Plymouth County, Massachusetts - Chapter 3: War of the Revolution, 1884

Committee of 17G3 - Proceedings of the Town - The Resolutions of 1770 - Sentiment of the Town in 1773 - Resu'utiuns of 1773 - Benjamin Lincoln, Delegate to Provincial Congre^iS - Various Votes, Resolutions, etc.

I'UE first reference in the town records to the events which immediately preceded the Revolution, is under date of May, 17G8, being the report of a committee^

I "The Committee appointed by the town of llingbaui, at I their meeting in March last, to take under con^ideralioii the encouraging and promoting economy und industry in the siiid I town, report the following Resolves : First, that we will by all ways and means in our power, encourage aoil promote thu j>r:ictice of virtue and Huppreasing of vice and immorality, the latter of which seem daily incrcasiog umung us, and the decay of the former much to be lamented. [T/ii» part c/ the jii-Ht piiitujniph being read, the t/iieatioii wfta put wht:lhtr it btt nccpptvii : jmnMefi in the aj^rmutive.] And for promoting the one and ili.icoiiraging tbe other we apprehend the lessening the number of licensed houses would greatly contribute to the purpose, and that not more than three retailers in the North Pari-h, two in the East, and one in the South, would be as many as would be consi.-.tent with the interests of tbe community. [Thiv rtmaiuiuy part uf the Jirnt paragraph being read^ the ijueation ivat put whefhtr it be accepted : paused in the negative.] Secondly, we resolve for the future to improve our lands more generally for raising of tlax and increasing our stocks of sheep, which materials, properly improved among ourselves, may prevent tbe necessity of using so great a quantity of imported commodities and increasing our own manufactures, and thereby tbe poorer sort more protitably employed, tbe medium likewise, in a great lucasuru preserved and increased, for tbe want of whiuh tbe industrious are at this time under great disadvantages. [TA/* atcund rcno/rf bring read, the tjueiition waa put whether the name be avc'-jtted : ptinaed in the ajfirmative.]

The following is a copy of the proceedings of the town on the 2l8t of September, 1768, on the reception of a circular from the inhabitants of Boston:

*' At the said meeting the town chose Dea. Joshua Hearsey a committee to join the committees from the several towns within tbe province, to a&semble at Boston on the 22d day of September, current, then and there to consult such measures as shall be necessary for the preservatiau of good order und regularity in tbe province at this critical conjuncture uf atfairH, and voted the following instructions to him, viz. :

" * As you are chosen and appointed by the town of Ilingliam to join with committees from the several towns within this Province, desired to meet at Boston on the 22d day uf Sc[itember current, then and there to consult such measures a? shall be necessary for the preservation of good order and regularity in the Province at this critical conjuncture of all'uirs. We advise and direct you that you use your endeavors to j>re3erve peace and good order in the Province and loyalty to the king; thai you take every legal and constitutional method fur the preservation of our rights and liberties, and fur having lediesycd those grievances we so generally complain of and so sensibly feel; that all possible care be taken that the troop.-n (that) should arrive have provision made fur them, so that they he nut billeted in private families and at so uouveuient a dist.mee as not to interrupt the pcuple; that you encuuragc the inhahitauts to keep up military duty whereby they may bu in a capacity to defend themselves against foreign enemies; and in case you are exposed to any charges in jirusecuting any of thu foregoing preparations, we will repay it, and as these instiuctions are for your private use, improve them fur thai purpose and fur no other whatever.'

March 19, 1770, the iuhabitanta of Hicmhum passed resolutions relutinj^ to the noo-coosumptioD of imported ^^oods and to liie Bostoo massacre. These i resolutions do uot appear in the town records, but are I coniained in the following letter from Gen. Lincoln i to the committee of merchants in Boston : i

** tjK.NTLKMEN, - At the aoDuul tueetiog of the town of Hingbam ou the lltth day of March, .i.D. 1770, Upon a motion being made and seconded (though omitted in the wiirrant), the inhabitants taking into conaidoration the distressed circumstances of the people in this and the neighboring Provinces, ocL-ii^iiiuned by the late parliamentary acts for raising a revenue in North America, the manner of collecting the same, and tlie measures gone into to enforce obedience to tbem, and judging that every society and every individual person are loudly called to exert the utmost of their ability, in a ooastitutional way to procure a redress of those grievances, and to secure the privileges by charter conveyed to them, and that freedom which they have a right to as men and English subjects, came to the following votes :

'* Voted, That we highly approve of the patriotic resolutions of the merchants of this Province not to import goods from Great Britain till the repeal of the aforesaid acts, and viewing it as having a tendency to retrieve us from those burthens so much complained of, and so sensibly felt by us; we will do all ID our power, in a legal way, to support them in carrying into execution so worthy ao undertaking.

" Voted, That those few who have imported goods contrary to general agreement and counteracted the prudent and laudable ulTorts of the merchants and traders aforesaid, have thereby forfeited the confidence of their brethren; and therefore, we declare that we will nut directly or indirectly have any commerce or dealing:] with them.

'- Voted, That we heartily sympathize with our brethren of the town of Duston, in the late unhappy destruction of bo many of their inhabitants, and we rejoice with them that there yet remains the free exercibu of the civil authority.

town, respecting the subjects of controversy between this and tl»e mother-couucry, maybe learned from the following iubtructioDs given to their represeutative to the General Court : j

"The committee chosen to draft some instructions proper lo be given our representative reported as fuUovveth : We the sub- I scribers being appointed by the inhabitants of the town of i Hingham, at a legal meeting on the 1 1th inst., and to draft tiome I instructions proper to be given our representative under the j present alarming situation of affairs in this government, beg ' leave to report as followeth, viz.: '

*' Whereas, your constituents are feelingly sensible of ii number of infringements on their rights and privileges until lately unheard of, the whole of which we pretend not to uuumerute to you as from your knowledge of our present stute they must bear strongly on your own mind; but would notwithstanding mention the following: First, the act of Parliament passed in the last session thereof, entitled au act for the better preserving his Majesty's doclt-yards, magazines, Hhips, ammunition, and stores, we look upon to be one of the greatest grievances ; that persons accused of capital offences should he carried 3UUU miles distant from the place where the crime was committed, to be tried, the inconvenience and injustice of wliiuh so fully appear that there needs no animadversion. Second, The act of Parliament obliging all ships or vessels from Portugal to this province to enter their fruit in some port of Great Britain, by which great expense must arise, and the fruit often much damaged, by which means the trade is burthened, clogged and dibcouraged, - we on the whole instruct you, that you use your utmost endeavors, by dispassionate remonstrance, and humble petition in a legislative way, to the Parliament of Great Britain to have these and all grievances we now labour under redressed, and those we fear from oiroumstances are taking place.

** And we instruct you, that you use your best endeavours, that a salary be granted by this province to the Judges of the Superior Court, aa shall be adequate to their important ot&cc ; and that you endeavour that a harmony may subsist on a proper foundation between the several branches of the legislative body of this province, whioh cement is essentially necessary to the interest and happiness thereof:

1774, Jan. 31. The town appointed a committee to take into consideration a letter and papers sent from the Boston Committee of CorrcspoDdence to this town. The committee was composed of the following gentlemen : Benjamin Lincoln^ E^q., Joseph Andrew:)^ Deacon Joshua Hersey, Deacon Theophilus Gushing, Caleb Bates, James Fearing, Jacob Gushing, Esq., Thomas Loring, and Hezckiah Gushing. They presented a report at the annual town-meeting in March following, from which the nature of the subjects submitted to their coohideracion fully appears. It was as follows :

" When we call to mind a late Act of the British Pa,rliament, expressly declaring that the King, Lords, and Commons, in Parliament assembled, have ever had, and of right ought to have, full power and authority to make laws and statutes o^ sufficient force and validity to bind the colonies and people of America, subject to the Crown of Great Britain, in all casus whatever, and in consequence thereof un Act of Parliament made for the express purpose of raising a revenue in America, for defraying the charge of the administration of justice, ttc, in the colonies; and when also we consider that the uiore ellt-ctually to carry into execution the fame Act, the councils of the nation, in a late session of the British Parliament, have empowered the East India Company to export their teas to America, free of all duties in Eu^IildJ, but still liuble to a duty on it^ being landed in the coluoies; and comparing tbuse Acts and others biniilai- to them, with several clause.s in the charter granted to this province by their late Maje:ttied, King Wiltiatn and Queen Mary, uf blessed uietiiory, in which it \8 among other things ordained and established that all and every of the subjects of us. our heirs and auocessor?, which shall go to inhabit in our said province and territory, and every of their children which shall happen to be burn there, or on the seus going lliitheror returning iVoui thence, shall haveund enjoy alt the liberties and iuiraunities of free and natural subjects, within any of the dominions of us, our heirs and successors, to all intents, constructions and purposes whatever, as if they and every of them were born within this our rc;ilm of England, and whereas it is by the said royal charter especially ordained, that the Great and (General Courtor Assembly, therein constituted, shall bavu full power and authority to iuipose and levy proportionate and reasonable assessments and taxes upon the estates and persons of all and every of the proprietors and inhabitants of the said province and territory for the service of the King, in the necessary defence and support of his government of the province, and the protection and preservation of his subjects therein ; the design and teodenoy of which appear in too conspicuous a light to need any comment, and are too alarming to admit of silence, as silence may be construed into acquiescence. We. therefore, resolve, -

"First. That the disposal of their property is the inherent right of freemen; that there is no property in that which another can of right take from us without our consent; that the claim of Parliament to tax America, is, in other words, a claim of right to lay contributions on us at pleasure.

'* Secondly. That the duty imposed by Parliament upon tea landed in America, ia a tax on the Americans, or levying contributions on them without their consent.

"Thirdly. That the express purpose for which the tax is levied on the Americans, viz., for the support of government and administration of justice, and the defence of his majesty's dominions in America, bus a direct tendency to render assemblies useless, and to introduce arbitrary government and alavery.

"Fourthly. That a virtuous and steady opposition to tlie ministerial plan of governing America is necessary to preserve even a shadow of liberty, and is a duty which every freeman in America owes to his countr}', to himself, and to his posterity.

" Fifthly. That the resolution lately come into by the East India Company, to send out their teas to America subject to the payment of duties on its being landed here, is nn open attempt to enforce the ministerial [dan, and a violent attack on the liberties of America.

"Seventhly. That it atlords the greatest satisfaction to the inhabitants of this town to tiud that liis Majesty's subjects in the American colonies, and of this Province in particular, arc so thoroughly awakened to a sense of their danger, arising from encroachments made on their constitutional rights and liberties, and that so tirni a union is established among them ; and that they will ever be ready to juin their fellow -subjects in all laudable measures for the redress of the many griovaucoa wo labour under.

" After the said report having been several times road, upon a motion made, the quu:3tion was |)ut, whether the sumo be accepted and bo recorded in the town's book of records and a copy thereof sent to the town clerk, to the Committee of Correspondence of the town of lioston ; and it passed in the affirmative."

In 1774, Aui;. 17, the town adopted tlie followiog agreement^ its reported by a committee, but stayed all further proceedings until the report of the Continental Congress :

" We the subscribers taking into our serious cfmsideration the present distressed state of America, and in particular of this devoted Province, occasioned by several late uncnustitutional acts of the British Parliament for taxin-^ Americans without their consent, - blocking up the port of Boston, - vacating our charter, that solemn compact between the king and the people respecting certain laws of this Province, heretofore enacted by our General Court and confirtued by his Majesty and his predecessors. We feel ourselves bound as wo regard our inestimable constitution, and the duty we uwe to succeeding generations, to exert ourselves in this peaceable way, to rccuver uur lost and preserve our remaining privileges, yet not without grief for the distresses that may hereby be brought upun our brethren in Great Britain, we solemnly covenant and engage to and with each other, viz. :

" 1st. That we will not import, purchase, or consume, nor suffer any person or persons to, by, for, or under us to import, purchase, or consume, in any matiner whatever, any goods, warea, or merchandize which shall arrive in America from Great Britain, from and after the tirst day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four, until our charter and constitutional rights shall be restored; or until it :)hall be determined by the major part of our brethren in this and the neighboring colonies, that a non-importation, or a non-consumption agreement will not etfeot the desired end ; or until it shall be apparent that a non-importation or non-consumption agreement will not be entered into by this and the neighboring colonies, except drugs and medicines, and such articles, and such only 03 will be absolutely necessary in carrying on our own manufactures.

" 2dly. That in order to prevent, as far as in us lies, any inconveniences that may arise from the disuse of foreign commodities, we agree that we will take the most jtrudent care for the raising and preserving sheep, tlax, etc., for the manufacturing all suoh woollen aud linen cloths as shall be most useful and necessary, and that we will give all possible support and enoouragement to the manufactures of America in general."

1774, Sept. 21. (Col.) Benjamin Lincoln wascliosen to attend a Provincial Congress at Concord. In October, 1774, the town " recommended to the militia officers to assemble their men once in a week, and instruct them in the art of war, &c." In November the collectors of taxes were directed to pay all moneys collected to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stow, appointed treasurer by the Provincial Congress.

Dec. 2G, 1774. Benjamin Lincoln Wiis chosen to represent the town in the Provincial Congress to be held at Cambridge, in the ensuing Februiiry, and on the same day a committee was appointed to draft a

^ This agreement or covenant wiis reported by a cumiuitteu consisting of the following gentlemen, viz. : Deacon Joshua Mersey, Col. Benjamin Lincoln, Deacon Theuphilus Cushing, Deacon Benjamin Cushing, Mr. Samuel Norton, Mr. Joseph Andrews, Mr. Israel Bcal, Jacob Cushing, Esq., Mr. Knock Lincoln, Mr. Heman Lincoln, Mr. Thomas Loriug, Capt.

petition to the clergymen, requesting them, if they thought it consistent witli their duty, to eucouruge the people to comply with the associalion, so called, of the Continental Congress. A petiiioo was reported by the committee and presented by another committee of nine, to Rev. Messrs. Gay and Shute. They complied with the request of the town. Each of them addre.ssed the people at the next town-meeting, for whicii the town gave them a vote of thanks. In January, 1775, the town chose a committee to take into consideration the state of the militia.'

May 24, 1775. Benjamin Lincoln was chosen to represent the town in the Provincial Congress, then sitting at Watertown, and at the same meeting Benjamin Lincoln, Benjamin Gushing, and David Cushing were chosen a committee to correspond with other towns in this province.

1775, July 10. Benjamin Lincoln was chosen to represent the town in the General Court to be held at Watertown on the 19th of that month, agreeably to a resolve of the Continental Congress. In August, Enoch Lincoln waa chosen to attend the General Court then sitting.

During the year 1775, it appears by the selectmen's and town records, that money was raised and disbursements were frequently made, to improve the condition of the militia, and to provide arms and ammunition to be used on any emergency.

1776, March 18. Theophilus Gushing, Esq., John Fearing, Thomas Loring, Israel Beal, and Peter Hobart were chosen a Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety.

On the 23d of May, Enoch Lincoln, Theophilus Gushing, and John Fearing were chosen representatives to the General Court ; and Benjamin Lincoln, Hezekiah Cu.shing, and Deacon Joshua Hersey were appointed a committee to prepare instructions for the representatives.

" As the important crisis of the declaration of independence of the colonies approached, and with it an excitement which extended universally throughout the country ; when the repeated aggressions of Great Britain upon the rights of the colonies had roused a spirit of indignation in some breasts, and created despondency and pusillanimity in others; at a time when energy and decision were most needed, the following manly and independent instructions were given by the town to their representaiives. They were drawn up by the committee before mentioned:

" Oentlehe.v, - You are delegated to represent the Town of Hinghum in the next Qeneriil Court, to be held in thid uuloay ; and although we entertain the highest aense of your integrity, patriotism, and ability, uf which we have given full evidcucc in appointing you to this weighty trust, yet as matters of ibe greatest importance, relative to the freedom and happiness not only of this, but of all the United Colonies, on which you may I wish to have the advice of your constituent.', will come before you for your determination, you are instructed and directed ;it all times to give your vote and interest in support of the present struggle with Qreat Britain ; we ask nothing of her but * Peace, Libert]/, and Sufeiy ;' you will never recede from that claim ; and agreeably to a resolve of the late House of Representatives, io case the honourable Continental Congress declare themselves independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, nuleinnli/ to engage in behalf of your conatituentu, that they will, with theiy L1VK3 and FOllTUNES, support them in the meaanre.

"You will also, as aoon as may be, endeavour to procure a more equal representation of this colony in General .\sscmbly ; nod that it be by fewer members than at present the several towns have a right to return ; and when this is eti'ccted you will give your vote for calling a new house.

The Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety, chosen in March, 1777, were Isreal Beal, Samuel Norton, John Fearing, Peter Gushing, Thomas Loring, Peter Hobart, and Theophilus Gushing.

" In May, Mr. Enoch Lincoln was chosen to represent the town in the General Court. He was instructed to assist in forming a constitution, on the condition that it should be laid before the town 'for their approbation or disapprobation, before the establishment thereof.' In June following, the town reconsidered their previous vote instructing the representative, and voted ' that, upon mature dtULeralLOii, this town direct said representative on no lenim to consent to it, but to use his influence and oppose it heartily, if such an attempt should be made : for, we apprehend, this matter, at a suitable time will come before the people at large, to delegate a select number for that purpose, and that only, and that he exert his influence that such body be formed as soon as may be.'

" The town, at this important period, was ever vigilant and watchful of its own interests and of those of the country. In June, 1777, Mr. Israel Beal was appointed ' to procure evidence against such persons as are suspected of being inimical to tliis and tlie United States of America in this town.'

" III 1778, the Committee of Correspondence, etc. were Thomas Burr, Jacob Leavitt, Abel Hersey, Enoch Whiton, and Peter Hobart. The representatives chosen in May were Enoch Lincoln and Joseph Thaxter.

for the Statu of Massachusetts Bay. Fifty-six votes agaiii>l the pniposuJ foiiu of government aotl not one iu favof of it.' At the same time, instructions wore i;iven to tlie representative ' to use his influence tliat a constitution be formed, at some suitable time, hy a Ituilij cltonen III/ the people for thai jiitipose and /hut only:

" The Cumiuittee of Correspoudeuce, etc., in 1779, were Samuel Norton, Dr. Thomas Thaxter, Capt. Theophilus Wilder, Capt. Charles Gushing, and Joseph Tliaxter.

" In May, Mr. Joseph Tliaxter, Jr., was chosen representative to the General Court. At the same time the views of the citizens were again expressed on the subject of a constitution. It was voted, 42 to 8, that -it is not best at this time to have a new form of o-overnment.' In July, Rev. Daniel Shute and Mr. Joseph Tliaxter were chosen delegates to the oonventioii for forming a constitution.

" In 1780 the Committee of Correspondence, etc., were Israel Beal, Capt. Charles Cushing, Ebenezer Cushing, Joshua Leavitt, and Isaac Wilder, Jr.

"The committee reported as follows: '* The cuuiuiittee iippointcil to tako ioto considcrjition tlie fr:imu of a constitutiou fur this slate, presentoJ to tho town for their cousidurution anil revision, by the cunveatioii appointed for preparing tlic same, having ourefully gone through and maturely considered tlie said frame of a eotistitution, humbly oiler it as our opinion : that it is a system well calculated in general to promote the present and future happiness of tliis state; by securing to the individuals of which it is composed safety and properly ; at once guarding the rights of conscience, and making provision for the promotion of virtue and morality, each absolutelv neeesaary to the support and good order of society; in fine, that while it gives energy and dignity to legal authority, it ei|itally insure? peace, liberty, and saifcty to the subject; yet it is au human production, and, though good aj a system, may possibly admit of amendment in some of its parts; we have therefore taken the liberty to bint tho following, viz.: In the article of the lirsl section, of the 2d chapter, it is proposed that the governour be eiupuwered, with the advice of the council, in the recess of the General Court, to march or transport the inhabitants of this state to the relief of a neighbouring state invaded, or threatened with immediate invasion ; this we owe as men, besides we are taught it by a principle of {lolicy. It is apparent tliat while time may be spent iu collecting the General Cimrt, destruction may be brought upon our neighbours, and war with all its consequences come even to our own doors, thousands of lives may bo lost and millions of property expended, that by timely e.\ertion might be saved; add to this the articles of confederation bind us to grant which can only be but by vesting the governour with such power.

** In the tourth section of the same article, tirst, it is proposed that the time of service of the commissary general be limited to live years, except in lime of war or rebellion, upon tho same principle and for the same reasons that the time of Service of the treasurer is limited lo that lime.

^' Your committee recommend that the town instruct their delegates to us© their endeavours that the foregoing amendments be made ; but if that cannot be obtained, tlial tiiey then accept the constitution as it now stands ; convinced of the zeal. integrity and abilities of our delegates, the coinmitti'e recommend that it bo referred to them in conjunction with the united wisdom of the convention to Hx upon a time when the constitution shall take place. Signed by order and in behalf of ihe committee. Thomas Loiti.Nii, Chair, iukh.

" The representative chosen in May, 17S0, w;is Capt. Charles Cushing. At the same meeting Rev. Daniel Shute was elected delegate to the coiiveutioii for establishing a new form of government. The town eventually voted for the adoption of the constitution, and on the 4th of September, 17S0, the election of State officers took place. The votes for Governor in Hingham were 56 ; of which Hancock had 44, and Bowdoin 12.

" The town records at this time are full of evidence of the active, persevering, and liberal ctibrts of the citizens to carry on to a successful termination the war in which the colonies were engaged with Great Britain. Town-meetings were frequently held, large sums of money raised to be expended in military stores, bounties to soldiers, provisions for their families, and generally for all necessaries to carry on the war.

"The Committee of Correspondence in 17bl were Siimuel Norton, Capt. Charles Cushing, llem.in Lincoln, Capt. Peter Cushing, and Elisha Cushing, Jr.

" The requisitions of the State were generally complied with promptly and cheerfully. In one instance, however, when the General Court ' required a quantity of beef or money to be sent in a very short time, and if not complied with, to pay a fine of twenty per cent.,' the town voted ' to comply therewith, provided it be not brought as a precedent in tuturc time.'

'- The Committee of Correspondence, ttc, elected in 1782, were Israel Beal, John Fearing, and Theophilus Cushing. The same gentlemen were re-elected iu 1783.

" It was not by resolutions alone that the people of Hingham aided the cause of freedom, nor did their meritorious acts consist only in appropriating liberal supplies of money to sustain the liberties of their

Jan. 19, 1679/80, the town "agreed to build a new raeetiog-house with all convenient speed," and apso strou;:ly attached. In a large number of tlie hard- i pointed a committee to make such investigation of the fought battles of the Revolution, from the time of the ; probable size and cost as was deemed necessary, noble display of American valor on Breed's Ilill until j After a controversy lasting more than a year a.s to that of the brilliant achievemeuts at Yorktowu, many of the citizens of Hingliam were present sliaring the dangers and participating in the honors of the day.' 'In looking back,' says Mr. Lincoln, 'upon the history of this interesting period, I am aware that some may be found who hesitate to rally around the banthe proper site for the new meeting-house, the location was finally settled and immediate measures were taken to build.

On the 8th day of July, 1681, Capt. Joshua Hobart conveyed to the town by deed of gift the site for the meetinK-bouse. It is the same on which tlie the result of the tremendous conflict, induced them ' The frame of the meeting-house was raised on the to give but feeble aid to her cause, and perhaps a few 2Gth, 27th, and 28th days of July, 1681, and the who disapproved of the principles and disregarded i house was finished and opened for public wor>hip the motives which actuated the patriots of those ' Jan. 8. 1681/2. The cost was four hundred and times But it must be recorded to their credit, that | thirty pounds and the sum received from the sale of even the few made no resistance to the payment of I the old meeting-house. The appearance of the meetheavy taxes ; none, openly, to the power of public i iug-house was much the same as it now is. opinion after the declaration of our independence. Inside there were galleries on one side and at both Royalists as well as republicans, Tories as well as i ends, and the pulpit was on tlie northeast side of tlie Whigs, gave of their substance to establish the liber- house.