Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 60, 1883 (part 1 of 3)

Military Affairs During The Colonial Period

Military organization and discipline were among the very earliest matters for which provision was made by the colony. In 1634 it was ordered " That all and every person within the colony be subject to such military order for training and exercise of arms as shall be thought meet, agreed on, and prescribed by the Governor and assistants." In 1641 it was ordered that a barrel of powder, and lead or bullets answerable, be provided by every township. In 1640 it was required that there be six trainings a year. This law was re-enacted several times until 1677, when the number of trainings was reduced to four a year.

As has been already mentioned, as early as March, 1638-39, it was ordered " that Capt. Poole shall exercise the inhabitants of Cohannett in their amies." No other military officer seems to have been appointed until June, 1651, when Mr. Oliver Purchase was "allowed and approved to be ensign-bearer of the military company of Taunton." In October following, James Wyatt was similarly appointed to be lieutenant.

Sept. 27, 1642, a special session of the court was held to provide forces for an offensive and defensive war against the Indians. All the inhabitants were warned, yet, in the language of the record, "they appeared by their several deputies as they had liberty to do." Capt. William Poole and Henry Andrews appeared for Taunton. Intelligence had been received of a general conspiracy among the Indians to cut off all the English, and prompt and vigorous measures were adopted to meet the danger. The several towns were rated to defray the charges for the soldiers that might be sent forth. Taunton's rate was two pounds, ten shillings. A Council of War was chosen, consisting of the Governor and eleven other persons, one of whom was Mr. John Browne, of Taunton, who were invested with extraordinary powers in all matters relating to the military forces of the colony.

It was also " agreed and concluded that Mr. Edward' Winslow, Mr. Tymothy Hatherly, and Capt. Miles Standish shall be sent into the Bay to and have power to agitate and conclude with them for a present combination with them in the present wars, and to treat with them about a further combination or league, but not to conclude that without consent of the court here." This was the first step taken by Plymouth Colony towards a general confederation of the New England colonies. It resulted in 1643 in the adoption of articles of confederation between the colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven. Plymouth authorized Edward Winslow and William Collyer to subscribe the articles in the name of the colony, which was done at Boston, Sept. 7, 1043.

One of the articles provided that the commissioners for each jurisdiction from time to time should bring in a true account of all their males from sixteen years old to sixty being inhabitants. The charges of all just wars, both in men, provisions, and all other disbursements, were to be borne by the members of the confederation in proportion to the number of males thus returned. In obedience to this requirement each of the towns in the colony sent in a list of their males between the prescribed ages. These lists are | given in volume viii. of Plymouth Colonial Records, and are of very great value as showing nearly the entire adult population of the colony at that date. The Taunton list is here given. It constituted Capt. j Pool's company :

Twenty-five of the foregoing names are found in the list of original purchasers. Of the twenty other males on that list some were dead, some are known to have left the town, and others were probably above sixty.

A special court was called Oct. 10, 1643, upon occasion of the insurrection of the Indians against the Dutch and English at Manhattan. It was concluded and agreed upon to raise and make ready thirty men for the war, according to their proportion with the other confederates. "The rule which was thought most equal for number of persons in every township was to take one of a score in every township." Taunton was to furnish three, and was to pay a rate of two pounds ten shillings towards the charges. John Strong and Richard Williams were the deputies from Taunton at this court. The proposed expedition seems not to have been sent forth.

At the court held Aug. 20, 1644, " Attachments are to be sent forth to bring in the bodies of George Massy, John Maycumber, Thomas Coggen & Jacob Wilson, for non appearance this Court, for making the allarum at Taunton."

Governor Winslow and Mr. John Browne, of Taunton, were chosen commissioners by Plymouth Colony for the year 1644, to treat with the commissioners from the other colonies of the confederation, each colony being allowed to send two.

There was another alarm of war in 1645, occasioned by the threats of the Narragansett Indians against Uncas, sachem of the Monheagans. The commissioners of the United Colonies met in Boston in July, and determined to raise a force of three hundred men, of wdiich Plymouth was to provide forty. These were under the command of Capt. Standish, who went forth about the middle of August to the relief of Uncas, and marched as far as Rehoboth, where he was to meet the forces from Massachusetts. But the Narragansett sachems, becoming alarmed, in the mean time repaired to Boston and sued for peace. A treaty was the result, and the troops were recalled. " The towns of Taunton and Rehoboth were freed from sending forth any men in regard they are frontier towns, and billeted the soldiers during the time they were forth." The towns were rated for the charges of the war. Taunton's rate was five pounds, two shillings, and sixpence. The court for special consideration abated twenty shillings to Barnstable and forty shillings to Taunton, adding that it should not be a precedent for after-times ; " and Rehoboth was not rated at all, both because it was a new plantation, and billeted all the soldiers freely during all the time they staid there."

July 7, 1646, the court ordered that the committees of every town send the names of all their males from sixteen years of age to sixty to the Governor, sealed up, by the 1st of August next. If such lists were sent in they do not appear on the published records.

At the General Court, June, 1649, the whole body of freemen assembled, and on account of the unsettled state of public affairs in their native country, unanimously concluded not to proceed in the election of magistrates and other officers, and that all officers should continue in their places for the year to come. Charles I. had been beheaded January 30th of that year, and the sombre shadow of the English revolution fell upon the young colony.

been received that the Indians had been murdering some of the English at Stamford, in Connecticut, and other places, and threats were made of further violence. The commissioners for the United Colonies had signified to the several colonies to be in readiness with their forces in case of need. The court therefore ordered that due provision, both of men and ammunition, with powder and shot and necessary provision for forty men for three months, be forthwith made, and that every town provide for their own men. Capt. Standish was appointed general officer. No further action in the matter appears.

March, 1652, the grand jury presented the town of Taunton for not having a common stock of powder and shot according to order. It is added to the record, "They will endeavor forthwith to provide." Other towns in the colony were frequently presented for their shortcomings in failing to keep up military discipline, or in not having the required stock of ammunition on hand.

In April, 1653, the court took action as follows: " Whereas, We have intelligence out of our native country of danger that may be towards us in regard of the great variance betwixt the two nations of Holland and England, the court have ordered that warrants be directed to every town within the government forthwith, to require them to make choice of two deputies for each town, to meet with the magistrates at Plymouth, on Wednesday, the sixth of April next, and with them to treat and conclude on such military affairs as through God's blessing may probably tend to our present and future safety."

Ensign Purchase appeared as deputy from Taunton. Lieut. Wyatt, the other deputy, was fined for his nonappearance. Important military orders were adopted affecting all the towns in the colony, the principal of which were these: Fifty pounds to be raised from the several towns for the purchase of powder and shot, arms and locks sent out of England ; the military officers of every company to present the defects of the arms of their companies at the next Court of Assistants ; a military watch in every town to be continued until further order ; all men, though above the age of sixty, to watch in their turn, except such as through both age and poverty are disabled, either by finding a sufficient man or in their own person ; and such widows as have estates to bear their part by finding one to watch according to their proportions ; that a considerable company of half pikes be provided in every town at the charge of the township; that every town should provide a barrel of powder' and bullets in proportion for every fifty soldiers ; that no man make an alarm without apparent danger, one gunshot in the night to be taken as an alarm to the town, to be answered by any man hearing the same ; three shots or continued shooting, or the beat of a drum, to be an alarm to be taken from town to town ; that in case any town be distressed by real assault upon them, such towns as have certain intelligence thereof to afford relief; that one-third of every company bring their arms, with powder and shot, to the meetings on the Lord's day, forenoon and afternoon. The court also recommended to every town to provide some place of security whither they might bring their wives and children in times of imminent danger. They also engaged, in behalf of the country, to provide the sum of thirty pounds to hire a guard for the Governor's person, and the deputies undertook, in behalf of their several towns, to provide their proportions, Ensign Purchase engaging for Taunton. In regard of the many appearances of danger towards the country by enemies, and the great necessity of counsel and advice in that respect, the court thought it meet to make choice of a Council of War. Nine persons were accordingly elected., one of whom was Mr. John Browne, formerly of Taunton.

This Council met at Plymouth, May 12, 1653, and having received intelligence from the commissioners met at Boston of their agitations concerning a war with the Dutch in these parts of America, concluded after due deliberation to be in readiness, through the help of God, to assist and engage therein according to their proportions and utmost abilities. Warrants were accordingly issued for the pressing of sixty men able and fit for war, if need shall require, to be taken from the several towns according to their proportion. Plymouth was to provide seven, Duxburrow six, Scituate nine, Sandwich six, Taunton five, Yarmouth six, Barnstable six, Marshfield six, Rehoboth six, Eastham three. The commanders appointed for the expedition were Miles Standish for captain, Thomas Southworth for lieutenant, and Hezekiah Hoar, of Taunton, for ensign.

A query was proposed to be made to the next court, whether such persons as are pressed to go forth as soldiers on public se&vice, their estates shall be liable to be rated towards the payment of their wages or not.

It seems there was no call for this expedition during the year. At a meeting of the Council at Plym-, outh, June 20, 165-4, warrants were issued in the name of His Highness the Lord Protector of England, Ireland, and Scotland for the pressing of fifty men to go forth with Maj. Robert Sedgwick and Capt. John Leveritt on an intended expedition against the Dutch at the Monhatoes. Of this number Taunton was to furnish five. Matthew Fuller was substituted for lieutenant ; the other officers were the same as for the first expedition. On the 23d of June, however, tidings were received of a peace between England and Holland, and all further preparations ceased.

At the court held Oct. 3, 1654, the commissioners for Plymouth informed the court that at their last meeting it had been determined to send a certain number of horse and footmen on a special message to Ninnegrett, the Niantick sachem, and in case there should be necessity they had jointly agreed to send a second supply of men out of the four United Colonies to war against the said Ninnegrett. Warrants were accordingly directed to the constables of each town to press the due proportion of men out of each town. Five was the share of Taunton. The following year the towns were rated to pay the charges of the expedition, Taunton's amount being £3 14s.

At the October court, 1655, " In answer to a petition preferred by three men belonging to the ironworks at Taunton, requesting that they may be exempted from training, the court doth grant that at such time as when their worke is in hand that they are exempted, unless upon some special case of watching that may arise." The names of these three men are not given. In June, 1662, appears this order : " James Leonard, of Taunton, was freed from training in the military company of Taunton in reference to his calling, being a bloomer, and in respect to a former order of court wherein he was exempted in that respect." By the reference to the former order it is probable he was one of the three before exempted. James Leonard was one of the founders of the iron-works in Taunton in 1652, said to be the first establishment of the kind in North America. This action of the court shows the high value set upon the enterprise by the government. It is also a pleasant and significant foreshadowing' of the policy ever since pursued by Massachusetts in fostering her manufactures.

In 1656, Capt. Miles Standish died at an advanced age. In all military matters he was most trusted and relied upon, and a few years before had been appointed chief military officer of the colony, but without any other distinctive military title than that of captain. In 1658 the court, by joint consent, agreed that a chief military officer should be chosen to be styled a major, and at a meeting of the Council of War in October of that year, Capt. Josias Winslow was chosen to that office and received his commission as major. A council, with whom he was to be ready on all occasions to advise, was also appointed, consisting of nineteen military officers, of whom Capt. William Poole, of Taunton, was one.

The country's stock of powder and lead was disposed of among some of the towns where it was thought most convenient for the public use. A barrel of powder and a quantity of lead was committed to the charge of James Leonard, of Taunton.

James Wyatt, the lieutenant of the Taunton company, was found dead in his meadow, July 5, 1664, and a jury was summoned to inquire into the cause of his death. The jury found that on the day mentioned he rode to a meadow of his to cut grass, a servant of his, an Indian boy, following him, and when he came to the meadow he found his master dead. John Hall, Thomas Deane, and James Bell rode to the meadow, and there found that he had cut some grass, and was gone out of the meadow, and was there fallen down dead ; and upon search the said jury finds not any cause of any violent death, but the immediate hand of the Lord.

The following June (1665), Ensign George Macey was appointed lieutenant and Thomas Leonard ensign. Oliver Purchase, the former ensign, had removed to Lynn as early as 1(560, and probably some time before, as in that year he was a deputy from Lynn to the General Court in Boston.

The Council of War met at Plymouth, April 2, 1667, and passed a number of important orders. From the character of some of these orders the meeting seems to have been occasioned by the hostilities then in progress between Charles II. and the Dutch and French. It was determined " that Dutch and French be looked upon as our common enemy while so to our nation, and shall be resisted, opposed, and expelled by the forces of this jurisdiction to their utmost power, and that all advantages shall be used to that end." The Indian sachems were advised to employ their men in looking out to sea for shipping, and give speedy intelligence to the English of any vessel and their motions. It was ordered that every town provide some " place of retire" for their women and children in case of an alarm, as the discretion of each place may guide them, that so the men may with less distraction face an enemy. Men were appointed to be of council with the commissioned officers in each town, and it was ordered "that it shall be in the power of such as are appointed a council in every town, in any exigent or sudden occasion, to dispose of the general stock of arms and ammunition in that town, or any part of it as occasion may require." James Walker, William Harvey, and Richard Williams were appointed to be of council in Taunton.

Taunton had now been settled for more than thirty years. It had gradually increased in population. Settlements had been pushed northerly as far as Winnicunnet Pond, where in 1669, William Witherell had established himself on its southeasterly shore. Southerly, on the easterly side of the Great River, the settlements had extended nearly if not quite to Assonet Neck, and on the westerly side below Three-Mile River, while to the eastward they reached beyond Squabinauset and nearly to Titicut. Of course the dwellings were scattered, and, in the remote parts of the town, widely separated.

While during all this time military discipline had been carefully attended to, and there had been several occasions when soldiers were called forth upon some alarm of war, and constant watchfulness had been exercised in respect to their Indian neighbors, it had really been a period of substantial peace. Of an Indian war they had had no experience. The possibility of such a war was perhaps always before them, but with so little probability that it occasioned no uneasiness. The Pequot war was over before the settlement of Taunton, and it was mainly confined to ; Connecticut. During the lifetime of the good old i Massasoit the treaty made by him with Plymouth

-was faithfully observed. Upon his deatlvin 1661, he was succeeded by his oldest son, Wamsutta alias Alexander. He lived only about a year, dying some time in 1662. His brother Pometacom, or Metacomet, as it is sometimes written, but better known by his English name Philip, then became the chief sachem of the Wampanoags. It soon became evident that Philip was no lover of the English. He could not look complacently upon the rapid growth of their settlements, and the consequent crowding of his race into constantly narrowing quarters. The Plymouth government became suspicious of him. Rumors came to them that he was secretly plotting with the Narragansetts and other tribes against them for their extermination. He was sent for to make his appearance at Plymouth on the 6th of August, 1662, that he might clear himself from these suspicions. Philip appeared, and professed himself desirous to continue the friendship and amity that had formerly subsisted between them and his deceased father and brother, and he signed a treaty of submission and mutual friendship and helpfulness. His uncle Uncompowett also signed the treaty.

In the summer of 1667 he was again sent for to clear up reports that he had expressed himself ready to join with the French or Dutch against the English. He again succeeded in putting a fair face upon the matter, and upon his earnest protestations of friendship was allowed to depart, and for three years nothing occurred to occasion any special apprehension. Early in 1671, from some real or pretended injury to his planting lands by the English he began to make hostile demonstrations, and the Plymouth government, taking the alarm, sent messengers to Boston with a request that the Massachusetts government would use its endeavors to induce Philip to become peaceable. They also sent messengers to Philip to discover his intentions. Massachusetts, anxious to prevent a rupture, sent word to Philip to meet certain gentlemen whom they would appoint, with others from Plymouth, at Taunton, that they might, if possible, reconcile the differences that existed between them. William Davis, William Hudson, and Thomas Brattle were deputed on the part of Massachusetts, and Governor Prence, Josias Winslow, and Constant Southworth, with some others, appeared for Plymouth. They met at Taunton, April 10th, and while conferring together a messenger from Philip arrived with the information that he was at Three-Mile River (some four miles south of the village), and wished the Governor of Plymouth to meet him there. This the Governor declined to do, and sent Mr. James Brown and Mr. Roger Williams to desire Philip to come to the Green, that being the place appointed for the meeting. They found Philip with quite a body of his men painted and equipped as if expecting a battle. Philip finally consented to come if hostages were left with his men, and Mr. Brown and Mr. Williams remained with a part of his men as hostages.

He then came accompanied by some of his force as far as the grist-mill, which stood on the west side of Mill River, between the present Cohannet and Winthrop Streets, having taken the precaution to post sentinels on Crossman's Hill in his rear, and again sent for the Governor to meet him there. The townspeople with the Plymouth men becoming exasperated, were eager to attack Philip, but the Massachusetts commissioners wisely interposed, and prevented so rash an outbreak, and prevailed on Philip to come to the Green, he stipulating that the conference should be held in the meeting-house, he and his men to occupy one side, and the English the other.

Never before had the old meeting-house witnessed so remarkable a scene. Civilization and barbarism were arrayed against each other, and the result could not be doubtful. Our sympathies are involuntarily awakened for the proud and independent race destined to fade away. But it was a crisis for the broader and more important interests of civilization and Christianity. Had Philip succeeded in the scheme which he was then engaged in maturing, of uniting all the native tribes of New England and New York for the extermination of all the European settlements, its effects, it can be seen, would have been most disastrous to the highest interests of humanity.

Philip, being confronted with the charges made by the commissioners, at first denied having any hostile designs, and averred that his warlike preparations were directed against the Narragansetts ; but upon being told that they had proof that he was on better terms with them than ever, he was covered with confusion and acknowledged the truth of the charges. He was required by the commissioners to make reparation for past injuries and to give security against such injuries in the future. The first part of the requirement was abandoned, but he was required to give up his arms. The following submission was drawn up, which he signed. It may be found in Mather's " Brief History of King Philip's War."

" Whereas my father, my brother, aud myself, have formerly submitted ourselves and our people unto the king's majesty of England, and to this colony of New Plymouth, by solemn covenant under our hand; but I having of late, through my indiscretion, and the naughtiness of my heart, violated and broken this my covenant with my friends, by taking up arms with evil intent against them, and that groundlessly ; I being now deeply sensible of my unfaithfulness and foil}', do desire at this time solemnly to renew my covenant with my ancient friends, and my father's friends above mentioned, and do desire (that) this may testily to the world against me, if ever I shall again fail in my faithfulness towards them (whom I have now and at all times found so kind to me) or any other of the English colonies ; and as a real pledge of my true intentions, for the future to be faithful and friendly, I do freely engage to resign up unto the government of New Plymouth, all my English arms, to be kept by them for their security, so long as they shall see reason. For the true performance of the premises, I have hereunto set my hand, together with the rest of my council.

Taunton

It was obvious that so humiliating a submission would not result in a permanent peace. Some of his captains were so angry at him on account of it that they could scarcely forbear seeking immediate vengeance. Hubbard says that one of them, of far better courage than himself, when he saw his cowardly temper and disposition, flung down his arms, saying he would never own him again or fight under him, and immediately joined the English, and fought on their side throughout the war that followed.

The arms of the Indians were not sent in as the Plymouth government claimed they ought to have been by the terms of the treaty. It could not reasonably have been expected. Fire-arms had become a necessity to the Indians, not only for offensive and defensive warfare, but as instruments in procuring a livelihood. It is not strange, then, that in June following the court should find reason to complain that Philip, instead of influencing his subjects to bring in their arms, had taken means to secrete them and carry them away beyond their reach. The arms that had been surrendered were distributed among the towns, and Philip saw that his own arms, instead of being returned, were likely to be used against him.

Active measures were taken by the government at Plymouth to secure the submission of the various small tribes in their vicinity. At a meeting of the Council of War, July 8, 1671, it was agreed that one hundred men should be pressed out of the towns to go forth under command of Maj. Winslow against the Seconet Indians in case they should fail to submit themselves and give up their arms. Taunton was to send twelve men. William Witherell, of Taunton, was one of the " sarjeants." The 8th day of August was to be the time of their setting forth, " on which day the towns of Taunton, Rehoboth, Bridgewater, and Swansey are to cause their soldiers that are to be sent forth to give meeting to the major and the rest of the company, at or near Assonet, about John Tisdall's farm."

The Council of War met again the 23d of August. The principal subject of consideration was the failure of Philip to comply with the terms of the treaty made at Taunton. It was determined to require his personal appearance " to make his purgation in reference to the premises," and in case of his refusal to "endeavour his reducement by force." Inasmuch as a war with Philip would concern all the English plantations, it was decided to send letters to the neighboring colonies of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as to Philip. The letter to Philip was sent by Mr. James Walker (of Taunton), one of the council, " and he was ordered to request the company of Mr. Roger Williams and Mr. James Browne to go with him at the delivery of the said letter," in which Philip was required to make his personal appearance at Plymouth the 13th of September next.

complaint of the Plymouth authorities. A letter was sent by some of the gentlemen in place there to the Governor of Plymouth, intimating that they did not understand the covenants and engagements of the treaty as their Plymouth brethren did, and offering their mediation in the premises. This offer was accepted, and the commissioners of Massachusetts and Connecticut (who were then in Boston) and some other gentlemen were invited to come to Plymouth and afford their help. " Accordingly on the 24th of September, 1671, Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of Connecticut, Maj. -Gen. Leverett, Mr. Thomas Danforth, Capt. William Davis, with divers others came to Plymouth and had a fair and deliberate hearing of the controversy between our colony and the said sachem, Philip, he being present, at which meeting it was proved by sufficient testimony to the conviction of the said Philip and satisfaction of all that audience, both the said gentlemen and others, that he had broken his covenant made with our colony at Taunton in April last in divers particulars, as also carried very unkindly unto us divers ways." A series of articles was then drawn up and read to him for his acceptance or rejection as he should see cause, the substance of which was that he and his subjects acknowledged themselves subjects of the King of England and the government of New Plymouth, that he promised to pay one hundred pounds damages provided he could have three years to do it in, that he would send in to the Governor five wolves' heads yearly, that he would refer any difference between himself and the English to the Governor of Plymouth to rectify, that he would not make war but with the Governor's approbation, and that he would not dispose of any of his lands without the approval of the Plymouth government. Probably Philip saw no other way out of his present difficulty but to yield, and accordingly he with seven of his council signed the articles. But, as the result showed, he went on to perfect his vast scheme of uniting the Indian tribes in a general war with the English. This was the last agreement or treaty made by Philip with the colonists.

Another speck of war appeared in the distance in the latter part of 1673. At the meeting of the General Court in December of that year the following action was taken :

" This court upon serious consideration of the injurious actings of the Dutch, our neighbors at New York, in the surprisal of several vessels and goods of our confederates, and refusing to make just satisfaction for the same upon demand, . . . minding also that they have declared these their actings to be grounded on the national quarrel between them and us in Europe, and accordingly declare their commission and orders to be to do all possible spoil and damage to the States' enemies by land and water, . . . for our more necessary defense we judge it requisite to endeavor their removal, and to raise and maintain one hundred men in the expedition, if we can at present be supplied with what is necessary for their march or voyage.

"And that instructions be given to the commanders-in-chief, first to gammon them to yield, with their promise of enjoying their estates and liberties.

From the names, the sergeants all seem to have been Taunton men. As had been the case with several previous expeditions proposed against the Dutch, this appears to have gone no further than the preparations therefor.

The Indian war-cloud that had lain so long on the horizon of the colonies, at times causing apprehension by ominous mutterings, and then sinking almost out of sight, at length burst with terrible suddenness over the town of Swansea. On Thursday, June 24, 1675, as the best authorities agree, the first English blood was shed in King Philip's war in that town. It was a day which had been set apart by Governor Winslow for fasting and humiliation in view of the impending dangers. As the Swansea people were returning from meeting the Indians fired upon them, killing one man and wounding others. Two men, who were sent for a surgeon, were killed by the Indians on their way, and in another part of the town six others were killed, making nine in all. Thus began that fearful life and death struggle between the Indians and the English which lasted more than a year, and carried devastation and death into very many of the towns in the colonies.

It is not intended here to give a history of that war. It belongs to the history of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Connecticut, as well as to that of Plymouth Colony, and it affected several other towns in Bristol County far more severely than Taunton. A few incidents only which relate particularly to Taunton will be given.

On the Sunday previous to the outbreak a messenger had carried intelligence of the threatened danger to the authorities at Plymouth, and the Governor had ordered that the captains of the towns should march the greater part of their companies and rendezvous at Taunton, Monday night, June 21st, where Maj. Bradford was to receive them. We should be glad to know what Taunton men, if any, joined this expedition for the relief of Swansea and Rehoboth, but no information upon the point has been found.

June 27th, the Indians (a straggling party probably) burnt the houses of John Tisdall, Sr., and James Walker, at Taunton. They killed Tisdall and two other soldiers, - John Knolles and Samuel Atkins, of Eastham. TisdalPs house was near Assonet, Walker's was on the westerly side of the Great River, and probably nearly down to Three-Mile River. At the March Court, 1676-77, three Indians, named Timothy Jacked, alias Canjuncke, Nassamaquat, and Pompacanshe, were indicted for murdering the three men above named, and were tried by a jury of twelve men after the manner of the English. The verdict of the jury concerning Timothy Jacked and Nassamaquat was, " We find they are very suspicious of the murder charged on them. And in reference unto Pompacanshe, we find nothing against him." No further evidence appearing to clear up the case, the sentence of the court was, " That the two former were to be sent out of the country speedily, and the other likewise, as he is prisoner taken in war."

It may be interesting, as showing the care of the court concerning the proper settlement of the estates of deceased persons, to give their action in reference to Tisdall's estate. Administration was committed to his four sons, - John, James, Joshua, and Joseph. Subsequently, in answer to a petition of John Smith and James Dean referring to the settlement of the estate, the court ordered that the whole estate, being appraised, should be distributed as follows: To the eldest son a double portion, and to the other three sons and four daughters an equal proportion, unless in case of weakness there may be reason to advance to any for their necessary supply. And for the better execution thereof, Mr. James Browne (of Swansea probably), William Harvey, Richard Williams, and Lieutenant George Macey were appointed a committee to take notice of the whole estate. Furthermore, in reference to the controversy among the children, the court's advice was, that concerning the two younger sons, in regard that they had approved themselves to be faithful in the preservation of the estate since their father's death, in spending much of their time therein to the endangering of their lives, that they be considered by the committee in the distribution of the estate. (See Ply. Col. Rec, vol. v. pp. 212, 219, 224.)

Taunton, lying in the direct route from Boston to Swansea and Mount Hope, and also in the most convenient way from Plymouth thither, was frequently made a rendezvous for the troops. It seems that several houses had been turned into garrisons. Mr. Baylies speaks of the march of the Massachusetts troops, who were under the command of Maj. Savage, from Swansea to Rehoboth, in pursuit of Philip, and not finding him there, he having retired to a swamp in Pocasset, they proceeded from there to Taunton, which they reached July 17th, where they found the people secured against a sudden onset in eight garrisoned houses.

About this time Philip, being closely pressed, made his escape into the Nipmuck country, comprising the southerly part of central Massachusetts, and extending into the northerly part of Connecticut, and for several months the towns of Plymouth Colony had a respite.

On Dec. 19, 1675, occurred the great Narragansett Swamp fight, in what is now the town of Kingston, R. I. In preparation for this great struggle the Council of War held a meeting at Plymouth, December 6th, at which volunteers were called for, and the towns were urged to present their ablest and fittest men. " Such as cheerfully tender themselves to the expedition or to presse shall be looked upon with singular respect." Governor Josias Winslow was appointed commander of the united forces, and Capt. Bradford and John (Jorum to be particular commanders of the Plymouth forces. The forces were ordered to rendezvous at Plymouth on the 7th, atrTaunton on the 8th, at Rehoboth on the 9th, and at Providence on the 10th. Taunton was represented in Capt. Gorum's company (or Gorham, as the name was afterwards spelled) by William Wetherell, who was first sergeant. Rev. George F. Clark, in his excellent "History of Norton," says that in a deed given by John Wetherell, son of William, it is stated that he was an " Eldest Sergeant in Capt. Gorrom's Company in the great Narragansett Swamp fitt," Dec. 19, 1675. In an account rendered by Peleg Sanford, of Rhode Island, against the colony for various disbursements on account of soldiers that came to his house after the fight, is the following:

"To 8 yds. of duffl3 to Sergt. Witherly, James Bell, and other Taunton men that came wounded to my house, Dec. 24, £2: 08. To cash to James Bell to bear his charges home, 4s."

There is also a charge for the hire of a room " from the 24 of Dec. to the 17 of Oct., 1676, the day that Sergeant Witherell went out of it, at £5 per year, £4:0l:7j." It is evident from this charge that Wetherell must have been severely wounded, as it was nearly ten months before he could be carried home. James Bell was also in the fight, and other Taunton men, as mentioned in the first of the above charges, but in which company is not known. Gen. Ebenezer W. Peirce, in his very valuable " Indian History and Genealogy," p. 120, states that William Hoskins, of Taunton, was in the Narragansett expedition. The names of the other Taunton men who went wounded to Sanford's house have not been ascertained. Wetherell received a grant of ten pounds in June, 1685, on account of his wounds, and in July, 1686, the court gave him a fine of five pounds in the hands of Robert Godfrey, of Taunton, the treasurer of the colony to give order for the payment of the same to said Wetherell.

During the progress of the war several orders for the raising of men and money were made by the General Court and the Council of War. It was ordered, Oct. 4, 1675, that soldiers be pressed out of each town to go forth as occasion may require, and twenty-five for the garrison at Mount Hope. Taunton was to furnish twenty for the general service, and three for Mount Hope. At a meeting of the Council, Dec. 30, 1675, it was proposed to raise one thousand men out of the United Colonies, of which Plymouth Colony was to furnish one hundred and twenty-two, Taunton's share being thirteen. March 29, 1676, three hundred soldiers were ordered to be raised and pressed for the present emergency, Taunton to furnish thirty men, to be ready by the 11th of April next.

and fifty English and fifty Indians with the best speed, the time of sending forth being Wednesday, June 20th, " to be sent forth towards the frontier parts of this colony, to be upon motion to scout to and fro for the safety of the colony." Money was ordered to be raised to the amount of £164 10s. The proportion of Taunton was fifteen men and £16 in money. In February, 1675-76, James Walker, William Harvey, and John Richmond were appointed the Town Council of Taunton. The Council of War at their meeting in March, 1675-76, imposed fines upon a number of delinquent soldiers, and fined the constables of Taunton four pounds for pressing Joseph Deane, a man unfit to go forth on service. They were afterwards released from the fine. At the same meeting a rate of £1000 was assessed upon the towns, to be paid in clothing, provisions, or cattle, for the payment of soldiers who needed other supplies rather than lands, of which Taunton's proportion was £92 13s. 6d.

Iu the spring of 1676 the Indians kept the inhabitants in continual uneasiness and fear by their stealthy attacks, burning dwellings and barns, and killing any whom they could surprise in an unguarded situation. Bridgewater, Taunton, and Rehoboth, being frontier towns, were peculiarly exposed to these attacks. The Cape towns, Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth, and Eastham, had by a committee, of which Thomas Hinckley was chairman, invited the inhabitants of these towns to remove and take up their residence with them until the termination of the war. But the towns each sent a letter declining the offer. The reply of Taunton by its committee is here given :

" We have received your affectionate letter full of hive and undeserved bounty towards us, your unworthy brethren and neighbors, and we bless God that He hath given us so much room in your hearts, that you so freely tender us a part with you in your houses, fields, and provisions at such a time, when the Lord is threatening us with bereavement of our own. It much comforteth us in this day of darkness and distress; we assuring ourselves thereby that if our distresses continue and increase, we shall want no succor you are able to afford us. We therefore return you all serious thanks for your sincere and abundant love, beseeching the Lord still to continue and increase your peace, and ability and promptness to relieve the distressed in this evil day. Nevertheless, upon our serious and mature deliberation upon and consideration of your so great offer, we cannot at present comply with a motion to remove and quit our places, and leave our habitations to beadesolati and that because we fear we should in so doing be wanting to the name of God and the interest of Christ in this place, and betray much diffidence and cowardice, and give the adversary occasion of triumph over us, to the reproach of that great and fearful name of our God that is called on us. Our sins are already such as might render our friends (did they know us) afraid to entertain us, and what can we expect as the issue of such an addition thereunto, but that the hand of the Lord would follow us and find us out whithersoever we tlee?

"Besides, if the Lord have any pleasure in us, and will so far favor and honor us, we judge we may here be more serviceable to our country than elsewhere, and hazards of removal (as great as of abiding where we are) avoided; and who can tell but that the Lord may make way for our enjoyment of seed time and harvest here by prospering our forces which are coming forth, if we could but humble ourselves before him? And if the fjord have no delight at all in us, but will for our sins (which were but just) make bis dwelling place here as Shiloh, we are in His hands, the Lord do with us as seemeth good iu His sight. Here we have sinned, and here we submit ourselves to suffer, except the Lord's providence and order or advice of authority should plainly determine us to removal: in case whereof, we shall esteem it an undeserved kindness to find shelter among yourselves, and comply with your motion for aught yet appears, more generally than with any course we can propose to ourselves. As a pledge whereof, we are willing, if it may he judged convenient hy you, to secure some of our cattle in your parts, that they may be no booty or succor to the enemy, if the Lord spare them so long as that we may have opportunity to convey them, in which we desire your speedy advice. And beseeching you not to cease to pray for us that the Lord would heal our backslidings, and prepare us for what measure of the cup of His indignation it may seem good to Him to order us to drink, we present you with our respects, service, and love, and subscribe ourselves your obliged brethren and friends and servants in the Lord. " To this we subscribe in the name of the town.

Soon after the sending of this letter, so admirable in its spirit of gratitude, humility, courage, and cheerful confidence in God, several persons were killed by the Indians in Taunton, a contemporary account of which is given in a letter of Gen. Josiah Winslow to Thomas Hinckley and John Freeman. That part of the letter which refers to affairs in Taunton and vicinity is as follows :

" May 23, 76. " Gentlemen, - My respects, <fcc. It pleaseth the only wise and most just God still to keep us under his rod. Since the damage done at Bridgewater and Plymouth, which you have knowledge of; the enemy have killed four stout men at Taunton, and carried away two lusty youths, - Mr. Henry Andrews, James Bell, Sargt. Phillips, and the two youths, all at one time, being securely planting, two or three miles from the town ; the other one, Edward Bobit, killed at another place; the four men leaving thirty-two fatherless children in a hard world. The last Tuesday, they killed a man between Hingham and Conohasset, and then fell to burning, beginning with Mr. Gilden's saw-mill, and Jo. Silvester's house and barn ; but not a man from Scituate would stir to remove them. But fourteen of our town's wardens marched up to Jo. Barestoe's: but, being unhappily discovered by them also, they ran away, leaving some horses and cattle they were about to carry away, and those houses at that time spared from the flames. Taunton and Bridgewater men are confident that they are planting about Assawamset or Dartmouth ; and did yesterday track two hundred of them, as they judge, towards Assawamset."

Henry Andrews, one of the men killed, was the son of Henry Andrews, one of the original purchasers. James Bell was in the Narragansett fight, and was carried wounded to Peleg Sanford's house as already stated. Sergt. (James) Phillips was the son of William Phillips, also one of the first purchasers. Gen. Peirce, in his Indian history already referred to, page 246, states that " Edward Bobit was slain in a part of Taunton, now Berkley, and the spot of his interment is still pointed out." He gives the tradition concerning him substantially as follows : that he had abandoned his home at " the farms," so called, in Berkley, and with his family and neighbors had taken refuge in a garrisoned house at " the Green," in Taunton. On his return from a visit he ventured to make to his home, he was pursued by an Indian, hid himself among the leafy branches of a tree, was betrayed by the barking of his dog, when his pursuer shot at and killed him. He was buried near the spot where he fell. Gen. Peirce further says that he " visited the grave of Edward Babbett June 17, 1878. It is not far from the Dighton and Berkley Bridge, and on the Berkley side of Taunton River. On his gravestone, after considerable labor in scraping off moss, I was able to decypher

The Rev. Dr. Perez Fobes, in a topographical history of Raynham, published in 1793, in vol. iii. of the Massachusetts Historical Society Collections, in giving some account of occurrences in Philip's war, says, " Deacon Nathaniel Williams with some others were at work in the field when one of the number discovered a motion of the bushes at a little distance ; he immediately presented his gun and fired, upon which the Indians were heard to cry Cocoosh ! and ran off, but soon after one of the Indians was found dead near Fowling Pond. Near the great river (Taunton River) are now to be seen the graves of Henry Andras and James Phillips, who with James Bell and two sons were killed by a number of Indians who lay in ambush. This happened in the place called Squabette." Mr. Baylies, writing in 1830, says, " The graves of these men are still to be seen near the river." The place is still pointed out, although there is a growth of white birch and underbrush which covers the locality. It is about half a mile above the dam at East Taunton on the Raynham side, near the edge of the river. The writer is informed by Mr. John Wales Dean, whose father, Jonathan Dean, owned the premises in 1820, that he well remembers when a boy seeing the two graves, which were marked by rough stones at the head and foot of each.

Dr. Fobes further says, " Uriah Leonard" (who was a son of James Leonard, Sr.), " as he was riding from Taunton to the forge in this place, was discovered and fired upon by the Indians. He instantly plucked off his hat and swung it around, which started his horse, and in full career he reached the forge dam without a wound ; but several bullets were shot through the hat he held in his hand and through the neck of the horse near the mane, from which the blood on both sides gushed and ran down on both his legs."

Hubbard, in his " History of the Indian War," informs us that on June 26, 1676, the Indians killed Mr. Hezekiah Willett, at Swansea, and took a negro belonging to the household prisoner, who, afterwards escaping, gave information of an intended assault by Philip upon Taunton. Philip, with all the forces he could get or that he had left, having, as was conceived, many hundreds in his company, assaulted Taunton July 11th ; but his design being discovered by this negro they provided themselves with soldiers, whereby they were able to repulse the enemy upon the first approach, so as he only fired two houses and then fled away. Dr. Increase Mather gives substantially the same account, putting the number of Philip's men at about two hundred, and saying they fled after they

The name of this negro, who thus saved Taunton from surprise, and perhaps destruction, was Jethro, as we find from the action of the Plymouth Court in reference to him. The court ordered, and agreed with Mr. John Saffin, administrator of Capt. Willett's estate, that the negro should serve two years longer in the family of Capt. Willett, and should then be set at liberty, provided that during said term he should be furnished with meat, drink, and apparel fitting for one in his degree, and at the end of his service that he go forth competently provided for in reference to apparel. Not very liberal treatment for one who had done such service.

The war with Philip was now drawing near its close. On the 6th of August an Indian deserted from the camp of Weetamoe, the widow of Philip's brother Alexander, and came to Taunton, where he offered to conduct a party to her hiding-place, representing that her numbers were few and might be easily taken. Twenty men started out and, surprising them, captured the whole, twenty-six in number. But Weetamoe escaped upon a raft. She did not succeed in reaching the opposite shore, however, but was probably drowned, her dead body being found not long after upon the shore at Mattapoisett, now called Gardner's Neck, in Swansea, near the place where she had concealed herself, and where her followers were taken. Her head was severed from her body, carried to Taunton and set upon a pole, where the sad and barbarous spectacle caused great lamentations among j the Indian prisoners, her former subjects. Weetamoe was drawn into the war unwillingly through the influence of Philip, and her melancholy fate must always excite our pity. A few days after this, viz., on August 12th, Philip himself was surprised and slain in a swamp near Mount Hope. On August 28th, Annawan, Philip's chief captain, who escaped from the swamp at Mount Hope with some fifty or sixty followers, was captured by Capt. Church in Rehoboth, at a place ever since called Annawan's Rock. Church took his prisoners including Annawan to Taunton, where his unexpected success caused great rejoicing. The prisoners, except Annawan, were sent under guard to Plymouth, Church taking the chief to his home on Rhode Island, and afterwards proceeding with him to Plymouth. All the efforts of Church to save the life of the venerable chief were unavailing, and by order of the authorities he was beheaded. The death of Annawan practically ended the Indian war. There were occasional skirmishes with scouting parties, and Indian prisoners continued for a time to be taken in small numbers, but the power of the native tribes was completely broken.

As has been stated, Taunton suffered less than most of the towns in this part of the colony. One reason given for this exemption is that Philip was on friendly terms with some of the inhabitants, especially with the Leonard family, who were principal owners in the iron-works, and who had accommodated him by repairing his guns and mending his tools. It was said that he had given orders that none of that family should be molested, and that Taunton and Bridgewater should be spared until the other towns were destroyed. Philip made the Fowling Pond a place of frequent resort in the summer for the purpose of hunting. He had a house on the northerly side of the pond, which was called Philip's huntinghouse. The winters he mostly spent at his seat at Mount Hope. It is not improbable that his acquaintance with some of the Taunton people, and kindnesses received from them, influenced him in the early part of the war to preserve the town so far as he could from attack.

Dr. Increase Mather, in a list which he gives of the numbers killed in the various towns during the Indian war, says " fifteen persons slain by the Indians at Taunton, - eleven men, two maids, and two youths, besides a man slain in the fight with Capt. Beers, - some in the year 1675 and some 1676." Dr. Fobes, in his history, already referred to, says that two young women slain in King Philip's war were buried under the doorstep of the ancient Leonard house, built some years before that war, and which was standing at the time he wrote, and within the recollection of persons now living. He also mentions the tradition that the head of King Philip was for a time deposited in the cellar of the house. The latter statement or tradition is probably without foundation, as the head of Philip was carried to Plymouth.

The war had been a very costly one to the colonies, especially Plymouth, both in the loss of lives and property. The government was poor and weak, and had to depend upon the readiness and patriotism of the towns in times of emergency. It was ordered in June, 1676, that each town should make a rate to pay all their soldiers and officers which have been out on their country's service from first to last their full due, and that an account of their particular disbursements be sent in to the July court, that so there might be a right proportioning of the whole charge upon the several towns. It was also ordered that each town should send one man to meet, July 1st, with the magistrates and adjust their accounts respecting the charges of the war. Accounts of disbursements were accordingly sent in, amounting for all the towns to £3692 16s. 2d. Taunton's disbursement was £327 15s. Q>d.

A contribution was made by divers Christians in Ireland, supposed to have been procured through the efforts of Rev. Nathaniel Mather, a Congregational minister at that time residing in Dublin, for the relief of such as were impoverished in the Indian war, of which Plymouth Colony's part was £124 10c/. Committees were appointed in each town to distribute the fund. William Harvey, James Walker, and John

In 1677 the conquered lands of Showamett and Assonet were ordered to be sold, and the proceeds divided among the towns to make up their disbursements in the war. In 1680 the Mount Hope lands were sold to John Walley, Esq., Col. Nathaniel Byefield, Stephen Burton, Esq., and Nathaniel Oliver, of Boston, who immediately proceeded to establish a settlement there, which was incorporated the same year as the town of Bristol. The proceeds of these lands were applied to the same purpose. A committee of twelve was appointed by the General Court to hear and determine all claims against the colony by individuals and the towns concerning the war. Taunton was represented on the committee by William Harvey.

A warrant was sent by the court, June, 1678, to the constables of Taunton, requiring them to warn the town to come together to make a rate for the payment of some charges incurred during the war with the Indians, viz. : for billeting Capt. Freeman and his men and horses, for billeting some men left in the town by Mr. Saberey, and some of the town soldiers after they were pressed, likewise to pay for beef that was disposed of when Capt. Freeman was there, either by Capt. Freeman or any of the selectmen, for the relief of some of the poor who were in extremity, and also to pay for carrying Jane Halloway to Plymouth. " The court, having taken these things into consideration, doth see good reason to place the charge of these forementioned particulars on your town ; therefore fail not in any of the particulars."

In March, 1679-80, the court ordered four pounds to be paid by the treasurer to William Hoskins, of Taunton, who was in the Narragansett fight, " in regard of his low condition, he having lost all he had in the late war, and being grown old and unable to labor."

In July, 1681, Jarud Talbutt, of Taunton, petitioned the court in reference to moneys claimed to be due him, which was in the hands of William Harvey, James Walker, Sr., and William Wetherell, a committee that had the ordering and disposing of the charges respecting the late war. The court ordered Mr. Browne and Mr. Smith, assistants, to call the committee to account of what they received and how it was disposed, and if they found their accounts not to be just to cause them to appear and answer at the next court.

The court and the Council of War, with all their urgency and strictness in managing military affairs, could be lenient upon occasion. In October, 1684, it is recorded, "The Council of War see cause to free Samuel Hall, of Taunton, from training, he being hard of hearing, and having three sons of age and able to bear arms, whom he engageth they shall be ready, if life and health, to serve the country upon any such occasion, and Nicholas White, Jr., if Leiftenant Macye and Ensigne Leonard, of Taunton, shall see cause."

Upon the division of the colony into three counties in 1685, a major was chosen for each county as follows : For Plymouth, Maj. Wm. Bradford ; for Bristol, Capt. John Walley ; for Barnstable, Capt. John Freeman. Capt. Walley was one of the principal proprietors and early settlers in the town of Bristol, which was incorporated in 1680, and was made the shire town of Bristol County.

Soon after the accession of William and Mary to the throne of England in 1689, the war known as King William's war commenced between England and France. It extended to their American colonies. The Indians and French attacked the feeble and unprotected settlements upon the coast of Maine, and partially destroyed Dover, in New Hampshire. A party of three hundred French and Indians were sent by Governor Frontenac from Montreal to destroy Albany. Through deep snows in the month of February they made their way as far as Schenectady, which they attacked at midnight, burned the dwellings, and murdered more than sixty of the inhabitants.

The colonies were deeply alarmed. A general convention was held in Boston to consider measures of defense. Capt. Church was prevailed upon to take command of an expedition composed of English and Indians, and volunteers were called for. The military officers of each town were ordered to use their endeavors to encourage English and Indians to a voluntary going out in the expedition. The deputies and selectmen were also ordered, in such way as might seem to them most suitable, to use their interest with the inhabitants of the several towns to lend for the colonies' use so much money as they should be willing to, and not to be less than a certain proportion. The amount expected of Taunton was six pounds in money, four men, and four arms. Each soldier was to be "provided with a well-fixt gun, sword, or hatchet, a borne or cartouch-box, suitable ammunition, and a snapsack." If a sufficient number failed to volunteer the deficiency was to be made up by press in the delinquent towns. Any person being pressed and refusing to go upon the service was to be fined four pounds, or otherwise to be committed to prison by authority of the Town Council.

A levy was made in October, 1689, upon the towns towards the charges of the war. The amount levied upon Taunton was sixty pounds. It was to be paid one-third in money, one- third in grain, - Indian corn at two shillings per bushel, rye two shillings and sixpence, barley two shillings, wheat four shillings, - the other third in beef at ten shillings per hundred and pork at two pence per pound.

war, and to adjust the accounts of all officers and soldiers engaged therein. The committee for Bristol County was composed of Mr. John Saffin, Capt. Thomas Leonard, and Mr. Joseph Church.

In May following another call was made for sixty men , to he sent by water to Albany or elsewhere, to joiu with the forces of New York, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, etc., for the defense of said places, or other service of their majesties' against the common enemy. Taunton was to raise five men. In June the General Court resolved to raise two hundred men, one-quarter of them Indians, for the expedition to Canada. Bristol County was to furnish fifty-one men and eighteen arms, - Taunton fourteen men and four arms, a larger number than any other town in. the county.

In November a rate of £1350 was laid upon the towns in the colony for the payment of soldiers' wages and for other charges, the amount to be paid by Taunton being £100 16s. 9d. This rate was doubled in December. Committees were appointed for the counties, and also a general committee for the whole colony, to receive and prepare the accounts of all persons to whom the colony was indebted, and to adjust the accounts of the soldiers. Capt. Thomas Leonard, of Taunton, was a member of the committee for Bristol County, and also of the committee for the whole colony.

A controversy, causing much local excitement, arose in 1690 concerning the military company of Taunton. It had its origin in an order of the General Court, passed Dec. '25, 1689, which was as follows :

"Ordered, that the town of Taunton have liberty to be two companies, and choose officers accordingly, provided they can agree to divide by the ground ; otherwise that they forthwith come to an orderly choice for a captain and other officers, if needed, and make a return of their choice to the major of the regiment that lie may, by the first opportunity, get them allowed and commissionated."

In obedience to a warrant issued by Maj. Walley, under authority of the foregoing order, an election was held March 31, 1690, the result of which was communicated to the major by the following

"We, the inhabitants and military company of Taunton, being required, by a warrant from our honored Major Walley, to meet together tin' 31st day of March, 1690, either to divide by ground, .or to come to an orderly choice ; and, upon disagreement of the ancient inhabitants and the major part of the military company about division by the ground, we therefore proceeded to an orderly and legal choice of captain, lieutenant, and ensign, according to an act of the General Court, holden, in their majesties' names, at Plymouth, the 25th day of December, 1689; as followeth : -

" And being desired by the ancient inhabitants of this town, and likewise by the military company, to take an account of the votes and their orderly proceedings therein, and wo both being personally present, did take an account in reference to the votes above mentioned, that they were orderly and legal; and to make return hereof to our honored major on their behalf, which was also their desire; which the abovesaid is the return by us.

" In order to a present settlement of the militia of the town of Taunton, and for composing the uncomfortable differences that have been and yet continue there, in respect to their chief military officers it is ordered by this Council, that Mr. George Macey is approved, allowed to be, and sustain, the office of a captain in said town, and such soldiers of said town as desire the same forthwith to list themselves under his command and be obedient to him as their captain.

" Mr. Thomas Leonard is likewise approved of per this Council, and allowed to be and sustain the office of a captain in said town, and such soldiers as desire the same forthwith to list themselves under his command and be obedient to him as their captain.

" And every of the soldiers of said town or place are hereby ordered and required forthwith to list themselves under the command of one of said captains; and being listed as aforesaid, the said company, with such of the aged inhabitants or others of said town, who by law are allowed to choose officers, are hereby allowed and have liberty to choose officers under their said captains in their respective companies, and so to continue until the General Court or Council of War shall otherwise order, and that colors, drums, and halberts for each company be provided and paid for by all the ratable inhabitants of said town.

" And the Council advise the said captains not to call both companies together for ordinary trainings on one day, but to appoint their days of training at distinct times or days."

It is obvious from the cautionary advice given in the last sentence of the orders that there were two parties formed, and trouble was anticipated between them. These orders of the Council of War, so inconsistent with the orders of the General Court, threatened to produce great disturbance, and called forth the following plain and spicy letter from the authorities of the town to the Governor :

"HONORED Sir, - It is our great joy that God has continued you among us, hitherto to lie the stay and staff of church and state. We bless God, that has restored our judges as at the first, and our counselors as at the beginning ; our rulers from among ourselves, who have a paternal affection to us, and wish our welfare, and to whom we may freely speak our thoughts without such danger as heretofore we stood in; yet desire not to abuse such freedom to impudence, as some do, in uncivil and corrupt disrespect of authority. We are sensible that your honor lies under a great burden, on whom is the care of all the towns and churches among us. The Lord be your great reward and the renewer of your strength, that you may be enabled to grapple with and overcome this difference which the present tottering condition of our State does produce! Our design is not (we hope) to increase your burden of care, but rather to lighten it if we could. The Lord humble us for our present differences, and show us the cause of them, and give us wisdom to behave ourselves aright before Him! Our differences are most unseasonable and unreasonable, but in time, we trust, the dust will be allayed.

" Honored sir, although we, the subscribers, are such as did vote for Capt. Leonard, yet did it not for the promoting of difference, but acted our judgments and consciences in so doing, and are all of us of that principle, that, had the major vote fallen on the other person, we could have submitted to him, and hope can all of us sincerely say that in this manner we do and shall abhor division, and now are ready to join with your honor, and other loving fathers in government, for the healing this difference among us, and shall accept and promote all your wholesome counsel and advice to us for peace. Your honor hitherto has been misinformed concerning the distemper of our body politic, which till the physician doth truly know the poor patient can't expect a cure. The remedy last afforded for healing has not that effect among us, and not to lose our scope we have digested our thoughts with a few parts.

"1. That the liberty granted to all to list under whom they pleased it will make such a division in the town as portends nothing but confusion and ruin. No man of either part, that has the face of honesty, will profess himself the promoter of it. Had the division been made by the ground, or some other orderly way, the difficulty had been less; but in this way there seems to be a core of distance and contention engendered in men's hearts. All the good men of the place (except a very few that may labor under some present discontent) do heartily pray it may be prevented, if it be God's will ; yea, otherwise, some threaten removing out of town. From hence will come continual opposites in town-meetings and all other affairs of a civil nature. We would hope it may produce none in the church, who are all of one mind (blessed be God) except three or four, and they will submit to order and the determination of the Court.

" 2. That hereby is increased upon us, in the most or greatest part, charges to procure new military instruments. The other party (though they falsely feign themselves so numerous) are some of them maintained, in part, by the town; many others by parents and masters, being yet under their care and tuition (though drawn away by seditious persons), and so will not bear the twentieth part of the charge. Tea, some hot persons begin to say, 'How can the Court force to pay such charges, if they can't make others vote, and submit to their own orders?'

"3. The freemen among us begin to grumble that the order of a General Court should be altered by a Council, and talk of petitioning to the General Court about it ; which we hope may be prevented.

"4. The contempt of authority by one party seems to be too little discountenanced ; for whereas the Court ordered the people should vote, and come to a choice, they dismissed the company and dispersed themselves as soon as they saw it promoted, and by such doings lose an interest in our hearts. Thereby they would have brought us, with themselves, to incur the penalty of a fifty-pound fine for neglect of it. At this time, the leading men among them said they were not for division of the company, and owned it would be our ruin : yet at the sa[me time] their agents promote it, and readily accept of commissions ; which is nothing . . . if they can have their own wills, they care not if the whole be . . . of their petitioners, which they subscribe to their petitions, your honor . . . they have still in multiplication. Did you but know what pains they take ... as they call it, how much drink is spent in encouraging weak friends, and the . . . their party must have their fill of cider in the morning before . . . you would account the whole matter, from the foundation, . . ." (Some of the words in the foregoing clause are obliterated in the original, as also the whole of the fifth and the beginning of the sixth.)

" 6. . . . not ratify it, for good reasons well known to themselves. But now the case is altered. Great changes have been in the world, and sad ones among us; and, among the rest, our former reverend pastor, Mr. Shove, is taken awi-iy from us : yet we trust his memory is precious to your honor. We suspect some friend in the court does us a displeasure in promoting petitions. But good men miss it. We can't but think of Eli's sin, though he was a good man.

captain, but taken the power of placing one over us into their own hands, though most would have grumbled at the loss of their liberty, yet, for our parts, we would have yielded, and persuade others to yield, to it; and had rather still that the court would put in whom they will, provided we have but one suu in our firmament, for two will set the world on fire.

" 8. The generality (we perceive) incline not to list themselves under either captain, provided it might not be construed contempt of the Council ; in sending which they will rather yield to, if there be no help for it. Many are persuading Capt. Leonard not to accept of a commission on these terms, but rather to train in one company, though as a private soldier. Your honor by this time sees our sore. We have a great deal more to say, but shall not write it at present. Our honored Maj. Walley has been an eye-witness to our state (Your Honor but an ear-witness as yet), and it seems a reflection on our major that one or two sorry souls should have such credit before him ; but he is able to plead his own cause. We are far too bold and troublesome to your Honor, and crave your pardon. Shall finish all in a word or two. We humbly propose that your Honor would take the pains to visit our town on some time appointed, when our Maj. Walley may be present also, and see how our state has been exceedingly misrepresented by such as may truly be called factious persons and turbulent spirits. We doubt not but your Honor may compose matters with a short visit. We shall be heartily engaged and obliged to pay you due service for it; and to make some alteration in under officers if your Honoradvise to it. To prevent difference the people would yield, though our town doth not abound with men of great abilities, and we should be at some loss if those should be laid by whom we, acting with best judgment and discretion, have pitched upon.

" We leave the clerk of the company to treat your Honor further, and with hearty prayers for your Honor's long life and happiness, begging yours for us, we rest your humble supplicants,

"We sought not multitude of names to our petition, but offices or officers (not to boast), but that your Honor may know how far we are engaged in acting or to act for the town, and that many eyes are upon us to lead in this matter."

The trouble assumed so much importance that on the 16th of April. Maj. Walley wrote to the Governor about it. As this correspondence gives a graphic picture of the times, so much of his letter as relates to Taunton affairs is also here given.

The originals of these documents are found in the Governor Hinckley papers, now deposited in the Boston Public Library. They were published in the collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, fourth series, vol. v. :

" Bristol, the 16th April, 1690. "Honored Sir, - I received yours of 16th instant, and do think that if you understood the motion of Boston (which might be some direction) it would be proper you should write Leisler an answer. I understand they have sent up a considerable strength to Albany. For the management of the affairs of Taunton I am exceedingly troubled, and the late order of the Council of War will be of very bad consequence, and (if you will pardon me), I will say, contrary to the order of the General Court, which order is first to be observed. They had no liberty to be two companies, unless they could agree to divide by the ground, which they could not; and then, by order of the General Court, they were to proceed to choice, and were promised the major vote should be accepted. Now, contrary to order, to go about to please a minor part, less by far, both in weight and number; a pleasing of a party that a great many of them, I am afraid, will be angry with their minister ere long, and ready to oppose all that doth not please them. Had you attended order surely it had been the safest way. You have given sue h a precedent as never was in N. E., and other towns are a-pleading for the benefit of it ; ami we shall want not only two, but ten captains in a town, But, sir, though I write this to you, yet Intend it chiefly for the gentlemen that promoted the sending of two commissions. 1 have them yet both by me, and at present shall forbear sending either of them. To send Captain Leonard, I had almost said, an illegal commission, I am not willing, and, if he be wise (if I should), he would not accept it. Macey's party, by virtue of the order of Council, are daily listing soldiers, and take all opportunities to wheedle in all the youngsters they can. The other party look upon proceedings not to be proper, and so lie still. They are grown to that pass, that I despair of any success of giving them a meeting; and there is nothing will tend to peace, but for some (Mr. Cotton, Ac.) that have an interest in Macey to persuade him, for the peace of the town, to lay down, which I believe he will hardly be persuaded to. I could enlarge, but I must forbear. My thoughts are to keep the commissions, and acquaint them from yourself and others of the Council. I am advised so to do until further order, and, in the mean time, to require him as lieutenant, and Mr. Leonard as ensign, by virtue of former order, and until further order to take care, with the rest of the Town Council, to meet and order watching, warding, and scouting as they judge needful. Swansey have had another choice : chose Brooks, captain ; James Cole, lieutenant ; and Robert Sanford, ensign, which have moved each according to the rules of discipline, and the choice, as things are circumstanced, most likely for peace. But Cole and his party are discontented; they are the least part and least considerable. But they will want Taunton liberty, if that may go for a precedent."

"Whereas, There have been and are several uncomfortable differences in the town of Taunton respecting their military company, especially relating to the officers thereof, and several ways have been propounded and tried for the r conciling and healing thereof, all which have proved ineffectual to accomplish the same, and there having been several choices of officers among them, against all of which there have been objections made as to the legality thereof, it is therefore ordered by this Court and the authority thereof that the soldiers and inhabitants of the town of Taunton meet on the 2 day of June next, at ten of the clock, the soldiers complete in their arms, and that they make a choice of military officers according to law, and that their choice be returned to the next General Court, and that the whole company be under the command of Lieut. Macey as chief, and Ensign Leonard under the major in the mean time; and Mr. Smith and Major Walley, one or both, are desired to be there to see a fair choice. And this notwithstanding any former act of the General Court, or order of the Council of War."

Nothing further of interest appears in the Plymouth Colony records touching the military affairs of Taunton. In 1691, Plymouth Colony was united with Massachusetts under the province charter. The military history of the town beyond this period will be treated by other hands.

Chaptek Lxi

Among the earliest matters that received attention by the General Court, when new settlements began to be made beyond the limits of Plymouth, was that of regulating the receiving in of persons to such plantations or neighborhoods and the disposing of lands to them. A form of deputation or committeeship was adopted for the government of such as in any of the new plantations might be intrusted with this duty. They were to receive in such persons as might be fit to live together in the fear of God and obedience to the king, in peace and love as becometh Christian people, and they were to dispose of such equal and fit portions of land unto them as the several estates, ranks, and qualities of such persons as the Almighty in His providence should send in among them should require.

"Whereas, those seven first freemen, men of Taunton, that have undergone great travel and charges about the attending of the courts, laying out of lands, and other occasions for the town, it is thought meet by the government that therefore they have a proportion of land in some convenient place lying together assigned them, so that it exceed not the quantity of forty acres apiece, besides the other proportions of lands in other places as other of the inhabitants of the said town of Taunton have, when the said lands shall come to be divided hereafter."

A reference is made to a previous book for their names, upon turning to which we find they were William Pool, John Gilbert, Sr., Henry Andrews, John Strong, John Dean, Walter Dean, and Edward Case. These are the same mentioned in the list of 1637 as freemen of Cohannett, and who are again named as admitted and sworn in December, 1638. They were the only freemen in Taunton until 1641, when William Parker and John Parker were admitted. The public offices were filled by them until that year. John Strong was appointed the first constable in 1638, and was appointed again in 1639. William Pool was appointed the chief military officer of the town, with the title of captain, in 1639, and seems to have retained the position for many years. William Pool, John Gilbert, and Henry Andrews were chosen the first deputies to the General Court in 1639, and in 1640 Edward Case and Walter Dean were the deputies, and John Dean was constable. As the number admitted to the privileges of freemen increased in the town, the public offices were shared among them. But these first seven, so long as they lived and remained here, were prominent in all town and public affairs, and for a large part of the time held some important office. They gave character and direction to the young settlement, and to them, if to any more than to all the first purchasers, belongs the honorable title of fathers of the town.

The rights and duties of freemen were so important, and so nearly affected the management of all town as well as the more public affairs of the colony, that it may not be out of place to give here the laws regulating their admission and prescribing those rights and duties. Church membership does not seem to have been made a condition of admission, as was the case in the Massachusetts Colony, although, as a mat- ter of practice, it probably amounted to very nearly that. In 1656 it was ordered that " hereafter such as are admitted to be freemen, the deputies of such towns where such persons live shall propound them to the court, being such as have been also approved by the freemen in that town where such persons live ;" and in 1657 it was ordered that " upon satisfying testimony given from the freemen of their town by their deputies, such to be forthwith received without any further delay at the same court where such testimony is given." But in 1658 this rule seems to have been thought too.broad, and it was ordered that " all such as shall be admitted freemen shall stand one whole year propounded to the court, viz., to be propounded at one June court, and to stand so propounded until the June court following, and then to be admitted if the court shall not see cause to the contrary."

By a law of 1674 lists of the freemen in each town were to be kept upon the town record, and no man's name was to be brought into the court to be propounded unless he had had the approbation of the major part of the freemen at home, which was to be signified to the court under the town clerk's hand by the deputies.

" That all such as are opposers of the good and wholesome laws of this Colony, or manifest opposers of the true worship of God, or such as refuse to do the Country service being called thereunto, shall not be admitted freemen of this corporation, being duly convicted of all or any of these.

"That if any that are freemen that are Quakers or manifest encouragers of such and so judged by the court, or such as shall speak contemptuously of the court and the laws thereof, and such as are judged by the court grossly scandalous, as liars, drunkards, swearers &,c. shall lose their freedom of this corporation."

In 1646 it was required that the whole body of freemen should appear at the Election Court the first Tuesday in June annually, and that they should then present such deputies as had been chosen by their towns. In 1660 the fine for not appearing at the June court of election was ten shillings, unless a reasonable excuse could be shown. By a law of 1646 towns were fined forty shillings for not sending deputies, and deputies twenty shillings for not appearing, unless they had a reasonable excuse.

In 1669 it was enacted that none should vote in town-meetings but freemen or freeholders of twenty pounds ratable estate and of good conversation, having taken the oath of fidelity ; and in 1678 it was further provided that a list of all that had taken the oath of fidelity should be kept by the town clerk of every town.

As early as 1636 it was enacted " that an oath of allegiance to the King and fidelity to the Government and the several Colonies therein be taken of every person that shall live within or under the same ;" and in 1642 the admission of inhabitants was regulated by an enactment " that none shall come to inhabit without leave, and any intruding themselves without regard to such order, shall forthwith be warned to go out of the Colony, which if they shall not speedily do then every offender to pay five shillings a week for every week's continuance." But it was also provided " that every person living quietly in a place and not excepted against for three months shall be reputed an inhabitant."

" You shall be truly loyal to our sovereign Lord the King, his heirs and successors. You shall not do nor speak, devise or advise anything or things, act or acts directly or indirectly by land or water that shall or may tend to the destruction or overthrow of any of these plantations or townships of the Corporation of New Plymouth ; neither shall you suffer the same to be spoken or done, but shall hinder, oppose, and discover the same to the Governor and Assistants of the said Colony for the time being or some one of them ; you shall faithfully submit unto such good and wholesome laws and ordinances, as either are or shall be made for the ordering and government of the same ; and shall endeavor to advance the good and growth of the several townships and plantations within the limits of this Corporation by all due means and courses; all which you promise and swear by the name of the great God of heaven and earth, simply, truly, and faithfully to perform as you hope for help from God, who is the God of truth and the punisher of falsehood."

These stringent requirements, as also the obligation of frequent attendance at the General Courts at Plymouth, and of accepting offices requiring much outlay of time, under penalty of a fine for non-acceptance, tended to keep the number of freemen, as compared with the whole number of male inhabitants, relatively small. The oath of allegiance and fidelity was required of all male inhabitants of legal age, and such were allowed to vote in town affairs if they possessed the necessary property qualification. The latter qualification, considerable for those of small means, probably cut off many from participation in public affairs who possessed every other qualification.

For convenience of arrangement it is proposed to give the history of the town during the colonial period as shown by the action of the General Court touching particular individuals as well as town affairs, and afterwards as it may be gathered from the proprietors' records and from other sources.

The earliest recorded marriage is given as follows : " Richard Paul and Margery Turner, of Cohannett, were married the 8lh of November, 1638." The next two are " William Harvey and Joane Hucker, of Cohannett, married the second of April, 1639."

"Thomas Gilbert and Jane Rossiter, of Taunton, married the 23d of March, 1639" (1640 new style). Jane Rossiter was the daughter of Hugh Rossiter, one of the first purchasers. Paul, Harvey, and Gilbert were also among the first purchasers. At first all marriages seem to have been solemnized at Plymouth, before the Governor or some one of the magistrates. Afterwards persons were appointed in the different towns to perform the ceremony. In 1650, Mr. William Parker was deputed by the court to marry persons in Taunton. In 1657 the court " deputed some special men in the towns of Taunton, Barnstable, and Rehoboth, in regard of their far distance of place from any magistrates, to administer marriage, and to administer an oath to give true testimony and information to the grand inquest, and likewise in His Highness' name to issue forth warrants to subpoena in witnesses to give testimony to the court or grand inquest in such cases." Mr. William Parker was appointed for Taunton.

In 1662, James Walker was authorized to administer an oath as occasion should require, as also to marry persons, William Parker having died about that time. In 1684, Thomas Leonard received the same authority, which he continued to exercise for many years.

In March, 1655, the court ordered that " Whereas sundry persons have died at Taunton, whose wills and the inventories of their estates have not been orderly proved, in regard those whom it concerneth, being widows cannot conveniently travel to the court, Mr. Browne is deputed by the Court to require them to take oath to such wills and inventories at Taunton, that so they may be recorded according to order." This Mr. Browne was John Browne, whose name stands at the end of the list of purchasers. He had moved to Rehoboth before the above date, being one of the first settlers in that town. He was for many years one of the Governor's assistants, and held other prominent and responsible positions.

Richard Paul was licensed to keep a victimlinghouse at Taunton in 1640. He was propounded to take up his freedom in 1647, and again in 1653, but there is no record that he was ever admitted.

At the March court, 1641, "Mr. Francis Doughty, of Taunton, for selling a pound of gunpowder to the natives (contrary to the acts and orders of the court), which was confessed by himself, is fined 30 shillings." At the same court, " Edward Hall, servant to Francis Doughty, for swearing profanely, is sentenced to be set in the stocks, which was accordingly done." Among the presentments by the grand inquest was the following : " We present . . . the son of widow Hoble for swearing. Witness, William Evans, John Golope." The widow of William Hobell, one of the first purchasers, was probably referred to by " widow Hoble."