lib- 
 erty in their native country fhould prove abortive. 
 For this purpofe, they folicited and obtained grants 
 of land in New-England, and were affiduoufly en- 
 gaged in fettling them. Among thefe patentees 
 were the Lords Brook, Say and Seal, the Pel- 
 hams, the Hampdens, and the Pyms ; names 
 which have fmce been greatly diftinguilhed in the 
 annals of their country. 
 
 ACTUATED by religious motives, a fmall party 1627. 
 emigiated from the weft of England, under the 
 conducl of Mr. Roger Conant. They firft came 
 to Plymouth, and, upon their removal from 
 thence, in the year 1626, they fettled on that 
 part of the American coaft, which afterwards ac- 
 quired the name of Salem. The various difficulties 
 which they were obliged to encounter induced them 
 to form the defign of abandoning their fettlement, 
 and returning to England. In the mean time the 
 Rev. Mr. White, minifter of Dorchefter, had 
 
 * See Rapins Hi/toy of England* and Neat's HiJIoty of tbi 
 Puritans* -j- Mor/es Geography*. 
 
26 HISTORY OF 
 
 1627. projected an-afylum for the filenced Non-Confofm^- 
 ^"^ lit clergy in MafTachufetts-Bay. In order to facil- 
 itate his defign, he ufed all his influence to per- 
 fuade Mr. Conant and his party to remain, prom- 
 ifing to fend them fpeediiy' a patent, necefifaries 
 and friends. Relying on thefe affurances, and 
 encouraged under their prefent hardfliips by the 
 foft perfualions of hope, they determined to await 
 the event.* 
 
 MR. White engaged a number of influential 
 characters to intereft themfelves in his plan. On 
 the 1 9th of March, Sir Henry Rofwel, and feve- 
 ral other gentlemen, who dwelt about Dorchefter, 
 received a patent of MafTachufeUs-Bay from the 
 council of Plymouth. 
 
 1628. THESE gentlemen petitioned for a royal char- 
 fer, under the idea that their exiftence and powers 
 would be thereby fecured and promoted. They 
 fucceeded ; and a charter of incorporation was 
 granted by King Charles I. conflituting them a 
 body politic, by the name of ec the Governor and 
 Company of the Maflfachufetts-Bay, in New-Eng- 
 land," with as ample powers as any other corpo- 
 ration in the realm of England. The patent re- 
 cited the grant of American territory to the coun- 
 cil of Plymouth in 1620. It re-granted Mafla- 
 chufetts-Bay to Sir Henry Rofwel and others. 
 The whole executive power of the corporation was 
 inverted in a governor, deputy-governor, and eigh- 
 teen affiftants j and, until the annual eleclion of 
 
 * Cb aimer, p. 288, 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 27 
 
 the company could commence, the governor, de- 1628. 
 ,puty -governor, and eighteen affiftants were fpeci- 
 fied. The governor and feven or more affiftants 
 were authorized to meet in monthly courts, for 
 difpatching fuch bufinefs, as concerned the compa- 
 ny or fettlement. But the legiflative powers of 
 the corporation were vefled in a more popular af~ 
 fembly, compofed of the governor, deputy-govern- 
 cr, the affiftants' and freemen of the company. 
 This afiembly, to be convened on the laft Wednef- 
 day of each of the four annual terms, by the title 
 of the general court, was empowered to enacl laws 
 and ordinances for the good of the body politic, 
 and the government of ihe plantation, and its in- 
 habitants, provided they mould not be repugnant 
 to the laws and ftatutes of England. This aflem- 
 bly was empowered to elect their governor, depu- 
 ty-governor, and other neceflary officers, and to 
 confer the freedom of the company. The compa- 
 ny was allowed to tranfport perfons, merchandize, 
 weapons, &c. to New-England, exempt from du- 
 ty, for the term of feven years ; and emigrants 
 were entitled to all the privileges of Englifhmen. 
 Such are the general outlines of the charter.* 
 
 ABOUT the time in which the patent of Maffachu- 
 fetts received the royal confirmation, Captain John 
 Endicot, with one hundred perfons, was fent over 
 by the patentees, to prepare the way for the fet- 
 tlement of a permanent colony in that part of 
 
 * See Maffachtfetts Colony Charter -, in Hutdinfuns CoUefihz 
 p. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 
 
2 8 HISTORY OF 
 
 1628. New-England. After their arrival, they began a 
 ^^^ fettlement, which they named Salem. This was 
 
 the firft town in Maffachufetts, the fecond in New- 
 England. 
 
 1629. THE fubfequent year, two hundred perfons 
 came over and joined Mr. Endicot's colony. Soon 
 after an Hundred of the planters removed, and 
 fettled Charleftown.* 
 
 AGREEABLY to the profeffed defign of their 
 emigration, the colony made it their primary con- 
 cern to form a church at Salem, upon a fimilar 
 plan of order and difcipline with that of their 
 brethren at Plymouth. The church of Plymouth 
 was convoked to be prefent by their meffengers at 
 the ordination of MefTrs. Sheltcn and Higginfon. 
 The day was fpent in fading and prayer. Thirty 
 perfons, who djfired to join the communion, pro- 
 feifed their afifeat to a confeffion of faith prepared by 
 Mr. Higginfon, and fubfcribed a covenant drawn up 
 by the fame gentleman. Meflrs. Shelton and Hig- 
 ginfon were then ordained pallor and teacher. The 
 Plymouth mefiengers gave the right hand of fel- 
 lowfhip, by which ceremony the two churches 
 profeffed mutual affection and communion.! 
 
 SEVERAL gentlemen of fortune and diftinguim- 
 cd reputation made propofals to the Maflachufetts 
 company for fettling with their families in Ameri- 
 ca, on condition that the government fhould be 
 transferred to the inhabitant*, and not continued 
 in the hands of the company in London. Mr. 
 
 on) Vol. L p. 9, f Mailer > j>. 1 8, 19. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 29 
 
 Matthew Craddock, the governor, communicated 1629. 
 this propofal to the general court. After fome ^^ 
 debate, their plan was accepted, and the company 
 proceeded to a new election of officers, who were 
 to repair to and fettle in New-England. John 
 Winthrop, Efq. of Groton, in Suffolk, a gentle- 
 man of diftinguifhed piety and ability, was chofen 
 governor. Mr. Thomas Dudley was elected depu- 
 ty-governor ; and other worthy characters were 
 chofen for their council. The bufmefs of trans- 
 ferring the patent and corporation, and procuring 
 new fettlers, was profecuted with vigor.* 
 
 PREVIOUSLY to leaving their native country, 1630. 
 the new adventurers agreed upon a refpe&ful ad- 
 drefs to their brethren of the church of England. 
 Their object was to remove, prejudices, conciliate 
 the minds of the difaffected, and recommend them- 
 felves and their expedition to the favorable regards 
 of ferious Chriftians of the Epifcopal perfuafion. 
 In this addrefs they defired to be called their breth- 
 ren ; they requefted their prayers ; and, in ener- 
 gstic language, profefled the moft affectionate re- 
 gard for their welfare.! 
 
 ON the 1 2th of June, the company arrived at 
 Salem, with the governor, deputy-governor, af- 
 fiftants and charter. Before the clofe of the year 
 the number of pafTengers amounted to feventeen 
 hundred. In this and the preceding year two 
 thoufand planters arrived in New-England. T'hefe 
 fettled about nine or ten towns and villages. 
 
 * Hutckinjon, Vol. 1. p> i 2, 13, 14. Wintkrofs Journal * 
 f See this addrefi in Hutchison's Hijlory, Vol. /./. 487, 
 
5-0 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1630. MANY of the firfl fettlers of MafTachufetts were 
 poffeffed of large fortunes in their native country^ 
 and enjoyed the elegant accommodations of life. 
 The finking contrafl: between their former eafe 
 and affluence, and the hardihips they now endured, 
 muft have augmented their diftrefs. They were 
 obliged to difpofe of their large and -valuable ef- 
 tates to make provifion for their enterprise. The 
 rigor of the climate, together with the fatigues and 
 exertions unavoidable in a new fettlement, occa- 
 fioned difeafes, which proved fatal to a large num- 
 ber the firft winter after their arrival. Their flock 
 of provifions falling fhort, the dreadful apprehen- 
 fion of perifhing by famine was added to their 
 Other calamities.* 
 
 TOWARDS the clofe of the year the colony of 
 Charleflown removed to a peninfula, to which 
 they gave the name of Boflon, from a town in 
 Lincolnfhire, in England, the native refidence of 
 fome of the firft fettlers, and from whence they 
 expecled the Rev, John Cotton, a celebrated Puri- 
 tan clergyman. They eflablifhed a civil govern- 
 ment, and congregational church, over which the 
 Rev. John Wilfon officiated as the firfl paftor. 
 
 TH& fubfequent fummer a number ofpaffengers 
 arrived from England, among whom was the Rev. 
 John Elliot. This eminent divine fpent his firfl 
 year in Boflon, and performed miniflerial of- 
 fices to the church in that place, in the abfence 
 pf Mr. Wilfon, then on a voyage to England, A 
 
 * flutcbinfon, Fsl. L />, 19. 
 
HE W.ENGLAND. $* 
 
 number of his particular friends having formed a 1631* 
 fettlement, and colle&ed a church, in a town 
 which they called Roxbury, he was ordained their 
 paflor the year after his arrival in New-England.* 
 
 IN order to eftablilh a union between the colo- 1632. 
 iries, the governor, accompanied by Mr. Wilfon, u ' v%/ 
 and other gentlemen, \valked forty miles through 
 the woods as far as Plymouth, Mr. Bradford, 
 the governor of Plymouth, received them with 
 gieat refpect ; and the interview produced a per- 
 manent friendfhip between the two plantations. 
 
 IN the three following years great additions 1633 
 were made to the Maflachufetts colony. Among to 
 which were'feveral famous Non-Conformift di-i635 
 vines, viz. the Rev. John Cotton, Thomas Hook- 
 er, and Samuel Stone. Mr. Cotton was immedi* 
 ately chofen afliftant to Mr. Wilfon, in Bofton, 
 and continued with him till his death. Mr. Hook- 
 er was eleded paflor of a church in Newtown, 
 fmce called Cambridge, and Mr. Stone was his af- 
 fiftant. The fettlement of thefe celebrated clergy- 
 men, joined with the unrelenting feverity of Arch- 
 bifhop Laud's adminiftration, produced great emi- 
 grations. New plantations were formed, and con- 
 gregational churches eftablifhed in various parts of 
 the country.f 
 
 SIR Henry Vane, who afterwards acted fo con- 
 fpicuous a part in his native country, was among 
 the paffengers who arrived at this period. In com- 
 pliment to his talents and family, he was chofea 
 governor the fubfequent year.J 
 
 * Matbtr> Book III. /, 175. f Ibid. J Ckalmer, p. 57.' 
 
32 HISTORY OF 
 
 1635. THE fettlers of MafTachufetts purchafed their 
 lands of the native proprietors, and gave what was 
 deemed by thofe favages an adequate compenfa- 
 tion. The foil was to them of fmall value, as 
 they fubfilted chiefly by hunting, and did not pof- 
 fefs that patient induitry, which agriculture re- 
 quires. In the year 1633, the colony palled an 
 act, prohibiting the purchafe of the lands from 
 the natives, without having previoufly obtained a 
 licence from government.* 
 
 AFTER the governor and company removed 
 from London to MatTachufetts, the change of place 
 and circumitances induced them to vary in cer- 
 tain inflances from the directions of the char- 
 ter. " They apprehended themfelves fubject to 
 no other law or rule of government, than what 
 arofe from natural reafon and the principles of 
 equity, except any pofitive rules from the word of 
 God."t Influential characters among them main- 
 tained, that birth was no neceflary caufe of fubjec- 
 tion ; for that the fubject of any prince or ftate 
 had a natural right to emigrate to any other ftate, 
 or quarter of the world, when deprived of liberty 
 of confcience, and that upon fuch removal his al- 
 legiance ceafed. They called their own a volun- 
 tary civil fubjection, arifing merely from a mutual 
 compact between them and the king, founded up- 
 on the charter. They acknowledged that this 
 compact obligated them not to be fubject to, or 
 feek protection from, any other prince, nor to 
 
 Wftory of the Diftria of Maine, p. 140. 
 
 } Hutckiafons Litter of Deumlsr 7, 1762, 
 
INEW-ENGLAND. 33 
 
 enact laws repugnant to thofe of England, &c. 1635. 
 On the other hand, they maintained, that they 
 were to be governed by laws made by thernfelves, 
 and by x officers of their own electing.* 
 
 WHEN the MafTachufetts colony completed their 
 fyftem of government, inilead of making the laws 
 of England the foundation of their code, they pre- 
 ferred the laws of Mofes. They alfo created a re- 
 prefentative body of their own motion in UK years 
 after the grant of their charter, which was wholly 
 filent upon fo important an inftitution. And al- 
 though it gave them no power to judge and deter- 
 mine capital offences, the judicatories they eftab- 
 lilhed affumed this act of fovereign authority. la 
 the fame manner they fupplied a defect of author- 
 ity to erect judicatories for the probate of wills ; 
 to conftitute courts with admiralty jurifdittion j to 
 Impofe taxes on the inhabitants, and to create 
 towns and other bodies corporate.! 
 
 IN 1644, the general courts were reduced to 
 two in a year ; and except in this, and a few other 
 unimportant circumftances, the government con- 
 tinued the fame until the people were deprived of 
 their charter.J 
 
 MOST of the MaiTachufetts fettlers had, while 
 in their native country, lived in communion with 
 the eftablifned church. The rigorous feverity ufed 
 to enforce ceremonies, by them deemed unlawful, 
 occafioned their removal to New-England. The 
 
 * Cordon i Hijlory of the American War, Vol. I. p. 30. 
 f- Minofs Continuation of Hut chin/on , p. 2O 
 ;|; Hut(bifi/on, Vol. 11. /. 3 . 
 E 
 
34 HISTORY O F 
 
 1635. Maffachufeits churches, in general, were formed 
 ^^ on the congregational model, and maintained Cal- 
 vinian doctrines. The colony had no fettled plan 
 of church difcipline. till after the arrival of Mr. 
 Cotton, whofe opinion, in civil and facred con- 
 cerns, was held in the higheft eftimation. He 
 gradually modelled all their church adminiftra- 
 tions, and determined their ecclefiaflical coiiftitu- 
 tions.** 
 
 THIS great man earneflly pleaded, " that the 
 government might be confidered as a theocracy^ 
 wherein the Lord was judge, lawgiver, and king ; 
 that the laws he gave Ilrael might be adopted, fo 
 fat as they were of moral and perpetual equity ; 
 that the people might be confidered as God's peo- 
 ple, in covenant with him ; that none but perfons 
 of approved piety and eminent abilities mould be 
 chofen rulers ; that the clergy mould be confulted 
 in all matters of religion ; and that the magiftrates 
 mould have a fu pel-intending and coercive power 
 over the churches. "f 
 
 IN confequence of the union thus formed be- 
 tween the church and ftate, on the plan of the 
 Jewijh theocracy^ the minifters were called to fit 
 in council, and give their advice in matters of re- 
 ligion, and cafes of confcience, which came be- 
 fore the court, and without them they never pro- 
 ceeded to any act of an ecclefiaflical nature. As 
 none were allowed to vote in the eleclion of rulers 
 
 * Prince's Cbrcnclcgy, p. 285. Woofs New- England's Prof- 
 peft, /-, 3. f Hutcbinfons Colleflinn of Papers, p. 162. 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 35 
 
 freemen, and freemen mud be church mem- 1635. 
 bers ; and as none could be admitted into . tne 
 church but by the elders, who firit examined, and 
 then propounded them to the brethren for their 
 vote, the clergy acquired hereby a vaft afcendency 
 over both rulers and people, and had, in effect, the 
 keys of the (late as well as the church* in their 
 hands. The magiftrates, on the other hand, re- 
 gulated the gathering of the churches, interpofed 
 in the fettlement and difmiilion of miniflers, arbi- 
 trated in ecclefiaftical controverfies, and ccntroul- 
 cd fynodical affemblies. This coercive power in 
 the magiftrates was deemed abfolutely neceiTary 
 to preferve the order of the gofpel.* 
 
 THE rigorous meafures which, agreeably to 
 thefe principles, were ufed to enforce colonial uni- 
 formity, and the effects they produced, will be re- 
 lated in a future chapter. 
 
 THOUGH the conduct of our anceftors, in the 
 application of the power of the civil magiftrate to 
 religious concerns, was fraught with error, and 
 the liberal fentiments of the prefent age place their 
 errors in the mod confpicuous point of view ; their 
 memory ought ever to be held in veneration. 
 And while we review the imperfections which, at 
 prefent, caft a made over their characters, we 
 ought to recollect thofe virtues, by which they 
 gave luftre to the age in which they lived, viz. 
 their ardent love of liberty when tyranny prevailed 
 in church and ftate ; the fortitude with which they 
 * Belknap, Vol. L p. Si; 
 
II I S T O R Y O F 
 
 facrlficed eafe and opulence, and encountered com- 
 plicated hard/hips in order to enjoy the (acred 
 rights of confcience ; their care to lay a founda* 
 tion for folid learning, and eilabliilx wife and ufe- 
 ful inilitutions in their infant flate , the immenfe 
 pains they took in fettling and cultivating their 
 lands, and defending the country againft the depre? 
 dations of furrounding Indians $ and, above all ? 
 their fupreme regard for religion. As an eminent 
 Author obferves, " Religious to fome degree of 
 enthufiafm it may be admitted they were, but this 
 can be no peculiar derogation from their charac^ 
 ter, becaufe it was at that time aimed the univer- 
 fal character not only of England, but of Chriften- 
 dom. Had this, however, been otherwife, their 
 enthufiafm, confidering the principles, on which it 
 was founded, and the ends, to which it was direct- 
 ed, far from being a reproach, was greatly to 
 their honor. For I believe it will be found uni- 
 verfally true, that" no great enterprize for the hon- 
 or and happinefs of mankind was ever achieved 
 without a large mixture of that noble infirmity. 
 Whatever imperfections may be juftly afcribed to 
 them, which, however, are as few as any mortals 
 have difcovered, their judgment in forming their 
 policy was founded on wile and benevolent princi- 
 ples ; it was founded on revelation and reafon too j 
 it was confident with the beft, grcateft and wifefl 
 legiilators of antiquity."* 
 
 '* s:djiMQn:beC&aanaKdF*:!JlLtv, t ,J!cn Gazette, !/6^. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 37 
 
 THE MaiTachufetts colony rapidly increafcd. A 
 dreary wildernefs in the fpace of a few years had 
 become a comfortable habitation, furnimed with 
 the neceflaries and conveniencies of life. It is re r 
 markable that previouily to this period, all the at- 
 tempts at fettling the northern patent, upon fecular 
 views, proved abortive. They were accompanied 
 y/ith fuch public difcouragement as would probably 
 have loft the continent to England, or have per- 
 mitted only the fharing of it with the other Eu- 
 ropean powers, as in the Weft-India iflands, had 
 not the fpirit of religion given rife tp an effe&ua} 
 colonization* 
 
 XXX 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of the fettlement of New-Hampfoire, and the Diftriff 
 of Mains. The plantation and civil government 
 of Connecticut and New-Haven. Of their atten- 
 tion to the promotion of learning and religion. The 
 religious tenets in which the New-England fettlers 
 were agreed. The king and council in England 
 prohibit the Puritans from embarking for America. 
 
 w, 
 
 H I L S T religious principles ani- 
 mated the fettlers of Plymouth and Maifachu- 
 fetts to encounter hardfhips in a dreary wildernefs, 
 a fpirit of enterprize and ambition induced others 
 to attempt fettlements in different parts of the 
 new world. As early as 1622, grants of land had 
 been made by the Plymouth council to two of 
 their mod active members, viz. Sir Ferdinando 
 Gorges, and Captain John Mafon. The fubfe- 
 quent year they, in conjunction with fever al Eng- 
 lifh merchants, who fliled themfelves " the com- 
 pany of Laconia," attempted the eftablifhment of 
 a colony and fifhery at the river Pifcataqua. This 
 was the beginning of the fettlement known fmce 
 by the name of New-Hampmire.* 
 
 1629. SEVERAL years after, fome of the fcattered 
 planters in the Bay of Malfachufetts procured a 
 general meeting of the Indians at Squamfcot falls, 
 
 * BJknap, Vol. I. p. 10. 
 
NE W-ENGL AND. t 39 
 
 u-here they obtained from the Indian fachems 1629, 
 deeds of a tradt of land between the rivers Pifcata- v- ' v%/ 
 qua and Merrimak.* Thefe lands, at a future 
 period, afforded an afylum for a number of exiles 
 whom perfecution had driven from Maffachufetts. 
 
 IN this, and the two following years, the Ply- 
 mouth council made feveral grants of the lands oa 
 the river Pifcataqua to different proprietors. Dif- 
 pirited by the difficulties they were obliged to en- 
 counter, the major part of the other adventurers 
 either relinquifhed their defign, or fold their mares 
 to Mafon and Gorges, who were more fanguine 
 than the reft, and became, either by purchafe, or 
 tacit confent of the others, the principal, if not 
 fole, proprietors. Thefe gentlemen renewed their 
 exertions with greater vigor ; fent over a frefh fup- 
 ply of fervants and materials for carrying on the 
 fettlement ; and appointed Francis Williams, a 
 gentleman of good fenfe and difcretion, to be 
 their governor. 
 
 THE new fettlers formed themfelves into a body 1634. 
 politic, and entered into a voluntary affociation 
 for government.! 
 
 VOLUNTARY agreements formed a very impor- 
 tant title in the ancient jurifprudence of New-Eng- 
 land. Wherever the Britifh emigrants fettled a 
 colony without the authority of a charter, they 
 founded their police on a contract to which every 
 one agreed. 
 
 THE Diftril of Maine was fettled by Sir Ferdi- 
 nando Gorges in nearly the fame period with New- 
 
 * Belknap, Vol. l.p, 8 10. f Ibid, p. 23. 
 
40 lilSTORY OF 
 
 1634. Hampihire. This gentleman was of an ambitious 
 *~^ r * J and enterprizing fpirit, a firm royalift, and flrong- 
 ly attached to the national church. The adventur- 
 ers who repaired to this plantation entertained fim- 
 ilar opinions, though in the neighborhood of the 
 other colonies, they began to waver in their fenti- 
 ments. Gorges united with Mafon, who was al- 
 fo a royalift and Epifcopalian, in an unfuccefsful 
 attempt to obtain a general government over the 
 New-England fettlements, which were intended to 
 be divided into twelve diftri&s. When he found 
 his plan could, not be effected, he folicited and ob- 
 1639. tained a charter from King Charles I. This pa- 
 tent of the crown to Gorges, is faid to have con- 
 tained more and greater powers than had ever been 
 granted by a fovereign to a fubjed. It enjoined 
 little elfe, in particular, than an eftablifhment of 
 the Epifcopal religion. Under this delegated au- 
 thority, Gorges appointed counfellors for the or- 
 dering the affairs of the fettlement. To perpetu- 
 ate his reputation, as land proprietor, he gave the 
 plantation of York the name of Gorgiana. 
 
 THERE was never any religious perfecution m 
 the Diftrict of Maine, nor was it confidered an ob- 
 ject of great importance to eflablilh a regular fup- 
 port for the clergy. The early want of religious 
 inftru&ion proved highly detrimental to the inhab- 
 itants of this country.* 
 
 THE rapid increafe of Maffachufetts fettlement 
 induced a number from that colony to form the 
 
 * Sullivan, />. 78, 79, 237, 307. 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 41 
 
 flefign of effecting a new plantation on Connefti- 
 ut river ; the land there fituated being celebrat- 
 ed for its luxuriancy. The firft grant of this 
 country was made by the Plymouth council to the 
 Earl of Warwick, in 1630, and confirmed by his Ma- 
 jefty in council the fame year. The fucceeding year 1 63 1* 
 the Earl afligned the grant to Lord Say and Seal, 
 Lord Brook, and njne others, who referved it as 
 an afylum for the Puritan emigrants from England.* 
 
 SEVERAL families from Roxbury, Dorchefter, 
 Cambridge and Watertown, began to remove their 
 families to Connecticut. After a tedious and dif- 
 ficult journey through fwamps and rivers, over 
 mountains and rough grounds, which were pafTed 
 with great difficulty and fatigue, they arrived fafe- 
 ly at the places of their refpeftive deflination ; and 
 commeaced the fettlement of the towns of Wind- 
 for,f Hartford { and Weathersfield. The Rev. 
 Mr. Hooker, a refpeftable and pious clergy /nan, 
 was the leader in this enterprize. 
 
 " THE hardfhips and diftreffes, of the firft 
 planters of Connedicut," fays Dr. TrumbuII, 
 " fcarcely admit of a defcription. To carry much 
 provifion or furniture through a pathlefs wilder- 
 nefs was impracticable. Their principal provifions 
 and houfehold furniture were therefore put on 
 board feveral fmall vefiels, winch by reafon of de* 
 lavs and the tempeftuoufnefs of the feafon, were 
 either caft away, or did not arrive." Several vef- 
 fels were wrecked on the coaft of New-England, 
 
 * Morjt, Vol. 7.^.465. f,6 35 . -1,636. i6 3 :;. 
 
II 1 S T O R Y O F 
 
 1635. by the violence of the florms. Every refource aj* 
 v ~" v ~ Sw ' peared to fails and the people were under the 
 dreadful apprehenfion of perifhing by famine." 
 They fupported themfelves, hi this diftrefling pe- 
 riod, with that heroic firmnefs and magnanimity 
 for which the firil fettlers of New-England had 
 been fo eminently diPcingteifhed.* 
 
 THE Connecticut planters at firft fettled under 
 the general government of MafTachufetts ; but 
 finding themfelves without the limits of their pa- 
 tent, and being at full liberty to govern them- 
 felves by their o'wn inftitutions, they formed them- 
 felves, by voluntary corn-pad, into a diftinft com- 
 monwealth. 
 
 1639. THE conditutton- of Connecticut ordained, that 
 there mould be annually two general courts, or af- 
 fembliea ; one on the fecond Thurfday in April, 
 and the other on the fecond Thurfday in Septem- 
 ber ; that the fir ft mould be the couit of election, 
 in which mould be annually chofen, at leail fix ma- 
 giftrates, and all other public officers. It ordained, 
 that a governor mould be chofen diftinft from the 
 fix magiftrates, for one year, and until another 
 Should be chofen and fwcrn j and that the govern- 
 or and magiftrates fhould be fworn to a faithful 
 execution of the laws of the colony, and in cafes- 
 in which there was no exprefs law eflablimcd, ta 
 be governed by the divine word. Agreeably to 
 the conflitution, the choice of thefe officers was 
 to be made by the whole body of freemen con* 
 
 * TneMfs Hijhrj sfConnetiitut, Vol. I. p. 52, 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 43 
 
 vened in general election. It provided that all 1639. 
 perfons, who had been received as members of the 
 feveral towns, by a majority of the inhabitants, 
 and had taken the oath of fidelity to the common- 
 wealth, fhould be admitted freemen of the colony. 
 This was the mod material point, in which the con- 
 ftitution of Connecticut differed from that of Maf- 
 fachufetts, which confined the privileges of free- 
 men to the communion of the churches.* 
 
 AGREEABLY to the conftitution, the freemen 
 convened at Hartford on the fecond Thurfday in 
 April, and elected their officers for the enfuing 
 year. John Haynes, Efq. a gentleman of unblem- 
 ilhed integrity, found judgment and eminent pie- 
 ty, was chofen for the governor of the colony.f 
 
 ABOUT the time of the above mentioned emi- 
 gration from MaiTachufetts, the frontiers of Con- 
 necticut were ftrengthened by the exertions of the 
 Puritan noblemen Lords Say and Brook. After 
 having obtained a grant, they deputed George 
 Fenwick, Efq. who conducted their affairs, to 
 build a fort near the confluence of the river Con- 
 necticut. He called the building Saybrook, in 
 honor of his noble patrons. John Winthrop, jun. 
 Efq. fob of the firfl governor of Maffachufetts, af- 
 fiiled him in this undertaking, and was appointed 
 governor. Some of the grantees contemplated 
 tranfporting their families and effects to this terri- 
 tory ; but relinquifhed their defign when affairs 
 
 * See original can/lit ut ion of Connecticut, formed by voluntary 
 
 , in Appendix to Trumfuf/Tj Hi/lory^ p 528. 
 f Trumbull) Fol* f. p. 95, 96. Hut^ bin/on. 
 
44 HISTORY OF 
 
 fcegan to take a new turn in their native country: 
 After the ardor of emigration ceafed, Mr. Fen-, 
 wick, agent for Lords Brook and Say, was au- 
 thorifed to difpofe of their lands, which were pur- 
 chafed in 1 644 by the people who had removed 
 from Maffachufetts.* 
 
 1637. WHILST the planters of Connecticut were thus 
 exerting themfelves in profecuting and regulating 
 the affairs of that colony, anothei was projected 
 and fettled at Quinnipiak, afterwards called New- 
 Haven. This year two large fhips arrived in the 
 Maflachufetts-Bay, with paffengers from London 
 and its vicinities. Amongft thefe paiTengers were 
 a number of celebrated characters, in particular 
 Mr. Eaton and Mr. Hopkins, who had been'oput- 
 lent merchants in London, and were eminent for 
 abilities and integrity, and Mr. John Davenport, 
 a famous clergyman in the city of London, who 
 was diftinguifhed for piety, learning, and the up- 
 rightnefs of his condud. 
 
 THE reputation and opulence of the principal 
 gentlemen of this company, made the people of 
 MaiTachufetts exceedingly defirous of their fettle- 
 ment in that commonwealth. To effe& this pur- 
 pofe great pains were taken by particular perfons 
 and towns ; and the general court offered them 
 their choice of a place of refidencc. Influenced, 
 however, by the delightful profpe&s, which the 
 country afforded, and flattering themfelves that 
 by removing to a confiderable diftance, they 
 
 * Cbclmer. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 45 
 
 fliould be out of the jurifdi&ion of a general gov- 1637. 
 ernor, with which the plantations were then threat- *^" v ^ 
 ened, they were determined to fettle a diftinft col- 
 ony. In the autumn of this year Mr. Eaton and 
 others, who were of the company, made a jour- 
 ney to Connecticut, to explore the lands and har- 
 bors on the fea coaft. They pitched upon Quin- 
 nipiak for the place of their fettlement. 
 
 ON the 1 8th of April they kept their firft Sab- 1638, 
 bath in New-Haven. The people aflembled under v<orN> 
 a large fpreadmg oak, and Mr. Davenport preach- 
 ed to them from Matthew iv. i. 
 
 THE New-Haven adventurers were the moft 
 opulent company, which came into New-England, 
 and they defigned to plant a capital colony. They 
 laid out their town plat in fquares, defigning it 
 for a great and elegant city. In the centre was a 
 large, beautiful fquare. This was comparTed with 
 others, making nine in the whole.* 
 
 THE colony, like Connecticut, formed a gov- 
 ernment by voluntary agreement, without any 
 charter or authority from the crown. On the 4th 
 of July all the free planters aflembled at Quinni- 1639, 
 piak, to lay the foundations of their civil and re- 
 ligious policy. 
 
 THE Rev. Mr. Davenport introduced this im- 
 portant tranfaclion, by a difcourfe from Proverbs 
 ix. i . His defign was to (hew, tKat the church, 
 or houfe of God, fhould be formed of feven pil- 
 Jars, or principal brethren, to whom all the other 
 
 * Trumbull, Vol. I. p. 89, 90, 94. 
 
4 6 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1639. members of the church fhould be added. After 
 this difcourfe the planters formed a number of 
 refolutions, the fundamental article of which was, 
 that the fcriptures hold forth a perfect rule for 
 the direction and government of all men in their 
 civil and religious duties, as well in families and 
 commonwealth, as in ecclefiaftical affairs. Hence 
 the people bound themielves' to fettle civil govern- 
 ment according to the divine word. After full 
 deliberation it was determined,, 
 
 THAT church members only mould be free 
 burgcffes ; and that they only mould chufe magif- 
 trates among themfelves, to have power of tranf- 
 a&ing all the public civil affairs of the plantation 5 
 of making arid repealing laws, dividing inheri- 
 tances, deciding of differences, and tranfacting all 
 bufmefs of a fimilar nature. 
 
 THAT civil officers might be chofen, and gov- 
 eminent proceed according to thefe refoiutions, it 
 was neceffary .a church fhould be formed. With- 
 out this there could be neither freemen nor magif- 
 trates. Mr. Davenport then proceeded to make 
 propofals relative to the formation of a church, 
 and it was refolved to this effecl ; 
 
 THAT twelve men fhould be chofen, that their 
 fttnefs for the foundation work might be tried ; 
 and that it fliould be in the power of thefe twelve 
 men to chufe feven to begin the church. 
 
 IT was agreed that if feven men could not be 
 found among the twelve qualified for the founda- 
 tion work, that fuch other perfons fliould be taken 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 47 
 
 mto tfce number, upon trial, as mould be judg- 1639. 
 ed mod fuitable. The form of a folemn charge, 
 or oath, was drawn up and agreed upon at this 
 meeting, to be given to all the freemen.* 
 
 FURTHER, it was was ordered, that all peffons* 
 xvho mould be received, as free planters of that 
 corporation, mould fubmit to the fundamental 
 agreement above related, and in teftimony of their 
 fubmimon mould fubfcribe their name among the 
 freemen. After a proper term of trial, a number 
 of the mod diftinguimed characters were chofen 
 for the feven pillars of the church. 
 
 ON the 25th of October, the court, as it was 
 termed, confiding of thefe feven perfons only, con- 
 vened, and, after a folemn addrefs to the Supreme 
 Being, they proceeded to form the body of free- 
 men, and to elet their civil officers. 
 
 IN the firft place, all former truil, for manag* 
 ing the public affairs of the plantation, was de- 
 clared to ceafe, and to be utterly abrogated. Then 
 all thofe who had been admitted to the church af* 
 ter the gathering of it, in the choice of the feven 
 pillars, and all the members of other approved 
 churches, who defired it, and offered themfelves, 
 were admitted members of the court. A folemn 
 charge was then publicly given them, to the fame 
 effect as the freemen's charge, or oath, which 
 they had previoufly adopted. Mr. Davenport ex- 
 pounded fevcral fcriptures to them, defcribing the 
 characters of civil magiilrates given in the facred 
 
 rd. 1. p. 99, 100. 
 
4 3 HISTORY OF 
 
 1639. oracles. To this fucceeded the election of offi- 
 cers, Theophilus Eaton, Efq. was chofen the firft 
 governor of this colony. 
 
 IT was decreed by the freemen, that there 
 mould be a general court annually in the planta- 
 tion, on the laft week in October. This was or- 
 dained a court of election, in which all the offi- 
 cers of the eolony were to be chofen. This court 
 determined, that the word of God mould be the 
 only rule for ordering the affairs of government 
 in that commonwealth, 
 
 THIS was the original, fundamental conflitu-. 
 tk>n of the government of New-Haven. All gov- 
 ernment was veiled in the church. The members 
 of the church elected the governor, magiflrates 
 and all other officers. The magiflrates, at firfl, 
 were no more than affiflants of the governor ; they 
 might not act in any fentence or determination of 
 the court. No deputy-governor was chofen, nor 
 were any laws enacted, except the general refolu~ 
 tlons which have been noticed ; but as the planta- 
 tion enlarged, and new towns were fettled, recent 
 orders were given ; the general court received ano- 
 ther form ; laws were enacted, and the civil poli- 
 cy of this jurifdiction gradually advanced, in its 
 eflential parts, to a near refemblance of the gov- 
 ernment of Connecticut.* 
 
 THE fir ft fettlers in New-Haven had all thing* 
 common ; all purchafes were made in the name, 
 
 * Trumbull, Vol. I. p. 101, 102, 103. See fundamental ar* 
 fides in the original contfitution of New- Haven, in jtffendix tQ 
 IrumbuWs Hijltry* /. 633. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 49 
 
 arid for the ufe, of the whole plantation ; and the 
 lands were apportioned out to each family, accord- 
 ing to their number and original flock.* 
 
 THE colonies of Connecticut and Nexv-Haven 
 from their firfl fettlement rapidly increafed. From 
 1635 to l ^49 fi x towns were fettled, viz. Wind- 
 for, Hartford and Weather sfield, in Conne&icut ; 
 New-Haven, Milford and Stamford, in New-Ha- 
 ven. They fubfifted two diftindt governments till 
 they were united by one charter. 
 
 CONNECTICUT and New-Haven were embar- 
 raifed with no political reftri&ions. They were 
 free fettlers under Lord Say's patent, which grant- 
 ed the privilege of purchafing the native right of 
 the Aboriginals, and referved no jurifdidtion for 
 the crown, as in the charter of Maflachufetts.f 
 
 DR. Trumbull obferves, "that the fathers of 
 Connecticut, as to politics, were republicans. 
 They reje&ed with abhorrence the doctrines of 
 the divine right of kings, paffive obedience, and 
 non-refiilance. With Sidney, Hampden, and 
 other great writers, they believed that all civil 
 power and government was originally in the peo- 
 ple. Upon thefe principles they formed their 
 civil conftitutions." 
 
 LAWS were enacted, both by Connecticut and 
 New-Haven, prohibiting all purchafes of the In- 
 dians by private perfons or companies, without 
 the confent of their refpective general courts. 
 
 * Morfe, Vol. 1. p. 409. 
 f Manufcript oftkt latt Prtfident Stiles. 
 G 
 
5 o II I S T O R Y OF 
 
 Thefe were to authorife and direct the manner 
 of every purchafe.* 
 
 FROM their firft plantation, fchools were infli- 
 tuted by law in every town and parffh of Connec- 
 ticut and New-Haven. Indeed the fettlers of New- 
 England, in general, were diflingniflred by the at- 
 tention, which they paid to the promotion of learn- 
 ing. They early militated fchools, and made the 
 education of youth an important object. 
 
 THIS country was originally defigned as an 
 afylum for the Puritan religion ; and the planters 
 of both colonies, from their firft rife, were aifidu- 
 oufly engaged in gathering congregational church- 
 es, and fettling pallors and church officers. Be- 
 fides a paftor, a teacher and deacons, ruling tl- 
 ders were eftablimed in each church, whofe bufi- 
 nefs was to aflift the paftor in church government, 
 to pray with the congregation, and expound the 
 fcriptures in his abfence. In the next fucceeding 
 churches, teachers and ruling elder s were difufed. 
 THE New-England churches agreed in adopting 
 Calvinian doctrines in maintaining the power of 
 each particular church to govern itfelf the valid- 
 ity of prefbyterfan ordination, and the expediency 
 of fynods on certain great occafions. From their 
 commencement, they ufed ecclefiaflical councils 
 convoked by particular churches for advice, but 
 not for the judicial determination of controverfies'.t 
 1657. THE perfecution in England flill continued, and 
 occafioned fuch numbers of Puritans to go over 
 
 * Trumlull, Vol. I p. 296. f 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 51 
 
 to New-England, that the king and council, by a 1637. 
 proclamation dated April 30, forbade any further 
 emigration. An order was difpatched to detain 
 weight (hips lying in the river Thames, which were 
 prepared to fail* Among the paflengers on board 
 were Sir Arthur Hazelrig, John Hampden, John 
 Pym, and Oliver Cromwell. Difgufted with the 
 prefent adminiflration, they had determined to 
 abandon their native country, and feek an afylum 
 in America ; but by this impolitic feverity they 
 were detained, and were afterwards the caufe of 
 the king's ruin, and the overthrow of the eccle- 
 fiaitical hierarchy. Not with ft an ding this prohibi- 
 tion (fo difficult is it to reflrain men whofe minds 
 are agitated by fear or hope) great numbers found 
 means to elude the vigilance of government, and 
 tranfported themfelves to Maflachufetts. From 
 the fame motives, the eflablifhment of the colony 
 of New-Haven was undertaken, and extenfive fet- 
 tlements in New-England formed at this period.* 
 
 FROM reviewing the above fettlements, we are 
 led to admire the wifdom of Divine Providence, 
 in rendering the bigotry and intolerance of the 
 Englifh nation fubfervient to the planting of flour- 
 ilhing colonies in the new world. By thefe means, 
 the regions before inhabited by favages, now be- 
 came peopled by men of piety and information. 
 Hence a fcene opened unparalleled in the annals 
 of hiftory. No nation ever enjoyed fo much lib- 
 erty and opportunity of forming civil and religious 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 eflablifhments, as the firft fettlers of New-Eng* 
 land. The increafe of their numbers was rapid 
 beyond example. No other inftance can be pro* 
 duced of any other people, who at their firft fee* 
 tlement, were fo afliduoufly engaged in promoting 
 ufeful learning, and in making early improvements 
 in the arts and fciences, It is remarkable, that at 
 this period, when the emigration from England 
 ceafed, the fettlements were ftill further extended 
 by fimilar means, viz. the bigotry and intolerance 
 of the new fettlers. This gave rife to the planta* 
 tions of Providence and Rhode-Ifland, an account 
 of which will be given in the fubfecnieiU chapter, 
 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 53 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Of the intolerant principles of the Ma/achufetts colo- 
 ny. Banijhment of Mr. Roger Williams, and his 
 fettlement at Providence. Of the Antinomian dif- 
 fenftons in Majfachufetts, and the fettlement of 
 Rhode-IJland. Of the plantations of Exeter, Hamp- 
 ton and Warwick. The inhabitants of Narra* 
 ganfet-Bay obtain a patent from the crown of , 
 England. 
 
 n 
 
 HE inhabitants of New-England, 
 who abandoned their native country, and encoun- 
 tered a variety of hardfhips to avoid perfecution, 
 foon difcovered a determined refolution to enforce 
 uniformity in religious worfhip, among all who in- 
 habited their territories. At the firft general court 
 which was held in MafTachufetts, 1630, a num- 
 ber had been admitted to the privileges of free- 
 men who were not in communion with the church- 
 es. But as early as the fecond general court, af- 1631, 
 ter the arrival of the governor and company, they 
 refolved, that in future, none fhould be admitted 
 to the freedom of the body politic, but fuch as 
 were church members. They foon after conclud- 
 ed, that none but fuch fhould fhare in the admin- 
 iflration of civil government, or have a voice in 
 election. A few years after, they fo far for- 
 
34 HISTORY OI< 
 
 563 1. got their own fufferings as to perfecute thofe who 
 refufed to accede to their religious fentirnents.* 
 
 MR. Roger Williams, a Puritan clergyman, ar- 
 rived this year from England at Salem, where he 
 was immediately chofen afliftant to Mr. Shelton* 
 The magiftrates oppofed his fettletnent, becaufe he 
 refufed to join with the church at Boftori, unlefs 
 they would make a public declaration of their re- 
 pentance for maintaining communion with the 
 church of England while in their native country. 
 This cccafioned Mr. Williams' removal to Ply- 
 mouth, where he was elected afliftant to Mr. 
 Smith, in which office he continued between two 
 and three years. Upon a difagreement with fome 
 of the moil influential characters in this chuich, 
 and an invitation to Salem, he requefled a difrnif- 
 iion, and returned to that town. As Mr. Shel- 
 ton, the former clergyman, was now deceafed, 
 he was chofen to fucceed him. The magiftrates 
 itill oppofed his fettlement, as they had previouf- 
 ly done. They made great objections to his fen- 
 tirnents. He was charged by his opponents with 
 maintaining, " That it is not lawful for a godly 
 man to have communion in family prayer, or in 
 an oath, with fuch as they judge unregenerate ; 
 therefore he refufed the oath of fidelity, and taught 
 others to follow his example ; that it is not law- 
 ful for an unregenerate man to pray ; that the 
 niagiftrate has nothing to do in matters of the firfl 
 table j that there fhould be a general and unliiu- 
 
 * Hutdinfon, V&L I. p. 26, 27. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N B. 33 
 
 ked toleration of all religions, and that to punifh 1631. 
 a man for following the di&ates of his confcience 
 was perfecution ; that the patent which was grant- 
 ed by King Charles was invalid, and an inflru- 
 ment of mjuftice which they ought to renounce, 
 being injurious to the natives ; the king of Eng- 
 land having no power to difpofe of their lands to 
 his own fubjects." On account of thefe fenti- 
 ments, and for refufmg to join in communion with 
 the Maffachufetts churches, he was, at length, 
 banimed the colony, as a difturber of the peace of 1636, 
 the church and commonwealth.* 
 
 WHILST Mr. Williams refided at Plymouth and 
 Salem, he cultivated an acquaintance with the In- 
 dians in thofe towns, and learned their language. 
 Previoufiy to his leaving the colony, he prefented 
 a variety of gifts to Canonicus and Ofamaquin, two 
 Narraganfet fachems, and privately treated with 
 them for land, with which they allured him he 
 fhould be fupplied, provided he would fettle in 
 their country. This encouraged him, after his 
 banimment, to remove with four companions to 
 Narraganfer-Bay. He firfl came to Seconk, -now 
 Rehoboth, and obtained a grant of the land from 
 Ofamaquin, the chief fachem at Mount-Hope. As 
 this grant was within the limits of Plymouth pa- 
 tent, Mr. Winilow, the governor, in a friendly 
 manner, advifed him to remove. He then croffed 
 Seconk river, and landed among the Indians, by 
 
 * Hutcbinfon* Vul, 7. p. 37, NtaTt Hijlory of Ne 
 Fo/. Lp. 15$. 
 
5 6 HI STORY OF 
 
 1636. whom he was moft hofpitably received. He ftaflu 
 Vx " v- ^ ed the place of his refidence Providence, " in a 
 fenfe of God's merciful providence to him in his 
 diftrefs." Strongly imprefled with the importance 
 of religious liberty, the grand object, which he 
 aiFerts he had in view, was, " to provide a refuge 
 for perfofts deflitute for confidence fake."* 
 
 THIS fmall company was foon augmented by 
 parties from Mafiachufetts. The new emigrants 
 greatly fuffered through fatigue and want* They 
 fupported their affliction with heroic fortitude, and 
 effected a fettlement, the government of which was 
 founded on the broad bafis of univerfal toleration. 
 
 MR. Williams embraced the fentiments of the 
 Baptifts a few years after his arrival in Providence* 
 1639. and was instrumental in forming a church of that 
 denomination, which was the firft Baptift church 
 in New-England. He foon after relinquifhed 
 their opinions, and became a Seeker. But, though 
 his flrong feelings, and deep refearches in the 
 mazes of fpeculation, led him to be wavering and 
 undecided in his religious fentiments, yet his con- 
 duct exhibited the goodnefs of his heart, and pu- 
 rity of his intentions. He exerted himfelf to the 
 utmoft that others might enjoy that freedom of 
 opinion which he himfelf exercifed ; and uniform- 
 ly condemned every kind and degree of perfecu- 
 tion on accolmt of religion.! 
 
 * Williams' fecond deed to the fettlers, 1 66 1. Plea to the 
 Court of Commijfionen, 1677. 
 
 f Ste letter from Roger Williams to Major Majon t fubUjbtd in 
 of the Hijlorical Society for 1792. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND, 57 
 
 4< HE juftly claims the honor of being the firft 1636. 
 legiflator in the world, in its latter ages, who ef- 
 fe&ually provided for and eftablifhed a free, full 
 and abfoiute liberty of conference." 
 
 MR. Williams generoufly made twelve of his 
 companions equal proprietors with himfelf, both 
 in the lands given by the fachem, and thofe he 
 purchafed of him. The next fetders of Provi- 
 dence were admitted to be equal fharers in the 
 greater part of his lands for thirty pounds, until 
 the whole number of proprietors amounted 3 at 
 length, to an hundred.* 
 
 THE firfl form of government eftablifhed by 
 Mr, Williams and the people of Providence ap- 
 pears to have been a voluntary agreement, that 
 each individual fhould fubmit to, and be governed 
 by, the refolutions of the whole body. All pub- 
 lic matters were tranfa&^d in their town-meetings, 
 and there all private difputes and controveriks 
 were heard, adjudged and fmifhed.f 
 
 MR. Williams lived in Providence almoft half 
 a century,! part of which period he enjoyed the 
 authority of chief magiftrate. He employed him- 
 felf continually in acts of kindnefs to thofe who 
 had endeavoured to deprive him of the facred 
 rights of confcience ; in affording relief to the dif- 
 treffed, and offering an afylum to the perfecuted. 
 
 SOON after the fettlement was begun in Provi- 
 dence, the commonwealth of Maffachufetts was 
 
 * Governor Hopkins' Gazette, -\ Ibid. 
 J Roger Williams died 16^3, aged 84 
 Hutckinjon, Vol. L p. 38. Chalm&, p. 270, 
 H 
 
5 3 HISTORY OF 
 
 1636. difturbed by intefline divifions. The male mem- 
 ^^^ bers of the church in Bofton had been accuftomed 
 
 to convene, in order to repeat and debate on the 
 difcourfes which were delivered on Sundays. Mrs. 
 Anne Hmchinfon, a very extraordinary woman, 
 eflablifhed a fimilar meeting for her own fex, found- 
 ing her practice on Titus ii. 4. Her cuftom was to 
 repeat palfages of Mr. Cotton's fermons, and make 
 her remarks and expofitions. Thefe lectures for 
 fome time were received with general approbation, 
 and were attended by a numerous audience. At 
 length it appeared, that ihe dutinguifhed the minif- 
 ters, and members of churches through the coun- 
 try, a fmall part of whom ihe allowed to be under 
 a covenant of grace, and the others under a cove- 
 nant of works. The whole colony was foon di- 
 vided into two parties, differing in fentiment, and 
 flill more alienated in affection. They filled each 
 other Antinomians and LegaliHs. Mrs. Hutchin- 
 fon was charged with maintaining, that " the Ho- 
 ly-Ghoft dwells perfonally in a juftified perfon j 
 and that fanctification is not an evidence to believ- 
 ers of their j unification."* 
 
 1637. THE Antinomians exerted themfelves to keep 
 in office Sir Henry Vane, who adopted their fen- 
 timents, and protected their preachers. On the 
 other hand, the oppofite party ufed every effort to 
 difcontinue him, and fubflitute John Winthrop, 
 Efq. After fome difficulty, they fucceeded in the 
 election of this gentleman. f 
 
 * Hutdinfon, VoL 11, j>, 4^2. f Vol. L p. 67. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 59 
 
 THE difputes which divided the country were, 1637. 
 according to Dr. Mather, " about the order of 
 things in our union to our Lord Jefus-Chrift ; the 
 influence of our faith in the application of his 
 righteoufnefs ; the ufe of our fan&ification in evi- 
 dencing our j unification ; and the confideration of 
 our Lord Jefus-Chrift by men yet under the cove- 
 nant of works ; briefly, they were about the points 
 whereupon depend the grounds of our affurednefs 
 of bleflednefs in a better world."* 
 
 THOSE religious tenets were difputcd with fo 
 much warmth, that it was judged advifable to call 
 a fynod to give their opinion upon the controvert- 
 ed points. A council was accordingly called to 
 meet at Newtown the 3oth of Auguft. This was 
 the firfl fynod appointed in New-England. Min- 
 ifters, delegates, and alfo magiftrates, under pre- 
 tence of keeping the peace, were prefent on this 
 occafion ; and as many of the people as chofe were 
 permitted to attend the debates. After difputirig 
 for three weeks, the fynod condemned eighty er- 
 roneous opinions, faid to have been maintained in 
 the colony. The refult was figned by all the 
 members except Mr. Cotton, who, though he de- 
 clined cenfuring the whole, exprefled his difap- 
 probation of the greater part of thefe opinions.! 
 
 THE general court, at their feflion the i& of 
 October, cited the principals of the Aminomian 
 party to appear before them. The court was held 
 In Newtown, fince Cambridge, from an appre- 
 
 * Mather, B, VII. p, 1 8. f lluubi*fin t VtL L p. 67. 
 
So IIISTORYOF 
 
 1637. henfion that the Antinomians had a large number 
 of partifans in Bofton. The Rev. John W 7 heel- 
 right, brother to Mrs. Hutchinfon, was fir ft con- 
 voked before this affembly. He had been a preach-? 
 er at Braintree, which was then part of Bofton, 
 and was a gentleman of learning, piety and zeal.* 
 He had warmly advocated the new doclrines, and 
 in a late difcourfe fever ely cenfured the magiftrates 
 and minlfters in the colony. Upon his refufal ei- 
 ther to acknowledge his offence, or to go into vol- 
 untary exile, the court fentenced him to be dis- 
 franchifed, and banifhed the jurifdiction. 
 
 MRS, Hutchinfon was next cited to her trial be- 
 fore the court, and a large number of the clergy. 
 Her fentence upon record is as follows : " Mrs. 
 Hutchinfon, the wife of Mr. William Hutchinfon,. 
 being con vented for traducing the clergymen and 
 their miniftry in the country, fhe declared volun- 
 tarily her revelations, and that fhe fhould be deliv- 
 ered and the court ruined with their pofterity ; and 
 thereupon was banifhed, and in the mean time 
 xvas committed to Mr. Jofeph Weld, of Roxbury, 
 u .-'ii.il the court fliould difpofe of her." Having 
 revived her fentence fiom the court, fhe was 
 obliged to undergo a further trial in the church, 
 Sue was fivft admonished, and prefented to the 
 ch irch a recantation of the errors with which fhe 
 charged ; yet at the fame time profeflcd fhe 
 r-e-'er maintained any other fentiments than what 
 j there exhibited. Upon this fhe was excoau 
 
 f Biikuap, /V. I p. 56. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. fa 
 
 municated as a lyar by the church of Bofton, to 1637, 
 which me belonged.* Vv^> 
 
 MRS. Hutchinfon, with a large number of the 
 Antinomian party, fome of whom had been ban* 
 ilhed, and others disfranchifed, removed from ths 
 jurifdiclion of the JMaflachufetts colony. Mr, 
 Roger Williams received and entertained them 
 with the mod friendly attention at providence. 
 His benevolence was ever a&ive, and with the 
 affiftance of Sir Henry Vane, he procured for 
 them Aquednock, now Rhode-Ifland, of the In- 
 dian fachems. Qn the 24th of March they fign^ 1638* 
 ed a deed, conveying this ifland to the Englifh. 
 Though Mr. Williams, and a number of his 
 friends, with the permiflion of the Narraganfet fa- 
 chems, had been fettled at Providence almoft two 
 years, the firft deed of the place, now extant, is 
 dated the fame day with that of Rhode-Ifland.f 
 
 THE exiles from Maffachufetts found a com* 
 fortable afylum in that country, and foon effeded 
 a fettlement. They formed themfelves into a body 
 politic, and entered into a voluntary affociation 
 for government. 
 
 MR. y/illiam Cpddington was chofen to be 
 their judge and chief magiftrate. This gentleman 
 was one of the mod diflinguifhed characters among 
 the exiles. He came over to America in 1630, 
 fettled at Bofton, and was one of the principal 
 merchants in that town. After his removal to 
 
 Hutfb:nfbn 9 Vol. I p. 70. See Mrs. Hutchinjcns trial i& 
 di*. to Uutcbinfon's Hi/lory. 
 Record* in the Secretary's ojpce in Providence* 
 
~ HISTORY OF 
 
 1638. Rhode-Ifland, he embraced the fentiments of the 
 v - <v ^ Friends. He appears to have been a warm advo- 
 cate for liberty of confcience.* 
 
 MR. John Clark was another leading character 
 among the fettlers of Rhode-Ifland. In order to 
 enjoy peace and liberty of confcience, he volunta- 
 rily abandoned the colony of MafTachufetts. He 
 was chofen agent for the newly eftablifhed planta- 
 tion, and, after the reftoration of King Charles II. 
 was inftrumental in procuring a charter. 
 
 THE fettlement of this ifland was commenced 
 on the north-eafterly fide, oppofite to Mount- 
 Hope, and was named Portfmouth, from the nar- 
 row entrance of the harbor. The fame year con- 
 fiderable numbers arrived from MafTachufetts. At 
 
 1639. the opening of the next year they moved towards 
 the fouth-weftern part of the ifland. There they 
 began a fettlement, and, having found another 
 fine harbor, they named the place Newport. The 
 fertility of its lands, its beautiful fituation, the 
 convenience of its harbor, and the affluent cir- 
 cumftances of its firft inhabitants, confpired to 
 render it more pleafant than the other fettlement. 
 It became in a few years the metropolis of the col- 
 ony. Mr. John Clark, andfome others, in 1644, 
 formed a church. in this town, on the principles of 
 the Baptifts. ' 
 
 THE government eftablifhed in Rhode-Ifland was 
 faid to be fimilar to that of Providence. For, 
 though the people chofe one chief magiftrate, cr 
 
 * ?et Coddingiotfj Letter to the Governor of New ' 
 1674, in Befeis Sufferings of the 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 63 
 
 governor, and four afliftants, yet thefe appear, 1639. 
 like the deputies in Providence, to have been veft- Xxvx -' 
 ed only with fome of the executive powers. The 
 chief of the legiflative, executive and judiciary - 
 powers were exercifed by the body of the people 
 in their town-meetings.* 
 
 FOUR years after MaiTachufetts fettled Provi- 1640. 
 dence, the inhabitants of that colony began a plan- '-"v^- 
 tation at Patuxet, a place adjoining, and compre- 
 hended within their grant. 
 
 THE fettlements of Providence and Rhode-Ifl- 
 and at different periods received large acceflions 
 from the denominations of Baptifls and Friends, 
 \vho were perfecuted in the other colonies. 
 
 THE fettlers of this country emigrated from 
 England with the fame views as the other Puritans, 
 and they left Maffachufetts to purfue the objects 
 of their removal to America.! 
 
 DR. Belknap obferves, that " the diftinguifhing 
 trait in this colony is, that it was fettled on a plan 
 of entire religious liberty ; men of every denomin- 
 ation being equally protected and countenanced, 
 and enjoying the honors and offices of govern- 
 ment. | 
 
 THE intolerance of Maffachufetts, which gave 1638. 
 rife to the fettlement of Rhode-Ifland and Provi- 
 dence Plantations, proved the occafion of enlarg- 
 ing New-Hampfhire. The Rev. John Wheelright, 
 after his banifhment, fought an afylum in that col- 
 ony. He had previoufly purchafed lands of the 
 
 * Hopkins' Gazeftt. f Calltndtr, p. 90, J Belknap. Val, 7. /. 89. 
 
64 HISTORY OF 
 
 1638. Indians at Squamfcot falls -, and with a number of 
 his adherents he now began a plantation, which, 
 according to the agreement made with Mafon's 
 agents, was called Exeter. Having obtained a 
 difmiiTion from the church in Bofton, they form* 
 ed thernfelves into a church, and judging them- 
 felves without the jurifdi&ion of MafTachufetts, 
 they aflbciated under a feparate government, and 
 chofe rulers and affiftants, who were fworn to the 
 due difcharge of their oflice, and whom the peo 
 pie were fworn to obey. 
 
 ABOUT the fame time a number of perfons s 
 chiefly from Norfolk^ in England, made a fettle- 
 ment in a place which they called Hampton. 
 They began by laying out a townihip in one hun- 
 dred and forty-feven lhares ; and, having formed 
 a church, chofe one Stephen Bachelor for their 
 minifter, with whom Stephen Dalton was foon 
 after aflbciated, The number of the firft inhabit- 
 ants was fifty-fix.* 
 
 RELIGIOUS tenets fimilar to thofe which caufed 
 difTenfions in MafTachufetts, were, in nearly the 
 fame period, taught in Plymouth^ by one Samuel 
 Gorton, who arrived in Bofton in 1636, and from 
 thence removed to Plymouth, where he treated 
 their paftor, Mr. Smith, in fuch a manner that 
 the authority required him to give bonds for his 
 good behavior. This occafioned his departure to 
 Rhode-Ifland ; where his difrefpe&ful behavior to 
 the court involved him in recent difficulties. From 
 Vol. I. f. 37, , 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 6 j 
 
 Rhode-Ifland he removed to Providence; and 1641. 
 was received by Roger Williams, with that human- 
 ity, which diflinguifhed his chara&ef. Gorton, 
 and a number of his friends, then fettled at Pa- 
 tuxet, which excited great uneafmefs in fome of 
 the inhabitants, who complained to the govern- 
 ment of MafTachufetts of his conduct, arid folicited 
 the protection of that colony. Upon this, he 
 and his aflbciates were cited to appear at the court 
 in Boflon. They refufed to obey ; and ailed ged 
 that they were out of the jurifdidion, both of 
 Plymouth and Mafiachiifetts. The next flep tak- 
 en by Gorton, and his friends, was the purchaf- 
 ing of Miantinomo, a Narraganfet fachem, a tract 
 of land called Shawomet, and removing to that 1642* 
 place. This land was claimed by the government ^^^ 
 of Plymouth. Two of the Narraganfet fachems, 
 who dwelt there, and at Patuxet, came to Bofton 
 to complain of Gorton for infringing on their pro- 
 perty ; and fubmitted themfelves, and their coun- 
 try, to the jurifdiction of Maffachufetts. This 
 caufed him to be again cited to court ; and, upon 
 his peremptory refufal to obey the fummons, he, 
 and a number of his adherents, were apprehended, 
 conveyed to Boflon, and imprifoned. They were 1643. 
 charged with being virulent enemies to religion 
 and civil government. The writings of Gorton 
 and his party were produced as evidences againft 
 them.*' 
 
 * Hutc bin/on, Vol. I. p. 1 18, 119, I 2O, 121, 
 
66 HISTORY OF 
 
 1643. GORTON was ordered to be confined to hard 
 v -*" sr> -' labor at Charleftown ; and to wear fuch bolts and 
 
 irons as might prevent his efcape. If he broke 
 his confinement, or endeavoured to make profe- 
 lytes to his religious fentiments ; if he fhould re- 
 proach the churches, or civil government in the 
 colonies, after conviction thereof, upon trial by 
 jury, it was ordained, that he mould fufFer death. 
 
 THE affociates of Gorton were confined in dif- 
 ferent towns, upon fimilar conditions. 
 
 A MESSAGE was fent to Miantinomo, the Nar- 
 raganfet fachem, of whom Gorton and his party 
 had purchafed Sha\vomet, to repair to Bofton. 
 He obeyed, but the court refufed to admit the 
 juftice of his claim to the Indian country.* 
 
 1644. AFTER a fevere confinement during the winter, 
 Iw0 ^ ; Gorton and his friends were baniflied from the ju- 
 
 rifdiction of Maffachufetts, and from the lands 
 they had purchafed of the Indian fachem. Gor- 
 ton's next refource was to repair to England, and, 
 having obtained an order from the Britifh govern- 
 ment that he mould be fufFered to poflefs the lands 
 he had purchafed in Narraganfet-Bay, returned 
 and there effected a fettlement. The chief town 
 was named Warwick, in honor of his patron the 
 Earl of Warwick.! 
 
 1643- THE inhabitants of Narraganfet-Bay being def- 
 titute of a patent or any legal authority, Mr. 
 Williams went to England as their agent, and, 
 
 * Hutcbinfm, Vol. I.p, 122, f Ibid, Vol. /./. 23, Cal* 
 lender, p 43, 44. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 67 
 
 by the affiftance of Sir Henry Vane, jun. obtain- 1643. 
 ed of the Earl of Warwick (then governor and 
 admiral of all the plantations) and his council, a 
 free and abfolute charter of civil incorporation of 
 cc Providence Plantations, in Narraganfet-Bay." 
 They were empowered to form their own govern- 
 inent, and enact laws agreeable to the laws and 
 ftatutes of England.f 
 
 .* Hazard's Uijloru&l Collefiions, Vol. L j>. 540, 
 
6$ HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Of the war with the Pequod Indians. Cambridge col- 
 lege founded. Of the union of Ncw-HampJhirc 
 with MaJJachufetts. The Province of Maine fubmiti 
 to Majfachufetts* jurifdifticn. Settlement of Mar- 
 tha's Vineyard. The confederation of four of the 
 New-England colonies. The civil war in Eng- 
 land puts a ftop for the prefent to the further in- 
 creafe of the plantations. Noble fpeech of Govern" 
 or Winihrop, 
 
 w, 
 
 HEN our anceftors had, with 
 Bnconquered perfeverance, furmounted the obfta- 
 cles to their fir ft fettlement, they had (till an ardu- 
 ous talk to fecure themfelves from the malevolence 
 and jealoufy of the natives. They had taken eve- 
 ry precaution r to avoid a war ; and the intcrpofi- 
 tion of Divine Providence was vifible in reflrain* 
 ing the favages from deftroying their infant fettle- 
 ments. 
 
 IN the fpring of 1630, a great confpiracy was 
 entered into by the Indians from the Narraganfets 
 to the eaftward, to extirpate the Englifh. The 
 colony of Plymouth was the principal object of 
 this confpiracy. ' They well knew that if they 
 could eftecl the deflruciion of Plymouth, the in- 
 fant fettlement at Mafiachufetts would fall an eafy 
 facrifice. They laid their plan with much art. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 69 
 
 v*f 
 
 JJnder color of having fome diverfion at Plymouth, 
 they intended to fall upon the inhabitants, and 
 thus to effect their defign. IJut their plot was dif- 
 cjofed to the people of Charleftown by John Saga- 
 rnore, an Indian, who had always been a great 
 friend to the Englifh. The preparations made to 
 prevent any fuch fatal furprize in future, and the 
 fa ing of the great guns, fo terrified the Indians 
 that they difperfed, relinquifhed their defign, and 
 declared themfelves the friends of the Englim.* 
 
 AT length, when the colonies had acquired 16370 
 fome degree of ftrength, they were involved in 
 a war with the Pequods, a powerful Indian tribe, 
 who inhabited the fouth-eaft part of Connedicut, 
 and were governed by Saflacus, a prince of an 
 naughty, independent fpirit. They had the faga- 
 city to fee their own definition in the progrefs of 
 the Englim. Both the Englifh and Indians court- 
 ed the friendship of the Narraganfets with the 
 greateft affiduity. The Pequods urged them to 
 forget their former animofity ; and reprefented 
 that one magnanimou3 effort would, with facility, 
 and without danger, oblige the flrangers to aban- 
 don the lands, which they had feized with fuch 
 avidity. They exprefled their apprehenfions, that 
 without their friendly afliftance both tribes would 
 be deflroyed. Thefe cogent reafons had fuch an 
 effed on the Narraganfet Indians, that they began 
 to waver. But as they had recently been engagec| 
 iji war witji the Pequods, the love of revenge, fo 
 * Morje, Pol, I. p. 322. 
 
7 o HISTORY OF 
 
 1637. congenial to the favage mind, overpowered all 
 interefted motives, and induced them to join the 
 
 ACTUATED by the nioft inveterate hatred to 
 the colonilts, the Pequods furprized and killed fev- 
 eral of the fettlers on Connecticut river. Alarm- 
 cd at thefe hoftile proceedings, the colonies of 
 Maffachufetts, Plymouth and Connecticut united 
 their forces, in order to carry the war into their 
 country, and attempt the entire deftruction of the 
 whole tribe. Troops were accordingly raifed in 
 all the colonies, but thofe of Connecticut, on ac- 
 count of their vicinity to the enemy, were firfl in 
 motion. Captain Mafon, with ninety Engliftimen 
 and feventy Indians from Connecticut river, pro* 
 ceeded by water to the Narraganfet country, where 
 lie was joined by two hundred of that tribe. Dur- 
 ing the furnmer of this year the war was conduct- 
 ed with great energy. The Pequods were en- 
 trenched in two flrong forts, one of which was 
 fituated on the banks of the river Myflic. The 
 other, eight miles further, was the head quarters 
 of Saffacus, their fachem. It was determined firft 
 to afTault Myftic fort. One of the Pequods, who 
 refided with the Narraganfets, conducted the ar- 
 my in their march to the deft ruction of his coun- 
 trymen. The attack commenced on the morning 
 of the 22d of May. The Indians after a midnight 
 revel were buried in a deep ileep. The barking 
 of a dog difcovered the approach of their ene- 
 
 * Hukbard't Narrative of the Indian Wars } p. 21, Chalmsr t 
 $ 190. Trumbu// t Pol. L p. 65. 
 
NEw-ENG ANIX 71 
 
 mies. The battle was warm and bloody; and 1637. 
 though the Pequods defended themfelves with the 
 fpirit of a people contending for their country and 
 exigence, yet the Englifh gained a complete vic- 
 tory. The fort was taken ; about feventy wig- 
 wams were burnt, and five or fix hundred Indians 
 perifhed. Of all who belonged to the fort, feven 
 only efcaped, and feven were made prifoners.* 
 
 SASSACUS and his warriors at Pequod were fil- 
 led with confirmation at the news of this defeat. 
 They demolifhed their principal fort, burnt their 
 wigwams, and fled with precipitation to the weft- 
 ward. Captain Stoughton, from Maffachufetts, 
 arrived at Saybrook the latter part of June. He 
 with his forces joined Captain Mafon, and fur- 
 rounded a large body of Indians in a fwamp near 
 Fairfield. A fachem, with a company of two 
 hundred old men, women and children, came vol- 
 untarily and furrendered to the Englifh. Terms 
 of peace were offered to the reft. The Pequod 
 warriors rejected them with difdain, and, upon 
 the renewal of hoftilities, fought with obftinate 
 bravery. They were, however, overpoweied by 
 the Englifh. Part efcaped by the darknefs of the 
 night ; the reft were killed or taken captive. Saf- 
 facus fled to the Mohawks, by whom he was 
 murdered. Many of the Indian captives were fent 
 to Bermudas, and fold as ilaves. About feven 
 hundred of the Pequods were deftroyed. This 
 fuccefsful expedition terrified the remaining In- 
 
 * Hutchinfon, VoL I, /. 58, 60, 76, 77, 78. Irumbull, 
 Vol. L />, 78. 
 
fe ri I S f R Y F 
 
 1637. dians to fuch a degree, as retrained them from 
 *^^ open hoftilities nearly forty years.* 
 
 THE Fequod war was the moft formidable at- 
 tempt ever made by the Indians to extirpate the 
 Englifh, confidering the infant ftate of the colo- 
 nies. On this occafion Mr. Roger Williams did 
 New-England efiential fervice. By his great ap- 
 plication he made himfelf matter of the Indian lan- 
 guage ; and his exertions prevented the Narragan- 
 fet fachems from joining the Pequods.f 
 
 1638. THOUGH furrounded with dangers, and embar- 
 raffed with a variety of difficulties, yet our ancef- 
 tors paid great attention to the interefts of learn- 
 ing* " They were," fays an eminent author, 
 * c convinced by their knowledge of human nature, 
 derived from hiftory and their own experience, 
 that nothing could preferve their pofterity from 
 the encroachments of tyranny but knowledge dif- 
 fufed generally through the whole body of the peo- 
 ple. Their civil and religious principles, there- 
 fore, confpired to prompt them to ufe every mea- 
 fure, and take every precaution in their power to 
 propagate and perpetuate knowledge. They made 
 tin early provifion by law, that every town confift- 
 ing of fo many families, fhould be always fur- 
 nifhed with a grammar fchool. They made it a 
 crime for fuch a town to be deftitute of a gram- 
 mar fchoolmafter for a few months, and fubjecT:- 
 cd it to a heavy penalty."]; 
 
 * Hubbard, /. 4 1 . f Hopkins' Gazette. 
 
 J Adams on the Feudal and Canon Law. "Bojlon 
 
NEW- ENGLAND. 73 
 
 IN the year 1636, the general court of Mafla- 
 chufetts contemplated a public fchool at Newtown ; 
 and appropriated four hundred pounds for that ob- 
 ject. But Mr. John Harvard, minifter of Charlef- 
 town, dying two years after, increafed this furn by 
 the addition of a great part of his eftate, valued at 
 feven or eight hundred pounds. Thus endowed^ 
 this fchool was exalted to a college. Like thofe 
 of Europe it took the name of its founder ; and 
 Newtown was changed to Cambridge, in compli- 
 ment to the college, and in memory of the place 
 where many of our fathers received their educa- 
 tion.* 
 
 AFTER the college was creeled, a foundation 1639. 
 was laid for a public library ; the firft furniture of VlXV%J 
 which was the works of Dr. William Ames, the 
 famous profeflbr of divinity at Franequar, whofe 
 widow and children, after the Doctor's death, 
 tranfported themfelves and their effects to New- 
 England. Several Englifh gentlemen made valua- 
 ble prefents, both of books and mathematical in- 
 flruments, to this new univerfity. Before the 
 clofe of the century, the number of books it con- 
 tained amounted to between three and four thou- 
 fand volumes.! 
 
 THIS year the general court granted the in- 1 640, 
 come of Charleftown ferry as a perpetual revenue 
 to the college ; and the fame year the Rev. Hen- 
 ry D under was appointed prefident, there having 
 
 * Clarlts Letters to a, Student in the Univerfitj of Cambri<ige t 
 
 Mr* 
 
 \ AW, P'cL L $ 202. K. 
 
74 HISTORY OF 
 
 been before that time only a preceptor or profef- 
 for, and an affiftant. 
 
 1642. ABOUT two years after, the firft clafs fmifhecl 
 their literary courfe, and the degree of Bachelor 
 of Arts was conferred on them. The general 
 court pailed an aft conflituting a board of over- 
 feers, " for the well ordering and managing of the 
 faid college, confiding of the governor and depu- 
 ty-governor for the time being, and all the magif- 
 trates of the jurifdictlon, together with the teach- 
 ing elders of Cambridge, Watertown, Charlef- 
 town, Bofton, Roxbury, and Dorchefter, and 
 the prefident of the college for the time being." 
 
 IN 1650, the college received its firft charter 
 from the court, appointing a corporation confift- 
 ing of feven perfons, viz. a prefident, five fellows 
 and a treafurer, to have perpetual fucceffion by 
 election to their offices. Their ftyle is, " The Pre- 
 fident and Fellows of Harvard College/* To this 
 body were committed all the affairs of the col- 
 lege, and they have the care of all donations and 
 bequefts to the inftitution. After this charter was 
 granted, the board of overfeers continued a dif- 
 tincl branch of the government ; and thefe two 
 bodies form the legiflature of the college.* 
 
 IN the mean time the colony of MafTachufetts 
 was increafmg ; and a number of new townihips 
 were formed. In 1637, Dedham was incorporat- 
 ed into a townfhip, and in 1638 a church was 
 there gathered. In 1650, Medfield was made a 
 
 * Marft. Vol. I. p, 416. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 75 
 
 townmip.* The other colonies were alfo increaf- 
 ing in riches and population. 
 
 IN 1644, South-Hampton, on Long-Ill and, was, 
 by the advice of the commiffioners, taken under 
 the jurifdiction of Connecticut. This town was 
 fettled in 1640. The inhabitants of Lynn, in Maf- 
 fachufetts, became fo much fhaitened at home, that, 
 about the year 1639, they contracted with the 
 agent of Lord Sterling, for a tract of land on 
 the weft fide of Long-Ifland. They alfo made a 
 treaty with the Indians, and commenced a fettle- 
 ment ; but the Dutch gave them fo much trou- 
 ble, that they were obliged to defert it and re- 
 move further eaftward. They collected nearly an 
 hundred families, and effected a permanent fettle- 
 ment at South-Hampton. By the advice of the 
 general court of Maffachufetts, they entered into a 
 combination among themfelves to maintain civil 
 government. A number of them regularly form- 
 ed themfelves into a church ftate, before they re- 
 moved to the ifland, and called Mr. Abraham 
 Pierfon to be their paflor.f 
 
 FOUR diftinct governments (including one at 1640. 
 Kittery, on the north fide of the river) were form- 
 ed on the feveiai branches of Pifcataqua. Thefe 
 being only voluntary affociations, and liable to be 
 broken, or fubdivided, on the firft popular dif- 
 content, there could be no fafety in their continu- 
 ance. The molt confiderate amongft them ad- 
 vifed to apply to Maffachufetts, and folicit their 
 
 * Dexter j Ceniury Sermon, 1788, f. Trumlull, Vol. L p. 1 49. 
 
7 6 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 ^640. prcteclion. The fubfequent year the fettlements 
 ^^ voluntarily fubmitted themfelves to the jurifdiction 
 of that government, upon condition that they 
 niight enjoy all the privileges with the inhabitants 
 of Maffachufetts, and have a court of juftice erect- 
 ed amongft them. An union having been formed 
 between the fettlements on the Pifcataqua, and the 
 colony of Maifachufetts, their hiftory, for the fuo 
 ceeding forty years, is in a great meafure blended. 5 * 
 1641- AT this period, Sir Ferdinando Gorges incor- 
 ^^ porated the plantation of Gorgiana into a city, 
 to be governed by a mayor and eight aldermen ; 
 his coufm, Thomas Gorges, was appointed mayor 
 of the city, but had no fucceflbr in the office. f 
 
 THE civil diflenfions in England, with the fub- 
 fequent events, obliged Sir Ferdinando Gorges to 
 relinquifh the idea of obtaining a general govern- 
 ment over the colonies. He had ever been a firm 
 royalift, and engaged personally in the fervice of 
 the crown, till his own ruin was involved in that 
 of the royal caufe which he efpoufed. From the 
 commencement of the civil wars, Gorges neglect- 
 ed the concerns of his plantation. The towns in 
 the Province of Maine fell into a ftate of confiu 
 fion. Moft of the commiffioners, who had been 
 appointed to govern the province, deferted it ; 
 and the remaining inhabitants were, in 1649, 
 obliged to combine for their own fecurity. The 
 Maffachufetts embraced this opportunity to encour- 
 age the difpofition which prevailed in many of the 
 f Belknfip t J r ol. L f. 54. f Sutiivqn, p. 238, 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 77 
 
 inhabitants, to fubmit to their jurifdiction. As a 1641. 
 powerful motive to induce them to take this Hep, ^^ 
 they granted them greater privileges, than their 
 own colonifts enjoyed, admitting them to be free- 
 men upon taking the oath of allegiance only, and 
 not requiring them to be of the communion of 
 any church. After this province had fubmitted to 
 Maffachufetts, in 1652, it was made a county by 
 the name of Yorklhire, and the towns fent repre- 
 fentatives to the general court at Bofton. Though 
 the majority wer$ perfuaded to confent, yet great 
 oppofition was made by fome principal perfons, 
 who feverely reproached Maflachufetts for the 
 meafures they had taken to reduce the province. 
 The people, however, in general, were content- 
 ed, and experienced the benefit of the regulation.* 
 
 So great was the diligence and induftry of the 1 642, 
 New-England fettlers, that they had already fet- 
 tied fifty towns and villages, erected between 
 thirty and forty churches, and a larger number of 
 parfonage houfes. They had built a cattle, forts, 
 prifons, &c. and had founded a college, all at 
 their own expence. They had furnimed them- 
 felves with comfortable dwelling-houfes, had laid 
 out gardens, orchards, corn-fields, pattures and 
 meadows, and lived under the regular adminif- 
 tration of their own government and laws. 
 
 THE population of the country increafed with 
 fuch rapidity, that it was time to take poifeflion of 
 $Jie iflands upon the coaft. Mr. Mayhew having 
 
 f Relknaf s Awican BiografJ.y, p. 390. Gordon, Vol. /./. 40. 
 
7 8 HISTORY OF 
 
 1642. obtained a grant of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket 
 ^^^ and Elizabeth's Ifles, fettled his fon in the former 
 
 of thefe iflands, with a fmall number of planters.* 
 
 1643. THE New-England colonies were fenfible of the 
 ^^^ advantages of an union, at a very early period. 
 
 The commiflioners from Malfachufetts, Plymouth, 
 Connecticut and New-Haven, held both ftated 
 and occafional meetings, and kept regular journals 
 of their proceedings, which have acquired the 
 name of the records of the United Colonies of 
 New-England. Rhode-Ifland was defirous of join- 
 ing in the confederacy, but Maffachufetts, for par^ 
 ticular reafons, refufed to admit their coinmif. 
 fioners.f 
 
 1644. THE civil wars, which raged in England at 
 ^^^ this period, retarded for a time the further in- 
 
 creafe of the colonies. Though the fettlers of 
 New-England 'were on the parliament fide, their 
 fituation precluded them from taking an active 
 part. As diftant fpe&ators, they beheld their na- 
 tive country involved in the horrors of civil war, 
 while they enjoyed the bleffmgs of peace and 
 plenty in their American afylum.J 
 
 1645. THE affairs of New-England were at this peri- 
 od in fo flourifhing a fituation, that the people 
 were intoxicated with profperity, and the liberty 
 they enjoyed threatened their ruin. The inhabit* 
 ants of Hingham, in Suffolk county, having brok- 
 en the peace, Mr. Winthrop, the deputy-governor 
 of Maflachufetts, committed the rioters to prifon 
 
 * Ntal, Vol.l.p. 218, 219, f Hazard^ Hifl. Collefiions* 
 %Neal, Vol. I.p, 238. 
 
NEW- ENGLAND, 79 
 
 for refuting to give bond to appear at the quarter 1645. 
 feflions, and to anfwer for words fpoken in defam- 
 ation of the general court of Maflachufetts. This 
 produced a petition from the inhabitants of the 
 town, figned by feven of them, of whom fix, be- 
 ing cited to the court, appealed to the Englifh par- 
 liament, and offered bail for {landing to its award. 
 The members of the general court were fenlible 
 that this was a dangerous precedent, and fined and 
 imprifoned the petitioners, whofe chief complaints 
 were leveled againft the deputy-governor Win- 
 throp. The general court, however, with a true 
 republican fpirit, commanded Winthrop to defcend 
 from his dignity on the bench, to clear his con- 
 duct at the bar. He complied, and made the fol- 
 lowing fpeech, which the authors of the Univer- 
 fal Hiftory obferve, " is equal to any thing of an- 
 tiquity, whether we confider it as coming from a 
 philofopher or a magiftrate." 
 
 " GENTLEMEN, 
 
 " I WILL not look back to the pad proceedings 
 of this court, nor to the perfons therein concern- 
 ed ; I am fatisfied that I was publicly accufed, and 
 that I am now publicly acquitted j but give me 
 leave to fay fomething on the occafion, that may 
 rectify the opinion of the people, from whom thefe 
 diftempers of the ftate have arifen. The queftions, 
 that have troubled the country of late have been 
 about the authority of the magiftrate, and the lib- 
 erty of the people. Magiftracy is certainly an ap- 
 pointment of God, and I entreat you to confider 
 
8o HISTORY OF 
 
 1645. that you ch'ufe your rulers from among yourfelves;=? 
 and that we take an oath to govern you according 
 to God's laws and the laws of our country, to the 
 bed of our {kill ; if we commit errors, not willing- 
 ly, but for want of ability, you ought to bear with 
 us. Nor would I have you miflake your own lib- 
 erty. There is a liberty in doing what we lift, 
 without regard to law or juftice ; this liberty is in- 
 deed inconfiftent with authority ; but civil, moral, 
 federal liberty confifts in every one's enjoying his 
 property, and having the benefit of the lav/s of his 
 country ; this is what you ought to contend for 
 with the hazard of your lives ; but this is very con- 
 fident with a due fubje&iori to the civil magif- 
 trate, and paying him that refpecl which' his cha- 
 racter requires.*'* 
 
 THIS noble fpeech was of equal benefit to the 
 reputation of Mr. Winthrop, and the peace of the 
 colony. It fettled him firmly in the efleem and 
 the affections of the people, and the general court. 
 A feverer fine was added to the puniflimen't of the 
 offenders ; and, by his well timed condefcenfion, 
 the governor became more powerful than ever. 
 New-England was at this period in a ftate of per- 
 fcl tranquility, which was improved for the conver- 
 fion of the Indians, an account of which will be 
 given in the fubfequent chapter. 
 
 * Modern Univerfal Hilary t VoL XIX, p. 292, 293. Ma- 
 tbtr t Book II, p, 12, 13. 
 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. Si 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Of the natives of New-England, and their converfion 
 to Chrijlianity by the Rev. Mn Eliot. A fociety 
 is ejhiblijhsd for propagating the gofpel In New- 
 England. The town of Natick built. An Indian 
 church formed. Converjion of the Indians at Mar- 
 tha 9 s Vineyard, and at Plymouth. Number of In- 
 dian churches. Of the fynod held at Cambridge, 
 and their platform of church difcipline. The colo- 
 nies of MaJJachufetts, Connecticut , New-Haven 
 and Rhode-JJIand, ejiablijb a code of laws. 
 
 w, 
 
 HEN the European adventur- 
 ers firft fettled in New-England, the natives were 
 a wild and favage people. Their mental powers 
 were wholly uncultivated ; their paflions ftrong, 
 impetuous and ungoverned ; and they were im- 
 merfed in the thickeil gloom of ignorance and fu- 
 perflition. 
 
 THEIR religious ideas were extremely weak 
 and confufed. They admitted, however, the ex- 
 i Hence of one Supreme Being, whom they denom- 
 inated the Great Spirit, the Great Man above, and 
 appeared to have fome general, but very obfcure 
 ideas of his government, providence, univerfal 
 power and dominion, 
 
 THE immortality of the foul was univerfally be- 
 lieved among the Indian tribes. Hence it was 
 
Bs HISTORYOF 
 
 their general cuflom to bury with the dead their 
 bows, arrows, fpears, and fome venifon, which 
 they fuppofed would be beneficial to them in a fu- 
 ture ftate.* 
 
 THEY believed in a number of fubordinate dei- 
 ties. Their priells began and dictated th^ir reli- 
 gious worfhip, and the people joined alternately in 
 a laborious exercife, till they were extremely fa- 
 tigued, and the priefts exhausted even to fainting.! 
 They had neither temples, altars, nor any fixed 
 feafons for devotional exercifes. 
 
 1646. THE planters of New-England were afliduouf- 
 ly engaged in endeavouring their converfion to 
 Chriftianky. This was one of the obligations of 
 their patent, and one of the profeffed defigns of 
 their ietllement. Among thofe, who exerted them- 
 felves with the greateft energy in this work, the 
 Rev. John Eliot, of Roxbury, claims a diitinguifh- 
 ed rank ; and he was (tiled the apoflle of the 
 American Indians. 
 
 IN order to profecute this benevolent defign ; 
 he applied himfelf with perfevering diligence to 
 fludying the Indian language, and became fo com- 
 plete a mafler of it, as to publiih an Indian gram* 
 mar. Thus prepared, he began, on the 28th of 
 October, to inftrucl: the natives in the Chriiliau 
 religion at Nonantum, which, at prefent, is in- 
 cluded in the town of Newton. His reception 
 
 * William? Hi/for) of 'Vermont ', p. 174. 
 
 \ Roger William? Key to the Language of the Indians of Ne<w 
 England. Sff Col/efiions cf the MaJ'acbufetts Hiftorical Swety 
 for 1794.. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 83 
 
 among them encouraged him to hope for fuccefs. 1646. 
 The Indians welcomed his arrival, heard him with 
 attention, and afked a variety of queftions refpecl- 
 ing the important fubje&s of his difcourfe. 
 
 ACTUATED by a difmterefted concern for the 
 falvation of the natives, Mr. Eliot continued inde- 
 fatigably to labor for their converfion. He fre- 
 quently preached to the different tribes, and, in 
 order to facilitate his defign, endeavoured to civil- 
 ize their manners, and teach them a more regu- 
 lar method of living. He procured the eftablifh- 
 ment of fchools to inftruct them in reading and 
 writing, and fupplied them with fuitable fchool 
 books, which he tranflated into their language.* 
 
 IN his miniflerial capacity he travelled through 
 all parts of Plymouth and Maifachufetts, as far as 
 Cape-Cod. In thefe fatiguing excurfions his life was 
 in continual danger, from the inveterate enmity of 
 the Indian princes and priefls, who were bent up- 
 on his deftru&ion, and would certainly have fub- 
 je&ed him to the mod tormenting death, if they 
 had not been awed by the power and flrength of 
 the Englifh colonies. However, he received innu- 
 merable infults and affronts from the Indian fa- 
 chems and priefts, who had confpired to retard 
 the progrefs of Chriftianity. 
 
 NOTWITHSTANDING various difcouragements, 
 the Chriftian religion fpread both in MafTachufetts 
 and Plymouth. The new converts were diftin- 
 guiflied by the name of the praying Indians. After 
 
 * Mailer , Book II L p. 1 96. 
 
84 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1 646. they renounced paganifm, they abandoned their 
 
 favage way of living, and imitated the habits and 
 manners of their civilized neighbors.* 
 1649. IN order to encourage the defign of converting 
 ^^ the Indians, the parliament of England this year 
 pafled an aft, incorporating a number of perfons, 
 by the name of the Prefident and Society'for pro- 
 pagating the Gofpel in New-England. The affairs 
 of this fociety were conducted by a prefident., a 
 treafurer, and fourteen affiftants. By authority of 
 this act of Parliament, a collection was made in 
 all the parimes in England, which produced fuch 
 a fum of money, as enabled the fociety to pur- 
 chafe an eftate in land of between five and fix 
 hundred pounds a year. Their firft president was 
 Judge Steele, and firft treafurer Mr. Henry Afh- 
 hurft. 
 
 UPON the reiteration of King Charles II. they 
 folicited and obtained a new charter, which or- 
 dained, " that there be forever hereafter, with- 
 in the kingdom of England, a fociety or company 
 for propagating the gofpel in New-England, and 
 the parts adjacent in America."! The members 
 of this fociety were not to exceed forty-five. They 
 were made a body corporate, and empowered to 
 appoint commiflioners refiding in New-England 
 to tranfact affairs relating to the benevolent de- 
 fign of converting the natives. The new charter 
 iubftituted a governor for a prefident, and the 
 
 * Mather, p . 197. See Gookinf liiftoricalColieftion, p. i"'o. 
 -}- See thij charter in the appendix to B tribe i Life of $tylc t t* 
 3 ! 9- 335- 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 85 
 
 Honorable Robert Boyle was eleded to that 1649. 
 office.* 
 
 IN 1650, the corporation were at the expence 
 of ereding another building near the former col- 
 lege, in order to give the Indians a liberal educa- 
 tion. But though a few of them were there edu- 
 cated, yet it was found impracticable to perfuade 
 the Indian youth to a love of literature. 
 
 THIS year a number of Mr. Eliot's converts 
 united and built a town, which they called Natick. 
 Having formed a fettlement, they eftablifhed a 
 civil government upon the fcripture plan. The 
 new converts continued feveral years under the 
 charader of catechumens, during which time Mr. 
 Eliot, and fome other divines, were indefatigable 
 in intruding them in the principles of Chriflian- 
 ity. At length, upon their repeated defir.es, after 
 a flrid examination, they were formed into a re- 
 gular church. Mr. Eliot was held in the higheft 
 veneration by tjie new converts ; they loved him 
 \vith ardent affedion, exerted themfelves to ferve 
 kjm, and cpnfnlted Jijm as an oracle in all difficult 
 cafes, f 
 
 MR. Eliot labored with perfevering induftiy te 
 tranflate the Bible into the Indian language. In 
 the year 1664, he accomplifhed this arduous work, 
 which does immortal honor to his memory.J 
 
 WHILST Mr. Eliot was employed in converting 1646, 
 
 tjie Indians within the MafTachufetts jurifdidion, 
 
 * AW, Vol. L p. 280. 
 
 f- Mather, p. 196 See Letters from Mr. Eliot to Mr. 
 $?e Colli>io?is of the Hi ft or teal Society for I7Q4.. 
 
 '^ * * T7*"/5 fx"7/* XI 
 
 Hijloncul Lolle8ion t 
 
86 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1646. Mr. Leverich was promoting the fame benevolent 
 defign in Plymouth, and Mr. Mayhew in Mar- 
 tha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Elizabeth's Illes. 
 The firft convert to Chriflianity in Martha's Vine- 
 yard was one Hiaccomes, a man of about thir- 
 ty years of age. His religion expofed him to 
 the contempt of his countrymen, till, in the year 
 1645, a general ficknefs prevailed in the ifland, 
 from which Hiaccornes and his family were ex- 
 empted. This event induced the Indians to en- 
 tertain a favorable opinion of the Chriftian relig* 
 ion. A number of them delired to receive in- 
 flrudtions from Hiaccomes. Some time after, the 
 fachem fent for Mr. Mayhew, and requefted 
 him, in his own and in his people's names, to 
 teach them the principles of Chriftianity, in the 
 Indian language. Mr. Mayhew readily complied, 
 and his labors were crowned with great fuccefs. 
 He informs us, that numbers of Indian families 
 reforted to him, <e defiling that they and their 
 houfes might ferve the Lord ; that eight priefts 
 and two hundred and eighty adult perfons had eiru 
 braced the Chriftian faith."* 
 
 MR. Mayhew's method of inftru&ing the na- 
 tives was fimilar to Mr. Eliot's. He catechifed 
 their children, prayed, preached and fung pfalms 
 in their public meetings, and then anfwered their 
 queftions. He purfued his -deiign with unwearied 
 application for ten or fourteen years ; till at length 
 intending a fhort voyage to England, he failed in 
 
 * Majbevfs Letter to the Corporation, 1651, />, 31. 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 8 
 
 1657 ; but the fhlp and pafiengers were both loft. 
 The death of Mr. Mayhew was exceedingly la- 
 mented by his Indian converts.* 
 
 MR. Mayhew's father, though no clergyman, 
 aflifted his fon in the execution of his million. By 
 his influence, within a few years a civil govern- 
 ment was eftablifhed among the new converts. 
 The princes, with their nobles, fubmitted to the 1650 
 king of England, referving, as fubordinate princes, 
 the privilege of governing their people, according 
 to the laws of God and the king. 
 
 IN 1666, three Indian churches were eftablifh- 
 ed. One at Plymouth, another at Nantucket, and 
 one at Martha's Vineyard, under the paftoral care 
 of Hiaccomes.f 
 
 THE light of the gofpel was introduced into 
 Nantucket, and an Indian church eftablifhed in 
 that iiland, under the paftoral care of Mr. John 
 Gibbs.J 
 
 THE Rev. Abraham Pieribn, and the Rev. 
 James Fitch, preached the gofpel to the Connec- 
 ticut Indians. But neither of thefe gentlemen met 
 with great fuccefs. 
 
 MR. Roger Williams was highly venerated and 
 beloved by the Indians, and endeavoured to con- 
 vert the natives of Providence and Rhode-Iiland to 
 the Chriftian religion ; but his exertions were, 
 in general, unfuccefsful. 
 
 MR. Richard Bourne preached the gofpel to 
 the Indians at Plymouth, and converted large 
 
 * Ntal, Vol. I. p. 266. \lbid. f Gwkint Hijl, CdleSion. 
 
g3 HISTORY 0? 
 
 numbers. In the year 1685, the praying Indians 
 in that plantation amounted to fourteen hundred 
 and thirty-nine, befides children under twelve 
 years of age, who were fuppofed to have been 
 more than three times the number.* 
 
 MR. Eliot, in a letter to the Hon. Mr. Boyle, 
 dated 1684, afferts, that the Indians had four 
 itated places for worfhip in Maflachufetts, fix in 
 Nantucket, ten in Plymouth, and ten in Martha's 
 Vineyard. 
 
 A I.ETTUR of Dr. Increafe Mather, to Dr. 
 Leufden, of Utrecht, dated 1687, gives an idea 
 of the progrefs of the gofpel among the Indians 
 for twenty years. In this letter he fays, that 
 u there are fix churches of baptifed Indians in 
 New-England, and twelve affemblies of catechu- 
 mens. There are twenty-four Indian preachers, 
 and four Englifh minifters, who preach in the In- 
 dian language." 
 
 DR. Cotton Mather afierts, that in the year 
 1695, there were three thoufand adult Indian con- 
 verts in the iflands of Martha's Vineyard and 
 Nantucket. That there were three churches in 
 Nantucket, and five conftant affemblies. That in 
 Maflachufetts alone there were above thirty Indian 
 congregations, and more than three thoufand con- 
 verts. ; and that their numbers were very cenfider- 
 able in other parts of the country.! 
 
 IT does not appear that the Chriilian Indian? 
 returned to paganifm, but that they gradually 
 
 * Gookin? H-forical CoHefih*, p. 201 . f Ma tktr, /. 294. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 89 
 
 rafted away, till at length they became almofl 
 extind. 
 
 THE religious character of the inhabitants of 
 New-England was alfo exhibited, by their folici- 
 tude to eftablifh their churches on what they fup- 
 pofed to be the fcripture foundation. In 1648, 
 a fynod was convened at Cambridge, for the 
 formation, or rather declaration of their churches' 
 faith, order and difcipline. This fynod adopted 
 the confeflion of faith publifhed by the aiTembly of 
 divines at Weitminfter, and recommended it to 
 the confideration and acceptance of the New-Eng- 
 land churches. 
 
 THE principal objeft of the fynod was, to agree 
 upon a model of church difcipline. To accom- 
 plifti this defign, they chofe the Rev. John Cot- 
 ton, Richard Mather and Ralph Partridge, three 
 celebrated divines, to form feparately a fciiptural 
 plan of church government. All thefe perform- 
 ances were prefented to the fynod for their revi- 
 fion and correction ; and from them the New- 
 England platform of church difcipline was colled- 
 ed j and being approved of by the majority of 
 the fynod, was recommended to the general court 
 and to the churches.* 
 
 THE fundamental article in the platform of 
 church difcipline, is, that each particular church 
 has authority from Chi id, for exercifihg govern- 
 ment, and enjoying all the ordinances of worfhip 
 within itfelf. Ecclefiaftical councils were to be 
 
 * Matbtr, Book P. /. 22. 
 M 
 
9 o HISTORY OF 
 
 convoked for advice, on emergent occafions. The 
 platform maintained, that the offices of paftors, 
 teachers and ruling elders were diflinct. Paf- 
 tors were to attend to exhortations, and teachers to 
 doclrine ; yet both were to adminifter ordinances? 
 and church cenfures. Ruling elders were, in a 
 fpecial manner, to aflift the paftors and teachers 
 in the difcipline of the church.* 
 
 IN the next general council in New-England, 
 ten years after, the ministers and churches of Con- 
 neclicut and New-Haven were prefent, and unit- 
 ed in the form of church government, which it re- 
 commended. The churches of New-England, in 
 general, acceded to this platform of church difci- 
 pline for more than thirty years. This, with the 
 ecclefiaftical lav/s, formed the religious conflitu- 
 tion of the colonies. 
 
 WHILST the colonies were increafmg in num- 
 bers and fettlements, regular codes of laws were 
 neceffary for the advancement, order and happi- 
 nefs of their refpective jurifdi&ions. 
 
 IN the year 1642, the capital laws of Connecti- 
 cut were nearly completed, and put upon record. 
 THE feveral paflages of fcripture on which they 
 were founded were particularly noticed in the 
 ftatute. 
 
 AT a general court in New-Haven, the 5th of 
 April, 1643, a confiderable progrefs was made in 
 the laws of that colony. Deputies were fent to 
 
 * See the platform of church government t in Mather's Magna* 
 //<*, Book V* p. 23. See an abridgement of the -platform in 
 Ned's Hijlory t Vol. 11. Appendix > /. 294. 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 91 
 
 die general court, and an addition was made to 
 the number of magiftrates.* 
 
 AT this period, the general aflembly of the 1647- 
 province of Rhode-Ifland eftablimed a code of laws ^^ 
 agreeable to the Englifh ftatute books, and erect- 
 ed a form of civil government, for the adminiftra- 
 tion of thefe laws, and for enacting fuch others as 
 Jhould be found neceflary. The fupreme power 
 was veiled in the people aflembled ; a court of 
 commiflioners, confiding of fix perfons, chofen 
 by the four towns of Providence, Portfmouth, 
 Newport and Warwick, had a legiflative authori- 
 ty. Their acts were to be in force, unlefs repeal- 
 ed within a limited period, by the vote of the ma- 
 jor part of the freemen of the province, to be col- 
 lected at their refpe&ivf town-meetings, appointed 
 for that purpofe. 
 
 A PRESIDENT and four afliftants were annually 
 chofen, to be prefervers of the peace, with all civ- 
 il power. By a fpecial commiffion, they were 
 judges of the court of trials, affifted by the two 
 wardens or juftices of the particular town, in which 
 the court from time to time was convened. 
 
 EACH town chofe a council of fix perfons, to 
 conduct their affair$, and their town court had 
 the trial of fmall cafes ; but with an appeal to the 
 court of the prefident and afiiftants.t 
 
 THIS year the colony of MaiTachufetts firft pub- 1648. 
 lifhed their code of laws. At the requeft of the 
 general court, the Rev. John Cotton had com- 
 
 * Trvm&uJ/, Vol. I. p. 121, 182. f Gallender, p. 42, 45. 
 
$2 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1648. piled a fyftem, founded chiefly on the laws of Mo- 
 *^*** t fes, which was publifhed in London, 1 645. This 
 
 abftract was confidered by the legiflative body as 
 the general (tandard, though they never formally 
 adopted it, and even varied from it in many in- 
 ftances. They profefTed to follow Mofes* plan, 
 fo far only as it was of a moral nature, and obli- 
 gatory on all mankind.* 
 
 1 649. AT the feflion of the general court of Connec- 
 ticut, a code of laws was eftabliihed, and this col- 
 ony had the appearance of a well regulated com- 
 monwealth. Until this time punifhments, in ma- 
 ny inftances, had been left wholly to the difcre- 
 tion of the court. But from this period, the laws, 
 in general, became fixed, and the punifhment of 
 particular crimes was fpecified, fo that delinquents 
 might know what to expect, when they had th$ 
 temerity to tranfgrefs.f 
 
 THE celebrated John Winthrop, Efq. died the 
 beginning of this year, aged fixty-three. His death 
 was greatly lamented in Maffachufetts, and he was 
 ftiled, the Father of the colony. Jie was educated 
 in the profeffion of the law, in which he was emi- 
 nent for his abilities and integrity. The high 
 place he held in the public efteem was evinced by 
 his being appointed juftice of peace at the early 
 age of eighteen. When a number of influential 
 characters formed the defign of removing to New- 
 England, he put himfelf at the head of the under- 
 taking, and devoted his eflate and ftrength to tl)i^ 
 
 ^ Set Hutclrinfons Co/llfiiof of P uteri, p. \6\ , 
 t Trumbull. r*l If. B*. 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 93 
 
 public fervice. The inhabitants of Maflachufett 
 manifefted their high fenfe of his worth, by chuf- 
 ing him eleven times to be their governor. 
 Prudence and juftice marked his condud in 
 that ftation. He was diftinguifhed for tempe- 
 rance, frugality and economy, and ever exhib- 
 ited a fupreme regard for religion. The only 
 error which has been charged upon his admin- 
 iflration refulted from his maintaining the necefTity 
 cf ufing coercive meafures in religion. However, 
 he finally rofe fuperior to the prejudices of the age 
 in which he lived, and, in his dying moments, 
 feelingly regretted that his conduct had been tinged 
 by the fpirit of religious intolerance.* 
 
 THE fatal effects, which were produced by en< 
 forcing uniformity in religious worfliip, will be 
 jelated in the fubfequent chapter. 
 
 * Hufcbinjott, Vol. L p. 151. AW, Vol.. I. p. 294, 
 
94 
 
 HISTORY O F 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Of the intolerant principles of the fettlers of New- 
 England. Of the feparatlon of the Eaptlfts^ and 
 the perfecutlon they fuffered. The Quakers begin 
 to refort to MaJJachufetts colony. Severe laws 
 enaffed agalnft them. Four Quakers put to death 
 in Bojlon. Conduct of the other colonies towards 
 them. King Charles II. puts a ftop to the fur* 
 iher execution of the fanguinary laws. 
 
 I 
 
 N the preceding chapter we had the 
 fatisfaclion of feeing our pious anceftors affiduouf- 
 ly engaged in converting the Indians to the Chrif- 
 tian religion ; in forming a model of church difci- 
 pline, and efiabliming a regular code of laws, on 
 what they fuppofed to be the fcripture foundation. 
 We muft, at prefent, contemplate them in a light 
 which ftrongly exhibits the imperfection of human 
 nature, and the influence of error and prejudice 
 upon the mind. 
 
 ACTUATED by the miftaken idea, that it was 
 their duty to ufe coercive meafures to fupprefs er- 
 roneous opinions, the colony of Maffachufetts had 
 already manifefted a determined refolution to en- 
 force uniformity in religion. They had already 
 proceeded a ftep farther than the hierarchy in their 
 native country had ever attempted. No teft law 
 had as yet taken place in England ; but they had 
 at one blow cut off all but thofe of their own com* 
 
K W-ENGL AND. 95 
 
 munion from the privileges of civil offices, how- 
 ever other wife qualified.* They had banifhed from 
 their jurifdiclion thofe who were charged .with 
 maintaining Antinomian tenets. We fhall now fee 
 their intolerant fentiments produce farther ex- 
 tremes in conduct 
 
 NOTWITHSTANDING all their precaution to 
 maintain colonial uniformity, they found a num- 
 ber who took the liberty to diflent from their re- 
 ligious opinions. This year forne of the inhabit- 1650. 
 ants of Rehoboth adopted the fentiments of the 
 Baptifts, withdrew from the eftablifhed worfhip, 
 and fet up a feparate meeting. Upon this Mr* 
 Obadiah Holmes, one of the principal diflenters, 
 was firfl admonimed, and afterwards excommu- 
 nicated by the Rev. Mr. Newman, minifter of 
 Rehoboth. Immediately after, he and two of his 
 aflbciates were cited to appear before the court at 
 Plymouth, where four petitions were lodged againfl 
 them. One from their native town, figned by 
 thirty-five perfons ; one from the church at Taun- 
 ton ; another from all the clergymen but two in 
 Plymouth colony ; and a fourth from the court 
 at Bofton, under their fecretary's hand, urging 
 the Plymouth rulers fpeedily to fupprefs this grow- 
 ing fchifm.t 
 
 WITH thefe ftimulations to feverity, the court 165 
 of Plymouth charged Holmes and his friends to 
 defift from their feparation ; and neither to ordain 
 officers, adminifter the facraments, or aiTemblc 
 
 * Belknap, Vol. I. p. 80, 
 
 f Btttkui Hijlory of the Baptijls, Vol. I. p. 213. 
 
9 6 HISTORY OF 
 
 1651. for public worfhip. They viewed thefe 
 
 tions as arbitrary violations of their Chriftian lib- 
 erty, and alledged, that they were actuated by the 
 conviction of their own consciences, and that it 
 was better to obey God than man. 
 
 SOME time after Mr. Clark (who had founded 
 a Baptift church in Rhode-Iiland) with Mr. Holmes 
 and Mr. Cranfield, travelled into the jurifdiction 
 of Maffachufetts. They were all apprehended 
 when affembled for public worfhip on the Lord's 
 day. The conftable took them into cuftody, and 
 in the afternoon can led them, by compulfion, to 
 the congregational meeting. Mr. Claik had pre- 
 vioufly allured him, that, if forced to a meeting, 
 which he difapproved, he fhould be obliged pub- 
 licly to declare the reafons of his diffent. He pul- 
 led off his hat when he entered the afTembly, bur, 
 after he was feated, he put it on again, and em- 
 ployed himfelf in reading while the minifler was 
 praying. The officers took off his hat, but he 
 pofitively refufed to join in the fervice. After fer 
 mon, he addreffed the congregation, and affigned 
 the reafons of his conduct.* 
 
 ABOUT a fortnight after, the court of affiftanu 
 paffed the following fentences, viz. that Mr. Clark 
 fhould pay a fine of twenty pounds, Mr. Holmes 
 of thirty, and Mr. Cranfield of five pounds, or be 
 publicly whipped upon their refufal to pay their 
 fines. The prifoners agreed to refufe, and to re- 
 ceive corporeal punifhment. Some of Mr. Clark's 
 
 * AW, Vol. L p. 299, Clark's Narrative of the 
 land 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 9; 
 
 friends paid his fine without his confent, and Cran- 1651. 
 field was releafed upon his promife to appear again 
 at the next court ; but the fentence of the law 
 was executed on Holmes. Several of his friends 
 were fpe&ators ; among others John Spurr and 
 John Hazell, who, as they were attending him 
 back to prifon, took him by the hand in the mar- 
 ket place, and praifed God for his courage and 
 conftancy. For this offence they were cited be- 
 fore the general court the next day, and each of 
 them fentenced to pay a fine of forty {hillings, or 
 be publicly whipped. They refufed to pay the 
 money ; but it was paid by their friends. They 
 were then difmifled, and returned to Rhode- 
 Ifland.* 
 
 THE following law was enabled againft the Bap- 
 tifts, on this occafion, by the general court of 
 Maffachufetts : 
 
 " IT is ordered by the court and authority 
 thereof, that if any perfon or perfons within this 
 jurifdition mall either opealy condemn or oppofe 
 the baptifing of infants, or go about fecretly to fe- 
 duce others from the approbation or ufe thereof, 
 or (hall purpofely depart the congregation at the 
 adminiftration of the ordinance, or mall deny the 
 ordinance of magiftracy, or their lawful right or 
 authority to make war, or punifh the outward 
 breaches of the firft table, and mall sppear to 
 the court wilfully and obftinately to continue 
 therein after due means of conviction, every 
 
 * AW, Vol % 1, p. 33. Backup Vol. /. /. 231. 
 N 
 
98 HISTORYOF 
 
 1651. fuch perfon or perfons {hall be fentenced tb banifh 
 
 ment."* 
 
 NEITHER this, nor other fevere penal laws 
 made againfl fedaries, could prevent the increafe 
 of the Baptifl denomination. 
 
 AFTER the fettlers of New-England had exert- 
 ed themfelves to fupprefs the Baptifts, they exhib- 
 ited fimilar intolerant principles in their behavior 
 to the Quakers. The firfl of this fociety who came 
 into Maffachufetts were Mary Fiftier and Anna 
 Auftin, who arrived from Barbados the beginning 
 1656. of July. The books, which thefe women brought 
 over, were burnt by the hangman, and they were 
 committed to prifon by the deputy-governor. It 
 is afTerted, that they gave rude and contemptuous 
 anfwers to the queflions put to them by the court 
 of afliftants ; and this is the reafon affigned, by 
 the oppoiite paity, for their imprilbnment.t 
 
 ON the other hand, an hiftorian of their own 
 denomination affirms, that " the deputy-governor 
 committed them to prifon, upon no other proof 
 of their being Quakers, than that one of them faid 
 thce to him ; and that their confinement was fo 
 rigorous, that no perfon was permitted to converfe 
 with them even through the window."* After 
 about five weeks confinement, one William Chich- 
 eiler, matter of a vefiel, was bound in a bond of 
 one hundred pounds, to carry them back to Bar- 
 bados ; and the jailer kept their beds and their bi- 
 ble for his fees. 
 
 * Clark's Narrative of tie N^w-England P execution* p, ~\y, 
 
 -f- Hut chin fon. Vol. I. p. 169. 
 
 j GwtWsHif.ory of the Quaker s t Vul. I, p. 345. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 99 
 
 A FEW days after the departure of thefe wo- 1656. 
 men, eight others of the fame profeflion arrived at ^^ 
 Bofton. After fome examination, they were feh- 
 tenced to banifhment, and to be detained in prifon 
 till they could be conveyed out of the colony. 
 They were imprifoned about eleven weeks, the 
 jailer being empowered to fearch their boxes for 
 pen, ink and paper as often as he thought proper, . 
 and take them away. When they were in prifon, 
 a law was enabled to punifh them, which was the 
 firfl general law againft the Quakers. 
 
 BY this law it was enacted, that if any matter 
 or commander of any fhip, bark, &c. fhould 
 thenceforth bring into any harbor within their ju- 
 rifdidion any Quakers, he fhould pay the fum of 
 one hundred pounds to the treafurer of the coun- 
 ty, or be imprifoned till the payment fhould be 
 made or fecured. That any Quaker coming into 
 the country, ihould be committed to the houfe of 
 corredion, feverely whipped, conftantly kept to 
 hard labor, and debarred of all intercourfe with 
 any perfon whatever,* 
 
 THIS aft, and the banifhment of the Quakers, 1657. 
 proving inefficient, other fanguinary laws were 
 enacted, as cutting off the ears, and boring the 
 tongue with an hot iron. Through a miftaken 
 zeal to extirpate herefy, thefe cruel laws were, in 
 various inflances, put in execution.! 
 
 THE feverity, with which this denomination was 
 treated, appeared rather to invite than to deter 
 * Gsutb, Vol. I. p* 347. f Hid, f. 372. 
 
ioo II I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1657. them from flocking to the colony. The perfecu- 
 ^^^ tion exercifed againfl them had a direct tendency 
 to increafe their numbers. People firfl compaf- 
 fionated their fufferings, admired the fortitude 
 with \vhich they endured them ; and, from thefe 
 caufes, were induced to examine and embrace 
 their fentiments, 
 
 1658.- LARGE numbers in Bofton, Salem and other 
 places, joined this fociety. Their rapid increafe 
 induced the magiftrates to refort to the lafl extrem* 
 ity, and to enact a law to banifh them upon pain 
 of death. Great oppofition, however, was made 
 to this law, and it was finally parTed by a majority 
 of only one perfon.* 
 
 FOUR Quakers were put to death in Bofton, by 
 this unjuft and impolitic law. They died with the 
 iitmoft fortitude, profefimg the fatisfaction and 
 joy they felt in fuffering for the caufe of truth. 
 They protefted, in the moft folernn manner, that 
 their return from banifhment was by divine direc- 
 tion, to warn the magiftrates of their errors, and 
 entreat them to repeal their unjuft laws. They 
 denounced the judgment of God upon them for 
 fhedding innocent blood, and foretold that others 
 would rife up in their room. Mary Dyer, one of 
 the prifoners, was reprieved at the gallows by the 
 interceffion of her fon, and conveyed to Rhode- 
 Ifland. But, to ufe the words of Gouth, " find- 
 ing herfelf under a nece^ity laid on her from 
 the requirings of the fpirit of the Lord to go 
 
 * Ifrtcbirfw, Vol. / p. 198. Bijbopi New.L,;glan<t ju^ed 
 ^y (be : jirit of the Lord. 
 
N E W - E N X;A Kp^ ^ \ /, toi 
 back to Bofton, fhe returned and was execut- 1660. 
 
 THE colony of Plymouth copied after MaiTa- 
 cliufetts in their treatment of the Quakers, but 
 did not carry their feverity to fuch an extent as 
 to put any of them to death. 
 
 THE general court of Connecticut, in Oclober, 
 1656, palTed an al, which prohibited the towns 
 in their jurifdiction from entertaining any Quakers, 
 Ranters, or other heretics, or fuffering them to 
 continue in any town above fourteen days, upon 
 the penalty of five pounds per week. Thofe towns 
 were empowered to imprifon fuch perfons till they 
 could conveniently be fent out of their jurifdiction. 
 All matters of veiTels were forbidden to land this 
 denomination ; and after landing them, were oblig- 
 ed to tranfport them out of the colony, upon pen- 
 alty of twenty pounds. 
 
 THE court at New-Haven pafifed ,a fimilar law. 
 la 1658, both courts made an addition to this law, 
 increafmg the penalties, and prohibiting all conver- 
 fation of the common people with any of thofe 
 heretics, and all perfons from giving them any en- 
 tertainment upon the penalty of five pounds. The 
 law, however, was of ihort continuance, and no- 
 thing of importance appears to have been tranfacl- 
 ed upon it in either of the colonies. f 
 
 WHEN the colony of Rhode-Ifland was applied 
 to, by the four united colonies, in 1656, <c to 
 join them in taking effectual methods to fupprefs 
 
 * Gouth, Fol I. p. 402. tie-wolfs JKJiory of the Quaker t. \ v 
 f Trumbnlf, p. 314. 
 
R Y OF 
 
 the* Quakers, and prevent their pernicious doc- 
 trines being fpread in the countiy," the aflembly 
 returned for anfwer, " we ihall flrictly adhere to 
 the foundation principle on which this colony 
 was firft fettled/'* 
 
 1661. THESE unhappy difturbances continued till the 
 friends of the Quakers in England interpofed, 
 and obtained an order from King Charles II. re- 
 quiring that a Hop fhould be put to all capital or 
 corporeal punifhment of his fubjects, called Quak- 
 ers, This occafioned a repeal of the cruel laws 
 which had been ena&ed againft them.} 
 
 To us, who live in an enlightened age, where 
 the principles of religious toleration are clearly un- 
 derftood, the conduct of the early fettlers of New- 
 England muft appear truly aflonifhing ; and we 
 may be led to afperfe them with unmerited cen- 
 fure. In reviewing the conduct of thofe, who have 
 appeared on the theatre of life before us, we ought 
 ever to confider the influence which the prevailing 
 prejudices of the age, in which they lived, mufl 
 naturally have had upon their minds. It was late 
 before the true grounds of liberty of confcience 
 were known by any party of Chriftians. The 
 bloody perfecutions in the annals of Popery, fill 
 the mind with horror ; and we find traits of the 
 fame intolerant fpirit in the conduct of the reform- 
 ers. The church of England, by enforcing uni- 
 formity in religion, had driven the Puritans to 
 feek aa afylum in the new world, where, after 
 * Gordon, Vol. I p. 37. f AW, Vol. I. p. 374. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 103 
 
 fuffering various hardfhips, they had eflablifhed a 
 religious fyftem, to which they were warmly at- 
 tached. Influenced by the prejudices of education, 
 they confidered it as a duty to fupprefs thofe relig- 
 ious tenets, which they fuppofed diametrically op- 
 pofite to Chriftianity, and fubverfive of the peace 
 and happinefs of the newly eftablimed colonies. 
 The principles they had imbibed appeared to them 
 in a light fo important, that they took every pre- 
 caution to tranfmit them pure and uncorrupted to 
 the Jateft pofterity. 
 
 THE inhabitants of New-England were not, 
 however, diftinguifhed by their intolerance from 
 other American fettlers. - " Several acts of the 
 Virginia aflembly of 1659, 1662, and 1663, had 
 made it penal in the parents to refufe to have 
 their children baptifed ; had prohibited the unlaw- 
 ful aflembling of Quakers ; had made it penal for 
 any matter of a veflel to bring a Quaker into the 
 ftate ; had ordered thofe already there, and fuch 
 as fhould come thereafter, to be imprifoned till 
 they fhould abjure the country ; provided a mild- 
 er punifhment for their firft and fecond return, 
 but death for the third ; had inhibited all perfons 
 from fuffering their meetings in or near their 
 houfes, entertaining them individually, or difpof- 
 ing of books which fupported their tenets. If no 
 capital punifhment took place here as in New- 
 England, it was not owing to the moderation of 
 the church, or fpirit of the legiflature, as may be 
 inferred from the law itfelf j but to hiflorical cir- 
 
104 HISTORY OF 
 
 cumftances which have not been handed down to 
 us."* A review of the diftrefling fcenes, which 
 perfecution has occafioned, both in Europe and 
 America, ought to infpire our minds with the mod 
 lively gratitude to Divine Providence, for the en- 
 tire liberty of confcience, which is at prefent en- 
 joyed by each individual ftate ; and which confti- 
 tutes a diftinguifhed excellence in the federal con- 
 ftitution. As Judge Minot obferves, in his in- 
 genious continuation of Hutchinfon, " The intel- 
 lect of man, in its progrefs in this country, firfl 
 difcovered the abfurdity of religious tefts, and 
 wiped away this blot upon human reafon, whilft 
 the mother country remains, in this refpect, in 
 her ancient abfurdity."f 
 
 * Morjis Geography , Vol, I. p. 625. } Minot t p. go. 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. ice 
 
 CHAPTER VIIL 
 
 The colonies congratulate King Charles IL en his 
 rcftoration. Of the fecond fynod in New-England. 
 Aft of uniformity lakes place in England. A num- 
 ber of the Diffenters feek an afylum in the colonies. 
 Two of the judges of Charles I. take refuge in 
 New-Haven. Connecticut and New-Haven arc 
 united by a charter. Of the charter granted to 
 Rhode- I/land. Four comralffioners fent to New* 
 England by the King. P erf edition of the Bap- 
 tijls revived. The dijfenting clergy in England 
 intercede in favor of tbs Baptijls and >yaken. 
 
 D 
 
 U R I N G the frequent changes 1661 
 in the government of England, for the lad twen- 
 ty years, the colonies acted with great caution and 
 prudence. They acknowledged f abjection to par- 
 liament., and afterwards to Cromwell, only fo far 
 as was neceffary to efcape their refentment. Af- 
 ter Cromwell's death, they avoided joining with 
 any of the prevailing parties, and waited till a per- 
 manent fettlement could be eftablifhed. Upon the 
 reftoration of King Charles II. the general court 
 of Maflachufetts difpatched Simon Bradfireet, Efq. 
 and the Rev. John Norton with a loyal addrefs of 
 congratulation to his majeily, in which they en- 
 deavoured to juftify the coaduft of the colony, 
 
I0 6 HISTORY O F 
 
 1 66 1. and petitioned for the continuance of their civil 
 " v "^ and religious liberties.* 
 
 1662. THE reception of the agents was favorable, and 
 they returned next autumn with the king's anfwer 
 to the addrefs. His majefly confirmed the char- 
 ter, and promifed to renew it under the great feaL 
 He granted pardon to all his fubjecls for treaibns 
 committed during the late troubles, thofe only ex- 
 cepted, who were attainted by acl of parliament. 
 But he required the general court to review its or- 
 dinances, and to repeal fuch laws,, as were repug- 
 nant to the royal authority. He alfo ordered, that 
 the oath of allegiance mould be duly adminider- 
 ed ; that the admmiftration of juftice mould be 
 performed in his name; that liberty mould be 
 granted to all who defired it, to perform their de- 
 votions after the manner of the church of Eng- 
 land ; that all perfons of honeft lives and conver- 
 fation fliould be admitted to the facrament of the 
 Lord's fupper, according to the book of common 
 prayer, and their children to baptifm ; that in the 
 office of governor and afllflants the only influen- 
 tial confideration mould be the wifdom, virtue and 
 integrity of the perfons, without any reference ro 
 their diflinguiming religious tenets ; that all free- 
 holders, not vicious, and of competent eftates, 
 fhould be allowed to vote in the election of offi- 
 
 cers, civil and military, though of different per- 
 fuafions refpe&ing church government ; and, f> 
 nally, that this letter mould be publimed.f 
 
 ? Hutcbinfon, Vol, 7. />, 219. f 'Ibid* Cljalmtr> p. 2^5;- 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 107 
 
 MANY of the requifitions contained in the king's 1662. 
 letter were exceedingly difagreeable to our ancef- 
 tors. The favors obtained by the agents were de- 
 preciated, and their merits were foon obliterated. 
 It was fuppofed that they had negleded the intereft 
 of their country, and made unnecefiary concefiions. 
 Mr. Norton was fo much affected with this treat- 
 ment, that it occafioned a melancholy habit, which 
 is fuppofed to have haftened his death.* 
 
 AT this feffion of the general court, the only 
 compliance with the king's orders, except pub- 
 lifhing his letter, was giving direclions that all 
 writs, procefles, &c. fhould be in his majefly's 
 name. A committee was afterwards appointed to 
 confider the propriety of conforming to the other 
 particulars, and liberty was given to the clergy 
 and the other inhabitants to tranfmit their opin- 
 ions. 
 
 WHILST the colonies were alarmed with ap- 
 prehenfions for their civil liberties, their churches 
 were agitated by religious controverfies. Great 
 debates arofe among the clergy, concerning the 
 right of the grand-children of church' members to 
 the fecrament of baptifm, whofe immediate par- 
 ents had not entered into the communion. This 
 difpute commenced in the colony of Connecticut, 
 and fpread with rapidity through New-England,! 
 
 IN order to fettle the controverted points, the 
 general court in MafTachufetts convoked a fynod, 
 or general council of all the churches, to be af- 
 
 Mather, Book III, p. 38. f Hutclfittfw, Vol. Lp. 22$. 
 
io8 HISTORY OF 
 
 1662. fembled at Bofton. The two leading queftions re- 
 ferred to their o'ecifion were as follows : 
 
 i ft. Who are the fubje&s of baptifm? 
 
 $d. Whether, according to the word of God, 
 there ought to be a confociatiori of churches ; and 
 in what manner fhould fuch an union be formed ? 
 
 IN anfwer to the firft queftion, the majority 
 of the fynod agreed, that the children of good 
 moral parents, who folemnly owned the covenant 
 before the church, though not in full commun- 
 ion, might be admitted to baptifm.* 
 
 HOWEVER, the council were not unanimous ; 
 Several learned and pious clergymen protefted 
 againft the determination relative to baptifm. The 
 Rev. Charles Chauncey, prefident of Harvard col- 
 lege, Mr. Increafe Mather, Mr. Mather, of North? 
 Hampton, and others, were warmly in the oppofi- 
 tion. Prefident Chauncey wrote a tracl againft 
 the refolutions refpeicing baptifm, entitled, Ami* 
 Synodalia. Mr. Increafe Mather alfo wrote in op- 
 pofitlon to the council. Mr. Davenport, and all 
 the rnimfters in the colony of New-Haven, and 
 numbers in Connecticut, were againd the refolu- 
 tions. Mr. Davenport wrote againft them. The 
 churches were mere generally oppofed to them 
 than the clergy. 1 
 
 TUP: general court of Connecticut took no no- 
 tice of the fynod, nor of the difpute, but left 
 the elders and churches at liberty to act their o\vn. 
 fentipients. They were attempting to foiin -n 
 
 * Hittchinjw, /V. / /' 223. 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 
 
 mrrion with New-Haven, and as the tninifters and 1662. 
 churches of that colony were unanimous in their 
 opposition to the fynod, they, probably, judged it 
 impolitic, at that time, to decide any thing rela* 
 live to thefe ecclefiaftical points.* 
 
 THE churches, at this period, profefled to mam- 
 tain communion with each other in the following 
 particulars, ift, In affectionate care, and fervent 
 prayer for each other, gdly, In affording relief, 
 by communicating their gifts in temporal and fpi- 
 ritual neceffities. 3dly, In maintaining unity and 
 peace, by mutually recounting their public ac- 
 tions when requefled, in order to ftrengthen one 
 another in their regular adminiftrations, in partic- 
 ular, by a concurrent teftimony againft perfons 
 juftiy cenfured. 4thly, To feek and accept help 
 from, and afford afliftance to each other in divi- 
 fions and contentions, and in their mod important 
 concerns ; fuch as ordaining, inftalling, removing 
 and depofing paftors and teachers ; in rectifying 
 znal-adminiftration, healing error and fcandal, and 
 deciding difficult qudtions, both doctrinal and 
 practical, fthly, In charitably noticing the errors 
 and difficulties of another church, and, when the 
 cafe manifeflly requires it, to adminifler help, 
 even though they fliould fo far neglect their duty 
 as not to feek affiftance. 6thly, In admonifhing 
 one another when there is fufficient caufe, and af- 
 ter a due courfe of means patiently to withdraw 
 from a church, or peccant party therein, obfll- 
 lately perfi fling in error or fcandal.f 
 
 ti, t cL 1. p. 525. f Matbfr, J>wk V, p. 75, 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 'Ar this time the perfecution was renewed in 
 England againft the Puritans. By an ac\ of -uni- 
 formity which took place on St. Bartholomew's 
 day, about two thoufand clergymen were turned 
 but of their benefices, deftitute of the fmalleft pro. 
 vifion for themfelves and families. Soon after 
 they were banifhed at five miles diftance from eve- 
 ry corporation in England. A number were im- 
 prifoned for exercifmg their miniflry contrary to 
 law ; feverai died in confinement, and others 
 fought an afylum in New-England. The learned 
 divine, Dr. John Owen, was Ihipping his effe&s 
 for that country, where he was invited to be pre- 
 fident of Harvard college. He was, however, 
 prohibited from leaving England by an exprefs or- 
 der from King Charles IL 
 
 MANY of the clergymen who received this ig- 
 nominious treatment were diftinguifhed by their 
 abilities and zeal, and had labored indefatigably 
 for his majefty's reftoration.* 
 
 JUST before the reftoration of Charles II. gener- 
 als Whaley and Goffe, two of the judges of Charles 
 L took refuge in New-England. They were gen- 
 tlemen of diftinguifhed abilities, and had moved 
 in an exalted fphere. They arrived at Bofton in 
 July, 1660, and came to New-Haven the follow- 
 ing year, and retired and concealtd themfelves be- 
 hind Weft Mountain, three miles from New-Hav- 
 en. They foon after removed to Milford, where 
 they lived concealed until October, 1664, when 
 
 * Calamus Abridgimtnt* 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. in 
 
 they returned to New-Haven, and immediately 
 proceeded to Hadley, where they remained con- 
 cealed for about ten years, ia which time Whaley 
 died, and Goffe foon after fled. In 1665, John 
 Bixwell, Efq. another of the king's judges, vifited 
 them while at Hadley, and afterwards proceeded 
 to New-Haven, where he lived many years, and 
 was known by the name of John Davids. Here 
 he died, and was interred in the public burying* 
 place, where his grave-Rone is (landing to this 
 day.* 
 
 CONNECTICUT and New-Haven had continued 
 tivo diftinft governments for many years. A 
 length the general court of Connecticut determin* 
 ed to prefer an addrefs and petition to Charles II* 
 profeffing their fubrniflion and loyalty, and folicit- 
 ing a royal charter. John Winthrop, Efq. who 
 had been eleeled governor, was appointed to ne- 
 gociate the affair with the king. He fucceeded, 
 and obtained a charter, which conftituted the two 1662. 
 colonies one united commonwealth, by the name v ^ vv> 
 of the Governor and Company of Connecticut. 
 New-Haven for fome time declined the union ; but 
 at length all difficulties were amicably fettled. At 1665. 
 this period, ' the united colonies confided of eigh- v "" v " v "' 
 teen towns.f 
 
 BY the royal charter every power, legiflative, 
 judicial and executive, was vefted in the freemen 
 of the corporation, or their delegates, and the col- 
 
 * See the left Present Stiles 9 Hifory of tit JuJget, ond 
 Zlirfg's Geography , Vol. I. p. 458. 
 
 .* GW, rot. i. p. 34. 
 
U2 HISTORT Of 
 
 ony was under no obligation to communicate the 
 acts of their local legifiature to the king. The 
 government, which they had previoufly excrcifed, 
 was eftablimed, and when the other New-England 
 dates renovated their politics, the charter of Con- 
 necticut was continued as the bafis of their un- 
 changing policy, and remains fo to the prefent 
 day.* 
 
 1663. . THE royal charter which was granted to Rhodc- 
 Ifland and Providence Plantations the fubfequent 
 year, was fimiiar to that of Connecticut. They 
 differed, however, in one refpect ; the charter of 
 Connecticut was filent with regard to religion ; 
 by that of Rhode-lfland liberty of conscience was 
 granted in its fulled extent.f 
 
 BY the charter of Rhode-lfland, the fupreme 
 legiflative power was veiled in a$ aflembly, the 
 conftituent members of which were to conlid of the 
 governor, the afMants, and fuch of the freemen 
 as (hould be chofen by the people. This aflem- 
 bly was empowered to enact laws, and forms of 
 government and magiflracy, provided they were 
 not repugnant to the laws of England. They 
 were to erect fuch courts of juftice as they fhoulj 
 fee fit, to determine matters within the colony. 
 To regulate the manner of election to places of 
 truft, and of freemen to the aflembly. To im- 
 poie lawful punifhments, and grant pardon to 
 fuch criminals as they mould think proper.* 
 
 , * See an account of the Conftttntion of Connecticut^ in Conftitu- 
 thnsofthc United Slates, p. 46. An account of the (hurter /> 
 Irumbull, p. 259. 
 
 f SeeC&arttr ofRbodt Jfmd* J CbalrMr, /. 252. 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 113 
 
 AT this period an atl was patted, declaring the 1663. 
 privileges of the inhabitants of Rhode-Ifland. " No 
 freeman (hall be imprifoned, judged or condemned 
 but by the judgment of his peers or laws of the 
 colony. And no tax (hall be levied on any of 
 his majefty's lubjects within the plantation, or up- 
 on their eftates, on any pretence whatever, but 
 by the act or aflent of the general aflembly."* 
 
 FROM the commencement of the reign of 1665. 
 Charles II. the general court of Maflachufetts en- 
 tertained alarming apprehenfions of being deprived 
 of their privileges. Their enemies in England 
 gave exaggerated accounts of every interefting oc- 
 currence, and the king was prejudiced by their re- 
 prefentations. Notwithstanding all his fair pre- 
 tenfions, the world was convinced, foon after his 
 reftoration, that he defigned to reign upon the 
 fame principles, which had brought his father to 
 the fcaffold. His intention with regard to the col- 
 onies was, to reduce them to the plan of'twalve 
 royal provinces, according to the ideas adopted by x 
 his father in 1635, and to have a viceroy over the 
 whole. Agreeably to this defign he difpatched 
 commifnoners this year, with authority to reduce 
 the Dutch fettlements on the Hudfon, to fettle 
 peace, and to eftablifh good government in the 
 colonies. Colonel Richard Nevils, who was af- 
 terwards governor of New- York, was joined with 
 Sir Robert Carr, George Cartwright, and Samu- 
 el Marverick in the commiflion. 
 
 * Providence Court Re(or<t{* 
 
II4 HISTORY OF 
 
 1665. THE authority of thefe commifiioners was high- 
 ly difrelifhed by the colonies, who entertained 
 a ftrong averfion to arbitrary power. The inhab- 
 itants of New-England may emphatically be faid 
 to be born free. They were fettled originally up- 
 on the principle exprefied at this day in all their 
 forms of government, that " all men are born 
 free, equal and independent."* 
 
 WHEN the commifiioners arrived in Mafiachu- 
 fetts, their proceedings excited the irritability natu- 
 ral to a people jealous for their liberty ; and they 
 fuppofed the powers granted them an infringement 
 of their charter. The general court, however, 
 alteied the law that all freemen fhould be church 
 members ; and having refolved to bear true allegi- 
 anc: to their fovereign, and adhere to their pa- 
 tent, they agreed upon an addrefs to the king,f 
 in which they profeffed their loyalty and fubjec- 
 tion to his majefty, defcribed the difficulties they 
 had encountered in fettling the country ; and ap- 
 pealed to Heaven that they were not actuated by 
 interefled motives. They afferted that they had 
 done all to fatisfy his majefty, that they fuppofed 
 confident with their duty towards God, and the 
 jud liberties and privileges of their patent. They 
 exprefled a determined refolution to flruggle for 
 their privileges, which they declared were "far 
 dearer to them than life." They exhibited the 
 fame firmnefs of mind and refolution in their 
 conduct to the commiffioners, who, after much 
 
 * Sullivan, />. 285. -J- Mxot, p 44. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 115 
 
 altercation, left the colony diffatisfied and en- 1665. 
 
 J * 
 
 raged.* 
 
 THE commiffion was alfo exceedingly difagreea- 
 ble to the inhabitants of New-Hampfhire, at that 
 time under the government of Maffachufetts. 
 When the commiffioners arrived in that colony, 
 they flattered a party who were diffatisfied with 
 Maffachufetts 5 government, with being freed from 
 their jurif diction; and prevailed on them to fign a 
 petition to the king for that purpofe. But as the 
 majority of the people exhibited a determined op- 
 pofition to a feparation, the defign proved abor- 
 tive.! 
 
 THE commiffioners were as unfuccefsful in Con- 
 necticut as in Maffachufetts. They were more fa- 
 vorably received at Plymouth and Rhode-Iiland. 
 They fat as a court at Providence and Warwick, 
 and fpent fome time in the colony, examining the 
 purchafes and titles of lands from the Indians ; 
 hearing the allegations of Goi ton and his party 
 againft Maffachufetts ; enquiring into the proceed- 
 ings of the executive powers of the plantation, 
 and receiving complaints from difaffedted perfons.J 
 WHEN the commiffioners arrived in New-Eng- 
 land, the former claim under Gorges began to 
 revive. They came into the Province of Maine, 
 and attempted to erect a government. They ap- 
 pointed courts, and commiffioned magiftrates un- 
 der the Duke of York, and in the name of the 
 king. This kind of government continued till 
 
 * Hutchinfon, Vol. I. p. 229, 230, 231. f Bel&nap t Vol. L 
 p. 106, 107, 108. % Hutcbinfon t VoL L p. 229. 
 
n6 HISTORY OF 
 
 the year 1668, when fome of the principal inhab- 
 itants, being greatly opprefled with the tyranny 
 of the comrniffioners in their fupport of Gorges' 
 claim, made application to the general court of 
 MaiTachufetts to take the country again under their 
 protection and jurifdiclion.* 
 
 1668. WHEN the cornmiflioners had concluded their 
 ^^ bufmefs, they were recalled by an order from the 
 king. His majefty was highly difpleafed with the 
 treatment they received from the government of 
 Maflachufetts. By a letter to the colony, he or- 
 dered them to fend over four or five agents, pro- 
 mifing to hear all the allegations, that could be 
 made in their behalf, and intimating that he was 
 far from defiring to invade their charter. He 
 commanded that all things fhould remain, as the 
 commiflioners had fettled them, till his further or- 
 ders ; and that thofe perfons who had been im- 
 prifoned for petitioninpr O r applying to the com- 
 miflioners, fhould be releafed.f 
 
 NEITHER the gloomy afpeft of their civil af- 
 fairs, nor their experience of the pernicious ten- 
 dency of'intolerant meafuies, could deter the col- 
 ony of Maflachufetts from reviving the perfecution 
 againd the Baptifts. This denomination had gath- 
 ered one church at Swanfey, and another at Bof- 
 ton. The general court was very fevere in exe- 
 cuting the penal laws, in confequence of which 
 many worthy , characters were ruined by fines, im- 
 prifonment and banifhment. Complaints of this 
 
 * Sul/ivatt, p. 374.. -J- llittd'injon, VoL I. p. 54.7. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. ny 
 
 feverity were tranfmitted to England, which in- 1668. 
 duced the diffenting clergy in London to appear, 
 at length, in their favor. A letter was according- 
 ly fent to the governor of Maffachufetts, fubfcrib- 
 ed by Dr. Owen, Mr. Nye, Mr. Caryl, and nine 
 other celebrated Puritan minifters. They ear- 
 neftly requefled, that thofe, who were imprifoned 
 on account of their, religious tenets, might be re- 
 Jlored to liberty, and that the fevere laws might 
 not in future be executed. This excellent letter 
 produced no falutary effect. The prifoners were 
 noj: releafed, nor the execution of the penal laws 
 fufpended.* 
 
 THE Quakers, alfo, about this time made hea- 1669. 
 vy complaints of the fufferings of their friends in 
 New-England. Though fince the king's letter in 
 i $6 1, none of the penal laws had been executed 
 againft them ; yet the government treated their 
 itinerant preachers as vagabonds. The chief of 
 the London Quakers obtained a letter, figned by 
 eleven of the moft eminent diflenting clergymen, 
 in favor of their Brethren. But intolerant princi- 
 ples were fo deeply implanted in the inhabitants of 
 New- England, that all efforts to eradicate them 
 t thib period proved ineffectual.! 
 
 ly Vol. I. />, 373. | ItiJ, /. 377. 
 
n8 HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Rife and progrefs of the war with Philip, king of 
 the Wampanoags. The death of Philip puts a pe- 
 riod to hoftilitief. His character. Of the war 
 with the Eaftern Indians. Peace ratified with 
 all the Indian tribes. Flourijhing ftate of New- 
 England. Of the third fynod in Majfachufetts. 
 
 s 
 
 INGE the conteft with the Pe- 
 quod Indians, the terror of the Englifh arms had 
 retrained the natives from hoftilities. In the 
 mean time, Providence had fmiled upon the New- 
 England fettlements, and multiplied their church- 
 es. The feafon was now arrived, in which the 
 colonies were alarmed with the gloomy profpeft 
 of being again involved in an Indian war. 
 1674. IT was the prevailing opinion of the Englifh at 
 ^~* this period, that Philip, fachem of the Wampano- 
 ags, an artful and afpiring man, partly by in- 
 trigue, and partly by example, excited his coun- 
 trymen to a general combination againfi them. 
 There is, however, a conftant tradition among the 
 pofterity of thofe people, who lived near, and 
 were familiarly converfant with him, and with 
 thofe of his Indians who furvived the war, that he 
 was impelled to hoftile meafures by his young 
 men, entirely againft his own judgment and that 
 of his chief counfellors. Though he had penetra- 
 
NEW- ENGLAND. 119 
 
 tion enough to forefee that the Englifh would, in 1674. 
 
 time, eftabliih thetnfelves, and extirpate the In- 
 dians, yet he thought making war upon them 
 would only haften the deftru&ion of his own peo- 
 ple. When he found it impoflible to refift any ' 
 longer the importunity of his warriors, he ufed 
 every exertion to render their enterprize effe&ual ; 
 efpecially by his early endeavours to perfuade the 
 other Indians to unite their forces againfl the col- 
 onies. It is faid, he difiembled his hoftile pur- 
 pofes, and was ready, upon every fufpicion of his 
 infidelity, to renew his fubmhTion, and teftify it 
 even by the delivery of his arms, till he had fe- 
 cretly infufed a cruel jealoufy into many of the 
 neighboring Indians, which excited them to at- 
 tempt recovering their country by extirpating the 
 new poflefibrs.* 
 
 THE war was precipitated by the revenge which 1675. 
 Philip caufed to be taken upon John Saufaman, a 
 praying Indian. He had been educated in the 
 profeffion of the Chriftian religion, was fome 
 time at college, and employed as a fchool matter at 
 Natick. At length, upon fome mifconducl:, he 
 fled to Philip, who made him fecretary, chief 
 counfellor and confidant. He remained feveral 
 years with this Indian prince, till Mr. Eliot, who 
 had been his fpiritual father, prevailed upon him 
 to return to the Chriftian Indians at Natick. 
 There he manifefted public repentance for his 
 apoflacy, became a preacher, and was difpatched 
 
 * Btlknap, Ft/,1. J>. 129. Calltnder, p. 73, 74. 
 
I2a HISTORY OF 
 
 j 67 5. upon the Wampanoag miflion. Having difcover- 
 ed the Indian confpiracy, he revealed it to the 
 Englifh governor. Not long after, he was mur- 
 dered by fome of Philip's counfellors, while trav- 
 elling the country. An Indian, who was acci- 
 dentally on a hill at fome diftance, faw the 
 murder committed. The murderers were appre- 
 hended, and, being tried upon the Indian's tefli- 
 mony, and other circumftances, were convicted 
 and executed.* 
 
 THIS event excited the keenefl refentment in 
 King Philip, and he determined to be revenged. 
 The Indians reforted to him from various parts, 
 which animated him with frem courage, and fiim- 
 ulated him to commence hoftilities. He firft 
 threatened the Englifh at Swanfey, then killed 
 fome of their cattle, and at length rifled their 
 houfes. Irritated by this infult, one of the Eng- 
 lifh difcharged his gun, and wounded an Indian. 
 When the governor of Plymouth received intel- 
 ligence that the war was begun, he difpatched a 
 party for the^ defence of thofe parts ; and pro- 
 claimed a general faft throughout the colony. As 
 the inhabitants of Swanfey were returning from 
 public worfhip, a number of Indians, who lay in 
 ambufcade, fired upon them, killed one of their 
 company, and wounded another. They next in- 
 tercepted and killed two men, who were fent for 
 a furgeon. The fame night they entered the town 
 of Swanfey, and murdered fix men. 
 
 * llutcbinfon t Val 1, /. 285. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 121 
 
 As the war was now inevitable, the governor 1675, 
 of Plymouth demanded affiftance from the confecU 
 crated colonies. Mufiachufetts detached Capt. 
 Prentice, with a troop of horfe, and Capt. Hench- 
 man, with a company of foot. They were follow- 
 ed by a number of volunteers, under Capt, Mofe- 
 ley. They marched to Swanfey, and joined the 
 Plymouth forces, who were commanded by Capt. 
 Cudworth. The Indians, who feldom could be 
 induced to engage the Europeans in their own 
 manner, foon retreated with precipitation ; while 
 the Englifh took pofleffion of Mount Hope, and 
 ravaged the adjacent country. 
 
 THE Maffachufetts forces marched into the Nar- 
 taganfet country, and compelled the inhabitants to 
 renounce their alliance with King Philip, and fign 
 a treaty of peace and amity with the Engliih. 
 They engaged to exert themfeives to deftroy Philip 
 and his adherents, and deliver up his fubjects, 
 who mould enter their territories.* 
 
 As a reward, they were promifed two coats for 
 every living, and one for every dead Wampanoag, 
 and twenty valuable coats for Philip's head. 
 
 IN the mean time Capt. Cudworth, with the 
 Plymouth forces, was detached to deter the Po- 
 caffet Indians from joining with Philip ; but upon 
 his arrival, he found they had already taken an 
 aclivc part. Capt. Church, of Plymouth colony, 
 who published an account of his exploits,! with 
 Capt. Fuller, and two fmall detachments, ranged 
 
 * Hitt^infon, Vol. I. p. 289. 
 
 f S Cburctfs Hiflcy of PhiM* War* 
 
122 HISTORY OF 
 
 1675. the woods, in order to engage the enemy. They 
 were overpowered by an army of twenty times 
 their number, Gapt. Fuller and his men fled to 
 an houfe by the water fide, which they endeavour- 
 ed to defend till a iloo-p from Rhode-Iiland reliev- 
 ed them from that dangerous fituation. Capt* 
 Church, \vlih fifteen men, was furrounded in a 
 peafe-fkld by two hundred Indians* Notwith- 
 ilanding the inequality of numbers, he fought 
 with invincible courage and f efolution. At length 
 he arrived at the water fide, and defended him- 
 felf behind a barricade of (lanes, till he was re- 
 moved in a Hoop to Rhode- Jfland, without the 
 lofs of one of his men. When he had refrefhed 
 his men a few days in the iiland, he palled over 
 to the continent, and borrowing three files of men 
 from the Mafiacbttfettl forces, again engaged the 
 PocaiTet Indians, and killed thirteen or fourteen 
 upon the fpot. This event terrified them to iuch a 
 degree, that the remainder retired into the woods, 
 and appeared no more in a body in the open 
 country.* 
 
 THE detachment, which was fent againft the Po- 
 caiTets, joined the army as foon as the treaty with 
 the Narraganfets was completed. At that period, 
 information being given by fome deferters, that 
 Philip and his men were in a fwamp at FocalTet, 
 it was determined to befiege him. The Englilh 
 army refolutely entered the thicket, but when they 
 had advanced a few paces, the Indians fired upon 
 
 * Ma/ t Pol. Lf> 67, CfarcVi Ufa? tf Fbitfs War, p. 
 IB, J9, 20. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 123 
 
 them from behind the bufhes, and at one difcharge 1675. 
 killed five, and mortally wounded fix or feven of 
 their number. This induced them to turn their 
 attack into a blockade, which they formed with an 
 hundred men, hoping that famine would in that 
 cafe pblige the Indian prince to furrender. 
 
 PHILIP had the addrefs to baffle this attempt. 
 There was a large river, which ran by the fide of 
 the thicket, which a party of Englifh, polled on the 
 other fide, were to obferve. Philip and his men, 
 having cut down fome rafts of timber, took advan- 
 tage of a low tide, and in the night crofTed the 
 river without being obferved, and efcaped into 
 the Nipmuck country. One hundred of his war- 
 riors, however, were made prifoners.* 
 
 THE Nipmuck Indians inhabited the inland 
 parts between the fea coafts and Connecticut river, 
 within the jurifdiction of the colony of Maffachu- 
 fetts. The Engliih had in vain endeavoured -to 
 detach them from Philip's intereft. After they 
 heard of that prince's arrival in their country, they 
 fired upon Capt. Hutchinfon, one of the officers 
 fent to negociate with them. He was mortally 
 wounded, eight of his men killed on the fpot, 
 and the red obliged precipitately to retreat. Phil- 
 ip, who was reinforced, purfued and drove about 
 feventy of them into an houfe, where they mud 
 probably have been taken or burnt, had they not 
 fortunately been relieved by Major Willard, who 
 engaged the Indians with a finall party, killed 
 eighty of them, and obliged Philip and his army 
 
 to retreat. f 
 
 * Matter > Bnk VIL j>, 47. -f Ibid, /- 48. 
 
124 HISTORY OF 
 
 167*;. DURING the remainder of the year, this bloody 
 
 war fpread over New-England. The Indians in 
 the feveral colonies were roufed to arms, and their 
 progrefs through the country was marked with ter- 
 ror and defolarion. Philip and his allies conduct- 
 ed the war with energy, in this, and part of the 
 following year. In September, they burnt and de- 
 ftroyed the plantation of Deerfield, Encouraged 
 by this fuccefs, they fcon aftei burnt thirty-two 
 houfes at Springfield, and, had not their defign 
 been difcovered, would have mafTacred all the in- 
 habitants. They alfo laid the town of Mendon in 
 1676. afhes. On the loth of February, they plundered 
 the town of Lancafter, burnt feveral houfes, and 
 killed and captured forty-two pcrfons. 
 
 SOON after they did great mifchief in Marino- 
 rough, Sudbury and Chelmsford. On the 2 ill of 
 February, two or three hundred Indians furprized 
 Medfield, burnt half the town, and killed twenty of 
 the inhabitants. Four days after, they burnt feven 
 or eight houfes in Weymouth. In the beginning 
 of March they burnt the whole town of Grcton. 
 The fame month they burnt five houfes, and killed 
 five peribns in Northampton ; furprized part of the 
 town of Plymouth, and murdered two families in 
 the night. They laid the town of Warwick in 
 afhes, burnt forty houfes in Rehcboth, and thirty 
 in Providence.* 
 
 ON the other hand, large numbers of Indians 
 were deilroyed by the colonlfts. Particularly in 
 
 f. 17. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 125 
 
 1675, when Philip and his army retreated into 
 the Narraganfet country, the Englifh purfued 
 them, and attacked a fort, which the Indians 
 deemed impregnable. The fort was burnt down, 
 and the fortifications levelled ; feven hundred In- 
 dian wairiors perifhed in the aclion, among whom 
 w r ere above twenty of their chief captains. There 
 \vere alfo three hundred who died of their wounds, 
 befides a vaft number of defencelefs old men, wo- 
 men and children, who had repaired to the fort 
 for refuge. The Engliih had fix captains and 
 eighty- five men killed ; and an hundred and fifty 
 men wounded.* 
 
 IN 1676, the affairs of the colonids wore a lefs 
 gloomy afpec~h In May and June, the Indians 
 appeared in arms in various parts of the country, 
 but their energy abated, and their diflreffes for 
 want of provifions increafed. At the fame period a 
 war with the Mohawks deranged all their meafures. 
 It is reported, that after Philip had in vain urged 
 every motive to induce this nation to commence 
 hofliliries with the colonies, he killed a party of 
 their men, and informed their prince, that the 
 Englifh had invaded his lands, and were murder- 
 ing his fubje&s. He expected by this artifice to 
 irritate them againft the colonies ; but one of the 
 Indians, who was left for dead, revived, and ef- 
 caped to his countrymen, and informed them of 
 the truth. This event exafperated them to the 
 higheft degree againft Philip, and ftimulated them 
 
 * Mathr. Book ni, fm 50. Modern Uaiwjal Uijlorj. 
 rot. /i/A. p 305. 
 
125 HISTORY OF 
 
 1676. to revenge. They immediately formed an alliance 
 with the Englilh, which was of effential fervice to 
 their affairs. 
 
 AFTER this event the arms of the Connecticut, 
 Maflachufetts and Plymouth forces, were, in various 
 inftances, crowned with fuccefs. No commander 
 performed greater exploits in this war, than Capt. 
 Church, of Plymouth colony. But Philip was 
 the foul of the Indian confederacy. Upon his life 
 or death war or peace depended. The colonies 
 received intelligence, that, after a year's abfence, 
 he had returned to Mount Hope, and that large 
 numbers of Indians were repairing to him, with 
 Intent to affault the neighboring towns. MafTu- 
 chufetts and Plymouth ordered their forces to pur- 
 fue Philip. The former returned to Boflon, without 
 accomplishing the moil important purpofe of their 
 expedition ; but they had killed and captured an 
 hundred and fifty men, and the Indians were fo dif- 
 phited, that they were continually arriving and 
 fur rendering themfelves, upon promife of mercy, 
 Philip was at this time in an extremely melancholy 
 fituation. He was obliged to flee for fafety from 
 one fwam.p -to another. lie had loft his chief coun- 
 fellors, his uncle and filter, and, at length, his wife 
 and fon were, taken prifoners. One of his allies, 
 the queen of PocafFcr, on being furprized by the 
 Englifh, magnanimoufly animated her men to hold 
 out to the lad extremity ; but they meanly defert- 
 ed her, and (he v/as drowned in endeavouring to 
 efcape,* 
 
 * Hubbard. Ckurch, 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 127 
 
 SOON after this event, Philip himfelf was be- 1676. 
 trayed by one of his friends and counfellors, whom 
 he had exafperated by killing an Indian, who pre- 
 fumed to mention to him an expedient for mak- 
 ing peace with the colonies. He effected his ef- 
 cape to Rhode-Ifland, and difcovered where Philip 
 was concealed, and the means by which he might 
 be furprized. Capt. Church, on receiving this 
 intelligence, went with a fmall party, and found 
 him in a fwamp near Mount Hope. He attempt- 
 ed in vain to efcape ; one of his men whom lie 
 had offended, and who had deferted to the Eng- 
 lifh, (hot him through the heart.* 
 
 THUS died Philip, fachem of the Wampano- 
 ags, an implacable enemy to the Engliih nation. 
 He has been reprefented as " a bold and daring 
 prince, having all the pride, fiercenefs and cruelty 
 of a favage in his difpofition, with a mixture of deep 
 cunning and defign."f But that undaunted cour- 
 age, energy of mind, and love of country which ; 
 adorned his character, and which have immortalized 
 monarchs in the civilized world, have been little 
 celebrated in this Indian prince ; and we have been 
 led to contemplate only his vices, which, deftitute 
 of the colorings of polilhed life, appear in their 
 native deformity. 
 
 .ABOUT the fame period in which Philip began 
 hoflilities in Plymouth colony, the eaftern Indians 
 were infuliing the inhabitants of New-Hampfhire 
 and, the Province of Maine. The fraudulent 
 
 * HulfarJ. p.Jl, f 
 
X23 HISTORY OF 
 
 1675. methods of trading with the natives, and forae 
 v * rv " N -' other injuries, were alledged as the grounds of 
 
 this war. The Indians for fome time diffembled 
 their refentment, but the infurreclion at Plymouth 
 infpired them with courage, and they fpiead dif- 
 trefs and defolation in their extenfive ravages. To 
 defcribe the effects of the war in the words of an 
 elegant author, " All the plantations at Pifcata- 
 qua, with the whole eaftern country, were now 
 filled with fear and confufion ; bufmefs was fuf- 
 pended, and every man was obliged to provide 
 for his own and his family's fafety. The on- 
 ly way was to defert their habitations, and re- 
 tire together within the larger and more conveni- 
 ent houfes, which they fortified with a timber 
 wall and flankarts, placing a fentry-box. on the 
 roof. Thus the labor of the field was exchanged 
 for the duty of the garrifon, and they, who had 
 long lived in peace and fecurity, were upon their 
 guard night and day, fubjecl to continual alarms, 
 and the mod fearful apprehenfions."* 
 
 THE narrow limits of this work will not ad- 
 mit of giving particular accounts of the Indian 
 wars. The autumn of this year was fpent in imall 
 but irritating affaults and ikirmimes, till the end 
 of November, when the number of people killed 
 and taken from Kennebec and Pifcataqua amount- 
 ed to upwards of fifty. 
 
 1676. THE fubfequent winter, the feverity of the fea- 
 fon, and the fcarcity of their provifions, reduced 
 
 * Belkn*p> Vol. /./. 137. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 129 
 
 the Indians to the neceffity of fuing for peace. 1676. 
 By the mediation of Major Waldron, to whom v ^ vx-> 
 they applied, a peace was concluded with the 
 \vhole body of eaftern Indians, which continued 
 till the next Auguft. 
 
 THE renewal of hoftilities, induced the MafTa- 
 chufetts government to fend a body of troops to 
 the eaftward in the beginning of autumn. They 
 furprized four hundred Indians, at the houfe of 
 Major Waldron, with whom they had made the 
 peace, and whom they confidered as their friend 
 and father. They were feized and difarmed with- 
 out the lofs of a man on either fide. A fepara- 
 tion was made, and thofe Indians who had previ- 
 oufly joined in concluding a peace were peacea- 
 bly difmiffed. Two hundred of thofe who had 
 fled from the fouthward, and taken refuge among 
 them, were made prifoners ; and being fent to 
 Bofton, feven or eight of them, who were known 
 to have killed feveral Englifhmen, , were condemn- 
 ed and executed ; the reft were tranfported and 
 ibid for Haves in foreign parts.* 
 
 THE war was continued the remainder of this, 1677. 
 and the fubfequent year ; in which period the In- 
 dians ravaged the country, and greatly reduced 
 the eaftern fettlements.f 
 
 IN the fpring of this year, commiflioners were 1678, 
 appointed to fettle a formal treaty of peace with 
 the Indian chiefs, which was done at Cafco, whi- 
 ther they had brought the remainder of the cap* 
 
 ol.1 /. 143. f Ibid, p. 154 1S& 
 A 
 
1 3 o. HISTORY OF 
 
 1678. tives. It was {Updated in the treaty, that the 
 ^y^ inhabitants fhould returri to their deferted fettle, 
 merits, on condition of pacing one peck of corn, 
 annually, for each family, byway of acknowledg- 
 ment to the Indians for the pofleffion of their lands, 
 and one buihel ro Major Pendleton, who was a 
 great proprietor. Thus an end was put to a tedi- 
 ous and diftrefling war, which had lubfifted three 
 years.* 
 
 AFTER the ratification of peace, commerce be- 
 gan to flourifh, and the population of the country 
 rapidly increafed. Several new towns were fettled 
 in New-Hampfhire and the Province of Maine. 
 Rhode-Iiland alib greatly increafed, and the town- 
 Ihips of King(town,t Eaft- Green wichj and Jamef- 
 town .>|| were incorporated in that colony. 
 2677. WHILST the New-England forces were in the 
 "^^ field, the churches frequently obferved days of 
 failing and prayer, for the fuccds of their arms. 
 After peace was eflablifhed, a licentioufnefs of 
 manners prevailed, which was highly alarming 
 to feiious and devout people. The general court 
 of Maffachufetts convened a fynod to examine the 
 f! ate of religion, and prevent the increiife ofpro- 
 fanenefs and impiety. The fvnod agreed, that 
 there was a general decay of piety, and a preva- 
 lence of pride, intemperance, profanenefs and 
 other vices. They advifcd, that in order to pro- 
 mote a reformation, the clergy fiiould be exhort- 
 ed ro bear the ftrongcfl: teftimony s.gain(l the vices 
 
 * Belknap, Vol. 1. p. 158. % f ^674, { 1677. ij 1678. 
 Providim* Colony Records, 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 131 
 
 of the age, in their public difcourfes, and that the 1677* 
 magiftrates fhould be vigilant in putting the laws v- " v<Nrf 
 in execution.* 
 
 IN the fame fynod the platform of church dif- 
 cipline, prepared in the year 1658, was recogniz- 
 ed and confirmed by the following vote. u A 
 fynod of the churches of the colony of Maffachu- 
 ietts being called to meet at Bafton, September, 
 1679, having read and confulered a platform of 
 church difcipliae. agreed upon by the fynod aflern- 
 bled at Cambridge,. 1658, do unanimotifly approve 
 of the fame platform as to the fubftance of it, de- 
 firing that the churches may continue ftedfafl in 
 the order of the gofpel, according to what is there* 
 in declared from the word of God."f 
 
 THIS year, the agents of Maifachufetts being 
 in England, the general court presented feverai 
 addreffes to the king, and made feverai laws to re* 
 move forne of the exceptions which were taken 
 agaiafl them by the Britifh government. 
 
 * Mafeer, Book f. p. 85 91. 
 
 ) HejitU efibt ItiyjAcbufetts fy/W, ^> c 6. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The government of New-HampJhire feparated from 
 Mqfflicbufetts, and mads a royal province. Of 
 Craiificld's cpprejjlve government. The colonies 
 are deprived of their charters. Colonel Dudley 
 appointed prcfident of New- England. He is fuper- 
 feded by Sir Edmund Andros^ *wfo } s appointed 
 governor. His arbitrary proceedings. The revo- 
 lution in England puts a period to the opprc/Jlon of 
 the colonies. 
 
 w 
 
 H I L S T the Indian tribes 
 were endeavouring to extirpate the Englifh, ene- 
 mies of another kind were ufmg every effort to de- 
 prive them of their privileges, by artful and exag- 
 gerated accounts of their conduct to the government 
 of England. 
 
 1679. NEW-HAMPSHIRE had long fubfifted under the 
 government of MaflTachufetts, and the union was, 
 in general, fatisfa&ory to both colonies. This 
 year a reparation took place, by means of one Mr. 
 Mafon, who claimed a right to the country, frorn 
 his grandfather, Capt. John Mafon, who had ob* 
 tained grants of New-Hampfhire from the council 
 of New-England. Mafon was aflifted in his claim 
 by Edward Randolph, his kinfman, a man of great 
 addrefs and penetration, who was refolute and in 
 defatigable in bufinefs. This gentleman, by fe- 
 vere invectives, inflamed the prejudices which ha4 
 
NEW-ENGLAND, i J3 
 
 been conceived in England againft the colony; 1679. 
 and though agents were difpatched to obviate the 
 effects of his mifreprefentations, yet his artful and 
 malevolent attempts were crowned with fuccefs.* 
 
 ON the 1 8th of September, a commiflion paffed 
 the great feal for the government of New-Hamp- 
 {hire, which feparated this colony from the jurii- 
 didtion of Malfachufetts. A prefident and council 
 Were appointed by the king for the government 
 of the province. The faid prefident and every 
 fucceeding one to appoint a deputy to prefi-de in 
 his abfence ; the prefident or his deputy, with any 
 five, to be a quorum. They were to meet at 
 Portfmouth in twenty days after the arrival of the 
 commiflion, and publiih it. They were conftitut- 
 ed a court of record for the adminiftration of juf- 
 tice, according to the laws of England, fo far as 
 circumflances would permit ; referving a right of 
 appeal to the king in council for actions of fifty 
 pounds value. They were empowered to appoint 
 military officers, and take all needful meafures for 
 defence againft enemies. Liberty of confcience 
 was allowed to all Proteftants, thofe of the church 
 of England to be particularly encouraged. For 
 the fupport of government they were to continue 
 the prefent taxes, till an aflembly could be con-" 
 voked, to which end they were, within three 
 months, to iffue writs under the province feal* 
 for calling an affembly, to whom the prefident 
 fliould recommend paffing fuch laws as fhould ef- 
 
 * Btlknaft Vol. 1. f. 165168. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1679. tablifh their allegiance, order and defence, and 
 raifmg taxes in fuch a manner as they fhould fee 
 fit. All laws to be approved by the prefident and 
 council, arid to remain in force till the king's plea* 
 fure fhould be known, for which purpofe they 
 fhould be tranfmitted to England by the firfl mips. 
 In cafe of the prefident's death, his deputy to fuc- 
 eeed, and on the death of a counfelior, the re- 
 mainder to elect another, and fend over his name, 
 with the names of two other fuitable perfons, that 
 the king might appoint one of the three. The 
 king engaged, for hirafeif and fucceifors, to con. 
 tinue the privilege of an aflembly, in the fame 
 manner and form, unlefs by inconveniences ariiing 
 therefrom, he or his heirs fhould think proper to 
 make an alteration.* 
 
 THE ingenious author of the Hi (lory of New. 
 Hampmire obferves, that <c the form of govern- 
 ment defcribed in this comrniilkm, confidered ab- 
 ftracledly from the immediate intentions, charac- 
 ters, and connexions of the perfons concerned, 
 appears to be of as fimple a kind as the nature of 
 a fubordinate government and the liberty of the 
 fubjecl can admit. The people, who are the nat- 
 ural and original fource of power, had a repre- 
 fentation in a body choien by tbemfelves ; and the 
 king was reprefented by a prefident and council of 
 his own appointment ; each had the right of in- 
 ftrucHng their reprefentatives, and the king had 
 the fuperior prerogative of difaftrmllirig the ads qf 
 
 i' r oi I. f, 170^2, 
 
NE W-ENGL AND. 135 
 
 the whole at his pleafure. The principal blemifli 1 679. 
 in the commiilion was the right claimed by the v ^ v ^' 
 king of difcontinuing the reprefentation of the peo- 
 ple, whenever he fhould find it inconvenient, after 
 he had folemnly engaged to continue this privilege." 
 
 THE commiflion was brought to Portfmouth 1680. 
 on the I ft of January, by Edward Randolph, 
 whole known enmity to the privileges of the peo- 
 pie rendered him a mod unwelcome meiTenger. 
 In order to conciliate the minds of the people to 
 this government, the king nominated for the firft 
 council gentlemen of the mofl dillinguimed char- 
 acters, who had fuftained the principal offices, civ- 
 il and military, under the colonial government. 
 Thefe gentlemen received the commiiTion with 
 great reluctance ; but the unavoidable neceflity of 
 fubmitting to changes, and the apprehenfion that 
 upon their refufai to accept the appointment, 
 others would be fubftituted who were inimical to 
 their country, induced them to qualify them- 
 felves to act in their new capacity.* 
 
 THIS change of government gratified the dif- 
 contented few, but was greatly difrelifhed by the 
 people in general, as they faw therofelves deprived 
 of the privilege of chufmg their own rulers, which 
 was ftill enjoyed by the other colonies of New- 
 England, and as they expected an invafion of 
 their property foon to follow. 
 
 A GSKERAL ailembly was convoked in Februa- 
 ry, who at their finl meeting, on the ioth of 
 
HISTORY PF 
 
 1680. March, wrote to the general court at Bofton, 
 ^^ gratefully acknowledging their obligations to Maf- 
 fachufetts, and their entire fatisfa&ion in their pail 
 connexion, afferting, that fuhmiilion to Divine 
 Providence, and his majefty's commands, alone 
 induced them to comply with the prefent fepara- 
 tion, and defiring that a mutual correfpondence 
 might be fettled. 
 
 THEIR next care was to frame a code of laws, 
 of which the firft, conceived in the ftyle becom- 
 ing freemen, was, " That no aft, impoiition, law 
 or ordinance, mould be made or impofed upon, 
 them, but fuch as mould be made by the aflem- 
 bly, and approved by the prefident and council."* 
 DURING this adminiftration, affairs were con- 
 dueled as nearly as poffible in the fame manner as 
 before the feparation. The people kept a jealous 
 \vatch over their privileges, and every encroach- 
 ment was withilood to the utmofl. Hence the 
 arbitrary proceedings of Randolph, who was ap- 
 pointed coileclor, furveyor and fearcher of the 
 cuftoms throughout New-England, excited univer- 
 fal diftruft.f 
 
 1682. AFTER Mafon was convinced that the new gov- 
 ernment would not be adminiftered in a manner 
 favorable to his views, on his return to England, 
 he made it his bufmefs to iblicit a change. He 
 fucceeded, and Edward Cranfield, Efq. was ap- 
 pointed lieutenant-governor and commander iu 
 chief of New-Harnpfhire. 
 
 Bclknap, VoL Lp. 177. f Ibid, p. i3i. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 137 
 
 IN this commiflion, which bears date the 9th 1680. 
 of May, the governor was empowered to call, ad- v ' -orw 
 journ, prorogue and diflblve general courts ; to 
 have a negative voice in all acts of government ; 
 to fufpend any of the council, when he fhoulcl fee 
 jufl caufe ; (and every counfellor fo fufpended was 
 declared incapable of being elected into the gener- 
 al ailembly ;) to appoint a deputy-governor, judg- 
 es, juftiees, and other officers, by his fole authori- 
 ty, and to execute the powers of vice-admiral. 
 
 CRANFIELD arrived and publifhed his commif- 
 flon on the 4th of October. He loon exhibited 
 his arbitrary principles, by removing feveral in- 
 fluential popular characters from the council, and 
 appointed fuch as he could render fubfervient to 
 his purpofes. 
 
 AFTER this, he convoked an afiethbly, and dif- 1682, 
 folved them upon their refufmg to accede to his v -^~ 
 meafures. Some time after, he called another af- 
 fe.nbly, and diflblved them in the fame manner. 
 He with his council alTumed the whole legiflative 
 power. He even ventured to tax the people with- 
 out their confent. Thofc, who oppoied his arbi- 
 trary government, were imprifoned, and treated 
 with rigorous fe verity.* 
 
 AFTER Cranfield had infringed upon the civil 1684. 
 rights of the people, he determined to fupprefs 
 their ecciefiaftical privileges. He had attempted 
 to impofe the I3th of January as a fad, and re- 
 ilrain them from manual labor at Chriftmas ; but 
 
 Vol I. p. 193197, 
 
 S 
 
138 HISTORY OF 
 
 1684. his capital ftroke was to ififue an order In council^ 
 ^v^ cc t h a t after the ift of January, the clergy ihould 
 admit all peyfons of fuitable years, and not vicious, 
 to the Lord's fupper, and their children to bap- 
 tifm ; and that if any perfon ihould defire bap- 
 nfm or the other facrameiu to be adrainiftered ac- 
 cording to- the liturgy of the church of England, 
 it ihould be done, in purfuance of the king's com- 
 mand to the colony of Mafia eliufc:t3 ; and any 
 minifter refilling fo to do, Ihould fuifer the penal- 
 ty of the (latutes of nonconformity." 
 
 MR. Moody, mi-niiler of Portfinouth, was mark- 
 ed out by the governor, as an object of peculiar 
 vengeance. He had for ferae time rendered him- 
 felf obnoxious by the freedom and plairmefs of his 
 pulpit difcourfes, and his fliichief* in adminif- 
 tering the dilcipline of the church.. 
 
 AN inftance of church difcipline, by \vhich Mr, 
 Moody irritated Craniiekl in- the highefL degree, 
 is thusrchted by Dr. Beflcixiip. cc Randolph hav- 
 ing feized a veilel, -flic \vas in the night carried 
 out of the harbor. The owner, \vlio was a mem- 
 ber of the church, fwore that he knew nothing, 
 of it ; but upon trial, there appeared {hong fuf- 
 picion that he had perjured himfeif. lie found 
 means to make up the matter \\iih the governor 
 UK! collector ; but Moody, being concerned for 
 fh-j purity ot his church, reqticfted of the govern- 
 or copies of the evidence, that the offlu .!_:' i 
 u.' called to^ account in the \vay of ecclcnaiViCat 
 difcipline. Ci-anftcld licrnly rcfufc3 3 ^yiiij/j that 
 
N E W - 1 N G L A N D. 139 
 
 he himfelf had forgiven him, and that neither the 1684. 
 church nor rainifter mould meddle with him ; and 
 even threatened Moody in cafe he lliould. Not 
 intimidated, Moody confuUed the church, and 
 preached a fermon againil falfe fwcaring. Then 
 the ofFender, being called to account, was cenfur- 
 ed, and, at length, brought to> public confeffion."* 
 
 THE acl, which had lately pailed, afforded Cran- 
 field an opportunity to gratify his refentmenf. 
 lie ilgnified to Mr. Moody, that himfelf, with Ma- 
 Ton and Hinckes, intended to partake of the Lord's 
 flipper the next Sunday ; requiring him to admin- 
 iiler it to them according to the liturgy. Agree- 
 ably to their expectation, he refufed a compli- 
 ance. Mr. Moody was then profecutcd, and iin- 
 prihji?ed for thirteen weeks. At length he obtain- 
 ? . : . a releafe, though under a ilrict charge to preach 
 no more within the province, upon penalty of far- 
 :her imprifonment. He then accepted an invita- 
 tion from the fir it church in Boilon, where he 
 Was highly efteemed, and roiitinued til! 1^92, 
 Upon a change of government., lie returned to his 
 charge in Portfmouth, where he fpent the remain- 
 der of his days in ufofulnefs, love and p;.:;ice.f 
 
 AT length, the governor, being difappoin ted in 160^. 
 his plans of enriching himfelf, and fearing the if- ^"^-' 
 fie of the people's remonftrances to the court of 
 Crcat-Britaiii, private] v enibarkcd for Jamaica, 
 ?nd thence to England, where he obtained ihe 
 colleaordiip of Barbados. Ba.refooie, the deputy- 
 governor, fuccecdej at his departure. 
 
 * ttt,u/>, /V././. 205. f Hid, P. Q$. 
 
i 4 o HISTORY OF 
 
 NEW-HAMPSHIRE was not the only colony 
 which felt the oppreflion of arbitrary power. The 
 people of MaiTachufetts had long been viewed 
 with a jealous eye. Though the king had repeat- 
 edly allured them of his protection, and folemn- 
 ly confirmed their charter privileges, yet their 
 fpirit and principles were fo totally diilbnant to the 
 corrupt views of the court, that intriguing men. 
 found eafy accefs to the royal ear, with com- 
 plaints againft them. Of thefe, the mod invete- 
 rate and indefatigable was Randolph, who made 
 no lefs than eight voyages in nine years acrofs 
 the Atlantic, on this mifchievous bufmefs. They 
 were accufed of extending their jurifdi&ion be- 
 yond the bounds of their patent ; of invading the 
 prerogative by coining money ; of not allowing 
 appeals to the king from their courts, and of ob- 
 ftru&ing the execution of the navigation and trade 
 laws. By the king's command agents were fent 
 over, to anfvver thefe complaints. They found 
 the prejudice againfl the colony fo flrong, that it 
 was in vain to witMand it ; and folicited inftruc- 
 tions whether to fubmit to the king's pleafure, or 
 refift his arbitrary defigns. -After a folemn con- 
 fultation, the laft meafure was determined upon, 
 and the agents quitted England,"* 
 
 1683* SOON after a writ of quo warranto was iffued 
 
 ^^ againfl the colony, which Randolph conveyed 
 
 acrofs the Atlantic. When arrived in Bofton, the 
 
 general court once more confidered the critical fit- 
 
 * Belknaf, Vol. I. p. 229. Hutch. Collet, of Paj>e*s t p. 377, 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 
 
 nation of affairs. The governor and majority of 1683 
 the affiftants, actuated by the caution of age, re- 
 folved to fubmit to the royal pleafure, and prepar- 
 ed an addrefs for that purpofe. The reprefenta- 
 lives, animated by the principles natural to a re* 
 publican body, refuted their aflent.* 
 
 THIS year a writ Q$ fcire facias was prefented in 
 the court of chancery againfl the governor and 
 company, and judgment given that the charter 
 fhould be annihilated.! 
 
 JUDGE Minot, in his ingenious continuation 3 
 Hutchinfon's Hiftcry, obferves on this occafion^ 
 <c thus fell the good old charter, valuable for its 
 defects fo happily fupplied, as well as its powers. 
 But with it fell not the habits it had engendered, 
 nor the principles which the fettlement of the 
 country had infpired. Thefe were for a time 
 flightly hidden in its fall, but foon fprung up again 
 more deeply rooted, and renovated with perenni- 
 al ftrength ; nor have they ceafed to fiourifh till, 
 in their turn, they have overrun, and probably 
 forever buried, every germ of defpotifin and royal 
 authority, in this republican foil."f 
 
 THE other colonies, though lefs obnoxious, 
 fliared the fame fate. This year, a writ of quo 1685. 
 ivarranto was iflued againfl: the colony of Rhode- 
 Ifland, which was brought in June 26, 1686. 
 The affemWy determined not to ftand fuit. Their 
 reafons were, their poverty and inability to bear 
 the expence of fuch a lawfuit in England ; and 
 
 * Cttalmgr, p. 414. f Hutcfrnfon, Vol. 1. p. 339, 
 J ffiinii Cwti wution of Hutchinjun, p. 52. 
 
*4* HISTORY O F 
 
 ^685. the example of thofe corporations in England, 
 "^^ which had fur-rendered their charters.* 
 
 IN July a quo warranfo was iifued againft the 
 governor and company of Connecticut. The fub- 
 fequerit year two writs weie ferved by Mr. Ran- 
 dolph, and after them a third in December. 
 1 58 6. The colony received an offer of being annexed to 
 v -" v " x -' Maflachufetts or New-York. In return, they hum- 
 bly petitioned his majefly for the continuance of 
 their chartered rights ; but if this could not be ob- 
 tained, they expreffed a preference to being an- 
 nexed to MaiTachufetts. This fubmiilive language, 
 (which, contrary to their intentions, was conilru- 
 ed into a furrender of their charter) probably 
 prevented the quo warranty's being profecuted with 
 
 KING Charles II. died foon after the colony of 
 Mafia chufetts was deprived of its chaiter. Upon 
 the accefiion of James II. Col. Jofeph Dudley, a 
 native of the colony, was promoted, becaufe while 
 ag^nt, he had favored the views of the court. 
 He was appointed prefide,nt of New-England, and 
 new counfellors. were nominated by the king. 
 Their jurifdictjon extended over Maflachufetts, 
 New-Hampfnire 3 Maine, and the Narragnnfet or 
 King's country. No houfe of reprefentatives was 
 mentioned in this commidion. Dudley was re- 
 ceived with lefs reluctance, fiom the general ap- 
 prehenfion of Col. Kirk, as governor, who had 
 been appointed previoufly to the death of Charles, 
 
 * C^ic-i.;er > p. 47. -| Trutnbull t /'*/. /, f>. 390. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 143 
 
 and from whom they expected fomething fimilar i6S6. 
 to the tragedy he had been acting in the weft of 
 England.* 
 
 THE people fuffered little from the lofs of their 
 privileges, during Col. Dudley's fhort adminiflra- 
 tion. Their courts of juftice were continued upon 
 their former plan. Trials were by juries as ufuaL 
 In general, the- former laws and eflablifhed cuf- 
 toms were obferved, though the government which 
 foimed them was diffolved. The intention of 
 thefe proceedings was, to conciliate the minds of 
 the people to the long meditated introduction of a 
 governor-generaLf 
 
 AFTER Col. Dudley had enjoyed his new hon- 
 ors eight or nine months. Sir Edmund Andros, 
 who had been governor of New-York, arrived in 
 Bofton, with a large commiffion, appointing him 
 captain general and governor in chief of Maria- 
 chufetts, Plymouth, Rhode-Ifland, Connecticut, 
 &c. The governor, with four of his council, 
 were empowered to grant lands on fuch terms, 
 and fubjec~l to fuch quit-rents as mould be appoint- 
 ed by the king. 
 
 SIR Edmund Andros began his adminiftration 
 with high profeffions of regard for the public wel- 
 fare. He foon, however, exhibited his arbitrary 
 character, and enriched himfelf and his followers 
 by the mod daring violations of the rights of the 
 people. Thofe of his council, who were backward 
 in -li.Jrng his rapacious intentions, were neglected. 
 * Hutdbfou, /V. /./>. 241. f ttiJ, t. 242 
 
144 HISTORY OF 
 
 Seven being fufficient for a full board, he fele&ed 
 jfuch only as were devoted to him, and would con- 
 cur with whatever he propofed.* 
 
 1607. THE affembly of Conne&icut met. as ufual ifi 
 O&ober, and the government continued accord- 
 ing to charter till the laft of the month. About 
 this time Sir Edmund Andros, with his fuit, and 
 more than fixty regular troops, came to Hartford, 
 where the aflembly were fitting, demanded the 
 charter, and declared the government under it to 
 be diflblved. The alTembly were extremely un- 
 willing to furrender the charter, and found expe- 
 dients to protract the time for bringing it forth. 
 The tradition is, that governor Treat ftrongly rep- 
 refented the great expence and hardfhips of the 
 colonies in planting the country ; the blood and 
 treafure which they had expended in defending it j 
 the difficulties and dangers he himfelf had been 
 expofed to for that purpofe ; and that it was like 
 giving up his life to furrender the patent and priv- 
 ileges fo dearly purchafed, and long enjoyed* The 
 important affair was debated and kept in fufpence 
 till the evening, when the charter was brought 
 and laid upon the table, where the aflembly were 
 fitting. By this time great numbers of people 
 were affembled, and men Efficiently bold to exe- 
 cute whatever might be neceffary or expedient* 
 The lights were inftantly extinguifhed, and one 
 Capt. Wadfworth, of Hartford, in the mod filent 
 and ftcret manner, carried off the charter, and 
 
 * Etlknap, /V. 7, f. 282. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 145 
 
 fecreted it in a large hollow tree, fronting the 1687. 
 houfe of the hon. Samuel Wyllis, then one of the v-<v ^ 
 magiftrates of the colony. The people appeared 
 , peaceable and orderly. The candles were offi* 
 cloudy relighted, but the patent was gone, and no 
 difcovery could be made of it, or of the perfon 
 who had conveyed it away. 
 
 SIR Edmund, however, affumed the govern- 
 ment, and appointed officers, civil and military, 
 through the colony, according to his pleafure.* 
 
 NUMEROUS were the oppreffions which the 1688. 
 country fuffered, diiring Andros' government. 
 The prefs was retrained ; liberty of confcience 
 infringed ; exorbitant fees and taxes were de- 
 manded, without the voice or confent of the peo- 
 ple, who had no privilege of reprefentation. Thofe 
 \vho refufed to adift, in collecting illegal taxes, 
 were threatened and imprifoned. The charter be- 
 ing vacated, it was pretended, that all titles to 
 land were annulled. Landholders were obliged 
 to take out patents for their eftates, which they 
 had poilelTed forty or fifty years ; and for thefe 
 patents extravagant fees were extorted, and thofe 
 who would not fubmit to this impofition, had 
 writs of intrufion brought againft them, and their 
 lands patented to others. To deter the people 
 from confulting about the redrefs of their griev- 
 ances, town-meetings were prohibited, except one 
 in the month of May, for the choice of town-offi- 
 cers. The people were told by the judges in opea 
 
 * Trumbull, Vol. I. p. 390. 
 T 
 
146 H I 3 T CRY O f 
 
 1688. court, that they had no more privileges left 
 ^^^ than not to be fold for flaves ; and that the bene- 
 fit of the laws of England did not follow them to 
 the end of the earth. To prevent complaints be- 
 ing tranfmitted to England, no perforr was per- 
 mitted to go out cf the country* without exprefs 
 leave from the governor. But, not'withfianding 
 ail the vigilance of the governor, his emiiTaries and 
 guards, the fefolute and indefatigable Dr. Increafe 
 Mather, minifter of the feccnd church in Boflon, 
 and prefident of the college, failed to England 
 with complaints in the name of the people, againfl 
 the governor, which he delivered with his cnvir 
 hand to the king ; but finding no hope of redrefs, 
 he waited the event of the revolution, which was 
 then expected.* 
 
 2'689. THE country fufFered under the opprelTive go*- 
 *'-" y " N -' ernment of Sir Edmund Andros about three years. 
 At length, the report cf the prince of Orange's 
 expedition into England reached Bofton, and dif- 
 fufed univerfal joy. The governor took every 
 precaution to conceal the change of affairs from 
 the people.' He imprisoned the man who brought 
 a copy of the prince's declaration, and publifhed 
 a proclamation, commanding all perfbns to be pre- 
 pared to oppoib any invafion from Holland. The 
 former magiftrates and influential charadeis fecret* 
 ly wifhed, and fervenrly prayed for the fuccefs of 
 the gloiious undertaking, and determined quietly 
 to wait the event. The body of the people, how- 
 
 "<,/. l.t 2. Revolution in N<W Evlari 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. , 47 
 
 ever, were too impatient to be retrained by pru- 1689. 
 dential confiderations. A rumor was fpread of an 
 intended mafTacre in Bofton, by the governor's 
 guards, which exafperated them in the bighefl de- 
 gree. On the morning of the iSth of April, the 
 town was in arms, and the country flocking in to 
 their affiflance, Andros and a number of his ao 
 complices, who had fled for refuge to a fort, were 
 obliged to furrender, and were imprifoned till 
 they could be conveyed to England, to be difpof- 
 f.d of according to the king's pkafure.* Under 
 pretence of the charges exhibited againft them be* 
 fpre the king and council not being figned by 
 the colonial agents, both parties were difmiiTed, 
 and this tyrant of New-England was afterwards 
 appointed governor of Virginia,! 
 
 THE gentlemen who had been magiftrates un- 
 der the charter, with Bradflreet, the late govern- 
 or, at their head, aflumed the name of the coun- 
 cil of fafbty, and kept up a form of government, 
 in the exigency of affairs, till orders arrived from; 
 England. 
 
 THE revolution at Boflon, though extremely 
 pleafmg to the people of New-Hampfhire, left 
 them in an unfettltd (late. After waiting in vain 
 for orders from England, they chofe deputies, in 
 order to rcfolvc upon fomc method of government. 
 They, at length, concluded lo return to their an- 
 cient union with MafTachufetts.]; 
 
 * !Lt h:;:f-n. Fat I. /> 375, 374.. Mv/crn UriTtrfzl Hi a crr t - 
 FaL X^X. /'. ^14 i M.'Ut } v. ^5 4; fittknup, Vol. L p* Z^4t 
 
i 4 fc H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1683. THIS union, however, was of fliort continue 
 ance. In 1692, Samuel Allein, a London mer- 
 chant, obtained a'commiilion for the government 
 of New-Hampfhire ; and John Uiher, his ibn-in* 
 law, was appointed lieutenant-governor. Mr. Al- 
 lein had, previoufly, purchaied of Mafon's heirs 
 a title to the New-Hampfliire lands. This event 
 produced new controverfies, concerning the prop- 
 erty of the lands, which embroiled the province 
 feveral years.* 
 
 THE intelligence of King William and Queen 
 Mary's accefFion to the throne, occafioned great 
 rejoicing in New-England. The people entertain- 
 ed fanguine expectations, that under their govern- 
 ment, they (hould obtain the reftoration, of their 
 former invaluable privileges. 
 
 See a particular account of tbefe contro-verjies in 
 of Ne-w> 
 
3ST E W - E N G L A N D, ' J49 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Of the war with the eajlcrn Indians. Treaty con* 
 eluded with them at fort Pemaquid. The New* 
 England agents folk it the reft oration of their char* 
 ter. A new charter is granted. Connecticut 
 and Rhode-JJland refame their former charters. 
 The king compliments the agents with the nomina- 
 tion of their governor. They elect Sir William 
 Phips. Thankfgi-ving appointed after his arrival 
 in Bojlon. 
 
 P 
 
 REVIOUSLY to the revolution 
 Jn government, which was related in the forego*- 
 ing chapter, a freih Indian war broke out in the 
 frontiers of New-England, in 1688. As a pre- 
 tence for commencing hoiliiities, the Indians charg. 
 ed the Englifh with neglecting to pay the tribute 
 of corn, which had been ftipulated by the treaty 
 of 1678 ; with obftru&ing the fifh in Saco river 
 with feines ; with defrauding them in trade, and 
 with granting their lands without their confent.* 
 
 THE French ufed> every effort to inflame their 
 refentment, in order to revenge the recent inju- 
 ries they had received from the Englifh. 
 
 BY the treaty of Breda, the territory from Pe- 
 nobfcot to Nova-Scotia was ceded to the French, 
 }n exchange for the iiland of St. Chiiftbphers. On 
 
 * Belknufr ^'d. L p. 242. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 thefe lands the baron de St. Cafline had long re- 
 fided, as an influential fachein among the Indians, 
 with whom he \vas jntimately cbnne&ed. The 
 grant which had been made to the duke of York, 
 who at the time of the above mentioned treaty 
 was called James II. comprehended all the land 
 between ^ennebec and St. Croix.* 
 
 UPON a difpute arifmg refpech'ng the landing 
 ^ of a cargo of wine, which the owners fuppofed tQ 
 be landed within the French government, a new 
 line was run, which took Caftine's plantation into 
 the duke's territory. Upon this pretext, Sir EcU 
 irmnd Andros went in the Rofe frigate, and plun- 
 dered Caftine's houfe and fort of all his goods 
 and implements of war. This infuit provoked the 
 French fachem to ufe all his influence with the 
 Indians to excite them to ravage the frontiers of 
 
 New-England*! 
 
 Trie fir ft acts of hoflility commenced at North- 
 Yarmouth, by killing cattle, and threatening the 
 people, Juftice Blackman ordered fixteen of the 
 Indians to be feized, and kept under guard at 
 Fal mouth ; but others continued robbing and cap- 
 tivattng the inhabitants. Upon this, Andros, 
 finding milder meafures incfFechia], meant to in- 
 timid ate them with an army of feven - hundrei 
 men, which he led into the eaftern country in the 
 month of November. The rigor of the leafori 
 proved fa f al to foms of his troops, but he never 
 fa\v an Indian in his whole march, the enemy re 
 ir.airiing quiet during the winter. 
 
 CofaXMs.- /. ^46. f 6W/.> /. ^cS. 
 

 tf tttr-tf NGt AKD. i 5 
 
 AFTER the revolution, the gentlemen who af- 1689, 
 
 the government took fome precaution to 
 prevent the renewal of hoiUIities. 1 They lent rnef- 
 fengers and prefents fa feveral tribes of Indians, 
 who anfwered them with fair prornifes ; but their 
 prejudices againft the Englifh were too inveterate 
 to be allayed by thefe meafures.* 
 
 THIRTEEN years had almoft elapfed fince the 
 fcizure of the four hundred Indians at Cache- 
 co, by Major IValdroa, during which time they 
 had cherifhed an inextinguifhablethirit for revenge. 
 Some cf thofe Indians, who were then fcized and 
 fold into flavery abroad, had found their way 
 home, and could riot reft till they kid gratified 
 their refentrnent, 
 
 A CONFEDERACY; fof this purpofe, was form- 
 ed between feveral Indian tribes ; and it was de- 
 termined to furprize the Major and his neighbors, 
 among whom they had all this time been peacea- 
 bly conver.fant.-t 
 
 THERE were five garrifcned houfes in the town 
 of Dover. That in which Major Waldron was 
 lodged was furprized by the treachery of Mefan- 
 doit, a fagamore, whom he had that night enter- 
 tained in a friendly manner at his houfe. During 
 the night the Indians lay in ambufh in the neigh- 
 boring woods. When all was quiet the gates 
 were opened, and the fignal given. They enter* 
 ed, furprized the fecure garrifon, and barbaroufiy 
 murdered the Major. Twenty-three people were 
 *L I f. 244. 
 
j 5 s HISTORY OF 
 
 1689. killed in this furprizal, and twenty-nine were cap- 
 ^^^ tured ; five or fix houfes, with their mills, were 
 burned, and before the people could be collect- 
 ed from the other parts of the town to oppofe 
 them, they fled with their prifoners and plunder. 
 The majority of the prifoners were carried to 
 Canada, and fold to the French.* 
 
 THE neceflity of rigorous meafures, impelled 
 the colonies to raife forces to check the depre- 
 dations of their favage enemies. The MaiTachu- 
 fetts arid Plymouth forces proceeded to the eaft-* 
 ward, fettled garrifons at convenient places, and 
 had fome fldrmifhes with the natives at Cafco* 
 Bay and Blue-Point. The Indians did much mif- 
 chief by their flying parties, but no important 
 actions were performed on either iide during the 
 remainder of the year. 
 
 1690. THE graateft danger was at this time appre- 
 tended from encouragement given to the Indians 
 by the French, which nation was then at war with 
 England. The inhabitants of New-Enrrland were 
 
 O v_> 
 
 thence induced to 'plan an enterprise agakift Cana- 
 da, where the French had formed extenfive fet- 
 tlements. They exerted themfelves to the uttnoft, 
 and equipped an armament in fome degree equal 
 to the fervice.f 
 
 THE command of the forces employed in this 
 expedition was committed to Sir William Phips. 
 Unavoidable accidents retarded the arrival of the 
 fleet at Quebec till the feafon was too far ad vane* 
 * &&tap t l r d. L p. 245. f Ibid, p. 248. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 153 
 
 ed to profecute their defigns. The troops were 1690. 
 lickly and difcouraged, and, after forne ineffectual ^^ 
 parade, the enterprize was abandoned.* 
 
 THE inhabitants of New-England were greatly 
 difpirited by this difappointment. The equipment 
 of the fleet and army had occafioned a great ex- 
 pence, which they were little able to ftipport ; and 
 a thoufand men perifhed in the expedition. In this 
 melancholy (late of the country, it was an happy 
 circumftance that the Indians voluntarily came in 
 with a flag of truce, and defired a ceflation of hof- 
 tilities. A conference being held at Sagadahok, 
 they brought in ten captives, and fettled a truce 
 till the id of May, which they obferved till the 1691* 
 9th of June ; then, they again commenced, and v-0> * v ' 
 continued their deftructive ravages, during this and 
 the fubfequent year.f 
 
 Iisr January, the Indians entirely deftroyed the 1692. 
 town of York, killed fifty of the people, and car- ^^^ 
 ried one hundred into captivity. To review the 
 cruel treatment they inflicted on their unfortunate 
 prifoners, mud deeply wound the feelings of eve- 
 ry perfon of fenfibility ; and they mud turn with 
 horror from a fcene, which fo ftrongly exhibits the 
 favage ferocity of which human nature is capable. 
 
 THIS year a peace was concluded with the In- 1693. 
 dians at the fort of Pemaquid. They acknowledg- ^"^ 
 ed fubjedHon to the crown of England ; engaged 
 to abandon the French intereft j to forbear private 
 revenge ; to reftoie all captives ; and even went 
 
 * tiutibinjan, V u l. /, p. 400, 401. f J3t/inaf t Pot. 1. j>. 
 
i S 4 HISTORY OF 
 
 fo far as to deliver hoftages for the due perform* 
 ance of their engagements.* 
 
 1691. AFTER the revolution in England, the general 
 court of MafTachufetts difpatched two of their mem- 
 bers, to join with Sir Henry Afthurft and Mr. 
 Mather, in foliciting the refloratiou of their an- 
 cient charter ; and endeavouring to obtain fuch 
 additional privileges, as might be beneficial to 'the 
 colony. 
 
 WHILST the colony was involved in the Indian 
 war, which has been briefly related, their enemies 
 in England took advantage of their difficulties, 
 by imputing them to the imprudent adminiilration 
 of government, and argued thence again/I the ref- 
 loration of their charter. The agents, however, 
 purfued their bufineis with indefatigable applica- 
 tion, and ufed all their intereil in court and city to 
 accomplish it ; but found all their endeavours to 
 obtain a refloration of their ancient charter inef-, 
 
 feftuaLt 
 
 THE king, from the firrt applica>ion ? exhibited 
 a determined refolution to have the nomination of 
 the governor, and other officers, referveJ to the 
 crown. He ordered his attorney-general to form 
 the draught of a new charter, according to his 
 pleafure exprefled in council. This the attorney- 
 general preferred to the council board June 8. 
 It was rejected, and a new draught ordered to be 
 made, by which the people of New-England were 
 deprived of ieveral eilentiai privileges contained in 
 their former charter. J 
 
 * Sullivan, p. 241. f Hitttbiry'bn, Vol. I. p. 40 c. 1 r.."r/> ; r 
 took II. p. 56. 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 155 
 
 MR. Mather protefted againfl it, but was in- 1691, 
 formed, " that the agents of New-England were 
 not plenipotentiaries from a fovereiga date." Not- 
 withftanding this reprimand, the agents drew up 
 their objections, and tranfmitted them to the king, 
 earneftly requefting that certain claules might be 
 altered. The queen herfelf interceded with him 
 in behalf of the colony ; but nothing could alter 
 his majefty's determined purpofe. The agents fuc- 
 ceeded only in procuring a few articles to be add- 
 ed, which they fuppofed \youid promote the wel- 
 fare of their country.* 
 
 THE colony of Maffachufetts was made a prov- 
 ince, which contained the whole of the old colony. 
 To this were added the colony of New-Plymouth, 
 the Province of Maine, the Province of Nova-Sco- 
 tia, and all the country between the Province of 
 Maine and Nova-Scotia, as far northward as the 
 river St. Lawrence ; alfo Elizabeth Iflands, and 
 the iflands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 
 
 THE colonies of Rhode-Iiland and Connecticut 
 were allowed to refume their' former charters. As 
 no judgment had been entered againft them, the 
 king recognized their policy as regular and legal.f 
 THE colony of MaiTachufetts was greatly difap- 
 pointed by the new charter, and it was confidered 
 as a fmgular hardfliip, that the effects of the late 
 defpotifm fhould be felt by them alone. Howev- 
 er, the majority were induced to accept it, from 
 an apprehenfion of the ill confequences, which 
 might refult from their refufal.J 
 
 , & 3 * 1L p. 56. f Gordon, Vol. 7. /. 95. J AVA 
 
i $6 HISTORY OF 
 
 1692. WHEN the charter had palled the feals, the 
 king was pleafed to compliment the New-England 
 agents, for the fir ft time, with the nomination of 
 their governor. After mature confutation, they 
 agreed to elect Sir William Phips, who, with the 
 Rev. Increafe Mather, arrived in Bofton the I5th 
 of May. The general court appointed a day of 
 folemn thankfgiving for their fafe arrival ; and for 
 the fettlement of the province.* 
 
 THE civil government of New-England fuilaiyi- 
 ed a confiderable alteration by their new charter. 
 Previously to their obtaining it, all their magif- 
 trates and officers of Hate were chofen annually by 
 their general aflembly. In the new charter, the 
 appointment of the governor, lieutenant-governor, 
 fecretary, and all the officers of the admiralty, 
 was veiled in the crown ; the power of the mili- 
 tia was wholly in the hands of his majefty's gover- 
 nor, as captain general. All judges, juftices and 
 fheriffs, were to be nominated by the governor, 
 with the advice of the council. The governor 
 had a negative upon the choice of counfellors ; 
 and upon all laws and elections made by the coun- 
 cil and houfe of representatives. The laws, even 
 when thus fanctioned, were fubject to rejection by 
 the king, within the term of three years from 
 their pairing. The difference between the old 
 charter and new alfo confided in an exprefs autho- 
 rity for exercifing powers, which had been in con- 
 Jhnt ufe, from fuppofed ncceffary implication, 
 * Matbtr. 
 
NE W-ENG L AND. 157 
 
 Thefe were the privilege of a lioufe of reprefenr 1692. 
 tatives as a branch of the legiilature, the levying of 
 taxes, and erecting courts for the trial of capital 
 crimes, and the probate of wills, and granting of 
 adminiitrations on inteftate eftates, which were ex- 
 prefsly given to the governor and council.* 
 
 LIBERTY of confcience, which was not men- 
 tioned in the firft charter, was exprefsly granted 
 in the fecond. All the various denominations of 
 Chriirians were tolerated in the colonies after the 
 revolution took place in England. And the peo- 
 ple were Informed by the bed civilians, that their 
 religious liberties were unalterably fecured. 
 
 THE firft aft of the Maflachufetts legiflature, 
 after the arrival of the charter, was a kind of mag- 
 na charta, afferting and fetting forth their general 
 privileges, and contained the following elaufe : 
 <c No aid, tax, tollage, aiTefTment, ctiftom, loan, 
 benevolence, or impofition whatfoever, (hall be laid, 
 aifeifedj impofed, or leveled'on any of his majefly's 
 fubjecls, or their eftates, on any pretence what- 
 ever, but by the aft and confent of the governor, 
 council and reprefentatives of the people^ affeiu- 
 bled in general court.""! 
 
 OTHER acls favorable to liberty, were pafled 
 by the general court, at this fefTion, 
 
 AT the time when the colony of Maflachufetts 
 received the new charter, feventy-two years had 
 ehpfed iince the firft fettlement at Plymouth. 
 
 * See Charter of William and Mary, in Appendix to j\Wj Hif- 
 iory. Ivlinofs Continuation gf Hutthinfon, P. C7, 
 f Kutcki*J9H, Pol. 11.}. 63. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1692. During this period the colonies enjoyed the privi- 
 lege of chafing their own rulers, and enading 
 their own laws. They had effcablifhed excellent 
 regulations for the promotion of learning and reli- 
 gion. They had exhibited great courage in the 
 Indian wars, and their efforts to repel their favage 
 enemies were crowned with fuccefs. " After 
 forty years from the firft fettlement, the greateft 
 part of the early emigrants had terminated their 
 earthly exiftence."* They had, however, the fatis* 
 faction of furviving till they beheld the fruits of 
 their afliduous labors in the increafe of the fettle* 
 ments and multiplication of the churches. " Ir$ 
 1643, the firft twenty thoufand fouls, who came 
 over from England, had fettled thirty-fix churches,- 
 In 1650, there were forty churches in New- 
 England, which contained feven, thoufaiul feven 
 hundred and fifty communicants."! Many of the 
 clergymen, who came from England at the firtl 
 fettlement, were not only diftinguifhed for their 
 piety, but for their abilities and learning. Among 
 whom we view a Cotton, Hooker, Davenport, EIiof t 
 and others, who illuminated the churches of New- 
 England. And though many have depreciated the 
 merit of our anceftors, yet a modern Britifh au- 
 thor has obferved, that, " The victories they ob- 
 tained over the complicated obftrudions which 
 they met with upon their arrival in America, have 
 raifed their character to a level with that of the 
 
 Hu/flnnfon, Vol. I p. 2 $8. + LaU PrtpMnt StiUs Mentf 
 Le&uns en EcdefitiJiUtt 
 
NE W-ENGL AND. 159 
 
 braved people recorded in hillory, in the eflima- 
 tion of the few, who can coniider facts divefted of 
 that fplendor which time, place and circuinftances 
 are apt tobeftow upon them, and from which they 
 derive their luftre with the generality of man* 
 kind."* 
 
 * Andrew^ Hifary of the War with America. 
 
 
HISTORYOF 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Of the fuppofed witchcraft* in New-England. Sir 
 William Phips recalled. His death and char- 
 acter. War with the Indians renewed. The 
 French project an invafion of New- England. 
 Peace concluded with the Indians. ^Tbe Earl 
 cf Edlamont appointed governor of the plantations 
 ofNeiv-Tcrk, MaJJluhufctts and New-HampJhire. 
 
 EW-ENGLAND from Its firft feN 
 tlement never experienced fuch complicated dif- 
 ficulties as at the commencement of Sir William 
 Phips' government, The country was involved 
 in the war with the eaflern Indians, which has been 
 briefly mentioned in the preceding chapter. In 
 1692. the fame period a new fpecies of diilrefs filled the 
 minds of the people with gloom and horror, which 
 in fome refpe&s appeared more replete with ca- 
 lamity, than even the devaluations of war. 
 
 PREVIOUSLY to the tragic fcene at Salem, about 
 to be r slated, fever al perfons, in different parts 
 cf New-England, had been executed for the fup* 
 pofed crime of witchcraft. Thofe, who think the 
 \vhole to be an impoflure, account for it by the 
 prevailing credulity of the age ; the flrength of 
 prejudice ; the force of imagination, operating on 
 minds not fufEciently enlightened by^ reafon and 
 philofophy, which all confpired to produce this 
 fatal dciuiion. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 
 
 IN the year 1692, a daughter and niece of Mr. 
 Parris, miriifter of Salem, girls of ten or eleven 
 years of age, and two other girls in the neighbor- 
 hood, were feized with uncommon and unac- 
 countable complaints. A confutation of phy- 
 ficians was called, one of whom was of opinion 
 that they were bewitched. An Indian 'woman, 
 who was brought from New-Spain, and then refid- 
 ed with Mr. Parris, had recourfe to fome experi- 
 ments, which fhe pretended were ufed in her own 
 country, in order to difcover the witch. The 
 children, being informed of this circumftance, 
 accufed the Indian woman of pinching, pricking 
 and tormenting them in various ways. She ac- 
 knowledged that fhe had learnt how to difcover a 
 witch, but denied herfelf to be one. This firfl in- 
 flance was the occafion of feveral private fads at 
 Mr.. Parris' houfe, of feveral others, which were 
 obferved by the whole village, and of a general fad 
 through the colony. The attention, paid to the 
 children, with the companion, expreffed by their 
 vifitors, it is fuppofed, induced them, and allured 
 others to continue their impofture. Hence the 
 number of complainants, who pretended to be 
 feized with firnilar diforders, increaled, and they 
 accufed certain perfons of being the authors of 
 their fufferings. From thefe fmall beginnings, the 
 diftemper fpread through feveral parts of the pro- 
 vince, till the prifons were fcarcely capable of con- 
 taining the number of the accufed.* 
 
 * Hutchin/oK, VoL II. p. 25 29. HaiSi Mftkfl Ittevirj Into 
 
 ice Nature 3 f tt'itchiraft^ p. 22. 
 
 w 
 
162 HISTORY OF 
 
 1692, THE molt effectual method to prevent an accu- 
 fation was, to become an accufer ; hence the 
 number of the afflicted continually augmented, 
 and the number of the accufed increafed in the 
 fame proportion* 
 
 THE accufed in general peril (led in averting 
 their innocence. Some, however, were induced 
 to confefs their guilt, being warmly importuned 
 by their friends to embrace this expedient, as the 
 only poffible way to fave their lives. The con- 
 feflion of witchcraft increafed the number of the 
 fufpecled ; for aiibciates were always pretended 
 by the party confe fling. Thefe pretended a(To- 
 ciates were immediately fent for and examined. 
 By thefe means, more than an hundred women, 
 many of them of fair characters, and of the molt 
 refpectable families in Salem, Beverly, Andover, 
 Billerica, and in other towns, were apprehended, 
 examined, and generally committed to prifon.* 
 
 THOUGH the number of prifoners had been 
 augmenting, from February to June, yet none of 
 them had as yet been brought to trial. Soon af- 
 ter the arrival 'of the charter, commiflioners of oyer 
 and termmcr were appointed for this purpofe* At 
 the firft trial, there was no colony, nor provincial 
 law in force againil witchcraft. The ftatute of 
 James I. mud therefore have been eonfidered 
 as in force, in the province, witchcraft not being 
 an offence at common law. Before the adjourn- 
 ment of the general court, the old colony lav/, 
 
 * Hutcbinjon, Vd. 12. /. 30. H*k> p. 26. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 163 
 
 which makes witchcraft a capital offence, was 
 received and adopted by the whole province. 
 
 IN this diftreffing period, nineteen perfons were 
 executed, one prefl to death, and eight more con- 
 demned ; the whole number amounted to twenty, 
 eight, of whom above a third part were members 
 of feme of the churches in New-England, and 
 more than half fuflained excellent characters. 
 Among thofe, who were executed, was Mr. Bur- 
 roughs, formerly minuter at Salem, who left his 
 people upon fome difference in religious fenti- 
 ments. All who fuiFered death afferted their inno- 
 cence in the flrongefl terms. Yet this circum- 
 ftance was inefficient to open the eyes of the peo- 
 ple ; and their fury augmented in proportion as 
 the gloom of imagination increafed,* 
 
 INSTEAD of acting with that deliberate cool- 
 nefs and caution, which the importance of the 
 affair demanded, and fufpe&ing and crofs exam- 
 ining the witneffes, by whofe evidence the pretend* 
 ed witches were condemned ; the authority made 
 ufe of leading queftions, which helped them to 
 anfwers. Moil of the examinations, though in 
 the prefence of one or more of the magiftrates, 
 were taken by Mr. Parris. The court allowed 
 the witnefTes to relate accidents, which had be- 
 fallen them twenty or thirty years paft, upon fome 
 difference with the accufed.j 
 
 * Ses Dr. Co t ton Mather s Wonders of the Invifibk World. 
 f Nsal, Vol. II. p. 129 ; and Calef't Mare Wondtn of the / 
 . 185. 
 
164 HISTORY OF 
 
 1692. THE affairs of MaiTachufetts were now In fuch a 
 wretched fituation, that no man was ftire of his 
 life and fortune for an hour. An univerfal con* 
 fternation prevailed. Some charged themfelves 
 \vith witchcraft, in order to prevent accufation, 
 and efcape death ; fome abandoned the province, 
 and others were preparing to follow their exam- 
 pie,* 
 
 IN this fcene of perplexity and diflrefs, thofe, 
 who Were accufed of witchcraft, were generally of 
 the lowed order in fociety. A number, however, 
 of refpeclable women flill remained in prifon : at 
 length the pretended fufferers had the audacity to 
 accufe feveral perfons of fuperior rank and char- 
 acter. The authority then began to be lefs 
 credulous. The prifoners were liberated ; thofe, 
 \vho had received fentence of death, were repriev- 
 ed, and afterwards pardoned. The whole coun- 
 try became by degrees fenfible of their mi (lake ; 
 and the majority of the aclors in this tragedy de ? 
 clared their repentance for their conduct. 
 
 16. WHILST a review of the conduct of the inhabit- 
 ants of New-England in this diftrefTmg period in- 
 duces us to accufe then} of credulity and fuperfti- 
 tion, \ye ought to fcften the afperity of our cen- 
 fure by remembering, that, fuppofing the whole to 
 have been an impollure, they were led into this 
 delufion by the opinion of the greatefi civilians and 
 divines in Europe. A fimilar opinion refpecting 
 witchcraft was at the fame time prevalent in Great- 
 * Hah, /. 33. Cab/. 
 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 165 
 
 Britain ; the law, by which witches were condemn- 1693. 
 ed, was copied from the Englifh ftatutes, and the w% ~"-' 
 practice of courts in New-England, was regulated 
 by precedents eftablifhed in the parent country. 
 Thcfe ftatutes continued in force in England ibine 
 time in the reign of George II. when it was enact- 
 ed, " That no profecution fhould in future be car- 
 ried on againil any perfon for conjuration, witch- 
 craft, forcery, or enchantment/'* 
 
 No public notice was taken of the authors of 
 this calamity ; fome of the fuppofed fufferers be- 
 came profligate characters; others palled their 
 days in obfcurity and contempt. Mr. Parris, in 
 whofe houfe the pretended witchcraft began, felt 
 the efFecls of popular refentment. Though he 
 made a public and private penitent acknowledg- 
 ment of his error, his congregation iniifted upon 
 his difmililon, declaring that they never would fit 
 under the miniflry of a man, who had been the in- 
 ftrument of fuch complicated diftrefs.f 
 
 THUS, in about fifteen months, ended an affair, 
 which not only confounded the minds of the peo- 
 ple of New-England, but filled Europe with aflon- 
 ifliment and horror. 
 
 THE treaty, which was concluded with the In- 1694. 
 dians at fort Pemaquid, had, for almofl a twelve- 
 month, relieved the frontiers from the calamities of 
 war. Whilft the peace continued, Sir William, 
 Phips exerted himfelf to the utmoft to detach 
 them from the French interefl. For this purpofe 
 
 * HurcfaSon, I r l. 11. Ca!f.f y f, is?, 
 t Bladjione, TV. IF, f, i. 
 
1 66 HISTORY OF 
 
 1694. he took a journey to the eaftward ; prefented gifts 
 to their fachems ; opened a free trade with them ; 
 and offered to leave a preacher, acquainted with 
 the Indian language, to inftrud them in the Pro- 
 zeftant religion. 
 
 ON the other hand;, the French labored more fuc- 
 cefsfully to prejudice their minds againft the Eng- 
 }iih. This year the Sieur de Villien was in com- 
 mand at Penobfcot, and with the afliftance of Thu- 
 ry, the religious miflionary, perfuaded the eaflern 
 fachems to break their treaty, and to prepare for 
 hoftilities.* 
 
 WHILST the war with the Indi?.ns was im- 
 pending, the people became diffatit-fied with 
 Sir William Phips' government, and afcribed 
 the calamities they fuffered to his mifconducl. 
 The uneafmefs arofe to fuch a degree, that 
 his enemies drew up articles of impeachment 
 againft him, which they tranfmitted to the king 
 and council. His Majefty declared he would him- 
 felf hear his caufe ; and cited Sir William and his 
 accufers to repair to Whitehall. He embarked 
 for England, November 17, having obtained a 
 recommendation from the general affembly. 
 Previoufly to the hearing of his caufe, he was fud- 
 denly feizcJ with a malignant fever, which put a 
 period to his life, in the fifty-fourth year of his 
 age.f 
 
 SIR William Phips was born of poor and ob- 
 fcure parents in the eaflern parts of New-England. 
 
 * Mather t Look II. p. 66. f Ibid, p.-ji. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 167 
 
 His education furniflied him with few advantages 1694. 
 for improvement. His firlt employment was keep- 
 ing fheep ; he was afterwards a fhip carpenter j 
 but he gave up his trade, and followed the feas. 
 After feveral fmall adventures, he amaifed a cou- 
 fiderable fortune, by finding a Spanifh wreck near 
 Port de la Plata. This event introduced him to 
 men of rank and fortune ; and h had the dignity 
 of knighthood conferred upon him by king James 
 II. Notwithftanding this, he uniformly oppofed 
 the arbitrary meafures of that monarch ; and was 
 an ardent friend to the revolution. Though un- 
 verfed in the arcs of government, and deftitute of 
 deep penetration, yet he was a man of great induf- 
 try, enterprise and firmnefs. He conflantly at- 
 tended the exercifes of devotion ; and was ftudious 
 to promote piety and virtue in others. 1 * 
 
 AFTER Sir William Phips left the province, 
 the authority devolved upon lieutenant-governor 
 Stoughton. Previoufly to his entering on his 
 adminiflration, the country was again involved in 
 the calamities of war. The French had recently 
 fupplied the Indians with a variety of warlike 
 fiores. At length, the necerTary preparations be- 
 ing made, Villien, with a body of two hundred 
 and fifty Indians, colle&ed from the tribes of St. 
 John, Penobfcot and Norridgwog, marched againit 
 the people on Oyfter River, in New-Hampfhire. 
 Here they killed and captured between ninety 
 * Uatber> Bsok 11. p. 68. Life of Sir Willliam 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1694. and an hundred peifons, and burned above twenty 
 ' w * VNj houfes, of Vv'hich five weie garrifons.* 
 
 DURING the remainder of this, and the fubfe- 
 quent winter, the Indians continued to ravage the 
 frontiers. In 1696, they, in conjunction with 
 the French, took and demolifhed Pemaquid fort ; 
 and, exulting in their fuccefs, threatened to in- 
 volve the country in ruin and defolation.f 
 1697. THIS year an invafion of the country was pro- 
 jecled by the French. A fleet was to fail from, 
 France to Newfoundland, and thence to Penob- 
 icot, where, being joined by an army from Canada, 
 an attempt was to be made on Bodon, and the 
 fea coafl ravaged from there to Pifcataqua. The 
 fleet proceeded no further than Newfoundland, 
 when the advanced feafon, and fcantinefs of pro- 
 vifion, obliged them to relinquifh the deiign. The 
 people of New -England were apprized of the dan- 
 ger, and made the bed poffible preparations to 
 avert the impending evil. They flrengthened their 
 fortifications on the coaft, and raifed a body of 
 men to defend the frontiers againft the Indians, 
 who were expected to co-operate with the French. I 
 . AITF* the peace at Ryfwick, between England 
 * and France, Count FroRtenae* governor of Canada, 
 .Informed the Indians, that he w r as no longer at 
 liberty to fupport them in their wars againfl the 
 Engliih, with whom his nation was now at peace. 
 He therefore advifed them to bury the hatchet, 
 
 * Hutcb\nhn> Vol. 11. p 8z. Bf/knap. Vol. L p. 375, 
 f SttMeJcrnUm'verfalHiflory J'jl, XiX, p '4C. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 169 
 
 and reflore their captives. Having fuffered much 1693. 
 by famine, and being divided in their opinion 
 refpefting the profecution of the war, they 'were 
 at length brought to a treaty at Cafco, where they 1699. 
 ratified their former engagements ; and acknow- 
 ledged fubjection to the crown of England.* 
 
 WHEN the war in Europe was terminated, the 
 king appointed the earl of Bellamont governor of 
 New-York, Maffachufetts and New-Hampfhire, 
 and the earl made New-York the place of his re- 
 fidence. Mr. Stoughton, the lieutenant-governor, , 
 conducted the affairs of New-England. 
 
 THUS, after a long and expenfive war, attended 
 with the moft alarming internal divifions, the af- 
 fairs of the country were fettled on a folid bafis. 
 Trade began to flourifh, and peace and plenty 
 again blefled the New-England fettlements. 
 
 * Mather, BwkVU.^ 92. Belknap, Vol. L p. 281. 
 
 X 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER Xiil. 
 
 Lord B diamonds arrival in B oft on. His 
 
 and behavior. His death at New -York. Mr. 
 Dudley appointed governor. War with the French 
 and Indians renewed. The reduElion of Port- 
 Royal. Ifnfuccep.ful expedition agalnjl Canada. 
 Peace concluded with the French and their Indian 
 allies. New townjbips incorporated in Majja- 
 chufctts. Flouriftringjiatc of the colonies. 
 
 L 
 
 |ORD Bellamont arrived in Bolt on, 
 1699. from New- York, May 26 ; to fee a nobleman at 
 the head of government was a novelty to the inhab- 
 itants of New-England. tie was a firm friend to 
 the revolution, and a favorite of king William. 
 His religious fentiments were liberal ; and though 
 a member of the church of England, he attended 
 the congregational leclures with great refpect* 
 The politenefs of his manners, and affability of 
 hrs behavior, conciliated the minds of the people., 
 who trerted him with the istmoft deference. There 
 was a perfect harmony in the general court \vhilft 
 he prefided. By avoiding offence to particular 
 perfons, and conforming to the prevailing difpo- 
 fition and opinion, he obtained a larger falary 
 than either of his predeceffors, or any of the fub* 
 feouent governors of the province* 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 171 
 
 HE vifited and publifhed his commitlion in New- 1699. 
 HampJhire, to the great joy of the inhabitants.* 
 
 LORD Beliamont this year held two feflions of 
 die general court. The firfl was on the annivcr- 
 fary for the election of counfellors. The fecond 
 was occafloned by the prevailing report, that there 
 was a general confederacy of the Indians, for the 
 total extirpation of the Englifh. Such \vas the 
 confternation in MaiTachufetts, that feveral acls 
 pafied the general courf, viz* for levying foldiers ; 
 for punilhing mutiny and defertipn ; for having all 
 the militia prepared for the war ; and for enabling 
 the governor to march them out of tfye province, 
 from which by charter he was retrained without 
 an aflt of the afiembly. The general terror foon 
 after fubfided, which prevented the execution of 
 thofe laws. 
 
 SOON after the feftion of the general court in 1700. 
 May, Lord Beliamont took his leave of MafTachu- ^^ 
 fetts, and went to New- York, where he died on 
 the 5th of March the fubfequeat year. His death 
 was greatly regretted by the people in his feveral 
 governments, among whom he had renderecj 
 himfelf very popular.! 
 
 AFTER the intelligence of Lord Bellamont's 1702. 
 death reached England, Queen Anne, who fuc- 
 ceeded upon the death of king William, appoint- 
 ed Jofeph Dudley, Efq. formerly prefident of New- 
 England, to be governor of Maffachufetts and 
 ' New-Hampfliire. He was received in Maflachu- 
 
 * Kutcbinfon, Vol. II. p. uj. Belkntp, Vol. L$. 304, 
 f H+tcbinJon) Vti //./>, 12\. 
 
172 HISTORY OF 
 
 1702. fetts with ceremony and refpect, even by thofe who 
 ^^^ had been his greateft oppofers in the reign of 
 
 James II. 
 
 UPON the acceffion of governor Dudley, he pro- 
 duced inftructions, among other things, that the fal- 
 aries of the governor and lieutenant-governor, for 
 the time being, mould be fettled and fixed ; but 
 the confequence of this meafure, as tending to eftab- 
 liih the control of the crown over the proceedings 
 of the legiflature, was too well underflood to be 
 adopted ; and it was oppofed both by the council . 
 and the houfe of reprefentatives.* 
 
 THE conduct of Lewis XIV. in proclaiming the 
 Pretender king of England, rendered a war with 
 France inevitable. There was the greateft proba- 
 bility that the Indians would join. The governor 
 of Canada, who affumed the character of their fa- 
 ther and protector, infligated them to prevent the 
 fettlement of the Englifli on the eaft of Kenne- 
 bec. A French million was eftablifhed, and a 
 chapel erected at Norridgwog, on the upper part 
 of Kennet>ec, which ferved to extend the influ- 
 ence of the French among the Indians.! 
 
 1703. THE favage tribes were preparing for hofliiities 
 when Dudley entered on his government. The 
 firft fummer after his arrival, he viiited all the 
 eaflern frontiers as far as Pemaquid, accompanied 
 with a number of gentlemen from both his provin- 
 ces. He held a conference at Cafco with delegates 
 from a number of the Indian tribes. They gave 
 
 * Idintt, p. 59. f Hutchinjon t Pol H. />. 134, 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 173 
 
 him the ftrongeft aflurances of their pacific inten- 1703. 
 tions, and declared, that though the French emir- 
 faries had endeavoured to difiblve the union, yet it 
 was " firm as a mountain, and ihould continue as 
 long as the fun and moon." Notwithdanding 
 thefe fair appearances, in the fpace of fix weeks, 
 five hundred of the French and Indians attacked 
 all the fettlements from Cafco to Wells, and killed 
 and took nearly one hundred and thirty people. 
 They burnt and deftroyed the places before them, 
 in their deftru&ive ravages.* 
 
 THE country at this period was in terror anc\ 
 confufion. The women and children retired to 
 their garrifons. The men went armed to their 
 work, and pofted centinels in the fields. Troops 
 of horfe were quartered at Portfmouth, and in 
 the province of Maine. Alarms were frequent j 
 the whole frontier country, from Deerfield on the 
 wed, to Cafco on the eaft, was kept in continual 
 terror by fmall parties of the enemy.f 
 
 IT was principally againfl Maffachufetts-Bay and 
 New-Hampfhire that the Indians, during a ten 
 years war, exerted all their ftrength. Rhode- 
 liland, from its local fituation, has ever been lefs 
 expofed to the excurfions of the French and In- 
 dians than thofe colonies. In the wars of Philip, 
 of king William, and queen Anne, Connecticut 
 loft only the buildings and part of the effects of 
 one town. In the prefentwar, not a fingle town 
 
 * Eflknap., -f Penballo-ufs Hljlorj of the Wan of Nt*W' Eng- 
 land. Belknap, Pol. I. j>. 332, 
 
r-74 HISTORY OF 
 
 1703. in that colony was loft, nor had any considerable 
 ^^ number of the inhabitants fallen by the hands of 
 
 the enemy.* 
 
 BEFORE the clofe of the year, the Indians made 
 a defcent upon Deerfield, a remote fettlemcnt on 
 Connecticut river. After putting forty of the in- 
 habitants to death, and capturing an hundred, 
 they departed, leaving a confiderable number of 
 the buildings in flames. They conducted the 
 prifoners to Ca-nada, and murdered about twenty 
 ofthofe unfortunate captives, who were unable 
 to travel with the expedition they required. Vau- 
 dreuil, the French governor of Canada, treated 
 the prifoners with great humanity.! 
 
 1704. THE depredations of the Indians fliimilated the 
 *^~^ J colonies to raife forces, to repel their favage at- 
 tacks, The chief command was given to Col. 
 Church, who had rendered himfelf famous by 
 his exploits in the Philipic war. By governor 
 Dudley's order, he conduced his army in an ex- 
 pedition to the eaftern mores. At Pifcataqua, he 
 \vas joined by a body of men under Major Hilton, 
 who did him eminent fervice. The Engliih army 
 deflroyed the towns of Minas and Chiegnecto, 
 and did confiderable damage to the French and 
 Indians at Penobfcot and PaHamaquody.| 
 
 7705. THE governor, at this period, deputed feveral 
 gentlemen to take a journey to Canada for the ex- 
 change of prifoners. They returned with a num- 
 ber of the inhabitants of Deer field, and other 
 
 * Trumbull, yd. L f. 474. | Hutcbhilon. Vd. U. p. \ jS, 
 "I Stlkaap, CljurJjs fttjhrj of lot Indian tt'nr, p. I <:8. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. ?7> 
 
 captives. Vaudreuil, the French governor, dif- 1705. 
 patched a commiffioner to Bofton, with propofals 
 of neutrality, which were communicated to the 
 general court. As their favorite object was the 
 redu&km of Canada, they did not difcover any 
 difpofition to accede to his plan. Dudley pro* 
 traded the negociation, under pretence of con* 
 fulting with the other governments ; and thus the 
 frontiers were preferved tolerably quiet during the 
 remainder of the year.* 
 
 IN April, the Indians killed eight, and wound- 1706. 
 <ed two people in an houfe at Oyfter^River, in ^^ 
 New-Harnplhire* The gamfon was near, but not 
 a man in it. The women, however, feeing no- 
 thing but death before them, fired an alarm, and 
 then putting on hats and loofening their hair, that 
 they might not appear like men, they fired fo 
 brilkly, that the enemy, apprehending the people 
 were alarmed, fled without burning, or even plun- 
 dering the houfe they had attacked.! 
 
 WHEN Col. Church went to Nova-Scotia, he 1707 
 very earnefdy defired leave to make an attempt on 
 Port-Royal ; but Dudley would not conient, and 
 the reafon he gave was, that he had written to the 
 miniftry in England, and expecled orders and na- 
 val ailiitance to reduce the place. His enemies, 
 however, afligned another reafcn for his refufal ; 
 which was, that a clandefline trade was carried 
 on by his connivance, and to his emolument, with 
 the French in Port-Royal, This report gained 
 
 * Huubinfo^ fa/. Up. 158. f Belknap t V*L I p. 339. 
 
ij6 HISTORY OF 
 
 1707. credit, and occafioned a vehement demand for jut 
 tice.* Thofe who were directly concerned in the 
 illegal traffic were profecuted and fined ; and 
 the governor fuffered much in his reputation. To 
 remove thefe afperfions, he determined to make 
 an attempt .upon Port- Royal, even though he 
 fhould not receive any alTiflance from England. 
 EARLY in the fpring, the governor applied to 
 the aflemblies of both his provinces, and to the 
 colonies of Rhode-Iiland and Connecticut, requeft- 
 ing them -to raife one thoufand men for the expe- 
 dition. Connecticut declined ; but the other three 
 raifed the whole number. The chief command of 
 this army was given to Co!. March. A jealoufy 
 and difagreement among the officers, and a mif- 
 apprehenfion of the Hate of the fort and garrifon, 
 rendered this expedition abortive.! 
 
 THE war continued the two following years, 
 during which period the colonies were greatly dif- 
 t-reffed by the devaftations of the French and their 
 Indian allies. In 1710, the territory of Acadie 
 was fubdued by the capture of Port-Royal. Eng- 
 land, at length, afllfted the colonies, to raife a force 
 fufficient for the reduction of that place. The chief 
 command of this combined army was given* to 
 Francis Nicolfon, Efq. who had been lieutenant- 
 governor of Virginia. After fhe furrender of Port* 
 Royal, it was called Annapolis, in honor of the 
 
 * Set Dr. Increafe and Cotton Mat tor's letters to e<vernor Dud' 
 /#, in Collfftions cf the MaJ/'aihuffiti UifsriuU Satiety, */94 
 i Briknap, /V. /. /. 341. 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 177 
 
 queen. Samuel Vetch, who had been Colonel in 1710. 
 the late, army, was appointed governor.* *~^r*j 
 
 THE furrender of Port-Royal encouraged the 1711. 
 inhabitants of New-England to attempt the reduc- ^^^ 
 tion of Quebec* General Nicolfon made a voyage 
 to England, to fo licit for this piirpofe, and re- 
 ceived a favorable anfwer from the Britifh court. 
 The combined army of Englifh and Americans, 
 engaged in this enterprize, made a body of about 
 fix thoufand five hundred men $ and the fleet con- 
 fided of fifteen mips of war. The fanguine hopes 
 of fuccefs, which had been entertained by the na- 
 tion, and the colonies, were all blafled in one 
 fatal night. For as the fleet was on its pafiage to 
 Canada, eight tranfports were wrecked on Egg- 
 Xiland, near the north fhore ; and one thoufand 
 people perimed, among whom there was but one 
 man, who belonged to New-England. The ex- 
 pedition was relinquifhed, in confequence of this 
 melancholy event. On this occafion the colonies 
 felt the keened difappointment and regret. Some 
 pious minds were hence induced to give up the 
 idea of fubjecting Canada. They imagined that 
 their unfuccefsful attempts clearly indicated, that 
 Providence never defigned the whole northern con- 
 tinent for one European nation.f 
 
 THE failure of this expedition encouraged the 1712. 
 Indians to harrafs the frontiers, as foon as the fea- 
 fon would permit. But the Americans had be- 
 
 * tf'ynnis Hiftory of the Eriiljb Empirt in Amtrica, Vol. /. 
 / 496, f Hrttcbtn/on, fo/. //./>. 196, 
 
 y 
 
178 HIS TORY OF 
 
 1712. come vigilant in difcovering, and active in baffling 
 
 their plans. 
 
 IN autumn, intelligence of the peace of Utrecht 
 arrived in America ; and on the 29th of October 
 the fufpenx r ion of arms was proclaimed at Portf- 
 mouth. The Indians being informed of this event, 
 came in with a flag of truce to Capt. Moody, and 
 defired a treaty, which the governor, with the 
 1713. council of each province a held at Portfmouth, 
 "^ where the chiefs and deputies of the feveral bel- 
 ligerent tribes, by a formal writing under hand 
 and feal, agreed upon articles of fubmiffion and 
 pacification.* 
 
 THIS event was peculiarly welcome to the in- 
 habitants of New-England, who had been greatly 
 diftrefled by the war ; Mafiachufetts and Ne\v- 
 Hampihire in particular. Their population bore 
 no proportion to the other colonies ; the differ- 
 ence was chiefly owing to the conflant (late of 
 war, in which thofe provinces, efpecially MafTa- 
 chufetts, had been involved. From 16753 when 
 the Philipic war commenced, to 1713, five or fix 
 thoufand of the youth of the country had perifhed 
 by the enemy, or by diftcmpeis contracted in the 
 fervice. The province, during the war, was fub- 
 jecled to heavy taxes, which they fuflained without 
 any relief or compenfation from the parent ftate.f 
 NOTWITHSTANDING thefe difficulties retarded 
 the population of the province of MaiTachufettSj 
 
 * Belknap, Vol 7. p. 5^5. f llutcbinfon t f'oL 11. p. 202. 
 Tb*. colony lax of Maj/acbufc:ts t in 1693, wat tweotj-fuur thou* 
 f and pounds* 
 

 NEW. EN GLAND. 179 
 
 it greatly increafed ; and a number of new town- 
 fhips were formed. Wrentham,* Needham,t Bel- 
 linghamj and Walpole,|| were, at different peri- 
 ods, fet off from Dedhara, and incorporated into 
 feparate to\vnfhips. 
 
 THE New-England churches were alfo rapidly 
 mcreafing. In [696, there were an hundred and 
 thirty churches in the colonies, thirty-five of whicij 
 were in Connecticut. 1 ^" 
 
 AT this period, Connecticut had fettled forty- 1713. 
 five towns under its own jurisdiction. Forty of 
 them fcnt deputies. The houfe of reprefentatives, 
 \vhen full, confifted of eighty members. 
 
 THE number of ordained clergymen in this col* 
 ony the prefent year, exclufive of thofe in the 
 towns under the government of MarTachufetts, was 
 forty-three. Upon the lowed computation, there 
 was one ordained miniiler to every four hundred 
 perfons, or to every eighty families. It does not 
 appear that there was one bereaved church in the 
 colony. Befides, there was a considerable num- 
 ber of candidates preaching in the new towns and 
 pariihes, in which churches were not yet formed. 
 
 THE whole number of inhabitants in Connecti- 
 cut, at this time, amounted to about feventeen 
 thoufand.'** 
 
 ABOUT this period, the greateft part of the town 
 of Boflon was laid in afhes by an accidental fire. 
 Though the inhabitants of New-England were con- 
 
 * 1 66 1. f 1711. 1719. || 1724. Dexter s Cevtu- 
 ry Strntwi, <fi La'.e Prefident Stiffs' manujcri'ft Lectures on Ectie* 
 
 r cl, /./. 476, 518. 
 
i8o HISTORY OF 
 
 1713. fiderably in debt, on account of the late war, it 
 was focn rebuilt in a far more elegant and com- 
 modious manner than before. This evinced the 
 prodigious acquifitions the people had made in 
 commerce and induftry fince the foundation of 
 the colony. The peace of Utrecht greatly increaf- 
 ed the wealth and happinefs of 1 New-England. 
 The authors of the Univerfal Hiftory obferve, 
 that, " the inhabitants of thofe colonies, to their 
 native love of liberty, added now the polite arts of 
 life ; induftry was embellifhed by elegance ; and, 
 what would have been hardly credible in ancient 
 Greece and Rome, in lefs than fourfcore years, 
 colonies, almoft unalMed by their mother coun- 
 try, arofe in the wilds of America, which, if tranf- 
 planted to Europe, and rendered an independent 
 government, would have made no mean figure 
 her fovereign ftates.* 
 
 * Uni<oerjal Hijlory, /U XIX. p. 334. 
 
 
NEW-ENGLAND, 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Of the attention paid to the promotion of learning in 
 'New-England. New buildings erected for the 
 univcrfity of Cambridge. Tale college founded, 
 and fettled at New-Haven. The Connecticut 
 churches are convened in a fynod at Say brook. 
 The Epifcopalian mode of worjhip is introduced in- 
 to Connecticut. Of the different religious denomi- 
 nations in Rhods-lfland. An Epifcopalian church 
 is erccled at Portfmouth, in New-Ha?npJhire> 
 Line ofjurifdicJion fettled between Majjachufetts 
 and Connecticut. Death of Queen Anne, and ac- 
 ceffion of George I. Appointment of governor 
 Shute. Removal and charafier of governor 
 Dudley, 
 
 I 
 
 T may afford feme relief to the 
 mind, to take leave for the prefent of the diiircf- 
 fmg Indian wars, and turn the attention to a more 
 pleafing fubjecl. 
 
 THE inhabitants of New-England, from their 
 ^firft fettlement, were eminently diitinguifhed by 
 their attention to the promotion of learning, and 
 neither their frequent contefts with the natives, 
 nor the other difficulties which they were obliged 
 to encounter, could divert their attention from 
 this important objeft. 
 
 '+ 
 
iS; H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1699. THE univerfity of Cambridge was, at this peri- 
 od, in a flouriPning fituation. The Hon. William 
 Stoughton, lieutenant-governor of the province, 
 erected a building for the accommodation of the 
 fludents, which filled the fpace between Harvard 
 and MaiTachufetts halls. It was called Stoughion 
 hall, after his name, and ferved to perpetuate his 
 memory. 
 
 IN 1745, the widow and daughters of Samuel 
 Hoiden, one of the directors of the bank of Eng- 
 land, were at the expence of creeling Holden 
 chapel, which commemorates their pious liberality.* 
 
 " IN no part of the world," favs Dr. Morfe, 
 6C is the education of all ranks of people more at- 
 tendexl to than in Connecticut. From the firft 
 fettlement of this colony, fchools have been eftab- 
 liihed by law in every town and parifh in it, for 
 intruding all the children in reading, writing and 
 arithmetic. Tke law alfo directs that a grammar 
 fchool fliould be kept in every county town."f 
 
 IN 1654, Mr. Davenport brought forward the 
 infl'itutjon of a college, to which the town of New- 
 Haven made a donation of land and meadows, dii- 
 tinguifhed to this day by the name of college land. 
 >Upon a donation of four or five hundred pounds 
 fterling, by governor Hopkins, the general arTem- 
 bly erected the colony fchool into a college, for 
 teaching the learned languages and fciences. Mr. 
 Davenport took the care of this fchool for feveral 
 years ; till the truftees, with the magistrates and 
 
 * Clark's Letters, p. 18. f Morjes Geography, VuL /./>. 458. 
 
NE W-EN GLAND. 183 
 
 mimflers, eftablifhed the Rev. Mr. Peck, accord- 
 ing to aft of the aflembly. This gentleman met 
 \vith fuch a variety of difcouragements, that the 
 college was broken up in 1664, and terminated in 
 a public grammar fchool, which continues to this 
 day.* 
 
 IN the beginning of the prefent century, ten of 1700. 
 the principal divines in Connecticut were nomi- 
 nated and agreed upon, by a general confent both 
 of the miniflers and people, to (land as truftees, 
 or undertakers, to found, erecl: and govern a col- 
 lege. The minifters, foon after their nomination, 
 met in New-Haven, accepted the charge, and ef- 
 tablifhed the inftitution. The fubfequent year, 
 they obtained a charter from the general afTembly 
 of Connecticut, and a grant of money for the en- 
 couragement of this infant feminary. 
 
 SOON after the reception of the charter, the 
 truftees met, and eftablifhed certain rules for the 
 regulation of the feminary 5 and from their own 
 number chofe the Rev. Mr. Pierfon, minifter of 
 Kiilingworth, to the office of inflru&ing and gov- 
 erning the collegiate fchool, under the title and 
 character of Re&or. They fixed on Saybrook, 
 as the moil convenient place, at prefent, for the 
 college ; and here the firft commencement was 
 holden, on the 1 3th of September, 1702. 
 
 SEVERAL attempts were made to effect the re- 
 moval of Reclor Pierfon to Saybrook, but with- 
 out fuccefs ; the fmallnefs of the collegiate finan- 
 
 * Stile f Hi/hrj of th Ju^n t p. 40. 
 
184 HISTORY OF 
 
 1703* ces, and the oppofition of his own congregation 
 **^ J to the meafure, prevented its execution. Al- 
 though, therefore, the commencement was hold- 
 en at Saybrook, the ftudents, during Rector Pier- 
 fon's.adrniniftration, refided at Killingworth. 
 
 THE college continued at Saybrook about feven 
 years, without any remarkable alteration or occur- 
 rence. In 1/16, the people fubfcribed large fums 
 for the erection of a college edifice^ where it would 
 bed accommodate them. The truftees, foon af- 
 ter, voted to remove the college from Saybrook, 
 to New-Haven 5 and accordingly, for the firffc 
 time, held the commencement there on the nth 
 of September, 1717.* 
 
 1717. THE truftees, having received a number of val- 
 uable donations, were now enabled to finifh a 
 large and commodious edifice, which they had 
 raifed in October the preceding year ; and which, 
 within a year after, was fit for the reception of the 
 ftudents. At a fplendid commencement, Septem- 
 ber 12, 1/18, in the prefence of governor Salton- 
 flall, and a large and refpeftable aflembly, the 
 truftees, in commemoration of governor Yale's 
 great generofity (who had made large prefents of 
 books, and other valuable articles to the femina- 
 ry) called the edifice after his name, Yale a f 
 
 FOR a few years the infant college contained* 
 en an average, but twelve or fifteen fcholars. At 
 the period of its removal to New-Haven, the mini- 
 
 * See a particular account of Tale college in the afftndix tt 
 Holmes Life of Prefident Stile:. 
 
 f Hairnet Life of Preftdcnt Stilts, p. 386, 
 
NEW- ENGLAND. 185 
 
 ber had increafed to about thirty. In the year 
 1727, it contained fifty or fixty ; and in the year 
 1740, about ninety {Indents.* 
 
 IN 1745, an act was paiTed by the legiflature of 
 Connecticut, " for the more full and complete ef- 
 tablifhment of Yale college ; and for enlarging its 
 powers and privileges." By this act, the rector 
 and truftees were incorporated, by the name of 
 " The Prefident and Fellows of Yale College, in 
 New-Haven ;" and they flill retain the appellation.! 
 
 IN 1750, by means of a lottery, ?nd a liberal 
 grant from the legiflature, the corporation was en- 
 abled to erect another edifice, for the accommoda- 
 tion of the (Indents. In grateful acknowledgment 
 of the generofity of the government, the prefident 
 and fellows, at the commencement in 1752, ordei- 
 ed, that the new college be named Connecticut 
 hall | 
 
 THE inhabitants of Connecticut paid great at- 
 tention to the religious, as well as to the literary 
 ftate of their colony. In the year 1708, a fynod 
 was convened at Saybrook, compofed of the min- 
 ifters and delegates from the churches of the four 
 counties of Hartford, New-Haven, Fan-field and 
 New-London, together with two or more meiTen- 
 gers from a convention of the churches of each cf 
 the four counties. This fynod drew up the form 
 of church government and difcipline, which is 
 known by the name of the v Saybrock platform j 
 
 * Marufcripi of ike late Prtfident Sti/es. 
 f Life ofl'rtjit'ant Slits*, p 391. J 7^/V* 
 
i8<5 HISTORY OF 
 
 1708. this was prefented to the general court, pafTed In- 
 to a law of the colony, and became the eftablifhed 
 conftitution of the churches of Connecticut.* 
 
 DR. Trumbull obferves, " That though the 
 council were unanimous in palling the platform or 
 difcipline, yet they were not all of one opinion. 
 Some were for high confociational government, 
 and in their fentiinents, nearly Prefbyterian ; others 
 were much more moderate, and rather verging 
 on Independency ; but they exercifed great 
 Chriftian condeicenfion towards each other."! 
 
 DURING the term of about feventy years fronT 
 the fettlement of Connecticut, the congregational 
 was the only mode of worfhip in the colony. But 
 the fociety for propagating the gofpei in foreign 
 parts, in 1704, fixed the Rev. Mr. Muirfon as a 
 mifiionary at Rye. Some of the people at Strat- 
 ford, who had been educated in the Epifcopalian 
 worfhip, made an earned application to Mr. Muir- 
 fon to vifit at Stratford, and preach and baptize 
 among them. About the year 1706, upon their 
 invitation, he came to Stratford, accompanied 
 with Colonel Heathcote, a gentleman zealbufly en- 
 gaged in promoting the E'pHcopal church. The 
 nimiflers and , people in that, and the adjacent 
 towns, were alarmed at his arrival, and tiled their 
 exertions to prevent their neighbors and families 
 from attending his preaching. However, the 
 novelty of the affair, and other circuraftanc'. ;, 
 brought together a confidcnublc afietnbiy , . : 
 
 * Manttftrift of tbz late Prefiatnt 
 
NE W -ENGLAND. 187 
 
 Mr. Muirfon baptized five -and twenty perfons, 1706. 
 principally adults. This was the firft Hep towards 
 introducing the church worfhip into this colony. 
 In April, 1707. he made another vifit to Strat- 
 ford. He alfo preached at this time in Fairfield, 
 and in both towns baptized a number of children 
 and adult pedbns. Both .the magistrates and cler- 
 gymen .oppofed the introdu&ion of Epifcopacy^ 
 and advifed the people not to attend the preacbu- 
 ing of the church miffionaries. The oppofition 
 only increafed the zeal of the churchmen, Mr, 
 Muirfon, after this, made feverai journies to Con- 
 necticut, till the year 1722, when Mr. Pigot was 
 appointed miflionary at Stratford. The Epifcopal- 
 ians at firft in that place confided of about fifteen 
 families, among whom were a few hufbandmen, 
 but much the greater number were tradefmen, 
 who had been born in England, and came and fet- 
 tled in that town. Some of their neighbors joined 
 them, fo that Mr. Pigot had twenty communicants, 
 and about an hundred and fifty hearers. In 1723, 
 Chrift Church, in Stratford., was founded, and the 
 Rev. Mr. Johnfon, afterwards Dr. Johnfon, was 
 appointed to fucceed Mr. Pigot,* 
 
 RHODE-ISLAND, from its firft fettlement, was 
 diitlnguiihed by liberality of fentimcnt ; and by the 
 variety of religious denominations, which found an 
 afylumin.that colony. 
 
 IN 1671, a number of the members of Mr. 
 Clark's .church, who had embraced the opinions 
 * 1 ratal ull. 
 
1 88' HISTORY OF 
 
 1671. of the feventh day Baptifts, feparated from their 
 l ~" v " >J brethren, and erected a church under the pafloral 
 care of Mr. William Hifcex.* 
 
 IN 170(5, the Friends, or Quakers meeting-houfe 
 was built at Newport. Their yearly meeting, 
 till governor Coddington's death, was held in his 
 houfe, and he died a member of that body, in 1688, 
 IN 1720, there was a congregational church 
 gathered at Newport, and the Rev. Nathaniel Clap 
 v/as ordained its pallor. Out of this church 
 another was formed in 1728. The worfhip of 
 God, according to the rites of the church of iing- 
 land, was indituted here in 1706, by the fociety 
 for propagating the gofpel in foreign parts. And 
 jn 1738, there were feven worfhiping alTemblies 
 in this tow 7 n, and a large fociety of Quakers at 
 portfmouth, at the other end of the iiland.f 
 
 THERE had not been any Epifcopal church in 
 the province of New-Harnpmire, from its firft fet- 
 tlement till about the year 1732, when fome gen- 
 tlemen, who were attached to the mode of worfhip 
 In the church of England, contributed to the erec- 
 tion of a neat building on a commanding eminence 
 at Portfmouth, which they called the queen's 
 chapel. It was confecrated in 1734; and in 
 1736 they ordained Mr. Arthur Brown for their 
 minifter, with a falary from the fociety for propa- 
 gating the gofpel in foreign parts. J 
 
 3713. FOR feveral years ineffectual attempts had been 
 v ^ v ^ / made for fettling a line of jurifcliclion between the 
 
 * Ctlhnder, ^.65. f Mer/f, ^.446. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. *8 9 
 
 province of MafTachufetts and the colony of New- 1713. 
 Haven. This object was now accompliflied ; and v ** vxj 
 the lands granted by MafTachufetts to Connecticut 
 were applied for the fupport of Yale college, and 
 other public ufes. The controverted towns, for 
 many years after, continued without moleftation 
 under the jurifdittion by which they were firft 
 fettled. 
 
 ON the 1 5th of September arrived the news of 1714. 
 Queen Anne's death ; and the acceffion of King 
 George I, who was then proclaimed in New- 
 England. Colonel Burgefs was commirTioned 
 governor of MaiTachufetts and New-Hampfhire ; 
 but for the confideradon of a thoufand pounds 
 flerling, he refigned, and Col. Samuel Shute was 
 appointed governor of both provinces. Mr. Dud- 
 ley was removed, and paving pafled through many 
 fcenes of aclive life, retired to pafs the remainder 
 of his days in a private ftation.* 
 
 MR. Dudley has been characlerifed by governor 
 Hutchinfon as u a man in whom ambition was the 
 ruling paffion." " His friends," fays that author, 
 " were lavifh in their encomiums on his diligence, 
 frugality, and his judgment in the adminiftration 
 of affairs ; while he was charged by his enemies 
 with bribery, corruption and other crimes." His 
 arbitrary principles were extremely difagreeable to 
 the people under his government. During his ad- 
 miniflration he had frequent altercations with the 
 council. The high ideas of liberty imbibed by the 
 
 oL 1L p. 206. 
 
H I S T D R Y O F 
 
 inhabitants of New-England occafioned their being 
 extremely jealous of thofe governors who were ap- 
 pointed by the crown. They early exhibited 
 penetration in difcovering, and firmneis in oppof- 
 ing, every encroachment on their civil and religious 
 privileges 
 
N E W - E N G L A tf D, 191 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Arrival of governor Shute. He renews the treaty 
 ivit/j the Indians. Of his altercation with the 
 people. His departure to England. Ofthefmall- 
 pox. War with the French and Indians. Death 
 of the Jcfu.lt Ralle. Peace concluded. Fort 
 Dummer built. Appointment and jharacler of 
 governor Burnet. Of his contrwerfy with Maf- 
 fachiifetts rcf peeling a fixed f alary. His death* 
 Appointment of governor Belcher. 
 
 c 
 
 OL. Shute arrived in Bofton Och>- 1716. 
 ber 4, and was received with the ufual parade. 
 The fubfequent fummer, attended by feveral of 
 the council both of Mafiachufetts and New- 
 Hampfhire, and other gentlemen, he met the In- 
 dians at Arrowfwick ifland. This interview with 
 them was thought expedient, to confirm them in 
 their friend mi p to the En glim ; and, if poffible, 
 engage them to relinquiih the Roman Catholic, 
 and embrace the Proteftant religion.* 
 
 AT the opening of the conference, the governor 17 
 offered them an Indian bible, and a Proteflant 
 miilionnry. They rejected both, faying " God 
 had given them teaching already, and if they 
 IhouJu depart from it, they would incur his dil- 
 
 * Hut din/an, VoL 1L f. 21 %L 
 
i 9 2 HISTORY OF 
 
 1717. pleafure." All attempts to induce them to change 
 ^^ their religion proved ineffectual. They complain- 
 ed of the encroachments which the Englifh had 
 made upon their lands, and difcovered the afcend- 
 ency which French counfeis had gained upon their 
 minds. However, as their aged men were ex- 
 tremely averfe to a new war, they agreed, after 
 fome altercation, to renew the treaty which was 
 made at Portfmouth.* 
 
 SEVERAL months paffed after Col. Shute's ar- 
 rival, without open oppofition to his adminiftration. 
 It was foon, however, infmuated, that he was a 
 man of narrow understanding ; and under the in- 
 fluence of men of arbitrary fentiments. The peo- 
 ple were hence exhorted to guard their privileges 
 with the utmoft vigilance. 
 
 SUBJECTS of contention arofe from time to 
 time, and there was much altercation between the 
 governor and council during the two fubfequent 
 years. A particular relation of thofe debates 
 would be unentertaining to the generality of read- 
 ers, and inconfiflent with the brevity of this work. 
 1720. THIS year the diffenfions in government arofe 
 to a greater height than they had done fmce the 
 religious difputes in 1637. The governor irritated 
 the houfe of reprefentatives by negativing their 
 choice of Mr. Cook, for a fpeaker ; and upon their 
 refufmg to elect another, he difiblved the court. 
 This nieafure excited the keeneft popular refent- 
 mem. 
 
 * Kuttbi*fia t Vol. II. p. 121, 
 
NEW^EN GLAND. i 95 
 
 AGREEABLY to the inftructions, which the 1720, 
 governor had received from England, he recom- ^^^ 
 mended to the afTembly the eftablifhing of a fixed 
 falary for his fiipport ; but all his attempts to this 
 purpofe proved ineffectual.* 
 
 A CONTROVERSY arofe in New-Hampfhire be- 
 tween governor Shute, and George Vaughan, Efq. 
 the lieutenant-governor of that colony* Vaugh- 
 an contended, that when the governor was pre- 
 fent in his other province, he was abfent from 
 New-Efampfhire, and confequently the adminift ra- 
 tion devolved on him. Shute alleged, that he 
 had the power of commander in, chief over both 
 provinces during his refidence in either. The con- 
 troverfy was determined in England in favor 
 of governor Shute. Vaughan v/as difplaced, 
 and John Wentworth, Efq. appointed to fuc- 
 ceed him.] 
 
 THE people of New-Hampfhire were fatisfied 
 with governor Shute's adminiftration as far as it 
 refpe&ed them ; and they contributed more to- 
 wards his fupport in proportion to their popula- 
 tion, than his other government.]; 
 
 THE inhabitants of Mafiachufetts continued 1722. 
 flrenuoully to oppofe his adrniniftration, and gave ^"^ 
 him fo much vexation, that he was induced this 
 year to leave the province, and return to England. 
 
 UPON his arrival he exhibited a variety of com- 1723. 
 plaints againft the houfe of reprefentatives. He 
 
 * Mute hinfon , Vol. II. p. 245.. 
 ^ Belknajt, Vol. U. p. 2125. J lbid t p. 42, 
 A A 
 
i 9 4 HISTORY OF 
 
 1723. alleged, that they had invaded the royal preroga- 
 v ^ v ^' tive, by refufmg to admit the governor's nega- 
 tive in the choice of a fpeaker ; by aiTuming the 
 power of appbinting clays of falling and thankf- 
 giving ; and in adjourning fliemfefves to a diftant 
 day by their own act. Their conduct refpeding 
 their military affairs ; and other parts of their be- 
 havior, were alfa reprefented in an unfavorable 
 light.* 
 
 THE Britilh miniftry were greatly offended with 
 the conduct of the MaiTachufetts province to- 
 wards governor Shute, and concluded from thence 
 that it was their objecl to be independent of the 
 crown. The refult was, that the government of 
 the province was obliged to accept an explanatory 
 charter, dated Auguft 12, 1724, confirming 
 the right of the governor to approve or difap- 
 prove of the fpeaker of the houfe, and declaring 
 their right of adjourning without his confent, to 
 mean only from day to day, or at mod for a term 
 not exceeding two days.f 
 
 WHILST the province was diftrefled by internal 
 divifions, and alarmed with the apprehenfion of 
 a fourth Indian war, the prevalence of an infec- 
 tious difeafe was the fource of additional calami- 
 tics. 
 
 1721. AT this period the fmall-pox proved very mor- 
 tal in Boflon, and ibme of the adjacent town*-. 
 The fpread of this difeafe being prevented for al- 
 mofl twenty years, all born within that time, be- 
 
 * Btlknap t FaL ll*p, 42. f Minott p. 60. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 195 
 
 fides numbers who had psevioufly efcaped it, were 1721. 
 expofed to the diftemper. Of 5889, who caught 
 the infection in Bolton, 844 died. Inoculation 
 was introduced on this occafion, and was general- 
 ly fo vehemently oppofed, that thofe who promot- 
 ed it hazarded their lives from popular refent- 
 rnent. Dr. Cotton Mather, one of the principal 
 clergymen in Bofton, had feen fome accounts of 
 the practice of inoculation, in Confbntinople, pub- 
 lilhed in the transactions of the Royal Society, 
 from which he received a very favorable idea of 
 this method. This induced him, when the fmall- 
 pox firft began to fpread, to recommend a trial to 
 the phyficians of the town. They all declined it 
 except Dr. Boylfton, who, to evince his confi- 
 dence in the utility of this operation, ventured to 
 make the important experiment in his own family. 
 The fuccefs was equal to his expectations. Many 
 expofed to the infection were encouraged to re- 
 ceive it in the fame way. Dr. Boylflon praclifed 
 inoculation in Boflon before it was known in that 
 town, that it had ever been attempted in England, 
 cr in any part of Europe, out of the Turkifh do- 
 minions. Many pious people were ftruck with 
 horror, and were of opinion, that if any of his pa- 
 tients mould die, he ought to be treatexi as a mur- 
 derer. The vulgar were exafperated to fuch a de- 
 gree, that his family were fcarcely fecure in his 
 houfe, and he was frequently infulted in the 
 fireets,* 
 
 * Riflon Gazette for March IO, 1766, /. 360, 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 GOVERNOR Hutchlnfon remarks, that, " f u ch 
 was the force of prejudice, that all orders of men, 
 at that period, condemned a practice, which is at 
 prefent generally approved, and to which fo many 
 thoufands owe the prefervation of their lives. 5> * 
 
 MEANTIME the Indians were preparing for 
 war. The French furnifhed them with ammuni- 
 tion and provifions ; and were conftantly inftigat. 
 ing them to commence hoflilities. 
 
 THE Englifh found an aftive enemy in the 
 perfon of one Sebaftian Ralle, a French Jefuit, 
 who had eftablifjied a church at Norridgwog, 
 where he refided. He was a man of good fenfe 5 
 learning and addrefs ; and an enthufiaftic for his 
 country and religion. By a compliance with the 
 Indian mode of life, and a gentle condefcending 
 deportment, he gained their affections ; and they 
 implicitly followed his dictates. Knowing the 
 power of fuperflitiou over the favage mind, he 
 took advantage of this, and of their prejudice 
 againft the Englifh, in order to ftrengthen their 
 attachment to the French intereft. He even made 
 the offices of devotion ferve as incentives to their 
 ferocity, and kept a flag, on which was depidlurcd 
 a crofs, iurrounded by bones ar^d arrows, which he 
 ufed to hoift on a pole at the door of his church, 
 when he gave them abfolution, previoufly to their 
 engaging in any warlike enterprise.! 
 
 As the paffions of the Indians were inflamed by 
 Ralle, and they received every encouragement 
 
 * HutebinfQ t Vol. //. /.273 27;. -\Belknap, VaL II p. 48. 
 
N.EW-EN GLAND. 197 
 
 from the French, they began in the year 1720 to 
 moled the Englifh fettlers in a variety of ways. 
 
 IN the fucceeding winter, a party was ordered 1721. 
 to Norridgwog, to feize Ralle. He efcaped before v ^~^ 
 they could furround the houfe, leaving his box of 
 papers, which they conveyed away upon their re- 
 turn, without doing any other damage. Among 
 thofe papers were his letters of correfpondence with 
 the governor of Canada, by which it clearly ap- 
 peared, he was deeply engaged in exciting the 
 Indians to a rupture, and had promifed to affift 
 them. 
 
 THIS attempt to feize their fpiritual father Him- 1722* 
 ulated the Indians to revenge. After committing 
 feveral hoftile afts, they made a furious attack on 
 the town of Brunfwick, which they deftroyed. 
 This action determined the government to iffue a 
 declaration of war againft them, which was pub- 
 limed at Bofton and Portfmouth, on the 25th of 
 
 July.* 
 
 THE devaflations of the Indians during this, and 
 the fubfequent year, caufed the government to re r 
 folve on an expedition to Norridgwog. The cap- 
 tains Moulton and Harman, both of York, each at 
 the head of a company of one hundred men, ex- 
 ecuted their orders with great addrefs. They 
 completely invefted and furprized that village j 
 killed the obnoxious Jefuit with about eighty of 
 his Indians ; recovered three captives ; deftroyed 
 the chapel, and brought away the plate aud fuini* 
 * Belknsp, /V. //./>. 51, 52, 
 
f9 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1724. tare of the altar, and the devotional flag, as trophies 
 ^^ of their vi^ory. 8 * 
 
 1725. THE fuccefs of this expedition induced feveral 
 volunteer companies to engage againft the Indians. 
 One of thofe companies, under the command of 
 Capt. John Lovewell, of Dunftable, was greatly 
 diftinguifhed, firft by their fuccefs, and afterwards 
 by their misfortunes. After performing feveral 
 brave actions, the captain, with more than one 
 quarter of his company, were killed in one of the 
 rnoft fierce and obflinate battles, which was fought 
 with the favages. t?ot withstanding this fevere 
 difcouragement, the Englifh refufed to furrender, 
 till the enemy, awed by their brave refiftance, 
 and weakened by their own lofs, yielded them the 
 honor of the field .f 
 
 THE condud of the Marquis de Vaudreuil* 
 governor of Canada, was fo flagrant a breach of 
 the treaty of peace, fubfiiling between the crowns 
 of England and France, that the provinces of 
 MalTachufetts and New-Harnpfhire thought proper 
 to fend comrnifiioners to Canada. They were to 
 demand of the French governor reflitution of the 
 captives under his government ; to remoniirate to 
 him on his mjuftice and breach of friendihip, in 
 countenancing the Indians in their hostilities 
 againft the people of New-England ^ and to infill 
 upon his withdrawing his alliflance for the future. J 
 
 THE governor of Canada received the com- 
 miaioners with great poiitenefs. They were fuc- 
 
 * B*/*nap, Vol. II. p* 60. f Ibid, p. 6670. 
 %llid, p. 71. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. i 99 
 
 cefsful in redeeming a number of Engliih cap- 1725. 
 tives. The good effects produced by this miffion *-^^ 
 were foon vitible. December 15, a treaty was 
 held at Bofton, and the fubfequent fpring ratified 
 at Falmouth, in which a peace was concluded with 
 the Indians. ' 
 
 NONE of the colonies of New-England, ere*. 
 cent Maffachufetts and New-Hampfhire, bore any 
 ihare in the calamities and expences of this war ; 
 and New-Hampfhire did not fufFe? fo much as in 
 former wars. The enemy at this period direcled 
 their/ greateft fury againd the eaftern parts of Maf- 
 fachufetts.* 
 
 AFTER the departure of governor Shute, Mr. 
 William Dummer, the then lieutenant-governor, 
 fucceeded him in the adminiftration of MafTachu- 
 fetts. Mr. Wentworth, lieutenant-governor of 
 New-Hampfhire, managed the concerns of that 
 province- 
 
 IN the year 1724, a fettlement was fir ft made 
 within the prefent limits of Vermont. The 
 government of Maflachufetts then built fort Dum- 
 mer, upon Connecticut river. This fort was at 
 that time admitted to be within Maflachufetts. It 
 was afterwards found to be in New-Hainpfhire, 
 and is now included in the (late of Vermont.f 
 
 UPON the acceffion of King George II. Mr. 1727. 
 William Burnet, fon of the celebrated Biihop of 
 Sarum, was appointed governor of Maflachufetts 
 and New-Hamp(hire. He is characterized "as a 
 
 * Belknap, Vol 1L p. 7981. 
 
 f- ^ i Hiatus* Hijiory of Vermont, p. 211, 
 
o H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 27. man of good under Handing and polite literature j 
 fond of books, and of the converfation of literary 
 men ; but an enemy to oftentation and parade. 1 '* 
 
 HE had been governor of New- York and New- 
 Jerfey ; and his adminiftration had, in general, 
 been very popular in thofe colonies, and approved 
 
 1728. in England. He was received with much parade 
 ^^ at Bofton, whither the lieutenant-governor of 
 
 New-Hampfhire, with a committee of the council 
 and aflembly, went to compliment him on his ar- 
 rival.! 
 
 MR. Burnet had pofitive inftru&ions from the 
 crown to infill on the eftablifhment of a permanent 
 falary in both his provinces. He began with Maf- 
 fachufetts, and there was a warm altercation be- 
 tween him and the general c#urt on that fubjedh 
 The inhabitants of Maflachufetts always declined 
 complying with that Tequifition, being apprehen- 
 five that difagreeable confequences might enfae 
 from the independency of the governor on the 
 people over whom he was placed, f The inhabit- 
 ants of New-Hampfhire were more pliabk j and 
 granted the governor a fixed falary on certain con- 
 
 1729. ditions. His death, which happened this year, 
 was fuppofed to be occafioned by the ill efFech, 
 which his controverfy with MafTachufetts, and the 
 difappointment which he furlered had upon his 
 nerves.!) 
 
 * ILticbinbn. f Belknap, Vol. IL p. 93. 
 J See a particular account of the contrcver/ies between tie gwj* 
 ernors and council \ in Hutchinfuns tiiftorj of Majj r a:hiij{tt:* 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 201 
 
 \VHEN the death of governor Burnet was known 1730. 
 in England, the refentment againft the province 
 of Maflachufetts for their conduct towards him 
 was very high. It was even propofed to reduce 
 them to a more abfolute dependence on the crown. 
 However, a fpirit of moderation prevailed, and Mr. 
 Jonathan Belcher, a native of the province, was 
 appointed governor of Maifachufetts and New- 
 Hampfhire.* 
 
 WHILST the provinces of Maflachufetts and 
 New-Hampfhire were engaged in altercations with 
 the governors, who were appointed by the crown, 
 the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode-Iiland en- 
 joyed, under their ancient charters, the privilege 
 of chufing their own rulers. 
 
 THOUGH the altercations between the governors 
 appointed by the crown, and the general aflem- 
 blies of Maflachufetts afford little entertainment, 
 fimply confidered ; yet they appear more intereft- 
 ing when viewed as refulting from that love of 
 liberty which ever formed a diftinguiftied trait in 
 the character of the inhabitants of New-England. 
 The oppofition, which was made, to fixing a falary 
 on the royal governors, nurtured a fpirit of inde- 
 pendence - y and early habits of refilling the en- 
 croachments of Britain, prepared them for that 
 arduous conteft which finally terminated in a fepa- 
 ration from the parent flate. 
 
 * Belknap* Vol. //, p. 95. 
 B b 
 
2oz H IS TORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Arrival of governor Belcher. His cbarafter. lit 
 endeavours in vain to obtain a fixed /alary* A 
 party are diffatisfad <witb his government. Con- 
 troverfy between Maffachufctts and New-Hamp- 
 Jhlre, refpeding the divifanal line. Nei^-Ha^ip- 
 Jhire formed into a feparate government. Re~ 
 moval of Mr. Bdcher. Mr. Shirley appointed 
 governor. Reduction of Loitijbourg. Expedition 
 projected againft Canada. The French fend a 
 powerful armament again/I America, which is 
 difperfed by a violent tempeft* Treaty of Aix la 
 Chapelle* Plan of introducing bifoops in Ameri- 
 ca. Settlement of Bennington. 
 
 R. Belclier arrived the beginning 
 5730. of Auguft, and was received with great joy. He 
 xvas a merchant of large fortune, and unblemifhed 
 reputation; graceful in his perfon, elegant and 
 polite in his manners. He was a fteaJy generous 
 friend ; a vindictive, but not implacable, enemy, 
 though his franknefs and fincerity led him to be ex- 
 tremely liberal in his cenfures both in converfation 
 snd letters. Being of an afpiring difpofition, he 
 entertained a high fenfe of the dignity of his com- 
 niiffion, and was determined to fupport it, even at 
 the expence of his private fortune $ the emolu- 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 205 
 
 ments of office, in both provinces, being inade- 1730. 
 
 quate to the ftylein which he chofe to live.* 
 
 IN the beginning of his administration, he 
 attempted to obtain a fixed falary from 'MafTachu- 
 fetts ; but he was as unfuccefsful as his predecef- 
 fors. The affembly of that province continued 
 their oppofition to this meafure with perfevering 
 firrnnefs. What he received from New-Hamp- 
 fhire was fixed, and paid out of the excife.f 
 
 AFTER Mr. Belcher relinquifhed the idea of 1731. 
 receiving a fixed falary from MafTachufetts, he 
 endeavoured to obtain a relaxation of his inftruc- 
 tions. A confent to receive particular fums was 
 given for two or three years ; and, at length, a 
 general permhTion to receive fuch fums as {hould 
 be granted. Thus the tedious controverfy ref- 
 pecting the governor's falary was terminated.! 
 
 THOUGH Mr. Belcher's talents were of the popu- 
 lar kind, a party was formed againft him, who 
 tranfmitted complaints of his conduct to England. 
 He and his friends had projected an union of 
 New-Hampfhire with MalTachufetts ; but they had 
 not yet concerted the means of accompli (hing 
 this purpofe. 
 
 MR. D unbar, the lieutenant-governor of New.- 
 HampPnire, was at the head of the oppofition againfl 
 Mr. Belcher. This party contemplated not only 
 the continuance of a feparate government, but the 
 appointment of a diflinct governor, who {hould re- 
 fide in the province, and have no connexion with 
 
 * $elfaa# t /'V, II. p. 96. f Ibid, \ ilutcbixfon, VoL lip 374- 
 
204 H I S T O II Y O F 
 
 1731. Maffachufetts. In order to remove the obftacle, 
 w ' vv which arofe from the fmallnefs and poverty of 
 their province, they were zealous to have the 
 bounds of territory not only fixed, but enlarged. 
 Their avowed intention was to terminate a tedious 
 controverfy, which had proved a fource of incon- 
 venience to the people, who refided on the difputed 
 bnds ; or rhofe, who fought an intereft in them ; 
 but their fee ret defign was to difplace Belcher, anil 
 obtain a feparate government.* 
 
 THE provinces of Maflachufetts and New- 
 Hampfhire had a long and tedious controverfy 
 refpecling the divifional line. The queftion was 
 1737. referred to commiflioners appointed by the crown, 
 "^ who, after difplaying much parade, and caufmg 
 great expence, left the matter undecided. It re- 
 mained a fubjecl of intrigue and altercation during 
 the two fubfequent years. At length, the affair 
 1740. was left to the decifion of the lords of the council. 
 Their determinations exceeded the mofl fanguine 
 expectations of New-Hampihire, as it gave them a 
 tracl: of country, fourteen miles in breadth, and 
 above fifty in length, more than they had ever 
 claimed.f 
 
 ON the other hand, the politicians of MaiTachu- 
 fetts were chagrined and enraged at this deter- 
 mination," which curtailed their province. They 
 difpatched Mr. Thomas Hutchinfon, afterwards 
 governor of Maflachufetts, for an agent to petition 
 the king, that he would reannex to their govern* 
 
 r t l, II. p. 104, 105. -\Ibid t p. i;o. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 205 
 
 ment the twenty-eight new townfliips, and the 1740. 
 diftrich of the fix old towns, which had been cut 
 off by the divifion. The petition was finally re- 
 jected, and New-Hampfhire formed into a feparate 
 government.* 
 
 IN the mean time Mr. Belcher's enemies were I74 1 - 
 indefatigable in their endeavours to remove him ; v -^ v * s - ) 
 and Dr. Belknap obferves, " that, by their incef- 
 fant applications to the miniflry ; by taking every 
 advantage of his miftakes ; by falfehood and mif- 
 reprefentation ; and finally, by the diabolical arts 
 of forgery and perjury, they accomplifhed their 
 views. 
 
 " HE was fucceeded in the government of Maf- 
 fachufetts by William Shirley; and in New- 
 Hampfhire by Benning Wentworth.f" 
 
 A?TER Mr. Belcher was fuperceded in the 
 government, he repaired to court, where he had an 
 opportunity to exhibit the moft convincing evi- 
 dence of his integrity, and of the bafe deligns of 
 his enemies. He was, at length appointed gover- 
 nor of New-Jerfey ; where he fpent the remaining 
 years of his life ; and where his memory has been 
 treated with merited refpec'r. 
 
 NEWS being received in MafTachufetts that war 
 was declared againft France and Spain, it was re- 
 fojved by the general court, then fitting, to make 1744, 
 provifion for raifmg forces for Nova-Scotia. Gov- 
 ernor Shirley projected an enterprize againfl Lou. 
 Jibourg, a fortified town in the ifland of Cape-Bre- 
 * Selknaf* f'al. II. $. 172, i^. f MM, p. \^ 
 
so6 HISTORY OF 
 
 1 744. ton. Twenty-five years had been devoted to 
 ^"^ ere&ing its fortifications, which, though not entire- 
 ly finifhed, had coft the crown of France thirty 
 millions of livres. The place was fo ftrong as to 
 be called the Dunkirk of America.* In order to 
 reduce this town, governor Shirley folicited and 
 obtained naval alliftance from England. The 
 forces employed by MafTachufetts confided of up- 
 wards of three thoufand two hundred of their 
 own men. The colonies of New-Hampfhire and 
 Rhode-Hland furnifhed each three hundred ; and 
 Connecticut five hundred. New-York fent a fup- 
 ply of artillery, and Pennfylvania of provifions. 
 
 WILLIAM PEPPERELL, Efq. of Kittery, a ret 
 peclable merchant, and a colonel cf the militia, 
 was appointed to command the land forces in this 
 expedition. They were joined by a fmall fquad- 
 ron, under the command of Commodore Warren. 
 THE final refolution for this enterprize againfl 
 Louiibpurg, was carried but by the majority of 
 one. After they had embarked, the hearts of 
 many began to fail. Some repented that they 
 had voted for the expedition, or promoted it ; and 
 the moft thoughtful were involved in the greateft 
 perplexity.! 
 
 1745. TOWARDS the end of the month of April, Com- 
 
 ^^^ modore Warren arrived from the Weft-Indies, 
 
 with a fixty-four gun (hip, and two of forty. He 
 
 was Toon after joined by another of forty, which 
 
 had reached Canfo a moit time before. The men 
 
 * Modern Univerjai Uijlery, Co! XiX. p. 340. 
 f- Belknap, Vol. ,//. ^.214. Prince's 'I bank/giving Sermon^ In 
 l/4S P- 22 25. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 
 
 of war failed immediately to cruife before Louif- ' 1 745. 
 bourg. The forces foon followed, and landed at 
 Chapeaurouge-Bay, the laft day of .April. The 
 tranfports were difccvered froth the town early in 
 the morning, which gave the inhabitants the firft 
 knowledge of the defign. 
 
 THE fecond day after landing, four hundred 
 men marched round behind the hills, to the nonh- 
 ead part of the harbor, in the night ; where they 
 burned the warehoufes containing the naval ftores 
 The clouds of thick fmoke, proceeding from 
 pitch, tar, and other combuflibles, driven by the 
 wind into the great battery, terrified the French 
 to fuch a degree, that they abandoned it, and re- 
 tired to the city, after having fpiked the guns, 
 and thrown their powder into a well. The hard- 
 fliips of the fiege were without parrallel in ail pre- 
 ceding American operations. The army was em- 
 ployed for fourteen nights, fucceflively, in draw- 
 ing cannon, mortars, &c. for two miles through a 
 morafs to their camp. The Americans were yok- 
 ed together, and performed labor beyond the 
 power of oxen ; which labor could be done only 
 in the night, or in a foggy day ; the place being 
 within clear view and random mot of the enemy's 
 walls. 
 
 WHILST the forces were bufily employed en 
 /here, the men of war and other velTels were cruif- 
 ing off the harbor, as often as the weather would 
 permit. On the igth of May they captured, 
 chiefly by the addrefs of the gallant Capt. Rous t 
 
2 oS H I S T O II Y OF 
 
 1745. a Maffachufetts naval officer, the Vigilant, a French 
 fixty-gun fhip, having 560 men on board, and a 
 great variety of military (lores for the relief of the 
 garrifon.* 
 
 THE capture of the Vigilant threw the enemy 
 into great perturbation. This event, with the 
 erection of a battery on the high cliff at the light- 
 houfe, under the direction of Lieut. Col. Gridley, 
 by which the ifland battery was much annoyed, 
 and the preparations which were evidently making 
 for a general aiTault, determined Ducharnbon, the 
 French officer, to furrender ; and accordingly, 
 on the i7th of June, he capitulated.! 
 
 UPON entering the fortrefs, and viewing its 
 ftrength, and the plenty and variety of its means 
 of defence, the mod courageous were appalled, 
 and the impracticability of carrying it by ailault 
 was fully demonfl rated. 
 
 As this was a time, when vefTels were expected 
 from all parts at Louifbourg, the French flag was 
 kept flying as a decoy. Two Eaft-Indiamen, and 
 one South-fea fhip, eftimated at 600,000 1. ilerling, 
 were taken by the fquadron at the mouth of the 
 harbor, into which they failed as ufoal, not know- 
 ing that the place had furrendered to the Englim 
 
 THE weather was remarkably fine during the 
 fiege ; but the rains began the day after the fur- 
 render, and continued ten days incefTantly, which 
 
 * Gordon, fol. I. p. 113. 
 
 j- See letters relating to the expedition again ft Cape Pretax t in 
 tic Collections of the. Majjachujelts Hijlorical Society, f'oL L Set 
 alfa Beiknapi f '?/,//./>, 221, 22?. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 209 
 
 undoubtedly have proved fetal to the expe- 1745. 
 dition, had not the capitulation prevented- v-nrsj 
 
 THE religious inhabitants of New-England con- 
 templated with pious gratitude the remarkable in- 
 terpofitions of divine Providence, in the reduc- 
 tion of this town 5 and the almofi miraculous pre- 
 fervation of the army from defiruction. 
 
 THE news of this important viclory oecafioned 
 great rejoicings in America, and filled Europe with 
 aftonifhment. The enterprizing fpirit of New- 
 England gave a ferious alarm to thofe jealous 
 fears, which had long predicted the independence 
 of the colonies* Great pains were taken in Eng- 
 land to afcribe all the glory to the navy, and de- 
 preciate the merit of the army- However, Pep- 
 perell received the title of a baronet, as well as 
 Warren. The latter was promoted to be an ad* 
 miral ; the former had a commiHion as colonel 
 in the Britifh eftablifhment, and was empowered to 
 raife a regiment in America, to be in the pay of 
 the crown. The fame emolument was given to 
 Shirley j and both he and Wentworth acquired fo 
 much reputation as to be confirmed in their places. 
 And after much difficulty and delay, parliament 
 reimburfed the colonies for their expences.* 
 
 WHILST the Britifh colonies, elated by fuccefs, 
 planned a new expedition againft Canada, the lofs 
 of Loui(bourg ftimulated the French to revenge, 
 
 IN the iubfequent year a very formidable French 1 746. 
 fleet failed for the American coaft, under the ccmv 
 
 Vol lip. 21$. 
 C c 
 
210 HISTORY OF 
 
 1 746. mand of the Duke d* An-ville, a nobleman of abil- 
 ity and courage. This was the mod powerful ar- 
 mament ever fent into North-America, having 
 twenty men of war, an hundred tranfports, about 
 eight thoufand difciplined troops, with veteran 
 officers, and all kinds of military (lores. It was 
 fuppofed that the French government had formed 
 the defign of recovering Louifbourg, taking An- 
 napolis, breaking up the fettlements on the eaftern 
 coaft of MaiTachufetts ; and of diftreffing, if not 
 attempting the conquefl of New-England. On 
 this alarming occafion, the troops which were def- 
 tined for Canada found fufficient employment at 
 home ; and vigorous exertions were ufed to repel 
 the attempts of their enemies. The colonies were 
 difappointed in their expectation of a Britifh fquad- 
 ron for their defence ; and their fituation appeared 
 extremely dangerous. They were, however, at 
 length providentially relieved. The French fleet 
 was vifited by fuch a mortal ficknefs, that thirteen 
 hundred died atfea ; and the greater! part of thofe 
 who remained were extremely weakened and 
 difpirited. In addition to this calamity, the fleet 
 was difperfed by a violent temped. The com- 
 mander, in defpair, put 'a period to his life by 
 poilbn ; and the feeond in command fell on his 
 (word. Part of the (hips were loft, and thofe 
 which efeaped deftruclion, were obliged to return 
 ftngly to France.* 
 
 DR. Belknap obferves, " Never was the hand 
 f divine Providence more vifible, than on this 
 
 * Prixces '? b&nkfgrving t'*non t p. zo. 
 
NE W-EN GLAND. 211 
 
 occafion. Never was a difappohvtment more fe- 1746. 
 vere on the fide of an enemy ; nor a deliverance ^"^ 
 more complete, without human help, in favor of this 
 country."* 
 
 WHEN the alarm occafioned by the French 
 fleet had fubfided, the feafon was .too far advanced 
 to profecute the expedition againft Canada. Gov- 
 ernor ShJrley was fo intent upon attacking Crown- 
 Point, that he had even propofed to march thither 
 in the winter, and had the addrefs to draw the af- 
 fembly of Maflachufetts into an approbation of his 
 project ; but the plan was fruftrated by the pru- 
 dence of the Connecticut afTembIy ? \vhodeemed 
 the winter an improper feafon for fo great an un- 
 dertaking, and deferred their affiltance till the en> 
 fuing fpring. The termination of the war prevent- 
 ed the renewal of the plan. By the treaty of Aix 
 la Chapelle, in 1748, it was flipulated, that all 
 things mould be reitored on the footing they were 
 before the war.f 
 
 No fooner were the diftreffes of war clofed, by 1749 
 the renewal of peace, than the colonies, parricu- 
 larly of New-England, were alarmed with the re- 
 port of an American Epifcopacy ; which it was 
 the moft earned defire of Dr. Thomas Seeker, late 
 archbifhop of Canterbury, to aqcomplifh. The 
 colonies were oppofed to the introduction of Epif- 
 copacy ; becaufe they fuppofed it would be accom- 
 panied withfuch a degree of civil power, as would, 
 at length, infringe upon the rights of other de- 
 nominations. J 
 
 t !''</!. 77. /. 230, 232. | 7<W, />. 254. J Gordon. 
 
12 HISTORY OF 
 
 7 49 THE political reafon on which the defign of fend- 
 ing bifhops to America was founded, was the cir- 
 cumftance of feveral nonjuring clergymen, in the 
 intereft of the Pretender, having come into the 
 country from Great-Britain, whofe influence it was 
 neceffary to counteral and deflroy. But fome 
 leading perfons in the miniflry being oppofed to it, 
 the projed was laid afide in the cabinet. Never- 
 thelefs, the fociety for propagating the gofpel, from 
 different views, took it under their patronage.* 
 
 IN order to obviate the objections which they 
 fappofed the colonies would make to the intro- 
 duction of Epifcopacy, they dated, 
 
 THAT the bifhops to be fent to the colonies 
 fliould not be veiled with any authority, but that 
 of a fpiritual and ecclefiaftical nature. That this 
 authority fhould operate only on the clergy, and 
 not on the laity, or diffenters of any denomination. 
 That the bifhops mould not interfere with the 
 property or privileges, whether civil or religious, 
 of churchmen or diffenters. That their mainte- 
 nance mould not be at the charge of the colonies ; 
 and that they mould not be fettled in places where 
 the government is in the hands of diffenters, as in 
 New-England. That their authority mould extend 
 only to ordain clergy over Epifcopal congrega- 
 tions ; to infpect the manners and behavior of fuch 
 clergy, and to confirm the members of the church 
 of England.! 
 
 THE deflgn of Introducing bifhops in America, 
 was, however, laid afide at this period. 
 
 * Minct, p. 136. f Ibid, p. 137. 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 213 
 
 THIS year Benning Wentworth, governor of 1749. 
 New-Hampfhire, made a grant to that colony of a 
 townfhip fix miles fqijare 3 by the name of Benning- 
 ton, in allunon to his own name. For the fpace 
 of four or five years, he made feveral other grants 
 on the weft fide of Connecticut river. The appli- 
 cation for new grants was fufpended for a time, in 
 eonfequence of the war between France and the 
 Britifh colonies, which will be briefly related in 
 fubfequent chapter.* 
 
 * William? Hijlory of Vermont t p, 2x2. 
 
 ^P^F 
 
2I4 HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Revival of the difputes between the French and Br'rf- 
 t/b colonies. Congrefs appointed. They form a 
 flan of union , which is rejected. Of the four ex- 
 f editions againft the French. Mr. Pitt appointed 
 prime minifter. American affairs wear a more 
 favorable afpecl. Louifbourg taken. Several 
 French forts are reduced. Defeat cf the Englifo 
 troops at Ticondercga. 
 
 T 
 
 HE treaty of Aix la Chapelle had 
 terminated none of the controverted points be- 
 tween the French and Englifh concerning the lim- 
 its of their refpe&ive colonies. To accornplifh 
 this purpofe, commifli oners were mutually chofen. 
 Thefe commiflioners met at Paris, but came to 
 no decinon. The French were in pofTefnon of all 
 Canada, had fettlements in Louifiana, and they 
 meditated to join thefe diftant colonies, by a chain 
 of forts and pofts from the St. Lawrence to the 
 MirTifippi, and to extend the limits of Canada 
 as far eaftward as to command navigation in the 
 winter, when the great river St. Lawrence is im- 
 palTable. Thefe claims of territory were a fubjecl: 
 of complaint to the Englilh and Americans, and 
 threatened to revive the flames of war.* 
 
 Bettnap, Vol. U. p. 2 84. 
 
NEW- ENGLAND. 215 
 
 IN this alarming crifis of affairs, a Congrefs was 1754. 
 held at Albany, confiding of delegates from 
 Maflachufetts, New-Hampfhire, Rhode-Ifland, 
 Connecticut, Pennfylvania and Maryland ; with 
 the lieutenant-governor, and council of New- York. 
 One member from each colony was appointed, to 
 draw a plan of union. The fubdance of this 
 plan was, that application be made, for an ad: of 
 parliament, to form a grand council, confiding of 
 delegates from the feveral legiilative afTemblies, fub- 
 jed to the control of a prefident-general, to be 
 appointed by the crown, with a negative voice. 
 That this council fliould enad general laws ; appor- 
 tion the quotas of men and money, to be raifed by 
 each colony ; determine the building of forts, reg- 
 ulate the operation of armies, and concert all 
 meafures for the common protection and fafety. 
 The delegates of Connecticut alone, entered their 
 diffent to the plan, becaufe of the negative voice of 
 the prefident-general. " It is," fays Dr. Belknap, 
 < c worthy of remark, that this plan for the union of 
 the colonies was % agreed to, on the fourth day of 
 July ; exactly twenty-two years before the declar- 
 ation of American independence ; and that the 
 name of Franklin appears in both."* 
 
 THIS plan of union was rejected in America, 
 becaufe it was fuppofed to put too much power in- 
 to the hands of the king ; and it was rejected in 
 England, becaufe it was thought to give too much 
 authority to the afiemblies of the colonies. The 
 
 * Belknap, Vol. U.p. 286. Minot, p. 191. 
 
2*6 HISTORY OF 
 
 1754. mrm(t?y made another propofa!, that the governor, 
 ^^^ with one or two members of the council of each 
 
 colony, mould afTemble, and confult for the com- 
 mon defence, and draw on the Britifh treafury for 
 the fums expended, which mould be raifed by a 
 general tax, laid, by parliament, on the colonies, 
 But this was not a time to pufh fach an alarm- 
 ing innovation, and when it was found impractica- 
 ble, the mini (try determined to employ their own 
 troops to fight their battles in America, rather than 
 to let their colonies feel their own ftrength, and be 
 directed by their own cournels. ; 
 
 As it was necelfary to draw aid, from the colo- 
 nies, they refolrved to permit theif militia to ferve 
 inferior offices j but Britifh troops, commanded by 
 Britifli officers^ mult have the honor of* reducing 
 the French dominions in North-America.* 
 
 THE depredations of the French and their In- 
 dian allies rendered it neceflary to drive them from 
 the Ohio. The reduclicn of Niagara, Crown- 
 Point, and their forts in Nova -Scotia, was alfo re* 
 folved upoiuf 
 
 1755. ALTHOUGH the war xvas not yet formally de- 
 clared, General Braddock was fent from Ireland 
 to Virginia, with two regiments of foot; when 
 joined, upon his arrival, by the provincial troops, 
 he found himfelf at the head of 2200 men* He 
 was a brave officer, but deficient in many qualifi- 
 cations neeeilary for the fervice to which he was 
 appointed. The feverity of his difeipline made 
 
 f; /X //, p. 287. f Wynne, Vol. U, f. 4?. 
 
'NEW-ENGLAND. 217 
 
 him unpopular among the regulars. His pride 1755. 
 and haughtinefs induced him to defpife the coun- 
 try militia, and to flight the advice of the Virginia 
 officers.* 
 
 COL. Walhington (who began to exhibit thofe 
 great abilities, which fo eminently di(linguiflied 
 him at a future period) was then aid-de-camp to 
 General Braddock. When the army was march- 
 ing for Fort-du-<)uefne, he earneftly begged the 
 general to admit of his preceding the Britim regu- 
 lars, and fcouring the woods with his rangers. 
 This was contemptuoufly refufed. The general 
 had been cautioned by the Duke of Cumberland, 
 and his own officers, to guard againft a furprize, 
 and yet he pulhed on heedlefsly with the firft divi- 
 fion, confiding of 1400 men, till he fell into an 
 ambufcade of four hundred, chiefly Indians, by 
 whom he was defeated, and mortally wounded. 
 The regulars were put into the greateft panic, and 
 fled in the utmoil confufion. The militia were 
 accuflomed to Indian fighting, and v/cre not ter- 
 rified to fuch a degree. The general had difdain- 
 fully turned them into the rear, where they con- 
 tinued in a body unbroken, -and under the conduct 
 of Col. Wafhington, ferved as a moft ufeful reafr 
 guard, covered the retreat of the Britiih troops, 
 and prevented their being entirely cut off.f 
 
 PREVIOUSLY to the defeat of General Braddock, 
 the MaiTachufetts aifembly raifed a bpdy of troops 
 
 * #>, Vol. II. p. 45. f EnticPs General Hiflory oftbt 
 French War t VvL L p. 143, 144. Wynnt t r'ol. II. f, 4!, 42. 
 
 D d 
 
2i$ HISTORY OF 
 
 1755. who were difpatched to Nova-Scotia, to afiift 
 ^^ lieutenant-governor Lawrence in expelling the 
 French from their feveral encroachments in that 
 province. This expedition was undertaken and 
 conduced at the expence of the crown - 9 and the 
 command given to lieutenant-colonel Monckton j. 
 but the Mafiachufetts forces acled as a diftinct body, 
 under their own officers, with a promife of the 
 fame pay, and being treated in every refpccl as 
 others in the fame Her vice. The fecrecy and dif- 
 patch ufed in this expedition were rewarded with 
 fuccefs.* 
 
 GOVERNOR Shirley commanded the expedition 
 againft Niagara. Part of the troops devoted to the 
 execution of this fcheme did not arrive till the fea- 
 fon was fo far advanced, that it was unanimoufly 
 agreed to defer the attempt till die fubiequent 
 year. 
 
 COLONEL, afterwards Sir William, Johnfon, was 
 appointed to go againft Crown-Point. The flow- 
 nefs and deficiency of preparations, prevented the 
 feveral colonies joining their troops till about 
 Aiiguft. Meanwhile the active enemy, having 
 tranfported forces from France to Canada, march- 
 ed down to meet the provincials, and attacked 
 them ; but being lepulfed, they loft fix hundred 
 men, befides having their general, B'aron Dieikau, 
 wounded and made prifoner. 
 
 ' 757* THIS year war was formally declared againft 
 France j and Mai&chufetts raifed a great arma- 
 
 * Mind, f. 217, 
 
NEW-EN GLAND. 219 
 
 ftient to attack Crown-Point. Lord London, who 1757* 
 at this period was commander in chief of ihe Brit- ^^^ 
 Hh forces in North- America, did not think proper 
 that the troops mould proceed, tili the American 
 army was reinforced* This delay gave the enemy 
 time to ftrengthen Crown-Point, to recruit and ie- 
 frefh their forces, and to improve fome fuccefs, 
 which had lately attended their military move- 
 ments. In the courfe of the year, the French re- 
 ceived a reinforcement of near three thoufand men, 
 under the command of General Montcalm, an of* 
 ficer of fuperior talents from Europe.* 
 
 THE Englifh miaiflry were greatly diiTatisfied 
 with the condud of the war in America ; Lord 
 Loudon was recalled, and the chief command de- 
 volved upon General Abecrormbie. 
 
 AT this period American affairs began to af- 1758. 
 fume a more favorable afpeL Happily for 
 the Britifh nation the great Mr. Pitt, after- 
 wards Earl of Chatham, was placed at the head 
 of the miniftry. The people of England confided 
 in him for the falvation of their country. His ad- 
 miniflration united all parties, and reftored fuch 
 order, unanimity and decifion to the public coun- 
 cils, that the force of tha empire was directed 
 with fuccefs in every quarter of the globe.f 
 
 THE reduction of Loui&ourg, which had been 
 reflored to the French by the treaty of Aix la 
 Chapelle. was undertaken with enthufiafm and zeal, 
 and was effected by the fpirited exertions of the 
 
 * Entick, F.il /. p 494. 49J. 
 | lift oftkt *rl QfQjutbw, p. 6|, 69, 70, 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1758. fea and land forces, under Admiral Bofcawcn and 
 General Amherft. Five or fix fhips of the line were 
 taken. The French governor, finding it impofli- 
 ble to fupport an aflault, furrendered by capitula- 
 tion. Here the brave General Wolfe, who after- 
 wards afted fo diftinguifhed a part at Quebec, 
 difplayed his eminent military abilities.* 
 
 IN the mean time the military operations on the 
 continent were conduced with equal vigor. Fronte- 
 jiac and Fort-durQuefne fell into the hands of the 
 Britifh ; acquifitions which overbalanced the check 
 \vhich they had received at Ticonderoga, where Ge* 
 neral Abercrombie was defeated, and a confiderable 
 number killed and wounded, \vbilft attacking the 
 lines in that place. 
 
 THE profperous events of this year, however, 
 opened a pleafing profpecl of fuccefs to the Britifh 
 and Americans, and encouraged and animated them 
 to vigorous exertions to e^pel the French from 
 their pofleffions in the new world. 
 
 * It'jnng, Vol. II. j>. So, 
 
NEW- ENGLAND. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 fo? war againft the French profecuted with 'Vigor 
 and fuccefs. Of the reduction of Fort Niagara. 
 Ticonderoga and Crown-Point evacuated. ue* 
 bee taken by the Englijh after a fevcre battle, in 
 which the Generals Wolfe and Mont calm are killed. 
 Character of General Wolfe. All Canada conquer- 
 ed by the Briti/h and American arms. Several 
 eft he French i/lands-fufydued. General p 
 
 A 
 
 T the opening of this year, the 1759 
 Britifli miniftry ufed the mod vigorous exertions 
 to reduce the French dominions in North-Ameri- 
 ca. Preparations were made, and expeditions 
 brought forward againft three different parts at the 
 fame period. General Wolfe was to proceed up 
 the river St. Lawrence, with a body of eight thou- 
 fand men, and a ftrong fquadron of (hips from 
 England, to befiege Quebec, the capital of the 
 French dominions in America, and the central 
 point of the Britifh operations. General Amherft, 
 the commander in chief, at the head of twelve 
 thoufand troops, was to reduce Ticonderoga and 
 Crov*n-Point, then crofs lake Ghamplain, and, 
 proceeding along the banks of the river Richlieu, 
 to the river St. Lawrence, join General Wolfe 
 before (Quebec. Brigadier-General Prideaux*, with 
 a. third body of troops, affifted by a conliderable 
 
222 HI ST O R Y O F 
 
 1759. number of Indians, aflernbled by the influence, 
 and under the command of Sir William Johnfon, 
 had orders to attack a French fort near the cataract 
 of Niagara, which, in a manner commanded all 
 the interior parts of North-America, and was a 
 key to the whole continent. * 
 
 THE lad named expedition was the nrfr which 
 fucceeded. General Prideaux, with his army, 
 advanced to the cataraQ of Niagara, without meet- 
 ing with the lead obftruftion, and, invefting the 
 fort about the middle of July, carried on his ap- 
 proaches with great vigor, till the soth of that 
 month, when, vifiting the trenches, he was unfor- 
 tunately killed by the burfting of a mortar. After 
 his death, the whole command of the expedition de* 
 volved upon General Johnfon, who omitted 
 nothing to bring forward the fpirited operations of 
 his predeceflbr. A body of French troops, who 
 were fenfible of the importance of this fort, at- 
 tempted to relieve jt ; but Johnfon attacked them 
 with intrepidity and fuccefs, fo tbiat in lefs than an 
 hour their whole army was defeated. The garri* 
 fon, foon after perceiving the fate of their coun- 
 trymen, furrendered prilbners of war. 
 
 THE fucceis of General Amherit was, lefs fplen- 
 did, though not lefs ferviceable. On his arrival 
 before Ticonderoga, the French firft appeared de- 
 termined to defend the place j but finding the 
 Knglilh general prudent, refolute, and acquainted 
 with the ilrength of their forces, they abandoned 
 
N W - E N G L A N fir. 
 
 this ftrong poft, and retired to Crown-Point, which, 1759. 
 from fimilar motives, they were foon after induced 
 to evacuate.* 
 
 THERE now, therefore, remained but one grand 
 and decifive blow, to put all North- America into 
 the poffeffion of the Englifh. This was the taking 
 cf Quebec, the capital of Canada, a city handfome- 
 ly built, populous and flourifning. Admiral Saun* 
 ders was appointed to command the naval part of 
 this expedition. The fiege by land was committed 
 to the conduct of General Wolfe, of whom the na- 
 tion had great expectations. This young foldier, 
 who was not yet thirty-five, had diflinguifhed him- 
 felf on many former occafions ; .and without being 
 indebted to family or connexions, had raifed foimfelf 
 by merit to his prefent command. f 
 
 THIS enterprize was attended with a combina- 
 tion of formidable difficulties. General Wolfe 
 was oppofed, with far fuperior force, by the Mar- 
 quis de Montcahn, the mod brave and fuccefsful 
 general the French porTefTecL Though the fitua- 
 tion of the country which Wolfe was to attack, 
 and the works which the French erected, to pre- 
 vent the defcent of the Englifh, were deemed im- 
 pregnable, yet Montcalm never relaxed in his vigi- 
 lance. The city of Quebec was ftrongjy fortified, 
 fecured with a numerous garrifon, and plentifully 
 fupplied with provifions and ammunition. The 
 French army confided of upwards of twelve thou- 
 fand men, exclufive of large bodies of Indians. J 
 
 * Wvine* Vol. JL p. qg. -\- GoMfmitvs HijJory ofExglanti,}* 
 348. t Eatift, Fol t IF. p. 96. 
 
224 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1759; WITH this force, Montcalm took the field, 
 and encamped in a very advantageous fituation. 
 The troops extended along the more of Beauport, 
 from the river St. Charles to the falls of Montmor- 
 ency, and were entrenched in every acceflible place, 
 with the river and fand-banks in front, and im- 
 practicable woods in the rear. The poft was not 
 t>nly impregnable, but it enabled the enemy, when- 
 ever they pleafed, to throw fuccours into the city. 
 THE only profpecl: of attempting the town with 
 fuccefs, was by landing a body of troops in the 
 night above the town, who were to aicend the 
 banks of the river, and take poilefTion of the 
 ground on the back of the city. This attempt, 
 however, appeared peculiarly difcouraging. The 
 flream was rapid, the (bore flielving, the bank above 
 lined with centinels, the landing place fo narrow 
 as to be eafily milled in the dark, and the fteepnefs 
 of the ground, fuch as hardly to be furmounted in 
 the day time. Thefe formidable difficulties were 
 overcome by the conduct of the general, and the 
 bravery of his troops. Col. Howe, with the light 
 infantry and the Highlanders, afcended the woody 
 precipices with admirable courage and activity, and 
 diflodged a ftnall body of troops that defended a 
 narrow path-way up the bank. Having cleared 
 the path, they gained the top of the hill without 
 further interruption. As fzift as they afcended they 
 formed themfelves, fo that the whole army was in 
 order of battle by day-break.* 
 
 * ttjmg., Fol. II. p. itl. Gotymitl, p. 349. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 225 
 
 MONSIEUR de Montcalm, the French command- 1759. 
 er, was no fooner apprized that the Englifh had 
 gained theie heights, which he hud confidently 
 deemed inacceflible, than he refoived to hazard a 
 battle ; and a furious encounter quickly began. 
 This was one of the molt defperate engagements 
 during the war. The Englifh withstood the at- 
 tacks of their enemies with the greateft intrepidi- 
 ty and firmnefs* Having been ordered to load 
 with double ball, they poured in a terrible dif- 
 charge, and continued their fire with fuch delibe- 
 ration and fpirit, that the French gave way, and 
 fled with precipitation* The Marquis de Mont- 
 calm was {lain ; and the fecond in command fliar- 
 ed the fame fate. General Wolfe was flationed 
 on the right, where the attack was moft warm ; 
 and Handing confpicuous in the front line, had 
 been aimed at by the enemy's markfmen, and at 
 laft received a fhot in the wrift, which, however, 
 did not oblige him to quit the field. Having 
 wrapped an handkerchief round his arm, he con- 
 tinued giving orders without the lead emotion, 
 and advanced at the head of the grenadiers with 
 their bayonets fixed ; but a fecond ball, more fa- 
 tal, pierced the bread of this young hero, juft as. 
 the French began to retreat. Unable to proceed, 
 he leaned on the fhoulder of a lieutenant, who was 
 next him. Now ftruggling in the agonies of 
 death, and juft expiring, he heard a voice cry, 
 4 'they run!" upon which he feemcd for a mo- 
 ment to revive, arid aflcing who ran, was inform- 
 
226 KISTORYOF 
 
 1759. ed cc the French." Expreffing his wonder that 
 they ran fo foon, and unable to gaze any longer, 
 he funk on the officer's breaft, and his lad words 
 were, " I thank God, I die happy. "* 
 
 BaiGADiER-general Monckton, the fecond Eng- 
 lifh officer, was dangeroufly wounded, while 
 emulating the courage of his predecefibr. The 
 chief command devolved upon General Town- 
 fend, who completed the defeat of the French. 
 Quebec furrende red by capitulation to the Englifh, 
 after a fevere campaign of three months. 
 
 THIS important victory was gained at the ex- 
 pence of fixty-one men killed, including nine of- 
 ficers ; and of five hundred and ninety-eight 
 wounded. The death of General Wolfe was a na- 
 tional lofs ; and unrverfally lamented. He poiTef- 
 fed a genius of the tirlt rank in the military line, 
 and was the pattern of the officer, and delight of 
 the foldier. He was generous, affable and hu- 
 mane j and added the amiable virtues to his mili- 
 tary greatnefs. His conflitutional courage was 
 uniform and daring ; and he poiTeifed a ftrength, 
 ileadinefs and aclivity of mind, which no dangers 
 could difcourage. In the expedition againil Que- 
 bec, his abilities flione with the brightefi; lufire. 
 Notwithflanding the great fuperioriiy of num- 
 bers, the unforefeen difficulties from the nature of 
 the firuation, the flrength of the place, and his own 
 bad ftate of health, he perfevered with indefatiga- 
 ble induftry in forming and executing that dan- 
 
 * EnticJt. t'ol Jff\ Wynne, VoL II, p, 123. 
 549. U*ivfr;aftiyior? t 't r o/. XIX. 
 
NEW-E NGL AND. 227 
 
 gerous and important plan, which caufed the de- 1759. 
 feat of the French ; and will forever denominate 
 faim the Conqueror of Canada.* 
 
 THE fubfequent feafon the French made a vig- I7"* 
 orous effort to retake Quebec ; but by the refolu- ** or ^ 
 tion of governor Murray, and the appearance of 
 an Englifli fleet, under the command of Lord Col- 
 vilie, they were rendered unable to profecute the 
 enterprize. 
 
 THE whole province of Canada was fbon after 
 reduced by the prudence and activity of General 
 Amherft, who obliged the French army to capit- 
 ulate. It has fmce remained annexed to the Brit- 
 ifh empire.f 
 
 To thefe conquefts, about the fame time, was 
 added the reduction of the iiland of Guadaloupe, 
 under Commodore Moore and General Hopfon, 
 an acquifition of great importance ; but which 
 was reftored at the general peace. 
 
 THIS year Martinico was taken by Admiral 1762. 
 Rodney and General Monckton, and alfo the ^^ 
 iflands of Grenada, St. Vincents and others. The 
 capture of thefe iflands was followed by the fur- 
 render of the liavannah, the capital of the iiland 
 of Cuba. 
 
 THE fuccefs, which attended the Britiih army in - 
 the Weft-India ifland?, terminated the war. The 
 fubfequent year a definitive treaty of peace was 1763. 
 concluded at Paris between Great-Britain, France 
 and Spain. By this treaty, the Englifh ceded to 
 the French feveral iilands, which had been taken 
 
 * Eatiik. tfynne, Vol. IL p. 126* f Gff/#///6, p. 50. 
 
223 HISTO R Y OF 
 
 1763. from them in the Weft-Indies. Yet the whole 
 continent of North-America was left in the pof- 
 fcfiion of the Britifh crown.* 
 
 DURING the war, the colonies in general, and 
 the Maffachufetts in particular, complied with the 
 requifitions of the Britifh minifter, and exhibited a 
 readincfs to fupport- his plans for the reduction of 
 the French power. Many of the feveral privates 
 who gained fuch laurels, by their fmgular bravery 
 on the plains of Abraham, when Wolfe died in the 
 arms of viclory, were natives of Maflachufetts. 
 When Martinico was attacked, in 1761, and the 
 Britifh force was greatly weakened by ficknefs and 
 death, the timely arrival of the New-England 
 troops, enabled the former to profecute the reduc- 
 tion of that ifland with fuccefs. They alfo arrived 
 at the Havannah at a critical period, and by their 
 junction with the Britifh, facilitated the conqueft 
 of that place. Their fidelity, activity and courage 
 were fuch as to gain the approbation and confi- 
 dence of the Britifh officers.! 
 
 IN the profecution of the war, the advantages 
 which Great-Britain derived from her colonies 
 were feverely felt by her enemies. Upwards of 
 four hundred privateers, which were fitted out of 
 the ports of the Britifh colonies, fuccefsfully attack- 
 ed the French commerce. Theie not only ravag- 
 ed the Weft-India iflands, belonging to his inoft 
 ChrifUan Majefty, but made many captures on the 
 coaft of France. Befides diftrefling the French 
 
 * Wynne, VoL 11. p. 149. f Gordon, Vol. I. p. 137, 146, 
 
N' E W - E N G L A N D. 229 
 
 nation by privateering, the colonies furniflied 
 23,800 men, to co-operate with the Britifh regular 
 forces in North- America. The fuccefs of their 
 privateers the co-operation of their land forces 
 the convenience of their harbors, and their con- 
 tinuity to the Weft-India iilands, made the colonies 
 great acquisitions to Britain, and formidable end* 
 .mies to France. From their growing importance 
 the latter had much to fear. Their continued 
 union with Great-Britain threatened the fubverfion 
 of the commerce, and the American poiTeflions of 
 the French nation,* 
 
 < c THIS war," fays a late author, " was one of 
 the mod glorious and fuccefsful for Great-Britain, 
 that had ever been carried on, in any age, or by 
 any nation. In the fpace of eight years fhe had 
 made herfelf miflrefs of almoil the whole conti- 
 nent of North- America. She had conquered twen- 
 ty-five iflands, all of them remarkable for their 
 magnitude, their produce, or the importance of 
 their utuation. $he had won by fea and land 
 twelve great battles ; (he had reduced nine forti- 
 fied cities and towns, and nearly forty forts and 
 caitles. She had deflroyed or taken above an hun- 
 dred fhips of war from her enemies, and acquired, 
 as it is fuppofed, about twelve millions in plunder."t 
 
 THOUGH the military glory of Great-Britain rofe 
 to its highefl pitch, yet the fame thence acquired was 
 bought at a high price. The lives of two hundred 
 and eighty thoufand men, including a great number 
 
 * Ramfays Hi (lory of the American Revolution, Vol. L p. 4-? 
 -{ Lendrum t l'ol t L p. 252 
 
23 o HIS TORY OF 
 
 of brave and able officers, an incredible quantity of 
 treafure, and an increafe of the national debt from 
 feventy-two to one hundred and twenty-two mil- 
 lions flerling, exclufive of thirteen millions unfund- 
 ed.* 
 
 AT this period the arms of Great-Britain had 
 recently been fuccefsful in every part of the globe. 
 Power, however, like all things human, has its 
 limits ; and there is an elevated point of grand- 
 eur which feems to indicate a defcent. The king- 
 doms of Europe looked with a jealous eye upon 
 Britain, after the acquifition of fuch immenfe pow- 
 er and territory. A tide of profperity has a fim- 
 ilar efFefl upon nations, as upon individuals. 
 Hence the haughtinefs of Britain was heightened 
 by her late conquefts, while the high ideas of lib- 
 erty and independence which were nurtured in the 
 colonies by their local fituation, and the flate of 
 fociety in the new world, were increafed by the 
 removal of hoftile neighbors. Thus prepared, the 
 feeds of difcord were loon planted between the 
 parent flate and the colonies, which fpeedily fprung 
 up to the rending of the empire, and reducing 
 the power and grandeur of the Britifh nation* 
 
 f Encyclopedia Bril. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 
 
 CHAPTER xix. 
 
 State of the colonies at the termination of the Trend) 
 'war. The fettlement of Vermont. The college 
 founded at Pr evidence , in Rhode- Ifl and. Of Dart- 
 mouth college. An account of the caufes 'which 
 produced the American revolution. 
 
 H E ftate of the Britifh colonies, at 
 the conclufion of .the war, in 1763, attracted the 
 attention of all the politicians in Europe. Their 
 fiouriming condition at that period was remarka- 
 ble and ftriking. Their trade had profpered in 
 the midft of all the difficulties and diftreffes of a 
 war, in which they were fo nearly, and fo immedi- 
 ately concerned. Their population continued ad- 
 vancing, notwithftanding the ravages and depreda- 
 tions of the French and their Indian allies. They 
 abounded with fpirited and active individuals of all 
 denominations. They were elated with the un- 
 common profperity that had attended them in 
 their commercial affairs, and military tranfacliojis. 
 Hence they were ready for all kinds of undertak- 
 ings, and faw no limits to their hopes and expec- 
 tations.* 
 
 DURING the progrefs of the war, the New- 
 England troops cut a road through Charleftown, in 
 New-Hampmire, to Crown-Point. They were fre* 
 quently paffing through thefe lands ; and their 
 fertility and value became generally known. 
 
 * Lenarum t VoL L p< 253. 
 
-HISTORY OF 
 
 Upon the reflation of hoftilities, the}' were eagerly 
 fought after by adventurers and fpeculators. By 
 the advice of his council, the governor of New- 
 ILunpfhire directed a furvey to be made of Con- 
 necticut river, for fixty miles ; and three lines of 
 townihips to be laid out on each fide. 
 
 THE application for lands conftantly increafed, 
 and new furveys were made. So rapid was the 
 progrefs, that during the year 1761, fixty town- 
 mips, of fix miles fquare, were granted on the weft 
 of Connecticut river. The whole number of 
 grants, in one or two years more, amounted to 
 one hundred and thiity-eight, and their extent 
 was, from Connecticut river, to what was efteem- 
 ed eaft of Hudfon's river, fo far as that extended 
 to the northward ; and after that, as far weft as 
 the eaftern more of lake Champlain. The cultiva- 
 tion of the country, and the number of the fet- 
 tlers, increafed with furprizing rapidity.* 
 
 THIS trat of country which was called Ver- 
 mont, was claimed both by New- York and New- 
 Hampfhire. The claim of New-York Was- found* 
 ed upon a grant which Charles II. in 1664, and 
 1674, made to his brother, the Duke of York; 
 containing, among other parts of America, " all 
 the lands from the weft fide of Connecticut 
 river, to the eaft fide of Delaware bay/' This 
 grant was inconfiftent with the charters, which 
 hud previocily been given to Mafl'achufetts and 
 Co-; it ; and nchhjr of them admitted it to 
 
 a> ; with regard to t i; . ; ' which 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 233 
 
 they had fettled or claimed to the weft of Connect 
 ticut river.* 
 
 ON a final fettlement of a difpute between Maf- 
 fachufetts and New-Hampfhire, the prefent jurif- 
 di&ional line between Vermont and MafTachufetts, 
 was run and eftablifhed, in the year 1741. From 
 that time until the year 1764, this territory was 
 confidered as lying within the jurifdi&ion of New- 
 Hampfhire. During this period numerous grants 
 were made, and, after the year 1760, fome con- 
 fiderable fettlements were begun under the autho- 
 rity of that province. In the year 1764, by order 
 of the king of Britain, this territory was annexed 
 to New- York. The government of that province 
 pretended to claim the right of foil as well as ju- 
 rifdi&ion, and held the grants formerly made 
 under New*Hamp(hire to be void. This occafion- 
 ed a long feries of altercation between the fettlers 
 -and claimants under New-Hampfhire, and the 
 government of New-York, and which, at the com- 
 mencement of the late revolution, terminated in 
 the eftablifhment of a feparate jurifdi&ion in the 
 prefent (late of Vermont. A particular account 
 of this controverfy would be inconfiftent with the 
 brevity of this work.f 
 
 AFTER the eftablifhment of peace, the Amen- 1764. 
 can colonies increafed in knowledge, as well as in J 
 opulence and population. This year a charter 
 was granted, by the general aiTembly of Rhode- 
 liland, for founding a feminary of learning, by the 
 
 * ff'ih'iams, p. 212. f Marie's Geograpfy) Vol, 1. p. 360, 
 
H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1764. name of the " Truftees and Fellows of the col- 
 lege or univerfity in the Englifli colony of Rhode- 
 Ifland and Providence Plantations," in confequence 
 of the petition of a large number of the rnoft 
 refpeclable characters in the flate. By the char- 
 ter, the corporation of the college confifts of two 
 feparate branches, with diflincl, fepaiate and ref- 
 pedive powers. The number of trultees is thirty- 
 fix, of whom twenty-two are of the denomination 
 called Baptifts, five of the denomination of Friends, 
 five Epifcopalians, and four Congregationalifts. 
 The fame proportion of the different denominations 
 to continue in perpetuwn* The number of the 
 fellows (inclufive of the prefident, who is a fellow 
 ex qfficw} is twelve, of whom eight are Baptifts ; 
 the others cholen mdifcriminately from any denom- 
 ination. The concurrence of both branches, by 
 a majority of each, is neceflary for the validity of 
 an act, except adjudging and conferring degrees, 
 which exclufively belongs to the fellowfhip as a 
 learned faculty. The prefident mud be a Bap- 
 tift ; profefifors and other officers of inftruction are 
 not limited to any particular denomination. There 
 is annually a general meeting of the corporation, 
 on the firft Wednefday in September, at which 
 time the public commencement is held.* 
 
 IT is thus exprefled in the college charter : " All 
 the members of this inftitution mall forever enjoy 
 full, free, abfolute and uninterrupted, liberty of 
 confcience, and that the places of profefibrs, tu- 
 
 * Morfis G*(,graj.fy t VoL I, p. 437. 
 
NEW-EN-GLAND. 235 
 
 tors, and all other officers, the prefident excepted, 1764. 
 {hall be free and open for all denominations of v- ^ v%> 
 Proteftants."* 
 
 THIS inftitution was firft founded at Warren, in 
 the county of Briftol, and the firft commencement 
 held therein 1769. 
 
 IN the year 1770, the college was removed to 
 Providence, where a large elegant building was 
 creeled for its accommodation, by the generous do- 
 nations of individuals, moftly from the town of 
 Providence. It is fituated upon a hill to the eaft 
 of the town, and while its elevated fituation renders 
 it delightful, by commanding an extenfive variegat- 
 ed profpec~l, it furnifhes it with a pure falubrious 
 
 air.f 
 
 THE inhabitants of New-Hampfhire, likethofeof 
 the other New-England fettlements, were diftin- 
 guifhed by their attention to the promotion of 
 learning. The ancient laws of the colony required 
 every town of one hundred families to keep a 
 grammar fchool, in which the learned languages 
 mould be taught, and youth prepared for admiffiou 
 to an univerfity.J 
 
 DURING the adminiflration of governor Went- 1769. 
 worth, a feminary of literature was eftablifhed in 
 the province of New-Hampfhire. It was founded 
 on a projection of Doctor Eleazer Wheelock, of 
 Lebanon, in Connecticut, for the removal of the 
 Indian charity fchool. [| 
 
 * Charter of Providence College, -f- Morfe, p % 437. 
 J Bettaap. \\ Ibid, Vol. 2L p. 349, 
 
236 HISTORYOF 
 
 1769. THE firfl defign of a fchool of this kind was 
 conceived by Mr. John Sergeant, miffionary to the 
 Indians at Stockbridge. A rambling mode of life, 
 and a total want of letters, were ever unfriendly to 
 the propagation of religious knowledge among the 
 favages of America. This worthy miffionary, in- 
 tent on the bufmefs of his profeffion, procured be* 
 nefactions from many benevolent perfons, and 
 began a fchool at Stockbridge ; where the Indian 
 youth were to be maintained and inflrucled, both 
 in literature and agriculture. Death put an end 
 to the labors of this excellent man, before his plan 
 could be accomplimed. 
 
 THIS defign was revived by Wheelock. Having 
 made fome experiments, he was encouraged to 
 proceed by the tractable difpofmon of the Indian 
 youths, and their proficiency in learning ; but ef- 
 pecially, by the numerous benefactions, which 
 he received from the friends of religion and hu- 
 manity. 
 
 As an improvement on the original defign, a 
 number of Englim youths were educated wiih the 
 Indians, both in literary and agricultural exeicifes ; 
 that their example might invite the Indians to the 
 love of thofe employments, and abate the prejudice, 
 which they have univerfaily imbibed, that it is be- 
 neath the dignity of man to delve in the earth.* 
 
 As the number of fcholais increafed, it became 
 neceflary to erec~l buildings, and extend cultivation. 
 That part of the country in which the fchool was 
 
 * Belkwp, Vol. II. p. 351- 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 237 
 
 firfl placed, being filled with inhabitants, a remov- 1769. 
 al was contemplated. The founder was induced 
 to accept an invitation made by the governor 
 and other gentlemen in New-Hampfhire ; hence 
 the townfhip of Hanover, on the eaftern bank of 
 Connecticut river, was finally determined upon, 
 as the mod convenient fituation for the fchool, to 
 which the governor annexed a charter of incorpo- 
 ration for an univerfity, which was named Dart- 
 mouth college, after the Earl of Dartmouth, one 
 of its principal benefactors.* 
 
 DOCTOR Wheelock was declared the founder 
 and prefident of this univerfity, with power to 
 nominate-his fuccelfor, in his laft will. A board 
 of twelve truftees was conftituted, with perpetual 
 fucceffion ; and the college was endowed with a 
 large landed eflate. In 1771, a commencement 
 was firfl held at this place.f 
 
 PREVIOUSLY to the eftablimment of the above 
 mentioned feminary of learning, the political calm, 
 which the colonies had fo long enjoyed, was over- 
 caft with a cloud. Great-Britain, elated with 
 her profperity, had already formed, and propofed 
 a plan, which tended to fubvert their privileges ; 
 and they, animated with an ardent love of liberty, 
 had already exhibited a determined fpirit of refiii> 
 ance. 
 
 BEFORE an hiftorical (ketch is given of the im- 
 politic meafures which were taken by the Britiih 
 'xniniftry, it may, perhaps, be proper to mention 
 fr Vol. II. p. 351. f Ibid* . 
 
238 HISTORY OF 
 
 fome of the caufes, whichr produced that ardent 
 love of liberty, which ftimulated the New-England 
 colonies to refill the arbitrary encroachments of 
 the parent (late. 
 
 NEW-ENGLAND was firft fettled by thofe, who 
 groaned under the yoke of oppreilion and reli- 
 gious perfecutions in their native country. They 
 had been zealous afferters of the caufe of liberty 
 during the arbitrary reigns of James and Charles. 
 The tyranny of the Britifh government, which im- 
 pelled them to feek an afyium in the new world, 
 impreifed their minds with high ideas of their civil 
 and religious privileges, and the care they took to 
 preferve them inviolate was evinced by their early 
 policy and eftablifhments. As their charters gave 
 them the power of chufmg their own officers, thofe 
 ideas were confirmed and heightened by the habits 
 of acting as freemen. Whenever they conceived 
 their liberties in danger, we find traits of the fame 
 fpirit which finally fevered them from, Britain. 
 When the new charter of Maffachufetts deprived 
 that colony of the privilege of chufmg their rulers, 
 we find a continual altercation between the people 
 and royal governors. Thefe habits of refitting ev* 
 ery encroachment in its infancy, invigorated their 
 minds, and prepared them for greater exertions, 
 when the tyranny of Britain attempted to fubjugate 
 them to further innovations. The long period, 
 which elapfed between theftamp-afi, and the com- 
 mencement of hofiilhies, called forth the mod dif- 
 tinguifhed abilities, and developed characters, 
 
NE W-EN G L AtfD. 
 
 which will be remembered .with immortal honor in 
 the annals of America. The writings of tbefe 
 eminent characters diffufed knowledge among 
 the great body of the people, and they became 
 well acquainted with the grounds of the difpute 
 between Britain and the colonies. The flame of 
 liberty, which was firft kindled in New-England, 
 enlightened the continent ; and to their early ex- 
 ertions, the other colonies, in a great meafure, 
 owe their liberty and independence. The force 
 of public opinion ; the energy of American connfch ; 
 and their final ' fuccefs in armr, gave rife to one of 
 the mod extraordinary revolutions in hiflory, which 
 is replete with the moft important conferences 
 to mankind. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Rife of the controverfy between Great -Britain and tie 
 colonies. Of the ftamp-att. Spirited oppofition 
 made to it. Congrefs appointed. The Jlamf-att 
 repealed. Rejoicing on that occajion. 
 
 the two preceding chapters We have 
 feen Britain extending her conquefts, and the 
 colonies fifing in population and knowledge. At 
 prefent we mud reverfe the profpect, and view the 
 parent (late, elated by her late profperity, and im- 
 pelled by avarice and ambition, ufmg every exer- 
 tion to deprive the colonies of their invaluable pri- 
 vileges. On the other hand, we may contemplate 
 the Americans, with unfhaken firmnefs, perfevefing 
 in defending their juft rights, and refilling the 
 arbitrary impofidons of the Britifh nation. 
 
 IN the foregoing hiflory, we have feen the de- 
 figns of Dudley, Randolph, Andros, and others, 
 to eflablifh an arbitrary government in New- 
 England. Ever jealous of encroachments upon 
 their privileges, the American fettlers baffled all 
 their fchemes. Their infidious deflgns were buried 
 with them for a long period. At length, they were 
 revived during the adminidration of governor 
 Shirley, who, being an enterprizing characler, 
 formed great defigns of aggrandizing himfelf and 
 his connexions, Mr. Thomas Hutchmfon ar>d 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 241 
 
 Mr, Oliver were his principal minifters, joined 
 with other fubordinate inftruments. The capital 
 fcheme was to raife a revenue in America, by au- 
 thority of parliament.* 
 
 IN the year 1754, Mr. Shirley communicated to 
 Dr. Franklin the grand defign of taxing the colo- 
 nies, by aft of parliament. This diftinguifhed pat- 
 riot returned an anfwer in writing, in which he 
 reafoned with energy againft the execution of this 
 impolitic p!an.f 
 
 THE project of taxing the colonies was, for a 
 time, laid atide ; Mr. Shirley was removed, and 
 Mr. Pownall appointed to fucceed him in the gov- 
 ernment. As this gentleman was a friend to liber- 
 ty and the conflitution, thofe who wifhed to revive 
 the defign of taxing the colonies, endeavoured to 
 excite an uneafmefs againft his government. Mr. 
 Pownall, averfe to altercation, folicited to be re- 
 called, and after fome time, Mr. Bernard, a man of 
 arbitrary principles, was removed from New-Jerfey 
 to the chair of this province. 
 
 WHILST the war laded, thefe fimple provinces 
 were of too much importance in the conduct of it 
 to be difgufted by an open attempt againft their lib- 
 erties. The party, therefore, who were inimical 
 to their country, prepared the way, by extending 
 their connexions and correfpondencies in England, 
 by conciliating the friendfhip of the crown officers 
 
 * See a concife account of the fir ft movers of ike plan to tax 
 and the gradual Jteps taken to efe8 this purpo/e, in 
 
 Prelident Adams Hi/lory of the Dilutes with America, written in 
 1774. f Aid, />.4, 5, 6. 
 
HIS TORY OF 
 
 occafionally here, and infmuating that their defigns 
 were neceifary to be undertaken at feme future fa- 
 vorable. opportunity, for the good of the empire, 
 as well as of the colonies. 
 
 THE termination of the French war, which in- 
 volved the Britifh nation in an immenfe load of 
 debt, was felected as a proper time for thofe who 
 wiihed to introduce an arbitrary government, to 
 fuggeft to the Britifli financier, the project of 
 taxing the colonies by act of parliament.* 
 
 WHILST thefe men were privately feeking the 
 eftablifliment of an American nobility, out of 
 which an intermediate branch of legiilation, be- 
 tween the royal and democratic powers, Ihould be 
 appointed ; they pretended, that the tax in Ameri- 
 ca, would afford afiiftance in difcharging the na- 
 tional debt of Britain.! 
 
 MR. Ifrael Mauduit, the Maflachufetts agent, in 
 1763, gave early notice of the minillerial intentions 
 to tax the colonies ; but the general court not be- 
 ing called together, till the latter end of the year, 
 inftruftions to the agent, though folicited by him, 
 could not be tranfmitted in proper time,* 
 1764- THE fubfequent year, the houfe of reprefenta- 
 tives came to the following refolutions. " That 
 the fole right of giving and granting the money 
 of the people of that province, was veiled in them, 
 as their legal repreientativcs ; and that the impofi- 
 tion of duties and taxes, by the parliament of 
 Great -Britain , upon a people who are uot repre- 
 
 s* Hi /lory of the. Dliputtt with Am&rica> p. 1 1 . f 
 
 Gordon, Vol. I. p. i q g . 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 243 
 
 iented in the houfe of commons, is abfolutely 1764, 
 irreconcileable with their rights. That no man 
 can juftly take the property of another without his 
 confent ; upon which original principle, the right 
 of reprefentation, in the fame body, which exer- 
 cifes the power of making laws for levying taxes, 
 one of the main pillars of the Britim conilitution, 
 is evidently founded."* 
 
 THE oppofition to the claims of the Britim par- 
 liament was not confined to MafTachufetts ; but it 
 was a prevailing fentiment through the colonies, 
 that taxation and reprefentation were infeparable, 
 and that they could be neither free nor happy, if 
 their property could be taken from them, without 
 their confent. The common people in America 
 reafoned on this fubjeft in a fummary way : " If 4 
 Britilh parliament," faid they, " in which we are 
 unreprefented, and over which we have no con- 
 trol, can take from us any part of our property, 
 by direfit taxation, they may take as much as they 
 pleafe, and we have no fecurity for any thing, that 
 remains, but a forbearance, on their part, lei's like- 
 ly to be exercifed in our favor, as they lighten 
 themfelves of the burthens of government, in the 
 fame proportion that they impofe them upon us." 
 
 ON the other hand, Great-Britain contended, 
 that her parliament had fupreme power, and was 
 inverted with authority to lay taxes on every part 
 of the royal dominions. 
 
 As the principle of taxing the colonies had been 
 for foine time determined upon, at length Mr. Gren- 
 
 * Gordon^ V*l. Lp. 148. 
 
244 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1765. vllle brought into the houfe of commons his long 
 expelled bill, for laying a (lamp duty upon Ame- 
 rica. By this, after pafling through the ufual 
 forms, it was enacted, " that the inftruments of 
 writing, which are in daily ufe among a commer- 
 cial people, mould be null and void, unlefs they 
 were executed on damped paper, or parchment, 
 charged with a duty, impofed by the Britifh par- 
 liament." 
 
 WHEN the bill was brought in, Mr. Charles* 
 Townfend concluded a fpeech in its favor, with 
 words to the following effect : " And now will 
 thefe Americans, children planted by our care, 
 nourimed by our indulgence, until they are grown 
 to a degree of (Irength and opulence ; and protect- 
 ed by our arms ; will they grudge to contribute 
 their mite to relieve us from the heavy weight of 
 that burthen which we lie under ?" 
 
 COL. Barre took up Mr. Townfend's concluding 
 words in a mod fpirited and inimitable manner, 
 faying, " They planted by YOUR care! No, your 
 oppreffions planted them in America. They fled 
 from your tyranny, to a then uncultivated and in- 
 hofpitable country, where they expofed themfelves 
 to alrnod all the hardihips to which human nature 
 is liable, and among others, to the cruelty of a 
 favage foe, the mod fubtle, and I will take upon 
 me to fay, the mod formidable of any people upon 
 the face of God's earth ; and yet, actuated by prin- 
 ciples of true Englifh liberty, they met all hardfhips 
 with pleafure, compared with thofe they fuffered in 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 245 
 
 their own country from the hands of them, that 1765. 
 fiiould have been their friends. They nouriftjcd by 
 your indulgence ! They grew by your negJccl of 
 them. As foon as you began to care about them, 
 that care was exercifed in fending perfons to rule 
 them in one department and another, who were 
 perhaps the deputies of deputies to fome members 
 of this houfe, fent to fpy out their liberties, to mif- 
 reprefent their aclions, and to prey upon them j 
 men whofe behavior, on many occafions, has caufed 
 the blood of thofe fons of liberty to recoil within 
 them ; men promoted to the higheft feats of juf- 
 tice, fome, who, to my knowledge, were^ glad, by 
 going to a foreign country, to efcape being brought 
 to a court of juftice in their own. They protected 
 by your arms / They have nobly taken up arms in 
 your defence, have exerted a valor, amidfl their 
 conftant and laborious induflry, for the defence of 
 a country, whofe frontier was drenched in blood> 
 while its interior parts yielded all its little favings to 
 your emolument. And believe me, remember I 
 this day told you fo, that the fame fpirit of freedom, 
 which actuated tl^at people at fir ft, will accompany 
 them ftill ; but prudence forbids me to explain my- 
 felf farther. God knows I do not fpeak at this 
 time from any motives of party heat. What I 
 deliver are the genuine fentiments of my heart. 
 However fuperior to me in general knowledge and 
 experience, the refpeftable body of this houfe may 
 be, yet I claim to know more of America, than mo ft 
 of you, having feen and been convcrfant in that 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1765. country. The people, I believe, are as truly loyal 
 as any fubjects the king has ; but a people jealous 
 of their liberties, and who will vindicate them, if 
 ever they fhould be violated ; but the fubjecl is too 
 delicate. I will fay no more."* 
 
 WHEN the queftion upon the bill, in Its laft 
 ftage, was brought to a vote, there were about 2,50 
 for, and 50 againfl it, in the houfe of commons. 
 
 THE bill met with no oppofition in the houfe of 
 lords, and on the 22 d of March, it received the 
 royal aiTent. The night after it was paifed, Dr- 
 Franklin wrote to Mr. Charles Thompfon, after- 
 wards fecretary of congrefs, " The fun of liberty is 
 fct ; you muft light up the candles of indufiry and 
 economy" Mr. Thompfon anfwered, "He was 
 apprehenfive that other lights would be the confe- 
 quence, and predicted the oppofition, that follow, 
 ed." 
 
 THE framers of the ftamp-aet flattered them* 
 felves, that the confufion which would arife upon 
 the difufe of writing, and the infecurity of proper-t 
 ty, would compel the colonies to ufe the (tamped 
 paper, and, therefore, to pay the taxes impofed. 
 Thus they were induced to pronounce it a law 
 which would execute itfelf.f 
 
 By the terms of the flamp-acl, it was not to take 
 place till the firfl day of November, a period of more 
 than feven months after its palling. This gave the 
 colonifls an opportunity for leifurely canvafiing the 
 fubjecl, and examining it fully on every fide. Vir- 
 ginia led the way in oppofition to the flamp-acl. 
 
 * Ramfay, VoLLp. 57. f Gordon. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 347 
 
 Their affembly palTed a number of fpirited refolves, 1765. 
 afferting their exclufive right to tax the inhabit- 
 ants of their colony. 
 
 " THE colonies of New-England," fays Dr. 
 Ramfay, " exhibited themfelves the warmeft de- 
 fenders of liberty, and boldeft oppofers of the 
 {lamp-aft. They confidered their obligations to 
 their mother country for pad favors to be very in- 
 confiderable. They were fully informed, that their 
 forefathers were driven by perfecution to the woods 
 of America ; and, without any expence to the 
 parent flate, had there effected a fettlement on 
 bare creation. Their refentment for the invafion 
 of the accuflomed right of taxation was not fo much 
 mitigated by the recollection of pad favors, as it 
 was heightened by the tradition of grievous fuffer- 
 ings, to which their anceilors had been fubjecled 
 by the rulers of England. The defcendants of 
 the exiled, perfecuted Puritans of the lail century, 
 oppofed the (lamp-act with the fame fpirit, with 
 which their forefathers were actuated, when they 
 fet themfelves againft the arbitrary impoiitions of 
 
 the houfe of Stuart."* 
 * 
 
 A NEW mode of difplaying refentment againit 
 the friends of the ftamp-acl, began in Maffachufetts, 
 and was followed by the other colonies. 
 
 A FEW gentlemen hung out, early in the morn- 
 ing, on the limb of a large tree, towards the en> 
 trance of Bofton, two effigies, one deiigned for 
 the (lamp-matter, the other for a jack-boot, with 
 a head and horns peeping out at the top. Great 
 
 * Ram/ ay t Fol. L p. 6l. 
 
t 
 248 HISTORYOF 
 
 1765. numbers, both from town and country, came to 
 f ee them. A fpii.it of enthufiafm ^was diffufed 
 among the fpe&ators. In the evening the whole 
 was cut down and carried in procellion by the pop- 
 ulace, fhouting, " liberty and property forever., 
 no (tamps." They next pulled down a new build- 
 ing, lately erected by Mr. Oliver, the ft amp-mailer. 
 They then went to his houfe, before which they 
 beheaded his effigy, and at the fame time broke 
 his windows. Eleven days after, the mob attacked 
 the houfe of Mr. William Storey, deputy-regifter 
 of the court of admiralty ; and Benjamin Hallow- 
 el, comptroller of the cuftoms, arid repeated fnni- 
 lar exceflfes. They afterwards proceeded to the 
 houfe of Mr. Hutchinfon, and foon demolished it. 
 They carried off his plate, furniture and apparel, 
 and fcattered and deftroyed manufcripts and other 
 curious and ufeful papers, which he had been col- 
 leding for thirty years.* 
 
 SIMILAR diflurbances broke out in the adjacent 
 colonies, nearly about the fame period. 
 
 As opportunities offered, the ailemblies of the 
 colonies generally palled refolutions, aflerting their 
 exclufive tight to lay taxes on their conflituents.f 
 
 THK expediency of calling a continental congrefs, 
 to be compofed of deputies from each of the prov- 
 inces, had early occurred to the people of Maifachu- 
 fetts. The affembly of that province pafifed a refo- 
 lution in favor of that meafure, and fixed on New- 
 York as the place, and the fecond Ttiefday of Oc- 
 tober, as the time for holding their firft meeting* 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. L p* 65. f Ibid, / M., 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 249 
 
 THE aflemblies of Virginia, North-Carolina and 1765. 
 Georgia were prevented by their governors, from 
 fending a deputation to this congrefs. Twenty* 
 eight deputies from MafTachuietts,, Rhode-lfland., 
 Connecticut, New-York, New-Jerfey, Pennfylvania, 
 Delaware, Maryland, and South-Carolina, met at 
 New- York ; and, after mature deliberation, agreed 
 on a declaration of their rights, and a ftatement of 
 their grievances. They afTer ted, in energetic termsj 
 their exemption from all taxes not impofed by their 
 own reprefentatives. They alfo concurred in a 
 petition to the king, a memorial to the houfe of 
 lords, and a petition to the houfe of commons. 
 The colonies that were prevented from fending 
 their reprefentatives to this congrefs, forwarded 
 petitions, fimilar to thofe adopted by the deputies 
 who attended.* 
 
 WHILST a variety of legal and illegal methods 
 were adopted to oppofe the ftamp-adt, the i ft of 
 November, on which it was to commence its ope- 
 ration, approached. This in Boflon was ufhered 
 in by a funeral tolling of the bells. Many (hops 
 and (lores were (hut. The effigies of the planners 
 and friends of the flamp-act, were carried about 
 the ftreets in public derifion, and then torn in 
 pieces by the enraged populace. It was remarka- 
 ble, that though a large crowd were affembled, 
 there was not the lead violence or diforder.f 
 
 IN New-Hampfhire, the morning was ulhered in, 
 with tolling all the bells in Portfmouth, New- 
 
 * Ratnfay, Vol. L p. t$. f Ibid. 
 H h 
 
2 5 o HISTORY OF 
 
 1765. Caftle, and Greenland. In the cour!~ of the day, 
 notice was given to the friends of Liberty to attend 
 her funeral. A coffin was- prepared, and neatly 
 ornamented, on the lid of which was infcribed the 
 word Liberty, m capitals, aged one hundred and 
 forty-five years, computing from the time of our 
 aneeftors landing in Plymouth. The funeral pro- 
 eeiiion began from the ftate-houfe, attended with 
 two unbraced drums^ While the inhabitants, \vho 
 followed the- coffin* we?e in- motion, minute guns 
 were fired, and continued till the corpfe arrived at 
 the place of interment,- Then an oration in favor 
 of the deceafed was pronounced. It was fcarcely 
 ended beiore the corpfe was taken up, it having 
 been perceived that fomc remains of life were left, 
 at which the infcription was immediately altered to 
 " Liberty revived." The bells fuddenly changed 
 their melancholy, for a more joyful found, and 
 fatisfaction appeared in- every countenance. The 
 whole was conducted with decency, and without 
 injury or infult to any man's perfon or property. 
 
 AT Rhode-Iiland, the runeral of liberty was at- 
 tended in a fimilar manner as in Portfmouth'* 
 
 THOUGH the itamp-acl was to have operated 
 from the iii of November, yet nioft departments 
 of bufmefs were conducted as ufual, the people 
 having formed the mod fpirited refolutions to riik 
 all confequences., rather than to ufe the paper re- 
 quired by law. Whilft thele matters vveie in agi- 
 tation, the colonifls entered mto afibciadons againft 
 importing B-ritifh manufactures, till the ftamp-a^l 
 
 * Eoflon Gazcf.'t, &V. 51, 1765, /. 2^ 
 
HE W-ENGL AND. 251 
 
 ftould be repealed. By thefe means they made it 1765. 
 the interefl of merchants and manufacturers, to 
 folicit in their favor. In order to remedy the de- 
 ficiency of Britilh goods, the colonifts applkd 
 themfelves =to a variety of domeftic manufactures^ 
 and foreign luxuries were generally difufed. 
 
 IN confequence of the rigid obfervance of thefe 
 Teflriclions, multitudes of artificers in .England 
 were reduced to great diftrefs, and fbme of tliek 
 mod flourifhing manufactures were, In a great 
 meafure, at a ftand. An affociation was entered 
 into, by many of thcfons of liberty > the name giv. 
 en to thofe, uho were oppofed to the ftamp-acT:, by 
 which they agreed " to march with the utmoft 
 expedition, at their own proper expence, and 
 with their whole force, to the relief of thofe, wha 
 fliould be in danger from the (lamp-acl, or from 
 its promoters and abettors, on account of any- 
 thing that may have been done in oppofition to 
 its obtaining." This was fubfcribed by fuch mul- 
 titudes in New- York and New-England, that no- 
 thing but a repeal could have prevented the imme- 
 diate commencement of a civil war.* 
 
 FROM the decided oppofition of the Americans 
 to the ftamp-acl, it became neceffary for Great- 
 Britain to enforce, or repeal it. Both methods 
 of proceeding had fupporters. The mod diftin- 
 guifhed advocates for the ooionifts were Lord 
 Camden, in the houfe of peers, and Mr. Pitt, in 
 the houfe of commons. The former, in energet- 
 ic language, declared, " My pofitiou is this, I re- 
 
 * Ratnjay, /V. I, p. Jl. 
 
* 5 * HISTORY OF 
 
 1765. peat it, I will maintain it to my lafl hour, taxation 
 and reprefentation are infeparable. This pofition 
 is founded on the laws of nature. It is more, it 
 Is itfelf an eternal law of nature. For whatever 
 is a man's own, is abfolutely his own. No man 
 has a right to take it from him without his confent. 
 Whoever attempts to do it, attempts an injury ; 
 whoever does it, commits a robbery." 
 
 MR. Pitt, with an original boldnefs of expref- 
 fion, juflified the colonifts in oppofmg the ftamp- 
 act. " You have no right," faid he, " to tax 
 America. I rejoice, that America has refilled. 
 Three millions of our fellow fubjecls fo loft to 
 every fenfe of virtue, as tamely to give up their 
 liberties, would be fit inftruments to make Haves 
 of the reft." He concluded with giving his ad- 
 vice, that the ftamp-aclt be repealed abfolutely 
 totally ', and immediately ; that the reafon for the 
 repeal be ailigned, that // was founded en an erro- 
 neous principle. ^ At the fame time," faid he, 
 " let the fovereign authority of this country, over 
 the colonies, be afferted in as flrong terms as can 
 be devifed, and be made to extend to every point 
 of legiflation whatfoever ; that ^e may bind their 
 trade, confine their manufactures, and exercife 
 every power, except that of taking their money 
 put of their pockets without theii confent." The 
 approbation of this illuftrious ftatefrnan infpired the 
 Americans with courage, apd emboldened them 
 at a future period, to refill the tyranny of Great- 
 Britain.* 
 
 * See Lifioftl* Eir 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 253 
 
 AFTER much debating, and two protefts in 1766* 
 the houfe of lords, and pafling an al called the 
 declaratory acl, for fecuring the dependence of 
 America on the parent country, the repeal of the 
 llanip-acl: was finally carried the 1 8th of March. 
 This event occafioned great joy in London. Ships 
 on the river Thames difplayed their colors, and 
 houfes were illuminated through the city.* 
 
 THE intelligence of the repeal of the (tamp-aft 
 was received in America with the moil lively 
 emotions of joy. The colonifts recommenced their 
 mercantile intercourfe with Great-Britain. Their 
 churches refounded with thankfgivings, and by 
 letters, addrefTes and other means, they .exhibit- 
 ed unequivocal marks of acknowledgment and 
 gratitude, 
 
 * Xam/aj, Vol. I. p. 73, 74. 
 
254 HISTORYOF 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 New pi an of rat/ing a revenue in America. Deter- 
 mined oppofition of the colonies. Their new im- 
 portation agreement. Arrival of the Britifh 
 troops. The parliament^ in an addrefs to the 
 king, applaud the meafurcs taken by the BritijJ} 
 ini\iiftry. In confequence of the non-importation 
 agreement, all the duties are repealed, excepting that 
 6n tea. MaJJacrs of the $th of March. Provi- 
 fion made in Great- Britain for rendering the gover- 
 nor and judges independent of the people. Burn- 
 ing of the Gafpce. Bifeovery of confidential let- 
 ters written by governor Hutchinfon and others to 
 leading characters in England. Committees of 
 correspondence revived. 
 
 T. 
 
 HE ftamp-aft was not repealed on 
 American principles. 1 he declaratory atl, \vhich 
 \vas f>afied previouily to its repeal, annulled the re- 
 folutions and ats of the provincial affemblies, in 
 \vhich they had aiTerted their right to exemption 
 from all taxes, not impoied by their own repre- 
 fentatives, and alfo enacted, " That the parliament 
 bad, and of right ought to have, power to bind the 
 colonies in all cafes whatfoever." 
 
 1767. AN American revenue .was ftill a favorite object 
 in Great-Britain, and they were defirous of carrying 
 their point without diiturbing the public tranqulli- 
 
N W - E N G L A N D. 255 
 
 ty. For this purpofe, Mr. Charles Townfend,May*3. 
 chancellor of the exchequer, brought into parlia- 
 ment a bill for granting duties in the Britifh colo- 
 nies, on glafs ? paper, painters* colors, and tea. The 
 bill for the new raxes was quickly paffed, and traiif- 
 mitted to America the fubfequent year. In order 1768. 
 to manage the revenue collected by thofe duties, 
 the chancellor brought in a bill for eftablifhmg a 
 cuftom-houie, and a board of commiflioners in 
 America, which alfo pafled into an at at the fame 
 time with the former. This board was placed at 
 Bodon, among a people, who, it is faid, " were of 
 all others, the moft jealous of infringements on 
 their privileges. 1 '* 
 
 THE minifter, who planned thefe duties, might 
 prefume, that they were too inconfiderable to give 
 any alarm. But the late difcuflions occafioned by 
 the (tamp-act, had produced among the colonifts, 
 not only an animated conviction of their exemp- 
 tion from parliamentary taxation, but a jealoufy of 
 fhe defigns of Great-Britain. They confidered 
 thofe fmall dudes as introductory to others, that 
 would be greater. It was now demonltrated by 
 feveral writers, particularly by Mr. Dickinfon, au- 
 thor of the Pennfylvania Farmer,! a judicious and 
 fpirited pamphlet, which had a rapid and exten- 
 five circulation through the colonies, that a fmall 
 tax, though more fpeclous, was equally dangerous 
 with the ftamp-adl, as it eftablifhed a precedent 
 which eventually annihilated American property."! 
 
 * Gordon., Vol Ip 214 216. '\ &e Farmtf's Letters, 
 J Ramfay, *L 1. p. 75-77- 
 
256 h I S T R Y O F 
 
 1768. 'tat- revenue act produced refolves, petition?. 
 
 ^<*j addrefles and remonft ranees, fimilar to thofe, with 
 \vhich the colonifts oppofed the ftamp-acr,. It alfo 
 gave rife to a fecond aiTocialion for fufpending far- 
 ther importation of Britifh manufactures, till thefe 
 offenlive duties fhould be taken off. Uniformity 
 
 Feb.n. in thefe nteafures was promoted by a circular Jet- 
 
 ^^ ter from the affembiy of Maftaehufetts, to the 
 fpeakei's of the other aifemblies. This flated the 
 oppofition they had made to the late duties, their 
 pernicious confequences, and requefted a free 
 communication on public affairs. Moil of the pro- 
 vincial aifemblies, as they had opportunities of de- 
 liberating on the fubjecl:, approved of the proceed- 
 ings of the MalTachufetts aiTembly, and adopted 
 fimilar methods to obtain redrefs.* 
 
 THE circular letter of the Maifachufetts aflembly 
 highly irritated the Britifh miniftry. Lord Hillf- 
 borough, fecretary to the American department, 
 wrote letters to the governors of the refpedive 
 provinces, urging them to exert their influence to 
 prevent the aflemblies from taking any notice of it ; 
 and he called on the MaiTachufetts affembly, to 
 relcind their proceedings on that fubject. 
 
 THE proportion for refunding was negatived 
 by a majority of ninety-two to feventeen* Upon 
 which the governor, as the fecretary had threaten- 
 ed, immediately diffolved the aiTernbly. 
 
 Jun- 10. THE public diffenfions at this period were greatly 
 
 increafed, on occafion of the feizure of Mr. Han- 
 
 , cock's floop Liberty, for not having entered all the 
 
 * Ram! ay, I'd 1. /. : 3> 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 257 
 
 Brines fhe had brought from Madeira. Thepopu- 1768. 
 larity of her owner, the name of the {loop, and the 
 general averfion to the board of com million ers, and 
 parliamentary taxation, concurred to inflame the 
 minds of the people* They refented the removal 
 of the Hoop from the wharf) as implying an appre* 
 henfion of a refcue. They ufed every method in 
 their power to interrupt the officers in the execu- 
 tion of their bufmefs, and numbers fwore they 
 would be revenged. Three of the commiflioners 
 efcaped with the utmoft hazard of their lives. 
 They attacked the houfes of the other commiffion* 
 ers, deftroyed the collector's boats, and obliged the 
 cuflom-houfe officers to take refuge in caflle Wil- 
 liam, fituated at the entrance of the harbor.* 
 
 THE conflant difagreement between the conimif- 
 fioners and the inhabitants of Bofton, induced the 
 friends of the American revenue to folicit the pro- 
 tection of a regular force, to be flattened in that 
 town. In compliance with their wifhes, his majef- 
 ty ordered two regiments, and fome armed vef- 
 fels, to repair thither, for fupporting and affifting 
 the officers of the cuftoms in the execution of their 
 duty.f 
 
 WHEN it was reported in Boflon that one or 
 more regiments were ordered thither, the inhabit- 
 ants of that town were exceedingly alarmed. A 
 town-meeting was called, and a committee appoint- 
 ed to requelt the governor to convene a general 
 affembly. He pofitively refufed to comply with 
 their requeft, till he received his majcfty's com- 
 
 t Pol. L p. 79. f Ibid, f. 80, 
 I Ji 
 
258 fl I 3 ? O R Y C$ F 
 
 1768. maud for that purpofe. In confeq-uence of his re- 
 Sep.i 3. fufal, fome fpirited refolutions were adopted. Ir* 
 particular, it was voted, that the fekct-men of Bof- 
 ton fhould wait on the {elect-men of other towns, 
 to propofe, that a convention be held of depu- 
 ties from each, to meet at Faneuil-hall, in Bo-fton-, 
 September 22. It was afterwards voted, " That 
 as there is appreheniion in the minds of many of 
 an approaching war with France, thofe inhabitants, 
 vho are not provided, be requefted to furniih them- 
 felves immediately with arms."* 
 
 NINETY-SIX towns, and eight diftri&s, agreed tb 
 this propofal, and appointed deputies to attend a 
 convention ; but the town of Hatfield refufed its 
 concurrence. When the deputies met, they dif- 
 claimed all legiilative authority, advifed the people 
 to pay the greateft deference to government, and 
 to wait patiently for a red refs of their grievances, 
 from his majefty^ wifdom and moderation. Hav- 
 ing flated to the world the caufes of their meeting, 
 and an account of their proceedings, they diflblved 
 themfelves, after a fnort fefiion, and returned to 
 their refpeclive places of abode. 
 
 WITHIN a day after the convention broke up, 
 the expeded regiments arrived, and were peaceably 
 received, contrary, as is fuppofed, to the wifhes 
 of thofe, who were inimical to American liberty. 
 That party, probably, hoped for an opportunity of 
 giving the Boftoniaus fome naval arid military cor- 
 rection. 
 
 1769. WHILST the Americans exhibited a determined 
 resolution to refifl the encroachments of arbitrary 
 
 Vol. /, 8l Gvrdon Vii. L , 22. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D, 259 
 
 power, the Britim miniftry appeared obflinately 1769. 
 bent upon fubverting their privileges. In Febru- ^^^ 
 ary, both houfes of parliament concurred in a joint 
 addrefs to his majefty, in whkh they applauded the 
 measures he had tafcen .; gave the flrongeft affuran- 
 ces that they would effectually fupport his govern- 
 ment in MaiTachufetts-Bay. Finally, they propof- 
 ed, the bringing of delinquents from Maffachufetts, 
 to be tried at a tribunal in Great-Britain.* 
 
 THE province of MaiTachufetts continued with 
 undaunted firmnefs to ailert their rights. The 
 other colonies followed their example ; and enter* 
 cd into a fimilar non-importation agreement. 
 
 THIS agreement had now lafted fome time, and 
 by degrees became general. In confequence of 
 which, the manufactures in Great-Britain experi- 
 enced a renewal of the didreifes, which followed 
 the adoption of fimilar refolutions in 1765. A re- 
 peal of thofe duties was, therefore, folicited by the 
 fame influence which had procured the repeal of the 
 ftamp-acl. The rulers of Great-Britain a&ed without 
 decifion. Though anxious to eftablifh parliamentary 
 fupremacy, yet they were afraid to ftem the torrent 
 of oppolition. At length they confented to repeal all 1770 
 the duties, impofed in 1767, excepting that of three 
 pence per pound on tea. 
 
 THE declarator y-acl, and the refervation of the 
 duty on tea, left the caufe of contention between 
 the two countries undecided. The Rationing a mil- 
 itary force in Maffachufe:ts was (as might be ex- 
 pecied) attended with ferious confequences. The 
 
 * Rarnty, JV. I. p. 82. 
 
26'o H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1770. royal army bad been taught to look upon the in- 
 habitants of that province as a factious turbulent 
 people, who aimed at renouncing all fubordina- 
 tion to Great-Britain; they, on the other hand, were 
 accuftomed to regard the foldiers as mftruments of 
 tyranny, fent on purpofe to deftroy their liberties.* 
 ON the 2d of March, an affray took place 
 near Mr. Gray's rope*walk, between a private 
 foldier of the 29th regiment, and an inhabitant of 
 Bofton ; the former was fupported by his com- 
 rades, the latter by the rope-makers, till feveral oil 
 both fides were involved in the confequences. On 
 the 5th, a more dreadful fcene enfued ; the king's 
 foldiers fired upon the mob, who were collected 
 to infult them, killed three, and dangerouily 
 wounded five of the number. The town was im- 
 mediately in commotion, and nothing but an en- 
 gagement to remove the troops, together with the 
 advice of moderate men, prevented the inhabit- 
 ants from falling on the foldiers. In order to exprefs 
 their indignation at this event, the killed were bu- 
 ried in one vault, in a moft refpeclful manner. 
 Captain Prefton, who commanded this party of 
 foldiers, was committed to prifon, and afterwards 
 tried. A Britifli author obferves on this occafion, 
 " Let it be remembered to the praife of Ameri- 
 can virtue, that on this trial, notwithftanding 
 popular prejudice and apprehenfion, the captain 
 and fix of his men were acquitted, two only 'being 
 found guilty of manfiaughter."t It appeared on 
 
 * Rarjfav, J'oL I p. zj 90. 
 
 '\ Htf of the American Revolution from tie Et!CjclopeJia t p \ 26* 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 261 
 
 the trial, that the foldiers were abufed, infulted, 1770. 
 threatened and pelted before they fired. It was 
 alfo proved, that only feven guns were fired by 
 the eighr prifoners. Thefe circumdances induced 
 the jury to make a favorable verdict. The refult 
 of this verdia refleaed great honor on John 
 Adams and Jonah Quincy, Efqrs. the prifoners' 
 council; gentlemen who had invariably devoted 
 the warmed zeal, and the mod fplendid talents, 
 to the caufe of freedom ; and alfo on the integrity 
 of the jury, who ventured to give an upright ver- 
 dici:, in defiance of popular opinions.* 
 
 THE confequences of this tragical event were 1771- 
 made fubfervient to important purpofes. Eloquent 
 orators were fucceffively employed to deliver an 
 annual oration on this occafion. Thefe orations 
 were expreffed in energetic language : and height- 
 ened the enthufiafm for liberty, which pervaded 
 the great body of the people, 
 
 AT this period, the inhabitants of MafTachufetts 
 were highly irritated, by the provision which was 
 made in Great-Britain, for paying the falaries of the 
 governor and judges by the crown, and thus ren- 
 dering them independent of the people. This was 
 rcfented as a dangerous innovation, as an infrao 
 tion of their charter, and as deftroying that balance 
 of power, which is efTential to free- governmem.f 
 
 WHILST the province of Maflachufetts was ac- 1772, 
 tive in refiding the encroachments made upon their 
 liberties, the inhabitants of Rhode-Ifland manifed- 
 ed a fimilar fpirit. The Gafpee, an armed 
 
 * Ram fay, l r oL I p. 91. f Ibid, 
 
262 rfl STORY OF 
 
 1772. fchooner, which had been ftat'oned at Providence, 
 x "'~ v ^' was burnt, and lieutenant Dudington, the com- 
 mander, was wounded by a party, who were exaf- 
 perated at the vigilance he had exhibited in the 
 execution of his office. A reward of five hun- 
 dred pounds, together with a pardon, if claimed 
 "by an accomplice, was offered by proclamation for 
 diicovering and apprehending any of the perfons 
 concerned ; but fo agreeable was this action to the 
 people, that not one man was found to accept the 
 offered reward.* 
 
 X 773. WHILST fucceffive irritations kept alive the con- 
 ^^ J tention between Great-Britain and the colonies, 
 a fpecies of warfare was carried on in MafTachu- 
 fetts, between the royal governors and provincial 
 afTemblies, and each watched the other with flrong 
 jealoufy and didruft. This year the public difturb- 
 anccs in that province, were greatly heightened by 
 a difcovery of foine confidential letters, written by 
 governor Hutchinfon, lieutenant-governor Oliver 
 and others, to leading characters in England, 
 complaining of the behavior of the province, re^ 
 commending vigorous meafures againil them ; af- 
 ferting that " there mujl be an abridgment of what 
 is called Britijh liberty ; and that there was a nc- 
 ceffity cf changing the chartered fyjlems of govern- 
 ment, to fe cure their obedience" Thefe letters fell 
 into the hands of Dr. Franklin, agent of Mauachu- 
 fetts, who tranfrnitted them to Bofton. The in- 
 dignation of the people was excited to fuch a de- 
 gree, that the houfe of aflembly difpatched a peti- 
 
 * Gordon, f r ol. I. p. 311, 312. 
 
N E W . E N G L A N D. 263 
 
 tion and remonftrance to the king, in which they 1773* 
 charged the governor and lieutenant-governor with 
 betraying their truft, and giving falfe information. 
 They aifo requefted their fpeedy removal from 
 their places, 
 
 THIS petition and remonftrance was tranfmitted 
 to England, and difcufTed before his majefty's pri- 
 vy-council. After an hearing before that board, 
 the governor and lieutenant-governor were acquit- 
 ted.* 
 
 IN order to cement a union among the colonies, 
 a committee of correfpondence was, at this event- 
 ful period, revived in Bofton, Connecticut, New- 
 Hampfhire and Rhode-lfland. This inftitution in- 
 creafed their refolution to refift the impofitions of 
 the Britirti miniftry. 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol. /. />. 92. Sie Speeches cf governor Hutckinfon 
 to the Council of MaffachuJgtts-Bay. 
 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 The Eaft-India company fend tea to America. The 
 tea thrown into the fca at Bojhn. Proceedings of 
 the Britijh "parliament. Lofton port-bill \ and other 
 arbitrary acts.. Meafures taken by Maffachnfetts 
 to cement the union of the colonies. General Gage 
 appointed governor and commander in chief. Con- 
 tributions raifedfor the dijireffes of Bojion. Gen- 
 erous behavior of Salem and Marblchead. Qppo- 
 fition of the -people to the new councilors. General 
 Gage fortifies Baft on neck. Of the fpirited behav- 
 
 . tor of Maffhchufetts. Thai province calls a prc- 
 widal congrefs. Of their proceedings. 
 
 A 
 
 T the period when the duties on, 
 glafs, paper, and painteis* colors were repealed 5 
 the only reafon affigned by the Britifh minifter 
 for retaining that on tea, was to fupport the par- 
 liament's right of taxation. The Americans, 
 therefore, to be confident with themfelves, in de- 
 nying their right, difcontinued the importation of 
 that commodity. The American merchants, how- 
 ever, found means of fupplying their countrymen 
 with this article, ! fmuggled from countries td 
 which the power of Britain did not extend.* 
 
 THE Eaft-India company, feeling the bad efFe&s 
 of the colonial fmugglhig trade, in the large quan- 
 tities of tea, which remained in their warehoufes 
 
 r oL /, p, 95, 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 265 
 
 unfold, requefted the repeal of the three pence per 1773. 
 pound in America ; and offered that, on its being 
 complied with, government mould retain fix pence 
 in the pound on the exportation. Thui the com- 
 pany prefented the happiefl opportunity, that could 
 have been offered, for honorably removing the 
 caufe of difference with America, without infring- 
 ing the claims on either fide. The minifter was 
 requefted and entreated, by a gentleman of great 
 weight in the company, and a member of parlia- 
 ment, to embrace this method; but it was oblti- 
 nateiy rejected* 
 
 NEW contrivances were fet on foot, to intro- 
 duce the tea, attended with the duty, into all the 
 colonies. Various intrigues and folicitations were 
 ufed to induce the Eaft-India company to under- 
 take this rafli and foolifli bufmefs. It was proteft- 
 ed againft, as contrary to the principle of the com- 
 pany's monopoly ; but the power of the miniftry 
 prevailed, and the infignificant duty of three pence 
 per pound on tea was doomed to be the fatal caufe 
 of contention between Great-Britain and her colo- 
 nies. 
 
 A BILL was palTed into an acl, for enabling the 
 Eaft-India company to export their own teas ; in 
 confequence of which they fent fix hundred chefls 
 of tea to Philadelphia, the like quantity to New- 
 York and to Boflon, befides what was configned 
 to other places. Several (hips were alfo freighted 
 for different colonies, and agents appointed for the 
 difpofal of the commodity.* 
 
 * Gordon , Vol. I p. 324, 325. 
 K k 
 
26S ft I STORY OF 
 
 1773, THE fir ft oppofition to the execution of tfee 
 ^^^ fcheme adopted by the Kail-India company, began 
 with the American merchants. They law a pro- 
 fitable branch of their tirade likely to be loft, and 
 the benefits of it to be transferred to people in 
 Great-Britain. They alfo felt for the wound, that 
 would be inflicted on their country's claim of ex- 
 emption from parliamentary taxation. The great 
 body of the people, from principles of the pufeft 
 patriotifm, were indnced to feconcl their wifhes. 
 They confidered the whole fchenie, as calculated 
 to feduce them into an acquiefcence with the views 
 of parliament, for railing an American revenue. 
 
 THE colonifts reaibned with themfelves, that as 
 the duty and the price of the eom-modity were in* 
 ieparably blended, if the tea was fold, every pur- 
 chafer would pay a tax imposed by the Britiih par- 
 liament. To obviate this evil, and to prevent the 
 liberties of a great country from being facrificed 
 by inconfiderate purchaiers, meaiures were uclopt- 
 ed to prevent tlie landing of their cargoes. The 
 tea confignees, appointed by the Eafl-India compa- 
 ny, were, in feveral places, compelled to idm~ 
 quiih their appointments, and no others could be 
 found who dared to aft in their capacity. The 
 pilots in the river Delaware were warned not to 
 conducl any of the tca-fhips into their harbor. 
 The whole cargoes of tea were returned from 
 New-York and Philadelphia, and that, which v,a? 
 fent to Charleflon, was landed and florcd, but 
 3iot offered for fale.* 
 
 * P.UK/ej, ViL /./. 9.7. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 2-67 
 
 IT was other wife in Mafiachufetts. The tea- 1773. 
 fliips, de figned for the fupply of Bofton, were con- ( *^ >r>J 
 figned to the fons. eoufms and particular friends 
 of governor Hutchinfon. When they were called 
 upon to refign, they anfw^red, " that it was out of 
 their power." The collector refufed to give a 
 clearance, unlefs the vefTels were difcharged of 
 dutiable articles. The governor refufed to give a 
 pafs for the veffels, unlefs properly qualified from, 
 the cudom-houfe. The governor likewife requefU 
 ed admiral Montague to guard the paffages out of 
 the harbor, and gave orders to fuffer no veffels, 
 coafters excepted, to pafs the fortrefs from the 
 town, without a pafs figned by himfelf. From g, 
 combination of thefe circumflances, the return of 
 the tea- veffels from Boflon, was rendered impoffiU 
 ble. The fons of liberty were apprehenfive that 
 if this article was landed and ftored, it would ob- 
 tain a fale ; and were induced to venture upon a 
 defperate remedy. About feventeen perfons, dref- 
 fed as Indians, repaired to the tea-ihips, broke 
 open three hundred and forty-two chelis, and, 
 without doing any other damage, difcharged their 
 contents into the water.* 
 
 INTELLIGENCE of thefe proceedings was, on 1774* 
 the 7th of March, communicated, in a meffagc 
 from the throne, to both houfes of parliament. 
 In this communication, the conduct of the colonifts 
 was reprefented as not only cbftrufting the com*- 
 rnerce of Great-Britain, but as fubverfive of its 
 conftitution. The meffage was accompanied with 
 
 t Vol. 1. p. 99. 
 
2 63 HISTORY OF 
 
 1774. a number of papers, containing copies and extracts 
 of letters from the feveral royal governors and 
 others, from which it appeared that the oppofition. 
 to the fale of the tea was not peculiar to MaiTa- 
 chufetts, but common to" all the colonies.* 
 
 IT was well known that the throwing of the tea 
 into the water did not originate with the perfons, 
 who were the immediate inftruments of that act of 
 violence ; that the whole had been concerted at 
 a public meeting ; and was, in a qualified fenfe, 
 the act of the town. The parliament of Great- 
 Britain were transported with indignation againft 
 the people of Boflon ; and confidered this a pro- 
 per moment for humbling them, and taking re- 
 venge for the oppofition, which they had long ex- 
 hibited againft their authority. 
 
 DISREGARDING the forms of her own conflitu- 
 tion, by which none are to be condemned unheard, 
 or punifhed without a trial, a bill was finally palled, 
 on the 1 7th day after it was firft moved for, by 
 which the port of Bofton was virtually blocked up ; 
 for it was legally precluded from the privilege' of 
 landing and difcharging, or of lading and (hipping 
 of goods, wares and merchandize. 
 
 SOON after a bill was introduced, " for the bet- 
 ter regulating the government of the MafTachufetts- 
 Bay." The purport of it was, to alter the conftitu- 
 tion of the province, to take the whole executive 
 power out of the hands of the democratic part, and 
 to veil the nomination of counfdlors, judges, and 
 magistrates of all kinds, including fheriffs, in the 
 
 * Ramfiy, Vol. I p. 101. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 269 
 
 crown, and in fome cafes in the king's governor j 1774. 
 and all to be remove-able at the royal pleafure.* 
 
 THE miniftry of Great-Britain were apprehen- 
 five that riots would take place in attempting the 
 execution of the above mentioned acts. A bill 
 was therefore paifed " for the impartial adminiftra- 
 tion of juftice in the cafes of perfons queftioned for 
 any acts done by them in the execution of the law, 
 or for the fuppreffion of riots and tumults in the 
 Maffachufetts-Bay." This bill provided, that in 
 cafe any perfon was indicted in that province for 
 muider, or any other capital offence, and it mould 
 appear to the governor, that the fact was commit- 
 ted in the exercife or aid of magistracy in fuppref- 
 fing tumults and riots, and that a fair trial could 
 not be had in the province, he mould fend the per- 
 fon fo indicted, to any other colony, or to Great- 
 Britain, to be tried.f 
 
 BEFORE the parliament concluded this memora- 
 ble feflion, they parTed an aft " for making more 
 effect ual provifion for the government of the pro* 
 vince of Quebec, in North- America. 5 * By this act, 
 the government of that province was made to ex* 
 tend fouthward to the Ohio, weftward, to the 
 banks of the MifTifippi, and northward, to the 
 boundary of the Hudfon's-bay company. The 
 principal objects of this act were, to form a legifla- 
 tive council for all the affairs of the province, ex- 
 cept taxation, which council mould be appointed 
 by the crown ; the office to be held during pleafure, 
 - and his majefly's Roman Catholic fubjects to be 
 
 * Gn-dja. Vol. I. p. 353. f Ram/ay, Vsl. L p. no, 
 
H I S T O 11 Y O F 
 
 f 774. entitled to a place therein ; to eftablifh the French 
 laws, and a trial without jury in civil cafes, and 
 the Englifh laws, with a trial by jury, in criminal ; 
 to fecure to the Roman Catholic clergy, except the 
 ^regulars, the legal enjoyment of their eftates, 
 and their tythes from all, who were of their religion. 
 No fooner were thefe opprefljve laws published 
 in America, than they cemented the union of the 
 colonies almoft beyond the poffibility of diflblving 
 it, and heightened the oppofition to the arbitrary 
 proceedings of the Britifh miniftry. Copies of a 
 vote, which the town of Boiton pafled, foon after 
 they received the news of the port-bill, to engage 
 the other colonies to flop all importation from 
 Great-Britain and the Weil-Indies, till the aft for 
 blocking up this harbor be repealed, were tranf- 
 mitted from (late to date. Pamphlets, eiTays, ad- 
 dreffes, and newfpaper diflertations, were daily 
 prefented to the public, proving that MafTachufetts 
 was fuflcring in the common caufe, and that inter- 
 eft and policy, as well as good neighborhood, re- 
 quired the united exertions of all the colonies, in 
 fupport of that much injured province.* 
 
 IN the three firft months, which followed the 
 (hutting up of the port of Bofton, the inhabitants 
 of the colonies, in hundreds of fmall circles, as 
 well as in their provincial affemblies and congrefles, 
 exprefled their abhorrence of the late proceedings 
 of the Britifh parliament againft Miiflachufetts, their 
 concurrence in the propofed meafure of appointing 
 deputies for a general congrefs, and tjieir willing- 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. L j>* 112, 113. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND, 271 
 
 nefs to do and fufFer whatever fhould be judged 1774. 
 conducive to the eftablifhment of their liberties. 
 
 WHILE the combination of the other colonies 
 to fupport Bofton was gaining ftrengtli, new mat- 
 ter of difTenfion daily took place in Maflachufetts. 
 The refolution for {hutting the port of Bofton, was 
 no fooner taken, than it was determined to order 
 a military force to that town-. General Gage, the 
 commander in chief of the royal forces in North- 
 America, was alfo fent thither in the additional 
 capacity of governor of Maflaehufetts. He arriv- 
 ed in Bofton on the third day after the inhabitants 
 received the firft intelligence of the Bofton port- 
 bill. Though the people were irritated by that 
 meafure, and though their republican jealoufy was 
 hurt by the combination of the civil and military 
 ,characler in one perfon, yet the general was re- 
 ceived with all the honors, which had been ufually 
 paid to his predeceilbrs. Soon after his arrival, 
 two regiments of foot, with a detachment of artil- 
 lery and fome cannon, were landed in Bofton. 
 Thefe troops were, by degrees, reinforced with 
 others from Ireland, New-York, Halifax and 
 Quebec.* 
 
 THE" governor announced, that he had the 
 king's particular command for holding the gener- 
 al court at Salem, after the'ift of June. When 
 that eventful day arrived, the aft for fhutting up 
 the port of Bofton commenced its operation. 
 This day was devoutly kept at Williamiburgh, in 
 Virginia, as a day of failing and humiliation. In, 
 
 Rwjay, VL If. 122, 
 
272 HIS T CRY O !>' 
 
 1774. Philadelphia, it was folemnized with every mani- 
 feftation of public calamity., It was obferved in 
 other places as a day of mourning. 
 
 THE inhabitants of Bofton, who had hitherto 
 lived in -affluence, were, by the bill for blocking 
 up their port, deprived of all means of fubfiftcnce. 
 They fuftained this fatal blow with inflexible forti- 
 tude ; and their' determination to perfift in the 
 fame line of conducl, which had been the occa- 
 fion of their fufferings, was unabated. 
 
 LIBERAL contributions for the diftrefles of the 
 Boftonians, had been raifed through America 5 
 and they were regarded as fufferers for the com- 
 mon caufe of liberty. The inhabitants of Salem, 
 in an addrefs to governor Gage, concluded with 
 thefe noble and dHinterefted expreflions : " By 
 /hutting up the port of Bofton, fome imagine that 
 the courfe of trade might be turned hither, and to 
 our benefit. But nature, in the formation of our 
 harbor, forbids our becoming rivals. in commerce 
 with that convenient mart ; and were it other wife, 
 we muft be dead to every idea of juftice, and loft 
 to all feelings of humanity, could we indulge 
 the thought of feizing on wealth, and railing 
 our fortunes on the ruins of our fullering neiuh- 
 
 O G 
 
 .bors."* 
 
 THE people of Marblehead generoufly offered 
 the merchants of Bofton the ufe of their harbor, 
 whaives, warehoufes, arid alfo their peribnal attend- 
 ance on the lading or unlading of their goods, 
 free from all expence. 
 
 * Rain fay ^ I'ol ],p* 123. Gordon. 
 
N E W - E N G L AN D. 273 
 
 THE-Boftonians were, by thefe meafurl,) encou- 17/4* 
 raged and fupported in their oppofition to Britim- 
 tyranny. Their committee of correfpondence ap- 
 prehended themfelves fo fixed in the good opinion 
 of the public, that they ventured to frame and pub* 
 liih an agreement entitled a folcmn covenant. The 
 fubfcribers of this bound themfelves to fufpend all 
 commercial intercourfe with Great-Britain, till the 
 late obnoxious laws were repealed, and the colony 
 of Maffachufetts reflored to its chattered rights.* 
 
 GEN. Gage attempted, in vain, to counteract 
 this plan by a proclamation, which declared it an 
 unlawful artd traitorous combination ; and threat- 
 ened all who fubfcribed or countenanced it with 
 penalties of legal profecution. 
 
 THE people continued to defend their privileges 
 with inflexible refolution. Several of the new 
 counsellors declined an acceptance of the appoint- 
 ment. Thofe who accepted were obliged to refign 
 their offices, in order to preferve their lives and 
 properties from the fury of the multitude. The new 
 Judges were rendered incapable of proceeding in 
 their official duty. Upon opening the courts, 
 the juries refufed to be fworn, or to act in any 
 manner, either under them, or in conformity to the 
 late regulations. In fome places, the people af- 
 fembled, and tilled the court-houfes and avenues to 
 them in fuch a manner, that neither the judges, 
 nor their officers could obtain entrance ; and upon 
 the fherifPs commanding them to make way for 
 
 * Ran fay, fat. I. J>. 127. 
 L i 
 
274 HISTORY OF 
 
 1774. the court, they anfwered, "that they krtew no 
 court independent of the ancient laws of their coun- 
 try, and to none other would they fubmit/' 
 
 THE proceedings and apparent difpofitions of 
 the people, together with the military preparations 
 which were daily made through the province, in- 
 duced General Gage to fortify the neck of land 
 which joins Bofton to the continent. He alfo feiz- 
 ed upon the powder which was lodged in the arfe- 
 nal at Charleftown.* 
 
 THIS excited a mod violent and uruverfal fer- 
 ment. Several thoufands of the people affembled 
 at Cambridge, and with difficulty were they ref- 
 trained from marching directly to Boilon, to de- 
 mand a delivery of the powder, with a refolution, 
 in cafe of refusal, to attack the troops. 
 
 THE people thus aflembled, proceeded to lieu- 
 tenant-governor Oliver's houfe, and to the houfes 
 of fever al of the new counfellors, and obliged 
 them to refign, and to declare that they would no 
 more act under the laws lately enacted. In the 
 confufioa of thefe tranfactions, a rumor was 
 fpread, that the royal fleet and troops were firing 
 upon the town of Bofton. This was probably de- 
 figned by the popular leaders on purpofe to afcer- 
 tain what afliftance they might expect from the 
 country, in cafe of extremities. The refult exceed- 
 ed their mod fanguine expectations. In lefs than 
 twenty-four hours there were upwards of thirty 
 thoufand men in arms, and marching towards the 
 Other rifmgs of the people took place m 
 
 *.. Ramjay t Pa/. I /. 127, 
 
NEW-EN GLAND, 275 
 
 different parts of the colony, and their violence was 1774- 
 fuch, that in a (hort time the new counfellors, the 
 commiflioneis of the cuftoms, and all who had 
 taken an a&ive part in favor of Great-Britain, were 
 obliged to fcreen themfelves in Bofton.* 
 
 ABOUT this period, the governor's company of 
 cadets, confiding of Bofton gentlemen, difbanded 
 themfelves, and returned him the ftandard he prefent- 
 ed to them upon his arrival ; on account of his de- 
 priving Mr. Hancock, who was colonel of the 
 corps, of his commiflion. A fimilar imtance alfo 
 occurred, upon a provincial colonel's acceptance 
 of a feat in the new council, in confequence of 
 which, twenty-four officers of his regiment refign- 
 ed their commiflions in one day.f 
 
 ABOUT this time, delegates from every town 
 and diftriclin the county of Suffolk, of which Bof- 
 ton is the (hire town, had a meeting, in which they 
 prefaced a number of fpirited refolves, with a ge- 
 neral declaration, " that no obedience was due 
 from the province to either, or any part of faid 
 afts, but that they mould be rejected, as the at- 
 tempts of a wicked adminiftration to enflavs 
 America. 
 
 GOVERNOR Gage had hTued writs for holding a 
 general aifembly at Salem ; but fi>bfequent events, 
 and the violence which every where prevailed, 
 made him think it expedient to counteract the 
 writs by a ^proclamation for fufpending the meet* 
 ing of the members. This meaiure, however, was 
 deemed illegal ; the affembly convened at Salem, 
 
 * Ramfay, fol. I. p. 128. f G<,rdon t Vol. /. p. 389. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1774. and, after waiting a day for the governor, voted 
 themielves into a piovincial congrefs, of which 
 Mr. Hancock was chofen prefident. A committee 
 was inftantly appointed, who waited on the gover- 
 nor,, with a remonftrance concerning the fortifica- 
 tions of Bofton neck. In the governor's reply, he 
 exprefted indignation at the idea that the lives, 
 liberties or property of the people could be endan- 
 gered by Englifh troops, and warned the aflembly 
 to defifl from their proceedings, which he filled il- 
 legal and unconditional.* 
 
 THE governor's admonitions were unavailing. 
 The provincial congrefs appointed a committee 
 to draw up a plan for the immediate defence of 
 the province. It was refolvcd to enlift a number 
 of the inhabitants under the name of minute-men^ 
 who were to be under obligations to turn out at a 
 minute's warning. Three general officers were 
 elected to command thefe minute-men and the mi- 
 litia, in cafe they fhould be called out into action. 
 A committee of fafety, and a committee of fup- 
 plies were appointed, The firfl was inverted with 
 an authority to ailemble the militia when they 
 thought proper, and were to recommend to the 
 committee of fupplies the purchafe of fuch articles 
 as the public exigencies required; (he lad were 
 limited to the itnall fuin of fifteen thoufand fix 
 hundred and twenty-feven pounds, fifteen /hil- 
 lings, fterling, which was all the money at firfl 
 voted to oppofe the power and wealth of Great- 
 Britain. Under this authority, and with thefe 
 
 * Ramfay, fol. I p. 129. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 277 
 
 means, the committees of fefety, and of fupplies, 1774. 
 acting in concert, laid in a quantity of ftoreSj. 
 partly at Worcefter, and partly at Concord. 
 
 AFTER a fhort adjournment, the fame congrefe 
 met again, and foon after reiblved to get in readi- 
 nefs twelve thoufand men, to acl on any emer^ 
 gency, and that a fourth part of the militia mould 
 be enlifted as minute-men, and receive pay. John 
 Thomas and William Heath were appointed gen- 
 eral officers. They alfo fent peribns to New- 
 Hampfaire, Rhode-Iiland and Conne&icut, to in- 
 form them of the meafures they had taken, and to 
 requeft their co-operation in collecting. an army of 
 twenty thoufand men. Committees from thefe fev- 
 eral colonies met, with a committee fiom the pro- 
 vincial congrefs of Mailachufetts, and fettled their 
 plans. The proper period of commencing oppo- 
 fition to General Gage's troops, was determined 
 to be, whenever they marched out with their bag- 
 gage, ammunition and artillery.* 
 
 THROUGHOUT this whole feafon, the provincial 
 congrefs exercifed all the femblance of govern- 
 ment which exiftcd in Mafiachufetts. From their 
 coincidence with the prevailing difpofition of the 
 people, their refolutions had the weight and ef-, 
 iicacy of laws. Under the fimple ftyle of recom- 
 mendations, they organized the militia, made or- 
 dinances refpeetmg public monies, and fuch fur- 
 ther regulations as were neceflary for preserving 
 order, and for defending themfelves againft th$ 
 Britifli troops. f 
 
 * Ramfay, Vgl 1. p> 130. f ^'^ 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1774- DURING thefe tranfadions in Maflachufetts, ef- 
 fectual meafures had been taken by the colonies 
 for convening a continental co'ngrefs, which was, 
 at this period, in feffion at Philadelphia. The 
 proceedings of this auguft affembly will be related 
 jn the fubfec>uent chapter^* 
 
NEW-ENGL ANB. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIH. 
 
 The continental congrefs convened at Philadelphia, Of 
 their proceedings. Meafures taken by the Britt/h 
 parliament. The colonies prepare for war. 
 
 HE meafures purfued by the Britlfh 1774. 
 miniftry for fubjeding America to parliamentary au- 
 thority, in all cafes whatever, united the twelve 
 colonies, from New-Hampfhire to South-Carolina, 
 mclufively, into a compacl body. Within four 
 months from the day in which the firft intelligence 
 of the Bofton port-bill reached America, the depu- 
 ties of eleven provinces had convened in Philadel- 
 phia, and in four days more, by the arrival of de- 
 legates from North-Carolina, there was a complete 
 reprefentation of twelve colonies, containing near- 
 ly three millions of people, dhTeminated over two 
 hundred and fixty thoufand fquare miles of territo- 
 ry. Some of the.- delegates were appointed by the 
 conflitutional afTemblies ; in other provinces, wher 
 they were embarrafied by royal governors, the 
 appointments were made in voluntary meetings of 
 the people.* 
 
 ONE half of the deputies which formed the congreft 
 tf 1774 lucre lawyers. Gentlemen of that pro* 
 fellion had acquired the confidence of the inhabit- 
 ants, by their exertions in the common caufe. The 
 previous meafures in the refpeclive provinces had 
 
 * Rarnjaj, Vol. </. ^ 133. 
 
2 So HIS T CRY O F 
 
 1774. been planned and carried into effect, more by law* 
 yers than by any other order of men. The novelty 
 and importance of this afiembly excited univerfai 
 attention ; and their tranfadions rendered them 
 truly refpeclable. "Perhaps," lave Dr. Ramfay, 
 " there never was a body of delegates more faithful 
 to the intcrefls of their conftituents than the con- 
 grefs of 1/74. The public voice elevated none to 
 a feat in that augufk arlembly, but luch as, in addi- 
 tion to confiderable abilities, porTeiTed that afcend- 
 ency over the minds of their fellow citizens, which 
 can neither be acquired by birth, nor purchafed by 
 wealth." 41 
 
 ON the meeting of co-ngrefs, they chofe Peyton 
 Randolph their prefident, and Charles Thompfoa 
 their fecretary. They agreed, as one of their rules 
 of doing bufmefs, that no entry fhould be 
 made on their journals of any propofuions difcuiled 
 before them, to which they did not finally aiient.f 
 
 THE Suffolk refolutions were tranfmitted to 
 congrefs, after which that affembly unanimoufly re- 
 folved, that " they mod thoroughly approved the 
 wifdom and fortitude with which opposition to 
 xvicked minifterial mealures had been hitherto con- 
 ducted in MafTachufetts, and recommended to them 
 perieverance in the fame firm and temperate con- 
 dud." 
 
 IN their fubfequent refolutions they declared, 
 " that if the late acts of parliament ihall be at- 
 tempted to be carried into execution by force, . all 
 America ought to fuppoit the inhabitants of Tsbi' 
 
 * Ran/ay, Vol. I. />. i ;r -J- Hid, p. 134. 
 
NE W-EN GLAND. 28: 
 
 fachufetts-Bay in their oppofuion : that, if it be 1774. 
 found abfolutely necefTary to remove the people of 
 Bofton into the country, all America ought to con- 
 tribute toward recompenfmg them for the injury 
 they may fuftain: and that every perfon, who fhall 
 accept or act under any commulion or authority de- 
 rived from the act of parliament, changing the 
 form of government, and violating the charter, 
 ought to be held in deteftation." 
 
 CONGRESS next addreffed a letter to General 
 Gage, in which, having dated the grievances of the 
 people of Maflachufetts colony, they informed him 
 of the unalterable determination of all the other 
 provinces to fupport their brethren, and to cppofe 
 the Britifh acts of parliament ; that they themfelves 
 were appointed to watch over the liberties of Ame- 
 rica. They entreated him to defifl from military 
 operations, left hoftilities might be brought on, and 
 fr uft rate all hopes of reconciliation with the parent 
 ftate. 
 
 CONGRESS, foon after their meeting, agreed up- 
 on a declaration of their rights. Thefe they fum- 
 med up in the privileges belonging to Englifhmen. 
 They declared, " that the foundation of Engliih 
 liberty, and all free government, was a right in the 
 people to participate in their legiflative council, and 
 that as the Englifli colonifts were not, and could 
 not be properly reprefented by the Britifh parlia- 
 ment, they were entitled to a free and exclufivc 
 power of legiflation in their feveral provincial legif- 
 latures, in all cafes of taxation and internal polity, 
 M m 
 
232 H I 8 T O R Y O F 
 
 1 774. fubjeift only to the negative of their fovereignJ" They 
 then run the line, between the fupremacy of par. 
 liament, and the independency of the colonial le- 
 giilatures, by provisos and reflri&ions, in the fol- 
 k>wing words-. 6S But from the neceflky of the cafe, 
 a regard to the mutual interefls of both countries, 
 we cheerfully confent to the operation of fuch acls 
 of the Britiili parliament, as are bmajide, retrained 
 to the regulation of our external commerce, for the 
 purpofe of fecuring the commercial advantages of 
 the whole empire to the mother country, and the 
 commercial benefits of its refpe&we members, ex- 
 cluding every idea of taxation, internal and exter- 
 nal, for raifing a revenue on the fubjects in Ameri- 
 ca, without their confent."* 
 
 THEY proceeded y in behalf of theinfelves and 
 conftituents, to infill on the foregoing articles as 
 their indisputable rights, \vhich could not be legal- 
 ly taken from them, altered, o? abridged by any 
 power whatever, without their confent, by their 
 reprefentatives, in their feveral provincial legifla- 
 tures. 
 
 CONGRESS then refolved, that fimdry acls of par- 
 liament are infringements and violations of the 
 lights of the cokmifls ; and that the repeal of them 
 is elTentially necefifary, in order to reflore harmony 
 between Great-Britain and the American colonies. 
 The Canada aft, they particularly pointed out, as 
 being extremely inimical to the colonies, by \vhofe 
 afTiflance it had been conquer ed.f 
 
 * Extrafl from the proceedings of tie. continental cwgrfp, :. S 
 -J- Rwfay, VoL 1. p. 1 40. 
 
N E W- E N G L-A N D. 283 
 
 THEY then entered into an afibciation, by which 1774- 
 
 they bound therafelves and their conftituents, to 
 difcontinue the importation of Britim goods, till the 
 late obnoxious a&s of parliament were repealed. 
 
 THEIR next proceedings were to frame a peti- 
 tion to the king, an addrefs to the Britim nation, to 
 the colonies, and to the French inhabitants of Can- 
 ada. A Brkifh author obferves, that, " thofe pa- 
 pers were executed with uncommon energy and 
 addrefs ; and in vigor of fentiment, and the nerv- 
 ous language of patriotifm, would not have di. 
 graced any affeinbly, that ever exifted."* 
 
 CONGRESS having finifhed their deliberations im 
 lefs than eight weeks, dhTolved themfelves, after 
 giving their opinion, " That another congrefs 
 fliould be held on the i cth of May next enfuing, 
 at Philadelphia, unlefsthe redrefs of their grievances 
 fhould be previoufiy obtained." 
 
 THE refolutions of the continental congrefs 
 wereJancliened with the univerfal approbation of 
 the provincial congrefs and fubordinate commit- 
 tees, which were every where inflituted ; and infli- 
 tutions were formed under their direction, to car- 
 ry their refolves into efFetl.f 
 
 THE congreflional proceedings reached Great- 1775. 
 Britain foon after the new parliament was conven- 
 ed. The fpeech from the thione, at the meeting 
 of parliament, reprefented the conduct of the 
 Americans, particularly the inhabitants of MafTa- 
 chufetts-Bay, in the mod atrocious light. A ma- 
 jority of both houfes were refolved to compel the 
 
 * See tbefe addreffet in the proceedings of congrefs + See Life of 
 the Ear { of Chatham, } Rarnfay, VoLI. p t l$Q. 
 
2 3 4 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1775. colonies to obe.disnce ; but a refpeclable minority 
 ( ^^ J in their favor were ftrongly feconded by the mer- 
 chants and manufacturers through the kingdom, 
 and particularly by thofe of London and Briftol. 
 
 LORD Chatham zealoufly efpoufed the caufe of 
 the Americans ; and exerted his unrivalled elo- 
 quence in the houfe of lords, in order to diiTuade 
 his countrymen from attempting to fubjugate them 
 by force of arms. lie introduced the fubject with 
 fome general obfervations on the importance of 
 the American conteft. He enlarged on the danger- 
 ous events that were coming on the nation, in con- , 
 loquence of- the prefent difpute. He arraigned the 
 conduct of the minifters with great feverity ; re- 
 probated their whole fyftem of American politics; 
 and moved that an addrefs be prefented to his 
 majefty, moil humbly to advife and befeech him to 
 difpatch orders to General Gage, to remove his 
 majefly's forces from the town of Bofton. His 
 loidihip f upper ted this motion in a pathetic and 
 animated fpeech j but it was rejected by a great 
 majority.* 
 
 THE petitions from the Englifli merchants were 
 prefented, arid configned to what the oppofuion 
 termed, the committee of oblivion. 
 
 A PETITION was offered by Mr. Bollan, Dr. 
 Franklin and Mr. Lee, three American agents, 
 fetting forth, that they were authorized by the 
 American continental ccngrefs, to prefent a peti- 
 tion from the congrefs to the king ; which his 
 majefty had referred to that houfe. They were 
 
 * Ram/ay, VvL J. p. 157, 
 
N E W E N G L A N D. 
 
 enabled, they laid, to throw great light upon the 1775 
 fubjed ; and prayed to be heard at the bar in fup- 
 port of it. Their application was treated with the 
 utmoft indifference and contempt. The motion 
 for receiving the petition was rejected by a large 
 majority** 
 
 LORD Chatham perfevered in the profecution of 
 his conciliatory fcheme with America, and accord- 
 ingly brought into the houfe of lords the outlines 
 of a bill, which he hoped would anfwer that falu- 
 tary purpofe, under the title of " A provifional 
 act for fettling the troubles in America, and for af- 
 ferting the fupreme legiflative authority, and fuper- 
 intending power of Great-Britain over the colonies/* \ 
 
 THIS bill legalized the holding a congrefs in 
 the enfuing May, for the double purpofe of recog- 
 nizing the fupreine legiilative authority, and fuper- 
 intending power of parliament over the colonies, 
 and for making a free grant to the king, his heirs 
 and fucceffors, of a certain and perpetual revenue, 
 fubjet to the difpofitions of parliament, and appli- 
 cable to the alleviation of the national debt. On 
 thefe conditions, it retrained the powers of the 
 admiralty courts to their ancient limits, and with- 
 out repealing, fufpended for a limited time, thofe 
 acts, which had been complained of by congrefs. 
 It propofed to place the judges in America on the 
 fame footing, as to holding their falaries and of- 
 fices, with thofe in England, and fecuring to the 
 colonies all the privileges,' franchifes and immuni- 
 
 * G-)rdon % Vol. /, p 451. Lendrum, Vol. 1. p. 329. 
 f Scf Lift of the Earl of Cbalham, p 228 230. 
 
286 HISTORY OF 
 
 1775. ties, granted by their feveral charters and confti- 
 tutions. His lordihip introduced this plan with 
 a fpeech, in which he explained and fupported 
 every part of it, in energetic language. The 
 plan propofed by Lord Chatham was rejected by 
 a majority of 64 to 32, and without being admit- 
 ted to lie on the table,* 
 
 AFTER long and warm debates, and one or 
 two protefls, the minifterial plans were carried 
 by great majorities. In confequence thereof, on 
 the 9th of February, a joint addrefs from both 
 lords and commons was prefented to the king, in 
 which " they returned thanks for the communica- 
 tion of the papers relative to the (late of the Brit- 
 }(h colonies in America, and gave it as their opin- 
 ion, that a rebellion actually exifted in the prov- 
 ince of Maffachufects, and befeeched his majefty 
 that he would take the mod effectual meafures to 
 enforce clue obedience to the laws and authority 
 
 j 
 
 of the iupreme legiflature, and begged in the mod 
 foleran manner to allure him, that it was their 
 fixed refolution, at the hazard of their lives and 
 properties, to fupport his majefty in the mainten- 
 ance of the jufl rights of the crown, and the two 
 houies of parliament."! 
 
 SOON after this addrefs, the New-England cole- 
 nies were prohibited, by an act of parliament, 
 from carrying on any fifhery on the banks of 
 Newfoundland ; and they were reft rained from 
 any trade to Great-Britain, Ireland, and the Brit- 
 iiri iilands in the Weil-Indies. The reafons afiign- 
 
 * Ramjay, Vol. I. p. 151, 152, 153. i Ibid, p. 157. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 287 
 
 ed by Lord North for extending this bill to New- 1775 
 Hampfhire, Connedkut and Rhode-Ifland, were, 
 that they had aided and abettld their offending 
 neighbors, and were fo near to them, that the iu- 
 tentions of parliament would be fruftrated, unlefs 
 they were comprehended in the propofed reftraints.* 
 THE fifhery bill was fpeedily followed by an- 
 other, for retraining the trade and commerce of 
 the colonies and provinces of New-Jerfey, Penn- 
 fylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South-Carolina* 
 The reafons affigned for this were fimilar to thole, 
 which were offered for retraining the trade of the 
 New-England colonies. 
 
 A RE SEE c TABLE minority in parliament con- 
 tinued to oppofe thefe oppreilive acts ; and in the 
 courfe of the debates, Lord North introduced a 
 conciliatory proportion, permitting each colony 
 feparately to offer a certain income to government, 
 which mould be raifed by the authority of the 
 general afiemblies of the colonies ; and which, if 
 approved, might be accepted in lieu of a parlia- 
 mentary revenue. When this plan was tranfmit- 
 ted to America, it was univerfally rejected. 
 
 As matters had proceeded fo far, as to preclude 
 all hopes of accommodation with Great-Britain, 
 the New-England colonies were affiduous in pre- 
 paring for war. The diftrud and animofity be- 
 tween the people and the army Rationed in Bcf- 
 ton increafed. From every appearance it became 
 daily more evident, that arms mud ultimately de- 
 cide the conteft.f 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vd 1. p- 159. f lbid t p. 
 
288 H i S T O R Y O F 
 
 177^. DR. Rarnfay remarks, that cs it was a fortu- 
 nate circumftance for tht colonies, that the royal 
 army was ported in New-England. The people ot 
 that northern country have their paffions more un- 
 der the command of reafon and intereft, than in 
 the fouthern latitudes, where a warmer fun ex- 
 cites a greater degree of irafcibility. One ram of- 
 fenfive action againfl the royal forces, at this ear- 
 ly period, though fucccfsful, might have done 
 great mifchief to the caufe of America. It would 
 have lofl them European friends, and weakened 
 the difpofition of the other colonies to affift them. 
 The patient and the politic New-England-rnen, 
 fully fenfible of their fituation, fubmitted to many 
 infults, and bridled their refentment. In civil 
 wars or revolutions, it is a matter of much confe- 
 quence who ftrikes the firil blow. The compaf- 
 fion of the world is in favor of the attacked, and 
 the difpleafure of good men on thofe, who are the 
 firfl to embrue their hands in human blood. For 
 the fpace of nine months after the arrival of Gen, 
 Gage, the behavior of the people of Bollon is par- 
 ticularly worthy of imitation, by thofe, who wiih 
 to overturn eilabliihed government. They con- 
 dueled their oppofuion with exquifite addrefs. 
 They avoided every kind of outrage and violence, 
 preferving peace and good order among them- 
 felves,- fuccefsfully engaged the other colonies to 
 make a common caufe with them, and counter*- 
 aded General Gage fo eiTeclually, as to prevent 
 his doing any thing for his royal mailer, while by 
 
NE W-E N GL AND. 383 
 
 patience and moderation they fereened themfelves 17 75 
 from cenfure. Though refolved to bear as long as 
 prudence and policy dictated, they were all the 
 time preparing for the lad extremity. They 
 were furnifhing themfelves with arms and ammu- 
 nition, and training their militia."* 
 
 ON the 26th of February, General Gage, hav- 
 ing received intelligence that fome military (lores 
 were depofited in Salem, difpatched a party to 
 feize them. Their road was obftru&ed by a river, 
 over which was a draw-bridge. This the people 
 had pulled up, and refufed to let down ; upon 
 which the foldiers feized a boat to ferry them over ; 
 but the people cut out her bottom. Hoflilities 
 would immediately have commenced, had it not 
 been for the interpofition of a clergyman,! who 
 reprefe.nted to the military, on the one hand, the 
 folly of oppofmg fuch numbers ; and to the people, 
 on the other, that, as the day was far fpent, the 
 military could not execute their defign, fo that 
 they might without any fear leave them the pof- 
 fefiioa of the draw-bridge. This was complied 
 with ; and the foidiers, after having remained for 
 fome time at the bridge, returned without executing 
 their orders.]; 
 
 IN this alarming fituation of affairs, the colonies 
 in general were making preparations for hoftilities \ 
 and the inhabitants of the MaiTachufetts province 
 ufed every device for conveying fafely from Bofton 
 into the country, ail kinds of military articles, 
 which might be wanted in the expected war. 
 
 * flaw/ay, Vol. I p. 187. f Rev. Tbomat 
 J GarJo.1, y^ /. p, 407. 
 
 N n 
 
IIISTQRY OF 
 
 IN reviewing the difpute between Great-Britain 
 and America, which for fourteen years was con- 
 dueled by the pen, or at mofl by affociations, and 
 legi'flative acts, we are led to admire the determined 
 refplution, with which the colonies refilled every en- 
 croachment on their privileges. Many of the pro- 
 ductions of that period difcover great energy of 
 mind, and political information ; and it ought to 
 be remembered, to the honor of the Americans, 
 that, whilil they made a fpirited oppofition to the 
 arbitrary views of Britain, their finnnefs was blend. 
 ed with prudence and moderation. Their fagaci- 
 ty alfo in difcovering defigns againft their liberties, 
 before they were fully developed, is greatly to be 
 admired. It has been juftly obferved, that " the 
 a-nnnls of other nations have produced inftances 
 of fuccefsful druggies againft a yoke previouily im- 
 pofed ; but the records of hiftory do not furnifh an 
 example of a people, whofe penetration had an- 
 ticipated the operations of tyranny ; and whofe 
 fpirit had difdained to fufFer an infringement upon 
 their liberties."* 
 
 * Set- John ^ Adam? Oration, July 4, 1793, p. JO, - 
 
WE W-ENGL AJtJD. 49* 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 The commencement of hoftilitles at Lexington. Cen- 
 tral Gage receives the arms of the inhabitants of 
 B oft on -falls in bis engagement. B oft on hive/led 
 by a provincial army. Public faft. Ticonderogz 
 and Crown-Point taken. Reinforcements arrive 
 from Great-Britain. Bunkers-hill battle. Burn- 
 ing of Charleftown, and death of General Warren* 
 
 HE important sera, at length, ar- 1775* 
 rived, in which the Americans had no alternative, 
 but to fubmit to the impofitions of arbitrary pow- 
 er, or refer their caufe to the decifion of arms. 
 
 STORES had been depofited at Worcefter andApr.iS. 
 Concord, for the fupport of the provincial army* 
 To the latter of thofe places, which was about 
 twenty miles from Bofton, General Gage fent a 
 detachment of Britim troops, in order to deftroy 
 the (tores, and, as was reported, to feize Mr. 
 Hancock and Mr. .Samuel Adams, leading charac- 
 ters in the oppofition.* 
 
 THE general wifhed to accomplifh his defign 
 without blood(hed, and planned the expedition 
 with the greateft fecrecy, to prevent the country 
 from being alarmed. At eleven o'clock at night, 
 eight hundred grenadiers and light infantry, the 
 flower of the royal army, embarked at the com- 
 nion, landed at Phipps' farm, and marched for 
 
 * Rax/ay, Vd. 1. p> 187. 
 
2 9 2 HIS TO R Y OF 
 
 17715. Concord, under the command of lieut. col. Smith, 
 The utmoft precaution could not prevent intelli- 
 gence of thefe movements from being uanfmhted 
 to the country militia. 
 
 ABOUT two in the morning, 130 of the Lex. 
 ington militia had affembled to oppofe them ; but 
 the air being chilly, and intelligence refpecling the 
 regulars uncertain, they were difmifled, with or- 
 ders to appear again at beat of drum. About 70 
 collected a fecond time, between four and five o* 
 clock in the morning, and the Britifh troops foon 
 after made their appearance. Major Pitcairn, who 
 led the advanced corps, rode up to them, and 
 called out, <c difperfe, you rebels ; throw down 
 your arms and difperfe/' They dill continued in 
 a body, on which he advanced nearer, difcharged 
 his piftol, and ordered his foldiers to fire. This 
 was ddhe with a huzza. A difperfion of the mi- 
 litia was the confequence ; but the firing of the 
 regulars was, neverthelefs, continued. Individu- 
 als, finding they were fired upon, though difpeif- 
 ing, returned the fire. Three or four of the mi- 
 litia were killed on the green. A few more were 
 killed, after they had begun to difperfe. The 
 royal detachment proceeded to Concord., and ex- 
 ecuted their commiflion. They difabled two twen- 
 ty-four pounders, threw five hundred pounds of 
 ball into rivers and wells, and broke in pieces 
 about fixty barrels of flour. 
 
 MR. John Butterickj major of a minute regi- 
 ment, not knowing what had pafled at Lexington, 
 ordered his men not ro enve, the firft iire 3 that 
 
NEW-ENGLAND, 293 
 
 they might not be the aggrefibrs. Upon his ar> 1775. 
 preaching near the regulars, they fired and kil- 
 led capt. Ifaac Pavis, and one private of the pro- 
 vincial minute-men. The fire was returned, and 
 a {kirmifh enfued. The king's troops having done 
 their bufinefs, began their retreat towards Bofton. 
 This was conduced with expedition, for the in- 
 habitants of the adjacent towns had aifembled in 
 arms, and began to attack them in every direc- 
 tion. In their return to Lexington, they were 
 exceedingly annoyed, both by thofe, who prefifed 
 on the rear, and others who poured in from all 
 fides, and fired from behind ftone-walls, and fuch 
 like coveits, which fupplied the place of lines 
 and redoubts.* 
 
 AT Lexington the Britifh were joined by a de-r 
 tachment of 900 men, under Lord Percy, who had 
 been fent out by General Gage to fupport lieut. coU 
 Smith. This reinforcement, having two pieces of 
 cannon, awed the provincials, and kept them at a 
 greater diftance ; but they continued a conftant, 
 though irregular and fcattering fire, which did great 
 execution. The clofe firing from behind the walls, 
 by good markfmen, put the royal troops in no 
 finall confufion ; but they neverthelefs kept up a 
 briik retreating file on the militia and minute-men. 
 
 A JLITTLE after funfet the regulars reached 
 Bunker's-hill, worn down with exceflive fatigue, 
 having marched that day between thirty and for- 
 ty miles. On the next day they returned to Bof- 
 ton, acrois Charlcftcwn ferry. 
 
 * Ramjty, Vol. L f. 1 89. 
 
?94 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1775. THERE never were more than 400 provincials 
 engaged at qne time, and often not fo many. As 
 feme tired and gave out, others came up and took 
 their places. There was fcarcely any difcipline 
 obferved among them. Officers and privates fired 
 when they were ready, and law a royal uniform, 
 without waiting for the word of command. Their 
 knowledge of the country enabled them to gain 
 opportunities, by eroding fields and fences, and 
 to act as Hanking parties againfi the king's troops, 
 who kept to the main road. 
 
 THE Britifh had 65 killed, 180 wounded, anc} 
 28 made prifoners. Of the provincials 50 were 
 killed, and 38 wounded and miffing. Dr. Ram- 
 iay remarks, cc as arms were to decide the con- 
 troverfy, it was fortunate for the Americans that, 
 the firft blood was drawn in New-England. The 
 inhabitants of that country are fo connected with 
 each other by defcent, manners, religion, politics, 
 and a general equality, that the killing of an in- 
 dividual interefted the whole, and made them 
 confuier it as a . common caufe. The blood of 
 thofe, who were killed at Lexington and Concord, 
 proved the firm cement of an extenfive union."* 
 
 To prevent the people in Bofton from joining 
 their countrymen in the vicinity, in an attack 
 which was threatened, General Gage agreed with 
 a committee of the town, that upon the inhabit- 
 ants lodging their arms in Faneuil-hall, or any- 
 other convenient place, under the care of the fe- 
 lect-men, all, who were inclined, .'might remove 
 
 * Ramfy> fr'ol. 1. p. 189. See alfo Gordon. 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. 295 
 
 \viththeirfamiliesand effects. A large number 2775. 
 complied with the condition ; and the agreement 
 was punctually obferved at firft, but, in a fhort 
 time, the general detained many ; and when' he 
 admitted the departure of others, he would not al- 
 low them to remove their families and efFecb. 
 The feparation of near and dear connexions occa- 
 fioned many dillrefling fcenes. The provincial 
 congrefs in vain remonftrated on the infraction of 
 the agreement. He was in fame meafure com- 
 pelled to adopt this difhonorable expedient,, from 
 the clamor of the tories, who alledged, that whea 
 the enemies to the Britifh government were re- 
 moved, and were all fafe with their families and 
 effects, the town would be fet on fire. 
 
 THE provincial congrefs of MafTachufetts, which 
 \vas in feflion at the time of Lexington battle, dif- 
 patched an account of it to Greaf -Britain, accom- 
 panied with many depositions to prove, that the 
 Britifh troops were the aggreffors. They alfo made 
 an addrefs to the inhabitants of Great-Britain, in 
 which, after complaining of their fufferings, they 
 declare the attachment they dill feel for their fove- 
 reign ; they appeal to heaven for the juftke of their 
 caufe, and aflert their determined refolution to, die or 
 be free.* 
 
 THE congrefs alfo voted, that an army of 30,000 
 men be immediately raifed ; that 13,600 be of 
 their own province, and that a letter and dele- 
 gates be fent to the feveral colonies of Nevv-IIamp- 
 fliire, Connecticut and Rhode-lfland. In coufe* 
 
 * Rumjajt Voi L p. 191. 
 
296 H I S T O ft Y O F 
 
 1775. q aer *c e of this vote, the bufmefs of recruiting was 
 began, and an army raifed fuperior in number to 
 that of the Britifh. The command of this force 
 ,\vas given to General Ward, 
 
 THE battle at Lexington fpread the flame of 
 civil difcord through the colonies. The martial 
 fpirit mown by the American militia on this occa- 
 iion, afforded matter of exultation. Dr. Ramfay 
 remarks, " that perhaps in no fubfequent engage- 
 ment did the Americans appear to greater advan- 
 tage than in their firft eflay at Lexington, It is 
 almofl without parallel in military hiftory, for the 
 yeomanry of the country to come forward in a {in- 
 gle disjointed manner, without order, and for the 
 mod part without officers, and by an irregular fire 
 to put to flight troops equal in difcipline to any in 
 the world."* 
 
 THE fpirits of the people were raifed to that de- 
 gree, that they meditated a total expulfion of the 
 Britifh troops from Boflon. An army of 20,000 
 men was aifembled, who formed a line of encamp- 
 ment from Roxbury to My flic ; and here they 
 were foon after joined by a large body of Connec- 
 ticut troops, under General Putnam, an old officer 
 of great bravery and experience. By this formida- 
 ble force, was the town of Bofton blocked up. 
 General Gage, however, had fo ftrongly fortified it, 
 that the provincials, powerful as they were, duril 
 not make an attack ; while, on the other hand, 
 his force was by far too infignificant to meet fuch 
 an army in the field.! 
 
 t -fol. I ; igc f 4 v- -V^w. fa/. V . f. 2X, 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 297 
 
 THE forces, which had been collected in Maffa- 177$* 
 chufetts, were (lationed in convenient places for 
 guarding the country from further excursions of 
 the regulars from Bofton. Breaft-works were al- 
 fo erected, in different places, for the fame purpofe* 
 Some fkirmifhes, in the mean time, took place on 
 the iflands lying off Bofton harbor, which, by 
 habituating the Americans to danger, were of real 
 fervice to their caufe.* 
 
 .AT the fame time that the organization of an 
 army was refolved on by the continental congrefs, 
 a public fafl was recommended to be obferved on 
 the 2oth of July, throughout the united colonies, 
 " a day of humiliation, fading and prayer to Al* 
 mighty God, to implore a bleffing on their rightful 
 fovereign, King George ; and that the Britiih na- 
 tion, before it was too late, might form juft ideas 
 of their real intereft. That, by the gracious in- 
 terpofition of Heaven, America might obtain a re- 
 drefs of her various grievances, a reftoration of 
 her invaded rights, and a reconciliation with the 
 parent (late, on terms conftitutional and honorable 
 to both countries."! 
 
 THE clergy of New-England, who were a nu- 
 merous, learned and refpectable body, in their 
 prayers and fermons, reprefented the caufe of Ame- 
 rica as the caufe of heaven ; and their exertions 
 in the public caufe were important and effectual. 
 
 THE neceflity of fecuring Ticonderoga, was ear- 
 ly attended to, by many in New-England ; but 
 fome Connecticut gentlemen were ftrft in attempt-* 
 
 * Ram/ay, Pol. L p. 200. f IbiL 
 O o 
 
MISTO R Y OF ' 
 
 Ing the meafure. Col. Arnold was fent from Con- 
 necticut, to engage the people on the New-Hamp- 
 (hire grants upon this expedition. Col. Ethan 
 Allen, of Bennington, undertook to raife a body of 
 troops for that purpofe. General Gage had fet 
 the example of attempting to feize upon military 
 {tores, and by fo doing had commenced hoftiliries j 
 retaliation, therefore, feemed warrantable. 
 
 COL. Allen was at CaftlefQ% with about 270 
 men, 230 of whom belonged to the New-I lamp (hire 
 grants. Centinels were immediately placed on nil 
 she roadSj to prevent intelligence being carried to 
 Ticonderoga. Col. Arnold, who arrived at this 
 time, had heard fach an account of the ftate of the 
 garrifon in that place as encouraged the expedition. 
 It was then fettled that Allen fhould have the fu- 
 preme command, and Arnold was to be his aiTifl- 
 ant.* 
 
 THEY arrived at Lake Champlain, oppofite 
 Ticonderoga, on the 9th of May, at night. Boats 
 were with difficulty procured, when he and CoL 
 Arnold croffed over with 83 men, and landed near 
 the garrifon. The two colonels advanced fide by 
 fide, and entered the fort at the dawning of day. 
 May 10 A centinel fnapped his piece at Col. Allen, and 
 then retreated through the covered way to the pa- 
 rade. The main body of the Americans then fol- 
 lowed, and drew up. Captain de la Place, the 
 commander, was furprized in his bed, and called 
 upon to fui render the fort. He aiked, by what 
 authority ? CoL Allen replied, " I demand it in 
 
 * Gordon, i r oL II. f.io. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N I). 399 
 
 the name of the great Jehovah, and of the conti- 1775. 
 nental congrefs." No refiftance was made, and 
 the fort, with its valuable (lores, and forty-eight 
 prifoners, fell into the hands of the Americans.* 
 
 COL, Seth Warner was lent oft" with a party to 
 take poffeffion of Crown-Point, in which there 
 was a garrifca of 12 men. This was fpeedily ef- 
 fe&ed. They took, affo, two fmall veffels, and 
 found materials at Ticouderoga for building oth- 
 ers. By this expedition the provincials acquired 
 great quantities of ammunition and military (tores ; 
 and obtained the command of Lake Champlain, 
 which fecured them a paffage into Canada. 
 
 ABOUT the latter end of May, a great part of 
 the reinforcements ordered from Great-Britain ar- 
 rived at Boflon. Three Britim generals, Howe, 
 Burgoyne and Clinton, whofe behavior in the pre- 
 ceding war, had gained them great reputation, al- 
 fo arrived about the fame time. General Gage, 
 thus reinforced, prepared for a&ing with more de- 
 cifion. Before he proceeded to extremities, he if- 
 fued a proclamation, wherein he offered pardon, 
 in the king's name, to all, who (hould immediately 
 jay down their arms, and return to their refpeclive 
 occupations ; excepting only from the benefit of 
 that pardon, " Samuel Adams and John Hancock, 
 whofe offences were faid to be of too flagitious a 
 nature to admit of any other confideration than 
 that of condign puniihment." Hq alfo proclaimed, 
 that not only the perfons above named and except- 
 ed, but alfo all their adherents, aflbciates and cor- 
 
 * Gsr<ton> VtL U. /, 11 14. Ra^ay, VoLl. />. 226, 
 
 I 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1775. respondents, fhould be deemed guilty of treafon 
 v ^ vv ^ and rebellion, and treated accordingly. By this 
 proclamation, it was alfo declared, c; that as the 
 courts of judicature were fhut, mania! law fhould 
 take place, till a due courfe of juftice fhould be 
 re-eftablifhed."* 
 
 THE Americans, fuppofing this proclamation to 
 be a prelude to hofliiities, prepared for action. 
 Orders were, therefore, iffued, by the provincial 
 commanders, that a detachment of one thoufand 
 men fhould entrench upon Bunker's-hill, a con- 
 fiderable height, juft at the entrance of the penin- 
 fula at Charleftown, the fituation of which render- 
 ed the poffeffion of it of great importance to either 
 party. By feme miftake Breeds-hill, high and 
 large as the other, but fituated nearer Boflon, was 
 marked out for the entrenchments. 
 
 IN the night of the i6th of June, the provincials 
 took pofTeffion of Breed's-hill, and labored with 
 fuch diligence and alacrity, that by the dawn of 
 day they had thrown up a fmall redoubt, about 
 eight rods fquare. Such was the extraordinary 
 filence that reigned among them, that they were; 
 not heard by the Britifh on board their veffels in. 
 the neighboring waters. The dawn of day only 
 difcovered the work when near completion. Upon 
 Jan. 17 which the Britim began an heavy firing from their 
 fl'iips, and from a fortification on Cop^hill, in 
 Bofton. An inceffant mower of mot and bombs 
 was poured upon the American works, and yet but 
 one man was killed.f 
 
 * P.atr.fay t Vs!, 1. p. 210. -f Gordon. Vol. 77. p. 39, 40. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 301 
 
 THE Americans fuflained this fire with the in- 1775. 
 trepidhy of veteran foldiers ; and continued labor- ^^ 
 ing indefatigably till they had thrown up a fmall 
 bread-work, extending from the eaft fide of the re- 
 doubt to the bottom of the hill ; but they were 
 prevented completing it, from the intolerable fire 
 of the enemy. By forne unaccountable error, the 
 detachment, which had been . working for hours, 
 was neither relieved, nor fupplied with refreih- 
 ments, but was left to engage, under thefe difad- 
 vantages.* 
 
 BETWEEN twelve and one o'clock (the day be-Jun.iy. 
 ing exceedingly hot) a number of boats and barges, 
 filled with regular troops, from Bofton, approach- 
 ed Charleftown, when the men were landed at 
 Moreton's point. They confifted of four battal- 
 ions, two companies of grenadiers, and ten of light 
 infantry, with a proportion of field artillery,! 
 
 MAJOR Gen. Howe, and brigadier Gen. Pigot, 
 had the command of thofe troops, which were the 
 flower of the royal army. They formed and re- 
 mained in that pofition, till joined by a fecond de- 
 tachment of light infantry and grenadier companies, 
 a battalion of land forces, and a battalion of ma- 
 rines, amounting in the whole to about 3000 men. 
 The Generals Clinton and Burgoyne took their 
 ftand upon Cop V hill, to contemplate the bloody 
 and dqllruclive operations that were now com- 
 mencing. The king's troops formed in two lines, 
 :and advanced deliberately in order to give their ar- 
 tillery time to demoliih the American works. 
 
 * Gordon, Vcl. II. />. 41, f Ibid. 
 
H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 177 v WHILST the- Britifli were advancing nearer to 
 the attack, they received orders from Gen. Gage 
 to burn Charleftown. This was done from the 
 military policy of depriving enemies of a cover in 
 their approaches. The town was fet on fire by a 
 battery on Gop's-hill, inBofton, and a party from 
 the Somerfet man of war, lying in Charles river, 
 and nearly four hundred houfes, including fix pub- 
 lic buildings, were confumed. The lofty fteeple 
 of the roeeting-houfe, formed a pyramid of fire 
 above the reft, and flruck the aftoniihed eyes of 
 numerous beholders with a magnificent but awful 
 fpe&acle. 
 
 IN Boflon, the heights of every kind were cover* 
 ed with citizens, and fuch of the king's troops as 
 were not on duty. The hills around the adjacent 
 country, 'which afforded a fafe and diftin6t view of 
 the momentous contefl, were occupied by Ameri- 
 cans of all ages and orders. The honor of the 
 Britim troops beat high in the breads of many, 
 while others, with a keener fenfibility, felt for the 
 liberties of a great and growing country. 
 
 THE Britifli derived no advantage from the 
 fmoke of the conflagration at Charleflown ; for 
 the wind fuddenly drifting, carried it in another 
 direction, fo that it could not cover them in their 
 approach. 
 
 THE Americans were mlferably armed, with 
 fcarce a bayonet to their mufkets. They were, 
 however, moftly markfmen, having been accuf- 
 toinsd to gunning from their youth. The redoubt 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 303 
 
 and the bread- work neareft it were chiefly cccu- 1775- 
 pied with Mailachufetts men. Col. Stark, with 
 the New-Hampfhire foldiers under his command ; 
 capt. Knowlton, of Ad) ford, with a party from 
 Connecticut ; and a few Maffachufetts men* were 
 dationed on the left of the bread-work, and open 
 ground dretching beyond its point to the water 
 fide, through which there was no chance of carry- 
 ing the works..* 
 
 THE Britifh moved on flowly to the attack., 
 which gave the provincials the advantage of taking 
 furer and cooler aim. Thefe refer ved their fire 
 till the regulars came within ten or twelve rods, 
 when they began a furious difcharge of fmall arms, 
 by which the Britifh- were checked in their ad- 
 vance. The difcharge from the Americans was 
 inceflant, and did fuch execution, that the king's 
 troops retreated in diforder, and with great pre- 
 cipitation. The officers rallied them, and pu fried 
 them forward with their fwords ; but they ret in fl- 
 ed to the attack with extreme reluclance. The 
 Americans again referved their fire, till the Brit- 
 ifh were near, and then put them a fecond time 
 to flight. Such was the lofs already fudained, 
 that feveral of the officers exclaim, "It is down- 
 'right butchery to lead the men on afrefh againfl 
 the lines." Bat, animated with a high fenfe of 
 Britifh honor, the royal army determined to car- 
 ry their point in fpite of all oppofition.f 
 
 GENERAL Howe and the officers redoubled 
 their exertions, and General Clinton arrived at 
 
 * GW<7>/, Vol. 11. />. 42. Ramfay, VoL J. p. 202, 
 $ ibid, p. 44, 
 
304 HIS T O R Y O F 
 
 1775. this critical moment, and joined them in time to 
 be of fervice. The united and ftrenuous efforts of 
 the different officers were again fuccefsful, not- 
 withftajiding the nun difcoyered an almofl infu- 
 perable averfion to renewing the attack. By this 
 time the powder of the Americans began to fail. 
 This deficiency difabled them from making the 
 fame defence as before ; while the Britifh reaped 
 a farther advantage by bringing fome cannon to 
 bear fo as to rake the infide of the bread-work 
 from end to end. The fire from the fhips, bat- 
 teries, and field artillery was redoubled. The of- 
 ficers in the rear goaded on the foldiers, and the 
 redoubt was attacked on three fides at once. Un- 
 der thefe circumftances a retreat from it m was or- 
 dered ; but the provincials delayed, and made re- 
 fiftance with their difcharged mulkets, as if they 
 had been clubs, fo long that the king's troops, 
 who eaiily mounted the works, had half filled the 
 redoubt, before it was given up to them.* 
 
 WHILST thefe operations were going on at the 
 breaft-work and redoubt, the Britifh light infant- 
 ry were attempting to force the left point of the 
 former, that they might take the American line 
 in flank. Though they exhibited the mod: un- 
 daunted courage, they met with an oppofition 
 which called for its greatefl exertions. The pro- 
 vincials referved their fire till the adverfaries were 
 near, and then poured it upon the light infantry 
 in fuch an inceffant dream, and in fo true a di- 
 retlion, as mowed down their ranks. The en- 
 
 * Gordon, f'ol. II. p. 44, 
 
NEW-EN GLAND. 305 
 
 gagement was kept up on both fides with great 1775. 
 refolution. The perfcvering exertions of the king's 
 troops could not compel the Americans to retreat, 
 till they obferved that their main body had left 
 the hill.* 
 
 THE retreat of the Americans could not be ef- 
 fecled but by marching over Charleftown neck, 
 every part of which was raked by the (hot of the 
 Glafgow man of war, and of two floating batter- 
 ies. They fufFered but little, however, from this 
 formidable artillery, though the fear of it had 
 prevented fome regiments, who were ordered to 
 fupport them, from fulfilling their duty.f 
 
 THE number of Americans engaged amounted 
 only to 1500 ; but the Bofton fpedators were led 
 to apprehend, at that diilance, that they confided 
 of fome thoufands. 
 
 IT was feared by the Americans, that the Brit- 
 ifh troops would pufh the advantage they had 
 gained, and march immediately to the head-quar- 
 ters at Cambridge, about two miles diflant, and 
 in no (late of defence. But they advanced no fur- 
 ther than BunkerVhill, where they threw up 
 works for their own fecurity. The provincials did 
 the lame on Profpecl hill, in front of them, about 
 half way to Cambridge. J 
 
 THE iofs of the peninfula deprelfed the fpirits 
 of the Americans, and their great Iofs of men 
 produced the fame efteft on the Britifii. Dr. Gor- 
 don obferves, that " there have been few battles 
 
 * Ro*/ey> VoL I. p. 203. -f Gordon, Vol. 11. p. 41. J 
 
HISTORY OP 
 
 1775. in modern wars, in^ which, all circum fiances con* 
 V *" VNJ fidered, there was a gi eater deflru&ion of men 
 than in this fhort engagement. A veteran officer., 
 .who was at the battles of Bettingen and Minden, 
 and at feveral others in Germany, has faid, " that 
 for the- time that the aclion lafted, and the num- 
 ber of men "engaged in it, he never knew any 
 thing equal to it. 3> The a&ion continued about 
 an hour ; during that fhort period the lof& of the 
 Britifh, as acknowledged by Gen. Gage, amount* 
 ed to 1054. Nineteen coramLTioned officers were 
 killed, and 70 more were wounded* The battl'e 
 of Quebec, in 1759, which gave Great-Britain the 
 province of Canada, was not fo defirudive to 
 Britifli officers as this affair of a flight entrench- 
 ment, the work only of a few hours/ 5 * 
 
 THE Britifh officers, by their fpirited behavior 
 in this engagemeilt, merited and obtained great 
 applaufe. But, furely, the provincial troops were 
 entitled to a larger fhare of admiration. Though 
 in general they had never before feen an engage- 
 ment, yet their experienced adverfaries, with their 
 utmoft exertions, could fcarcely diflodge them 
 from lines, the work of a fingk night. 
 
 THE Americans loft in this engagement five 
 pieces of cannon. They had 77 killed, and 278 
 wounded and miffing. Thirty of the latter num- 
 ber fell into the hands of the conquerors.! 
 
 " THE death of General Warren, who fought 
 that day as a volunteer, was particularly regret- 
 ted. To the pureft patriotifm and mod undaunt- 
 
 * Gordon, Vol. 11. p. 47, 48. f Morfe, p. 504. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 307 
 
 cd bravery, he added the virtues of domeftic life, 1775. 
 the eloquence of an accomplifhed orator, and the 
 wifdom of an able ftatefman."* 
 
 DR. Ramfay obferves, that, "the burning of 
 Charleftown, though a place of great trade, did 
 not difcourage the provincials. It excited re- 
 fentment and execration, but not any difpofition 
 to fubmit. Such was the high toned ftate of the 
 public mind, and fo great the indifference for 
 property, when put in competition with liberty, 
 that military conflagrations, though they diftrelfed 
 and impoverished, had no tendency to fubdue the 
 
 colonifts."t 
 
 THE undaunted courage which the New-Eng- 
 land militia exhibited at Lexington and Breed's- 
 hi.ll, affords a convincing proof how much may 
 be done by men infpired with an enthufiafm fojr 
 liberty, without the aid of military difcipline. The 
 difpute between Britain and her colonies had 
 long been a popular fubjech The prevailing 
 ideas at that time were a deteftation of arbi- 
 trary power, and a determined refolution to re* 
 fift, even with the fword. The people, in gen- 
 eral, were well informed refpecling the caufes of 
 the conteft, and they had been highly irritated by 
 repeated encroachments upon their privileges, 
 Whild their minds were wrought to this high 
 pitch, thofe, who previoufly to this period, had 
 never feen a battle, dared to encounter the well 
 difciplined forces of the Britlfh nation, 
 
 * Raw/ ay > Vol. I p. 205. \,IM. 
 
3 oS K I S T O R Y O F 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 he fecond continental congrefs meet, and organize fr 
 regular army. Of i heir proceedings. Georgia ac- 
 cedes to the confederacy. General IVaJhington is ap- 
 pointed commander in chief ^ and joins the continent- 
 al army. Succefsf id attempts of the Americans at 
 fea. Falmouth burnt by the Britifh. Refolutions 
 of the Rbode-IJland a/eqibly. 
 
 A 
 
 SECOND American or contment- 
 1775. al congrefs was convened at Philadelphia, on the 
 xothof May, as was recommended at their dillb- 
 lution. The primary object of their deliberations, 
 was the general (late of affairs in the colonies. 
 
 ON their meeting they chofe Peyton Randolph 
 for their prefident, and Charles Thompfon for their 
 fecretary. On the next day, Mr. Hancock laid 
 before them a variety of depofitions, proving that 
 the king's troops were the aggreffors in the late 
 battle at Lexington, together with fundry papers 
 relative to the great events, which had lately taken 
 place in Mafiachufetts. Whereupon congrefs re- 
 folved itfelf into a committee of the whole, to 
 take into confideration the Hate of America. 
 
 THE new congrefs had been convened but a 
 : r cw days, when their venerable prefident, Peyton 
 Randolph, was under a neceiTiry of returning 
 home. On his departure, John Hancock was 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 309 
 
 unanimously chofen his fucceffbr. The objecls. of 1775. 
 deliberation prefented to this new congrefs were, 
 if poflible, more important than thofe, which, in , 
 the preceding year, had engaged the attention of 
 their predeceflbrs. They found a new parliament 
 difpofed to run all rifks in enforcing their fub- 
 miflion ; and determined to proceed in that vigor- 
 ous manner which would intimidate oppofition. 
 They alfo underflcod that adminiftration was unit- 
 ed againft them, and its members firmly eflablifhed 
 in their places. Hoftilities were commenced, re- 
 Enforcements had arrived, and more were daily ex- 
 pected. Added to this, they had information that 
 their adverfaries had taken meafures to fecure the 
 friend (hip and co-operation of the Indians and 
 Canadians. 
 
 IN this awful crifis, congrefs had no alternative, 
 but either to renounce the caufe of American free- 
 dom ; or fupport it by rendering the war general, 
 and involving all the provinces in one promifcuous ,., 
 ft ate of hoftilhy. 
 
 THE refolution of the people in favor of the lat- 
 ter, was fixed, and only wanted a public fan&ion 
 for its operation. Congrefs, therefore, refolv- 
 ed, " that for the exprefs purpofe of defending 
 and fecuring the colonies, and preferving them in 
 fafety againft all attempts to carry the late acts of 
 parliament into-execution, by force of arms, they 
 t>e immediately put in a ftate of defence ; but as 
 they wifhed for a refloration of the harmony for- 
 merly fubfifting between the mother country and 
 the colonies, to the promotion of this moft deiira- 
 
310 H 1 ST O R Y O F 
 
 1775. ble reconciliation, an humble and dutiful petition 
 be preferred to his majefty." To diflfuade the 
 Canadians from co-operating with the Britifh, they 
 again addreffed them, reprefentiag the pernicious 
 tendency of the C)nebec act, and apologizing for 
 their taking Ticonderoga and Crown-Point, as mea- 
 fures, which were dictated by the great law of felf- 
 . preiervation. About the fame time, to prevent 
 the Indians from difturbing the frontier inhabit- 
 ants, congrefs difpatched commiflioners, who ex- 
 plained the controverfy with Britain in an Indian 
 ityie $ informed them that they had no concern in 
 the family quarrel, and urged them, by the ties of 
 ancient friendfhip, and a common birth place, to 
 remain at home, keep the hatchet buried deep, and 
 to join neither fide.* 
 
 WHILST congrefs were making arrangements 
 for their purpofed continental army, it was thought 
 expedient once more to addrefs the inhabitants of 
 Great-Britain, and to publifh to the world a declar- 
 ation, exhibiting their reafons for taking up arms ; 
 to addrefs the fpeaker and gentlemen of. the aiTeni- 
 bly of Jamaica^ and the inhabitants of Ireland, and 
 alfo to prefer a fecond humble petition to the 
 king. 
 
 WHEN this laft mentioned petition was prefent- 
 ed, in September, 1775, by Mr, Penn and Mr. Lee, 
 Lord Dartmouth informed them, cc that to it no 
 anfwer would be given.'* The rejection of this 
 petition greatly contributed to the union and per- 
 fcverance of the colonies.! 
 
 * Ramjay t l r ol. 2, p. 2IO. f Ibia, p, 214 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 31 1 
 
 A MILITARY oppofition to the -armies of Great- 1775. 
 
 Britain being refolved upon, it became an object of 
 confequence to fix on a perfon to conduct that 
 oppofition. George Wafhington, a native of Vir-Jun.ij 
 
 . . . i 
 
 gima, was, by an unanimous vote, appointed com- 
 mander in chief of ail the forces raifed for the de- 
 fence of the colonies. This great man was bora 
 in Weftmor eland county, on the i ith of February, 
 1732. His education and youthful exercifes tend- 
 ed to form a folid mind, and a vigorous body. 
 Early in life his inclination prompted him to enter 
 the military line. He acquired considerable expe- 
 rience in the command of different parties of the 
 provincial troops, during the late French war. He 
 pofleffed genius without excentricity, and energy of 
 mind, always guided by found judgment. His dif- 
 tinguiflied abilities derived their greateft luftre from 
 the qualities of his heart. He difplayed a concen- 
 tration of fublime virtues, exempt from thofe weak- 
 n cries and irregularities, which often fully the mod 
 illuftrious characters. A difinterefted regard for 
 the welfare of his country appears to have animat- 
 ed his exertions, while engaged in the moft hazard- 
 ous fervices. But his heroic actions are his am- 
 pled panegyric. During the long conteft with 
 Britain, we contemplate him exhibiting unconquer- 
 able perfeverance under the mod embarraifing cir- 
 cumftances ; and undaunted courage under the 
 greateft dangers. He united every qualification 
 neceflarv to render him eminent in his exalted 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1775. Ration; and appears raifed up by heaven at this 
 critical period, to be the favior of his country.* 
 
 AFTER the appointment of Gen. Wafhington, 
 Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and 
 Ifrael Putnam, were conPatuted major-generals, 
 and Horatio Gates adjutant-general. Seth Pome- 
 roy, Richard Montgomery, David Woofter, Wil- 
 liam Heath, Jofeph Spencer, John Thomas, John 
 Sullivan, and Nathaniel Greene, were appointed 
 brigadier-generals at the fame time. 
 
 THE 1 4th of June, twelve companies of rifle- 
 men were ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania, 
 Maryland and Virginia. The men, to the num- 
 ber of 1430, were procured, and forwarded to 
 the American army at Cambridge with great expe- 
 dition, 
 
 IT was alfo refolved, cc that a furn not exceed- 
 ing two jpnillions of Spanifh milled dollars be emit- 
 ted by the congrefs, in bills of credit, for the 
 defence of America ; and that the twelve confed- 
 erated colonies be pledged for the redemption of 
 the bills."! 
 
 * *I be following leautiful lines are feleRed from Mrs. Mortons 
 Jefcriplicn of General W ajhingtw t in her truly jublitne and ele- 
 gant P tern, filed Beacon Hill. 
 
 " His was trie firft of Fortune's gifts to claim, 
 And his the triumph c<f unbounded Fame ; 
 Indulgent nature emu'ecfly kind, 
 Gave to his form the graces ot his rrrnd ; 
 While his hold ftaturc towers fuurerneiv high, 
 And like his genius claims the lifted eje ; 
 The kindly features p'-acc *nci truth iirpait t 
 Calm as his reaion, open as hie heart,* 1 
 
 f Ram/ay t Vol. L p. 218, 219. 
 
NE W- ENGLAND. 3*5 
 
 CONGRESS eftablifhed a pod-office, to reach from *775< 
 Fahnouth, in New-England, to Savannah, in 
 Georgia ; and then unanimoufly ele&ed Benjamin 
 Franklin poll m after-general. 
 
 THEY proceeded to the eftablimment of an 
 hofpital, for an army of 20,000 men ; and elected 
 Benjamin Church to be director of, and phyfician 
 in it.* 
 
 CONGRESS had alfo the fatisfaction to receive 
 deputies from the whole colony of Georgia, in Ju- 
 ly, expreifing a defire to join the confederacy. 
 
 GEN. Wamington, foon after his appointment 
 to the command of the American army, fet out 
 for the camp at Cambridge. In his progrefs, he 
 xvas treated with the highefl honors in every place 
 through which he paifed, both by public bodies, 
 and by individuals. Large detachments of volun- 
 teers, compofed of private gentlemen, turned out, 
 to efcort him. A committee from the Malfachu- 
 fetts congrefs received him about one hundred 
 miles from B'ofton, and conducted him to the ar- 
 my. He was foon after addreffed by the congrefs 
 of that colony, in the moft affectionate manner. In 
 his anfwer, he feelingly exprefied his gratitude for 
 their kind congratulations. Herti&rted, that in 
 leaving the enjoyments of domeftic life, and ac- 
 cepting the appointment, he imitated the public 
 fphit which the province of Maffachufetts had ex- 
 hibited ; and that, " his higheft ambition was to 
 be the happy inflrument of vindicating their rights, 
 
 * Gtrdon* Vol. //. ^. T7. 
 
3 i 4 MIS TO R Y OF 
 
 1 775* anc ^ * ^" ee * ne devoted province again reftored to 
 V "" V " SJ peace, liberty and fafety." 
 July 3. . WHEN Gen. Wafhington arrived at Cambridge* 
 he was received with the joyful acclamations of 
 the American army. At the head of his troops, 
 hepublifhed a declaration previously drawn up by 
 eorigrefs, in the nature of a manifefto, exhibiting 
 the reafons for taking up arms. In this, after enu- 
 merating various grievances of the colonies, and 
 vindicating them from a premeditated defign of 
 eftablifhing independent dates, it was added, " in 
 our own native land, in defence of the freedom 
 which is our birthright, and which we ever enjoy. 
 ed, till the late violation of it ; for the protection of 
 our property, acquired folely by the induftry of 
 our forefathers and ourfelves, againfl violence actu- 
 ally offered, we have taken up arms ; we (hall lay 
 them down, when hostilities mail ceafe on the part 
 of the aggretfbrs, and all danger of their being re- 
 newed mail be removed, and not before."* 
 
 AT this time the Britilh were entrenched on 
 Bunker's-hill, having alfo three floating batteries 
 in Myftic river, and a twenty gun fhip below the 
 ferry, between Bofton and Charleftown. They 
 had the neck ftrongly fortified, and a battery oil 
 Cop's-hilL 
 
 THE continental army, under the command of 
 Gen. Wafhington, amounted to about 14,500 men. 
 They were entrenched at Winter hill, Profped 
 hill, and Roxbury, communicating with one ano- 
 ther by fniall polls, over a diftance of ten miles. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 3*5 
 
 Parties were like wife Rationed in feveral towns, 1775. 
 along the fea coaft. This whole force was thrown v 
 into three grand divifions : Gen. Ward command- 
 ed the right wing, at Roxbury ; Gen. Lee, the 
 left, at Profpeft hill ; and the centre was com- 
 manded by Gen. Wafhington. Thefe difpofitions 
 were fo judicioufly made, that the Britifh were pent 
 up in the town, and excluded from the provifions 
 and forage which the adjacent country, and iflands 
 in Bofton bay afforded.* 
 
 GREAT embarr ailments occurred in forming the 
 Continental army into a tegular fyftem. Enter- 
 prizing leaders had come forward with their fol- 
 lowers, without a fcrupulous attention to rank ; 
 but it was impoflible to affign to every officer the 
 flation, that his fervices merited, or to which his 
 vanity afpired ; to introduce difcipline and fubordi- 
 nation among freemen, who were accuflomed to 
 think for themfelves, was an arduous tafk. Thofe 
 difficulties were in fome meafure furmounted by 
 the perfeverance and refolution of the commander 
 in chief. The troops gradually acquired the me- 
 chanifm and movements as well as the name of an 
 army. Method and punctuality began to be in- 
 troduced. In arranging the army, the military 
 {kill of adjutant-general Gates was of great 
 JtTvicc.f 
 
 IT was found, on the 4th of Auguft, that the 
 whole ftock of powder throughout the four New- 
 England provinces, could make but little more than 
 nine rounds a man, to the army invert ing 
 
 * Ram/ay, f MM, Vol. I p. 224. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1775. Bofton. This was generally known among them* 
 ^^^ felves, and was alfo communicated to the Britifh, 
 by a deferter ; but they did not prefunie to rely 
 on this intelligence. Though they had met with 
 unexpected proofs of American courage ; yet they 
 could not believe that the colonifts were poifciTed 
 of fuch confummate ailurance as to continue in- 
 veiling them, while fo deftitute of ammunition. 
 
 AT length the Americans received a fupply of a 
 few tons, which was fent from the committee of 
 Elizabethtown ; and foon after feveral thoufand 
 pounds weight was obtained from Africa, in ex- 
 change for New-England rum, This was manag- 
 ed with fo much addrefs, that every ounce for fale 
 in the Britifh forts on the African coafts, was pur- 
 chafed, and brought off for the ufe of the colonifts. 
 Nov. THE MaiTachufetts affembly and continental 
 congrefs both refolved, to fit out armed veffels to 
 cruife orj the American coafts, for the purpoie 
 of interrupting warlike {lores and fupplies, defign- 
 ed for the ufe of the Britifh army* The object 
 was at fir ft limited, but as the profpect of accom- 
 modation vanifhed, it was extended to all Britifh 
 property afloat on the high feas. 
 
 WHILST the Americans were fitting out armed 
 veffels, _.previpufly to their making any captures, 
 Talmouth, a town in the norfh-eaflern .part of 
 IvJaiTachufetts, was burnt by captain Mo war, un- 
 der the orders of the Britifh admiral at Bofton, 
 The inhabitants, in compliance with a reiblve of 
 the provincial congrefs to prevent tories convey- 
 ing out their effects, gave violent obft ruclion to the 
 
NE W-ENGL AND, 317 
 
 loading of a maft-fhip, which drew upon them the 1775. 
 indignation of the admiral. This event fpread an 
 alarm upon the fea coaft ; but produced no difpo- 
 fition to fubmit to the arbitrary impofitions of 
 Great-Britain.* 
 
 IN a few days after the burning of Falmouth, 
 the old fouth meeting-houfe, in Bofton, was taken 
 into poifeffion by the Britifh, and deftined for a 
 riding fchool, and the feivice of the light dragoons. 
 Thefe proceedings tended to irritate the colonifts, 
 and added energy to their determined fpirjt of re* 
 fiftance. 
 
 THE firft naval attempts of the Americans were 
 crowned with fuccefs. On the 29th of Novem- 
 ber, the Lee privateer, commanded by captain 
 Manly, belonging to Marblehead, captured the 
 brig Nancy, containing fuch a variety of military 
 ftores, that had congrefs fent an order for the ar- 
 ticles mod wanted, they cculd not have made out 
 a more fuitable invoice. The whole value of the 
 veiTel and cargo was computed at 50,000!, and 
 this lofs in particular occafioned much difcontent 
 in Britain. 
 
 SOON after, feveral ftore-fhips were captured by 
 the Americans, which were designed for the ufc 
 of the BritiPn army in Bofton. Thefe events in- 
 creafed the diftreffes of the royal troops in that 
 town ; furnifhed fupplies for the continental army ; 
 and encouraged the inhabitants of New-England to 
 
 . rtrvl;-:- this hazardous btifmefs. 
 
 * Gordon. Vol. 11. $. 132, 
 
3*6 HISTORY OF 
 
 1775. BEFORE the clofe of the year, congrefs deter* 
 mined to build five veffels of thirty-two guns, five 
 of twenty-eight,, and three of twenty-four, in order 
 to diflrels the enemy, and protect their own coafls.* 
 IN the month of November, the general aflem- 
 bly of Rhode-Ifland pafled an ad for the capital 
 punifhment of perions, who mould be found guilty 
 of holding a traitorous correfpondence with the 
 miniftry of Great-Britain, or any of their officers 
 or agents, or of fupplying the minifterial army or 
 navy, employed againft the united colonies, with 
 provifions, arms, &c. or of acting as pilots on 
 board any of their veifeis, They alfo palfed an aft 
 for fequeftering the eftatcs of feveral perfons, whom 
 they confidered as avowed enemies to the liber* 
 ;ies of America.f 
 
 * Rem/ay, V*L I. p. 22$. f GorJc*, Vol. II. p. 123. 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 319 
 
 CHAPTER XXVL 
 
 The Canada expedition. Death of General Mont- 
 gomery. Difputes of Lord Dunmore with the Vir- 
 ginians. Scheme of Connelly to bring the Ohio 
 Indians to a junftionwith Lord Dunmore at Alex- 
 andria. North and South-Carolina expel their 
 governors. 
 
 H E fuccefs, which had hitherto at- 
 tended the Americans, now emboldened them to 
 think not only of defending themfelves, but like- 
 wife of acting offenfiveJy againfl Great-Britain* 
 The conqueft of Canada appeared an object with- 
 in their reach, and one that would be attended 
 with many advantages. As an invafion of that 
 province was already facilitated by the taking of 
 Crown-Point and Ticonderoga, it was refolved, 
 if pollible, to penetrate that way into Canada, and 
 reduce Quebec during the winter, before the fleets 
 and armies, which they were well aflured would 
 fail thither from Britain, mould arrive. 
 
 CONGRESS committed the management of their 
 military arrangements in this northern department 
 to Gen. Schuyler and Gen. Montgomery. While 
 the former remained at Albany, to attend an In- 
 dian treaty, the latter was fent forward to Ticon- 
 deroga, with a body of troops from New-York and 
 New-England. At length Gen. Schuyler was 
 taken ill, and the fole, command devolved upon 
 
 17 
 
 / /JP 
 
, c HIbTO R Y 01 
 
 1775. Gsn. Montgomery. He was oppofed by General 
 Carlton, governor of Canada, an a&ive and ex- 
 perienced officer. 
 
 AFTER receiving the full number of troops ap- 
 pointed for his expedition, Gen. Montgomery de- 
 termined to befiege St. John's, the fir ft Britifli poft 
 in Canada. This attempt was facilitated by the 
 reduction of Charnblee, a frnall fort in the neigh- 
 borhood, where he found a fupply of fix tons of 
 gunpowder. Whilft Gen. Montgomery was pro- 
 fecuting the fiege, the governor of the province 
 prepared to oppofe him ; and for that purpofe col- 
 lected, at Montreal, about 800 men, chiefly mili- 
 tia and Indians. While Gen. Carlton and his 
 forces were on their march, they were attacked by 
 col. Warner, and three hundred of the green 
 mountain boys, and totally defeated. In confe- 
 quence of this event the garrifon of St. John's con- 
 fented to furrender ; the prifoners amounted to 
 about 700, and were treated with great humanity. 
 COL. Allen attended Gen. Montgomery at the 
 fiege of St. John's. The fuccefs which this gentle- 
 man met with at Ticonderoga and Crown-Point, 
 emboldened him to make a fimilar attempt at Mont- 
 real. He was there attacked by the militia of the 
 place, fupported by a detachment of regulars ; 
 and though he defended himfelf with great brave- 
 ry, was under the neceflity of furrendering, with 
 38 of his men. The colonel was loaded with 
 irons, and in that condition fent to England.* 
 
 frl. I. j>. 230232. Lendrum t Vol. //./. 55- 
 
NEW- EN GL AND. 321 
 
 ON the 1 2th of November, Gen. Montgomery 1775. 
 preffed on to Montreal, which, not being capable ^^^^ 
 of making any defence, governor Carlton quitted 
 it one day, and the American general entered it 
 the next. 
 
 ABOUT the fame time that Canada was invaded Sen. 15. 
 in the ufual route from New- York, col. Arnold 
 was detached with a thoufand men from Cam- 
 bridge, to penetrate into Canada by the way of 
 the Kennebeck. Up the river, they proceeded with 
 great labor and difficulty, being impeded by a 
 very rapid dream, with rocky fides and bottom, 
 cataracts, carrying-places, and other obflacles. 
 In their march by land, they were obliged alter- 
 nately to encounter deep fwamps, thick woods, 
 difficult mountains, and craggy precipices ; fo that 
 the general progrefs was only from four to ten 
 miles a day. This incelTant labor caufed many to 
 fall fick. One third of the number, which fet out, 
 were, from want of neceffaries, obliged to return; 
 the others proceeded with unabated fortitude and 
 conftancy. Provifions became, at length, fo fcarce, 
 that fome of the men ate their dogs, and fome 
 their fhoes and cartcuch-boxes. Col. Arnold, 
 however, and the few, who adhered to him, fcarce- 
 ly four hundred in number, were determined to 
 furmount every obftacle. After marching three 
 hundred miles, through an uninhabited country, 
 they crtmc to an houfe, which was the firii they 
 had feen for thirty-one days. By this bold enter - 
 
 R r 
 
2.2 H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 1775. prize, Arnold acquired the name of the Amen* 
 can Hannibal.* 
 
 UPON colonel Arnold's arrival, he circulated 
 among the inhabitants of Canada a manifefto, fub 
 fcribed by Gen, Wafhington, which had been 
 fent from Cambridge with this detachment, 
 
 GEN. Montgomery having effected a junction 
 with col. Arnold, commenced the fiege of Que- 
 bee. Upon his arrival before the town, he wrote 
 a letter to the Britiffi governor, recommending an 
 immediate furrender, to prevent the dreadful con- 
 fequences of a ftorm. Though the flag, which 
 conveyed this letter, was fired upon, and all com- 
 munication refufed, Gen. Montgomery found oth- 
 er means to convey a letter of the fame tenor into 
 the garrifon ; but the inflexible firmnefs of the 
 governor could not be moved either by threats or 
 dangers. The Americans foon after commenced 
 a bombardment with five final! mortars, but with 
 very little effeft. In a few days, Gen. Montgom- ' 
 cry opened a fix gun battery, at the diftance of 
 feven hundred yards from the walls ; but his 
 metal was too light to make any impreflion.t 
 
 THE upper part of Quebec was furrounded with 
 rery ilrong works, and the acceis from the lower 
 town was exceflively difficult, from its alinoft per- 
 pendicular flecpnefs. Gen. Montgomeiy, from a 
 native intrepidity, and an ardent third for glory, 
 overlooked all thefe dangers, and reiblved it once 
 either to carry the place or perifh in the attempt, 
 much to his good fortune, confiding in 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol. 1. f. 231. f Ibid, p. 240. 
 
N E W . E N G L A N D. 325 
 
 the bravery of his troops, and their readinefs to 1775. 
 
 follow whitherfoever he (houlcl lead ; and depend- 
 ing fomewhat on the extenfivenefs of the works, 
 he determined to attempt the town by efcalade.* 
 
 THE garrifon of Quebec, at this time, confid- 
 ed of about 1520 men, of which 800 were mill* 
 tia. The American army, confiding of about 800 
 men, was divided into four bodies, of which two 
 were dire&ed to make falfe attacks on the upper 
 town ; one by col. Livingdon, at the head of the 
 Canadians, againft St. John's gate ; and the other 
 by major Brown, againd Cape-Diamond ; whilft 
 Gen. Montgomery and col. Arnold were to make 
 two real ones againft the lower town. Signals 
 were to be made for the combination of the at- 
 tacks, which were to begin exaclly at five o'clock 
 in the morning.f 
 
 THE different routes the affailants had to make, 
 the depth of the fnow, and other obdacles, pre- 
 vented the execution of Livingfton's command. 
 Gen. Montgomery moved with his divifion, and Dzc.%1. 
 palTed the firft barrier ; he then advanced boldly 
 to attack the fecond, which was much ftronger. 
 A violent difcharge of grape-mot from feveral can- 
 non, together with a well directed fire of mufket- 
 ry, ' here put an end to the life and hopes of this 
 enterpiizing officer. His aid-de-camp, capt. John 
 M'Pherfon, capt. Chcefman, and mod of his other 
 officers,* fell at the fame time. This fa difpirited 
 the men, that col. Campbell, on whom the com- 
 mand devolved, thought proper to order a retreat. { 
 
 * Remfaj, Vol. /./>. 41, 4 Gorder. t Vol. I, p, i8f % Lendrum* 
 
- 4 HISTORY OF 
 
 1775. IN the mean time col. Arnold, at the head of 
 ^^ 35 men ? paifed through St. Roques, and made a 
 furious attack upon a two gun battery, which, 
 although well defended, was, at length, earned, 
 with confiderable lofs. In this attack col. Arnold 
 received a wound, which made it necefTary to car- 
 ry him off the field of battle. His party, howe* 
 ver, continued the aflault with great energy, and 
 made themfelves matters of a fecond barrier* 
 Thefe brave men fuilained the force of the whole 
 garrifon for three hour% but finding themfelves 
 hemmed in, and without hopes either of fuccefs, 
 relief or retreat, they yielded to numbers, and the 
 advantageous fituation of their adverfaries.* 
 
 THE lofs of the Americans, in killed and wound- 
 ed, was about 100, and 300 were taken prifoners. 
 It is remarked, even by a Britifli hiftoriun, " that 
 the valor of the provincial troops could not be ex* 
 ceeded." 
 
 THE death of Gen. Montgomery was greatly 
 and fmcerely regretted. He was of a'good fami- 
 ly in Ireland, and ferved with reputation in the 
 late war with France. He engaged in the Amer- 
 ican contefl from a fincere attachment to the 
 caufs of liberty, and quitted the enjoyment of ;in 
 eafy fortune, and the higheft domefUc felicity, 
 for the fatigues and dangers of war. In his mili- 
 tary flation, he gained the love, eftecm and con- 
 fidence of the whole army ; and while his amiable 
 qualities conciliated an uncommon (hare of pri- 
 vate aiFe&ion, his great abilities procured an equal 
 
 * Ram fay. Vol. I. p. 242. 
 
NE W-ENGLAND. 325 
 
 proportion of public efteem. ' His name was even 1775. 
 mentioned, in the Britifli parliament, with fmgu- 
 
 lar refped.* 
 
 SIR Guy Carlton treated the American prifoiu 
 ers with the utmoft humanity. He liberally fup- 
 plied the lick and wounded with every neceiTary 
 accommodation ; and foothed their minds with 
 the pleating affurance, that, upon their recovery, 
 they mould have free liberty to depart. Thig gen- 
 erous line of conduct redounded more to his hon* 
 or than his brave and judicicus defence, in a dan- 
 gerous and critical fituatioh. 
 
 THE collected remnant of the American army, 
 after their unfuccefsful attack, agreed in a council 
 of war, that col. Arnold mould command, and 
 fhould continue the fiege, or rather the blockade, 
 which was accordingly done, apparently at no 
 fmall riik, as they had not more than four hun- 
 dred men fit for duty ; they retired about three 
 miles from the city, and potted ehemfelves advan- 
 tageoufly. 
 
 WHILST hoflilities were conduced with vigor 
 in the north, the flame of contention was gradu- 
 ally extending to the fouth. Lord Dunmore, the 
 governor of Virginia, was involved in difputes fim- 
 ilar to thofe, which had taken place in the other 
 colonies. The inhabitants of Virginia, in com- 
 mon with the other provinces, had been affiduous 
 in preparing their militia for the purpofes of de- 
 fence. Whilft they were purfuing this objecl, 
 ord Dunmore removed the powder from Wil- 
 
 * GorJsr, Vol. 11 p. i 88. Ram/ay, Vol. I. p. 24.3. & j6. 
 *i K'&tf'r, 1776, /. 15. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1775. liam'flnirg. The people were alarmed, and affem- 
 bled with arms to demand its reftitution. By the 
 interpofition of the mayor and corporation of Wil- 
 liam (burg, extremities were prevented. Reports 
 were foon after circulated, that a fecond attempt 
 to rob the magazine was intended. The inhabit- 
 ants again took arms, and inftituted nightly pat- 
 roles, with a determined refoiution to protect it. 
 The governor was irritated at thefe commotions, 
 and threatened to fet up the royal ftandard, en- 
 franchife the negroes, and arm them againft their 
 matters. Thefe unguarded expreflions greatly in* 
 creafed the public ferment.* 
 
 THE people held frequent affemblies. A num- 
 ber of gentlemen of Hanover and the neighbor- 
 ing counties convened in arms, with a defign to 
 force the governor to reftore the powder, and to 
 take the public money into their own pofieflion. 
 On their way to Williamfburg for this purpofe, 
 they were met by the receiver general, who be- 
 came fecurity for the payment of the gunpowder, 
 and the citizens engaged to guard the magazine 
 and public revenue.f 
 
 LORD Dunmore was fo much intimidated by 
 this infurre&ion, that he fent his family on board 
 the Fowey man of war. About the fame period 
 his lordlhip, with the affiftance of a detachment 
 of marines, fortified his palace, and furrounded 
 it with artillery. He foon after iflued a procla- 
 mation, in which the perfon, who promoted the 
 late tumult, and his affociates, were charged with 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. I p. 245. Lendrum, Vol, II. p. 65. f Ibid. 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 3 2 7 
 
 treasonable pra&ices. About this time copies, of 1775. 
 fome of his letters to the minifter of the American 
 department, were made public, and produced con- 
 fequences funiiar to thofe, which had been occa- 
 fioned by thofe of Mr. Hutchinfon, at Bofton.* 
 
 IN this fhte of diforder, the governor convened 
 the general aflfembly, in order to lay before them 
 Lord North's conciliatory plan ; which was unan- 
 imoufiy rejected. The affembly began their fef- 
 fion by enquiries into the (late of the magazine. 
 They found mod of the remaining powder buried, 
 and the muikets deprived of their locks. Thcfe 
 difcoveries irritated the people to fuch a degree, 
 that Lord Dunmore retired on board the man of May 8. 
 war, which then lay near Yorktown. He left a 
 mefiage for the affembly, acquainting them, that he 
 thought it prudent to xetire, as he apprehended 
 himfelf in danger of falling a facriftoe to popular 
 refentment. This produced a tedious altercation, 
 which ended in a pofitive refufal of the governor 
 to truft himfelf again in Williamfburg. In his 
 turn, he requefted them to meet him on board the 
 man of war, for the purpofe of giving his aflent to 
 fuch bills as he fhould approve. This propofal 
 the affembly peremptorily rejected ; and the royal 
 government in Virginia came to a period. 
 
 AFTER Lord Dunmore abandoned his govern* 
 nient, fotne of the moft ftrenuous adherents to 
 the Britifh caufe repaired to him. He was alfo 
 joined by numbers of black Haves. With thefe, 
 and the afli fiance of the Britifh (hipping, he was, 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol. I, /. 346. Lenarurn, Fel. II. p. 65. 
 
3 . 2 $ H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1775. for feme time, enabled to carry on a kind of 
 
 ^^ predatory war. After fome inconfiderable at- 
 
 tempts on land, proclaiming liberty to the flaves, 
 
 and fetting up the royal ftandard, he and his party 
 
 took up their refidence at Norfolk.* 
 
 A CONSIDERABLE force colle&ed againft them, 
 by whom they were utterly defeated. Lord Dun- 
 more abandoned Norfolk, and retired with his 
 people on board the (hips. The provincials took 
 poflefilon of the place, and greatly diftrefled thofe 
 on board, by refilling to fupply them with necef- 
 faries, and by firing on them from behind the 
 buildings arid warehoufes on the wharves. Thefe 
 proceedings drew a remonftrance from Lord Dun- 
 more, in which he alfo infifted, that his fleet mould 
 be furniihed with neceffaries ; but his requeft be- 
 ing denied, a refokition was taken to fet fire to the 
 1776, town. This was carried into effect, and Norfolk 
 Jan. i, by his order was reduced to afhes. The town con- 
 tained about fix thoufand inhabitants, and fome in 
 affluent circumftances. The whole lofs was efti- 
 mated at three hundred thoufand pounds fterling. 
 IN the mean time, a plan was formed by one 
 Mr. Connelly, a Pennfylvanian royaliu, in which 
 Lord Dunmore was a party. Having previoully 
 entered into a league with the Ohio Indians, the 
 plan in general was, that Connelly fhould return to 
 the Ohio, where, by the afliftance of the Britifli 
 and Indians in thofe parts, he was to penetrate 
 through the back fettlenients into Virginia, and 
 join Lord Dunmore at Alexandria. \Vhilfl on his 
 
 * Ram/ay, 7V. I. p. 249, 2$O. Cordon, Vul<ll.p. 207. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 329 
 
 way to the fcene of action, Connelly was difcovered, 1775- 
 and taken prifoner. 
 
 IN the colonies of North and South-Carolina, 
 the royal governors were expelled, and obliged, 
 like Lord Dunmore, to take refuge on board of 
 men of war. Governor Martin, of North-Caroli- 
 na, attempted to raife the back fettlers, confiding 
 chiefly of Scotch Highlanders, againfl the colony. 
 They prematurely took arms, and in an engagement 
 which took place, their leader was taken prifoner, 
 and the whole of the party broken or difperfed.* 
 
 IN the courfe of this year, a feries of difaiters fol- 
 lowed the royal caufe. General Gage's army was 
 clofely befieged in Bofton, and rendered ufelefs. 
 There was a general termination of the royal gov- 
 ernment ; and Great-Britain beheld all the colo- 
 nies united againft her in the moil determined op- 
 pofition. 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol.!.}. 253. 
 
 S s 
 
K I S T O R Y G 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Anew army is raffed. Bcjton attacked and evacuat* 
 ed. Canada recovered by the royal army. 
 Cbarleflon, in South* Carolina ', bcjlcgcd by a Britijh 
 jleet and army. "They arc obliged io retreat will) 
 great /o/s. Proceedings of the Briiifh p 
 went. 
 
 A 
 
 S the year 1775 drew neaf to a 
 clofe, the friends of congrei's were embarraited 
 with a new difficulty. Their army was temporary, 
 and only engaged to ferve out tne year. From a 
 variety of caufes the new enlKlrnents went on flow- 
 ly. So many difficulties retarded the recruiting 
 fervice, thai on the la(t day of the year, the whole 
 American army amounted only to 9650 men. 
 Gen. Waihington, in his official letters to the 
 American congrefs on this occafion, thus expref- 
 fes himfelf. " It is not in the p^ges of hiftory, 
 perhaps, to furniih a cafe like ours ; to maintain 
 a poft within mulket-fhot of the enemy, for fix 
 months together, without ,* and at the fame 
 
 time to difband one army, and recruit another, 
 within that diflance of twenty-odd Britim regi- 
 ments, is more, probably, than ever was attempted. 
 But if we fucceed as well in the lafl, as we have 
 heretofore in the firfl, I mail think it the moil 
 fortunate event of my- whole life/* 
 
 * Left blank in the original, io guard cgairji tbf dangtr of' 
 mt [carriage. Read " wi 
 
N E W - E N C L A K D. 531 
 
 AT this period the Britifh troops in Boftcn were 17761. 
 fuffcring the inconveniency of a blockade;* they 
 were reduced to great diftrefs for want of provifions 
 and fuel. The fupplies from Britain did not ar- 
 rive till a long time after they were expected ; and 
 feveral flore-fhips were intercepted by the Ameri- 
 cans. 
 
 THE American army, including the militia, 
 which were collected on this occafion, made aa 
 operating force of about 17,000 men, before 
 Boilon y but they labored under great inconve- 
 ttiencies from the want of arms and ammunition. 
 On the 1 6th of February, 1776, the ftrength of 
 the ice having been tried in one place, and the 
 fro fl continuing, Gen. Wafhington was defirous 
 of embracing the feafon for palling over it, from 
 Cambridge fide, into Bofton, He laid before the 
 council of war, the following queftion. u A flroke 
 well aimed at this critical juncture may put a final 
 period to the war, and reftore peace and tranquili- 
 ty, fo much to be wifhed for ; and, therefore, 
 whether, part of Cambridge and Roxbury bays 
 being frozen over, a general alTault ihould not be 
 made on Bofton ?"f 
 
 A NEGATIVE being put to this queftion, trie 
 next point to be confidered was, whether they 
 ihould attempt to poilcfs themfeives of Dorchefter 
 heights ; this was unanimouily agreed upon a and 
 conducted with the utmoft expedition. 
 
 * Gen. Gage had ^e parted for England, and was fucceedel by 
 Gen. Hy-u.e. f Gotden t Vdl> II. p, l8>j, 
 
33 2 HISTORY OF 
 
 1776. To conceal the defign, and divert the attention 
 of thegarrifon, a very heavy fervice of cannon and 
 mortars began to play upon the town from other 
 directions, and was continued for three days. 
 
 THE night of the 4th of March was fixed upon 
 for taking poffeffion of Dorchefter heights. A 
 covering party of about 800 men led the way. 
 Thefe were followed by the carts with the entrench- 
 ing tools, and 1 200 of a working party, command- 
 ed by Gen. Thomas. 
 
 IN the rear there were more than 200 carts, 
 loaded with fafcines and hay in bundles. While 
 the cannon were playing in other parts, the great- 
 eft filence was kept in this working party. 
 
 By morning the induftrious provincials complet- 
 ed lines of defence, on Dorchefter heights, which 
 aftonifhed the garrifon. " Some of our officers," 
 fays a Britilh author, " have acknowledged, that 
 the expedition, with which thefe works were thrown 
 up, with their fudden and unexpected appearance, 
 recalled to their minds thofe wonderful ftorics of 
 enchantment and invifible agency, which are fo 
 frequent in eaftern romances. 5 '* General Howe, 
 in particular, Was feized with confternation ; and 
 was heard to fay, " I know not what I (hall do ; 
 the rebels have done more in one night than my 
 whole army could have done in months." 
 
 THE admiral informed Gen. Howe, that if the 
 Americans kept poffeffion of thefe heights, he ihould 
 not be able to keep one of his majeity's (hips in the 
 harbor. It was therefore determined, in a coun* 
 
 * Annual Regij]tr> 175? 6-, />. 148, 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 333 
 
 cilofwar, to attempt to diilodge them. An n- 1776. 
 gagement was hourly expe&ed. It was intended 
 by General Waftiington, in that cafe, to force his 
 \vay into Boflon xvith 4000 men, who were to 
 have embarked at the mouth of Cambridge riven 
 The militia had come forward with great alert- 
 nefs, each bringing three days provifion, in ex- 
 pectation of an immediate aifault. The men were 
 in high fpirits, and impatiently waiting for the 
 appeal.* 
 
 THEY were reminded that it was the 5th of 
 March, and were called upon to avenge the death 
 of their countrymen killed on that day. The 
 many eminences in and near Bofton, which over- 
 looked the ground on which it was expe&ed that 
 the contending parties would engage, were crowd- 
 ed with numerous fpettators. But Gen. Howe 
 did not intend to attack till the fubfequent day. 
 In order to be ready for it, the tranfports went 
 down in the evening towards the cattle. In the 
 night a mod violent florm, and towards morning 
 a heavy flood of rain, came on, which providen- 
 tially prevented a dreadful wafte of lives. In 
 this fituation it was agreed by the Britifh, in a 
 council of war, to evacuate the town as foon as 
 poflible. 
 
 ON the 7th of March, there was a general 
 hurry and confufion in Boflon ; the Britifh troops 
 and many of the inhabitants, who were attached 
 to the royal caufe, being bufy in preparing to quit the 
 town, and carry off all they could of their military 
 * Ramfay. Vol. /."/>. 262. Gorttw, JV, II. p. 
 
334 H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 1 776. ftores and valuable effe&s, A flag was fent out from 
 the felecVmen, acquainting Gen. Wafhington with 
 the intention of the troops, and that Gen. Howe 
 was difpofed to leave the town (landing, provided 
 he could retire uninterrupted. Gen. Wafhington 
 bound Mmfelf under no obligation, but exprefied 
 himfelf in words, which admitted of a favorable 
 conflruction, and intimated his good withes for the 
 prefervation of Bofton. 
 
 THE Britifh troops, who evacuated Bofton, 
 amounted to more than 7000 men. They were 
 accompanied by a large number of tories. Their 
 embarkation was attended with many circumftan- 
 ces of diftrefs arid embarrafTment. Their intended 
 voyage to Halifax fubjecled them to great dangers. 
 The coafl, at all times hazardous, was eminently 
 fo at that tempeftuous equinoctial feafon. Not* 
 \vithftanding thele unfavorable appearances, their 
 voyage was fhort and profperous.* 
 
 THE boats employed in the embarkation of the 
 Britiih troops, had fcarcely completed their bu- 
 finefs, when General Wafhington, with his army, 
 marched into Bofton. He was received by the in- 
 habitants, with every mark of refped and grati- 
 tude, which could be paid to a deliverer. He was 
 honored by congrefs with a vote of thanks. They 
 alfo ordered a medal to be ftruck, with fuitable de- 
 vices, to perpetuate the remembrance of this great 
 event. The MaiTachufetts council, and houfe of 
 repreientatives, complimented him in a joint ad- 
 drefs, in whicri they expreffed their good wimes ia 
 
NE W-ENGL AND. 335 
 
 the following words: " may you (till go on approv- 1776. 
 ed by heaven, revered by all good men, and dread- 
 ed by thofe tyrants, who claim their fellow men as 
 their property."* 
 
 THOUGH congrefs and the ftates made great e** 
 ertions to fupport the war in Canada, yet, fiom 
 the fail of Montgomery, their intereil in that prov- 
 ince daily declined. The reduction of Quebec was 
 an object to which their refources were inadequate. 
 General Carlton had received fcveral reinforce^ 
 ments from England ; and the Britilh forces in. 
 Canada were eftimated at about 1 3,000 men. The 
 provincial army amounted to 3000, and, from the 
 prevalence of the fmall-pox, there were only 900 
 fit for duty. With this miall army Gen. Thomp- 
 fon projected an attack on the Britifh force at 
 Three Rivers ; which is half way between Quebec 
 and Montreal. Though the Americans conduct* 
 ed this enterprize with great bravery, they were 
 foon repulfed, and obliged to yield to fuperior force. 
 Gen. Sullivan conducted the retreat with fo much 
 judgment, that the baggage and public (lores were 
 laved, and the numerous fick brought off. The 
 American army reached Crown-Point on the id 
 of July, and at that place made their firit ftand.f 
 
 WITH this unfavorable event, the Americans re- 
 lu&antly relinquiihcd Canada. They demoliihed 
 their works, and carried off their artillery, with 
 the utmoft expedition. When the Britifh general 
 arrived at St. John's, he found the place abandon- 
 
 * Ramjay t VoL 1. f. 265. f Ibid, f. 267274. 
 
33 6 II I S T O R Y OF 
 
 1776. ed and burnt. Chamblee fhared the fame fate, 
 L ^ rs- * and all Canada was recovered by the king's troops. 
 AFTER the expulllon of the American army 
 from Canada, they exerted themfelves to the ut- 
 moft to maintain a naval fuperiority on Lake 
 Champlain ; for this purpofe, a fleet was conflrudl- 
 ed, and put under the command of Gen. Arnold* 
 The command of this lake was a great object with 
 the Britim, towards accomplifhing their defigns on 
 the northern frontiers of New- York. Hence they 
 were induced to proceed up the lake, and engage 
 0^.3. the Americans. A fmart naval aclion enfued, in 
 which the Americans refitted a fuperior force, with 
 a fpirit approaching to defperation. When Gen. 
 Arnold law that it was irnpoflible to efcape, and 
 unavailing to refill, he ran the Congrefs galley, on 
 board of which he was, together with the five gon- 
 dolas on more, in fuch a poiition, as enabled him 
 to land his men, and blow up the veflels. In the 
 execution of this perilous enterprise, he paid a 
 romantic attention to a point of honor. He did 
 not quit his own galley, till (he was in flames, leil 
 the Britim ihould board her and ftrike his flag. 
 Though the refult of this action was unfavorable to 
 the Americans, yet thereby Gen. Arnold, in addi- 
 tion to the fame of a brave foldier, acquired that of 
 an able naval officer.* 
 
 THE bad fuccefs of the Americans in the North 
 was in feme mcafure compenfated by the advantage 
 they had gained in another quarter. At this pe- 
 riod, a fquadron of mips, Commanded by Sir Peter 
 
 * Ram/ay, VgL I. p. 277, 278, 
 
NEW-EN GLAND. 337 
 
 Parker, and a body of troops under Gen, Clinton, 1776, 
 refolved to attempt the redu&ion of Charlefton. V *^ J 
 They had 2800 land forces, which they hoped, 
 with the co-operation of their ihipping, would be 
 fully fufficient.* 
 
 FOR fome months pad every exertion had been 
 made to put the colony of South-Carolina, and 
 efpecially its capital, Charlefton, in a refpectable 
 pofture of defence. In iubferviency to this view, 
 works 'had been erected on Sullivan's ifland, which 
 is fituated fo near the channel leading up to the 
 town, as to be a convenient poll for annoying vef- 
 fels upon their approaching. f 
 
 SIR Peter Parker attacked the fort on that iiland,Julv28. 
 with a large naval force. The adtion commenced 
 between ten and eleven before noon, and was con- 
 tinued for upwards* of ten hours. The garrifon, 
 confiding of 375 regulars, and a few militia, under 
 the command of colonel Moultrie, made a moil 
 gallant defence. They fired deliberately, for the 
 moll part took aim, and feldorn miffed their ob- 
 ject. The (hips were torn almoft to pieces, and the 
 killed and wounded on board exceeded 200 men. 
 The lofs of the garrifon was only 10 men killed, 
 and 22 wounded. During this defperate engage- 
 ment, it was found impoilibte for the Britifh land 
 forces to give the lead aflidance to the fleet. The 
 American works were found to be much flronger, 
 than they had imagined, and the depth of water 
 effectually prevented them from making any at- 
 tempt. Before morning, the {hips had retired 
 
 * fum/ar, Vol. I. p. 288. f 
 
 T t 
 
338 H I S T O K Y Q I* 
 
 1776, about two miles diftant from the ifland, and in a 
 few days more, the troops reimbarked, and the 
 whole failed for New-York.* 
 
 THE Americans, on this occafion, juftly boafted 
 of their heroes. A ferjeant, obferving the flag- 
 flaff mot away ia the beginning of the a&icn, 
 jumped from one of the embrafures upon the 
 beach, took up the flag, and fixing it upon a fponge 
 ftaff, put it in its proper place, in- the mid ft of the 
 dreadful fire already mentioned. For this diftin- 
 guiftied aft of bravery, h was prefented with a 
 fvvord by congrefs. 
 
 ANOTHER, whilft exerting himfelf in a very dif- 
 tinguifhed manner, was cruelly mattered by a can- 
 non ball ; wlren about to expire, " my friends, 1 ' 
 faid he, " I am dying, but do not let the caufe of 
 liberty expire with me."t 
 
 THE thanks of congrefs were given to Gen. 
 Lee, who had been fent to take the command in 
 Carolina, and alfo to colonels Moultrie and Thomp- 
 fon, for their good conduct in this memorable ac- 
 tion. In- compliment to the commanding officer, 
 the fort from that time was called fort Moultrie. 
 
 BY the repuife of this armament, the fouthern 
 flates obtained a refpite of the calamities of war for 
 two years and an half. 
 
 WHILST the colonifls exhibited the mod deter- 
 mined retaliation in defending their liberties, the 
 Britifh miniftry purfucd with energy their fixed 
 defign of fubduing them by force of arms. In the 
 ftilion of parliament in 1775, it was voted to cm- 
 t VcL I, j>. ?SS. -f Gordor y Vl. 11. p, 2^6, 
 
NE W-ENGL AND. 339 
 
 ploy 28,000 feamen, and 55,000 land forces, for 1775. 
 the vigorous profecurion of the American war. 
 A bill was foon after brought into parliament, in- 
 terdicting all trade and intercourfe with the thir- 
 teen united colonies. By it all property of Ame- 
 ricans, whether of mips or goods, on the high feas, 
 or in harbor, was declared " to be forfeited to 
 the captors, being the officers and crews of his 
 majefty's mips of war." It further enacled, " that 
 the matters, crews, and other perfons found on 
 board captured American veifels, mould be enter- 
 ed on board his majefty's veflels of war, and there 
 confidered to be in his majefty's fervice, to all in- 
 tents and purpofes, as if they had entered of their 
 own accord." This bill alfo authorized the crown 
 to appoint commiflioners, who, over and above 
 granting pardon to individuals, were empowered to 
 " enquire into general and particular grievances, 
 and to determine whether any colony or part of a 
 colony was returned to that ftate of obedience, 
 which might entitle it to be received within the 
 king's peace and protection." In that cafe, upon 
 a declaration from the commiflioners, " the re- 
 ftricrions of the propofed law were to ceafe." 1 
 
 IN the progrefs of the debates on this bill, 
 Lord Mansfield declared " that the queflions of 
 original right and wrongs were no longer to be 
 confidered that they were engaged in a war, and 
 muft ufe their utmoft efforts to obtain the ends 
 propofed by it that they muft either %ht or bq 
 
 * Rftmfay, Vol. 1. />. 283, 
 
^43 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1775. purlued, and that the juftice of their caufe muft 
 
 v -*~ rN> give way to their prefent fituation." 
 
 THE declaration of this illuftrious oracle of 
 law, whofe great abilities were known and admired 
 in America, excited the aftonifhment, and cement- 
 ed the union of the colonifts. " Great-Britain," 
 faid they, "has commenced war againft us, for 
 maintaining our confiitutional liberties, and her 
 lawgivers now declare, they muft proceed with- 
 out any retrofpecl to the merits of the original 
 ground of difpute. Our peace and happinefs muft 
 be facrificed to Britifh honor and confiflency, in 
 their continuing to profecute an unjuft invafion of 
 our rights/' A number of lords, as ufual, entered 
 a fpirited proteft againft the bill ; but it was carried 
 by a great majority in both houfes of parliament, 
 and foon after received the royal 2 flout.* 
 
 2776". THE Britifh parliament proceeded yet further, 
 and concluded treaties with the landgrave of Hefle 
 Caflel, the duke of Brunfwick, and the hereditary 
 prince of Hefle Caflel, for hiring their troops to the 
 king of Great-Britain, to be employed in order t$ 
 effect the fubjugation of the American colonies* 
 
 * Ramfay, VoL I. p. 284, 285. 
 
 XX 
 
 XX 
 
NE WrENGLANJ). 34; 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 The American Independence declared. Formation of 
 the Jl ate conftitutions. The inhabitants of Vermont 
 declare their territory to be a free and indefend* 
 ent ft ate. 
 
 T. 
 
 HE Americans were irritated to the 
 tigheft degree, by the late acts of parliament, 
 which placed them out of the royal protection, 
 and engaged 16,000 foreign mercenaries to affift 
 in effecting their conqueft. They afferted that 
 protection and allegiance were reciprocal, and that 
 the refufai of the firft was a legal ground of jufti- 
 fication for 'withholding the lad. They reafoned, 
 that if Great-Britain called in the aid of ftrangers 
 to crufli them, they muft feek a fimilar relief for 
 their own prefervation ; and reflected, that, while 
 they continued to Acknowledge themfelves fubjects 
 to the Biitifh empire, they were regarded as rebels, 
 and this might preclude them frojrn forming al- 
 liances with foreign dates. * 
 
 THE motion for declaring the colonies free and 177<5 
 independent, was firft made in congrefs, by 
 Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia. He was war- 
 ranted in making this motion, by the particular 
 inflruflions of his immediate conRituents, and alfo 
 by the general voice of the people of all the colo* 
 
342 HISTORY OF 
 
 1776. nies. When the time for taking the fubjed: under 
 Vxvx<; confideration arrived, much knowledge, ingenuity 
 and eloquence were difplayed on both fides of the 
 queftion. The debates were continued for fome 
 time, and with great animation. In thefe, John 
 Adams, the prefent prefident of the United States, 
 and John Dickinfon, took leading and oppofite 
 parts. The former began one of his fpeecht?s, by 
 invoking all the powers of eloquence, to ailifl 
 him in defending the claims, and in enforcing the 
 duty of his countrymen. He flrongly urged the 
 immediate difTolution of all political connexion of 
 the colonies with Great-Britain, from the voice of 
 the people, from the necefTity of the meafure, in 
 order to obtain aiTiftance, from a regard to confift- 
 ency, and from a profpecl of glory and happinefs 
 which opened beyond the war, to a free and inde- 
 pendent people.* 
 
 AFTER, a full difcuflion, the meafure of declar- 
 ing the colonies free and independent, was approv- 
 ed by nearly an unanimous vote. And the 4th of 
 July announced to the world, the erection of this 
 new empire. This great event took place two 
 hundred and eighty-four years after the difcovery 
 of America by Columbus -one hundred and fixty- 
 fix from the firft effectual fettlement in Vir- 
 ginia and one hundred and fifty-fix from the 
 firft fetrlement of Plymouth, in MaiTachufetts, 
 which were the earlieil Englifli fet dements in 
 America.! 
 
 * Ram/ay t Vol. I, p. 340, 341. f Merffs G*ograply % 
 Vol. 1. p. 309. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 343 
 
 THE aft of the united colonies, for feparating 1776, 
 themfelves from the government of Great-Britain, 
 and declaring their independence, was expreffed 
 in the following words : 
 
 " WHEN, in the courfe of human events, it be- 
 comes necefiary for one people to diflblve the politi- 
 cal bands, which have connected them with another, 
 and to afluine, among the powers of the earth, the 
 feparate and equal flation, to which the laws of na- 
 ture and of nature's God entitle them, a decent 
 refpeft to the opinions of mankind requires, that 
 they fhould declare the caufes which impel them to 
 the Separation. 
 
 " WE hold thefe truths to be felf evident, that 
 all men are created equal ; that they are endowed 
 by their Creator with certain unalienable rights j 
 that among thefe are life, liberty > and the purfuit 
 of happinefs ; that to fecure thefe rights, govern- 
 ments are inflituted among men, deriving their jull 
 powers from the confenc of the governed ; that 
 whenever any form of government becomes de- 
 ftrucHve of thefe ends, it is the right of the people 
 to alter, or to abolilh it, and to inftitute a new 
 government, laying its foundation on fuch princi- 
 ples, and organizing its power in fuch form, as to 
 them (hall feem moil likely to effect their iafety and 
 happinefs. 
 
 " PRUDENCE, indeed, will dictate, that govern- 
 ments long cflabliihed fhould not be changed for 
 light and tranfierit caufes ; and accordingly all ex- 
 perience hath fhewn, that mankind are more dif- 
 pofed to fuffer, while evils are fulFerable, than to 
 
344 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1776. right th'emfelves by abolishing the forms, to winch 
 they are accuftomed. But when a long train of 
 abufes and ufurpationsj purfuing invariably the 
 fame object, evinces a defigrt to reduce them under 
 abiblute defpotifm, it is their right, it is their duty 
 to throw off fcch government, and to provide new 
 guards for their future fecurity. Such has been 
 the patient fufferance of thefe colonies, and fuch is 
 now the necem*ty,< which conlirains them to alter 
 their former fyftems of government. The hiflory 
 of the prefent king of Great-Britain is a hiftory 
 of repeated injuries and ufurpations, all having i? 
 direct object the eilablimment of an abfolute tyra. 
 fly over thefe ilates. To prove this, let facts be 
 fubmitted to a candid world. 
 
 " HE has refufed his afTent to laws, the moil 
 wholefome and neceflary for the public good, 
 
 " HE has forbidden his go-vernors to pafs laws 
 of immediate and preiTmg importance, unlefs fuf- 
 pended in their operation till his affent mould be 
 obtained ; and when fo fufpended, he has utterly 
 neglected to attend to them. 
 
 " HE has refufed to pafs other laws for the ac- 
 commodation of large difhicls of people, unlefs 
 thofe people would relinquifli the right of repie- 
 fentation in the legiflature, a right ineRimabLe to 
 them, and formidable to tyrants only. 
 
 " HE has called together legiilative bodies at 
 places unufual, uncomfortable, and aidant from 
 the depofitory of their public records, for the pur- 
 pofe of fatiguing them into compliance with his 
 meafures. 
 
NEW -ENGLAND. -345 
 
 " HE has diffolved reprefentative houfes repeat- 1776. 
 edly, for oppofing, with manly firmnefs^ his inva- 
 fions on the rights of the people. 
 
 . " HE has refufed, for a long time after fuch dif* 
 folutions, to caufe others to be elected ; whereby 
 the legiilative powers, incapable of annihilation, 
 have returned to the people at large for their exer- 
 cife ; the (late remaining in the mean timeexpofed 
 to all the danger of invafions from without, and 
 convulfions within. 
 
 " HE has endeavoured to prevent the population 
 of thefe dates; for that purpofe obftru&ing the 
 laws for naturalization ; refuling to pafs others to 
 encourage their migration hither, and raifmg the 
 condirions of new appropriations of land. 
 
 " HE -has obftruded the adminiitration of juf- 
 tice, by refufmg his aflent to laws for eflablifhing 
 judiciary powers. 
 
 " HE has made judges dependent on his will 
 alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the 
 amount and payment of their falaries. 
 
 " HE has erected a multitude of new offices, and 
 fent hither fwarms of officers, to harafs our peo- 
 ple, and eat out their fubftance. 
 
 *' HE has kept among us, in times of peace, (land- 
 ing armies, without the confent of our legiflatures. 
 
 " He has affected to render the military inde- 
 pendent of, and fuperior to, the civil power. 
 
 " HE has combined with others to fubjecl us to 
 jurifdidion foreign to our conftitution, and unac- 
 knowledged by our laws ; giving his aflfent to 
 
 their acls of pretended legillation. : 
 
 U a 
 
II I S T O K Y O F 
 
 1776. " FOR quartering large bodies of armed troops 
 mong us : 
 
 FOR protecling them, by a mock trial, from 
 punifhrnen-t from any murders -which they mould 
 commit on the inhabitants of thefe ftates : 
 
 " FOR cu-ttmg oiF our trade with ail parts of the 
 world : 
 
 " FOR impoim'g taxes on us without our confent: 
 
 " FOR depriving us, in many cafes, of the benefits 
 of trial by jury : 
 
 " FOR tranfpo-rting us beyond feas to be tried 
 for pretended offences : 
 
 " FOR abolifliing the free fyftem of Englifh laws 
 in a neighboring province, eftablifhing therein an 
 arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, 
 fo as to render it at once an example and fit inftru- 
 inent for introducing the fame abfolute rule into 
 thefe colonies : 
 
 " FOR taking away our charters, abolifliing our 
 moil valuable laws, and altering fundamentally 
 the form of our governments : 
 
 " FOR fufpending our legiflatures, and declaring 
 rhemfeives invented with power to legiflate for us 
 in all cafes whatfoever. 
 
 " HE has abdicated government here, by declar- 
 ing us out of his protection, and waging war 
 againft us. 
 
 " HE has plundered our feas, ravaged our coafts, 
 burnt our towns, and deftroyed the lives of our 
 people. 
 
 " HE is, at this time, tranfporting large armies 
 of foreign mercenaries, to complete the works of 
 
N E W - E N p L A M I). 347 
 
 death, defolation and tyranny, already begun with 1776. 
 circumftances of cruelty and perfidy, fcarcely par- 
 ralleled in the mod barbarous ages, and totally 
 unworthy the head of a civilized nation. 
 
 " HE has conflrained our fellow citizens, taken 
 captive on the high feas, to bear arms againd 
 their country, to become the executioners of their 
 friends and brethren, or to fail thernfelves by their 
 hands, 
 
 " HE has excited domeftic infurre&ions amongft 
 us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabit- 
 ants of our frontiers, the mercilefs Indian favages, 
 whole known rule of warfare is an undiftinguifhed 
 dedruction of all ages, fexes and conditions. 
 
 " IN every flage of thefe opprefTions, we have 
 petitioned for redrefs in the mod humble terms : 
 our repeated petitions have been anfwered only 
 by repeated injuries. A prince, whofe character 
 is thus marked by every acl which may define a 
 tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. 
 
 Ci NOR have we been wanting in attention to 
 our Britifh brethren. We have warned them from 
 time to time of attempts made by their legiflature, 
 to extend an unwarrantable jurifdiclion over us. 
 We have reminded them of the circumftances of 
 our emigration and fettlement here. We have ap- 
 pealed to their native juftice and magnanimity, and 
 we have conjured them, by the ties of our com- 
 mon kindred, to difavow thefe ufurpations, which 
 would inevitably interrupt our connexions and cor* 
 refpondence. They too have been deaf to the, 
 voice of juftice and coiiianguinity* We mud there* 
 
HISTORY O F 
 
 1776. fore acquiefce in the neceffity, which denounces 
 our reparation, and hold them, as we hold the 
 reft of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends. 
 cc WE, therefore, the reprefentatives of the 
 United States of America, in general congrefs af- 
 fembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the 
 world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in 
 the name, and by authority of the good people 
 in thefe colonies, folemnly publifh and declare, 
 that thefe united colonies are, and of right ought 
 to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES ; 
 that they are abfolved from all allegiance to the 
 Britifh crown ; and that all political connexion be- 
 tween them and the date of Great-Britain is and 
 ought to be totally diflblved ; and that, as free 
 and independent dates, they have full power to 
 levy war, conclude peace, contraft alliances, ef- 
 tablifh commerce, and to do all other ads and 
 things which independent dates may of right do. 
 And for the fupport of this declaration, with a 
 firm reliance on the prote&ion of Divine Provi- 
 dence, we mutually pledge to each other our 
 lives, our fortunes, and our facred honor/ 3 * 
 
 THE above declaration was figned by the rep- 
 refentatives of the United States. 
 
 THE declaration of independence was read pub- 
 licly in all the dates, and met with a welcome re- 
 ception. It was alfo publicly read to the Ameri- 
 can army, and received by them with unfeigned 
 acclamations of joy. Though it was well known 
 that Great-Britain had employed a force of s^ 
 
 * Ram/ay y I'vL I. p. 74.1 345, 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 349 
 
 men, to war updn the new-formed dates, and that 1776, 
 the continental army was not near equal to half 
 that number, and only engaged for a few months, 
 and that congrefs was without any afTurance of 
 foreign aid, yet both the American officers and 
 privates gave every evidence of their hearty ap- 
 probation of the decree, which fevered the colo- 
 nies from Great-Britain, and fubmitted to the de- 
 cifion of the fword, whether they mould be free 
 dates, or conquered provinces.* 
 
 THE declaration of independence was perfectly 
 agreeable to the republicah habits and fentiments 
 of the New-England dates. A Britifh author 
 obferves, that " of all the American colonies, 
 New-England, from its independent fpirit in reli- 
 gion, had probably longed cherifhed the wim, and. 
 even entertained hopes of becoming independent 
 in government."! 
 
 PREVIOUSLY to the declaration of independ- 
 ence, congrefs had recommended to the refpedive 
 aflemblies and conventions of the United States, 
 to adopt fuch governments as mould, in their 
 opinion-, bed conduce to the happinefs and fafety 
 of their condiments. Accordingly new inditu- 
 tions of government began to take place this year 
 in the different dates. Though the kingly office 
 was abolifhed, yet, in mod of the fubordinate de- 
 partments of government, ancient forms and names 
 were retained. Each date appointed a fupreme 
 executive head, with the title of governor or pre- 
 fident. They agreed, likewife, in deriving the 
 jv, FeL L />. 291. f 
 
350 HISTORY O F 
 
 / 
 
 1776. whole powers of government, either mediately or 
 
 immediately, from the people.* 
 
 As a farther fecurity for the continuance of re- 
 publican principles, in the American conftitutions, 
 they united in prohibiting any hereditary honors 
 and diftindion of ranks. All religious eftablifh- 
 ments were alfo abolifhed. 
 
 THE rejeclion of Britifh fovereignty not only 
 involved a necefiity of erecting independent con- 
 ftitutions, but of cementing the whole United 
 States by fome common bond of union. The act 
 of independence did n<3t hold out to the world 
 thirteen fovereign ftates, but a common fove- 
 reignty of the whole, in their united capacity. It 
 therefore became neceilary to run the line of dif- 
 tin&iori, between the local legiflatures, and the 
 aflembly of the ftates in congrefs. A committee 
 was appointed for digeftirfg articles of confedera- 
 tion between the ftates, or united colonies, as they 
 were then called. Whiift the propriety of declar- 
 ing independence was under debate, and feme 
 weeks previouily to the adoption of that meafure, 
 a committee met as above ; but the plan was not 
 for fixteen months after fo far digefted, as to be 
 ready for communication to the ftates. Nor was 
 it finally ratified, by the acceifion of all the ftates, 
 till nearly three years more had elapfed.f 
 
 THE declaration of independence, which was 
 made by the united colonies, left the people on 
 the New-Hampfnire grants in a fituation more un- 
 certain and critical than they were previoufly to 
 * R.*:ifay 9 YoL I. p. 35 353- 1 #'"> /> 357* 
 
N E W-E N G L A N D. 351 
 
 this event. Senfible of the difficulties they had to 
 encounter, the inhabitants of thefe grants were 
 induced to take a decifive ftep. In January, 1777, 
 a general convention of reprefentatives, from the 
 towns on both fides the mountains, met at Weft- 
 minfter. Being perfectly acquainted with the fen- 
 timents of their condiments, after a ferious debate 
 and confutation, they publicly proclaimed, that 
 the didrict of territory, ufually known by the 
 name of the New-Hampmire grants, " of right 
 ought to be, and is hereby declared, forever here- 
 after to be confidered as a free and independent 
 jurifdidion, or Hate, to be forever hereafter cal- 
 led, known and didinguifhed, by the name of 
 New-Connecticut,, alias Vermont." And that the 
 inhabitants mall be entitled to the fame privileges, 
 as mail be allowed to the inhabitants of any of 
 the free and independent Hates of America. And 
 that fuch privileges and immunities mall be regu- 
 lated by a bill of tights, and by a form of gov- 
 ernment, to be edablimed at the next feffion of 
 the convention.* 
 
 THUS was freedom and independence edablifh- 
 ed, by the general voice of the people in the 
 American dates. A Britifh author has obferved, 
 " that, as the difcovery of the American conti- 
 nent was one of the mod important difcoveries 
 in natural ; fo the emancipation of North- Ameri- 
 ca from the authority of Great-Britain, with the 
 effects which the event mud produce on the weft- 
 ern world, is one of the greated in civil hiflory."t 
 * William? HijJory tfYtrmvte,} 232. \ Andrew. 
 
H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 CHAP T E 11 XXIX. 
 
 Battle at Long-IJJand. The Americans retreat to 
 New-Tork. Capt. Hale fent for a fpy to Long- 
 Jfland, and is executed by the Britifn. The royal 
 commiffiomrs hold a conference with a committee 
 of congrefs. New-Tork abandoned. Battle a! the 
 White Plains. The Britijh overrun the Jerfies. 
 The defperatejituation of American affairs. Rhode' 
 I/land taken, arid commodore Hopkins 9 fquadrcn 
 blocked up. General Lee taken prifcner, and 
 clofely confined. Proceedings of the American con- 
 grefs. General Washington gives a neiv turn to 
 the affairs of 'America, by fitrprizing and defeating 
 the Britijh in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. 
 
 TP 
 
 j{_ HE Americans were fenfible that the 
 moft vigorous exertions were neceffary to maintain 
 that independence which they had boldly proclaim- 
 ed. Though that meafure detached fome timid 
 friends from fupporting them in their oppofition 
 to Great-Britain, it increafed the vigor and union 
 ofthofe whopoflefled more fortitude and perfever- 
 ance.* 
 
 As it had early occurred to Gen. Waihington^ 
 that the poffeffion of New-York would be to the 
 Britifh a favorite object ; great pains were taken to 
 fortify that city, and the adjacent iflands. The 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. l.p. 349. 
 
NE W-ENG LAND. 353 
 
 greateft part of the American army was ordered 1776. 
 thither ; and Gen. Wafhington himfelf fixed his 
 head quarters in that city.* 
 
 THE force, deflined to operate againft New- 
 York, was far fuperior to any, which had ever be- 
 fore appeared in America. It confifted of thirty 
 thoufand excellent troops, among whom were 
 great numbers of experienced veterans. They 
 were amply provided with artillery, military (lores, 
 and warlike materials of every kind, and were 
 fupported by a numerous fleet. The fleet was 
 commanded by Lord Howe, and the land forces by 
 his brother, Gen. Howe ; men of approved valor 
 and experience in the art of war. The admiral 
 and general, in addition to their military powers, 
 were appointed cornmiiiioners for reiloring peace 
 to the colonies.! 
 
 ON the 2d of July, Gen. Howe landed his troops 
 on Staten-Ifland, where he was foon joined by 
 Lord Howe, with the grand armament. Thence 
 his lordfhip fent on more by a flag to Amboy a 
 circular letter, together with a declaration -to fe- 
 veral of the late governors. of the colonies, ac- 
 quainting them with the powers with which he 
 and his brother were intruded, " of granting gen- 
 eral or particular pardons to all thofe, who, 
 though they had deviated from their allegiance, 
 were willing to return to their duty ;" and of de- 
 claring " any colony, province, county or town, 
 port, diftrict or place, to be at the peace of his 
 
 * Ramfay, Pol. I. f. 292. f Gordon, Vol. 11, />. 304. 
 W w 
 
H t $ T O U Y O P 
 
 1776. rnajefty." The late governors were requeued to 
 publifli this declaration. Congrefs, iinprefied with 
 a belief, that the propofnh of the commiffioners, 
 mftead of difunkiHg the people, would produce a 
 contrary efiecl:, ordered them to be fpeedilv pub- 
 lifhed, in the fever i\\ American newfpapers.* 
 
 LORD Howe and his brother alib fent two let- 
 ters to General Wafhmgton on the f abject, which 
 he refufed to accept, becaufe tliey were not di- 
 recled in a ftyle i'lritabfe to the dignity of his fta- 
 t-ion. Upon receiving the iirrl: ktSer, he wrote to 
 congrefs on the fubjecl; as follows : " I would not 
 on any occafion iacrifiee eiTentiais to-pivn^ilio ; but 
 in this iniia-nce, I deemed it a duty to my country 
 and appointment t-o infift on that refpecl,,- which, in 
 any other than a public view, I would willingly 
 have waved/' Adjutant-general Paterfon, who 
 was the bearer of the laft letter, had an interview 
 with Gen, Wa-{hmgtor>, ad obferved t& him, that 
 " the commiffioners were armed wilh great 
 power?, and would be very happy in effecting an 
 accommodation." They received for anfvtfer, 
 " that from what appeared, their powers were on- 
 ly to grant pardon ; that tfcey, who had committed 
 no fault, wanted no-- pardon. >J f Soon after this in- 
 terview, a letter from Lord Howe, refpecling prif- 
 oners, which was properly addrell^d.to Genera! 
 Wamington, was received. | 
 
 THE whole continental army, in and near New- 
 York, at this critical- period, amounted only to 
 
 * Ramfay. VoL I. p. 296. f 4l r ( ^.i^ons Letters, Vol. 
 !- p. 185. J Ram/ay, J'si I ^. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 355 
 
 17,225 men. Thefe were chiefly new troops, and 1776. 
 were much fcattered, fome being iifteen miles apart, ^^ 
 THS decifion of the controverfy was now, by Ag 27. 
 confent of both parties, left to the fword. The 
 Britifh army refolved to make their firft attempt on 
 Long-lfiand ; and landed without oppofition be- 
 tween two fmall towns, Utrecht and Gravefend.. 
 The night before the battle commenced, Gen. 
 Clinton found means to i'ecure a pafs of great im- 
 portance, which lay at a diftance, and was not 
 fufficieatly guarded by the Americans, This gave 
 an opportunity to a large body of troops, under 
 Lord Percy and Gen. Clinton, to attack the 
 Americans in the rear, while they were engaged 
 with the HefTuns in front. An aclion commenced 
 foon after day-break, in which the Americans were 
 furrounded on all (ides, and entirely defeated. 
 Thofe, who were engaged with the lieflians, fir ft 
 began a retreat towards their camp ; but the 
 paffage was intercepted by the Britifh troops, who 
 drove them back into the woods. Here they were 
 met by the Heflians ; and thus for many hours 
 ilaughtered between the two parties. The only 
 way to efcape was by breaking through the Britifh 
 troops, and thus regaining their camp. This was 
 effected by fome of the regiments.* 
 
 THE Americans under Lord Stilling, who were- 
 engaged with Gen. Grant ? fought with great refo- 
 lution for about fix hours. They were fo late in 
 their knowledge of Gen, Clinton's movements, 
 that their retreat was intercepted by fome of the 
 nl< II. p 396 309, 
 
3f6 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1776. Britiih troops, who had traverfed the whole extent 
 ^^ of country in th-Ar renr. Several, notwithltamling, 
 broke through the enemy's line, and got into the 
 wooJs. Numbers threw themfelves into the 
 marfli at Gor van's cove ; fome were drowned, and 
 others perifhed in the mud ; but a confiderable 
 body efcaped by this way to their lines.* 
 
 THE lofs of the Britiih and Heffians was about 
 450. The killed, wounded and prifoners of the 
 Americans, including thofe, who were drowned and 
 perimed in the woods or mud, confiderably ex- 
 ' ceeded i ooo. Gen. Sullivan, Lord Stirling, and 
 a number of other officers, were among the prifon- 
 ers. A regiment, confiding of young gentlemen of 
 fortune and family in Maryland, was almoft en- 
 tirely cut in pieces, and of the furvivers not one ef- 
 caped without a wound. The Britilh after their 
 victory were fo impetuous, that it was with diffi- 
 culty that they could be retrained, by General 
 Howe's orders, from attacking the American lines.f 
 Awg-30 AFTER this unfortunate engagement, Gen. Wafh- 
 ington called a council of war, who determined up- 
 on an immediate retreat to New- York. The in- 
 tention was prudently concealed from the ar- 
 my, who knew not whithar they were going, 
 but imagined it was to attack the enemy. The 
 field artillery, tents, baggage, and about 9000 
 men, were conveyed to the city of New-York, 
 over Eaft-river, more than a mile wide, in lefs than 
 thirteen hours, and without the knowledge of the 
 Britilh, though not fix hundred yards diftaiit. 
 
 * Gorfafi, Vol. II. p. 310. f Ranjay, Vol. I. p 307. 
 
N E W -ENGLAND. 357 
 
 Providence, in a remarkable manner, favored the 1776. 
 retreating army. The wind, which feemed to pre- 
 vent the troops getting over at the appointed hour, 
 afterwards fhifted to their wifhes. Towards morn- 
 ing an extreme thick fog came on, which hovered 
 over Long-lfland, and, by concealing the Ameri- 
 cans, enabled them to complete their retreat with- 
 out interruption, though the day had begun to 
 dawn fome time before it was fmifhed. In about 
 half an hour after the ifland was finally abandoned, 
 the fog cleared off, and the Britiih were feen 
 taking polfeilion of the American lines.* 
 
 " PERHAPS the fate of America was never fuf- 
 pended on a more brittle thread, than previoufly 
 to this memorable retreat. A fpeclacle is here 
 prefented of an army, deftined for the defence of 
 a great continent, driven to the narrow borders of 
 an ifland, with a victorious army of double its 
 numbers in front, with navigable waters in its 
 rear ; conftantly liable to have its communication 
 cut off by the enemy's navy, and every moment 
 expofed to an attack. 'The prefence of mind, 
 which animated the commander in chief, in this 
 critical fituation ; the prudence, with which all the 
 neceflary meafures were executed, redounded as 
 much, or more to his honor, than the mod bril- 
 liant victories. An army, to which America look- 
 ed for fafety, preferved ! A general, who was 
 confidered as an hoft himfelf,- faved for the future 
 neceflities of his country. Had not, however a the 
 circumftances of the night, of the wind and wea- 
 
 * Gordon, Fol. 11. p. 314. Ramfyy t i'oL L />, JO2. 
 
358 HISTORY () F 
 
 1/76. rher, been favorable to this operation, the plan, 
 
 v -' v " Nj however well concerted, muft have been defeated. 
 
 To a good Providence, therefore, are the people 
 
 of America indebted for the complete fuccefs of 
 
 an enterprize fo important in its confequences. 
 
 cc THIS retreat left the Britifh in complete pof- 
 fdliori of Longrliland. What would be their fu- 
 ture operations, remained uncertain. To obtain 
 information of their fituation, their ftrength and 
 .future movements, was of -high importance. For 
 this purpofe, General Washington applied to col. 
 Kuowlton, who commanded a regiment of light 
 infantry, which formed the van of the American 
 army, and clefired him to adopt fome mode of 
 gaining the neceiTary information. Col. KnowU 
 ton communicated this requeil to captain Nathan 
 Hale, of Connecticut, who was then a captain in 
 his regiment. 
 
 " THIS young officer, animated by a ienfe of du- 
 ty, and confidering that an opportunity prefented it- 
 felf, by which he might be ufjful to his country, 
 at once offered himfelf a volunteer for this hazard- 
 ous fervice. He palled in difguife to Long-liland, 
 examined every part of the Britifh army, and ob- 
 tained the bed poflible information refpeftir.g 
 their (ituation and future operations. 
 
 ** ]N\hib attempt to return he was apprehended, 
 
 -led before Sir William Howe, and the proof 
 cf his object was ib clear , that he frankly acknow- 
 iedgeduho he was, and what v/ere his views. 
 
 Ci SIR William Howe at once gave an order to the 
 provoft manliai to execute him the acxt 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 359 
 
 ** This order was accordingly executed, in a 1776, 
 mod unfeeling manner, and by as great a iavage 
 as ever difgraced humanity* A clergyman, whole 
 attendance ta defrred, was refufed him ; a bible 
 for a few moments devotion was not procured, 
 although he requeued it. Letters^ which, on the 
 morning of his execution, he wrote to his mother, 
 and other friends, were destroyed ; and this very 
 extraordinary reafon given by the provoit marfhul, 
 " that the rebels ihouki not know they had a man 
 in their army who could die with fo much firmnefe.'* 
 
 4C UNKNOWN to ail around him, without a fingla 
 friend to offer him the lead consolation, thus fell 
 as amiable and as worthy a young man as America 
 could boaft, with this, as his dying obfervation, 
 " that he only lamented, that he had but one 
 life to lofe for his country." 
 
 "ALTHOUGH the manner of this execution will 
 ever be abhorred by every friend to humanity and 
 religion, yet there cannot be a queftion but that 
 the fentence was conformable to the rules of war, 
 and the pradice of nations in iimilar cafes. 
 
 " IT is, however, a juftice due to the character of 
 captain Hale to obferve, thai his motives for engag- 
 ing in this fervice were entirely different from thofe, 
 which generally influence others in fimilar circuni- 
 itances. 
 
 "NEITHRR expe&ation of promotion, nor pe- 
 cuniary reward, induced him to this attempt. A 
 icnie of duty, a hope that he might in this way be 
 uteful to his country, and an opinion, which he 
 
360 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1776. had adopted, that every kind of iervice neceffary 
 to the public good, became honorable, by being 
 neceffary, were the great motives, which induc- 
 ed him to engage in an enterprize, by which his 
 connexions loft a mod amiable friend, and his 
 country one of its mod promifmg fupporters. 
 
 " THE fate of this unfortunate young man ex- 
 cites the moil interefting reflections. 
 
 " To fee fuch a character, in the flower of 
 yduth, cheerfully treading in the moil hazardous 
 paths, influenced by the purefl intentions, and only 
 emulous to do good to his country, without the 
 imputation of a crime, fall a victim to policy, mult 
 have been wounding to the feelings, even of hi? 
 enemies* 
 
 " SHOULD a comparifon be drawn between major 
 Andre and captain Hale, injuflice would be done to 
 the latter, ihouid he not be placed on an equal 
 ground with the former. "Whilil almoft every 
 Inftorian of the Ameiican revolution has celebrated 
 the virtues, and lamented the fate of Andre, Hale 
 has remained unnoticed, and it is fcarcely known 
 fuch a character ever exifted.* 
 
 * Dr. Dwigkt, hoivemer, has the following beautiful linet ffff 
 ca/f. Hale, in Lis Conque/i of 'Canaan , Book 1 p 3, 4. 
 
 " Thu?, while fond virtue v.ifhfd in vain to lave. 
 
 Hale, bright and generous, found a lupMs grave ; 
 
 With genius' living flame his bofom glou'd, 
 
 And fcier.ce charm*d h'm :o her fwec-t abode. 
 
 In wortii's fair path his Icct adventured far, 
 
 The p.ide of peace, ihe rifing gtace of war. 
 
 In duty firtrv, in danger calm a^ even, 
 
 To frends unchanging, and iinccre to heaven. 
 
 'Mow fiiort his cr.urJe, the pri'/.e how early wen, 
 
 While vvccp-.ng Fi-Jendlhip mourns her fayoriie gone/* 
 
NEW- ENGLAND. 361 
 
 "To the memory of Andre, his country have 1776! 
 ereSed the moft magnificent monuments, and 
 bellowed on his family the higheft honors, and 
 mofl liberal rewards. To the memory of Hale, 
 not a done has been erected, nor an infcription to 
 preferve his allies frominfult."* 
 
 UNDER the idea that the victory at LongJfland 
 would intimidate the congrefs into a compliance with 
 his terms, Lord Howe fent Gen. Sullivan on parole^ 
 with a meffage to that body, importing, that) 
 " though he could not confiilently^ treat with them 
 as a legal affembly, he was defirous of conferring 
 with fome of their members, in their private capa- 
 city ;" fetting forth, at the fame time, the nature 
 and extent of the powers, that were veiled in him 
 and his brother, as commiilioners. They replied, 
 that " the congrefs of the free and independent 
 Hates of America could not, with propriety, fend 
 any of its members in any other capacity than 
 that, which they had publicly aflumed ; but that, 
 ever deiirous of eflablilliing peace on equitable 
 conditions, they would appoint a committee of 
 their body, to hear what propofals he could make 
 for that purpofe."t 
 
 THE committee, appointed by congrefs, was 
 compofed of John Adams, the prefent prefident 
 of the United States, Dr. Franklin, and Edward 
 Rutledge. They met Lord Howe on Staten-Ifl- 
 and, and were received with great politenefs. The 
 
 * The wntiler of the Hijhry cf New -England is indebted to 
 Iilflj'jr G?veral Hull, of Nt<ivton f jer tb: ihtcrefting account of 
 capj&in Hale. \ Rawfay* 
 
3 6* H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1776. -committee behaved with dignity, and explicitly 
 aflured his lordfhip, that neither they, nor the 
 congrefs which fent them,- had authority to treat 
 in any other capacity, thair as independent dates. 
 Lord Howe ended the conference on his part,, by 
 expreffing his regard for America, and the ex- 
 treme pain he mould fuller, in being obliged to 
 dift-refs thofc, whom- he fo much regarded. Dr. 
 Franklin thanked him for his regards, and allured 
 him, " that the Americans would mew their grati- 
 tude, by endeavouring to leilen, as much as pof- 
 fible, all pain he might feel on their account, by 
 exerting, their utmoft abilities, in taking good 
 care of themfelves."* 
 
 THE unfuccefsful termination of the battle on 
 Long-Ifland greatly difpirited the continental ar- 
 my. Whole companies of militia relinquifhed the 
 camp. Their example infected the regular regi- 
 ments. General Mercer, who commanded the 
 flying camp, in a letter dated September 4, 
 gi'ves the following defcription : " General Wafh- 
 mgton has not, as far as I have feen, five thou- 
 fand men to be depended on for the fervice of the 
 campaign ; and I have not a thoufand. Both our 
 armies are compofed of raw militia, perpetually 
 fluctuating between the camp and their farms j 
 poorly armed, and dill worfe difciplineu." In 
 this critical frtuation, it was determined to act on 
 the defenfive, and not riik the army for the 
 fake of New- York. The public ftores were re- 
 moved to Dobbs' ferry, about twenty-fix miles 
 
 * Ramfay, VoL I. p. 304* 
 
NEW. E N G L A N 1). 363 
 
 from the city. Twelve thoufand men were order- 1776. 
 ed to the northern extremity of New- York iiland, V ^ VN ^ 
 and four thoufand five hundred were left in the 
 city. Before the Britifh landed, it was impoilible 
 to tell what place would be firft attacked. For 
 this reafon, works were ere&ed for the defence 
 of a variety of places, as well as New- York j 
 and thefe were occupied by the remainder of the 
 troops.* 
 
 GENERAL Howe, having prepared every thing Sep.i5. 
 for a defcent on New- York ifland, began to land 
 his men under cover of fhips of war, between 
 Kepp's bay and Turtle bay, where bread-works 
 had been erecled, and a party flationed to oppofe 
 the Britim. General Wamington, in his letters 
 to congrefs, thus defcribes the fcene which enfued. 
 * c As foon as I heard the firing, I rode with all 
 poflible difpatch towards the place of landing, 
 when, to my great furprize and mortification, I 
 found the troops, that had been polled in the lines, 
 retreating with the utmoft precipitation, and thofe 
 ordered to fupport them (Parfons* and Fellows' 
 brigades) flying in every direction, and in the 
 greateft confufion, notwithstanding the exertions of 
 their generals to form them, I ufed every means 
 in my power to rally and get them in fome order ; 
 but my attempts were fruitlefs and ineffectual ; 
 and on the appearance of a fmall party of the 
 enemy (not more than fixty or feventy) their 
 diforder increafed, and they ran away in the great* 
 eft confufion, without firing a fmgle gun."f 
 
 * Gordon, Vol. //./>. 316 --325. Ram fay , Vol. L p. 304, 305. 
 Wfybi nitons Letters, VoL L p 231, 237. f lb{d r /, 246, 
 
3 6 4 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1776. GENERAL Wafhington was highly diftrefied by 
 this cowardly conduct, and under the mod live- 
 ly appreheniions of its fatal conferences. Im- 
 preffed with thefe ideas, he hazarded his perfon 
 for fome confiderable time in the rear of his own 
 men, and in front of the enemy, with his horfe's 
 head towards the latter, as if in expectation, that, 
 by an honorable death, he might efcape the infa- 
 my he dreaded, from the daftardly conduct of 
 troops on whom he could place no dependance. 
 His aids, and the confidential friends around his per- 
 fon, by indirect violence, compelled him to retire ; 
 in confequence of which, his life was preferve4 
 for public fervice.* 
 
 THE fubfequent day, a fkirmifh took place be- 
 tween two battalions of light infantry and High- 
 landers, commanded by brigadier-general Leflie, 
 and fome detachments from the American army, 
 under the command of lieutenant-col. Knowlton, 
 of Connecticut, and major Leitch, of Virginia, 
 The colonel was killed, and the major dangerouf- 
 ly wounded. Their men behaved with great 
 bravery, and fairly beat the enemy from the field. 
 Moft of thefe were the fame men, who had difgrao 
 ed themfelves the day before by flight. Struck 
 with a fenfe of iharne, they had offered themfelves 
 as volunteers, and requefled the commander in 
 chief to give them an opportunity to retrieve their 
 honor. In this manner the general employed his 
 troops in continual fkirmifhes, in order to annoy 
 the enemy, and inure them to actual fervice \ by 
 
 * Ranfaj, Vol. L p. 506, 307. 
 
NEW-ENGL AND. 365 
 
 which means they foon recovered their fpirits, 1776, 
 and behaved with their ufual boldnefs.* 
 
 THE Americans having evacuated New-York, Oa. it. 
 a brigade of the Britifh marched into it. In or- 
 der to cut off General Wafhington's communica- 
 tion with the eaftern dates, General Howe left 
 Lord Percy, with a fufficient force to garrifon this 
 city, and embarking his army in flat-bottomed boats, 
 paffed through Hell-gate, and landed on Frogs- 
 neck, in Weft-Chefter county. Two days after 
 - the movement of the royal army, General Lee ar- 
 rived from Charlefton, and, at a council of war, 
 preffed the neceility of evacuating Fort- Warning- 
 ton, and the whole iiland of New- York. General 
 Greene oppofed the evacuation of Fort-Wafhing- 
 ton and Fort-Lee, oppofite to the Jerfey fhore, as 
 they would divert a large body of the enemy from 
 joining their main force ; and would alfo cover 
 the tranfportation of provifions and (lores up the 
 North-river, for the fervice of the American 
 troops. His opinion prevailed. New- York ifland 
 was evacuated ; but garrifons were left in Fort^ 
 Wafhington and Fort-Lee ; three thoufand men 
 being afiigned for the defence of the former.f 
 
 GEN. Wafhington, while retreating from New- 
 York iiland, was careful to make a front towards 
 the Britifh, from Eaft-Chefter almoft to White 
 Plains, in order to fecure the march of thofe, who 
 were left behind, and to defend the removal of the 
 fick, the cannon and (lores of the army. A con- 
 
 * Rctmfayi J r o! 2, p. 307. LtttJrum, Vol. 11. p> 114. 
 
 \ Gu-Jw, YuL 11. /. 336338. Lendrum, VaLUf. 1*6.. 
 
3 66 HISTORY O F 
 
 1776. fiderable a&ion enfued at White Plains, in which 
 
 ^^ feveral hundreds fell, but nothing decifive took 
 place. 
 
 Now 12. THE Britifh met with complete fuccefsin reducing 
 the forts, which the Americans retained in New- 
 York ifland, Fort-Wafhington, which was com- 
 jnandedby col. Magaw,was attacked in four different 
 places at once, and quickly reduced. The num- 
 ber of prifoners amounted to about 2700. They 
 were confidered by the articles of capitulation as 
 prifoners of war, and the officers were allowed to 
 keep their baggage and fide arms. Soon after, 
 Lord Cornwallis, with a confiderable force, paffed 
 
 Noy.i8,ovei to attack For t-Lee, on the oppofite Jerley 
 fhore. The garrifon were faved, by immediate 
 evacuation, at the expence of their artillery and 
 Jlores. 
 
 THESE difaftrous events, and the diminution of 
 the American army, by the departure of thofe, 
 whofe time of fervice had expired, encouraged the 
 Britiih, notwithstanding the feverity of the winter, 
 and the badnef* of the roads, to purfue the re- 
 maining inconfiderable continental force, with the 
 profpecl of annihilating it. By this turn of af- 
 fairs, the interior country was furprized into con- 
 iufion, and found an enemy within its bowels, 
 without a fufficient army to oppofe it. To retreat 
 was the only expedient left. This having com- 
 menced. Lord CornwaUis followed, and was clofe 
 in the rear of Gen. Wafhingtori, as he retreated 
 fucceflively to Newark, to Brunfwick, to Prince- 
 ton, to Trenton, and to the Pennfylvania fide of 
 
N E W-E N CLAN . 567 
 
 tlie Delaware. The purfuit was urged with fo 1776. 
 much rapidity, that the rear of the one army,- 
 pulling down bridges, was often within fight and 
 mot of the van of the other, building them up.* 
 
 THIS retreat into 1 and through New-Jerfey com- 
 menced in a few days after the reduction of Fort- 
 Wafhington. The army was alnloft conflantly 
 diminifhing 5 and the fmall force$ which remained, 
 in want of neceffary articles. In this gloomy (late 
 of public affairs, numbers changed fides, and went 
 over to the Britim. Some of the leading men in 
 New-Jerfey and Pennfylvania adopted this expe- 
 dient. 
 
 DURING the royal fuccefTes in the ferfies, Gen. 
 Clinton, with four brigades of Britifh and Hef- 
 iian troops, and a fquadron of men of war under 
 Sir Peter Parker, was fent to attempt the conquefl 
 of Rhode-Ifland. It was taken without the lofs of 
 a man ; the American forces being incapable of 
 making effectual refinance. Hence., on the day 
 that Gen. Wafhingtpn crofTed the Delaware, the 
 Britifh took poffeflion of the ifland, and at the fame 
 time blocked up commodore Hopkins' fquadron, 
 and a number of privateers at Providence.! 
 
 IN this alarming fituation of affairs, Gen. Lee 
 was taken prifoner at Bafkenridge, by a party of 
 Britifh light-horfe, commanded by col. Harcourt. 
 This event greatly deprefled thefpirits of the Ame- 
 ricans, who had repofed extravagant confidence in 
 his military talents, and experience of regular Eu- 
 ropean war.J 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. I. p. 312. f lbld % p. 313. Gordon, Vol. 
 ll.p. 369, \ Lees Memoir*. J>. 14, 
 
3 68 H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 1776. EVERY circumftance feemed, at this period, 
 
 Uxv ^ / unfavorable to the Americans. The northern 
 forces at Ticonderoga were in a difagreeable fitua- 
 tion. After they were expelled from Canada, 
 their naval force was nearly deftroyed, and the 
 Britifli had undifputed poilefTion of Lake Cham- 
 plain. With the clole of this year, a retreating 
 half naked army was to be difmiffed, and the prof- 
 peel: of a new one was both diflant and uncertain. 
 The recently affumed independence of the flates 
 was apparently on the verge of diifolution. 
 
 Dee,i 9* IN proportion as difficulties increafed, congrefs 
 redoubled their exertions ; and evinced that firm- 
 nefs and energy of mind, which no dangers could 
 difcoumge. They addrefied the ftates in animated 
 language, calculated to remove their defpondency, 
 renew their hopes, and confirm their refolutions. 
 At the fame time they difpatched gentlemen of 
 character and influence, to excite the militia to take 
 the field. They alfo recommended to the United 
 States to appoint a day of folemn fading and 
 prayer.* 
 
 Der.27. IN this dangerous fituation of affairs, congrefs 
 transferred extraordinary powers to Gen. Wafhing- 
 ton, for the limited term of fix months, unlefo 
 foorier determined by their authority. He \va> 
 empowered to difplace and appoint all officers umkr 
 the rank of brigadier-general; to reform and new 
 model the military arrangements, in fuch a man- 
 ner as he judged bed for the public fervice ; to 
 raiie 16 battalions of infantry, 3000 light-horfe ? 
 
 * Ram fay, VoL I, p. 315. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N I). 369 
 
 three regiments of artillery, and a corps of engineers, 1776. 
 in addition to thofc already voted by congrefs ; to 
 eftablifh their pay ; to form magazines ; to take 
 whatever he may want for the ufe of the army, 
 if the inhabitants will not fell it, upon paying a 
 reafonable price for the fame ; to enforce the ac- 
 ceptance of continental currency ; to prefent the 
 names and offences of the difaftecled, together with 
 the witnefTes to prove them.* 
 
 THE thick cloud which at prefent impended, 
 did not induce congrefs to entertain the moll dif- 
 tant idea of purchafmg peace by returning to the 
 condition of Britifh fubjects. On the other hand, 
 they firmly refolved to abide by their declared in- 
 dependence ; and preferred freedom of trade to 
 any foreign nation, trufling the event to Provi- 
 dence, and riiking all confequences. Copies of 
 thefe refolutions were difpatched to the principal 
 courts of Europe - 9 and proper perfons appointed 
 to folicit their friend fhip to the new formed flates.f 
 
 IN this crifis of danger, 1500 of the Pennfylva- 
 nia militia embodied, to reinforce the continental 
 army. The number of troops at this time under 
 the command of Gen. Wamingtcn, fluctuated be* 
 tween 2 and 3000 men. With this fmall force, he 
 formed the bold refolutionof recroffing into theftate 
 of Newjerfey, and attacking that pait of the ene- 
 my, which was ported at Trenton. This party 
 were in a (late of perfect fecurity, fuppofing it im- 
 poflible for the Americans, under their difadvan- 
 
 * Gordon, /W. //./>. 405. Lendrum, Vol. //./>. 1 16. 
 
 ol* ! / 3 1 7' 
 
 Y y 
 
370 H I S T O K Y f' 
 
 1776. tages, to commence offenfive operations. It has 
 v ' v * sj been faid that col. Rahl, the commanding officer 
 in Trenton, being under fome apprehenfions for 
 that frontier poft., applied to Gen. Grant for a re- 
 inforcement, and that the general returned for an- 
 fwer, " tell the colonel he is very fafe ; I will un- 
 dertake to keep the- peace in New-Jerfey with a 
 corporal's guard."* 
 
 ON 'the night of the ajtli of December, Gen* 
 Wafliington- crofted th-e Delaware, and at day-break 
 inarched down- to Trenton. He fo completely 
 furprized the enemy, that finding they were iur- 
 rounded, and that they rmift inevitably be cut to 
 pieces by making farther refiftance, they agreed 
 to lay down their arms. The number that fubmit- 
 ted, were 23 officers, and 88-6 men. Between 
 3,0 and 40 of the Medians- were killed and wound- 
 ed. . Col. Rahl was among the number, who were 
 flam; Capt. Waihington, of the Virginia troops, 
 and five or fix of the Americans, were wounded. 
 Two were killed, and two or three frozen to death ; 
 the night on which they eroded the Delaware, be- 
 ing remarkable for the feverity of the cold, and a 
 violent florin of haiLf 
 
 SMALI, reinforcements from feveral quarters ar- 
 rived, and, after fecuring the Heflian prifoners, 
 Gen. Wamington recrofled the Delaware, and took 
 poiTeilion of Trenton. 
 
 " GLOOMY, however, were his profpecls in this 
 fituation. The clofe of the year 1776, terminated 
 the engagements of almofi: the whole of the contr- 
 
 * Ram/ay t FoL I p. 319. .-} Ibid. 
 
NE W-ENG L AND. 371 
 
 mental army, efpecially that part from New- 1776. 
 England. The Britifh were collecting in flrong 
 force in Princeton in his front ; the Delaware was 
 in his rear, and the ice floated down in fuch quan- 
 tities, that a retreat became very difficult, if not 
 i-rnpoliible. It is hardly poffible to conceive, that 
 the pofition of an army could be more critical, or 
 the fate of a country more hazardous, than at this 
 moment. It remained for the genius of a Wafli- 
 kigton, and the exertions of a patriot army, to fur- 
 mount the difficulties, which prefented themfelves. 
 
 " THE firft object of the general was to perfuade 
 the continental troops to engage for fix weeks. 
 As an inducement, he called on their patriotifm, 
 and the dreadful confequences of their abandoning 
 him in that fituation. He pointed out the dangers 
 and difficulties of retiring to their homes, hemmed 
 in as they were by the enemy on one fide, and by 
 the elements on the other. He made a perfonal 
 addrefs to the different regiments, and in fuch per- 
 fuafive language, that it produced the defired effect. 
 Although the foldiers had been a year from their 
 homes, had paffed through unparalleled fcenes of 
 danger and fatigue, were fo deftitute of necefiary 
 clothing, that it was eafy to trace them by the 
 blood from their feet, yet they almoil unanimouily 
 complied with his requeft. Perhaps the annals of 
 hiitory do not prefent a brighter example of dif- 
 interefted patriotism, than was exhibited on this co- 
 ca fion. 
 
 " WHEN we confider the inclemency of the fea- 
 fon, the naked condition of the troops, the anxi- 
 
372 HISTORY OF 
 
 1776. ery, which is naturally felt by men who had paffed 
 through fo many interefting fcenes, to return to 
 their homes, repofe from their labors, and relate 
 the wonderful events, which they had witneifed, 
 and in which they had been actors, it is almoft a 
 miracle that any confideration could have prevail- 
 ed on them to adopt the meafure. 
 
 " THE confequences of this laudable conduct 
 were as happy to America as it was honorable to 
 the general, who projected it, and the army, which 
 had adopted it. 
 
 " THE ftrength of the Britifh army, having 
 been collected at Princeton, in confequence of the 
 defeat of the Heilians, and the command having 
 been intruded to that diftinguimed officer, Lord 
 Cornwallis, in the afternoon of the 2d of January, 
 1777, he appeared in ftrong force in the vicinity 
 of Trenton. Skirmifhes took place between the 
 two aimies, in the progrefs of the Britiih, which 
 impeded their movements, and afforded the Ame- 
 rican army an opportunity of removing all their 
 (tores, artillery, &c. on the ibuth fide of the creek; 
 where the army finally retired towards evening, 
 and took a pofition. with the creek in their front, 
 their left extending towards the Delaware, and their 
 right towards Princeton, about two miles from the 
 mouth of the creek. The Britiih army advanced 
 with great rapidity into the town, attempted to 
 force the bridge over the creek ; Viut not being able 
 to effect it, took poiTerTion of the town, and the 
 high grounds on the creek, directly oppofite to the 
 American army. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 373 
 
 cc NIGHT put an end to the operations, and left 1777. 
 
 the two armies in the pofitions, which have been 
 
 defcribed. Early in the evening, Gen. Walhing- 
 
 ton called a council of war, and defcribed the very 
 
 critical fituation in which he was phced. That he 
 
 confidered the fate of his country impending on 
 
 the operations of that night. That it was impofli- 
 
 ble to repafs the Delaware, on account of the ice. 
 
 That the Britilh army was fo far fuperior in point 
 
 of numbers, that to riik an action on that ground 
 
 would probably be fatal, and that fome decided 
 
 meafure muft be adopted. He then flated the 
 
 force which was probably left at Princeton ; and 
 
 amidft a choice of difficulties, thought an attempt 
 
 to make a circuitous march, fo as to reach that 
 
 place by day-light in the morning, was the lead. 
 
 " The council of war approved of the meafure, 
 and orders were communicated to the different 
 regiments, about eleven o'clock in the evening, to 
 light up their fires, and to be ready to march at 
 a moment's warning. About twelve at night, the 
 army began its march, leaving their fires lighted, 
 and the centinels on the margin of the creek, who 
 were to remain until day-light in the morning, and 
 then make their wuy off in the beft manner poffi- 
 ble." 
 
 BY a providential fnterpofition, the weather, 
 which had been for fome time paft warm, moift 
 and fog^y, fuddenly changed ; and foon rendere4 
 
 7bn compiler of the Hi/lory of New -England is indebted to 
 Majtr ,(.Ttneral Hull, of Newton, fur the abo^vf account of th& 
 Jitudtiin <-f the American army, after the battle of Trenton, 
 .-/:({ hi we If in the Jew be hat Jo accurately 
 
, 74 H I S T O 11 Y O F 
 
 1777. the road, which had been deep and heavy, firm 
 
 '^^^ and fmooth as a pavement.* 
 
 Jan. 3. GENERAL Washington reached Princeton .early 
 in the morning, and would have completely fur- 
 prized the Britifh, had not a party, which were 
 on their -way to^ Trenton, defcried his troops, when 
 they were about two miles diftant, and fent back 
 Couriers to alarm their unfufpecling fellow foldiers 
 in the rear. The centre of the Americans, con- 
 fiding of the Philadelphia militia, whilll on their 
 line of march, was brifkly charged by a party of the 
 Bntiih, and gave way in diforder. At this criti- 
 cal moment, General Washington pufhed forward, 
 and placed himfelf between his own men and the 
 Britifh, with his horfe's head fronting the latter. 
 The Americans, encouraged by his example and 
 exhortations, made a Hand, and returned the Biit- 
 iih fire. The general, though between both par- 
 ties, was providentially uninjured by either. A 
 party of the Britifh fled into the college, and were 
 there attacked. The feat of the mufes became for 
 ,-aie time the fcene of action. The party, who had 
 taken refuge in the college, after receiving a few 
 difcharges from the American field-pieces, came 
 out and furrendered themfelves prifoners of war. 
 In the courfe of the engagement, 60 of the Britiih 
 were killed, a greater number wounded, and about 
 300 were taken prifoners. The remainder made 
 their efcape. The lofs of the Americans was in- 
 considerable in point of numbers ; but the death 
 of Gen. Mercer was juftly and deeply lamented. 
 
 * Gtrdoa, Vol. II *, 400, 401. Ranfoy, Vol. L /. 325. 
 
N E W - N G L A N D. 375 
 
 THESE important events filled the Britiflt with 1777. 
 confternation, and deranged all their plans. They 
 were foon obliged to evacuate both Trenton and 
 Princeton. The American militia collected, and 
 forming themfelves into parties, waylaid their en- 
 emies, and cut them off whenever an opportunity 
 prefented. In a few days they overrun the Jerfies. 
 Gen. Maxwell furprized Elizabethtown, and took 
 about 100 prifoners. The royal troops abandon- 
 ed Newark and Woodoridge ; and were confined 
 to Amboy and Brunfwick, which held a water com- 
 munication with New-York. Thus, in the fhort 
 fpace of a month,, that part of Jerfey, which lies 
 between New-Brunfwick and Delaware, was both 
 overrun by the Britim, and recovered by the Ame- 
 ricans. The unbounded rapacity and cruelty of 
 the Brkiih and Heflian foldiers ftimulated the mi- 
 litia of Jerfey to revenge, and infpired them with 
 courage in the defence of their country.* 
 
 AFTER the victories of Trenton- and Princeton,, 
 major-general Putnam was directed to take poft at 
 Princeton, and cover the country in the vicinity. 
 He had only a few hundred troops, though he was 
 no more than eighteen miles diftant from the ilrong 
 garrifon of the Britifh at Brunfwick. At one pe- 
 riod he had fewer men for duty than he had miles 
 of frontier to guard.f The force of General 
 Wafhington was fo inconfiderable, that he thus 
 wrote, by the middle of March. " After the fif- 
 teenth, when General Lincoln's militia leave us, 
 
 * Ram fay, Vol. I. p 326, 327, 3. 
 \ tiwnfbreyt Lift ef Putnam, />. 150. 
 
H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 X 777* we ma *l on b' nave tne fewiains of the five Virginia 
 regiments, who do not amount all together to more 
 than 5 or 600 men, and two of the other conti- 
 nental battalions, very weak. The reft of our ar- 
 my is compofed of fmall parties of militia, from 
 this (late and Pennfylvania, and ilttle dependance 
 can be put on the militia, as they come and go 
 when they pleafe. If the enemy do not move, it 
 will be a miracle. Nothing but ignorance of our 
 numbers and fituation can protecl us."* Notwith- 
 ftanding the Americans were obliged to contend 
 with far fuperior force, and in 1776 an uncommon 
 ficknefs raged in their army ; they were enabled, 
 by the finnnefs of congreis, and the heroic enter- 
 prizes of their general, to clofe the campaign of 
 this year with advantage, which at its commence- 
 ment threatened the country with deftrudion. 
 
 * Wafijintcni Letters. 
 
N E W - E N G L AN IX 377 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 The American army recruited. S fores at Peck's -kill 
 dcftroyed. Magazines deftroyed at Danbury. Gen* 
 Woqfter killed. The American expedition againft 
 Long-I/land, under colonel Meigs* General Prefect 
 taken. The Britijh plan an attempt againft Phi- 
 ladelphia. General Washington advances to the 
 relief of that city. Battle at Brandywine. Con* 
 grefsjtee to Torktown. Philadelphia taken. Bat- 
 tle at Germantoivn. P a jfa& e f ^ 
 opened to Philadelphia. 
 
 'OON after the* declaration of inde* 
 pendence, the authority of congrefs was obtained, 
 for raifing an army, that would be more perma- 
 nent than the temporary levies, which they had 
 previoufly brought into the field. For this pur* 
 pofe the recruiting officers were inftru&ed to of* 
 fer the alternative of enlifling either for the war, 
 or for three years, Thofe who engaged on the 
 firft conditions, were promifed an hundred acres 
 of land, in addition to their pay and bounty. The 
 troops raifed by congrefs for the fervice of the 
 linked States, were called continentals. Though 
 in September, 1776, it had been refolved, to raife 
 88 battalions, and in December following authori- 
 ty was given to General Wafhington to raife io~ 
 more, yet very little progrefs had been made in 
 
8 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1777. the recruiting bufmefs, till after the battles of 
 ^^^ Trenton and Princeton. Even after that period, 
 fo much time was necerlariiy confumed before thefe 
 new recruits joined the commander in chief, that 
 his whole force at Morriftown, and the feveral out- 
 polls, for ibme time, did not exceed 1500 men. 
 Yet, what is almoft incredible, thefe 1500 kept as 
 many thoufands of the Britifh cloicly pent up in 
 Brunfwick. Almoft every party that was fent out 
 by the latter, was fuccefsfully oppoied by the for- 
 mer, and the adjacent country preferred, in a great 
 degree of tranquility.* 
 
 IT was matter of aitonifhment, that the Brhifli 
 fullered the dangerous interval, between the dif- 
 banding of one army, and the railing of another, 
 to pafs away without Attempting fomething of con- 
 fequence againft the remaining ihadow of an arm- 
 ed force. 
 
 THOUGH General Howe made no capital ftroke 
 againft the Americans at this time, he concerted an 
 operation againft the poft at PeekVkill, which 
 General M'Dougal occupied, and where provifions 
 and ftores were depofited. Colonel Bird, with a 
 detachment of 500 men, was convoyed by the 
 rvTar,23 t Brnne frigate to PeekVkill, nearly fifty miles from 
 ' New- York. At his approach, the few Americans, 
 who were ftationed as a guard at this poft, fired 
 the principal llore-houfes, and retired to a good po- 
 fnion, about two or three miles dillant. The lois 
 of provifions, forage, and other valuable articles- 
 was confiderable.f 
 
 Ramfay, Vol. II. p. 3; f Gor&n, Vol. IL f. 223. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 379 
 
 SOON after, major-general Tryon, with a detach- 1777. 
 
 ment of 3000 men, embarked at New-York, and 
 patting through the found, landed between Fair- 
 field and Nor walk. They then marched to Dan-Apr.z6. 
 bury ; and the few continentals who were in the 
 town withdrew upon their approach. With wan- 
 ton barbarity they burnt the place, and deflroyed a 
 large number of valuable articles. Upon their 
 return from this expedition. Generals Woofler, 
 Arnold and Silliman, having haftily collected a few 
 hundreds of the inhabitants, made arrangements for 
 interrupting their march ; and they greatly annoy- 
 ed the invaders, when returning to their mips. 
 General Arnold, with about 500 men, by a rapid 
 movement, reached Ridgefield, in their front, bar- 
 ricaded the road, kept up a brifk fire upon them, 
 and fuftained their attack, till they had made a 
 lodgement on a ledge of rocks upon his left. 
 After the Britifh had gained this eminence, a 
 whole platoon levelled at General Arnold, not 
 more than thirty yards diftant ; but one ihot 
 had effect, and that killed his horfe. He had pre- 
 fence of mind to take his piftols, and efcaped by 
 (hooting a foldier, who, while he was extricating 
 himfelf from his horfe, was advancing haftily to 
 run him through with his bayonet. The Ame- 
 ricans, in feveral detached parties, harraffed the 
 rear of the Britifh ; and from various ftands, kept 
 up a fcattering fire upon them, till they reached 
 their {hipping** 
 
 * Gordon, VgL II. p. 465. Ram/ay, Vol. II. p. 3, 
 
*&o HISTORY OF 
 
 3 
 
 1777. IN accomplishing this expedition, the Britifh 
 ^^ had two or three hundred men killed, wounded or 
 taken. The lofs of the Americans was about 
 twenty killed, and forty wounded. Among the 
 {lain was the brave General Woofter, a native of 
 New -Haven, who, though feventy years of age, be- 
 haved with the fpirit and vigor of youth. 
 May 24. SOON afterwards, colonel Meigs, an enterprizmg 
 officer, tranfported a detachment of about 170 
 Americans, in whale boats, over the found, which 
 fepaiates Long -Ifland from Connecticut. This 
 party burned twelve brigs and fioops belonging to 
 the Britifh ; deftroyed the (lores collected for their 
 ufe in Sagg- harbor, on that iiland ; killed fix of 
 their foldiers, and brought off ninety prifoners, 
 without having a fingle man killed or wounded.* 
 AT the opening of the campaign, the American 
 army in New-Jerfey amounted only to 7272 men. 
 The military manoeuvres of General Howe, at this 
 period, were fuch, that his determined object could 
 not be afcertained. In the mean time a fpiritetj 
 adventure took place at Rhode- Ifiand. Lieutenant- 
 colonel Barton, of a militia regiment of that flate, 
 accompanied by about 40 volunteers, paifed by 
 night from Warwick-neck to Rhode-Iiland j and 
 though they had ten miles to pafs by water, they 
 eluded the fhips of war and guard-boats, with 
 which the ifland was furrounded. The enterprize 
 was conducted with fuch filence and dexterity, 
 that they furprized General Prefect in his quar- 
 ters, and brought him and one of his aids fafe off 
 
 * am/ay, VoL 11 p. 4. 
 
NE W-ENGL AND. 381 
 
 to the continent. This event retaliated . the cap- 1777. 
 ture of General Lee, and proved an indemnifica- *~~*~^ 
 tion of his perfon.* 
 
 AT length the uncertainty in which General 
 Howe's defigns had been enveloped was difperfed, 
 and the poffeflion of Philadelphia difcovered to be 
 his object. 
 
 THE royal army fet out from the eaftern heads 
 of the Chefapeak, on the 3d of September, leav- 
 ing their tents and baggage behind, and trufted 
 their future accommodation to fuch quarters as 
 their arms might procure. They advanced till they 
 were within two miles of the American army, 
 which was then polled near Newport. General 
 Wafliington foon changed his pofition, and took 
 pod on the high ground near Chadd's fort, on the 
 Brandywine creek, with an intention of difputing 
 the pafiage. Though the American regular troops 
 were greatly inferior, both in difcipline and num- 
 bers, to the royal army, General Wamington was 
 in a manner obliged to riik an adion, for the 
 defence of Philadelphia. The opinion of the in- 
 habitants, though founded on no circumflances 
 more fubfiantial than their wifhes, impofed this ipe- 
 cies of neceffity.f 
 
 THE Britifh advanced at day-break in two coi-Sep.us 
 urnns, com manded by lieutenant-general Kniphau- 
 fen, and by Lord Cornwallis. In the afternoon a 
 warm engagement commenced, which lafted till 
 the clofe of twilight. General Wafhington, in this 
 action received wrong information from a quarter 
 
 *l> IL />. 491 . | R&mfy, VsL ILj. 9. 
 
382 H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 1777. he thought himfelf obliged to credit, relative to the 
 different bodies of the enemy's forces in front ; and 
 oppofmg his ftrongeft part to their weakeft, gave 
 them an opportunity of paffmg their heavieft col- 
 umn, to which the weakeft part of the American 
 army was oppofed. In confequence of this intel- 
 ligence, the Americans, after a fevere conflict, in 
 which they exhibited great relolution, were obliged 
 to yield to fuperior force. The day, however, was 
 nearly confumed before the Britifh obtained the 
 victory. The killed and wounded in the royal ar- 
 my amounted nearly to 600 ; and the lofs of the 
 Americans, including prifoners, was eftitnated at 
 twice that number.* 
 
 HERE the celebrated marquis cle la Fayette firft 
 bled in defence of liberty. This nobleman, when 
 only nineteen years of age, efpoufed the caufe of 
 the Americans with the mod difmterefted and gen- 
 erous ardor. His attachment continued unabated, 
 during the moft alarming lituation of their affairs ; 
 and he determined to join their army, and ferve 
 the caule he had long cherifhed. In 1776, when 
 the continental army was reduced to the lowefl 
 ebb, the American commiilioners at Paris endea- 
 voured in vain to alter his purpofe. He rifked his 
 liberty and fortune, and fitted out a veffel, in which 
 he arrived in Charlefton early in 1777, and foon 
 joined the American army. Congrefs, in coniid- 
 cration of his zeal, illuftrious family and connex- 
 ions, gave him the rank of major-general. He ac- 
 cepted the appointment, after exa&ing two con* 
 
 * Ratxjay, VoL II. />. 9. 
 
NEW-EN GLAND. 383 
 
 ditions. The one, that he fhould ferve at his own 1777- 
 expence ; the other, that he ihould begin his fer- 
 vices as a volunteer. Notwithftanding the wound 
 he received at the battle of Brandy wine, he contin- 
 ued in the field, and exerted himfelf in rallying the 
 Americans.* 
 
 THE Americans at this time fuffered a confider-Sep.zo. 
 able lofs. General Howe, having received intel- 
 ligence that General Wayne was encamped in the 
 woods, with a corps of 1500 men, detached Gen. 
 Grey late at night, with two regiments and a 
 body of light infantry, to furprize him. This de- 
 tachment killed and wounded 300 of the Ameri- 
 cans, by a free and exclufive ufe of the bayo- 
 net. The enterprize was conducted with fo much 
 addrefs, that the lofs of the aifailants did not ex* 
 ceed eight. f 
 
 CONGRESS, who after a fhort refidence at Bal- 
 timore, had returned to Philadelphia, were oblig- 
 ed a fecond time to confult their fafety by flight. 
 They retired at firft to Lancafter, and afterwards 
 to Yorktown. 
 
 ON the 26th of September, Sir William Howe 
 made his triumphal entry into Philadelphia, with 
 a final 1 part of his army, and where he was moll 
 cordially received by the royalifts. The bulk of 
 his troops were left in and about Germantown, a 
 village forming one continued flreet for about two 
 miles. General Wafliington's army was encamp- 
 ed near Skippack creek, about eighteen miles 
 from thence. 
 
 * Gor&n, Vol,J[L p. 500, Ramfay, Vol. U. /.si. f Hid, ^.13. 
 
H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 1777. GENERAL Wafhington being informed, that 
 Git. 4. Q enera i Howe had detached a confiderable part of 
 his force for reducing the forts on the Delaware, 
 conceived the defign of attacking the Britifh pod 
 at Germantown. In the commencement of the 
 action, the Americans were fuccefsful ; but thefe 
 promifing appearances were fpeedily reverfed. The 
 morning was extremely foggy ; this, by conceal- 
 ing the true fituation of the parties, who made 
 the attack at different places, occafioned miftakes, 
 and made fo much caution neceflary, as to give 
 the Britifh time to recover from the effects of 
 their firfl furprize. The Americans, however, 
 made a refolute aiTault ; but they were compelled 
 to retreat, and all efforts to rally them proved in* 
 effectual. The lofs of the royal army, including 
 the wounded and prifoners, was about five hun- 
 dred. Among their flain were brigadier-general 
 Agnew, and lieutenant- colonel Bird. The lofs of 
 the Americans, including four hundred prifoners, 
 was about a thoufand. Among their flain were 
 General Nam, and his aid-de-camp, major With- 
 eripoon.* 
 
 SOON after the battle, the royal army left Ger- 
 mantown, and turned their principal attention 
 towards opening a free communication between 
 their army and fhipping. 
 
 THE Britifh were apprized, that without the 
 command of the Delaware, their pofTefTion of 
 Philadelphia would be of no advantage. This 
 induced General and Admiral Howe to concert 
 
 * Vol. 1L f>. 16. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 3 8 5 
 
 the moft vigorous meafures for opening the navi- 1777. 
 gation of that river. Batteries were eredted on 
 the Pennfylvania fhore, to afnlt ia diilodging the 
 Americans from Mud-Ifland. At the fame time 
 Count Donop, with 2000 men, having crofTed in- 
 to New-jerfey, oppofite Philadelphia, marched 
 down on the eaftern fide of the Delaware, to at- 
 tack the redoubt at Red Bank. In this attempt 
 Count Donop was mortally wounded, and taken 
 prifoner ; and 400 of the royal detachment were 
 killed and wounded.* 
 
 THE expedition againfl Mud-Ifland met with 
 better fuccefs ; the Americans being driven thence, 
 and forced to retire to Red Bank. 
 
 AFTER various exertions, the Britifli accom- 
 plifhed their object ; however, the Americans, by 
 protra&ing the defence of the Delaware, derang- 
 ed their plans for the remainder of the campaign, 
 and confequently faved the adjacent country. 
 
 WHILST Sir William Howe was fucceeding in 
 every enterprize in Philadelphia, intelligence ar- 
 rived that General Burgoyne, with his whole ar- 
 my, had furrendered as prifoners of war at Sara- 
 toga, which will be related, in the account of 
 the northern campaign, in the fubfequent chapter. 
 
 Ram/ay, Vol. 1L p. 1 6 -1 9. 
 A A a 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 C H A P T E R XXXI. 
 
 Plan of the Britifh in the northern campaign of 1777. 
 Conduct of that expedition committed to lieutenant- 
 general Burgoyne. His proclamation. Ticondero- 
 ga befiegcd. Abandoned by Gen. St. Clair. His 
 conduct at firft is highly cenfurcd ; but, at length, 
 he is honorably acquitted. The Americans recruit 
 their army. Gen. Stark defeats colonels Eaum and 
 Breyman, in an attempt to fur prize the magazines 
 at "Benn'mgton. Gen. Burgoyne pajfis North- 
 river, at Saratoga, and advances to attack the 
 American army at Stillwater. Severe actions on 
 the i qtb of September, and jth of October. The 
 Britifh army nearly fur rounded on all fides. Con- 
 vention concluded with Gen. Gates. State of both 
 armies. Sir Henry Clinton's devajlations on the 
 North-i iver. 
 
 o 
 
 NE great object in the minifterial 
 plan for the campaign of 1777, was to effect a free 
 communication between New-York and Canada, 
 and to maintain the navigation of the intermediate 
 lakes. On the other hand, the Americans \vere 
 very early attentive to their fecurity in that quar- 
 ter, and had placed every poflible obflruclion in 
 their way. 
 
 THE Britifli miniflry were very fanguine in their 
 hopes, from the conferences of forming aline of 
 
N E W-E N G L A N D. 387 
 
 communication between New-York and Canada. 1777. 
 They confidered the New-England people to be l ^ v " >J 
 the foul of the confederacy, and promifed them- 
 felves much by fevering them from all free com- 
 munication with the neighboring dates. They 
 hoped, when this was accomplished, to be able to 
 furround them fo effectually with fleets and ar- 
 mies, *and Indian allies, as to compel their fubmif- 
 fion. Animated with thefe expectations, they af- 
 fiduoufly endeavoured to enfure the fuccefs of the 
 plans they had formed for this purpofe.* 
 
 THE command in the northern department was 
 transferred from Sir Guy Carlton to General 
 Burgoyne, an officer of didinguilhed reputation, 
 whofe fpirit of enterprize, and third for military 
 fame, could not be exceeded. The forces allotted 
 to him, confiding of Britifli and German troops, 
 amounted to more than 7000 men, exclufive of 
 the artillery-corps. A powerful train of artillery, 
 with brafs pieces, was furnifhed. Befides the reg- 
 ular forces, feveral tribes of Indians were induced 
 to come into the field. The army was in every 
 refpecl in the bed condition, the troops were in 
 the highed fpirits, admirably difciplined, and un- 
 commonly healthy.f 
 
 AFTER iffuing a proclamation, in which the Jan. 30. 
 power of Britain was difplayed in the mod oden- 
 tatious terms. General Burgoyne advanced with 
 his army to Crown-Point. At this place he iffued 
 orders, of which the following words are part : 
 " The army embarks to-morrow to approach the 
 
 * Rav.Jaj, VoL 11. p. 25. -\ Ibid. 
 
5 88 HISTORY OF 
 
 1777. enemy. The fervices required on this expedition 
 are critical and confpicuous. During our progrefs 
 occafions may occur, in which nor difficulty, nor 
 labor, nor life are to be regarded. This army mull 
 not retreat."* 
 
 GEN. Burgoyne opened the campaign with the 
 fiege of Ticonderoga. This place was garrifoned 
 by 2546 continental troops, and 900 militia, under 
 Gen. St. Clair. However, the works were fo ex- 
 tenfive, that this number was too fmall for their 
 defence. The royal army, within a few days af- 
 ter their arrival, had funounded three fourths of 
 the American works at Ticonderoga, and Mount 
 Independence, and had alfo advanced a work on 
 Sugar-hill, which when completed would have in- 
 vefted the continental army on all fides. In this 
 fituation, Gen. St. Clair refolved to evacuate the 
 poll ; though he was fenfible this meafure would 
 expofe his conduct to the fevered cenfures. A 
 council of war was called, who unanimoufly ap- 
 proved his heroic refolution of facrifking perfonal 
 reputation to fave his army. The evacuation of 
 Ticonderoga was completed with fo much fecrecy 
 and expedition, that a confiderable part of the pub- 
 lic ilores were faved.f 
 
 A DETACHMENT of the Britifli army, under 
 General Frazer, purfued the Americans, upon 
 perceiving they had evacuated their ports, and a 
 bloody conflict enfued. The continental troops, 
 who were commanded by colonel Warner, made 
 a gallant refiftance, but, after fuftaining confidera.- 
 
 * Ramjay, Val. II. p. 28. f //;>', p. ^9-31, 
 
N E W - E N G L A N IX 
 
 ble lofs, were obliged to give way. Colonel Fran- 1777. 
 cis, of the American army, fell in this adion. He v ^ r 
 was a very valuable officer, and on this occafion 
 conducted with great gallantry. 
 
 THE evacuation of Ticonderoga was afubjeft of J^yl, 
 fevere fcrutiny. Congrefs recalled thejfr general 
 officers in the northern department, and ordered 
 an enquiry into their conduft. General St. Clair 
 was charged with incapacity, cowardice and 
 treachery. However, the wifdom and propriety of 
 his conduft was foon after evident ; as the army 
 faved by thefe means flood as a barrier between 
 the inhabitants and General Burgoyne. This abat- 
 ed the panic of the people, and became a centre 
 of rendezvous, to which they repaired. And, when 
 an enquiry into his behavior took place after- 
 wards, all the charges againfl him were found 
 groundlefs, and he was honorably acquitted.* 
 
 THE lofs of Ticonderoga and Mount Independ- 
 ence furprized General Wamington, and fpread 
 aflonimment and terror through the New-England 
 jftates. But though the afpecl of their affairs 
 was exceedingly threatening; yet inflead of finking 
 under the apprehenfions of danger, they exerted 
 themfelves with vigor and firmnefs to check the 
 progrefs of the Britifh invaders. f 
 
 THE inhabitants of the New-England flates 
 were affiduoufly engaged in recruiting their army, 
 and fuch numbers of volunteers were daily added, 
 that the people began to recover from their firft 
 alarm. It was early conje&ured that the royal 
 Vol. //./.jo 35. f 
 
390 H I S T O R Y O 1" 
 
 1777. army, by pushing forward, would be fo entangled, 
 as not to be able to advance or retreat, on equal 
 
 terms. 
 
 As the principal force of the American army 
 
 was in front, between General Burgoyne and Al- 
 bany, he hoped, by advancing to them, to reduce 
 them to the neceility of righting, or of retreating to 
 New-England. In the march of the Britilh to- 
 wards Albany, feveral actions took place between 
 them and the American army. In thefe different 
 fkirmimes, the regulars, as well as the Indians in 
 their intereft, fuffered very confiderably. The 
 principal action happened at Bennington, where 
 the Americans had collected a magazine of fup- 
 plies, which was guarded only by militia. In or- 
 der to obtain thefe proviHons for his army, Gen. 
 Burgoyne detached colonel Baum, with only 500 
 men, 100 Indians, and two field pieces, which 
 he fuppofed would be fufficient for the expedition. 
 When colonel Baum approached the place of his 
 deflinaticn, he found the American militia flrong- 
 er than had been fuppofed. He, therefore, took 
 pod in the vicinity, entrenched his party, and dif- 
 patched an exprefs to General Burgoyne, with an 
 account of his fituation. Colonel Breyrnan was 
 detached to reinforce him. A heavy rain, toge- 
 ther with the' badnefs of the roads, prevented his 
 advance to Baum's afliftance with difpatch. Gen. 
 Stark, of New-Hampfliire, who commanded the 
 American militia at Bennington, engaged with 
 the Britifh, before the junction of the two royal 
 ..ichments could be effe&ed. On this occafion, 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 391 
 
 about 800 imdifciplined militia, without bayonets, 1777. 
 or a fmgle piece of artillery, attacked and routed 
 500 regular troops, advantageoufly polled behind 
 entrenchments, furnifhed with the bed arms, and 
 defended with two pieces of artillery. The field 
 pieces were taken from the party commanded by 
 colonel Baum, and the greateit part of his detach- 
 ment were either killed or wounded. Colonel 
 Breyman arrived on the fame ground, and on the 
 fame day ; but after the action was over. Inflead 
 of meeting his friends, as he expected, he found 
 himfelf brifkly attacked ; and though his troops 
 behaved with great refolution, they were, at length 
 compelled to abandon their artillery, and retreat. 
 
 IN thefe two actions the Americans took about 
 700 prifoners ; and a valuable collection of mili- 
 tary {tores. Their lofs, inclufive of the wounded, 
 was about an hundred men.* 
 
 TjgE vittory at Bennington gave fpirits and ani- 
 mation to the American army, and occafioned de- 
 jection and difmay to the Britim. Among other 
 embarraflments, it reduced General Burgoyne to 
 the alternative of halting, till he could procure 
 fupplies from Fort-George, or of advancing with- 
 out them, at the riik of being ftarved. The former 
 was adopted, and the progrefs of the royal army 
 retarded -, which gave the Americans time and op- 
 portunity to collect in great numbers. 
 
 WHEN General Burgoyne had brought forward 
 from Lake George, the neceilary (tores for thirty 
 days fubfiftence, he crofled Hudfon's river, and en- 
 
 * Gordon, VoL //./>. 538541, Ramfay, Vol. 11, p. 41 43. 
 
39 i H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1777. camped on the heights, about two miles from Gen. 
 
 AxVN>/ Gates' camp, which was three miles above Still- 
 water. The Americans, elated by their fuccefs at 
 Bennington, came out to meet the advancing 
 
 Sep. 1 9. Britifh, and engaged them with firmnefs and refo* 
 lution. In this a&ion a continual blaze of fire 
 was kept up, and both armies Teemed to be deter- 
 mined on death or victory. The Americans and 
 Britifh alternately drove and were driven by each 
 other. Men, and particularly officers, dropped 
 every moment, and on every fide, The Britiili 
 loft upwards of 500 men, including their killed, 
 wounded and prifoners. The Americans, mclufive 
 of the miffing, loft 3 19.* 
 
 THIS battle decided nothing ; however, it 
 caufed a diminution of the zeal and alacrity of the 
 Indians in the Britifh fervice ; and they deferted 
 In great numbers. General Burgoyne was alfo 
 highly mortified at having no intelligence of the 
 (tipulated ailiftance from Sir Henry Clinton. . He 
 now received a letter from him, by which he was 
 informed, that Sir Henry intended to make a di- 
 verlion on the North-river in his favor. In an- 
 fwer to this communication, he difpatched fome 
 trufty perfons, with a full account of his diftrefTed 
 filiation, and with inflruclions to prefs the imme- 
 diate execution of the propofed co-operation ; and 
 to affure General Clinton that he was not able, in 
 point of provifions 3 to maintain his prefent pofition 
 only till the rath of O6lober.f 
 
 * Rawj+? t 1'cL II. p. 45, 46. f Hid, p, 47. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 393 
 
 THE army under General Burgoyne continued 1777. 
 to labor under the greateft diftreiTes ; fu that in oa. t, 
 the beginning of Oclober he had been obliged to 
 diminifli the allowance of the foldiers. On the 
 7th of the month, the general determined to move 
 towards the, Americans. For this purpofe he fent 
 a body of 1500 men, to reconnoitre their left 
 wing ; intending, if poflible, to break through it$ 
 in order to effecl a retreat* The detachment, 
 however, had not proceeded far, when a violent 
 attack was made on the left wing of the Britifh 
 army, which was with great difficulty preferved 
 from being entirely broken, by a reinforcement 
 brought up by General Frafer, who was killed in 
 the attack. After the troops had, with the moft 
 defperate efforts, regained their camp, it was fu- 
 rioufly aiTaulted by Gen. Arnold, who, notwith- 
 ilanding all oppofition, would have forced the en- 
 trenchments, had he not received a dangerous 
 wound, which obliged him to retire. Thus the 
 attack failed on the left ; but on the right, the 
 camp of the German referve was forced by the 
 Americans. The regiment of col. M. Jackfon, 
 who was then confined by a wound, led on by 
 lieut. col. Brooks and major Hull, made the firft 
 fuccefsful imprefTion on that part of the lines. 
 Col. Breyman was killed, and his countrymen de- 
 feated with great {laughter. , Nine pieces of brafs 
 artillery, with all their baggage, fell into the hands 
 of the vi&ors. The day was fatal to many brave 
 men. Among the flain General Frafer, on ac- 
 fi *t 
 
394 H I S T O ft Y O 1> 
 
 1777. count of his diftinguiflied merit, was the fubject 
 of particular regret. General Burgoyne had a 
 narrow efcape ; a fliot paffed through his hat, and 
 another through his waifkoat. The officers and 
 privates, taken by the Americans, amounted to 
 more than two hundred ; but their own lofk was 
 inconfiderable.* 
 
 THE royal troops were under arms the whole 
 of the next day, in expectation of another action 5 
 but nothing more than fkir mimes took place. At 
 this time, General Lincoln, when reconnoitring^ 
 received a dangerous wound ; an- event, which was 
 greatly regretted, as he poffeffed much of the ef* 
 teem and confidence of the American army, 
 
 ALL this time the Amerkan army was inereaf* 
 mg,- by the continual arrival of militia and volun* 
 teers from all parts, particularly from New-Eng- 
 land. The fit-uation of the royal army was truly 
 difireffing. General Bargoyne was eneamp-ed at 
 Saratoga, where he was inverted by an army near- 
 ly three times the number of his forces, without 
 a pofiibility of retreat, or of repleniihing their ex- 
 haufted flock of provifions. 
 
 OH the 1 3th of October, he found that his 
 troops had only fcanty fubfiSence tor three days, 
 and na profpetl of fpeedy ailiitance. In this em- 
 barrafling fituation, he called a council of war, 
 which comprehended generals, field-officers and 
 captains. There was not a fpot of ground in the 
 whole camp, but what was expofed to cannon or 
 rifle mot. Whilft the council was delibeiating, 
 
 * Ramfay t VoL 11. j>, 47,43. Lsndrum> Vol. 11. />, 1-7. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 395 
 
 an eighteen pound ball crofled the table. By 1777. 
 the unanimous advice of the council, the general 
 was induced to open a treaty with Gen. Gates, 
 The firft propofals of the latter were rejected; 
 and the fixth article with difdain, wherein it was 
 required, that the Britifh army mould lay down 
 their arms in their entrenchments. Burgoyne's 
 counter propofals were unanimouily approved, and 
 being fent to Gates, were agreed to on the ifth, 
 without any material alteration,* 
 
 SOON after the convention was figned, the 
 Americans marched into their lines, and were 
 kept there till the royal army had depofited their 
 arms at the place appointed. Dr. Ramfay ob* 
 ferves, that ^ the delicacy with which this bufi- 
 nefs was conduced, reflected the higheft honor 
 on the American general. Nor did the polite* 
 nefs of Gates end here. Every circumflance was 
 withheld, that could conftitute a triumph in the 
 American army. The captive general was re- 
 ceived by his conqueror with refpect and kind- 
 nefs. A number of the principal officers of both 
 armies, met at General Gates' quarters, and, for 
 a while, feemed to forget, in focial and convivi- 
 al pleafures, that they had been enemies."! 
 
 THE number of thofe, who furrendered at Sara- 
 toga, amounted to 5791 ; which was very far 
 iliort of their number \vhen fetting out from Cana- 
 da. The Americans alfo captured a great varie- 
 ty of valuable military ftores, including thirty-five 
 pieces of brafs ordnance, of fingular excellence, 
 
 yoL //./. 572, f R<imfc r y t Foi //, /, 53, 
 
39 6 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 The American forces, at the time of the conven- 
 tion, were in all 13,222, of which 4129 were 
 militia. The total lofs of the Britifh, by this 
 expedition, was 9213.* 
 
 IN the mean time an expedition was ma*!e up 
 the North-river, in order to divert part of the 
 American force from the fide of Canada, by Sir 
 Henry Clinton, who had been left in command 
 at New-York. In this excurfion, Gen. Vaughan 
 burnt Efopus, a fine flourifhing village in the 
 neighborhood of Sifliwater, 
 
 THE furrender of Saratoga forms a memorable 
 era in the American war. This event caufed great 
 grief and dejection in Britain, whilft it animated 
 and encouraged the Americans ; and the eclat of 
 capturing a large army of Britifh and German 
 troops, foon procured them powerful friends in 
 Europe.f 
 
 DURING the three preceding years, the Amer- 
 icans had refitted the arbitrary meafures of Britain 
 \vith the fword, without the affiftance of any for- 
 eign power. In the firft year, they had exhibited 
 undaunted courage in the battles of LexL^ton and 
 BunkerVhill blockaded the regular army in Bof- 
 tori expelled the royal governors, and repelled 
 the attempts of the Britifh againft the fouthern 
 colonies. In the year 1776, animated with hero- 
 ic fortitude, they renounced their allegiance to 
 Britain, and declared independence. In the mofl; 
 gloomy fituatioa of affairs, during this event- 
 ful year, we find the Americans, infpired with an, 
 
 , Vtl< n. p. 577. f Ram/ay, //. //. p, 56, 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 397 
 
 i 
 
 unconquerable fpirit of liberty, perfift in defend- 
 ing their recently affumed independence with the 
 fword. In 1777, their affairs began to wear a 
 brighter afpect. The victory of Bennington paved 
 the way for the capture of Burgoyne's army ; and 
 the capture of his army was the event, which pro* 
 cured them foreign affi (lance in the fubfequent year. 
 It appears, from this imperfect review, that, un- 
 der Heaven, the bleflings of liberty and independ* 
 ence were, chiefly, purchafed by the wife counfels, 
 the undaunted refolution, and the energetic exertions 
 of the Americans. However, their fuccefs ought 
 ever ultimately to be afcribed to the good provi- 
 dence of the LORD. From the firft fettlement, 
 no nation had ever experienced more extraordi- 
 nary interpofitions of Providence than America ; 
 and at no period were thofe, interpofitions more 
 fmgularly viftbie, than during the controverfy with 
 Britain. 
 
3 ')3 HISTORY O 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 'Treaty between France and America. Lord North's 
 conciliatory bills. Britijh comimfjioners are font 
 to negotiate a peace. 'Their terms are rejected 
 by congrefs. The royal army burn fart of Warren 
 and BriJloL French fleet arrives in America. 
 Philadelphia evacuated. The battle of Freehold^ 
 or Monmoutb. Congrefs gives public qudience to 
 aminifter plenipotentiary from the courf of France. 
 Narrow efcape of the Britijh fleet. The Amcri* 
 cans make an unfuccefsful attempt to regain Rhode- 
 I/land. Predatory excurjions of the Briiijh. 
 Their fuccefeful expedition again/I Georgia. Re* 
 forms made in the American army. 
 
 s 
 
 'OON after the intelligence of the 
 capture of Burgoyne reached Europe, the king 
 of France concluded treaties of alliance and com- 
 merce with the United States, at Paris. This 
 important tranfaction was the fruit of long nego- 
 tiation. The policy of Great-Britain, in attempt- 
 ing to deprive the Americans of linns, was the 
 firft event, which rendered it neceflary for them to 
 feek foreign afiifiance. The evident advantage, 
 which France might derive from the continuance 
 of the difpute, and the countenance, which individ- 
 . :. of that country daily gave the Americans, 
 . our aged co: - fend a political and com- 
 
N E W - K N G L A N IX 399 
 
 mercial agent to that kingdom, with mftru&lons to 1777. 
 folicit its friendfhip, and to procure military (lores. ^"^ 
 Silas Deane, being chofen for this purpofe> failed 
 for France early in 1776, and was fodn after his 
 arrival infhucled to found count de Vergennes, 
 the French minider tor foreign affairs, on the iub- 
 jecl of the American controverfy.* In the month 
 of June, Mr. Deane obtained a fupply of arms, 
 ammunition and foldiers' clothing, fufficier.t for 
 loading three veflels. It is not yet publicly known 
 what agency the court of France had in furnifhing 
 thefe fupplies, or whether they were fold or given 
 as prefents. However, during the whole negocia- 
 tion, Great-Britain wasamufed with declarations 
 of the moft pacific difpofitions on the part of 
 France, whilft the Americans were fupplied with 
 the means of defence. 
 
 CONGRESS having agreed upon the plan of the 
 treaty, which they intended to propofe to his moft 
 chriftian majefty, elected Dr. Franklin, Silas 
 Deane, and Arthur Lee, to folicit its acceptance. 
 The three agents having rendezvoufed at Paris, 
 opened their bufmefs in a private audience with 
 count de Vergennes on the 28th of December, 
 1776. Though a diminution of the exorbitant 
 power of Britain could not fail to be highly agree- 
 able to France, yet prudence and policy forbad that 
 nation to be precipitate in openly efpoufing the 
 American caufe. 
 
 HENCE they artfully avoided either difcouraging 
 the Americans, or alarming the rulers of Great- 
 
 * Rum/ay, VoL IL />. 59. 
 
400 HISTORY O 
 
 1777. Britain. Private encouragement, and public di 
 countenance were given alternately, but both va- 
 ried , according to the complexion of news from 
 America.* 
 
 AT this period con-grefs did not fo much ex- 
 pect any direct afliftance from France, as the indi- 
 rect relief of a war between that country and 
 Great-Britain. Hence, they refolved, that " their 
 commiffioners at the court of France ffiould be 
 furnifhed with warrants and commhTions, and au- 
 thorized to arm and fit for war in the French 
 ports, any number of veffels, not exceeding fix, at 
 the expence of the United States, to war upon 
 Britifh property, provided they were fatisfied this 
 ineafure would not be difagreeable to the court of 
 France." This refolution was carried into eifecl. 
 In the year 1777, marine officers, with American 
 commiflions, both failed out of French ports, and 
 carried prizes of Britifli property into them. They 
 could not procure their condemnation in the courts 
 of France, nor fell them publicly ; but they found 
 means to turn them into mcney.f 
 
 IN the mean time the American commiffioners 
 were urging the acceptance of the treaty propofed 
 by congrefs. The French flill refufed to acl open- 
 ly and decidedly in their favor ; and matters re- 
 mained in a fluctuating (late, till the capture of 
 Burgoyne turned the fcale. This great event con- 
 vinced them that there was the utinoft probability 
 that the united energetic efforts of the American 3 ; 
 
 * Ramjay, Vol. II p. 63. j Ibid. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 401 
 
 Would finally be fuccefsful. The French court 1777. 
 was, therefore, determined to efpoufe their caufe.* "^^ 
 
 THE commiffioners of congrefs were informed 
 by M. Gerard, one of the fecretaries of the king's 
 council of ftate, " that it Was decided to acknow- 
 ledge the independence of the United States, and 
 to make a treaty with them. That no advan- 
 tage would be taken of their fituation, but the 
 terms of the treaty mould be fuch as the new 
 formed flates would be willing to agree to, if ef- 
 tablimed in ftrength and power. That his mod 
 chriftian majefly was fixed in his determination, 
 not only to acknowledge, but to fupport their inde- 
 pendence. That in doing this, he might probably 
 foon be engaged in a war ; yet he mould not expeft 
 any compenfation from the United States, on that 
 account, nor was it pretended that he afted wholly 
 for their fakes > fince^ bejides his real good will to 
 them, it was manifeftly the inter eft of France, that the 
 power of England Jhould be diminijhed^ by thefepara- 
 tion of the colonies from its government. The only 
 condition he fhould require, and rely on, would 
 be, that the United States, in no peace to be made, 
 mould give up their independence, and return to 
 the obedience of the Britiih government."! 
 
 CONFORMABLY to the preliminaries propofed 1778. 
 by M. Gerard, his mod chriftian majefty, Louis ^^^ 
 XVI. on the 6th of February, entered into 
 treaties of amity and commerce with the United 
 States of America, on the footing of the mod: 
 
 * Ramfay : 7ol. 11, p. 64, -\ Ibid, j>. 66. 
 C c c 
 
402 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1778. perfect equality and reciprocity. On the third of 
 May, Mr. Simeon Deane arrived in America with 
 difpatches from France, and the treaties were re- 
 ceived by congrefs with inexpreflible joy. 
 
 THE congrefs, after receiving the treaties, had 
 a flronger feeling of their own importance than be- 
 fore, and refolved that " the commiffioners ap- 
 pointed for the courts of Spain, Tufcany, Vienna 
 and Berlin, mould live in fuch ftyle and manner at 
 their refpe&ive courts, as they may find fuitable 
 and neceffary to fupport the dignity of their public 
 charafter."* 
 
 AFTER the alliance between France and the 
 United States was made known to the Britifh min- 
 iftry, Lord North introduced his conciliatory pro- 
 pofitions, which were founded on the idea of ob- 
 taining a reunion of the new ftates with Great- 
 Britain. The conciliatory bills were fpeedily fol- 
 lowed by royal commiflioners, deputed to folicit 
 their reception. Governor Johnftone, Lord Car- 
 liile, and Mr. Eden> appointed to this bufmefs, 
 attempted to open a negotiation on the fubjech 
 Previoufly to the arrival- of the Britifh commifiion- 
 ers, and before they were informed of the treaty, 
 which was concluded at France, congrefs had given 
 a decided negative to the overtures contained in 
 the conciliatory bills. There was therefore no 
 ground left for further deliberation. 
 
 IN addition to his public exertions as commil- 
 fioner, governor Johnftone opened a correfpond- 
 ence with certain members of congrefs, in order to 
 
 * Ramfay* Vol. 11 p. 74* 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 403 
 
 corrupt them. Private information was commu- 1778. 
 nicated to Jofeph Reed, Efq. that it had been in- *^^ 
 tended to offer him, in cafe of his exerting his abil- 
 ities to promote a reunion of the two countries, 
 ten thoufand pounds flerling, and any office in the 
 colonies in his majefty's gift. To which Mr. Reed 
 replied, " I am not worth pui chafing ; but fuch 
 as I am, the king of Great-Britain is not rich 
 enough to do it.'** 
 
 AFTER the comrhiffioners found all their at- 
 tempts to negociate with congrefs ineffectual, they 
 endeavoured to perfuade the inhabitants to adopt a 
 line of conduct oppofite to that of their reprefenta- 
 tives. Their propofals were not more favorably 
 received by the people than they had been by 
 congrefs. In no one place, not immediately com- 
 manded by the Britifh army, was there any attempt 
 to accept, or even to deliberate, on the propriety 
 of clofmg with the offers of Britain. 
 
 NOTWITHSTANDING thefe pacific negociations 
 on the part of the Britifh, the royal troops con- 
 tinued their devaluations by fire and fword. In 
 one of their excurfions from Philadelphia, they 
 proceeded to Bordentown, and there burnt a num- 
 ber of vefTels and ftore-houfes. Soon after, 500 
 Britifh and Hcflians, under the command of lieu- 
 tenant-colonel Campbell, made an excurfion from May 25. 
 Newport. This party deftroyed a number of boats, 
 burnt the meeting-houfe in Warren, the church in 
 Briftol, and a number of buildings in each town.f 
 
 * Romfig, Vol.il.}, 78, f ##, f. 81, 
 
404 H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 1778. A FRENCH fquadron, of twelve fhips of the 
 ^^^ line and four frigates, commanded by Count 
 D'Eftaing, failed from Toulon for America, in, 
 about two months after the treaty had been agreed 
 upon between the United States and the king of 
 France. After a paflage of eighty-feven days, the 
 count arrived at the entrance of the Delaware. 
 From an apprehenfion of fomething of this kind, 
 and from the profpect of greater fecurity, it was 
 refolved in Great-Britain immediately to evacuate 
 Philadelphia, and to concentrate the royal force 
 in the city and harbor of New-York.* 
 Jon. 1 8. THE royal army parTed over the Delaware, in 
 to New-Jerfey. General Wamington, having pen- 
 etrated into their defign of evacuating PhiladeU 
 phia, had previoufly detached Gen. Maxwell's 
 brigade, to co-operate with the Jerfey militia, in 
 obflrufting their progrefs, till he could overtake 
 them with his army. This detachment was after- 
 wards (lengthened by a body of 600 men, under 
 col. Morgan.f 
 
 AFTER various movements on both fides, Sir 
 Henry Clinton, with the royal army, arrived at 
 a place called Freehold, where judging the Amer* 
 leans would attack him, he encamped in a very 
 ftrong fituation. When General Wafhington was 
 informed that his army had begun their march, he 
 fent orders to Gen. Lee (who having been lately 
 exchanged, had joined the army) to move on and 
 Attack them, unlefs there fhould be very powerful 
 
 * Gordon* I'oi, IL t>. 369, | Raxi/af, Fsl. 11. /, 83, 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 405 
 
 reafons to the contrary ; acquainting him, at the 1778. 
 fame time, that he was marching to fupport him. 
 
 WHEN General Washington had marched about 
 five miles, to fupport the advanced corps, he found 
 the whole of it retreating, by Lee's orders, and 
 without having made any oppofition of confe- 
 quence. General Wafhington rode up to Lee, and 
 propofed certain queftions to him, which implied 
 cenfure, Lee anfwered with warmth, and unfuit- 
 able language. Part of the retreating troops were 
 then formed by the general with the utmoft expe- 
 dition. By their fpirited conduct they checked 
 the advance of the Britifh army ; and, at length, 
 compelled them to retire behind the defile, where 
 the firfl (land in the beginning of the action had 
 been made.* 
 
 GENERAL Wafhington intended to have renew* 
 ed the engagement the next day ; but the Britifh 
 troops marched away in the night, without the 
 lofs of either their covering party or baggage ; 
 and with fuch filence, that General Poor, who 
 lay very near them, knew nothing of their move- 
 ments, till it was too late to urge a purfuit.f 
 
 THE lofs of the Americans, in killed and 
 wounded, was about 250, Col. Bonner, of Penn- 
 fylvania, and major Dickenfon, of Virginia, offi- 
 cers highly efteemed by their country, fell in this 
 engagement, The lofs of the j'oyal army, inclu- 
 five of prifoners, was about 350, 
 
 IN this action, General Lee was charged by 
 General Wafhington with difobedience and mif- 
 
 * Wajkingtinli Letters, fa/,/./. 275. f Ramjay. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 1778. conduct, in retreating before the Britifh army. 
 
 ^^ He was tried by a court martial, and fentenced 
 to be fufpended from his command in the Amer- 
 ican army for twelve months. Previoufly to .this 
 battle, Lee's conduft at feveral times had been 
 very fufpicious ; and it was fufpecled he had form- 
 ed defigns to fupplant General Wafhington, and 
 that his friends attempted to place him at the 
 head of the army.* 
 
 Jan. 50. THE Britifh army purfued their march without 
 any interruption to the neighborhood of Sandy- 
 Hook, and on the 5th of July crofted the narrow 
 channel to Sandy-Hook on a bridge of boats, and 
 were afterwards fafely conveyed to New- York. 
 
 SOON after the battle of Freehold, or Mon- 
 mouth, as it is fometimes called, the American 
 army took poft at the White Plains, a few miles 
 beyond King's Bridge ; and the Britifh, though 
 only a few miles diftant, did not moled them. 
 They remained in this pofition from an early day 
 in July, till a late one in autumn, and then the 
 Americans retired to Middle Brook, in New-Jer- 
 fey, where they remained in huts, as they had 
 done at Valley Forge, the preceding winter. 
 
 IMMEDIATELY on the departure of the Britifh 
 from Philadelphia, congrefs, after an abfence of 
 nine months, returned to the former feat of their 
 deliberations. Soon after their return, they were 
 called upon to give a public audience to a minif- 
 ter plenipotentiary from the court of France. 
 The perfon appointed to this office, was M. Ger- 
 * Leg's 7**>mdiri t p., 16 1 8. Gordon, Vol. II. f. 379. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 407 
 
 ard, the fame, who had been employed in thene* 1778. 
 gociations, antecedent to the treaty. Dr. Ramfay 
 obierves, that " the arrival and reception of a 
 minifter from France, made a ftrong impreffion 
 on the minds of the Americans. They felt the 
 weight and importance, to which they were rifeu 
 among nations. That the fame fpot, which, in 
 lefs than a century, had been the refidence of 
 favages, mould become the theatre, on which 
 the reprefentatives of a new, free and civilized 
 nation, gave a public audience to a minifter ple- 
 nipotentiary from one of the oldelt and moft 
 powerful kingdoms of Europe, afforded ample 
 materials for philofophic contemplation. That 
 in ' lefs than three years from the day, on which 
 an anfwer was refufed by Great-Britain, to the 
 united (applications of the colonifls, praying for 
 peace, liberty and fafety, they mould, as an inde- 
 pendent people, be honored with the refidence of 
 a minifter from the court of France, exceeded the 
 expectation of the moft fanguine Americans. The 
 patriots of the new world revolved in their minds 
 thefe tranfactions, with heart-felt fatisfaction ; while 
 the devout were led to admire that Providence, 
 which had, in fo (hort a fpace, ftationed the Unit- 
 ed States among the powers of the earth, and 
 clothed them in robes of fovereignty."* 
 
 THE Briiifh had but barely completed the re- 
 moval of their fleet and army from the Delaware 
 and Philadelphia, to the harbor and city of New- 
 York, when they received intelligence, that a 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. II. f. 87. 
 
40$ H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1778. French fleet, which was commanded by Count 
 D'Eftamg, was on the coafl of America. Their 
 firft object was the furprize of Lord Howe's fleet 
 in the Delaware ; but they arrived too late. The 
 capture of the Britifh fleet was prevented, by the 
 various hindrances which retarded D'Eftaing on 
 his voyage to the term of eighty-feven days, in 
 the laft eleven of which Lord Howe's fleet not 
 only quitted the Delaware, but reached the har- 
 bor of New- York.* 
 
 THE next attempt of Count D'Eftaing was 
 againft Rhode-Ifland, of which the Britifh had been 
 in pofleflion fmce December, 1776. A combined 
 attack againft it was projected, and it was agreed 
 that General Sullivan fliould command the Ame- 
 rican land forces. Such was the eagernefs of the 
 people to co-operate with their new allies, and fo 
 confident were they of fuccefs, that fome thoufands 
 of volunteers engaged in the fervice. The militia 
 of MafTachufetts were under the command of major- 
 general John Hancock. The royal troops on the 
 jfland, having been lately reinforced, were about 
 6060. General Sullivan having collected about 
 10,000 men, of whom one half at lead were volun- 
 teers from New-England and Connecticut, patted 
 over into the ifland on the 8th of Auguft, at the 
 fame time the French fleet entered the harbor of 
 Newport.! 
 
 LORD Howe received intelligence of the danger 
 which threatened Rhode-Ifland, and haftened to its 
 relief. On the appearance of Lord Howe, the 
 
 * Ramjay, l r ol. U, p. 87. f Gordon, I'd. 11 j>. 383. 
 
NEW-ENGLAN IX 409 
 
 French admiral put out to fea with his whole fleet, 1778. 
 to attack him. The engagement was prevented by 
 a violent temped, by which both fleets were great- 
 ly damaged. The Britim fuffered lefs in the dorm 
 than their adverfaries, yet enough to render it ne* 
 ceflary for them to return to New- York, for the 
 purpofe of refitting. The French fleet returned to 
 Newport, in a very mattered condition, on the 
 2oth of Auguft ; and two days after, count D' 
 Eftaing failed for Bofton, in order to refit his 
 ihips.* 
 
 IN the mean time General Sullivan had com- 
 menced his military operations. But General Pi- 
 got, who commanded the Britifh garrifon, in 
 Rhode-Iiland, had taken fuch meafures, that with- 
 out the afliftance of a marine force, it was impoi- 
 fibie to attack him with any probability of fuccefs. 
 The conduct of D'Eftaing, who had abandoned 
 them when matter of the harbor, highly irritated 
 the people of New-England, and occafioned fuch 
 numbers of the difcontented militia to return home, 
 that the regular army, which remained was in dan- 
 ger of being cut off from a retreat. 
 
 IN thefe embarrafling circumilances, General Aug. 
 Sullivan retreated to the north end of the ifland ; 
 where his troops were foon difcovered, and fired 
 upon by the Britim. In the firft inftance, thefe 
 light troops were compelled by fuperior numbers 
 to give way, but they kept up a retreating fire. On 
 being reinforced, they gave their purfuers a check, 
 and at length repulfed them. By degrees the ac- 
 
 * Ram/ay. Fol. //. p. 89. 
 
 D D d 
 
4 io HIST DRY OF 
 
 1778. tion became in fome refpecls general, and neat 
 
 1200 Americans were engaged. The lofs on each 
 fide was between 2 and 300.* 
 
 LORD Howe's fieet, with Sir Henry Clinton, and 
 about 4000 troops on board, being feen off the 
 eoaft, General Sullivan concluded immediately to 
 evacuate Rhode-Ifland. He retreated in excellent 
 order, without leaving a rnan behind, or lofmg a 
 fingle article. 
 
 Sep. 5. SIR Henry Clinton, finding that the Americans 
 *~^ J had left Rhode-Ifland, returned to New-York, but 
 directed General Grey to proceed to Bedford, in 
 Maflach-ufetts, and the neighborhood , where fevers! 
 American privateers reforted. On the 5th of Sep- 
 tember, this party landed, and in a few hours de- 
 ft-royed feventy fail of flapping. They a'lfo burnt 
 wharves, ftores, yeflels on the flocks, and a con- 
 fkkrable number of dwelling-h'oufes. The build- 
 ings burnt at this place, were eltimated to be 
 worth 2o,oool. flerling. 
 
 ABOUT this time a difaflrous event occurred. 
 Colonel Baylor, with his regiment, was furprized 
 and barbaroufly put to the bayonet on an ad- 
 vanced poft, by major-general Grey, after they 
 Mad fued for quarter.f 
 
 Nov. 27. THE campaign in the northern ftates having 
 produced nothing advantageous to the Britifh, and 
 the winter being the proper feaibn for fouthern ex- 
 peditions, Sir Henry Clinton concluded upon turn- 
 ing his arms againft Georgia. This expeditioh 
 was committed to colonel Campbell, an officer of 
 
 *&mjaj, /W>. 11, p. 02, Gut-dent Vt-L //. /. 406, -j- 
 V 
 
NE W V EN G L AND. 411 
 
 known courage and ability. He embarked at 1778. 
 New- York for Savannah, with a force of about 
 2000 men, efcorted'by a fmall fquadron of ftiips 
 of war, commanded by commodore Hyde Parker. 
 Major-general Prevoft, who commanded the royal 
 forces in Eaft-Florida, was directed *to advance 
 with them into the fouthern extremity of Georgia. 
 The fleet, that failed from New-York in about three 
 weeks, effected a landing, near the mouth o/the ri- 
 ver Savannah. The continental army, to whom 
 the defence of Georgia was entrufted, had lately 
 returned from a fruitiefs fummer's expedition 
 againfl Eaft-Florida, in which they fuffered fo great 
 a diminution, that, joined with the flate militia, 
 then prefent, the whole amounted only to about 820 
 men. Gen. Howe, the American officer, who com- 
 manded the forces in Georgia, pofled his army be- 
 tween the landing-place, and the town of Savan- 
 nah, with the river on his left, and a morafs in 
 front. Whilfl col. Campbell was making the ne- 
 ceiTary arrangements for diflodging the enemy, he 
 received intelligence of a private path in the 
 fvvamp, through which the Britifh might pafs un* 
 obferved, and attack the rear of the American ar- 
 my. As foon as a number of his troops had 
 availed themfelves of this advantage, the Britifh in 
 front of the continental army were directed to ad- 
 vance and engage. Gen. Howe, finding himfelf at- 
 tacked in the rear, as well as in the front, ordered 
 an immediate retreat. The Britifh purfued with 
 great rapidity, and gained a complete victory. -Up- 
 wards of IOQ of the Americans were killed, - Thir- 
 
4ia HIS TO R Y OF 
 
 1778. ty-eight officers, 415 privates, 48 pieces of can- 
 iiori, 23 mortars, the fort, with its ammunition 
 and (lores, the iliipping in the river, a large quan- 
 tity of provifions, with the capital of Georgia, were 
 all, in the fpace of a few hours, in the potTeiTion 
 of the conquerors. The broken remains of the 
 American army retreated up the river Savannah, 
 and took refuge in South-Carolina.* 
 
 ABOUT the period of the embarkation at New- 
 York, General Prevoil marched from Eaft-Florida. 
 After encountering many difficulties, the royal 
 troops reached the inhabited parts of Georgia, and 
 brought Sunbury under fubjedion. Lieut, col. 
 Campbell behaved with fuch prudence arid mode- 
 ration, that he not only extirpated military oppofi- 
 tion, but fubverted, for a time, every trace of re- 
 publican government in Georgia, and eftablifhed 
 the authority of Great-Britain in that (late. On 
 the arrival of General Prevoil, he took the com- 
 mand of the combined forces from New- York and 
 St. Auguftine.f 
 
 THE errors of the firft years of the war induced 
 congrefs, at this period, to make fome ufeful re- 
 forms, in that department. Between two and three 
 hundred officers had refigned their commilTions, on 
 account of the infufficiency of the proviiion, which 
 had been made for their fuppoi t. From a convic- 
 tion of the juftice and policy of making commif- 
 fions valuable, and from refpecfc to the warm, but 
 difmterefted recommendations of General Wafli- 
 ington, congrefs reiblved, " That half pay mould 
 
 wi Vsl* II, p. 418. f Ram/a? t Ft/, 1L /. 98. 
 
NE W -ENGLAND. 413 
 
 be allowed to their officers, for the term of feven 1778* 
 years, after the expiration of their fervice." This 
 was afterwards extended to the end of their lives. 
 And, finally, that was commuted for full pay, for 
 five years. 
 
 THIS year, a more regular difcipline was intro- . 
 duced into the American army, by the induftry, 
 abilities and judicious regulations, of Baron de 
 Steuben, a mod excellent difciplinarian, who had 
 ferved under the king of Pruflia. A very impor- 
 tant reform took place in the medical department, 
 by appointing different officers to difcharge the di- 
 recting and purveying bufmefs of the military hof- 
 pitals, which had been previoufly united in the 
 lame hands. Dr. Rufh, of Philadelphia, was prin- 
 cipally inftrumental in effecting this beneficial al- 
 teration.* 
 
 * Ramfay t Vol. II. p. 99. Gordon, Vol. 11 f. 329. 
 
4 i4 HIS TO R Y OF 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 General Lincoln appointed to command at the fouth- 
 ward. The Britijh make a defcent with a land 
 andfea force^ into Virginia. Governor Tryon's 
 deftruclive expedition into Connecticut. Brave ac- 
 tion of General Putnam. General Wayne Jiorms 
 Stoney-Point. Major Lee takes the Britijh pojl 
 at Paulus Hook. The Americans unfuccefsful in 
 an attempt again/I a pofl in Penobfcot. Their Jleet 
 dejlroyed. The king of Spain joim the confedera- 
 cy againft Britain. Of the campaign at the fouth- 
 ward, in 1/79. D 9 EJlaing appears before Savan- 
 nah. Bejieges it in conjunction with General 
 Lincoln. The allies are defeated^ and retreat. 
 Rhode-Ifland evacuated. Expedition againft the 
 Indians. 
 
 J[ OWARDS the clofe of the former 
 year, the South-Carolina delegates requefted con- 
 grefs to appoint General Lincoln, on whofe cha- 
 rafter they juflly repofpd great confidence, to the 
 command of all the fouthern forces. Accordingly 
 they made the appointment, and he repaired to 
 Charleflon. 
 
 1779. THE Britifh began their operations this year 
 with expeditions tending rather to diftrefs the 
 Americans, than to benefit their own caufe.* 
 
 * Ramfaj, Vol. 1L /, xoo. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 4*1 
 
 IN the month of May, Sir Henry Clinton fent a 1779. 
 naval and land force to make an inroad into Virgi* 
 nia, under the command of Sir George Gollier and 
 General Matthews. They failed for Portfmouth* 
 and on their arrival took poffeflion of that defence- 
 lefs town. The remains of Norfolk, on the oppo^ 
 fite fide of the river, fell of eourfe into their hand*. 
 The Americans burned fome of their own vefifels, 
 but others were made prizes by the invaders. The 
 Britiih guards marched eighteen miles in the night, 
 and arriving at Suffolk by morning, burnt the houf- 
 es in that town \ and proceeded to the deilruclion 
 of veffels, naval ftores^and a large magazine of pro- 
 vifions, which had been there depofited. A fimi- 
 lar deftruftion was carried on h> other parts- of 
 the vicinity ; nor were the frigates and armed vef- 
 fels lefs active and fuccefsful in their fervice.* 
 
 IN about five weeks after the termination of 
 this expedition, a firnilar one was projected againU 
 the expofed margin of Connedlicut. Governor 
 Tryon was appointed to conduct the land forces, 
 confining of about 2600 men ; and he was fecond- 
 ed by brigadier-general Garth. The tranfports, 
 which conveyed thefe troops, were covered by a 
 fuitable number of armed veflels, commanded by 
 Sir George Collier. They proceeded from New- 
 York, and landed at New-Haven. The town, 
 on their entering it, was delivered up to prornif- 
 cuous plunder, a few inftances of protection ex- 
 cepted. Whigs and tories, indifcriminately, though 
 not univerfally, had their money, plate, rings and 
 other articles taken from them; and much of 
 
 * Ramfay y Vol. II. p. 101. Gordon, Vol. 11. 447. 
 
4 x6 HIS T O R Y OF 
 
 1779 their furniture, which could riot be carried off, 
 was wantonly deflroyed. After perpetrating va- 
 rious fpecies of enormity, the invaders fuddenly 
 re-embarked, and proceeded by water to Fairfield. 
 The militia of that place and the vicinity potted 
 themfelves at the court-houfe green, and gave con- 
 fiderable annoyance to them, as they were ad- 
 vancing, but foon retreated to the height back of 
 the town. Governor Tryon fent by a flag to col. 
 Whitney, who commanded them, an addrefs, in 
 which he afiured them, that their property lay 
 within the power of the Britifh, and threatened 
 them with its deftruclion, unlefs they returned to 
 their allegiance. Though the colonel was al- 
 lowed an hour to confider and anfwer, he had 
 icarcely time to read it, before the town was in 
 flames. He neverthelefs returned the following 
 anfwer. " Connecticut having nobly dared to 
 take up arms againft the cruel defpotifm of Great- 
 Britain, and the flames having preceded the an- 
 fwer to your flag, they will perfiit to oppofe to 
 the utmoft the power exerted againft injured in- 
 nocence."* 
 
 * Gordon. See a particular defcriplion of the burning of Fair- 
 field, in Prefident Dnuighft el v gant poem, Jliled Greenfield. HilL 
 Aftsr painting, in Jlriking language t the Cruelty of the Britijb t 
 he hat the following beautiful lines. 
 
 ft Yet let not indignatin rude 
 Commix the worthlefs with the good : 
 Sweet candor lings with voice benign, 
 And fmiies to pen the generous line ; 
 Bright fouls there were, who felt for woe f 
 .And own'd the merit of a foe - t 
 Bright Britifh fouls, with virtue ivarm'd, 
 To reafon, and to kind^fs charm'd, 
 Who footh'd the wretch with tendereft care, 
 Their leaders fpurn'd and curs'd the w?r j 
 The forrows wept of life's fhort fpan, 
 And felt the kindred ties of 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 417 
 
 THE Britifh, in this excurfion, alfo burnt Eafl- 1779. 
 Haven, the greateft part of Green's farms, and 
 the flourifhing town of Norwalk. A confidera- 
 ble number of (hips, either finifhed or on the 
 flocks, with whale-boats, and a large amount of 
 flores and merchandize, were deftroyed. In or- 
 der to vindicate thefe devaftations, the Britifh al- 
 ledged, that the houfes which they had burnt 
 gave fhelter to the Americans, while they fired 
 from them, and on other occafions concealed 
 their retreat.* 
 
 A SUDDEN period was put to thcfe devafta- 
 tions. In about ten days after the landing of the 
 Britifh troops, an order was ifiued for their im- 
 mediate return to New- York. This they effeded 
 in a fhort time, and with a lofs fo inconfiderable, 
 that in the whole expedition, it did not exceed 
 150 men.f 
 
 ABOUT this time, Gen. Putnam, who had been 
 ftationed with a refpe&able command at Read- 
 ing, in Connecticut, when on a vifit to his out- 
 poft, at Horfe-Neck, was attacked by governor 
 Tryon, with about 1500 men. Gen. Putnam had 
 only a picket of 150 men, and two iron field 
 pieces, without horfes or drag-ropes. He howev- 
 er planted his cannon on the high ground, near 
 the meeting-houfe, and by feveral difcharges re- 
 tarded the advancing Britifh, and continued 'to 
 make oppofition, till he perceived the enemy's horfe, 
 fupported by the infantry, were about to charge. 
 Gen. Putnam, after ordering the picket to pro- 
 
 * Gordon, VoL //,/. 451. f Ram/of t Vel* IL p. 106. 
 EEC 
 
HIST O R Y OF 
 
 1779. vide for their fafety, by retiring to a fwamp i-r-nc- 
 ceffible to horie, plunged down the precipice at 
 the church. This is fo deep as to have artificial 
 flairs, coiBpofed of nearly one hundred Hone ftep^, 
 for the accommodation of foot paiTengers. The 
 dragoons flopped fhoft, without venturing down 
 the abrupt declivity ; and before they got round 
 the brow of the hill, Putnam was far beyond 
 their reach. Of the many balls: that were fired at 
 him, all miffed except one, which went through 
 his hat. He proceeded to Stamford, and having 
 ftrengthened his picket with fome militia, faced 
 about, and purfued governor Tryon on his rt 
 turn* 
 
 THE campaign of this year was diflinguifhed 
 by the capture of Stoney-Point, on the North- 
 river. This fort had been creeled by the Ameri- 
 cans, and was taken and flrongly fortified by the 
 Britifh. Gen. Wayne was the commanding oiii- 
 cer, who* was entrufled with the execution of this 
 plan ; and the troops employed, on this occaiion, 
 were chiefly natives of New-England. All the 
 MafTachufetts light-infantry marched from Wefl- 
 Point, under lieut. colonel Hull, on the morning 
 of the i jth of July, and joined General Wayne, 
 at Sandy-Beach, fourteen miles from Stoney-Point. 
 The roads were exceedingly bad and narrow, and 
 the troops having to pafs over high mountains, 
 through difficult defiles and morafTes, were oblig- 
 ed to move in fingle files the greatefl part of the 
 \vay. By eight in the evening, the van arrived 
 
 * Humpknft life of Putnam, p. : 
 
NE W-ENGL AND. 419 
 
 within a mile and a half of the enemy, where the 1779. 
 men, being formed in two columns, remained till 
 General Wayne, and feveral of the piincipal of- 
 fleers, returned from reconnoitring the works. 
 At half pad eleven at night, the whole moved for- 
 ward to the attack. The general placed himfelf 
 at the head of the right column, and gave the mofl 
 pointed orders not to fire, but to depend folely on 
 the bayonet, which order was faithfully obeyed* 
 The two columns directed their attacks to oppo- 
 fite points of the works, whilft a detachment en- 
 gaged the attention of the garrifon, by a feint in 
 the front. The approaches were more difficult, than 
 had been apprehended ; the works being covered 
 by a deep morafs, which at that time was overflow- 
 ed by the tide.* 
 
 < c BUT neither the morafs, the double rows of 
 abbatis, nor the flrength of the works, damped the 
 ardor of the Americans. In the face of an incef- 
 fant and tremendous fire of muiketry and of can? 
 non, loaded with grape-fhot, they forced their way 
 at the point of the bayonet, through every obfta- 
 cie, till the van of each column met in the centre 
 of the works, and the garrifon were obliged to fur- 
 render at difcretion." 
 
 GENERAL Wayne was wounded in the head 
 by a mufket ball, as he palTed the laft abbatis, 
 but neverthelefs infilled on being carried forward, 
 adding, as a reafon for it, that if he died he wifhed 
 it might be in the fort. The killed and wounded 
 of the Americans amounted to 98. The killed of 
 
 * Gordon, Vol. II. f. 452, 45 $ 
 
420 HISTORY OF 
 
 1779. the garrifon were 63, and the number of the prif- 
 oners 543. Two flags, two flandards, fifteen 
 pieces of ordnance, and a confiderable quantity of 
 military flores fell into the hands of the conquer- 
 ors.* 
 
 - THIS" fuccefsful enterprize emboldened the 
 Americans to make a fimilar attempt on Paulus 
 Hook, a fortified pofl on the Jerfey fide, oppofite 
 to New- York. After having completely furpriz- 
 cd the pofts, the American commander, major 
 Lee, finding it impoffible to retain them, made an 
 orderly retreat, with about 160 prifoners, among 
 whom were feven officers. 
 
 ABOUT this period, an unfuccefsful attempt was 
 made by the flate of MafTachufetts againft a pofl 
 on the river Periobfcot, on the borders of Nova- 
 Scotia, of which the Britifh had lately taken pof- 
 fellion, and where they had begun to ereft a fort, 
 which threatened to be a great inconvenience to 
 the Americans. In order to counteract the eflab- 
 limment of this pofl, a confiderable fleet was fitted 
 out with extraordinary expedition, and put under 
 the conduct of commodore Saltonflall. The land 
 forces were commanded by General Lovel. The 
 Americans with great difficulty effected a landing, 
 but, previoufly to their giving a general aflault, 
 they perceived Sir George Collier, with a Britifh 
 fleet, failing up the river to attack them. As his 
 force was vaftly fuperior to theirs, to efcape was 
 impracticable. The whole American fleet was deft 
 
 Ram fay, Vol. //. p, 108, See Gen, Waynes Letter to Gen. 
 intcn en this 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 421 
 
 ' 
 troyed. Their foldiers and failors were obliged to 1779. 
 
 return a great part of their way by land ; and to 
 wander through immenfe deferts. A great fcarcity 
 of provifions augmented their calamities.* 
 
 IN the mean time the war, which originated in 
 America, was extended to diftant countries, llof- 
 tilities between the fleets of France and Great- 
 Britain were carrying on frequently in both the In- 
 dies, and the European feas. The king of Spain 
 was alfo, about this time, induced to accede to the 
 confederacy againft Great-Britain, 
 
 WHILST the progrefs of the war in the north- 
 ern dates was marked with devaflation and diftrefs^ 
 the affairs of the Americans at the fouthward wore 
 a more alarming afpeft. 
 
 THE Britiih forces, as has been related in the 
 preceding chapter, had effected the reduction of* 
 the greateft part of Georgia. The royal army at 
 Savannah, being reinforced by the junction of the 
 troops from St. Auguftine, was in a condition to 
 extend their pofts. Major Gardner, with 200 men, 
 being detached with this view, landed on Port- 
 Royal ifland, in South- Carolina. General Moul- 
 trie, at the head of an equal number of Americans, 
 chiefly militia, attacked and drove him off. After 
 this repulfe, the Britifh endeavoured to flrengthen 
 themfelves by reinforcements from the tories in 
 the weflern fettlements of Georgia and Carolina. 
 A number of loyalifts, who affembled to join the 
 Britifh forces, were, with colonel Boyd, their lead- 
 er, utterly routed and difperfed.f 
 ot- 11 . in. 
 
II I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1779. IN the mean time General Lincoln, with a con- 
 *~~*~^ fiderable body of troops, fixed encampments at 
 Black-Swamp, and nearly oppofite to Augufta, on 
 the Carolina fide. From thefe pofts he formed a 
 plan of crofling into Georgia, in order to limit the 
 Britifh to the low country, near the ocean. To af- 
 fift this defign, General A ill, with fifteen hundred 
 North-Carolina militia, and a few regular troops, 
 May 3. took a pofition at Briar-Creek. In order to dif- 
 lodge this party, lieut. col. Prevoil made a circuit- 
 ous march of about fifty miles, with 900 men. 
 The Americans were totally defeated; 150 men 
 were killed, and 160 taken. This event deprived 
 Gen. Lincoln of one fourth of his numbers, and 
 opened a communication between the Britiih, the In- 
 dians, and the tories of North and South-Carolina.* 
 THE difafters, which followed the American 
 arms, after the landing of the Britifh in Georgia, 
 ftimulated the South-Carolinians to energetic ex- 
 ertions, to oppofe the extenfion of their conquefts. 
 John Rutledge, a Carolinian of the moft diftin- 
 guifhed abilities, was unanimoufiy chofen governor 
 of the (late, and, in conjunclion with his council, 
 inveiled with dictatorial powers. He afifembled a 
 large body of the militia near the centre of the 
 ftate, that they might be in conftant readinefs to 
 march whitherfoever public fervice required. Part 
 of the American force was ftationed on the north 
 fide of the Savannah, at Purryfburg and Black 
 Swamp, while General Lincoln, and the main ar- 
 my, crofled into Georgia, near Augufta. 
 
 * Gsrdan, Vsl. IL p. 430. 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 425 
 
 f 
 
 WHEN the American army was 150 miles up 1779* 
 
 the Savannah, Gen. Prevoft, availing himfelf of 
 that critical moment, crofled over to Carolina with 
 2400 regulars, and a confiderable body of Indians. 
 On his advance, General Moultrie, who was charg- 
 ed with the defence of South-Carolina, was com- 
 pelled to retire. When General Lincoln found 
 that Prevoft was marching for Charleflon, he re- 
 eroded the Savannah, and purfued him. The in- 
 habitants of South-Carolina were affiduouily en- 
 gaged in their preparations to repel the Britiih in- 
 vaders ; and a force of 3300 men was ailembled 
 in Charlefton for the defence of that city.* 
 
 THE main body and baggage of the Britifh army May it. 
 being left on the fouth fide of Afhley river, an 
 advanced detachment, of 900 men, croffed the fer- 
 ry, and appeared before the town. In the mean 
 time Lincoln was marching with all poffible expe- 
 dition for the relief of Charlefton. As his timely 
 arrival was dubious, and the crifis extremely haz- 
 ardous, a proportion was made by the garriibn to 
 Gen. Prevoft, " that South- Carolina would re- 
 main in a (late of neutrality during the war." The 
 Britifh commander rejected this advantageous of- 
 fer ; and the Americans made preparations for a 
 vigorous defence. Prevoft, having learnt, by an 
 intercepted letter, that Lincoln was advancing in 
 his rear, retreated from the main land to th 
 iflands on the fea coaft. Both armies encamped 
 in the vicinity of Charlefton, watching each other's 
 motions till the soth of June, when an attack was 
 
 * Ramjay, Vol. II. p, 1 1 8, 
 
4 2 4 HISTORY OF 
 
 1779. made by about 1200 Americans, on 6 or 700 of 
 the Britifh, advantageoufly potted at Stono ferry. 
 The action was continued for an hour and twenty 
 minutes, and the aflailants had the advantage ; but 
 the appearance of a reinforcement rendered their 
 retreat neceflary. The lofs of the Americans in 
 killed and wounded was about 150. 
 
 AFTER this attack, the Britifh retreated from 
 the iilands adjacent to Charleilon ; and the main 
 body went to Savannah. 
 
 ON the i ft of September, Count D'Eftaing ar- 
 rived with a fleet of twenty fail of the line, two 
 of fifty guns, and eleven frigates. As foon as the 
 count's arrival on the coafi was known, General 
 Lincoln, with the army under his command, march- 
 ed with the utmoft expedition to Savannah; and 
 orders were given for the South-Carolina and 
 Georgia militia to rendezvous immediately near 
 the fame place. The Britifh were equally diligent 
 in preparing for their defence.* 
 
 THE French and Americans, after having fpent 
 fome time in making regular approaches, fit lad 
 determined to take the place by ftorm. Accord- 
 ingly, October 9th, two feints were made with 
 the country militia, and a real attack on Spring- 
 hill battery early in the morning, with 3500 French 
 troops, 600 continentals, and 350 of the inhabit- 
 ants of Charlefton. Thefe boldly marched up 
 to the lines, under the command of D'Eftaing and 
 General Lincoln ; but a heavy and well directed fire 
 from the batteries, and a crofs fire from the galiies, 
 
 * Gordon, VoL 11 p. 446, Ramfaf t Vol. //./>. 119. 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 425 
 
 threw the front of their columns into confufion. 1779. 
 Two ftandards, however, were planted on the 
 Britifh redoubt. A retreat of the afiailants was or- 
 dered, after they had fuftained the enemy's fire for 
 fifty-five minutes. Count D'Eftaing and Count 
 Polafki were both wounded. The former flightly, 
 but the latter mortally. Six hundred and thirty- 
 feven of the French, and upwards of two hundred 
 of the continental foldiers and militia were killed 
 or wounded. After this unfuccefsful aflault, the 
 American militia almoft univerfally returned to 
 their homes. Count D'Eftaing re-embarked his 
 troops and artillery, and left the continent.* 
 
 THE expedition of D'Eftaing on the American 
 coaft, though unfuccefsful as to its principal ob- 
 ject, was eventually of benefit to the United States. 
 It difconcerted the meafures already digefted by 
 the Britifh commanders, and procraftinated the 
 period of determining on a new plan of operation. 
 It alfo occafioned the evacuation of Rhode-Ifland ; 
 though not to the advantage of America ; for the 
 Britifli had nearly 6000 men ftationed two years 
 and eight months on that ifland, where they 
 could render little more fervice to the royal 
 caufe, than could have been obtained by a couple 
 of frigates.! 
 
 THERE was for fome time a ceflation of impor- 
 tant military operations through the province of 
 New- York. Congrefs embraced an opportunity 
 to difpatch General Sullivan to take vengeance on 
 the Indians of the Six Nations for their ravages 
 
 * Ramf<y, Vol. II. p, 122. f ttia'. 
 F pf 
 
426 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1779. and devailations. Upon which. General Sullivan 
 marched into the Indian country 5 burnt their 
 villages, defiroyed their provifions, and laid wade 
 their fields and gardens. Not only the men and 
 warriors, but the women and children, and whole 
 fettlenients were involved in promifcuous defola- 
 tion. The cruelties, which the Indians and Ame- 
 ricans infli&ed on each other, during the conteil 
 with Britain, open a fcene deeply wounding to 
 the feelings of humanity ; and the brevity of thi> 
 work forms art apology for drawing a veil ovt? 
 tfeofe horrid and deftruclive operations.* 
 
 Ramfey. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 The Britifh troops gain the poffeffion of Charleston, 
 in South -Carolina. Tarlcton defeats Buford* 
 The inhabitants of South-Carolina generally fub- 
 mit to the Britljh government. General Sump- 
 ter's fuccefs. Battle of Camdcn. Tar let on de- 
 feats Sumpter. Patriotifm of the ladies of South- 
 Carolina. A party of loyalifts difperfed by the 
 Americans* Sumpter collects a body of volunteers^ 
 and performs feveral brave actions, Predatory 
 excurfwns of the Britijh. The academy of arts 
 and fcicnces injlituted in Maffachufetts. Mutiny 
 of two regiments of Connecticut troops. Ar- 
 rangements in the army. Arrival of the French 
 fleet. Treaty between Holland and the United 
 States. General Arnold dcferts the American 
 caufe ; and agrees to deliver Weft-Point to the 
 Britijh. Unhappy fate of major Andre. Arnold 
 is made brigadier-general in the Britifl) army ; 
 and endeavours to engage the continental troops tq 
 defert the American caufe. 
 
 HE Britifli army, under the com- 
 mand of Sir Henry Clinton, commenced their 
 operations early this year with an attempt againft 1780 
 Charlefton, in South-Carolina, The Americans, 
 at this period, were greatly difpiritecl with their 
 repulfe at Savannah ; and the number of troops 
 under General Lincoln was fur to:> few for the 
 defence of the city. 
 
428 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1780. ON the 1 2th of April, the royal army opened 
 
 their batteries againfl Charlefton ; and during 
 eight days, a conftant fire was kept up between 
 both parties. General Lincoln exerted himfelf 
 to the utmofl in defending the town; but the 
 Britifh fpeedily completed its inveftiture, both by 
 land and water ; and brought the preparations to 
 ftorm it in every part in great forwardnefs. Ne- 
 Mtyi2.ceflity at length impelled General Lincoln, who 
 ^^ had been applied to for that purpofe by the inhab- 
 itants, to furrender the town, on fuch articles of 
 capitulation as had been previoufly agreed to, by 
 General Clinton.* 
 
 THE lofs on either fide, during the fiege, was 
 nearly equal. Of the king's troops, 76 were kill- 
 ed, and 189 wounded. Of the Americans, 89 
 were killed, and 140 wounded. The num- 
 bers, which furrendered prifoners of war, inclu- 
 five of the militia, and every adult male inhab- 
 itant, were about 5000 ; but the proper garri- 
 fon, at the time of the furrender, did not exceed 
 2500. This was the finl inftance, in which the 
 Americans had attempted to defend a town.f 
 
 AFTER the furrender of Charlefton, the next 
 object of the Britifh was to fecure the general 
 fubmiflion of the inhabitants. To this end they 
 pofled garrifons in different parts of the country. 
 They alfo marched with upwards of 2000 men 
 towards North-Carolina. This caufed an imme- 
 diate retreat of fome parties of Americans, who 
 had advanced into the northern extremity of 
 South-Carolina, with the expectation of relieving 
 
 * Gardw, Vol. UL p. 4850, f Ratn/v, Pol, 11 /. 1 56, 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 4*9 
 
 Charlefton. Among the corps, which had come 1780. 
 forward with that view, there was one confiiling 
 of about 300 continental feldiers, commanded by 
 col. Buford. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, with 
 700 horfe and foot, completely defeated this party, 
 who, difpirited by the lofs of Charlefton, made 
 but a feeble refiftance. It is faid, that Tarleton's 
 forces refufed quarter to the Americans, after they 
 had ceafed to refift, and laid down their arms.* 
 
 SIR Henry Clinton having left about 4000 
 men for the fouthera fervice, embarked early in 
 June, with the principal part of the army for New- 
 York. On his departure, the command devolved 
 on lieutenant-general Cornwallis. His lordfhip 
 committed the care of the frontier to Lord Raw- 
 don, and repairing to Charlefton, devoted his 
 principal attention to the commercial and civil 
 regulation of South-Carolina. In the mean time, 
 the impoilibility of removing their families and ef- 
 fects, and the want of an army to which the mili- 
 tia of the dates might repair, induced the people in 
 the country to abandon ail fchemes of farther re- 
 fiftance. At Beaufort, Camden and Ninety-fix, 
 they generally laid down their arms, and fubmit- 
 ted, either as prifoners or fubjects.f 
 
 THE firft effort the Americans made in South- 
 Carolina was two months after the fall of Charlef- 
 ton. July 12, col. Sumpter, a native of that 
 ftate, at the head of a number of exiles, took the , 
 field againft the victorious Britifli. With the 
 fmall force of 133 men, he attacked and routed a 
 
 * Gtr&a, Vol* ///,/, 53, f Ran/ft?, Vol* 11. /. 159. 
 
430 H I S T O R Y OF 
 
 r/So. detachment of the royal forces and militia, which 
 v -^ were polled in a lane at Williamfon's plantation. 
 The troops from the north-weftern frontier of 
 South-Carolina joined col. Sumpter with fuch 
 alacrity, that in a few days the force under his com- 
 mand amounted to 600 men. With this increafe 
 of ftrength, he made a fpmted attack on a party 
 of Britifh at Rocky-Mount ; but having no artil- 
 lery, was obliged to retreat. This a&ive partizan 
 attacked another royal detachment, confiiting of 
 the prince of Wales' regiment, and a large body of 
 tories, under colonel Bryan, ported at Hang- 
 ing Rock. He reduced the above regiment, 
 from 278 men, to nine. The remainder of loy- 
 alifts in that quarter were difperfed ; and the 
 panic occafioned by the fall pf Charjefton daily 
 abated.* 
 
 AFTER General Lincoln was made prifoner at 
 Charlefton, General Gates was appointed to com- 
 mand in the fouthern department. On the ap- 
 proach of his army, Earl Cornvvallis haftened from 
 Aug. 1 6. Charlefton to Camden, where he attacked the 
 American troops, in an unfavorable fituation ; and 
 after a long and obftinate conteft, gained a com- 
 plete viftory. The continental troops fought 
 with undaunted courage ; but the militia were 
 foon difmayed, and left the former to oppoie the 
 whole force of the Britifh army. Gen, Gates 
 exerted himfelf to the utmofl: to rally the militia, 
 but without" effect. Two hundred and ninety 
 American wounded prifaners were carried into 
 * &a/ty t Pd* II p, 16-3, GW?*, Fs.\ ///. 95. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N IX 43* 
 
 Camden, after the a&ion, among whom was the 1780* 
 brave Baron de Kalb, who was mortally wound- 
 ed. The numbers flain cannot be precifely afcer- 
 tained ; but it is fuppofed they amounted to about 
 700. More than 500 of the Britiih were killed 
 and wounded, according to their own account.* 
 
 LIEUT, colonel Tarleton, who had greatly dif-Aug 17. 
 tinguifhed himfelf in this action, was detached the 
 fubfequent day, with a fmall body of cavalry and 
 light-infantry, to attack a corps of Americans 
 under Gen. Sumpter. He executed this fervice 
 with fuch celerity and addrefs, as to overtake and 
 furprize this party at Fifhing- Creek. Sumpter 
 was totally defeated, and his whole detachment 
 were either killed, captured or difperfed. 
 
 AFTER the battle at Camden, Gen. Gates 
 retired firft to Charlotte, from thence to Salifbu- 
 ry, and foon after to Hillfborough. A minute 
 defcription of the retreat of the Americans from 
 Charlotte to Salisbury, would be the image of 
 complicated wretchednefs.f 
 
 LORD Cornwallis remained at Camden. Theep.i6. 
 lofs he fuflained in the battle, and the other dif- 
 advantages under which he labored, reflrained 
 him from purfuing his conquefts. To compel the 
 re-eftablifhment of Britifh government, he, in about 
 four weeks after his victory, iflued a proclam- 
 ation for the fequeftration of all eftates be- 
 longing to the active friends of independence. 
 Intimidated by the profpecl of poverty and ruin, 
 many became Britifh fubjech. However, feveral 
 
 * Gordon, frl. 111. f Ramfaj, Vol. IL p. 162. 
 
43fi 11 I 3 T O R Y OF 
 
 1780. of the richeft men in the (late fuffered their for- 
 tunes to remain in the power and poffeflion of the 
 conquerors, rather than ilain their honor, by join- 
 ing the enemies of their country. The patriotilhi 
 of the ladies contributed greatly to this firmnefs. 
 They crowded on board prifon-fhips, and other 
 places of confinement, to folace their fuffering coun- 
 trymen. Large numbers of females, who were ban- 
 ifhed from their families, and whofe property was 
 feized by the conquerors, cheerfully parted with 
 their fons, hufbands and brothers, exhorting them 
 to fortitude and perfeverance, and repeatedly en- 
 treating them never to fuffer family attachments to 
 interfere with the duty they owed to their country. 
 When, in the progrefs of the war, they were al- 
 fo comprehended under a general fentence of ban- 
 ifhinent, with equal refolution they parted with 
 their native country, and their many endearing 
 connexions ; followed their huibands into prifon- 
 fhips and diftant lands, where they were reduced 
 to the neceility of receiving charity.* 
 
 WHILST Lord Cornwallis was retrained from 
 active operations, major Fergufon undertook per- 
 fonally to vifit the fettlements of the difaffecled to 
 the American caufe, arid to train their young men 
 for fervice in the field. Having collected a corps 
 of militia, he encamped on the top of King's 
 mountain, near the confines of North and South- 
 7. .Carolina. Here he was attacked by a party of Amer- 
 ican volunteers, and after a fevere conflict, re- 
 ceived a mortal wound. The contefl was termin- 
 
 * Ratn/ay t Vol. II. p. 172, 173. 
 
NE W -ENGLAND. 433 
 
 ated by the fubmiflion of the furvivers. Upwards 1780. 
 of 800 became priibners, and 225 had been pre- 
 vioufly killed or wounded. The total rout of 
 the party, which had joined major Fergufon, ope- 
 rated as a check on the future exertions of the 
 loyalifts.* 
 
 THE defeat of major Fergufon, and the confe- 
 quent retreat of Lord Cornwallis, encouraged the 
 American militia to renew their exertions. Gen* 
 Sumpter, after the difperfion of his force on the 
 1 8th of Auguft, collected a corps of volunteers, 
 and received fuch occafional reinforcements, as en- 
 abled him to keep the field, though there was no 
 continental army in South-Carolina for three 
 months* Having mounted his followers, he in* 
 fefted the Britifh, beat up their quarters, intercept- 
 ed their convoys, and fo harrafled them with fuc* 
 ceflive alarms, that their movements could not be 
 made but with caution and difficulty. He was at- 
 tacked at Broad -river by major Wemys, command- 
 ing a corps of infantry and dragoons. In this ac- 
 tion, the Britifh were defeated, and their com- 
 manding officer taken prifoner. Soon after,, he 
 was attacked at Black Stocks, near Tyger-river, 
 by lieutenant-colonel Tarleton ; but the royal 
 forces were obliged to retreat, with confideiable 
 lofs.f 
 
 IN the mean time General Gates was exerting 
 himfelf to the utmoft to repair the injuries of his 
 defeat, and was again in a condition to face the 
 enemy, when he received official information, that 
 
 * Ramjay, Pol. II. />. 17*. Gordon, Vol. Ill p. 122. 
 G eg 
 
434 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1780. General Greene was appointed to fucceed him in 
 ^^ the command of the fouthern department. 
 June 16. WHILST the war raged in South-Carolina, an 
 incurfion was made into Jerfey, from New-York, 
 with 5000 men, commanded by lieutenant-general 
 Knyphaufen, They landed at Elizabethtown, and 
 proceeded to Connecticut farms. In this neigh- 
 borhood, the Rev. Mr. Caidwell rtfided, a PrdT- 
 byterian clergyman, who had rendered himfeli' 
 peculiarly obnoxious to the Britiih, by his active 
 zeal in the American caufe. A foldier entered 
 his houfe in his abfence, and mot Mrs. Caidwell 
 mftantly dead. After this cruel action, the houfe, 
 and every thing in it was reduced to afhes. The 
 Britifh burnt abaut twelve other houfes, and alib 
 the Prefbyterian church, and then proceeded to 
 Springfield. As they advanced, the Americans 
 marched in fuch numbers to oppofe them, that 
 they retreated to Elizabethtown. Whiifl the royal 
 detachment was in Jerfey, Sir Henry Clinton had 
 returned from Charlefton to New- York, and having 
 font a reinforcement to Knyphaufen, the whole ad- 
 vanced a fecond time to Springfield. They were 
 now oppofed by General Greene, with a confider- 
 able number of continental troops. Colonel An- 
 gel, with his regiment, and a piece of artillery, de- 
 fended the bridge, which he was ordered to fecure, 
 v/ith great gallantry. Superior numbers, howe- 
 ver, at length, overcame obflinate bravery, and the 
 Americans were obliged to retire. They loft 
 about 80 men in this adion ; and the lofs of the 
 Britiih was fuppofed to be much greater. They 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 435 
 
 clofed this expedition with burning nearly fifty 1780. 
 dwelling-houfes, in Springfield, and returned to 
 New- York.* 
 
 BY fuch defultory operations, were hoftilities 
 conducted at this time in the northern dates. In- 
 dividuals were killed, houfes were burnt, and much 
 mifchief done ; but nothing was effected, which 
 tended either to reconcilement or fubjugation.f 
 
 IT is remarkable, that arnidft the anxieties and 
 avocations attending the war, the Maflachufetts 
 general court paffed an act (May 4) to incorpo- 
 rate and eftablifh a fociety for the cultivation and 
 promotion of the arts and fciences, by the name of 
 the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. It is 
 declared in the aft, u that the end and defign of 
 the inftitution is, to promote and encourage the 
 knowledge of the antiquities of America, and of 
 the natural hiftory of the country ; and, in fhort, 
 to promote the ftudy of all the arts and fciences 
 that may tend to advance a free, independent and 
 virtuous people."J 
 
 THE diftrefs which the Americans fuffered from 
 the diminimed value of their currency, this year 
 arrived to its highefi pitch. The conlequences of 
 this depreciation were felt with peculiar feverity by 
 thofe, who were engaged in military fervices, and 
 greatly augmented their other hardfhips. This 
 caufe, fuperadded to a complication of wants and 
 fufferings, occafioned a difpofition to mutiny to 
 appear in the American army. Thirty-one of 
 
 Ramfay. f Ibid. % Morfe t Geography I'd.JI.f. 411, 
 
436 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1780. the foldiers, who were flationed at Fort-Schuyler, 
 went off in a body. Being purfued, fixteen of 
 them were overtaken, and thirteen of that number 
 Inftantly killed. About the fame time, two regi- 
 ments of Conne&icut troops mutinied, and got 
 under arms. They determined to return home, 
 or to gain fubfiftence at the point of the bayonet. 
 Their officers reafoned with them, and urged 
 every argument that could either intereft their 
 pride or their paflions. After much expostulation, 
 they were at length prevailed upon to go to their 
 huts.* 
 
 IN order to mitigate thefe diftrefles, congrefs en- 
 deavoured to give all poflible fatisfaction to their 
 officers and foldiers. They appointed a committee 
 for arranging their finances ; and made fome 
 other regulations refpe&ing the various public de- 
 partments.t 
 
 THE committee of congrefs in the American 
 camp, wrote fundry letters to the ftates, ftimu- 
 lating them to vigorous exertions. It was agreed 
 to make arrangements for bringing into the field 
 35,000 effective men; to make up the deficien- 
 cy in the enliftments by draughts from the mili- 
 tia, and to call on the ftates for fpecific fupplies 
 of every thing necefiary for their fupport. 
 
 WHILST thefe preparations were making, the 
 French armament was on its way to America* On 
 the loth of July M. de Ternay arrived at Newport, 
 in Rhode-Ifland, with a fleet confiding of feven 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. 1L p. 184. f Ibid, p. 192, 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 437 
 
 Uiips of the line, feveral frigates, and other vef- 1780. 
 fels of inferior force ; and a body of land forces, 
 lo the amount of about 6000 men, under the com- 
 mand of lieutenant-general Count de Rocham- 
 beau. General Heath was prefent to receive the 
 troops upon their landing, and to give them the 
 poffeffion of the forts and batteries in the ifland, 
 which by their exertions were foon put in a ftate of 
 defence.* 
 
 ON the 4th of September, the plan of a treaty 
 of commerce, between the dates of Holland and 
 the United States, was figned by their refpe&ive 
 agents. Mr. de Neufville, as agent from the city 
 of Amfterdam, engaged that the regency of that 
 city would never adopt any meafure contrary to 
 the interefts of America, fo long as the conduct of 
 the Americans (hould be conformable to the inter* 
 efts of the ftates of Holland ; but that they would 
 ufe all their influence with the ftates of the fever; 
 United Provinces, to effeft the defired connexion* 
 The bufmefs was conducted, on the part of Amer- 
 ica, by John Adams, the prefent prefideut of the 
 United States.f 
 
 IN the month of September, a difcovery of the 
 utmoft importance was made, which was a fcheme 
 for delivering Weft-Point into the hands of Sir 
 Henry Clinton. Gen. Arnold, who had the com- 
 mand of that poft, pofleffed the inoft diftinguifhed 
 military talents, and had been prodigal of life in 
 defence of his country, A tafte for parade and 
 
 * GorAn, Vol. ///./. 64, 65. f M4}. 94. 
 
438 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1780. extravagant living had deeply involved him in 
 debt, and his neceffities induced him to defert the 
 American caufe. His love of pleafure produced 
 the love of monsy, and that extinguished all fen- 
 libility to the obligations of honor and duty. 
 Hence contracts were made, fpeculations entered 
 into, and partnerfhips inftituted, which could not 
 bear inveftigation. Oppreflion, extortion, mifappli- 
 cation of public money and property, furnifhed him 
 with the farther means of gratifying his favorite 
 paffions. In thefe circumftances, a change of 
 fides afforded the only hope of evading a fcrutiny, 
 and at the fame time, held out a profpect of re- 
 plenilhing his exhaufled coffers. Influenced by 
 thefe motives, he foliated the command of Weft- 
 Point, which had been ftiled the Gibraltar of 
 America, in order to betray that important for* 
 tiefs into the hands of the Britifh.* 
 
 THE agent employed in this negociation on the 
 part of Sir Henry Clinton, was major Andre, adju- 
 tant-general in the Britifh army, who is defcribed 
 by Dr. Ramfay as " a young officer of great 
 hopes, and of uncommon merit. Nature had 
 beitowed on him an elegant tafte for literature and 
 the fine arts, which by induftrious cultivation he 
 had greatly improved. He pofieffed many amia* 
 ble qualities, and great accomplifhments. His 
 fidelity, together with his place and character, 
 eminently fitted him for this bufmefs ; but his 
 high ideas of candor, and his abhorrence of dupli- 
 
 * Ramfay , Vol. II. p. 95. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 439 
 
 city, made him inexpert in pra&ifmg thofe arts of 1780. 
 deception which it required."* 
 
 FOR the fpeedy completion of the negociation^ 
 that was conducted between Sir Henry and General 
 Arnold, the Vulture Hoop of war was ftationed in 
 the North-river, at fuch a diftance from the 
 American pods, as without exciting fufpicion, 
 would -ferve for the neceflary communications. 
 A written correfpondence, through other channels, 
 had been maintained, fince the year 1779, between 
 Arnold and Andre at New-York, under the names 
 of Guftavus and Anderfon.f 
 
 ON the 2 1 ft of September, the neceifary ar- 
 rangements being made, a boat was fent at night 
 from the more to fetch major Andre, which 
 brought him to the beach without the pofts of ei- 
 ther army, where he met Arnold. Their bufmefs 
 was not fmifhed, till it was too near the dawn of 
 day for the major to return ; and Arnold informed 
 him he muft be concealed till the next night. For 
 that purpofe he was conducted within one of the 
 
 * Mi ft Seward thus dejtnbes major Axdre> in her btautijul 
 Monody on bis death- 
 
 " H->w gaily fhone on thy bright morn of youth 
 The liar of pleafure, and the Tun of truth ? 
 Full from their iource defcended on thy mind 
 Each generous virtue, and each tafte rcfiu'd. 
 Young genius led thee to her varied fane, 
 Bade thee afk all her gifts, nor afk in vain f 
 Hence novel thought, in every luftre drelt 
 Of pointed wit, the diamond of the breaft; 
 Hence giow'd thy fancy with poetic ray, 
 Hence mufic warbled in thy fprightly lay; 
 And hence thy pencil with her colors warm 
 Caught everv grace, and copied every charm, 
 Whufe tranfient glories beam on beauty's cheek, 
 And bid the glnwine ivory breath? and fpeak.*' 
 f Ram/ay. Vai II. p. 196, 197, 
 
440 II I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1780, American pofts, againft his previous flipulation 
 and knowledge, and continued with Arnold the 
 following day. The boatmen refufed to condudt 
 him back the next night, as the Vulture, from be- 
 ing expofed to the fire of fome cannon, brought up 
 to annoy her, had changed her pofition. Andre 
 was, therefore, obliged to return to New- York by 
 land. To favor his efcape, he quitted his uniform, 
 which he had hitherto worn under his furtout, for 
 a common coat. He was furniihed with a horfe, 
 and under the name of John Anderlbn, received a 
 paifport from Arnold " to go to the lines of 
 White Plains., or lower, if he thought proper, he 
 being on public bufmefs."* 
 
 MAJOR Andre purfued his journey alone, and 
 proceeded undifturbed a great part of the way to 
 New- York. \/Vhen he imagined himfelf out of 
 danger, he was ftopt by three of the New- York 
 militia, who were out on a fcouting party, between 
 the out ports of the two armies. One of thefe men 
 fprung from his covert, and feized Andre's horfe 
 by the bridle. The major, inftead of inftantly pro- 
 ducing his paf?, alked the man where he belonged, 
 who aiifwered, " to below/* Andre, fufpefting no 
 deceit, faid, " fo do L" Then declaring himfelf a 
 Britifh officer, he preffed that he might not be de- 
 tained, being on urgent bufinefs. Upon the ar- 
 rival of the other two foldiers, he difcoveied his 
 miflake. His captors proceeded to fearch him, 
 and found his papers. He offered them a purfe 
 of gold, and a valuable new watch, if they would 
 7'j/. //. p. 198. 
 
NEW- ENGLAND. 44' 
 
 permit him to pafs ; and permanent pfovifion, and 1780, 
 future promotion, if they would convey and ac- 
 company him to New- York. They nobly difdain- 
 ed thefe proffered bribes, and declared, that " ten 
 thoufand guineas, or any other fum, would be no 
 temptation to them." They delivered him a prif- 
 oner to lieutenant-colonel Jamefon, who command* 
 ed the fcouting parties.* 
 
 IN order to give Arnold time to efcape, Andre 
 requefted colonel Jamefon, that a line might be 
 fent to acquaint him with the detention of Ander* 
 fon. This was inconfiderately granted* Arnold, 
 on the receipt of this letter, abandoned every 
 thing, and haftened on board the Vulture floop of 
 war. Colonel Jamefon forwarded to General 
 Waihington all the papers found on Andre > 
 together with a letter, giving an account of the 
 whole affair ; but the exprefs miffed him, by taking 
 a different route from the general, who was re- 
 turning from a conference at Hartford, with Coum 
 de Rochambeau. This caufed fuch a delay, as 
 gave Arnold time to effect his efcape. The pack- 
 et was accompanied with a letter from the prifoner, 
 which, fays Dr. Ramfay, " was exprefled in term* 
 of dignity, without infolence, and of apology, 
 without meannefs. He avowed himfelf to be 
 major Andre, adjutant-general in the Britifh army ; 
 related the manner of his capture, and endeavour- 
 ed to {how that he did not come under the defcrip- 
 tion of a fpy. His principal requeft was, that 
 " whatever his fate might be, a decency of treat* 
 
 St( Hijltrical J-mrnal of tkt Amtrittin WGT-, 
 H H h 
 
HISTORY O F 
 
 3-780. ment might be obferved, which would mark, that 
 though unfortunate^ he was branded with nothing 
 that was difhc-norablc, and that he was involunta- 
 rily an impol'tor."* 
 
 ON the ii^th of September, General Wafting- 
 ten appointed a board of fourteen general officers, 
 with the ailiflance of the judge advocate general, 
 to examine major Andre's cafe, and to determine 
 in what light it ought to be confidered. Andre, 
 difdaining all fubterfuge and evafion, voluntarily 
 confeffed more than he was afked, and fought not 
 to palliate any thing relating to himfelf, whilft he 
 concealed, with the moft guarded and fcrupulou-s 
 delicacy, whatever might involve others. The 
 board did not examine a fmgle witnefs ; but 
 founded their report merely upon his own candid 
 confeflion. Hence, they declared it to be their 
 opinion, " that major Andre ought to be confider- 
 ed as a fpy, and that, agreeably to the laws and 
 ufages of nations, he ought to fuller death."! 
 
 THE royal commanders made every exertion in 
 favor of Andre. Several letters paffed between 
 the Generals Clinton and Wafhington, relative to 
 this unhappy affair, and an interview took place 
 between Generals Robertfon and Greene, on this 
 occafion ; but all their efforts were ineffe&tial.J 
 
 ANDRE, though fuperior to the terrors of death, 
 wifhed to die like a foldier. To obtain this favor, 
 he wrote a letter to General Wafhington, fraught 
 with fentiments of military dignity. From an ad- 
 herence to the ufagcs of war, it was not thought 
 * Kunf&j, r*l. //. //1 99- t Gvdon, Pel* Ul j>. \ 32. } Hid. 
 
N W - E N G L A N IX 443 
 
 proper to grant this requeft ; but his delicacy was 1780. 
 raved from the pain of receding -a negative anfvver. 
 When led out to the place of execution, at Tap- 
 pan, in the ft ate of New- York, the way over which 
 he pa(Ted was crowded on each fide by anxious 
 fpe&ators. Their fermbility was (Irongly impref- 
 fed, by beholding a well drefied youth, in the 
 bloom of life, of a peculiarly engaging perfon, 
 mien and afpecl, devoted to immediate execution. 
 Major Andre walked with firmnefs, compofure and 
 dignity ; and a fertile of complacency exprefled the 
 ferene fortitude of his mind. Upon feeing the 
 preparations at the fatal fpot, he afked, with fome 
 degree of concern, " mufc I die in this manner ? >f 
 He was informed it was unavoidable. He replied, 
 ** I am reconciled to my fate, but not to the 
 mode j" but foon fubjoined, " it will be but a 
 momentary pang." He afcended the cart with a 
 pleating countenance, and with a degree of com- 
 pofure, which excited the admiration, and melted 
 the hearts of all the fpeclators. He was afked, 
 when the fatal moment was at hand, if he had any 
 thing to fay ; he anfwered, nothing, but to requeft, 
 <c that you will witnefs to the world, that I die 
 like a brave man." The fucceeding moments 
 clofed the affecting fcene.* 
 
 A REVIEW of the unhappy fate of the accom- 
 pli (hed Andre, muft be deeply affe&ing to the feel- 
 ing heart. Among the calamities of war, we be- 
 hold the virtuous and brave deftroying each other ; 
 and the feelings of humanity yielding to the ft era 
 
 * Gordon, l r oL 111 p. 133, 134. Ramfay t W. //. /, 306, 
 
444 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1780. dictates of military juflice. In this affe&ing in- 
 fiance, we fee the life of an amiable individual fa- 
 crificed to policy, and the ufages of war. His 
 blooming youth, accomplifhed manners, and the 
 many beautiful traits in his character, excite 
 efteem, admiration, the tendered companion, and 
 deepeft regret. Such emotions were doubtlefs 
 felt, in the ftrongeft manner, by the brave cffi* 
 cers, who pafied the decifive fentence, that put a 
 period to his valuable life. 
 
 THE traitor Arnold was made a brigadier- 
 general in the Britifh army. He publifhed an ad- 
 drefs to the inhabitants of America, dated from 
 New- York, October 7, in which he endeavoured 
 to juftify his defertion of their caufe. This addrefs 
 was foon followed by another, inicribed to the of- 
 ficers and foldiers in the continental army, in 
 which he ufed a variety of infinuating arguments, 
 and offered them large pay and promotion, to al- 
 lure them to follow his example. But all his en- 
 deavours were abortive, and defertion wholly ceaf* 
 cd at this remarkable period of the war.* 
 
 * Jtaiq/aj, Pol, II. p. 20$. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N V* 445 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 
 
 Revolt of the Pennfyhanla line. Of a number of 
 Jerfey troops. Expedition againft Morriffania. 
 Virginia invaded by Arnold. Engagement between 
 the Britlfh and French fleets. Generals Phillips 
 and Arnold ravage Virginia. General Morgan 
 defeats lie at. col. Tar Id on, in a bank at the 
 Cowpens. Lord Cormvalti* purfues General 
 Morgan. Battle at Guildford court-hoitfe. Gen. 
 Greene returns to South-Carolina. He is defeated 
 by Lord Rawdon, at Camdcn. He takes a num- 
 ber of Britijh pofts. Ninety -Six bejicged ; but re~ 
 lieved by Lord Rawdon. General Greene re- 
 treats. His heroic rcfolution. Battle at Eutaw- 
 Springs. The Britifh driven down to Char left on. 
 
 T 
 
 HOUGH General Arnold's addrefs 1781 
 to his countrymen produced no effect in detaching 
 the American foldiers from the unproductive fer- 
 vice of congrefs, their lleadinefs could not be ac- 
 counted for from any melioration of their circum- 
 ftances. They ftill remained without pay, and 
 deflitute of fuch clothing as the feafon required- 
 Thefe complicated diflrefles excited a mutiny in 
 the army, which made its firil threatening appear- 
 ance in the Pennfylvania line. Oa the ift of 
 January, 1300 of thefe troops turned out, and pe- 
 f cmptorily refufed to fervc any longer, unleis they 
 
446 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 178 1. could obtain redrefs of grievances. At the fame 
 time, they repeatedly, and in the flrongeft terms, 
 denied being influenced by the lead difaifection to 
 the American caufe ; or having any intention of 
 deferting to the enemy. They rejected all the 
 flattering propofais which were made to them, at 
 this period, by the Britifli, with difdain. They 
 even delivered two of Sir Henry Clinton's meffen- 
 gers to General Wayne. They were tried by a 
 board of officers, condemned for fpies, and in- 
 Itantiy executed.* 
 
 IN order to accommodate matters with the re- 
 volters, commiflioners \vere appointed to hear their 
 complaints, and redrefs their grievances. , Upon 
 which they cheerfully returned to their duty in 
 the continental army. They nobly refufed a purfe 
 of an hundred guineas, which was offered them 
 as a reward for their fidelity, iu delivering the 
 fpies. 
 
 ON occafion of this revolt, the commander in 
 chief dated, in a circular letter to the four eaftern 
 ilates, the well founded complaints of his army ; 
 and the impollibility of keeping them together, 
 under the preffure of fuch a variety of fufiferings. 
 General Knox was requeued to be the bearer of 
 thefe difpatches ; and to urge the ftates to an im- 
 mediate exertion for the relief of the foldiers. He 
 vifited New-England, and with great earneflnefs 
 uefcribed their wants and diftrefs. His energetic 
 efforts induced the dates to make advances for 
 iheir relief.f 
 
 * Qor-dtn, Vgl !'/.>>. zi t -V Ram/ay, Vol. II p, Z-*< 
 
N E W - E N G L A N 1). 447 
 
 THE fuccefs of the Pennfylvania revolters en- 1781, 
 couraged about 160 of the Jerfey brigade, foon 
 after, to feek redrefs in a fimilar method. They 
 did nor, however, conduct with equal fpirit 
 and prudence ; but committed feveral acts qf 
 outrage againfl: particular officers, while they 
 affected to be fubmiflive to others. Three of the 
 mod notorious of the leaders, were, by a court- 
 martial, unanimouily fentenced to death, and ac- 
 cordingly executed. The others made public 
 conceftions to their officers, and promifed, by 
 future good conduct, to atone for paft offences.* 
 
 THE SB unfortunate events, however, did not 
 damp the enterprizing fpirit of the American ar- 
 my. An expedition was formed, under the direc- 
 tion of General Parfons ; the executive part of 
 which was confided to the military addrefs of 
 lieut. col. Hull, againfl: a pod of the enemy, called 
 Morriffania. The army, after contending with a 
 fevere florin of hail and mow, while on a march 
 of more than thirty miles, furprized them in their 
 huts, on the 2 id of January, and captured 100 
 perfons, with fome horfes and cattle ; and after def- 
 troying the barracks and forage, effected a retreat 
 in good order. For this well conducted fervice, 
 General Parfons, for his arrangement, and colonel 
 Hull, for his intrepidity, received the thanks of 
 congrefs, and of the commander in chief. t 
 
 * Ram fay, Vol. 1L p. 221. 
 
 f 77* compiler of the Hi/lory of Nei'j England has t alien tfo 
 account of the expeaiticn againfi Morriffania from papers, with 
 *whithjke ivas f avert J I) Central #*//, of tftwte*. 
 
448 K I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1781. THE Britifh appear to have planned the cam- 
 ^"^ paign of 1781 in fuch a manner, as to attack the 
 Americans in a variety of places at once. Ac- 
 cordingly, in that year, the war raged not only 
 in the vicinity of New- York, but in Georgia, 
 South and North- Carolina, and in Virginia. 
 
 THIS year General Arnold made a predatory in- 
 curfioninto Virginia. His force confiiled of about 
 1600 men, and was fupported by fuch a number 
 of armed veffels, as enabled him to commit exten- 
 five ravages in the country. The invaders firft 
 Jan. 5. deftroyed large quantities of ftores in Richmond, 
 and foon after committed fimilar devaftations in 
 feveral other places.* 
 
 THE definitive ravages, which were made by 
 General Arnold, and the apprehenfion of adefign 
 to fix a permanent pofl in Virginia, induced Gen- 
 eral Wafhington to detach 1200 men, under the 
 conduct of the Marquis de la Fayette, to the relief 
 of that ftate. He was alfo to urge the French in 
 Rhode-Ifland to co-operate with him in attempting 
 to capture Arnold and his party. The French 
 commanders fuppofed an opportunity offered of 
 rendering eflential fervice to their allies, and ac- 
 cepted the propofal with avidity. A partial en- 
 gagement took place, between their fleet and that 
 of the Britifh. The contefl was nearly balanced, 
 nnd ended without the lofs of a fhip on either fide. 
 The Britifh, however, obtained the fruits ofvidory 
 fo far as to oblige their adverfaries to return to 
 
 * Ram/av. Vol II, />. 226, 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 449 
 
 Rhode-Ifland, without effecting the purpofes of 1781. 
 the expedition.* 
 
 A FEW days after this engagement, a convoy a 
 rived from New- York, having on board about 2000 
 chofen troops* under General Phillips, who was 
 appointed to the command in Virginia. He foon 
 effected a junction with Arnold, and they fucceffive- 
 ly defeated thofe bodies of militia, which remained 
 to defend the country. In their deftrudive expe- 
 ditions, they fpread terror and defolation 5 and 
 deflroyed property to an immenfe amount.! 
 
 WHILST the royal forces were plundering Vir- 
 ginia, the war raged in the two Carolinas. The 
 fuccefs of the Britifhj in reducing Charleflon, en- 
 couraged them to project an invafion of North- 
 Carolina. Hence Lord Cornwallis began to make 
 vigorous exertions, in order to penetrate into that 
 Hate. His progrefs was retarded by an attempt 
 made by the Americans, under General Morgan* 
 to gain poiTeflion of the valuable diftrift of Nine- 
 ty-Six. In order to counteract this defign, Lord 
 Cornwallis detached lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, 
 with about 1 1 oo men. His force was much fu- 
 perior to the Americans, and two thirds of the 
 latter were militia. With thefe fair profpefts 
 of fuccefs, Tarleton attacked Morgan at the Cow- Jan. 17. 
 pens, a place near Pacolet river. The Americans, 
 after an obftinate conteft, gained a complete victo- 
 ry. Upwards of 300 of the Britifh were killed or 
 wounded, and about 500 prifoners were taken. 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. II. p. 227. | Gcrdon> Vol. IV. p. 62. 
 I. i i 
 
4jo HISTORY O 1< 
 
 1781. The Americans had only twelve men killed, and 
 fixty wounded.* 
 
 THIS brilliant fuccefs entirely difconcerted the 
 plan of Lord Cornwallis. He hoped, however, by 
 vigorous exertions, to recover what he had loth 
 With the expectation of retaking the prifoners 
 captured at the Cowpens, and to make reparation 
 for the late defeat in that place, his lord (hip in Rant* 
 ly determined on the purfuit of General Morgan, 
 who had moved off towards Virginia, with his 
 prifoners. The movements of the royal troops, in 
 confequence of this determination, induced Gen- 
 eral Greene to leave the main army under the com- 
 mand of Gen. Huger, that he might join Mor- 
 gan's detachment, and direct the motions of both 
 
 divifions of his annv. 
 
 j -**> 
 
 THE Britifh urged the purfuit with fo much 
 rapidity, that they reached the ford of the Cata- 
 baw on the evening of the fame day on which 
 their fleeing adverfaries had croifed it. Before the 
 next morningj a heavy fall of rain rendered this 
 river impalTable. Had it rifen a few hours earlier., 
 the Americans would have had no chance of ef- 
 cape, and their prifoners would have been retaken 
 by the enemy. The arrival of General Greene 
 at this time, who directed the retreat in the mod 
 judicious manner, was equally providential, f 
 
 AFTER the Britifh had eifecled the paiTage of 
 the Carabaw, they continued their purfuit. The 
 Americans foon after croffed the Yadkin, and fe- 
 
 * RarafetVi Vol. II. />. 234.. f Ibid. Sketc* of Ger.tr at 
 i L'Jt, 
 
NE W-EN GL AND. 451 
 
 cured the boats on the north fide. The want of 1781. 
 boats, and the rapid rifmg of the river, again pre- v ^ r ^ 
 vented Lord Cornwallis from reaching them. 
 Thefe repeated providential efcapes were confider- 
 ed by the Americans as evidences, that their caufe 
 was favored by heaven.* 
 
 LORD Cornwallis had difengaged his army of 
 part of their baggage, in order to accelerate his 
 purfuit. The Americans, however, by a rapidity 
 of movements, and the interference of Providence, 
 eluded his efforts, and by the moft indefatigable 
 exertions, General Greene tranfported his army, 
 artillery and baggage, over the river Dan, into 
 Virginia. 
 
 IN this (late, he received fome reinforcements ; 
 upon which he returned to North-Carolina, and en- 
 camped in the vicinity of Lord Cornwallis' army. 
 By a variety of the beft concerted manoeuvres, and 
 by the fecrecy and promptitude of his motions, he fo 
 judicioufly fupported the arrangement of his troops, 
 that during three weeks, whilil the enemy remain- 
 ed near him, he prevented their taking any advan- 
 tage of their fuperioricy, and cut off all opportuni- 
 ty of their receiving fuccors from the royaiifts.f 
 
 AT length, General Greene effeded a junction 
 with a continental regiment, and two confiderable 
 bodies of Virginia and Carolina militia. He, there- 
 fore, determined no longer to avoid an engagement. 
 
 THE American army confided of about 44ooMar.i$. 
 men, of whom nearly two thirds were militia. The 
 * Qordon t VoL IV. p. 39, 40. f 
 
45* HISTORY O F 
 
 1781. Britifh were about 2400, of chofen troops, grown 
 veteran in victories. Lord Cornwallis, being ap- 
 prized of General Greene's intentions, marched 
 out to meet him ; and an action commenced near 
 Guiidford court-houfe. After an obflinate con- 
 teft, which continued an hour and an half, the 
 difcipline of veteran troops gained the vidtory. 
 The battle was terminated by General Greene's 
 ordering a retreat, when he perceived, that the en- 
 emy were on the point of encircling his troops.* 
 
 THE victory gained by the Britifh was dearly 
 bought. Their lofTes, in killed, wounded and mif- 
 fing, were eflimated at 532, among whom were 
 feveral officers of didinclion. The lofs of the 
 Americans amounted to about 400 killed and 
 wounded. Lord Cornwallis found himfelf unable 
 to purfue the advantage, which his recent fuccefs 
 feemed to promife.t 
 
 SOON after this engagement, General Greene re- 
 turned to South-Carolina, and advanced to Cam- 
 den. This place was covered on the fouth and eafl 
 fides by a river and a creek, and to the weftward 
 and northward by fix redoubts. It was defended 
 by Lord Rawdon, with 900 men. The American 
 army, confiding of about an equal number of con- 
 tinentals, and between two and three hundred mili- 
 tia, was unequal to the tafk of carrying this pod by 
 dorm, or of completely invefling it. General 
 Greene therefore took a good pofition, about a mile 
 didant, in expectation of alluring the garrifon out 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol. II. p. 241, 242. Greenes Life, p. 33. 
 
 f Gordon, 7ol, IV. />. 83, 84. Rwfay* Vol. U. p. 246. 
 
NEW. E N G L AND. 453 
 
 of their lines. Lord Rawdon, with great fpirit, 1781. 
 fallied out, and attacked General Greene in 
 
 camp. The defence was obftinate ; and for fome 
 part of the engagement, viclory evidently inclined 
 to the Americans; but, in the progrefs of the ao 
 tion, the premature retreat of two companies event- 
 ually occafioned the defeat of their whole army. 
 Their lofs, in killed, wounded and miffing, was be- 
 tween two and three hundred. Lord Rawdon loft 
 258. After this action, the Americans encamped 
 about five miles from their former pofition ; and 
 the Britifh retired to Camden. Lord Rawdon, 
 however, was foon after obliged to evacuate this 
 poft. 
 
 GEN. Greene continued to make the mod vigor- 
 ous exertions, in order to recover South-Carolina 
 from the power of the Britifh. His efforts were, *ri 
 various inflances, crowned with fuccefs. The nu- 
 merous forts, garrifoned by the enemy, fell, one 
 after the other, into the hands of the Americans. 
 Orangeburg, Motte, Watfon, Georgetown, and 
 Granby, were furrendered ; and they contained a 
 very confiderable number of prifoners of war, 
 \vith military ftores and artillery.* 
 
 WHILST operations were carrying on againfl 
 the fmall pofts, Gen. Greene proceeded, with his 
 main army, and laid fiege to Ninety-Six, in whichMyz$. 
 lieut. col. Cruger, with 500 men, were advan- 
 tageoufly pofted. The fiege was conducted for a 
 corifiderable time with great fpirit ; and the place 
 
 t J'ol II, f. 247249. 
 
454 HISTORY O F 
 
 1781; was defended with equal bravery. When, at 
 length, the works were fo much reduced, that far- 
 ther refi fiance would have been temerity, Lord 
 Rawdon received from Europe a reinforcement of 
 three regiments, which enabled him to relieve 
 this important poft. In thefe circumftances, Gen. 
 Greene was reduced to the alternative of abandon- 
 ing the liege, or proceeding to an aiTault. The 
 latter^ being more agreeable to his enterprizing 
 fpiritj was attempted ; and, though the affailants 
 dilplayed great reiblution, they were repulfed, with 
 the lofs of 150 men ; upon which he raifed the 
 iiege, and retreated over the Saluda. 
 
 THIS event involved the American army in great 
 diitrefs. Their expectations were blaited, when 
 in the grafp of viclory ; and they were obliged to 
 feek a retreat in the extremity of the country, 
 when nearly mailers of the whole. In this gloomy 
 fituation, Gen. Greene was advifed to retire with 
 his remaining force to Virginia. To fuggeftions 
 of this kind he nobly replied, u I will recover 
 South-Carolina, or die in the attempt,"* 
 
 SOME unimportant fkirmimes took place, be- 
 tween detached parties of both armies, in July and 
 Auguft. On the 9th of September, Gen. Greene 
 having aflembled about 2000 men, proceeded to 
 attack the Britiih, who, under the command of 
 col. Stewart, were polled at Eutaw-Spiings. A 
 molt obftinate battle enfued in this place, and 
 continued from nine in the morning till one in 
 
 * Ram/ay, Fol II. />. 250. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 
 
 the afternoon. The American forces were drawn 1781.; t 
 up in two lines. The firft was compofed of miii- 
 tia, the fecond of continental troops. As they 
 advanced, they fell in with two parties of the 
 Britifh, three or four miles ahead of their maia 
 army. Thefe being brifkly attacked, foon re- 
 tired. The militia continued to purfue and fire, 
 till the action became general, and they were 
 obliged to give way. In the hotted part of the 
 engagement, Gen. Greene ordered the Maryland 
 and Virginia continentals to charge with trailed 
 arms. Nothing could furpafs rhe intrepidity of 
 both officers and men en this occafion. They 
 ruined on in good order through a heavy cannon- 
 ade, and a mower of mufketry, with fuch un- 
 fhaken refolution, that they bore down all before 
 them. Lieut, colonel Campbell, while bravely 
 leading his men on to that, fuccefsful charge, re- 
 ceived a mortal wound. After he had fallen, he 
 enquired who gave way, and being informed that 
 the Britifh were fleeing in all quarters, replied, 
 " I die contented," and immediately expired. The 
 Britiih were vigorouily purfued, and upwards of 
 500 of them were taken prifoners. They, how- 
 ever, made a frem (land, in a favorable pofition, 
 in a ilrong brick houle, and picketed garden. 
 Lieut, col. Wafhington, after having made every 
 effort to diflodge them, was wounded and taken 
 prifoner. Four fix-pounders were ordered up 
 before the houfe, from under cover of which the 
 Britifh were firing. The Americans were com- 
 
456 II i S T O R Y O F 
 
 1781. pelled to leave thefe pieces and retire ; but they 
 left a flrong picket on the field of battle, and 
 only retreated to the neareft water in their rear. 
 In the evening of the next day, lieut. col. Stew- 
 art, who commanded on this occafion, left 70 of 
 his wounded men, and a thoufarid Hand of arms, 
 and moved from the Eutaws, towards Charlefton. 
 The lofs of the Britifh, inclufive of prifoners, was 
 upwards of 1 1 oo ; that of the Americans about 
 500, in which number were 60 officers.* 
 
 SOON after this engagement, the Americans re- 
 tired to their former pofition, on the high hills of 
 Santee, and the Britifh took po(t in the vicinity of 
 Monk's corner. In the end of the year, General 
 Greene moved down to the lower country, and 
 about the fame time, the royal army abandoned 
 their out pods, and retired to the quarter-houfe, on 
 Charlefton-neck. 
 
 THE battle at Eutaw, may be confidered as clof- 
 ing the national war in South-Carolina. The ex- 
 el tions which the enemy afterwards made, produc- 
 ed no other effect than the lofs of property and in- 
 dividual lives. The crops, which the Britifh had 
 planted in the fpring, were reaped by the Ameri- 
 cans. " Hiilory," fays Dr. Ramfay, " affords but 
 few instances of commanders, who have achieved fo 
 much with equal means, as was done by General 
 Greene, in the fhort fpace of a twelvemonth. He 
 opened the campaign with gloomy profpecls, but 
 clofed it with glory.. His unpaid and half naked 
 
 * Gotten, Vol.ir.p. 168 171. Ramfafi'Fol. IL p. 252. 
 Gnenis I-'fe, p. 100, 
 
NEW-EN GLAND. 457 
 
 army, had to contend with veteran foldiers, fupplied 1781. 
 with every thing that the wealth of Britain, or 
 plunder of Carolina could procure. Under all 
 thefe difadvantages, he compelled fuperior numbers 
 to retire from the extremity of the (late, and con- 
 fine themfelves in the capital and its vicinity. Had 
 not his mind been of the nrmeft texture, he would 
 have been difcouraged ; but his enemies found him 
 as formidable on the evening of a defeat, as on 
 morning of a victory."* 
 
 * Ram/ay t Vol. 1L p. 254, 
 
 ' 
 
 K K k 
 
 _. ._ 
 
458 rllST O R Y OF 
 
 CH APTE R XXXVI. 
 
 Lord CormvaHis joins ihe royal forces in Virginia, 
 f/jc Marquis de la Fayette's able movements* 
 General Wayne attach the Brit'ifli army. Lord 
 Cornwallis fortifies Torktoivn and Glttcfter. Plan 
 for- Ins capture. -Arrival of Count de 
 his fleet. Admiral G naves engagct 
 feet offChefapcak. Arnold'* expedition Into Con- 
 neclicut. Lord Cornwallis clofely beftegcd in 
 Torktown. He fitrrendcrs. Joy of the Ameri- 
 cans on that occqfien* 
 
 ORD Cornwallis, foon after tloe bat- 
 . tie at Guildford court-houfe, marched to Wilming- 
 ton, in North-Carqlina. Previoufly tp his depart- 
 ure from that place, he received information, that 
 General Greene had begun his fh'arch for Camden. 
 Though his lordfhip was apprehenfive of danger 
 from- that quarter^ yet y preferring the extend ve 
 fcale of operations which Virginia prefented, to the 
 narrow one of prefervmg pad conquefts, he deter- 
 mined to leave South-Carolina to be defended by 
 Lord Rawdon. Before the end of April, he, 
 therefore, proceeded to Virginia. By the combi- 
 nation of the royal force previoufly employed in 
 this (late, with the troops which had marched from 
 Wilmington, Lord Cornwallis was at the head of 
 a very powerful army j and foon after his arrival, 
 
NEW. E N G L A N D. 4.59. 
 
 he was reinforced by 1500 men from New- York. 1781. 
 About the fame time he received information, that 
 three Britifh regiments had failed from Cork to 
 Charleston. .Thefe events, together with Lord 
 Rawdon's report of the advantage he had gained 
 over General Greene, diffipated all his anxiety for 
 South-Carolina, and infpired him with the mofl 
 fanguine expectations of a glorious campaign.* 
 
 THE defenfive forces, which wereoppofed to the 
 formidable Britifh army, were principally entrufled 
 to the Marquis de la Fayette. Early in the year, 
 as has been already related, he had been detached 
 from the main American army on an expedition, 
 the object of which was a co-operation with the 
 French fleet in capturing General Arnold. On 
 the failure of this, the marquis marched back as 
 far as the head of Elk. There he received an order 
 to return to Virginia to oppofe the Britifh forces, 
 which had become more formidable, by the ar- 
 rival of a confiderajple reinforcement, under Gen. 
 Phillips. He proceeded, without delay, to Rich- 
 mond, and arrived there the day before the Britifh 
 reached Manchefter, on the oppofite fide of James 
 river. His prefence, with a body of troops, fecur- 
 ed Richmond from the hoflile attacks of the Brit- 
 yb, and faved the military ftores with which it 
 was then filled. The fuperiority of the royal 
 forces was fo great, that he had before him an ar- 
 duous talk, and was prefied with various embar- 
 rafiments. In this fituation he began to retire witt\ 
 
 * Ramfuj, y<,i. IL />, 255, 356. 
 
460 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1781. his little army, which confifted of about i coo 
 regulars, 200 militia, and 60 dragoons.* 
 
 LORD Cornwallis advanced from Peteifburg to 
 James river, which he crofled at Weflown, and 
 thence marching through Hanover county, crofied 
 the South Anna, or Pamunkey river. The mar- 
 quis followed his motions, but at a guarded dif- 
 tance. The fuperiority of the Britifli army enabled 
 them to traverfe the country in all directions. In 
 the courfe of their marches, and countermarches, 
 immenfe quantities of pioperty were deftroyed, 
 many unimportant fkirmifhes took place, and many 
 partial conquefts were made, without any perma- 
 nent effect. Lord Cornwallis defpifed the youth 
 of his opponent, and unguardedly wrote to Great- 
 Britain, u The boy cannot efcape me." The young 
 marquis, however, acted with fo much caution, 
 made fo judicious a choice of pofts, and exhibited 
 fo much vigor and defign in his movements, as to 
 prevent any advantage being tajcen of his weak- 
 nefs He effected a junction at Racoon Ford with 
 General Wayne, who was at the head of 800 
 Pennfylvanians. Whilfl this junction was forming, 
 the Britiih got between the American army and its 
 (lores, which had been removed from Richmond 
 to Abemarle old court-houfe. The marquis had 
 the addrefs to extricate himfelf from this difficulty. 
 By forced marches he arrived within a few miles 
 of the enemy, when they were two days march 
 from Abemarle court-houfe, and opened in the 
 night a nearer road, which had been long difufed, 
 
 * Girtt'9*, FoL IF. p. no. Ramfaj^ V*l. II. p. 257. 
 
NEW -E',N,G L AND. 461 
 
 and was much embarrafTed. To the furprize of 1781. 
 Lord Cornwallis, the. marquis fixed himfelf the next Jun.iS. 
 day in a ftrong petition, between the Britifh ar- 
 my and the American (tores.* 
 
 THIS judicious movement deranged the plans of 
 the Britifli general, and induced him to commence 
 a retrograde movement to Richmond. About this 
 time, the marquis' army was reinforced by Steu- 
 ben's troops, and by militia, from the parts adja* 
 cent. He followed Lord Cornwallis, and had the 
 addrefs to imprefs him with an idea, that the Ame- 
 rican army was much greater than it really was. 
 His lordfhip, therefore, retreated to Wiiliamlburg. 
 The day after the main body of the Britifh army 
 arrived, their rear was attacked by an American 
 light corps, under col. Butler, and fuftained a cou- 
 fiderable lofs.f 
 
 ABOUT the time Lord Cornwallis reached Wil- 
 liamfburg, he received intelligence from New- 
 York, exhibiting the danger, to which that city 
 was expofed, from a combined attack, that was 
 laid to be threatened by the allies. Sir Henry 
 Clinton , therefore, required his lordihip to lend 
 him a detachment, if he was not engaged in any 
 important enterprize ; and recommended to him 
 a healthy flation, with an ample defenfive poll, till 
 New- York mould be out of danger. Lord Corn- 
 wallis, in order to comply with this requisition, de- 
 termined to retire to Portfmouth, judging that 
 he could more eafily maintain that poft, \viih a 
 diminifhed force, than his prefent pofition. For 
 * Gordon, rol.lF.f. 111 116. f RaS*J V^l. 1L ;, 258. 
 
HIST O R Y OF 
 
 1781. the execution of this plan, he was obliged to crofs 
 v ^ v>-; James river. The Marquis de la Fayette, fuppof- 
 mg this to be a favorable opportunity for acting 
 offenfively, advanced on the Britifh. General 
 Wayne, being informed, that the main body of 
 the royal forces had crofled the river, pufhed for- 
 ward with 800 men, to harrafs their rear. Con- 
 trary to his expectations, he found the whole 
 Britifh army ready to oppofe him. With great 
 prefence of mind, he extricated himfelf from his 
 perilous fituation, by boldly attacking and engag- 
 July6. ing them with fpirit ; and then retreating with the 
 utmoft expedition. Lord Cornwallis, iufpecting 
 the whole was a fcheme to draw him into an ambuf- 
 cade, did not purfue. The Britifh palled the river 
 at night, and retired to Portfmouth without mo- 
 leftation.* 
 
 LORD Cornwallis had previoufly taken the ne- 
 ceffary fteps for forwarding part of his army to 
 New-York. But before they failed, an exprefs ar- 
 rived from Sir Henry Clinton, with a letter, allow- 
 ing him"to detain the whole of the forces under 
 his command, exprefting his preference of Wil- 
 liamfburg to Portfmouth, for the reildence of the 
 army, and his defire that Old Point Comfort, or 
 Hampton Road, mould be fecured as a ftation for 
 line of battle mips. It being a principal objecl: of 
 the campaign to fix on a ftrong permanent poft or 
 place of arms in the Chefapeak, for fecurity of both 
 the army and navy, and the places above mention- 
 ed having been found unfit for this purpofe, York* 
 
 * Ramjay t Vol, II. p, 359. Ltndruxi, Vol. II. f. 370. 
 
NE W-EN45I. A^D. 
 
 town and Gloceiler-Point were confidered as moil i/^*- 
 likely to aecoj'd ; to the views of the -royal command- 
 ers. Lord Cornwallis therefore evacuated Portf 
 mouth, and ailiduoufly applied himlelf to fortjify 
 thofe pofls, and fender them equally refpe&ablej 
 by land and water. His- whole force amounted- to 
 about 7000 excellent troops** 
 
 WHILST his iordfhip was thus exerting himfelf 
 to render his poft impregnable ; the combined ar- 
 my of French and Americans were equally active 
 in their attempts to repel their enemies, and hoped, 
 by vigorous exertions, to put a period to the war. 
 
 THE plan of the whole campaign had been fix- 
 ed at Weathersfield, in an interview between Gen-i 
 erais Wafhington, Knox and du Portal, on the part 
 of the Americans, and the Count de Rochambeau 
 and the chevalier Chafteleux, on the part of the 
 French. This was to lay fiege to New- York j-. in- 
 concert' with -a French fleet, which was to arrive on 
 the coa'ft in the month of Au-gufl. It was agreed 
 that the French troops fhould march towards the 
 North-river. Letters were addreifed to the execu- 
 tive officers of New-Hampfhire, Mafiachufetts, 
 Connecticut and New- Jerfey, requiring, among 
 other things, militia to the amount of 6200. The 
 French troops marched from Rhode-Ifland in June^ 
 and early in the following month joined the Ame- 
 rican army. About the time this junction was ef- 
 fected, General Wafhington inarched his army 
 from their winter encampment near Peek's kill, to 
 the vicinity of King's Bridge. He was, however, 
 
 oi.ir.p* 185. 
 
464 HIS T O R Y OF 
 
 1781. after thefe introductory movements, deterred from 
 executing his plan by the infufficiency of his 
 forces.* 
 
 DR. Ramfay obferves, that, " the tardinefs of 
 the ftates, which at other times had brought them 
 near the brink of ruin, wasatprefent the accidenN 
 al caufe of real fervice. Had they fent forward 
 their recruits for the regular army, and their quo- 
 tas of militia, as was expected, the fiege of New- 
 York would have commenced in the latter end of 
 July, or early in Auguft. Whilft the feafon was 
 wafting away in expectation of thefe reinforce- 
 ments. Lord Cornwaliis, as has been related, fixed 
 himfelf near the capes of Virginia. His fituation 
 there, the arrival of a reinforcement of 3000 Ger- 
 mans from Europe at New- York, the fuperior 
 ftrength of the garrifon, the failure of the dates in 
 filling up their battalions, and embodying their 
 militia, and efpecially the recent intelligence from 
 Count de Graife, that his deftination was fixed to 
 the Chefapeak, concurred, about the middle of 
 Auguft, to make a total change of the plan of the 
 campaign." 
 
 THE American commander ftill kept up the ap- 
 pearance of an intention to attack New- York, in 
 order to amufe and deceive the Britifh general. 
 Whilft this deception was played off, the allied ar- 
 my crofted the North-river, and patted on, by the 
 way of Philadelphia, to Yorktown.f 
 
 WHILST the attack of New- York was in ferious 
 contemplation, a letter from General Wafhington, 
 
 * G 9 riUn>rtL /r. f. 120, 121. f R*mfiy t Vol. IL p. 265, 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 4$$ 
 
 detailing the particulars of the intended operation^ 1781. 
 of the campaign, fell into the hands of Sir Henry Uor>- 
 Clinton. Under the ftrong impreffion of this in- 
 telligence, the Britifh commander believed every 
 movement towards Virginia to be a feint, calcu- 
 lated to draw his attention from the defence of 
 New- York. Hence he bent his whole force to 
 ftrengthen that poft, and fuffered the French and 
 American armies to pafs him without any molef- 
 tation.* 
 
 WHEN General Wafhingtori had reached Chef- 
 ter, he received the joyful intelligence,- that Count 
 de Grafle had arrived in the Chefapeak, withAng.jo. 
 twenty-eight fail df the line, from the Weft- In- 
 dies. The count, on his pafiage, fell in with 
 and took a packet from Charlefton, having Lord 
 Rawdon on board* who was on his return to 
 Great-Britain. 
 
 COUNT de Graffe, with the iitmoft expedition, 
 blocked up York-river, with three large (hips and 
 fome frigates, and moored the principal part of 
 his fleet in Lynhaven-bay. In order td relieve 
 Lord Cornwallis, Admiral Greaves, with a Britifh 
 fleet, appeared off the capes of Virginia. The French 
 admiral, with his fuperior fleet, went out to meet 
 him, and an indecifive engagement took place* 
 In the beginning of September, Count de Graffe's 
 fleet was joined by eight fail of men of war, from 
 Rhode-Iiland, under M. Barras. After the French 
 fleet had obtained fuch a fuperiority, Admiral 
 
 * Ram/ay, VoL 11. p. 2^6. Gordon r v l. 11\ /. 1 8s. 
 
 L L 
 
466 HIST O U Y O F 
 
 1781. Greaves foon took his departure* and M. de Gratfe 
 
 v ^ v ^ 1 re-entered the Chefapeak. 
 
 GENERAL Washington and Cotint Rocham- 
 beatf reached Williamfburg on the i4th of Sep- 
 tember. They,- with Generals Chafteleux, du 
 Portal and Knox* proceeded to viiit Count de 
 Grade on board his fhip, the Ville de Paris, and 
 agreed on a plan of operations.* 
 
 Sep. 6. * WHILST the combined armies were advancing 
 to the fiege of Yorktuwn, Sir Henry Clinton dif- 
 patched General Arnold, with a iuffkient land 
 and marine force, to Connecticut, in order to 
 ravage New-London, and lay wafte his native 
 country. Upon the arrival of the Brifiih troops 
 in that place, Fort-Grifwold, on Groton hill, was 
 lorio Lilly attacked by lieutenant- cc-1. Lyre, who 
 commanded one of the detachments employed in 
 the expedition. The garrifon defended themfelves 
 with great tefohition, but, after a fe?ere conflict 
 of forty minutes, the fort was carried by the af- 
 failants. Upon which a fevere execution took 
 place, though refiftance had ceafed on the part of 
 the Americans. The brave col. Ledyard, who 
 commanded the fort, was flain with his own fword, 
 -after he had furrendered. Sixty dwelling-houfes, 
 m New-London, and eighty-four flores, were re- 
 duced to alhes. The lofs which the Americans 
 fuilained, by the deftrudion of naval ftores, of 
 provifions and merchandize, was immenfe. Gen, 
 Arnold, having completed the object of the expe- 
 dition, .returned in eight days to New-York. f 
 
 * Ramfay> Vol, //, f, 267, -f- MM, f. 275- 
 
NEW * i: N G L A N I). 46? 
 
 THE combined forces proceeded on their way 1781, 
 to Yorktown, partly by land, and partly down 
 the Chefapeakp The whole, together with a 
 body of Virginia militia, under the command of 
 General Neifon, amounting in the aggregate to 
 12,000 men, render voufpd at Wiliiamiburg, on 
 the 25th of September, and in five days mor 
 moved down to the inveftiture of Yorktown, 
 The French fleet, at the f^me time, moved to the 
 mouth of York-river, and took a petition, which 
 was calculated to prevent Lord Cornwallis, either 
 froni retreating, or receiving fuccor by water. * 
 
 IN the mean time, the royal army were exert- 
 ing themfelves to the utmoil to ftrengthen thei? 
 works, and their artillery was conitantly employ- 
 ed in impeding the operations of the combined 
 army. On the gth and loth of October, the 
 French and Americans opened their batteries, and 
 a tremendous roar of cannon and mortars wa$ 
 continued for fix or eight hours, without ceafing. 
 
 ON the inh, the befiegers commenced the fer 
 cond parrallel, two hundred yards from the works 
 of the befieged. Two redoubts, which were ad r 
 vanced on the left of the Britiih, greatly retarded 
 the progrefs of the combined army ; it was, there* 
 fore, determined to attack both at the fan;e hour. 
 To excite a fpirit of emulation, the reduction of 
 the one was committed to the French, of the 
 other to the Americans. Both detachments hav* 
 ing pafled the abbatis and palifades with unloaded 
 mufketSj carried them in a few minutes. The 
 
 ti Vol. IL p. 268, 
 
468 HISTORY OF 
 
 1781. Americans had only 8 men killed, and 28 wound- 
 ed ; but the French loft a confiderable number 
 of men.* 
 
 THE allied army continued to carry on the 
 fiege with great fuccefs. By this time the bat- 
 teries of the befiegers were covered with nearly 
 an hundred pieces of heavy ordnance, and the 
 works of the befieged were fo deftroyed, that they 
 could fcarcely mew a fmgle gun. Lord CornwaL 
 lis was now driven to the difagreeable alternative, 
 either to furrender, or attempt an efcape. He 
 determined on the latter. Boats were prepared, 
 under different pretences, to receive the troops 
 in the night, and tranfport them to Glocefter- 
 Point. After one embarkation had arrived at the 
 place of their deftination, and the greater part of 
 the troops were landed, the weather, which was 
 before moderate and calm, inftantly changed to 
 a moft violent florm of wind and rain. The 
 boats, with the remaining troops, were all driven 
 down the river, and the defign of palling over 
 was not only entirely fruftrated, but the abfence 
 of the boats rendered it impoiiible to bring the 
 troops from Glocefter. Thus weakened and di- 
 vided, the army was expofed to great danger. 
 However, the boats returned, and the troops were 
 brought back in the courfe of the forenoon, with 
 very little lofs.f 
 
 THE failure of this fcheme involved the Brit- 
 ifh army in extreme diftrefs. Their works were 
 finking under the weight of the French and Amer- 
 
 * Ramfaj, Vol. 11. p. 269, 270. f Gordon, VoLT/. p. 194. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 469 
 
 scan artillery. All hopes of relief from New- 1781. 
 York were over, and the fpirits of the royal ar* 
 rny exhaufted by their unremitting fatigue. In 
 this defperate fituation, Lord Cornwallis fent a 
 letter to General Wafliington, requeuing a cek 
 lation of arms for twenty-four hours, and that 
 commiilioners might be appointed, for digefting 
 the terms of capitulation. Commiffioners were 
 accordingly appointed ; and on the fide of the 
 Allies were Vifcount de Noailles and lieutenant- 
 colonel Laurens. The father of the latter of thefe 
 gentlemen was, at this period, clofely confined 
 in the Tower of London, of which Earl Corn- 
 wallis was conflable. By this fingular combina- 
 tion of circumftances, his lordfhip became a prif- 
 oner to the fon of his own prifoner.* 
 
 ON the 1 9th of Oftober, the pods of York- 
 town and Glocefter were furrendered. The hon- 
 or of marching out with colors flying, which had 
 been denied to Gen. Lincoln, was now refufed 
 to Lord Cornwaliis ; and Lincoln was appointed 
 to receive the fubmiilion of the royal army at 
 Yorktown, precifely in the fame manner his own 
 had been conducted, about eighteen months be* 
 fore, at Gharlefton.f 
 
 THE regular troops of France and America, em- 
 ployed in this fiege, confided of about 7000 -of 
 the former, and 5500 of the latter ; and they weie 
 afiided by about 4000 militia. On the part of the 
 combined army, about 300 were killed or wound- 
 ed. On the part of the Britifh, about ;oo ; and 
 
 * Garden, Vol. IV. ^194, f Ramjay, Vql. II. p. 271. 
 
473 HISTORY O F 
 
 1781. 70 were taken in the redoubts, which were florin- 
 ed on the i 4 th of Oftober.* 
 
 A BRITISH fleet, deftined for the relief of Lord 
 Cornwallis, arrived off the Chefapeak, the fifth day- 
 after his furrender ; but on receiving intelligence 
 of this event, they returned to New-York. 
 
 THE reduction of the Britifh army was confid- 
 ered as decifive of the independence of America j 
 and occafioned unufual tranfports of joy in the 
 breads of the whole body of the people. Well 
 authenticated teftimony afferts, that the nerves of 
 fome were fo agitated, as to produce convulfions, 
 and that at lead one man expired under the tide of 
 pleafure which flowed in upon him, when informed 
 of Lord CornwalUY furrender.f Gen. Washington 
 manifefted Lii exultation, by a general releafe of 
 thofe who were under arrefl, in order to diffufe 
 univerfal joy. Two days after the capitulation, 
 divine iervice was performed in all the brigades of 
 the American army ? in order to return thanks to 
 the Almighty, for this great event ; and the com- 
 mander in chief recommended to all the troops that 
 were not upon duty, that they fhould affift at divine 
 fervice, " with a ferious deportment, and with that 
 fenfibiiity of heart, which the recollection of the 
 furprizing and particular interpofition of Provi- 
 dence in their favor claimed. 55 }. 
 
 CONGRESS, on receiving official accounts of the 
 great events, which had taken place at Yorktown, 
 refolved to go in proceflion to church, and return 
 
 * Ram/ay, J r el. 11. p, 271. f The door keeper ofCougrefi* 
 I Ibid, p. 273. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 471 
 
 their public acknowledgments to the Deity, foi the 1781. 
 advantages they had gained. And the i3th of 
 December was appointed , to be obferved as a day 
 of thankfgiving and prayer throughout the United 
 States. The thanks of congrefs were voted to 
 Gen. Wafhington, and to the French commanders, 
 by fea and land. The fmgulaily inteiefting event 
 of captivating a fecond royal army, was univerfal- 
 ly confidered as clofing the fcene of the American 
 war.* 
 
 IN about three months after the capture of Lord 
 Cornwallis was known in Great-Britain, *the king 
 and parliament refolved to abandon all offenfive 
 operations in America* In confequence of this, 
 every idea of conquefl being given up, arrange- 
 ments were made for withdrawing the royal forces 
 from Georgia and South-Carolina, and Rationing 
 them in Nevv-York.f 
 
 DURING the war, the fufferings of the American 
 prifoners were extreme. Vaft numbers were con- 
 fined in prifon-fhips, almofl famifhed with hunger ; 
 and in the moft deplorable circumftances preffed 
 to join the royal fervice. However reprehenfible 
 the Britifh may have been, indifcriminate cenfure 
 would be unjuft. General Carlton, during his 
 command, conducted towards the American pri- 
 foners with a degree of humanity, that reflects the 
 bigheft honor on his character. The refugees, in 
 general, treated the prifoners with more cruelty than 
 the Britifh. As an inftance of this, captain 
 Joihua Huddy, who commanded a fmall party of 
 
 * Ramfay, Pol. II. /. 274. | Lendrum, VuL lip. 386, 
 
Ii I S T O R Y F 
 
 1781. Americans, was by them taken priibner, and exe 
 cuted, after afevere confinement. General Wafh- 
 ington, having in vain applied to the Britifh to 
 deliver up the murderers of Huddy was reduced 
 to the difagreeable necefiity of retaliating. Captain 
 John Afgill, a" young gentleman of great accomplifh- 
 ments, was defigriated by lot for that purpofe. In 
 the mean time Gen. Washington received a letter 
 from the Count de Vergennes, interceding for 
 capt. Afgill, which was alfo accompanied with a ve- 
 ty pathetic one from his mother, Mrs. Afgill, to the 
 count.- Copies of thefe letters being tranfmitted to 
 congrefs, they refolved^ that the commander hi 
 chief be dire&ed to fet captain Afgili at liberty. The 
 friends of humanity rejoiced, that the benevolent 
 character of Sir Guy Caflton, who was appointed 
 commander in chief of the Britifli troops in Ame- 
 rica, would fupercede the nec'effity of retaliation 5 
 and alfo iri the well founded ptofpedt of a fpeedy 
 peace.* 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol. II. p. 281290. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 473 
 
 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 E- VrV* 
 
 Of the foreign affairs, which tended to bring about 
 the general peace. 'The United Provinces ac- 
 knowledge American independence. A treaty of 
 amity and commerce is concluded with them. 
 Change in the Britijh min'iftry. The definitive 
 treaty cf peace is concluded. The American army 
 diftranded. General Wajhington rejigns his com* 
 mifflon^ and retires to his feat in Virginia. 
 
 J_ HE United States afforded few great 
 events, during the year 1782. This period, how- 
 ever, was deeply interefting to thofe European 
 powers, who were involved in the confequences 
 of the American war. 
 
 BRITAIN was, at this time, attacked in every 1782. 
 quarter, where (he had foreign poifeilions. After *-' v>J 
 a tedious fiege, the ifland of Minorca was furren- 
 dered to the combined armies of France and Spain, Feb. 5. 
 under the command of the duke de Crillon, in 
 the fervice of his mod Catholic majefly. About 
 the fame time, the fettlements of Demarara and 
 Efliquibo, which in the preceding year had been 
 taken by the Britifh, were taken from them by the 
 French. They were alfo fuccefsful in reducing 
 St. Euftatius and St. Kitts. The ifiands of Nevis 
 and Montferrat likewife fell into their hand*, 
 M M m 
 
474 H I S T O K Y O I? 
 
 1782. IN the mean time, the Britifh mini ft ry fent 
 
 fquadron, under the command of Admiral Rod- 
 ney, for the protection of their pofleffions in that 
 Apr. 1 2. quarter- An engagement took place between him 
 and the Count de Grafle, in which the French 
 were defeated, with prodigious flaughter. Their 
 killed and wounded amounted, by computation, ta 
 3000 killed, and 6000 wounded ; while the lofs of 
 the Britifli did not much exceed noo men. For 
 nearly a century, they had not iuffered fo much 
 in any naval engagement.* 
 
 BY this fignal victory, the defigns of France 
 and Spain were fruftrated, and no farther enter- 
 prizes were undertaken againft the fleets or poi- 
 feffions of Great-Britain, in the Weft-Indies. 
 
 OTHER decifive events foon followed. Gib- 
 raltar had for fome time been befieged, and the 
 Spanifh monarchy ufed every exertion to reduce 
 that important fortrefs. For this purpofe, the 
 Chevalier d'Arcon conftrucled machines, which 
 were fo well calculated for withftanding the com- 
 bined force of fire and artillery, that they appeared 
 for fome time to bid defiance to the powers of the 
 heavieft ordnance. At length, however, the bat- 
 teries were on fire, while the befiegers were whol- 
 ly employed to preferve their men from this devour- 
 ing element. The generous humanity of the con- 
 querors on this occafion, redounds more to their 
 honor, than the mod fplendid victories. In en- 
 deavouring to fave the lives of his enemies, the gal- 
 lant and philanthropic captain Curtis nearly loft hh 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol. If. f. 294. 
 
N E W-E N G L A N IX 475 
 
 own. Whilfl for the moft benevolent purpofe he 1782. 
 was along fide the floating batteries, one of them < *" vv/ 
 blew up, and fbrne heavy pieces of timber fell into 
 his boat, and pierced through its bottom. By fimilar 
 perilous exertions, nearly 400 men were faved from 
 inevitable death. The complete relief of Gibraltar, 
 favored the re-eftablifhment of a general peace. 
 
 WHILST the belligerent powers were fucceflive* 
 ly induced to think favorably of peace, Holland 
 acknowledged the independence of the United 
 States. This event was, in a great meafure, ef 
 fe&ed by the addrefs of John Adams (the prefent 
 prefident of the United States) who, upon the 
 capture of John Laurens, had been commiflioned 
 as minifier plenipotentiary to the States General of 
 the United Provinces. He was alfo empowered 
 to negociate a loan of money amongft the Holland* 
 ers, and was fuccefsful in obtaining a feafonable 
 fupply, and in concluding a treaty of amity and 
 commerce, between Holland and the United 
 States of America.* 
 
 IT was expected, not only by the fanguine Ame- 
 ricans, but by many in England, that the capture of 
 Lord Cornwallis would inflantly difpofe the nation 
 to peace ; but the American war was too much 
 the favorite of the miriiftry to be relinquifhed, with* 
 out a druggie for its continuance. 
 
 ON the 27th of November, after intelligence 1781. 
 arrived of the capitulation of Yorktown, the king 
 
 * Ram/ay, Vol. ILp 300. Ibe pre fat present, and Mr.Jefer- 
 fon, 'were appointed joint commoner 3 for forming tommtrcial 
 treaties <witbfore ; gn towers. They fuueefodin their negotiate* 
 (be king ofPrvj/ia, And th< em^ror o 
 
47t> HISTORY O F 
 
 1781. of Great-Britain opened the feffion of parliament, 
 V ~'" VJ ' with a fpeech, decidedly favorable to the continu- 
 ance of the American war. The majority of lords 
 and commons echoed back his fentiments. How- 
 ever, the minority daily gained ground, and oblig- 
 ed the miniftry, by degrees, to relinquifh their 
 plans of fubjugating America. 
 
 1782. AT this period, a change of miniftry took place 
 M'.r 27 in Great-Britain. A new adminiftration was form- 
 
 ed, under the aufpices of the marquis of Rocking- 
 ham, and was compofed of characters who oppofed 
 the American war. The firfl bufmefs of the new 
 minifhy, was taking meafures for effecting a gene-, 
 ral peace. 
 
 ON the 5th of May, Sir Guy Carlton arrived 
 at New-York, and was inftru&ed to ufe his en- 
 deavours to promote an accommodation. For this 
 purpofe, he difpatched a letter to General Wairi- 
 ington, informing him of the late proceedings of 
 parliament, and of the pacific difpofition of the 
 government and people of Great- Britain towards 
 the United States. He alfo folicited a paflport for 
 his fecretary, Mr. Morgan, to pay a vifit to con- 
 grefs. His requeft was refufed, for it was con.* 
 fidered, with its concomitant circumflances, as in- 
 troductory to a fcheme for opening negociations 
 with congrefs, or the dates, without the concur- 
 rence of their allies. On this occaiion congrefs re- 
 folved, " that they would not enter into the dif- 
 cufiion of any overtures for pacification, but in con- 
 fidence and in concert with his moil Chriftiaii ma- 
 jefly j and as a proof of this, they recommended 
 
N E W - E N G L A N IX 477 
 
 to the feveral ilates to pafs laws, that no fubjeft of 1782 
 his Britannic majefty, coming dire&ly or indiredly 
 from any part of the Britiih dominions, be admitted 
 into any of the United States during the war." 
 This decifive conduct extinguished all hopes that 
 Great-Britain might have entertained, of making a 
 feparate peace with America,* 
 
 IN the mean time the negociations for peace were 
 continued. The commiffioners, appointed on the 
 part of the United States, were John Adams, Ben* 
 jamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, 
 On the part of Great-Britain, Mr. Fitzherbert, and 
 Mr. Ofwald. Provifional articles between Great- 
 Britain and the United States were, on the 3oth of 
 November, agreed upon, and figned, to take effect 
 whenever peace mould be finally fettled with the 
 couit of France. The indefatigable exertions of 
 the American commiffioners, particularly thofe of 
 Mr. Adams and Mr. Jay, procured highly advan- 
 tageous terms for their country. By thefe, the in* 
 dependence of the ftates was acknowledged in its 
 fulleft extent. Very ample boundaries were al- 
 lowed them, which comprehended the fertile and 
 cxtenfive countries on both fides of the Ohio, and 
 on the eaft fide of the Miffifippi. An unlimited 
 tight of fifhery on the banks of Newfoundland, 
 and on other places where both nations had here- 
 tofore been accuilomed to fim, was iikewife con- 
 tinued to the Americans. From the neceffity of 
 the cafe, the loyalifts were facrificed ; nothing fur* 
 
 * RwSay, Vol. II. p. 30 5. 
 
47 s HISTORY C) F 
 
 1782. ther than a fimple recommendation for reflitution 
 v ^ vx ^ being ftipulated in their favor.* 
 
 ON the 3d of September, the definitive treaties 
 between Great-Britain, France and Spain, were 
 figned at Verfailles, by the duke of Manchefter, 
 and the plenipotentiaries of the faid courts. On 
 the fame day, the definitive treaty with GreaN 
 Britain and the United States of America was al- 
 fo figned at Paris, by David Hartley, Efq. the 
 Britifh plenipotentiary, and the plenipotentiaries 
 of the faid ftates.f 
 
 1783. AFTER the return of peace was announced, the 
 United States were reduced to the difagreeable ne- 
 ceflity of difmifling their brave troops, without 
 paying them their ftipulated wages. In this emer- 
 gency, an attempt was made, by fpirited and anony- 
 mous publications, to inflame the minds of the of- 
 ficers and foldiers, and induce them, previoufly to 
 laying down their arms, to unite in redrefling their 
 own grievances. As foon as General Wafhington. 
 was informed of the nature of thefe papers, he re- 
 quefted the general and field officers, with one of- 
 ficer from each company, and a proper reprefenta* 
 tion from the flaff of the army, to alTemble on an 
 early day. When they were convened, he addref- 
 
 .is fed them in a pathetic and animated fpeech, in 
 which he pledged himfelf to exert all his abilities 
 and influence in their favor ; requefted them to re- 
 lv on the faith of their country, and conjured them* 
 " as they valued their honor as they refpecled the 
 right of humanity and as they regarded the mili- 
 
 t Vol. II. p. 307. f Garden , Pot. IV. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 
 
 tary and national character of America, to exprefs 
 their utmoft deteftation of the man, who was at- 
 tempting to open the floodgates of civil difcord, 
 and deluge their riling empire with blood/'* The 
 patriotic exertions of their beloved general, fave4 
 the ftates from impending danger. The American 
 army was diibanded, and returned peaceably to 
 their refpective places of abode. 
 
 THE army being difbanded, the commander in 
 chief proceeded to Annapolis, then the feat of con- 
 grefs, to refign his commiiTion, In every town and 
 village through which he palled, he was Welcomed 
 by public and private demonftrations of gratitude 
 and joy. When arrived at Annapolis, in a 
 public audience, he refigned his commiflion to- 
 congrefs. A large number of diftinguifhed perfon* 
 ages attended this interefting fcene. The general 
 made a pathetic addrefs to the prefident of cofcgrefs, 
 exprefTmg the war meft affection for his country ; 
 and the devout and grateful feelings of his heart 
 towards the Supreme Being. The prefident re* 
 turned an anfwer ; and the afTeding review of pail 
 fcenes almoft deprived them of utterance. The 
 mingled emotions, which agitated the minds of the 
 fpe&ators, on this occafion, were beyond defcrip- 
 tion. Immediately on refigning his command, the 
 magnanimous deliverer of America retired to his 
 delightful feat at Mount Vernon, in Virginia.! 
 
 * W ajhingtori i Softies, p. 249. f General Wajhington con- 
 J)an(t\ declined 'receiving any pecuniary compenfation for bis inefii- 
 toable /e re vicfs t during the com eft <uith Britain. Rum/ay , l^ti. 
 11. p. 332, 333, Gordon, VtL 1?.}. 388, 389. 
 
480 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 ALMOST eight years had elapfed, from the com* 
 mencement of hoftilities in Lexington, to the rati- 
 fication of the.provifional treaty. " There is," fays 
 Dr. Gordon, " fcarcely an inftance in hiftory, of fo 
 great a revolution being effected, in fo fhort a time, 
 with fo little lofs of lives and property." A Britifh 
 author allows, "that fo vaft a force as was ex- 
 erted by Great-Britain, had never been fent to fo 
 great a diftance, nor was refilled by any power, 
 apparently fo unequal to the conteft."* 
 
 THOUGH war exhibits all the ferocious paflions 
 cf human nature, and opens fcenes deeply wounding 
 to the feeling heart ; yet it alfo developes all the en- 
 ergies of character ; and during the American 
 conteft, we contemplate with admiration the love 
 of country, rifing, in many inftances, fuperior to 
 every felfifh confideration ; an enthufiafm for liber- 
 ty fupplying the place of military difcipline ; and 
 invincible refolution, finally, furmounting every 
 obflacle. 
 
 THE American war exhibited the moft eminent 
 military characters, and brought to view the im- 
 mortal Wafhington, and placed him at the head of 
 an illuftrious train of heroes. Among thefe, we 
 view the enterprizirig Greene, triumphing over the 
 Britifh in the fouthern ftates ; Gates, defeating 
 Burgoyne at Ticonderoga ; Lincoln, Putnam, 
 Wayne, St. Clair, Mercer, Knox, Sumpter, Moul* 
 trie, Morgan, MtfHin, and many others, fhining 
 with diftinguifhed luftre in their feveral depart- 
 ments. 
 
 * Stedman's WJlory of the American 
 
NEW- EN GLAND. 481 
 
 THE energy of American public councils, was as 
 Remarkable as their military courage. The pro- 
 ceedings of congrefs, during the war, evince the 
 moil determined refolution, blended with prudence 
 and moderation. Among the many eminent men 
 in this department, the illuftrious Adams rifes 
 preeminent, and reflects immortal honor on the 
 political character of America. 
 
 THE various beautiful traits in particular cha- 
 racters appear more finking, when contrafled with 
 the gloomy and diftreffing images of war. For in- 
 flance, the humanity of Carlton fhines ^ith 
 brighter luflre, when oppofed to the cruelty of 
 fome other Britifh officers. The amiable qualities 
 of an Hale and Andre are rendered more intereft- 
 ing, by the fympathy which is excited for their un- 
 happy fate. 
 
 THE numbers of brave heroes, who fell dun .g 
 the conteil with Britain, will ever be deeply re- 
 gretted by every friend to humanity, and lover of 
 his country. Among thofe illuflrious chara&ers, 
 we view Warren, Montgomery, Woofter, Mercer, 
 Campbell, and many others, who, animated with 
 glowing patriotifm, cheerfully facrificed their lives 
 in the caufe of American freedom and independ- 
 ence. 
 
 THE humane and liberal mind, rifing fuperior to 
 local views and prejudices, will acknowledge the 
 merit, and regret the fate of numbers of the Brit- 
 ifh, who fell during the conteil. Among thefe we 
 behold Frafer, Andre, and others, " to whom 
 
 N Nil 
 
482 li I 8 T O R Y OF 
 
 glory paid her Iiigheft tribute, and for whofe fate 
 even enemies have fhed a tear." 
 
 THE ftriking divine interpofitions in favor of 
 America, during the conteft, afford an interceding 
 fubject of contemplation to pious minds ; while, 
 amidil the apparently uncertain chances of war, 
 they view, with grateful admiration, the control- 
 ing hand of Providence, rendering every event 
 iubfervient to the liberty and independence of the 
 United States. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 485 
 
 " '" 4d ' ' -* ff 1 ' * i ** 
 
 t 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVHL 
 
 Tlifficuliies after the peace. Rebellion inMaffachufetts, 
 
 N 
 
 O fooner was peace reftored, by the 
 definitive treaty, and the Britifh troops withdrawn 
 from the country, than the United States began to 
 experience the defects of their general government. 
 Whilfl an enemy was in the, country, fear gave 
 energy to the refolutions and recommendations of 
 congrefs, and generally commanded a ready acqui- 
 efcence on the part of the flate legislatures. Ar- 
 ticles of confederation and perpetual union had 
 been framed in congrefs, and fubmitted to the 
 confideration of theftates, in the year 1/78. Some 
 of the flates immediately acceded to them ; others 
 hefitated, and delayed giving their aflent. How- 
 ever, in March, 1781, all objections to thofe arti- 
 cles were overcome, and they were ratified, as thq 
 frame of government for the United States.* 
 
 THESE articles, however, were framed daring 
 the rage of war, and under circumftances the mod 
 critical and embarrafling. To have offered to the 
 people at this time a form of government, armed 
 with the powers neceffary to regulate and control 
 the contending interefts of thirteen flates, and the 
 pofleffions of millions of people, might have raifed 
 a jealoufy between the flates, or in the minds of 
 the people at large, that would have weakened 
 
 oL //,/. 400. 
 
484 HISTORY O F 
 
 1782. their military operations, and, perhaps, have 
 rendered a union impracticable. Hence the nu* 
 merous defects of the confederation.* 
 
 ON the conclufion of the peace, when thefe de- 
 feels began to be felt, the enemies of the revolution 
 exerted all their talents to increafe the popular 
 difcontent. A remarkable inflance of this hap- 
 pened in Connecticut. As foon as the tumults of 
 war had fubftded, an attempt was made to con-? 
 vince the people, that the act of congrefs, parted in 
 1778, granting to the officers of the army half 
 pay for life, was highly unjuft and tyrannical, and 
 that it was but the firft itep towards the eftablifh- 
 ment of penfions, and an uncontrolable defpotifm. 
 The act of congrefs, pafled in 1783, commuting 
 half pay for life, for five years, full pay, was de- 
 figned to appeafe the apprehenfions of the people, 
 and to convince them that this gratuity was intend- 
 ed merely to indemnify the officers for their lofles 
 by the depreciation of the paper currency, and not 
 to eftablifh a precedent for the granting of penfions. 
 This act, however, did not fatisfy the people, who 
 fuppofed that the officers had been generally indem- 
 nified for the lofs of their pay, by the grants made 
 them, from time to time, by the legiflatures of the 
 feveral dates. Befides, the act, whilft it gave five 
 years full pay to the officers, allowed but one 
 year's pay to the privates, a diflinction which had 
 great influence in exciting and continuing the popu- 
 lar ferment, and one that turned a large fhare of 
 the public rage againfl the officers themfelves.f 
 
 * Morjes Geography, Vol. I. /. 318. -f ibid, p. 319. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 485 
 
 DURING this fituation of affairs, the public 1782. 
 dium againft the officers was augmented by an- 
 other circumftance. Juft before the difbanding of 
 the army, they had formed a fociety, which was 
 called by the name of the Cincinnati, after the 
 famous Roman dictator Cincinnatus. Their avow- 
 ed defigns were to perpetuate their friendihip, and 
 afford relief to their indigent brethren. The of- 
 tenfible views of this fociety, however, could not 
 fcreen it from popular jealoufy. A fpirited pam- 
 phlet appeared in South-Carolina, the avowed pro- 
 duction of Mr. Burke, one of the judges of the fu- 
 preme court in that flate, in which the author at- 
 tempted to prove, that the principles, on which this 
 inftitution was formed, would, in procefs of time, 
 originate and eftablifh an order of nobility in the 
 country, which would be repugnant to the genius 
 of republican governments, and dangerous to liber- 
 ty. This pamphlet appeared in Connecticut, dur- 
 ing the commotions raifed by the half pay and com- 
 mutation afts ; and greatly contributed to fpread 
 the flame of oppofition. 
 
 THE oppofition to the congreffional acts, in fa- 
 vor of the officers, and to the order of the Cincin- 
 nati, did not rife to the fame pitch in the other 
 ftates, as in Connecticut ; yet it produced much 
 disturbance in Maffuchufetts, arid fome others. 
 Dr. Morfe obferves, "jealoufy of power had been 
 univerfally fpread among the people of the United 
 States. The deftruction of the old forms of gov* 
 eminent, and the licentioufnefs of war, had in a 
 great meafure biokea their habits of obedience; 
 
486 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 1782. their paffions had been inflamed by the cry of def- 
 "^ potifm ; and, like centinels, who had been fuddenly 
 furprized by the approach of an enemy, the ruftling 
 of a leaf was fufficient to give them an alarm. This 
 fpirit of jealoufy operated, with other caufes, to 
 relax the energy of federal operations."* 
 
 THE long war, through which the flates had 
 ftruggled, involved them in a debt, which, on the 
 return of peace, amounted to about forty millions 
 of dollars. Though the people were inftru&ed, by 
 their conteft, in the nobler fcience of the rights of 
 mankind, it gave them no proportionable infight 
 into the mazes of finance. Many judicious and 
 influential characters, fuppofed the duties of excife 
 and impoft to be antirepublican. Thofe meafures, 
 therefore, could be adopted, at firft, but partially, 
 and to fmall effect. The neceflfary arrangements 
 at the treafury were wanting. The paper curren- 
 cy, which had been emitted during the war, was 
 depreciating ; and it was not, perhaps, poflible to 
 preferve the public credit, under fo many difcourag* 
 ing circumftances.t 
 
 To provide funds for paying their continent- 
 al debt, engaged the attention of congrefs for 
 fome time before and after the peace. At length, 
 a fvfrem of revenue, for funding, and ultimate- 
 ly paying the whole public debt, was complet- 
 
 1783. ed, and offered to the dates for their ratification. 
 By this it was propofed to raife two millions and an 
 half of dollars annually, to defray the intereft of 
 
 * Morfg. Vol. 11 p. 32Q >% | Minot's Hijtory of the Rebellion 
 in MaJJacbuJettS) />. 6 10. 
 
N E W * E N G L A N D. 487 
 
 the continental debt* The whole fyftem was tranf- 1783. 
 mitted to the ftate legiflatures, and accompanied by 
 an animated addrefs, enforcing the propriety of 
 its immediate adoption. Some of the ftates adopt- 
 ed the whole of this plan ; others partially compli- 
 ed with it ; and others wholly neglected to make 
 provifion for paying the intereft of the continental 
 debt. No efficient funds being provided for this 
 purpofe, the public fecurities greatly depreciated, 
 and were negociated only as a matter of fpecula- 
 tion. The officers and foldiers of the late army, 
 and thofe who furniihed fupplies for public exi- 
 gencies, were obliged to receive for wages thefe 
 certificates, or promiffory notes, which deprived 
 them of the greateft part of the reward due for 
 their fervices. The non payment of public debts, 
 fometimes inferred a neceffity, and always furniih- 
 ed an apology, for not difchargmg private con- 
 tracts. Public faith being firft violated, private 
 engagements loft much of their obligatory -force.* 
 MASSACHUSETTS, in her zeal to comply fully 
 with the requifitions of congrefs, and fatisfy the 
 demands of her own creditors, laid a heavy tax 
 upon the people. The new taxes, which the 
 emergency of public affairs required, were loudly 
 complained of by the inhabitants of that ftate. 
 They could n.ot realize, that they had fried their 
 blood in the field, to be loaded with opprellive bur- 
 dens at home. Their ideas of freedom were fo 
 high wrought, that it was difficult for the legifla- 
 ture either to govern, without appearing to tyran- 
 
 * Ram fay, Vol. II. p. 337. 
 
HISTORY o F 
 
 1783. nize, or to relieve, without appearing to be over- 
 Come.* 
 
 THE commotions, which took place in MafTachu- 
 fetts at this period, were owing to the following 
 caufesj, viz. A heavy debt lying on the ftate, add- 
 ed to burdens of the fame nature, upon almofl 
 every incorporation within it ; a decline, or rather 
 an extinction of public credit 5 a relaxation of 
 manners, and a free ufe of foreign luxuries ; a de- 
 cay of trade and manufactures, with a prevailing 
 fcarcity of money ; and, above all, individuals in- 
 volved in debt to each other. The heavy taxes, 
 which were at prefent impofed upon the people, 
 intlamed their minds, and caufed them to feel the 
 evils above enumerated, in the moil fenfible man* 
 ner.f 
 
 THE long reftraints, which the confufion of 
 war had laid upon the adminiltration of juftice, in 
 private cafes, occafioned a very rapid increafe of 
 civil actions, when thofe reftraints were removed* 
 This cifcumftance gave employment to the practi- 
 tioners at the bar, and increafed their numbers be- 
 yond what had been ufual in the (late. The pro- 
 feilion naturally became a fubject of obfervation ; 
 and, at length, was generally fpoken of as an objed 
 of reform. Advantage was taken of the prevailing 
 jealoufy againft lawyers ; and, unfortunately, a pre- 
 lude to the infurreclions was framed out of it. 
 Inflammatory writings increafed the prejudice 
 againfl the profeffion, till the flame pervaded the 
 greatefl part of government ; and the lawyer* 
 
 * Mtnot, p. 17. f Ibid) p. 28. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 489 
 
 Were, in moft inftances, excluded from the houfe 
 of reprefentatives. The outcry againft this order 
 of men, Was, at length, drowned in more general 
 complaints ; and grievances arofe in all quarters, 
 from a variety of caufes.* 
 
 THE general difcontent of the people arofe to 
 fuch a degree, as to produce acts of violence in 
 MafTachufetts, in the year 1786. Infurrections took 
 place in various parts, in order to impede the fit- 
 ting of the courts of common pleas, and the courts 
 of general feffions of the peace. At length, an at- 
 tempt was made to prevent the fitting of the fu- 
 preme judicial court itfelf, by a number of infur- 
 gents, headed by one Daniel Shays, who had been 
 a captain in the late continental army, but had re- 
 figned his commiffion^ for reafons quite problemat* 
 
 ical.f 
 
 THE general court, which convened at this dif- 1786. 
 trefiing period, palled three different laws for eaf- 
 ing the burdens of the people, viz. an act for col- 
 lecting the back taxes in fpecific articles ; an act 
 for making real and perfonal eftate a tender in dif- 
 charge of executionsj and a&ions commenced in 
 law ; and an act for rendering law proceffes lefs ex* 
 penfive. They provided for the apprehending and 
 trial of dangerous perfons, but at the fame time 
 tendered pardon to all the infurgents. The act of 
 indemnity was treated with fo much neglect, that 
 fcaice a fingle perfon deigned to accept the benefit 
 it held up. The lenient fyftem of government 
 
 * M'Vw'i /, 2934. f A//, p. 49. 
 O oo 
 
490 HISTORY O F 
 
 1786. was attributed, not to their humanity, but to theif 
 timidity and weaknefs. 
 
 THE rebels ufed every effort to inflame the 
 minds of the people, by the groifefl mifreprefenta- 
 lion of the proceedings of government, and of the 
 characters of public officers ; they addrefTed the 
 pity, an'cf claimed the afliftance of the people ; 
 they continued to afiemble, and endeavoured to im- 
 pede the meafures of government, by an armed 
 force.* 
 
 THE fefolutions of the infurgents continuing 
 thus hoftile, a detachment of the militia, under 
 the command of General Lincoln, was ordered 
 out to fupport the judicial courts, and iuppfcfs the 
 infurredion, during the winter of this year. Yet 
 the rebels were fo numerous in the counties of 
 Worcefter, Hampfhife and Berkfhire, and fo ob- 
 flinately combined to oppofe the execution of 
 law by force, that the governor and eomncil of the 
 ftate thought proper not to entruft General Lincoln 
 with military powers, except to aft on the defenfive, 
 and to repel force with force, in cafe the infurg- 
 ents ffiould attack him. The leaders of the rebels, 
 however, were not men of talents ; they were' 
 defperate, but without fortitude j and whilft they 
 were fuppoited with fuperior force, they appeared 
 to be imprefied with that confcioufnefs of guilt, 
 which awes the moft daring wretch, and makes 
 him mrink from his purpofe. This appears, by 
 the conduct of a large party of the rebels before 
 the magazine of Springfield, where Gen, Shepard, 
 
 * Miit9t t p. 70?$. 
 
NE W.ENGLAND, 49* 
 
 with a fmall guard, was Rationed, to proteft the 1786. 
 continental (lores, The infurgents appeared upon 
 the plain, with a vaft fuperiority of numbers ; but 
 a few fhot from the artillery made the multitude 
 retreat in diforder, with the lofs of four men. This 
 fpirited condud of General Shepard, with the in- 
 duftry, perfeverance and prudent firmnefs of Gen. 
 Lincoln, difperfed the rebels, drove the leaders 
 from the ftate, and reftored tranquility. An ad 
 of indemnity was pafled in the legiflature, for all 
 the infurgents, except a few of the leaders, on con- 
 dition, that they mould become peaceable fubjecls, 
 and take the oath of allegiance. The leaders af- 
 terwards petitioned for pardon, which, from mo- 
 tives of policy, was granted by the legislature, on 
 condition, that they {hould never accept or hoht 
 any office, civil or military, in the commonwealth.* 
 THE ingenious author of the Hiftory of the In- 
 furreclion in Maflachufetts, obferves, on this occa.- 
 fion, that " a dangerous internal war was finally 
 fuppreiTed, by the fpirited life of conflitutional 
 powers, without the medding of blood, by the hand 
 of the civil magiftrate ; a circumftance, which it is 
 the duty of every citizen to afcribe to its real caufe, 
 the lenity of government, and not to their weak- 
 nefs ; a circumftance, too, that mud attach every 
 inan to a confliuuion,, which, from a happy princi- 
 ple of mediocrity, governs its fubjefts without op* 
 prefiion, and reclaims them without feverity."t 
 
 * Mar/f, ^.322. f Minot, p. 19?. 
 
492 HISTORY OF 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 A new conftitution is formed. Of its diftinguijhing 
 traits. After mature confederation, it is received 
 bv the United States.. General Wafhington chofen 
 prefidenl. 
 
 HE difagreeable events recited in the 
 foregoing chapter, were overruled for great national 
 good. From the obvious defefts in the articles of 
 confederation, the people were induced to fee the 
 neceffity of eftablifhinga form of government, equal 
 to the exigencies of the union. 
 
 AGREEABLY to a propofition made by Virginia, 
 delegates from all the ftates, except Rhode-Wand, 
 afiembled at Philadelphia, in May, 1787, and chofe 
 General Walhington for their prefident. After 
 four months deliberation, in which the clafhing in- 
 terefts of the feveral flates appeared in all their 
 force, the convention agreed to recommend the 
 plan of federal government.* 
 
 " THE fundamental distinction, between the ar- 
 ticles of confe'deration and the new conftitution," 
 fays Dr. Ramfay, e < lies in this ; that the former- 
 acted only on flates, the latter on individuals ; the 
 former could neither raife men nor money, by its 
 own authority, but lay at the difcretion of thir- 
 teen different legiflatures, and without their unani- 
 mous concurrence was unable to provide for tho 
 
 * Morjt, f. 528, 
 
N E W - E N G L A N IX 493 
 
 public fafety, or for the payment of the national 
 debt. The experience of fever al years had proved 
 the impoflibility of a government anfwering the 
 end of its inftitution, which was dependent on 
 others for the means neceffary for attaining thefe 
 ends. By the new confutation, one legiflative, ex* 
 ecutive and judicial power pervades the whole 
 union. This enfures an uniform obfervance of 
 treaties, and gives a {lability to the general govern- 
 ment, which never could be attained, while the 
 ads and requisitions of congrefs were fubject to the 
 revifion of thirteen legiflatures, and while thirteen 
 diftincT: and unconnected judiciaries had a conftitu- 
 tional right to decide on the fame fubjecl. The 
 people of the United States gave no new powers 
 to their rulers, but made a more judicious arrange- 
 ment of what they had formerly ceded. They 
 enlarged the powers of the general government, 
 not by taking from the people, but from the flate 
 legiflatures. They took from the latter a power 
 of levying duties on the importation of merchandize 
 from foreign countries, and transferred it to con- 
 grefs, for the common benefit of the union. They 
 alfo inverted the general government, with a 
 power to regulate trade, and levy t ixes and internal 
 duties on the inhabitants. That thefe enlarged 
 powers might be ufed only with caution and de- 
 liberation, congrefs, which formerly confifted of 
 only one body, was made to confift of two ; one of 
 which was to be chofen by the people, in proportion 
 to their numbers ; the other by the ft ate legiflatures. 
 
4$>4 H I S T O R Y O F 
 
 The execution of the ads of this compounded le* 
 giflature was committed to a fupreme magiftrate, 
 with the title of prefident,"* 
 
 THE prefident and vice-prefident, are elected 
 every four years. The fenators are chofen for fix 
 yars ; one third of their feats become vacant every 
 two years. The reprefentatives are biennially 
 elected. One of the diftinguifhing traits in the 
 conflitution is, that it is formed without any civil 
 eftabliflmient of religion ; and exprefsly declares, 
 " that no religious teft fhali ever be required, as a 
 qualification to any office or public truil under the 
 United States/'t 
 
 WHEN the new conftitution was completed, con- 
 ventions were called in each ftate ; and the 
 queftionof " acceptance or reje&ion," was difcufied 
 with animation and ability. In thofe bodies, com- 
 pofed of perfons who reprefented, impartially, 
 every clafs and diftinction of the people, it under- 
 went the mod critical and fevere difcuffion, 
 Whilft it was in debate, the anxiety of all parties 
 was excited in the higheit degree ; the efforts of 
 its advocates and oppofers were unremitted. Yet, 
 however various the fentiments refpecting the me^ 
 rits of the fyftcTi, all felt and acknowledged the 
 neceffity of an efficient federal government. J 
 
 THE celebrated John Adams, prefent prefident 
 of the United States, was abfent from America 
 when the new conftitution was formed ; he being, 
 at that time, minifter at the court of St. James'. 
 
 * Ramfay, Vol. IL p. 34?. f See conflitution of the United 
 States in Mcrfe's Geography t Vol. II. p. 235. See Debates 
 of the Cowfttti'j* in ' 
 
W-ENGLAtf ft 495 
 
 to the formation of the federal 
 eonftitution, there weie county conventions in the 
 ftate of Maflachufetts, which patted fome refolu- 
 tions, voting the fenate an ufelefs branch in the 
 eonftitution, and they were fad approaching to a 
 Tingle aiTembly. This fcheme led to the writing 
 of thofe volumes, called " the Defence of the Amer- 
 ican Conftitution." 
 
 THE author of this celebrated work advocates, as 
 the fundamental principles of a free jgorernment, 
 equal reprefentation^ of which numbers, or prop- 
 erty, or both, mould be the rule ; a total feparation 
 of the executive from the legislative power, and of 
 the judicial from both, and a balance in the legifla- 
 tive, by three independent, equal branches. " If 
 there is one certain truth," fays he, " to be colject- 
 ed from the hiftory of all ages, it is this ; that the 
 democratieal mixture in a eonftitution can never 
 be preferved, without a ftrong executive ; or, in 
 other words, without feparating the executive^ 
 J>ower from the legiflativeV'* 
 
 THE firft volume of this work arrived in Ameri- 
 ca, wfiilft the convention were fitting, to form the 
 federal eonftitution, and facilitated its acceptance, 
 by uniting the members in one fentiment. 
 
 " IN this excellent book, the prefident exprefles 
 his approbation of the principles, on which the 
 eonftitution is founded. The fmglenefs of the ex- 
 ecutive power, its feparation from the legiflative 
 and judicial departments, and the divifion of the 
 legiflative into two branches, inftead of one, as M. 
 
 * Prefa:t to Adzm? Defence of tbt American Conjlitution. 
 
40.6 HIST O ft Y Ofr 
 
 Turgot and the French theorifts had propo'fed^ 
 could not fail to attract the approbation of this 
 great and enlightened flatefman. His work will 
 defcend to pollerity, who will cofnpare the pro-* 
 found principles it developes^ with the adual ope- 
 ration of our conftitudon, and will enjoy the pre- 
 cious advantage of knowing experimentally, whe- 
 ther we have proceeded as far as we ought in the 
 path he has pointed out^ The withholding of a 
 complete negative from the prefident, iht inter- 
 ference of the fenate in appointments to office, the 
 mode of their election by the refpeetive {lares, the 
 want of permanency in that body, fufficient for 
 their felf prefef vation againft the paroxifms offud- 
 den democratic intemperance * which have general- 
 ly denied to republics the enjoyment of both tran- 
 quility and longevity, and, above all^ the difcord- 
 ant and feemingly anarchial conflict of national 
 and flate fovereignties, the impertutn in imperio 9 are 
 yet confidered by many^ as deviations from a cof- 
 reel: political theory. Thofe, who hold thefe opin- 
 ions, are willing, neverthelefs, to wait quietly for 
 the lights, that time and experience will certainly 
 throw on the fubjecl."* 
 
 THE confutation for the (late of MafTachufett? 
 was drawn up by the prefent prefident, and report- 
 ed to a committee. It underwent fome amend- 
 ments, and fome alterations ; one, which has fmce 
 been regretted, that of taking from the governor 
 the power of appointing military officers. 
 
 * The abo^e remarks are made bj a gentleman of difihz 
 foliticai talents and experience. 
 
NE W-ENG LAND. '497 
 
 THE confutations of the Rates of Connecticut 
 and Rhode-Ifland, are founded on the charters 
 which in 1662 and 1663 were granted them by 
 Charles IT. 
 
 THE federal conftitution, and feveial (late con- 
 ftitutions agree in preferring the legiflative, judi- 
 ciary, and executive branches of government fepa- 
 rate and diftincl: from each other. 
 
 RELIGIOUS liberty is a fundamental principle in 
 the conftitutions of the refpeciive dates. Some, 
 indeed, retain a diftinclion between Chriftians and 
 others, with refpect to their eligibility to office ; 
 but the idea of raifmg one feel of Proteftants to a 
 legal preeminence, is univerfally reprobated. 
 
 AFTER a mature confideration, the federal con- 
 ftitution was acceded to by eleven of the United 
 States. The ratification of it was celebrated in mofl 
 of the capitals, with elegant proceflions, which far 
 exceeded any thing of the kind exhibited in Amer- 
 ica previoully to this period. 
 
 ON the ^d of March, 1789, the delegates from 
 the eleven ftates, which at that time had ratified the 
 conftitution, affembled at New-York, where a con- 
 venient and elegant building had been prepared for 
 their accommodation. On opening and counting 
 the votes for prefident, it was found that George 
 Waftiington was unanimoujly elected to that dig- 
 nified office, and that John Adams was chofen 
 vice-prefident. The annunciation of the choice of 
 the firft and fecond magiftrates of the United 
 States, occafioned a general diffufion of joy among 
 
 pp 
 
498 HISTORY O F 
 
 the friends to the union, and fully evinced that 
 thefe eminent characters were the choice of the 
 people.* 
 
 ON the 3oth of April, 1789, George Wafhington 
 was inaugurated prefident of the United States of 
 America, in the city of New- York. The ceremo- 
 ny was performed in the open gallery of Federal 
 Hall, in the view of many thoufand fpectators. 
 , The oath was adminjftered by chancellor Living- 
 fton. Several circumftances concurred to render 
 the fcene unufually folemn the prefence of the 
 beloved father and deliverer of his country the 
 impreffions of gratitude for his paft fer vices the 
 vafl concourfe of fpeftators the devout fervency 
 with which he repeated the oath } and the reveren- 
 tial manner in which he bowed to kifs the facred 
 volume* Thofe circumftances, together with that 
 of his being choferi to the mod dignified office m 
 America, and perhaps in the world, by the unani* 
 mous voice of more than three millions of enlight- 
 ened freemen., all confpired to pla-ce this among 
 the mofl aug.uft and interefling fcenes, which have 
 ever been exhibited on this globe,f 
 
 AFTER this great event, the federal union was 
 flrengthened by the addition of two other dates, 
 On the 24th of May, 1790, a convention of the 
 Hate of Rhode-Ifland met at Newport, and on the 
 czpth adopted the conflitution, by a majority of two 
 only. 
 
 THE general* a (Tembly of Vermont met at Ben- 
 Bington, January 10, 1791 ; and chofe commif- 
 
 * Mirjfs Geography, Vol. I. p. 3;:. 
 
 f- Ibid, p 333. See Gazette oj the United States for 1789, 
 
NEW. ENGLAND. 499 
 
 fioners to attend congrefs, and negociate the ac'mif- 
 fion of that ftate into the union of the confederated 
 ftates of America. The commifiioners repaired to 
 Philadelphia, and laid before the prefident of the 
 United States, the ads of the convention and le- 
 giflature of Vermont ; and on the i8th of February, 
 1791, the admiilion of this ftate was completed, by 
 an ad of congrefs, without any debate, or one dif- 
 fentient vote. By this event, all the controverfies 
 refpe&ing Vermont, were brought to a conclufion. 
 She was to take her feat in congrefs, March 4th, 
 1791 ; and the federal union was completed, in 
 every part of the United States of America.,* 
 
 * Williami Hijlory of Vermont > p. 305. 
 
 
5 co H I S T O R Y C F 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 6f the jlate of literature in New -England The 
 
 condufion. 
 J 
 
 jj_ H E adoption of the federal confli- 
 tution, by fecuring profpeiity at home, and ref- 
 pectability abroad, placed the political affairs of 
 the United States on a permanent bafis. Since 
 that period, learning has flourimed, and new lite- 
 rary inftitutions have been founded. 
 
 DR. Morfe obfeives, that " learning is more 
 generally diffufed among all ranks of people in 
 New-England, than in any other part of the globe ; 
 aiifing from the excellent eftablifliment of fchools 
 in almotl every townfliip."* 
 
 THE feminarits of learning in the United States, 
 have occaiioned a general diffufion of knowledge 
 amongil the great body of the people. 
 
 AFTER the declaration of the independence of 
 the United States, the charter, which was granted 
 Harvard college in 1650, was eilablifned by the 
 confutation of MaiTachufetts ; and the governor 
 and lieutenant-governor for the time being, to- 
 gether with the council and fenate of the com- 
 monwealth, the preftdent for the time being, and 
 the Congregational minifters of the fix adjacent 
 towns, were declared fucceffors of the board of 
 overfeers, 
 
 * Morfis Geography, VaL 1. p. 340, 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. |pi 
 
 ALL ele&ions, to fill up vacancies in their own 
 body, are made by the corporation ; they alfo 
 cimie all the executive officers j but all thefe elec- 
 tions are laid before the board of overfeers for. 
 their concurrence, as alfo all their votes for the 
 enaction of (landing laws, granting falaries.to the 
 officers of the univerfity, and conferring academi- 
 cal degrees. Other affairs refpe&ing the univer- 
 fity, the corporation manage according to their 
 own difcretion. 
 
 THE executive government confifls of the pre- 
 fident, three profeffors, four tutors, and the li- 
 brarian. They watch over the morals of the ftu- 
 dents, fee that the Handing laws are obeyed, and 
 make difcretionary regulations, in cafes not pro- 
 vided for by the laws. 
 
 THE profeffors and tutors give inftruclions in 
 the univeriity. There is a profeffor in divinity, a 
 profeflbr of mathematics and natural philofophy, 
 and a profeflbr of Hebrew and other oriental Ian-* 
 guages. The two firfl of thefe profefforfhips were 
 founded by Mr. Thomas Holiis, of London, mer- 
 chant ; who alfo prefenied to the univerfity a phi- 
 lofophical apparatus, and a large number of valu- 
 able books ; the divinity profefformip in 1722; 
 the mathematical profeflbrlhip in 1726. The 
 profeflbrfhip of Hebrew, &c. was founded by the 
 hon. Thomas Hancock, Efq. in 1765. Thefe pro- 
 feilormips bear the name of their founders.* 
 
 THE profeffors deliver public lectures to all the 
 ftudents affembled, befide which* they give private 
 
 * Mor/ij Geography, Vol. L p. 417. 
 
H I S T O I< Y O V 
 
 mflructions to each fcholar feparately, in their 
 fevera! branches. 
 
 EVERY fpring, the profeffor of mathematics and 
 natural philofophy gives a courfe of experimental 
 lectures in philofophy, in all its branches, the 
 apparatus furnifhing him with a complete fet of in- 
 fhuments for the purpofe. Thefe lectures are 
 given in the philofophy chamber, to the twoTenior 
 claffes affembled together, fo that each clafs has 
 the lectures repeated. Befides thefe lectures, he 
 gives annually a complete courfe of lectures in af- 
 tronomy, both theoretical and practical, to the 
 fenior clafs. 
 
 THE tutors teach the languages, rhetoric, geo- 
 graphy, hiftory, logic, metaphyfics, ethics, the 
 elements of geometry, natural philofophy and af- 
 tronomy. 
 
 THE R E are foundations laid for two profeffor* 
 fhips in the univerfity, which are not yet come 
 into operation, viz. a profeflbrfhip of rhetoric, and 
 oratory, and a profefforfhip of natural religion, mo- 
 ral philofophy and civil policy. The fund for the 
 firft was a legacy, left by the late Nicholas Roul- 
 ftone, Efq. of Bofton. The fund for the fecond 
 was from the eftate of the late hon. John Al- 
 ford, Efq. of Charleftown. Thefe funds are fad 
 accumulating by intereft, and will foon be fuf- 
 ficient for the purpofes defigned. 
 
 AMONG the proficients and profeflbrs of this 
 univerfity, have been men highly diftinguifhed, 
 both for their natural abilities and acquired aq% 
 complHbments. 
 
NEW. EN GLAND. 505 
 
 THE ftudents are inftru&ed in the learned lan- 
 guages, and the various branches of the arts and 
 fciences. They are annually examined very crit- 
 ically and fully refpe&ing their progrefs, before 
 a committee of the corporation arid overfeers.* 
 
 BESIDES this committee, on the part of the 
 overfeers, who attend the examination, they alfo 
 appoint a committee twice a year to vifit the col- 
 lege, and ftriclly to enquire into its (late* Thefe 
 committees make report to the board of overfeers, 
 and if they judge, that by any new regulations, 
 the interefts of religion, morality and literature 
 can be promoted, they propofe them* The cor- 
 poration more frequently meet y and are always 
 attentive to thefe objects ; fo that great care is 
 taken of the inftitution. 
 
 FOUR years completed courfe of education in 
 the univerfity, at the end of which term, if there 
 are no circumftances prohibiting, the prefident 
 prefents the names of thofe, who have completed 
 their courfe, to the corporation and overfeers, 
 as candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts ; 
 xvho vote them the degree, upon their complying 
 with the exercifes appointed by the executive gov- 
 ernment. At the end of three years, from the 
 time of their receiving the degree of Bachelor of 
 Arts, they may be admitted to that of Matter of 
 Arts, if there be no lawful impediment. 
 
 ALL academical degrees are publicly conferred 
 by the prefident, on the commencement day, 
 which is on the third Wednefday in July annual- 
 
 * Mor/e'j Gtograpfy, VoL I. p. 418. 
 
5 o4 HISTORY OF 
 
 ly. This is one of the moft fplendid anniver fanes 
 in the United States. 
 
 FROM the eftablimment of this college, to the 
 year 1794* 3399 young gentlemen had received 
 its honors, of whom 1079 had been, or were then 
 hiinifters of the gofpel. This moft ancient of ali 
 the American literaiy iriftitutions, has furnimed, 
 both for the church and ftate, its full proportion, 
 of eminently learned and ufeful men. 
 
 THERE are no fellow/hips, for maintaining 
 graduates at the univerfity ; but there is a fund, 
 from the eftate of Edward Hopkins, Efq. of Great- 
 Britain, which yields a confiderable fum annually, 
 towards the fupport of fix refident Bachelors of 
 Arts, appointed by the corporation, which they 
 receive after a certain term of refidence, and pub- 
 licly delivering in the chapel four theological dif- 
 fertations, two in ihe Latin, and two in the Eng- 
 lifli language. 
 
 THE" late governor Bowdoin left the fum of 
 400 1. " the intereft to be annually applied in the 
 way of premiums, for the advancement of ufeful 
 and polite literature among the refidents, as well 
 graduates as undergraduates of the univerfity. 
 The prefident and fellows of the univerfity to give 
 forth fubjecls to be treated upon, judge of the 
 performances, and determine every thing concern- 
 ing this donation, in fuch manner as they mall ap- 
 prehend moft conducive to the defign of it." 
 The corporation have put this excellent, defign in- 
 to operation. 
 
N E W - E N G L A N D. 505 
 
 ! !N the year 1782, a medical inflitution ,%as 
 formed in the univerfity. It confifls of three pro- 
 fefformips, viz. a profefibrfhip of anatomy and fur- 
 gery, a prof eflbi (hip of the theory and practice of 
 phyfic, and a profeflbrmip of chymiftry and mate- 
 ria medica. Each of the profeflbrfhips is eftablifh- 
 ed upon a foundation. Thefe profeiTors give a com- 
 plete courfe of lectures in their feveral branches. 
 
 THE public buildings, belonging to the univer- 
 fity, are Harvard hall, Mafiachufetts hall, Hollis 
 hall, and Holden chapel. The library contains 
 twelve thoufand volumes, and is continually in- 
 creafing by donations, and by the income of a le- 
 gacy, left by the late Thomas Hollis, Efq. of Lon- 
 don. In point of literary value, it is equalled by 
 none in America, and perhaps exceeded by none 
 in the civilized world. The philofophical appara- 
 tus, whidi coft about 1500 1. contains 'a complete 
 fet of inftruments, for exhibiting a courfe of exper- 
 imental lectures in natural philofophy and aftrono- 
 my. Newly invented and improved inftruments 
 are frequently added to the apparatus, which is 
 far fuperior to that of any other feminary of learn- 
 ing in the United States. 
 
 THE mufeum contains a handfome collection of 
 natural and artificial curiofities. It may be faid to 
 be pretty rich in minerals, owing to the munifi- 
 cence of Dr. Lettfom, of London, in the year 
 1794 ; and of the French republic the year folIovV- 
 ing. The collection from thefe two fources, is ex- 
 tenfive and various. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 A COURSE of lectures in natural hiftory, in 
 which mineralogy is particularly attended to, is 
 given every fpring and autumn in the univerfity, 
 by Dr. Waterhoufe ; but there is no profefforfhip 
 of natural hiftory yet eftablifhed. 
 
 IN the year 1797, 3533 young gentlemen were 
 computed to have received their education in the 
 univerfity of Cambridge.* 
 
 THE other feminaries of learning in New-Eng- 
 land, were alfo in a flourifhing fituation. 
 
 ACCORDING to the original charter of Yale col- 
 lege, the truflees were limited to the choice of 
 minifters. In 1792, the general aflembly of Con- 
 necticut panned an " ad for enlarging the powers, 
 and increafmg the funds of Yale college." This 
 aft grants a very generous addition to the funds of 
 that college, on condition that the governor, lieut. 
 governor, andfixfenior counfellors-, be aflbciated 
 with the corporation, in the collegiate government. 
 THE corporation, on the 28th of June, unani- 
 moufly voted their acceptance of this ad ; and this 
 tranfaftion received the general approbation of the 
 clergy, and of the citizens of every defcription, 
 throughout the (late. At the fubfequent com- 
 mencement, in September, a junction was formed 
 between the civilians exprefled in the ac~l, and the 
 members of the old corporation, who from that 
 time conftituted one united board in the govern- 
 ment of the college.! 
 
 THE funds of the college, before the liberal 
 addition made to them in 1792, confifted of rent?, 
 
 * SH Cafa/oguefir \ 797. {* Helmti Life ofPrefident Sfiks, /\4O! , 
 
NE W.ENGLAND. 507 
 
 of land, to the amount of 800 1. a year, about 
 800 1. raifed by tuition money, upon the ftudents, 
 befides funds for the fupport of two profeflbrfhips. 
 
 IN 1792, the college library confided of about 
 3000 volumes. This feminary is furnimed with 
 a valuable philofophical apparatus, and the mufq- 
 um contains many natural curiofities. 
 
 THE three learned languages, together with the 
 liberal arts and fciences, in their feveral branches, 
 and a general courfe of univerfal literature, are 
 taught in this college. 
 
 IN May and September, annually, the feveral 
 claffes are critically examined in all their clalTical 
 ftudies. As incentives to improvement in compo* 
 fition and oratory, quarterly exercifes are appoint- 
 ed by the prefident and tutors, to be exhibited by 
 the refpeclive claries, in rotation, A public com" 
 mencement is held annually, on the fecond Wednef. 
 day in September, which calls together a more 
 numerous and brilliant aflembly, than are con- 
 vened by any other anniverfary in the (late.* 
 
 ON the augmentation of the funds of Yale col- 
 lege, a fufficient fum was applied to the erection 
 of another edifice, which was completed on thq 
 7th of July, 1 794. Another part of the augment- 
 ed funds was applied to the profeflbrfhip of math-' 
 ematics and natural philofophy. 
 
 FROM the foundation of Yale college, to the 
 year 1795, 2372 received their education at this 
 feminary, of which number 618 were educated 
 under the prefidency of Dr. Stiles.t 
 
 * Morfts Geography, Vol. /, />. 459. f Life of PrtfJent Srilti. 
 
5 o8 HISTORY OF 
 
 FROM December, 1776, to June, 1782, the 
 college edifice at Providence, in Rhode-IHand, 
 was ufed by the French and American troops for 
 an hofpital and barracks, fo that the courie of 
 education was interrupted during that period. No 
 degrees were conferred from 17/6 to 1786. From 
 1786 the college again became regular, and is npw 
 very flourifhing, containing upwards of 60 fludents. 
 
 THIS inftitution is under the inft ruction of a 
 prefidcnt, a profelfor of divinity, a profeffor of 
 natural and experimental philofophy, a profeffor 
 of mathematics and aftronomy, a piofeffor of nat- 
 ural hiftory, and three tutors. The inftitution has 
 a library of between two and three thoufand vol- 
 umes, containing a valuable philofophical appara- 
 tus- Nearly all the funds of the college are at in- 
 tereft in the treafury of the flate, and amount to 
 almoft two thoufand pounds. 
 
 IN the year 1/95, 380 young gentlemen had 
 received their education in this college.* 
 
 THE fituation of Dartmouth college, in a fron- 
 tier country, expofed it, during the late war, to 
 many inconveniences, which impeded its profper- 
 ity. It fiouriihed, however, arnidfl ali its embar- 
 laffrnents, and is now one of the moil growing 
 feminaries in the United States. 
 
 THE funds of this college confi (I chiefly of lands, 
 amounting to 80,000 acres, which are increafmg 
 in value, in propoition to the growth of the coun- 
 try. The revenue of the college, ariiingfrom the 
 lands, in 1793 amounted annually to 140!. By 
 
 * Cata'cgMfor 179$. 
 
N E W - E N'OrL A N I). 509 
 
 contracts then made, would amount, in four years 
 after, to 450 1. and in twelve years to 650 1. The 
 income for tuition, is about 600 1. per annum. 
 
 THE number of undergraduates is, on an aver- 
 age, obout 150. A grammar fchool, of about 50 
 or 60 fcholars, is annexed to the college. 
 
 THE ftudents are under the immediate govern- 
 ment and inftru&ion of a prefident, who is alfo 
 profeffor of hiftory ; a profefibr of mathematics 
 and natural philofophy, a profeflbr of languages, 
 and two tutors. The college is furnilhed with a 
 handfome library, and a philosophical apparatus, 
 tolerably complete. A new college was erected 
 in 1786, containing thirty-fix rooms for ftudents. 
 Its fituation is elevated, healthful and pleafant, 
 commanding an extenfive profpect to the weft. 
 There are three other public buildings, belonging 
 to the college.* 
 
 IT was computed in the year 1795, that 621 ftu- 
 dents had received their education at this feminary. 
 
 IN October, 1791, the legiilature of the ftate 
 of Vermont paffed an ad for eftablifhing a univer- 
 fity at Burlington, on Lake Champlain, in a de- 
 lightful (ituation, on the fouth fide of the Win- 
 ouiki, or Onion river, and appointed ten truftees. 
 The fum of 6000 1. was fecured by donation, 
 part of which is to be applied to the erecting of 
 buildings, and part fettled as a fund for the fup- 
 port of the inftitution. There have been referved, 
 in the feveral grants made by this ftate, about 
 33,000 acres of land, for the ufe of the univerfi- 
 
 * Mor/t's Geography, Vol. I. p. 376. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 ty. This, in a few years, will become a valua* 
 ble fund.* 
 
 A NUMBER of years have elapfed, fmce the 
 adoption of the federal conftitution, during which 
 time experience has fully evinced its diftinguifhing 
 excellences ; and the flourifhing ftate of the coun- 
 try has exhibited the bleilings of a wife adminiftra- 
 tion. The beloved commander of the American 
 forces, who excelled the molt celebrated heroes in 
 the field, was equally eminent in the cabinet ; and, 
 after prefiding at the head of the union with an 
 unrivalled fublimity of character, crowned with 
 the fervent benedictions of a grateful people, he 
 retired to fpend the remainder of his days in tran- 
 quil folitude. But, the alarming afpect of affairs 
 again roufes his glowing patriotifm, and he cheer- 
 fully relinquifhes the fweets of retirement, and 
 nragnanimoufly takes the chief command of the 
 aimiesofthe United States,! to reanimate their 
 courage, and add energy to their exertions. This 
 evinces the mod noble and difmterefted virtue, 
 and adds the brighteft luftre to his immortal fame, 
 while the Americans behold with triumph the he- 
 roic deliverer of their country, generoufly devot- 
 ing the remnant of his life to its defence. 
 
 AT the prefent critical period, the United States 
 contemplate with exalted fatisfa&ion, the illuftri- 
 
 * ^he compiler of the Hi/lory of New-England has tranfcribed 
 the greateft part of the account of the feminaries of learning from 
 Dr. Morje't Geography, becauj'e foe hat found it impoffibie to gi<ve 
 fuch u concije and accurate account in any other words ; at d becauj$ 
 there have been but few alterations fine e the lajl edition of his Gto 
 graphy, in 1796, from -ivhich the quotations are xiade. 
 
 t 73. 1798. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND. 511 
 
 ous Adams, a native of New-England, placed at 
 the head of government. His penetrating genius, 
 and foiid judgment, the dignified calmnefs, blend- 
 ed with the energy of his character, his profound 
 political knowledge, his early and perfevering ex- 
 ertions for the liberties of his country, his invio- 
 lable integrity and fmcerity, his invincible firm- 
 nefs, fupreme regard for religion, and the recfci* 
 tude and prudence of his prefent adminiftration, 
 promife all the fuccefs that human wifdom can en. 
 fure, and open to the United States a fair prof- 
 peck of increafmg refpeciability. 
 
 IN reviewing the hiftory of New-England, and 
 the late American revolution, we find the won- 
 ders of divine Providence, rifing confpicuouily in 
 every fcene. At firft we behold a fmall number 
 of people, who, when oppreft by cruel perfecu- 
 tion, preferred the facred rights of confcience to 
 all earthly enjoyments, and exchanged their na- 
 tive country for a dreary wildernefs, inhabited by 
 favages. After ftruggling with complicated hard- 
 fhips, the wiidernafs, at length, was made to blof- 
 fom " like a rofe," by the hand of perfevering 
 induftry. The perfecution in England proved the 
 mean of planting flouriming colonies in the new 
 world ; and though their profperity was fometimes 
 clouded, yet their misfortunes, and even their 
 prejudices and bigotry were overruled for good. 
 Thofe emigrants, who were driven from MafTachu- 
 fetts by perfecution, formed new fettlements. The 
 colonies increafed, and rofe in wealth ; and the 
 interpofing hand of Heaven protected them under 
 
5 i2 HIST O R Y OF 
 
 every difficulty. When involved in the diftrei- 
 fing Philipic war, they were enabled to fubdue 
 their favage enemies. When they were deprived 
 of their charters, the fudden revolution in Eng- 
 land relieved them from the oppreffion of arbitra- 
 ry power. When the united efforts of the French 
 and their Indian allies were levelled againfl them, 
 the conquering arms of Britain and her colonies 
 fruft rated their attempts. Then arrived the im- 
 portant era, when Britain exerted her utmoft 
 ftrength to deprive them of their dearly purchafed 
 privileges. Arms mud finally decide the conteft ; 
 and a new country, under great difad vantages, 
 was involved in an unequal war with that po- 
 tent nation, which had recently bafiled the unit- 
 ed powers of France and Spain. Infpired by 
 the facred flame of liberty, the Americans triumph- 
 ed over the well difciplined forces of the parent 
 ftate. Britain was defeated by the arms fhe def- 
 pifed ; and after expending nearly an hundred 
 millions of money, and lofing an hundred thou- 
 fand lives, was reduced to the humiliating necefli- 
 ty of acknowledging the independence of the 
 United States. 
 
 AFTER independence was obtained by the fvvord, 
 and acknowledged by the neighboring nations, a 
 fpirit of anarchy threatened the fubverfion of our 
 recently acquired liberty. The interpofition of 
 Providence was vifible, at this alarming crifis, in 
 caufmg thofe tumults finally to terminate in the 
 eflablifhtnent of the federal conftitution, which 
 
N E W-EN G L A N D. 513 
 
 placed the privileges of the United States on a 
 permanent foundation. 
 
 EXALTED from a feeble ilate to opulence and 
 independence, the federal Americans are now re- 
 cognized as a nation throughout the globe. From 
 a comparifon of their former with their prefent 
 circumftances, the mind is expanded to contem- 
 plate fcenes of future grandeur, and is led to con- 
 clude, that the United States are advancing in, 
 knowledge and happinefs, while the wealth and 
 power of more ancient governments is rapidly 
 declining. The highly favored Americans ought 
 to raife their minds in grateful afpirations to Hea- 
 ven, that the fair profpect may never be reverfed, 
 by a fpirit of anarchy prevailing among the peo- 
 ple ; but that GENUINE LIBERTY, united <wlth 
 ORDER and GOOD GOVERNMENT, may continue- 
 to dhTufe their bleffings through the widely ex- 
 tended union. 
 
 R R r 
 
NOTES. 
 
 /V Chapter I. />. 1 1. 
 
 X HE court of high commiilion had been evened 
 by Elizabeth, in confequence of an act of parliament, pailcd 
 in the beginning of her reign, in order to arm the fovereign with 
 full power to fupprefs all oppofition. All appeals from the 
 inferior courts were carried before the high commWion. Ev- 
 ery breach of the act of uniformity was cognizable in this 
 court. See Hume's Hift. of England. Vol. V. p. 158. 
 
 For Chapter II. p. 25. 
 
 The Stnr-Chamber was a court compo-fed of certain noble- 
 men, biihops, judges and counfellors of the fovereign *s nomi- 
 nation, to the number of twenty or thirty, with his majefty 
 at their head. The determinations of this court, are not by 
 the verdict of a jury, nor by any ffcatute law of the land, but 
 by the will of the fovereign ; yet are as binding as any act of 
 parliament. Neal, Vol. I, p. 5, 
 
 For Chapter XV. p. 192. 
 
 Though the inhabitants of Connecticut were fuccefsful in 
 preferving their charter, governor Dudley, and other men of 
 arbitrary principles, fo far ilicceedcd in Aeir attempts againft 
 their privileges, that in the latter part of the reign of King 
 William, a bill was prepared for reuniting -all die charter 
 governments to the crown. When they found the bill could 
 not be carried, they made a. more open and powerful oppo- 
 iiuon to the -charter rights of Connecticut, but all their-at- 
 ttmptswere frullrated. See Trumbull, p. 432 433. 
 
A LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 A. Abraham Cummings, A.M. Frceport. 
 
 JOHN ADAMS, L. L. D. Prefi- D. 
 
 dent of the United States, Quin- Mr. Andrew Dexter, Mendon. 
 cy (Maff.) 3 copies. Stephen Defter, Provider ce. 
 
 Mrs. ABIGAIL ADAMS, do. Rev. Timothy Dickinfon, Holliflon. 
 
 John Quincy Adams, Efq. Minifter Simeon Doggett, A. M. Preceptor 
 
 at the court of Berlin. of Taunt on academy. 
 
 Charles Adams, Efq. Counfelkir at John Dorrance, Efq. Providence. 
 
 law, .New-York. Mr. SamueJ Doufe, Charlefton. 
 
 Thomas BoyLftcn Adams, Efq. Phi- Edward Dowfe, Efq. Dedham. 
 
 ladelphia. Elijah Dunbar, A. M. Canton. 
 
 Hon. Samuel Adams, Efq. Bofton. Thomas D wight, Efq. Springfield. 
 Elijah Adams, Efq. Medfield. _ 
 
 Mr. Peter Adams, Franklin. Rev> j ofeph EoklcV) D> D> Bofton> 
 
 Benjamin Allen, A. M. Preceptor Richard R. Elliot, Watertow*. 
 
 of the academy at Plamficld. j ames E1 j k Ef Attorney at law 
 
 Morrill Allen, A. JB. Providence. J R eno both. 
 
 Hon. Fifher Ames, Efq. Dedham. Rev . NathL Emmons, DJX Franklin. 
 Mrs. Grizzle Apthorp, Bofton. 
 Rev.JamesArmftror.j>;,Trenton(NJ.) 
 
 Welcome Arnold, Efq. Providence. Eli{ha Fairbank, A. M. Franklin. 
 Dr. George Afpinwall, Savannah. Eliftia Fiflc > A - M - Tutott ' in Provi- 
 Rev. David Avtry, Union. dence college. 
 
 Mr. William Fofter, Bofton. 
 Capt. Samuel Fofter, Scituatc. 
 
 Rev. John Barker, Middleborough. Mr . j acob R> Flintj Reading. 
 Dr. Thomas Bartlet, Eofton. j ohn Franc i Sj Providence, 
 
 Mr. Samuel Bafs, Randolph. Rev . j ames tree man, Bofton. 
 
 Capt. John Baxter, Medfield. Dr> Mofes Frcnch> B raintree. 
 
 Dr. Cyrus Bean Wrentham. Mr . j ofeph Fuller Newt on. 
 
 Kev. Jeremy Belknap, D. D. Bofcon. 
 George Benfon, Efq. Providence. 
 
 Mifs Sufanna Binney, Watertown. His Honor Mofes Gill Liei!t - Gov - 
 Mr.George Bird, Needham, 6 copies. of Maffachufetts, Princeton, ^ cop. 
 Jabez Bowen, Efq. Providence. Chriftopher Gore, Efq. Bofton. 
 
 Rev. John Bradford, Roxbury. Mn Nathaniel Gorham, do. 
 
 Ifaac Bramin, JLynfield. Mrs - Elizabeth Gray, do. 
 
 Hon. John Brown, Efq. Providence. H. 
 
 Mr. Mofes Brown, do. Rev. Jafon Haven, Dedham-. 
 
 Nicholas Brown, Efq. do. Col. Benjamin Hawes, Wrentham. 
 
 Mr. Obadiah Brown, do. Mr. Levi Hawes, Franklin. 
 
 Mrs. Avis Brown, do. Rev. Enos Hitchcock, D. D. Provi* 
 
 Charles Bulfinch, M. D. Boftoii. dence. 
 
 Rev. John Bullard, PepperiU. Rev. Abiel Holmes, Cambridge. 
 
 Jofeph Bryan, Efq. Savannah. Jonathan Homer, Newton. 
 
 Capt. Beriah Braftow, Wrentkam. Simeon Hov/ard, D. D. Bofton. 
 
 C, Zachariah Howard, Canton. 
 
 Rev. John Clark, D. D. Boftoru Hon - David Howell, Providence. 
 
 Pitt Clark, Norton. Major-General Hull, Newton. 
 
 Mr. Phillips Clark, Medfield. Mr * J ofe P h Hurd ' Charlefton. 
 
 John I. Clark, Efq. Providence. David H ) rflo P E % Brooklinc. 
 Mr. Francis Childs, Dedham. I. J. 
 
 Col. Peter Church, Briftol. Mr. Thomas P. Ives, Providence. 
 
 Mr. Caleb Clap, Bofton. John Jeffrks, M. D. Bofton 
 
 Jeffe Clap, Dedham. John Jones, Efq. Hopkinton. 
 
 Rev. John Cleavelaud, Wrentham, Hon. John C. Jo-cs, i"q. Bofton. 
 
SUBSCRIBER S> N AM E S. 
 
 Mr. John P. Jones, Providence. Abijah Richardfon, Efq. Medway. 
 Thomas Jones, do. Mr. James Richardfon, Student at 
 
 j,- law, Dcdham. 
 
 Rev. John T. Kirkland, Bofton, ^ co. ^ N T^ R^^ cT^bft "" 
 Mr. Jofeph Kingfbury, Dedham. ' ' ;L _ L J . *,' j* ' * 
 
 Dr. Lemuel KolLock, Savannah, 6 co. -. * ,, . K ^ ,' . Iq ' Boltolu 
 
 Rev. Jofeph Ruffel, Princeton. 
 
 Dr. John Larkin, Charfcfton Mf< Job Samf D ' uxb h . 
 
 John JLatnrop, mn. Elq. Dedham. T^'UJO r j TV/TJ 
 
 "4 /r-r i^ i i f j \T icnaboa baniora, Me d way. 
 
 Aliis Pedcty Leonard, JNcrton. iinr o - -on. 
 
 T - t T n \ /r i William Saxton, Bofton. 
 
 Capt. Jolepn I-ovell, Med\vay. q =1 Q tt Ff i\ 
 
 Mr. Edward Lorinij, Savannah. i -*t o i_ TT t--n 
 
 T , T r . ,^' , T , Rev. Hezekiah Smith, Haverhill, 
 
 John Lufcome, A.M. launton, 3 co. Mf Barncy gmlth) Bofton> 
 
 M. Mifr, Jemima Smith, Medneld. 
 
 Dr. Bezeliel Mann, Attleborough. Capt. Samuel Snow, Providence, 
 
 James Mann, Wrentham. Rev. Samuel Stillman, D.D. BoftoiT. 
 
 Mr. Amherft Mann, do. Dr. Jeremy Stimfoa, Hopkinton. 
 
 Elias Mann, Medfi.:ld. Capt. Timothy Stow, Deuham, 
 
 Reuben Marfh, Hopkinton. Rev. Jona. Strong, Randolph, 3 cb. 
 Johnfon Mafon, Medfield. Mr. Cyprian Sterry, Providence. 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, Pretident of Ephm. Starkweather, Efq. Rehoboth. 
 
 R. I. college, Providence. p 
 
 Dr. Paul R. Mt-tcalf, Wrentham. Rev . B avid Tapan, D.D. Cambridge. 
 Mifs Rebcfcca A -[criam, Wa.pole. Dn j onat han Tay, Sherburne. 
 Dr. Nathaniel Miller, Franklin. Rcy> Thomas Thacher, Deuham. 
 Phineaa Mills, Efq. Savannah. Horatio Townfend, E% Attorney 
 
 Dr. Afa Miles, WcftminAct. at j aw Mediield. 
 
 Rev. William Montagu, Dedham. Mifs Sarah Townfend, do. 
 
 Jedediah Morfe, D.D. Charlef- Rev> Ben j Trumbull, D. D. North- 
 
 [town. Haven. V. 
 
 Ebenezer Morfe, Boylftone. Mr> B- yaughan, Little-Cambridge. 
 John Morfe, Green-River. 
 
 Mifs Mary Morfe, Medfield. J \ V * r 
 
 Mr. James Morfe, do. Deciu Wdfwrtb, Efq.. Attorney 
 
 .Perez Morton, Efq. Bofkm. ^^ la ^ v ' Savannah. 
 
 M-' r arah Morton do Mr> Ro ^ crt Watts, do. 
 
 Fofter Waterman, A. M. Bofroru 
 
 N. Ben], Watcrhoufe, M.D. Cambridge* 
 
 Mr. Stephen S. Nelfon, Mid.lkboro. Col. Jofeph Ward, Newton. 
 TpfcyhNigUtinga^ Efq. Providence. Mr. Benjamin Ware, Sherburne. 
 Rev. Jacob Norton, Weymouth. J o hu Ware, Newton. 
 
 Q Hon. Oliver Wcndel, Bofton. 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Ofgood, Gardner. Mifs Siify Wcndel, do 
 
 Rev. Samuel Wcfl, D. D. do. 
 Mr. Oiivtr Wheelock, Medfielu. 
 
 Mr. George Paine, Bofton, a copies. Mifg Hannah Whitney, Sherburns. 
 John A. Parkman, Wcftborou. Dr> Ifrael Chiton, Winchendon. 
 Stauton Parker, Cambridge. R( , v> Hcnry wigljt, Briftol. 
 k = v. Seth PayA.n, Rindge. Miii Thankful Wight, MedfielJ. 
 
 Mr. John Pc-pou, 1'utor in Cam- R( , y< j u f c p} 1 Willard, D. D. Prefi- 
 
 briuge college. j ent o r Cambridge college. 
 
 Mr. Silvaum Porter, Bofton. Rev> \villiam Williams, Wrentham, 
 
 Kev. Thomas Prentifs, Medneld. Thcmaa Williams, jun. Efq. Attor r 
 ]Wr.. Abigail Prefect, Boftoa. Key at law? Rox bury. 
 
 Mifs Eliza Price, Hopkinton, a cop. Rcy> j amcs Wilfon, Providence. 
 
 R. Mr. Jofiah Wilder, Rir.dgc. 
 
 Kon.Daviil Ramiay, M.D. Charlef- Hon. James Wmthrop, Cambridge, 2 
 
 ton (S. C.) Capt. Charles De Wolfe, Briftol. 
 
 Rev. Aia'ph Puce, Weftminftes, Rev. Ltthcr Wright, Mcdway* 
 
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