Billerica Town (part 6 of 17)

James Paterson was the constable, and endorses this return : "According to this warrant I have showed it to Capt. Danforth, and his answer is, that he can say nothing in y" case that is worth mentioning. I have warned John Rogers & he saith he will attend, if his garrison may [be] guarded in his absence. Billerica, August 1", 92." Mr. Rogers had been near neighbor to Mrs. Carrier, who lived on the road to Wamesit, at North Billerica, but he does not seem to have been anxious to testify' against her, and did not ; and it is a pleasure to find that, unlike so many others, Mr. Danforth could "say nothing" in this case. This sad record is revived in 1710, when Mr. Carrier appealed to the authorities for pa3'ment of expenses he had incurred. At the demand of the'sherifli' he paid fifty shillings, and prison fees to the keeper, for his wife and four children. £4, 16s. His "humble request^ is that the Attainder may be taken oft," and that he ma}" be paid the loss sustained, £7, 6s. He adds : "I found ray wife and children provisions during their imprisonment."

In February, 1692-3, the question arose of '"dismissing one theire deputies, whereas the Town had hither unto sent down two," and the town did dismiss Joseph Tompson and continued Capt. Ralph Hill "in that service." Records of the annual election of a deput}- are not always found, and none appears for ten 3'ears after 1680. Perhaps a deputy once chosen was expected to hold the office until the election of his successor ; or, as the towns then paid the charges of their representatives, they may have omitted to send occasionally and saved the expense. In 1693 the town, to prevent so much loss of time as was generall}' spent without profit at the town meeting, agreed that distinct notice be given of the hour of meeting, and "that the town clerk shall constantly attend at that time, and that any vote or grant passed by the inhabitants orderly' within one hour after the time set * shall be always accounted vallid, although there ma}- want man}' of the inhabitants ; and that no vote passed at any time after y" sun is set shall be * vallid ; and the town clerk (in cloud\' weather) shall delare when the sun is set."

The preservation of shade trees received attention, and a committee was appointed, "15, 12, 93, to mark with the letter T so man}^ trees as they shall judge needful upon y^ Country roads and town Comons * from the house of Joseph Walker to the house of Capt. Brackit, and from Capt. Hill's to y" Brow of Rockie Hill, leading to Andover." This included for several miles the two main highways, which crossed each other in the village.

The instructions to the selectmen (see p- 61) were annually repeated, with slight variations. They were usually read in public, and sometimes recorded anew. But, after the reading in 1694, March 23, the clei'k adds: "answered by the Town, that the law hath provided for what was contained in the instructions ; our instructions laid aside for the year" ; and they do not reappear.

A committee, in 1694, April, was directed "to lay out a suphicient highway from Mr. Michael's farm through Mrs. Page's land to Shawshin River ; and over Shawshin River unto Lt. John Willson's mill, and to Cambridge line ; and from the same road to lay out a suphicient highway through Mrs. Page's land unto the land of Patrick Fassit, unto the house of Patrick Fassit ; and from thence to state th? highway iu the most convenient place from Patrick Fassitt's house, leading up to Concord Road, and from tliere to Mr. Laine's." JNIr. Fasset lived near the residence of Mrs. Lane, on the main street, a half-mile east of Bedford ; but this description can hardly belong to the present Bedford Sti-eet, for if that had been laid out before 1708, it must have been mentioned in describing the grants then made to Hill and Fasset, which were separated by it not long after. Probably this record belongs to the " ])iae-hill road," alluded to above (p. !).t).

May G, 1694, the town appointed John Wilson, Sen., and Joseph Torapson ''to search the Countr}' Records to find both the grant & the returne of Mr. Winthrop's farm, that lyeth on the mouth of Concord Riuer" ; and the selectmen, Avith Captain Danforth, were directed "to prosecute the Town's inteiest in wemessek land to efect, and the town doth engadge to stand by them in the same." This record may explain one which follows soon after. The town "had enformation that sum persons have eregularly marked out Land in our Towne comons, without our knowledge and approbation" ; and Thomas Richardson, Edward Farmer, and Joseph Walker, Sen., were sent "to deface & extinguish & abolish all such marks, & to pluck up all such stakes or boundes of land so bounded or marked ; in as much as in them lyeth to make all such markes and stakes to be a niility."

The various expenses of the town from year to year are recorded. From these we gather that the deputy to the General Court had three shillings per day ; that the widow Ruth Shead had sometimes £1 and sometimes twenty-five shillings for "sweeping the meeting house"; that, in 1694, £12 was paid for ammunition ; in 1696 seven shillings was paid for transporting two impotent persons "to oborn, by order" of Major Henchman ; that the cost of the land controversy west of C'oncord River, in 1696, was about £8; and that the clerk, Mr. Tompson, received £2, 5s., for keeping the records and making five town rates. A town meeting was held, 1695, December 3, at Mr. Farmer's, and the town clerk adds, "Terible cold." July 17th, "our inhabitanee (being warned before by a warrant, given to the constables) sware alegiance unto King William before Major tinge."

The primitive method of aiding the poor appears from a record, 14 January-, 1696-7, which was "a day of humiliation," and a contribution was taken, amounting to thirty-two shillings and eightpence, for Thomas Stearns. In Februar}', another "collection in public" was taken of fourteen shillings and sixpence ; and three persons appearing before the selectmen, "it being a low time with them," it was agreed "to divide that small matter equally between them," and to give each a bushel of Indian corn.

The arrears in minister's rates were a constant source of trouble. In February, 1696-7, an obligation was presented for subscriptions by persons who would promise to pa}' their arrears before Ma}' 20 ; "otherwise the constable to make distraint forthwith upon such as shall refuse." In November these prices were fixed for payments of minister's rates : corn at three shillings and fourpence, rye at four shillings and sixpence, and wheat at five shillings and eightpence per bushel ; pork at fourpence per pound, if merchantable. Whoever paid in money might have an abatement of one-seventh. The next year the prices fixed were less.

At this period Mr. Farmer's house seems to have been the tavern and place where the selectmen met. In 1699, Samuel Hnnt also is approved of b}' the selectmen to sell victuals and drink "only three months in y*" 3-ear," April, May, and June ; and Jonathan Bacon received the same license, not limited to three months.

Clocks and watches were few, and in 1697 Captain Dan forth was paid for an hour-glass and for repairing the horse-block, six shillings and twopence. Th? town also voted, that "every Tythingman bring his staff at oui" next annual choice of Town officers ; otherwise to continue in that place if the Town do se meet."

1703, May: "Complaint being made of the want of a watch house," a committee was appointed "to vew the old meeting house," who reported that it might be made feasible and comfortable "to answer the end of the same." The report, was approved.

A careful account was taken of the stock of ammunition in the hands of Captain Danforth ; and, in August, "there did appear so great danger of the iuem}', and many of our inhabitants being in great want of Ammunition," a distribution was made to Thomas Dutton, Samuel Rogers, John Dunken, Daniel Shead, Corp. John Frencly Samuel Hunt, Nathan Crosb}', Samuel Fasset, Captain Tomson. Dr. Samuel Frost, and John Chamberlin. After this military use of the old meeting-house, it stood until 1708 and was disposed of. The following pecuniary record will not only be of interest for itself, but as an illustration of the method annuall}' pursued.

"At a meeting of the selectmen. Decem. 9, 1714. Mr. Ruggles his sallery Eate and the Town Rate was made. Mr. Euggles his rate wiis made 81-13-08 the town Rate was made 40-16-10

''And unto Daniel Kittredge, Constable, was committed to collect of Mr. Ruggles his sallery Rate 41 - 04 - 04 and of the town Rate 20 - 12 - 02

In 1721, the State, as a measure of relief for extensive financial embarrassments, established a Loan Ftind, which was distributed proportionally to the various towns, and under the charge of trustees loaned to citizens. The share of Billerica was £396, and her trustees. n[)[)ointed November 6th, were Ebenezer Farley, Joshua Abbott, and Jolin Neodhani. They were ordered "to let out the said money to Interest at live per cent, for the use of the town, to be dis|)osed of as the town shall order from 3-ear to year, until the time set in the act-l)e expired, taking good Personal securit}' for said money, no person to have above ten pounds nor under five ; also, it was voted, that the said Trustees shall have twenty' shillings apiece, given them out of the whole principal of said mone}-, and. a fifth part of the Interest of the said money for their services as trustees from year to year, for letting out and taking care of said money." Persons borrowing from this fund gave mortgages to the Loan Commissioners, and man}- of these mortgage deeds are on record at the Middlesex l^cgistry. The interest for the first year was appropriated towards the town charges. The loan was repaid to the State in five annual instalments, 1726-30. But the process w^as found so agreeable that it was repeated, and, in April, 1725, the town voted to '-Receive their pro[)ortion of the £60,000 Loan," and chose Joshua Abbott, Benjamin Tompson, and Dea. William Patten, Trustees. The part of Billerica in this second loan was £496, o.s. It ran for ten years instead of five, the first payment of one-fifth part to the State being made in 1734.

In 1733, the clerk, then Joshua Abbot, began to enter the taxlists in the Records, aud from that date these valuable lists are found regularly. The tax-payers were divided into two lists, the line of division being Long Street or the Woburn and Chelmsford Road ; designated North and South Lists at first, but after 1735 as E^ast and West. In 1733 the Province tax was £54, 10s., 8d., the minister's rate £143, lis., lid., and the town rate £104, 10s., making a total of over £300, old tenor. The list follows, recast alphabetically, giving only the minister's rate and designating by the letters "-N" and "S" the list. Noi'th or South, on which the name occurs.

I give also the list for 1755, as intermediate between the date of the above and that of 1775, which will be found in the chapter on the Revolutionary War.

Land Distributiox. Continued

A PREVIOUS chapter gives accoiint of the early distribution of lands. Small grants were of course often made, but there was no general division again until 1685, November 19, and this was only of some remaining meadows, amounting to 287^ acres, in various places. The allotments were to be laid out by Jonathan Danforth ; and Ensign Hill and Sergeant Manning were to aid him, as a committee, "fully empowered to determine all matters of difflculty." The}' were "to begin at flag meadow be3ond Nuttin's pond : Then over Concord river upon _y^ spangs beginning at brook meadow cove : * Then in }-* great swamp * bv Gilson's hill. Then that peece over Shawshin river below Strongwater brook. Then sace meadow, beginning next 3-^ great swamp * to the dam place appointed above the pond. Then, b}' y^ sides of y*" great pond, beginning at y" upper end. Then in y* mill swamp that was drowned. * Then on the north side fox brook. * Then below Sergt Manning's meadow, upon the great brook." A list follows, giving all the original rights, with the changes which had been made. Another list gives the names in the order of drawing, the amount of each man's "priviledge," and the number of acres drawn. This second list follows, omitting the last item, and arranging the names alphabetically' : -

This list includes sixty-five lots ; but for some reason the last three are not numbered. The total amounts to fort3'-seveu ten-acre lots. Bacon, Lane, and some others did not share in this allotment. They represented rights acquired b^- original purchase of earl}' grants, and not town grants, and no claim on their part to share in the common lands was recognized. But the lapse of ^-ears gave force to such a claim. After they had shared for a generation in the common Ijurdens and sacrifices which the settlement had involved, the distinction as to the origin of their titles lost much of its force, and it was natural that the}' should claim a share in the lands which remained to be divided. The earl}- proprietors, however, and their successors of course questioned this claim.

The adjustment of the lines west of Concord River was made by the committee of the C4eneral Court, in 1701, [see p. 81 above]. A meeting was held, 1702, April G, "to consider of the most righteous way for the diuideing of our undeuided lands." The ownership of the various "rights" was canvassed and recorded with changes which had taken place. ^ The question was carefully debated, whether the division should be by " priveledges " onl}', or one-half on this basis and the other half by "stock and state." The majority, both of proprietors and of "rights," ftivored the latter basis. But the question whether Lane, Bacon, and other citizens should share with the proprietors, was undecided, and action was dehxyed no doubt for this reason. It resulted after three years in an appeal to the General Court. The petition,^ 1705, Ma}' 30, is signed by John Lane, John AVilson, Thomas Frost, Jonathan Bacon, and Thomas Richardson, Jun., in l)ehalf of themselves and others. They represent that the}- have been niony years inhabitants and paid their full proportion of rates, taxes, and charges, Avith their neighbors, who were the first [)roprietors, and that now the}' are to be excluded from sharing in a division of the common lands. This course seems to the petitioners ''against all Justice and Equity," and they "pray for an order which shall stop the proceeding until the matter can be freely heard and determined." This petition was not limited to those who had no share ; but some, like Mr. Richardson, who had similar claim to more than the small "right" they had acquired, joined in it. It was ordered that a "stay be put to the Division, till a hearing be had before this Court" ; and, after a postponement, decision was reached, November 16, 1705, "that Capt. John Lane and others, the Petitioners that are Fi'eeholders ai»d Inhabitants of the said town of Bilrica, be Intituled to and have a propoitionable share with others, the Common Proprietors and Inhabitants of the s"^ Town, in all future Divisions of all undivided and Waste lands belonging to the s"* Town, according to the propoition to the Town Charges, for the space of seven years past." And the town, 1707-8, January 29, granted to the purchasers of Cambridge Church Farm a ten-acre right, "to promote and maintain peas and quietness among us," this grant to be a final issue of differences between them.

This important point being settled, the town was ready to proceed to the allotment of the extensive tracts of land which still remained common. The "commons," as they were familiarly known, still included sections in various parts of the town. The largest was west of Concord River, embracing al)out five thousand acres, or most of that part of the town. Nearly as much was towards Andover, in the Great Swamp and vicinity, by IStrongwater Brook, and between and around the ponds. Six hundred acres were between Captain Lane's farm and the Shawshin Farms, taking in most of the present village of Bedford. Another section was near Nutting's Pond ; and lastly, Fox Hill, between the Andover and Long Pond roads, still was held in common. In all, not less than twelve thousand acres remained for distribution, or not much less than two hundred and fift}' acres for each ten-acre privilege. Captain Lane and others who had gained the right to share from the General Court seem to have received their entire portion west of Concord River.

The first step was taken, 1705, June 11, a few da^'s later than the petition of Captain Lane and others, and before a decision was reached upon it. The agreement then made was to divide some of the smaller parcels of "commons" among groups of proprietors who would be best accommodated by them. The process was, however, suspended for two 3'ears, and the division was not made until 1707.

The "North part of the Center Squadron"^ included John Baldwin, Samuel Danforth, John Durant, Thomas Button, Edward Farmer, John Jefts, Samuel Manning, William Patten, David Rogers, and John Wilson, who seems to have acquired the right of the Widow Paterson. The section granted them was east of Long Street, beyond the lots already granted, and extending from John Trull's land to Samuel Danforth's, beyond the old Corner Burying-Ground, which was reserved and appropriated to this use, 1707, April 4.

The "Middle part of the scenter squadron" received grants as follows: John Button and Ebenezer Fai'ley had "all the land on the Northwest of the highwa}- leading to Joseph Bavis' " ; Nathaniel Rogers and Enoch Kidder received the angle on the south of the Rocky Hill Road ; and north of that road ran the lots of Captain Banforth and his son Jonathan, Nathan Shed, Mr. Whiting, and Dr. Frost. Captain Banforth's lot was twentj'-three and one-half acres, "on the north side of the Road downe Stoney Hill: it is bounded on the South by said Road about 206 pole, * east by fox hill about 30 pole, * west, b}' the Road leading to Joseph Bavis', about 54 pole & a half."

One reason why Fox Hill was so long "common" may be found in this record,* which is probably of date 1659: "The Mineral company- are granted all such mines as shall be b}^ them or their Asignes found in the sircomfi ranee of one hundred acors of land on fox hill, the south eande thereof, the Hill beinge devided ; as also they have free Liberty for wood and Timber for theare use as there need shall require, to improove about the said mine untill it doe apear they doc find nietell ond no Longer." Ti-aditions or suspicions of mineral wealth to he found in this locality have always existed ; but it has never been developed and is probabl.y a myth.

The ''Pond S(|uadron" receiv^ed "all the land upon Bare hill to Bacon's farme and between Nutten's pond and Oakes' farme," and included John Blancliard, Peter Bracket, John Chamberlain, Joseph, Nathan, Simon, and Thomas Crosby, Timothy Farley, Joseph Foster, James Frost, John Needham, Benjamin Parker, John and Zachariah Shed, Isaac Stearns, heirs of Thomas Stearns, and Joseph Tompson.

The "Squadron on the South of Oaks' farme" received the tract of six hundred acres between the "AVinthrop farm," Concord, the Shawshin Farms and Wiuthrop's "great meadow," and the Oakes Farm (see p. 41 above). The first lot was granted to Lieut. Samuel Hill, including sevent3'-six acres bounded two hundred and fort}- rods on Concord aud sixty-four rods on "Winthroi) Farm. The main street in Bedford was afterwards laid on the north line of this lot, and the "old line" of Concord is n<)w to be traced sixty-four I'ods south of that street and parallel with it. The second lot of twenty-three acres was Fassett's, and became the property of Israel Putnam, as did the third, granted to Joseph Hill. The fourth lot was ninety-one acres, laid out to Jonathan Hill, next to Oakes Farm ; and others following southerly were Nathaniel Hill, Joseph Farley. Daniel Hill, John Stearns, Henr}' Jefts, John Parker, and Job Lane, the last reaching Mr. Page's farm.

Near East Street a range of lots was granted "from Serg'. Richardson's to the north end of Serg*. French's paster." INIr. Fi^ench, living near the foot of "rock}' hill," had that "pies of land between the three paths." Others who shared here were Jacob and John French, Fphraim Kidder, John ]\[arsliall, Nathaniel Patten, Thomas Kichardson, Thomas Ross, and John Sheldon. John Wilson had a lot near his mill pond; flohn Farmer and Thomas Pollard had lots near Mr. I'ollard's ; Dr. John Kittredge had his two divisions beyond Strongwater Brook near the Shawshin ; and John Sanders, John Dunkin, Timothy Farley, John Levistone, Samuel and Thomas Rogers, and Roger Toothaker had "their diuision between John Sanders his lott & Mr. Winthrop's farme."

The second division was made in the spring of 1708, and embraced lands in the Tewksbury part of the town.' The largest section was along Andover line, and a rangeway was run parallel with that line and about eighty rods distant, dividing two rows of lots which were laid laid between Andover and the Great Swamp. East of this double row of lots apparently was another, extending from Andover line southerly to the Shawshin meadows ; a third was between the latter and Strongwater Brook, and a fourth in the same vicinity. A fifth range was beyond the Shawshin, and i^ sixth between the ponds ; and lots near Content lirook completed the circuit. Eighty-one proprietors shared, as did Colonel Foxcroft and Daniel Stone, of Cambridge.

History Of Billerica

The lands west of Concord River were divided in 1708. Here a rangewa}' ran parallel with the Chelmsford line, about half-a-mile distant, ^following also its westerly deflection. The familiar "rangeway road" follows nearly this old line, along which, right and left, ranges of lots were laid out. The first range, beginning at Broad meadow, was betAveen Chelmsford line and the rangeway ; the second range, southeast of the rangeway ; the third, running from "treble cove" to the river and Winning's Pond, southeast of the first and second ; the fourth, along the south line of Chelmsford, and designated as "west of the P' and 2""^ ranges" : the fifth, over against this, is called "the south range of the last two ranges."

Land Distribution. Continued

A lot "for the Ministry" was laid out, 1708, November 13, consisting of forty-eight acres, "south of the road to longhill meadow"; and, when this division w^as completed, the town sold five hundred acres remaining in the remote southwest to Captain William Reed, of Cambridge. In February, 1713-14, a part of the "great swamp" was granted to the proprietors ; and, in 1718, a list of proprietors and rights is given (Grants, vol. ii, p. 313) for "a draught of the lots on the land in the scenter of the town " ; but no record is made of the lots, which must have been small. The same is true of "a second Diuition of scirts of land," in 1719, and of "an account of the small tract of land laid out in the centre of the town of Billerica, May 6, 1719," though the eight3--one proprietors are all named as above in each case.

In February, 1722-3, "the quadron south of Okes" received a grant of sixty-one acres between mill-meadow and the long pond, "to make up their first Divition," which is described above ; and, in 1731, a section remaining of Fox Hill was disposed of. Description of the lots in this distribution may be found in the Records.

Ill all the earl}' years no distinction is made between "town" and "proprietors" in the Records, but, as the non-proprietors multiplied, meetings of the proprietors are held and record is made separateW, but still in the town books. In 1740, April 4, such a meeting voted "to make sale of all the slips of land that may be found in Billerica (or that was formerly Billerica), tliat belonged to the propriety." A year later the treasurer was granted fourteen shillings which were in the treasury, for his services in "dividing and paying out to each proprietor his proportion that came by the late sale of slips of propriety land." The sum was £48, or "two shillings to each acre right." A few other records not imjiortant are found ; and the last one occurs, 17o5, February 3, when report was made that there were £60 in bank, and the ti'easurer, Josiah Bowers, was instructed "to pa}' out to each proprietor two shillings and two pence, Old Tenor, upon an acre Right."

So ended almost exactly' a century from its beginning the town's care for, and distribution of, its common lands. The questions involved in this charge had been many and delicate, and the wisdom of the fathers in dealing with them should be recognized. The}^ w^ere not lavish or parsimonious in the use of their land fund, but employed it in a proper and generous "encouragement" of such as bore the burden of la^'ing the foundations, while they guarded it from any unjust appropriation by individuals. The record proves them true and honest men.

The two "Land-Grant" volumes of Records give minute details of the location and bounds of all these grants, grouped under the names of persons receiving them ; and the alphabetical indexes make it easy to trace what every man had. Many highways and byways are also described, a large part of which have been long disused and forgotten ; and the account given in chap, vi contains most which can be gathered of present interest on this subject. Those who have occasion can trace man}- details, and the material is here for an early map of the town, locating ranges, roads, and a large proportion of individual lots with substantial exactness. It is to be hoped that some son of the old town, with tact as surveyor and antiquarian, will yet find congenial emplo3-ment in retracing the work of Jonathan Danforth and his son Samuel and constructing such a historic map of Ancient Billerica.

Chapter Xii

As the population increased in the more remote parts of the town, questions of division arose. Convenience of public worship was the controlling principle in shaping the earl}' towns, and the same principle demanded new adjustments. But the demand was one which would naturally be unwelcome, and met with debate and oppositioif. After seventy-five years the process began, and did not cease until the old town was shoi'n of more than half of her ancient territory. The earliest movement towards this end was made, 1725, December 4, in "a petition of .Jonathan Bowers, Samuel Hunt, and divers others. Dwellers on the Land called Wamesick Purchase and Wintlu'op's farm, wc'' lands ly adjacent to Billerica, between Pautucket and Chelmsford Line, praying, for reasons therein assigned, to be erected into a separate and distinct Town."^ This petition was referred to tlie next session of the General Court, but there is no record of action upon it. It was probably abandoned, in conse- (jfuence of the successful opposition of Chelmsford, which sought and secured the annexation of that larger part of the Wamesit Purchase, which was on the west side of Concord River, the whole Purchase being nearl}' coextensive with the present bounds of Lowell south of the Merrimack. The petition of Chelmsford for this annexation was granted, 172G, June 13.-

Tlie friends of the earlier project did not, hovveA^er, abandon their efforts, and were so far successful that the General Court, 1729, April 9,"' considered favorably a bill to establish Wameset Parish, with these bounds : ' ' the line to begin at Concord River, between the lands of John Rogers, jr., and Enoch Kidder, and so on that line to the Way leading to Wintlu'op farm, so called" ; thence on a "strait line to the S. E. end of Prospect Hill, six score rods north of the Honse of James Kittredge, continuing the same line to Andover Line"; then following that line and Merrimack River to "Chelmsford Old Line, (which was the Bound between the said Town & Wamasset or Indian Purchase,) keeping said Line to Concord river, to a stake called Patucket or Wamasset ; thence crossing Concord River to the bound first mentioned, which includes Wamasset or the Whole Indian Purchase." Final action was not taken at this session, and, in December, a proposal to revive the measure and incorporate Wamesit Precinct was fjivorably considered and acted upon b^- both Houses, "the former order of this Court referring to Wamasset Purchase Lands notwithstanding." This proviso seems intended to repeal the above act of annexation to Chelmsford ; but, if so intended, the failure of the Wamesit Precinct was probably held to revive its force. The Precinct was required, within three years, to erect and finish a good and suitable house for public worship, "where the committee that have already viewed the said lands shall appoint," and "settle a learned orthodox minister of good convc>rsation, and make Provision for his comfortable and honorable support." This was not done, and Wamesit failed to secure a place among the municipalities of the State.

Bedfoud. In the opposite direction the movement was more successful. The General Court received, 1728, June 18,* "the petition of Andrew Watkins, John Wilkins, and John AVilson, and a considerable number of other^, setting forth their great difficulties by reason of their distance from the meeting houses in Concord and Billerica, to which the}' belong, and that they have been necessitated to get a minister among them for the winter season, and therefore praying that the}' ma}' be set off a separate Township." The petition was referred to the next session, with order of notification to the Towns of Billerica and Lexington. In July the Court, on farther petition, directed a committ.ee, already sent to examine the lines of the proposed Wamesit Parish, to extend their labors and go over the proposed bounds of Bedford.

Massachusetts Records. Vol. XIV, p. 91. Mr. Slmttuck {History of Concord, p. 255,) mentions a petition, dated 1725, as if it related to Bedford. But he ijrobably referred to the petition quoted in the first paragraph of this chapter, mistaking the Identity of the " AVinthrop's farm" there mentioned, which was in fact the farm near Wamesit.

Dismemberment

Billerica had heard of the proposal, and as earlj as May 14, 1728, voted, that the}- "will act no farther at this time on the petition of the southerh' part of the town as to their being set off as a Township." The matter came up again, January 27, and the town chose a committee of eleven, who were "Impowered to manage the affair Referring to our brethren, the petitioners of the southward part of our Town, according to their best discretion, in agreeing with said petitioners at home concerning the line between the Town and them (if they can), but if not, then to draw up what they think proper by way of petition to the General Court and to choose two men out of said committee to manage s'^ affair at said Court." This committee was not able to agree upon the line of division, and petitioned the Court, 1729, April 2, "praying that the new town, proposed to be erected in the Count}- of Middlesex, to be called Bedford, and which is principally taken out of the town of Billerica, may not be extended according to the lines set forth for making said Town, but that some of the families may remain in the town of Billerica." The petition, however, was dismissed, and Bedford was incorporated, 1729. September 23. The line of separation began at the Two Brothers, on Concord River, either following the Winthrop Farm line or more [)rol)abh' diverging a little to the north of it, and thence extending nearly as at present to Woburn, now Burlington. It was changed, by consent of the two towns, in 17G6, so as to transfer Edward Stearns and his farm to Bedford. The change in the line began at what was known as Page's Corner, passed between the land of Lieut. Isaac Stearns and Edward Stearns, came to the brook "al)out two pole southwest from the saw mill," and followed the brook to Concord River.

The claim that Bedford was principally^ taken out of Billerica has been overlooked, but is correct. The old line with Concord was parallel with the present Main Street in Bedford and sixt^'-four rods south of it, as shown above (p. 212). It is still easily traced, crossing the depot street at the Merriam place, nearh' touching the railroad at the curve east of the station, and marked in the swamp be3-ond b}' a pair of tall pine trees. Its easterly point is shown in the record of a committee, February 11, 1699-1700. They "began at Concord southeast corner, which was a stake and stones about it, standing on the southeast of Shawshin River about forty poles from it." This point would be very near an ancient Page house, standing pn the old road south of the main road to Lexington, and on the

County Atlas of 1875, marked by the name of Bronnan. Westward of the cedar swamp, where the marks could not he found, the committee ran, by mutual agreement, north fift3-three degrees west to Concord River. This line includes about three-fifths of Bedford. Of the families transferred no list is known to remain. Of the first church members Mr. Shattuck,' with sufficient probability, credits these names to Billerica : Obed Abbott, Jonathan Bacon, Thomas Dinsmore, Samuel Fitch, Jacob Kendall, Benjamin Kidder, Job Lane, John Lane, Christopher Page, Nathaniel Page, and Israel Putnam ; and Josiah Fassett should doubtless be added. Of other citizens there was John Wilson, and probably more than as man}' others, younger members of the same families and of other families. Of the division of the property of Billerica we have an approximate assurance. The Province tax assessed in 172D amounted to £125, 5s., 8f^, of which the part belonging to Bedford was £18, 12s., 3d. Samuel Fitch was the first town clerk, and Israel Putnam Avas the first constable of the town and the first deacon of the church.

TKWKsr.URY. The success of the Bedford petition encouraged a renewal of the movement in the north part of the town, but Chelmsford held all west of the Concord River so firmly that the i)roposal took a turn farther eastward. The consciousness of separate interests appears frequently in references to the inhabitants of \\'inthrup Fu-in. In 17.'31 they prepared a draft and laid it before the town of a road which they desired, and received favorable answer. In 1733, May 13, they asked the town to ''erect a meeting house in the center of the town, or so as to accommodate the northerly part of the town, upon the Town's cost, or set them ofi', so that the}' may maintain preaching among themselves." This the town was hardly ready to grant ; but they had discovered that it was useless to oppose the separation, and a town meeting was held, December 19, at which the above request was renewed, or, as an alternative, that the town would "please to set them oft', with two-thirds of the land lying between Andover and Billerica meeting house, from AVilmington line to Concord River, for a Township." Others desired that the organization should be a "Precinct, for their better accommodation in public Avorship." At this meeting, a committee, consisting of JMr. Samuel Danforth, Lieutenant Daniel Kittredge, Lieut. Joseph Hill, Mr. Samuel Hunt, Jr., and Lieut.

Joseph Kidder, was appointed to "view the land" and report, which they did, January 9, 1780-4, and the town voted, ''that the northerlyand northeasterly [)art of the Town, according to their petition, be set oti' as a Township, (irantino- them two-thirds of the land from Andover line to our meeting- lionse, by a parallel line with said Andover line, extending from Concord River to A\'ilmington line, (if the inhabitants on the southeasteily side of Shawshin River be willing to join with them)."

This final condition called out a petition from Samuel Hunt and others to the General Court, '-'i)raying an absolute grant of this Court for their being made a Towne with these bounds," or the appointment of a committee to examine and report. The latter was done, v>'ith the result that Tewksbur}- was Incorporated, 1734, December 23. The new town was taken wholly- from Billerica, receiving in round numbers nine thousand acres of the twenty-five thousand which remained after the separation of Bedford, which had taken nearly or quite foiu' thousand. The following list of families included in Tewksburv is imperfect, but will have interest: -

To these forty-seven names enough should probably be added to make the number sixty. 'J'hey include all then on our list of the names Hall, Haseltine, Hinit, and Kittredge, a loss too serious not to be felt. The latter family had become so numerous in that part of the town exclusively, that it is not strange the}- have been credited with original settlement there. In fact, as noted elsewhere, their ancestor, John Kittredge, lived and died southeast of Bare Hill, in Billerica.

Wilmington received the next segment taken from Billerica. That town was incorporated, 1730, September 25, consisting of the north part of Woburn. The line on the west inchided "tlie farm" of Abraham Jaquith, whicli was partly in l^illeriea. The qnestion arose, whether the Court intended to inchide this part which was in Billerica or to follow the old Woljurn line: and, 1733, April 12, our selectmen petitioned the Court, praying "that Billerica "ma>' be continued in the uninterrupted possession of her ancient Bound." After receiving the answer of Wilmington, the question was put, whether, in the act, "it was intended by the words relating to Mr. Jaquith's farm to include the whole of that farm in Wilmington, and it passed in the affirmative." Some of the Billerica neighl)ors of Mr. Jaquith, on the east of Shawshin River, w^re also inclined to the new town; and, 1733, January 28, Wilmington voted, "that the Bildrica neighbors on y* Est Side of Shawshin River be annexed to Wilmington Towne and Towneship, and to have full right in y" meeting-house and to all other Towne Priviledges, if y^ great and Generall Cort see good to. annex y'" to us."

In March, 1737-8, Billerica received a "Petition of several persons, on the southeasterh' side of Shawshin River, to be dismissed from the Town of Billerica to be annexed to the second preicenct in Woburn, in order to be Erected into a Township." On the question of granting this petition, "it passed unanimously- in the negative." Two months later^ the General Court received the petition of John, Ebenezer, and Jacob Beard, Jonathan Baldwin, Peter Cornell, and Richard Hopkins, saying that their farms were convenient to Wilmington, and that they had attended worship in the meeting-house there since its erection, as it was two miles nearer than Billerica, and at some seasons the}' could not cross the Shawshin. The^- refer to the petition to be set otf which Billerica had refused, and ask that their request be granted without reference back to Billerica. To this petition the House, in June, refused consent; but, in December, 1737, the Council gave a favorable hearing, and A'oted that the petitioners be annexed to Wilmington, provided the}' should pay their proportion of charges for the meetinghouse which Billerica was building. The House concurred, and this section of six hundred acres was transferred to Wilmington.

remained only to complete the cii-cuit in the west ; but, although the movement there began earl3', it was not consummated for more than a generation. At the same meeting, in March, 1 To 7-8, when the town refused the AVilmington petition, it postponed one of similar tenor from "several persons on the westerly side of Concord River," wlio desired to be set off "to Joyn with part of the Towns of Concord and Chelmsford, to be erected into a Township." After debate, the town, May 11, ''voted their willingness (wlien it was the Hon''' General Court's pleasure to erect them into a Township) to set them off by the bounds following, viz : to begin at the west side of Concord River- thirty poles below the bridge, that is, ouer Concord Riv^er, at Hill's land boating place bj' the river ; then ruiaing with a streight line to the southwest corner of Andrew Farmer's paster land, on the east side of treble cove path ; from thence with a streight line to Chelmsford line at the north easterl}^ of Jonathan Snow's land." But sixteen years passed before the General Court incorporated Carlisle, '^ 1754, April 19, as a district of Concord. In 1755 Billerica refused the consent once given to the separation, and the elements seem to have been inharmonious or the location of the meeting-house a knotty problem, for after struggling with their difficulties until 1757, January, the people in Carlisle were granted a dissolution of the Di.strict. In their request for this they say, * that onl}' a small majority originall}' favored the District, and that after many trials in various ways to come to some amicable agreement for l)uilding up the place all means fail, and they apprehend the utter impossibility of ever coming into an}' further agreement. Details of these "trials" may be seen in the "History of Concord." Some of the Cont^ord people had previously sought to return to Concord, but a petition of Chelmsford and Billerica citizens had opposed them ; and to this the}' now reply that Concord was willing to receive them again, and "those who lived most remote were most anxious to return."

The dissolution of the District did not bring peace, and a petition to the Court followed, 1757, .hine 1, bearing fift\'-one signatures, of which Timothy Wilkins is the fiist. -' The following Billerica names occur : Abraham Duren, Widow Mary Duren, Ebenezer Hard}', Amos Kidder, John Kidder, Ebenezer Kittredge, Joseph Monroe,

The}' say that they, "By the Disposal of the Providence of that God who setteth Bounds to jMeu's Habitations, Live very Remote from the INIeeting Houses of the Several Towns to which w'e Respectively Belong, Jiy Reason whereof we and our Families are subject to Many Difficulties in the Discharge of tlie Duty Licumbent on us; And Especially' the Great and hnportant Duty of Attending upon the Public Worship of God." For relief they ask to be erected into a Townshij) or District, with such others as were included, with the "Limits following, that is to say, half the Lands with the Inhal)- itants on the same Between Concord Meeting House and Chelmsford Meeting House, in this manner, that There be made an East and West Line, in the Centre, between" these meeting-houses, and half the land on each side this line towards each meeting-house to be included. In the other direction a line was to be drawn between the two meeting-houses, and from this line the bounds w^ere to be two and a quarter miles east and west. The petitioners had agreed that the meeting-house should be built at the place where these lines crossed, if a Convenient place ; if Not, the Next nearest Convenient Place."

In March, 1760, the sul>ject was again before the town, which voted to set off the inhabitants on the west side of Concord River, b}' the following line: "Beginning at Clielmsford Line, at a Stake and Stones near an old cellar ; Runing thence to a white oak Tree near the House of William Bonner, standing in the Land of Asa Spalding, Taking in s'^ Boners ; from thence Runing in a straight Line to the southwest corner of W" Shed's Land ; Then Running a Strait Line to the Southwest of Benj'' Parker's Barn, and so on. Still on a Straight Line to Concord Line." But this permissive action would hardly be held as favorable, proposing to restrict the limits of Carlisle and not allow them to reach Concord River. The new meeting-house was begun at this time, but not finished for several years ; and the town itself was only a name and an endeavor for some 3*ears longer. The subject was revived b^- petition to the General Court, 1772, June 1. The petitioners say that the desired bounds include about sevent3'-six families,^" and that they have erected a meeting-house. The bounds which the}' asked were to include "the house and land of Joshua Monroe ; thence east, including house and land of Jonathan Swallow ; still runing East, including house and land of Amos Kidder ; thence southeast, including house and land of Nathaniel Hutchinson ; thence on a strait line to the Rangeway, wliere the conntiy road crosses the same ; thence East, by the South side of said Country road, to Concord Kiver." But Carlisle's long struggle for life did not end in success until 1780, though Billerica again gave her consent, 1779, March 1, when a committee reported on the bounds desired : "Beginning at Chelmsford line, at the end of the wall between the land of Lt. Jonathan Spaulding & Land of Lt. Asa Spaulding, Ruiiing East forty Degrees South half-a-mile to the' Rangeway ; then ruhing southeasterly to th6 northwest corner of the land of John Nickles, Jun. ; then ruiiing between s*" Nickles' land & land of Asa Spaulding to the southeast corner of said Nickles' land ; then ruiiing south thirty-one degrees west half-a-mile to a heap of stones in Capt. Daniel Stickney's land ; then runing southeasterly to the northeast corner of the land of Assachar Andrews ; then Runing between the s'* Andrews' land & land of Mr. Joseph Hill to Concord River. Voted, that Joseph Munroe, Joshua IMunroe, Nathan Munroe, John Henr}', John Henr}' 2^"^, Josiah Heald, Aaron Munroe, James Nickles, Joseph Nickles, Jonas Robbins, Asa Spanlding Jun'', with their land, and all included within that line, l)e set otf as a Township, agreeable to the lines above mentioned."

This was the final action of Billerica upon the subject, which had recurred at intervals for fort^'-two 3'ears ; and at last she seems to have given her youngest daughter a send-off with hearty good- will. Tiie list of names above for some reason omits these : Timothy Crosby, Charles Hans, Ebenezer Hard}', Joseph Osgood, Levi Parker, Nathaniel Parker. Here ceased the process of dismemberment of Ancient Billerica. After the lapse of a century, it is fair to hope that it will not be resumed again.

Chapter Xiii The Revolution

In the contest through which the British Colonies acquired independence and became a nation Billerica bore her part. Her minute-men were at Lexington, and the first soldier who fell at Bunker Hill was Asa Pollard, one of her sons. As earh' as 1731, September 14, the underlying principle of the national contest found expression in a vote, "that it is our opinion that our Representative hold fast all our charter priviledges ; and, in particular, that he give his voice in no suply of the Treasur}', that .deprives the house of their priviledg in passing accounts before payments." In 176G ' ' the late troubles " in connection with the Stamp Act came before the town, on the question of recompense to the sufferers, and "it passed in the affirmative," with a reference to the discretion of their representative.

December 21, 1768, a town meeting "took into Consideration the present Distresst and Impoverished State of this Province, That some effectual measures might be agreed upon to promote Industry, Oeconomy, & Manufactures, thereby to prevent the unnecessary Importation of European commodities, which threaten the Country with poverty & Ruiii." Resolutions were unanimously passed, favoring home manufactures and disapproving the use of imported articles, of which a long list is named, beginning with loaf-sugar. A committee reported a form of subsci'iption, pledging those who signed, to promote tiiese objects. "The late regulations respecting Funerals" are special!}' emphasized, and the signers agree that they "will not use any Gloves but what are manufactured here, nor procure any new Garments upon such an occation l)ut what shall be absolutely necessar}'" ; to all which the patriots of Billerica it is quite certain generally agreed. This non-importation action became very general, and produced no little effect on the popular mind.

The Revolution

In September, 1708, resolutions from the Town of Boston were responded to; and, "taking into Consideration the Critical State of our public affairs, more especially the present Precarious situation of our Invaluable Rights and priviledges, Civil and Religious," the town voted to choose "one person a committee for s"^ Town, to meet at Boston at Funel hall, the 22'^ inst., to act for them in a Convention, with such as may l)e sent to join them from the several towns in this province, in order that such measures maj' be consulted and advised as his majesty's service and the peace and safety of his majesty's subjects in tlie province may require." William Stickney, Esq., was chosen delegate to this convention. In this way the towns furnished the basis for effective discussion and action on the vital problems which stirred the colonies ; and it is not strange that the English Ministry were alarmed and incensed at the activity of these miniature republics. They were in fact the palladium of our rising liberties.

The non-importation agreement naturally did not secure universal assent, and became inoperative, to the great joy of the Tories ; and the Boston IMassacre, l)y British soldiers, 1770, March 5, intensified the popular feeling. Royal instructions were resisted, as not having the force of law ; and the action of Governor Hutchinson and the judges, in receiving their salary' from the Crown and not from the Colonies, increased the sense of danger in the minds of the clearheaded patriots. In Boston, under the grand leadership of Samuel Adams, a committee was appointed, who reported to a town meeting, 1772, November 20, a paper which stated the rights of the Colonists, enumerated their violation, and called upon the towns for expressions of their judgment. It was the most radical exposition which had A'et been made of rights and grievances, and the response was hearty.

In Billerica a town meeting was held, 1773, February 1, and there is littledoubt that its action took shape under the hand of her able and patriotic minister, Henry Cumings. It stands thus : -

''The inhabitants, liaving- deliberately Considered tlie Critical and alarming' Situation the Colonies upon this Continent are Keduced to, by reason of the unconstitutional proceedings of the British Ministry and parliament of late j^ears; & also the expediency of theii', as well as the Inhabitants of every other town, Adopting some method to Communicate their Sentiments in Kegard to tlie Disputes Subsisting between Great Britain and the Colonies, more especially on account of the late change in the American Department, that his Lordship the present Secretary of State for the said X)epartment may be Convinced that a General Uneasiness prevails throughout the Country in Consequence of the late measures of tlie

British Adininistiation, notwithstanding any Eepoits to the Contrary, & may thereby be Influenced 'to use liis best Interest and endeavours to procure a Removal of the causes thereof, and a Restoration of tliat peace & Harmony vvliich so long Subsisted Betw^een the Mother Country & her Colonies, & are undoubtedly Necessary to the political Happiness and welfare of each : Unanimously Voted and Resolved,

"1. That the late Acts of Parliament for laising a Revenue in the Colonies; the establishing a Board of Connnissioners with exorbitant powers; the granting of such extensive powers to the Court of Admiralty; the fixing a sallar}^ on the Governor of the province, and on the Justices of the Superioi' Courts. Independant of tlie Grants of the General .Assembly; the extending to America the late Acts of parliament. Entitled an Act for better preserving bis Majesty's Dock yards, &c; the Stationing fleets and armies to enforce a Compliance with Ministerial & parliamentary measures, together with many other things that might be mentioned, are Repugnant to the principles of the British Constitution. Subversive of their Charter Rights and privileges, & therefore Intolerable Grievances.

''2. That those Reports which Represent the Inhabitants in General, in the Countiy, as acquiescing in and ready to Comply with the late measures of Administration, are. as far as they Respect them, false and groundless.

"3. That they will heai-tily Concur with and faithfully assist their brethren in the common cause, throughout the Continent, in all prudent, legall, and Constitutional measures that shall be Adopted, to obtain a Redress of their present Grievani-es & a Restoration of their Just Rights and priviledges ; and will also at all times Unite with them in Zealously and Streanously Asserting their Rights and Vigorous!}' maintaining their freedom.

"4. That they would take this Occation publickly to Declare their ' Cordial Aft'ection & unfeigned loyalty to his present majesty George the 3*^, and to express tbeir Sincear wish that the Union Between Create Britain and her Colonies may never be broken, but be preserved upon Such an Equitable foundation as Shall Conduce to the prospei'ity & Advantage of both. Wlierefore,

-'5. That they Commit in trust to our Representative in the General Court, to use Such measures as his i)rudence & wisdom Shall Dictate, to obtain in a Constitutional way a Redress of all (Jrievances.

'--O, That the foregoing votes be Recorded in the town Book, and that the town Clerk transmit a Co])y of the same to the Connnittee of Correspondence of the town of Boston."

Other towns took action of like tenor, and the effect yvas very great. The people were still loyal, but their rights were sacred and could not l)e sacrificed. If the two claims were not hai-monized, there was no doubt which must yield ; and from that spirit came independence and union.

tion, by sending a commission to Rhode Island for the trial of persons concerned in the destrnction of the schooner "Gaspee," and more offensively by the Tea Act, which involved the issne of taxation withont representation. The patriots met the issue, 1773, December 16, by throwing the first cargo of tea into Boston Harbor, receiving the exulting approval of the people in all the Colonies. Then followed the Boston Port Bill, which extended the feeling of union ; for the colonists espoused the cause of Boston, rather than see her suffer alone for an act which all approved.

The Boston Committee again appealed to other towns, and Billerica responded, 1774, June G. Captain Enoch Kidder was moderator, and a committee consisting of Mr. E;i)enezer Bridge, Capt. Josiah Bowers, and Capt. Ralph Hill, reported as follows: -

"The Inliabitants. having taken into Consideration the oppressive Measures, adopted and prosecuted of hite, by tlie British Ministry and Parliament against the Colonies ; and more especially having Considered the very alarming and vindictive act passed for the Blocking up of the harbour of Boston and ])utting a stop to the trade, unanimously (>auie into the following Resolves :

"1. That a Right in the British Parliament to Tax his Majestj'^'s American Sidijects and to make laws Binding upon them in all Cases, without their Consent by Representatives, effectually deprives them of those Rights and Priviledges which as men and as Britisli Subjects they have a Just Claim to ; and has no better foundation in Reason & Equity than the mdimited Prerogative, contended for by those arbitrary and misguided Princes. Charles the first and James the second, for the which the one lost Ids life and the other liis Kingdom.

-'2. That tlie Colonies are as Justifiable in opposing this unrighteous Claim of the British Parliament & all Acts Resulting from it, with all the attempts to Carry the same into execution, as the people of England were in opposing Charles t<:; James, & Setting William, Prince of Orange, of ever Glorious Memory, upon the Throne in tlie Room of the latter, Since the measures of those Arbitrarj^ Princes were not more Inconsistent with the Liberties of tlie People of England than the late measures of the British Parliament, in consequence of the al)ove-mentioned claim, are with the Lilierties of the People in Amei-ica.

'-3. That our Vigorous Contests for our Liberties, in Opposition to the said Claim of Parliament and the Oppressions with which we have been loaded in Consequence thereof, Cannot Consistentl}' be Denominated Faction and Rebellion by any who are friendly to tlie Principles of the Revolution upon whicli his Present Majesty's Rigiit t(j the Crown Depends; and tlierefore there is Reason to Suspect that those who call our manly Struggles for Liberty Opprobi'ious names are disaftected to the Hannoverian Succession, & aiming to Restore the Racce of the Stuarts.

& Cruel, and a Solemn Alarm. Sniiiided to all America, to Unite as one man and Stand more tlrm than ever in Defence of its Liberties, as it Discovers implacable Kesentment in tlie British Ministry and a fixed Intention to treat these Colonies as Kebels, without even the fornuility of a trial, and to condemn & punish them unheard if they Do not yield a tame Submission to their Sovereign Mandates, which is a mode of proceeding" against IJeal offenders Scarcely to be parrelled bj^ any instance in tlie most arbitrary ct tyrannical Reigns.

That we consider tlie Blow Struck at Boston as aimed at the Province in General, and as a Prelude to something further. Equally Vindictive, yet in Store for this and the other Colonies, and as we have a fixed Reliance upon the Vhlue of our Brethren in Boston to persevere in the noble Cause of Liberty, which they have hitherto maintained with Such laudable fortitude and Resolution, and, looking upon our Selves as Bound to annimate and encourage them, we hereby promise & Declare our Readiness to Support and Strengthen them in the present conflict to the utmost of our power, and to joyn with them in anj^ measures that shall be Judged expedient for our Common Safety and Defence, and for Defeating every vengeful machination of those that would punish us for Shewing our Selves men, and Dragoon us into Slavery because we Disdain patientlj' to take the Yoak upon our Necks at their Bidding.

''6. That, if the Respectable Body of Merchants throughout the Colonies might come into an agreement to import no British Goods and carry on no foreign trade whereby the merchants in England should Receive any Greate Benefit or Emolument. Ave humbly Conceive that a plan would be laid for the Speedy Removal of our Difficulties ; and that we should have nothing to Do but to Sit Still and See the Salvation of our Country. We therefore Ardently Reconnnend this measure to them, promising that nothing shall be wanting upon our part for the Encouragement of the Same.

That, as it would be an Indellible Disgrace and a Violation of the Sacred Obligation we are under, to God, 'J'o our Country, to our Selves, and to Posterity, for us tamely and Pusillanimously to give up these invaluable Liberties, which our worthy Ancest(*rs purchased for us at Such Vast Expense of Blood & Treasure, AVe are Determined to use our utmost efforts to maintain them, and nqt part with them at a Cheaper Rate than they were at first Obtained."

These resolutions were recorded, and transmitted to the "Committee of Correspondence in Boston." It was also voted to choose a Committee of Correspondence, which consisted of Mr. Ebenezer Bridge, Mr. Joshua Abbott, Capt. Josiali Bowers, Mr. Kalpli Ilill, Doctor Timotliy Danforth, Mr, William Tompson, and ]\Ir. Solomon Pollard.

On June 27, after considering two covenants, sent from Boston, "The Town, after Serious Deliberation upon the Difficulties & Distresses in which the Province, as well as the Colonies in General, are involved, at the present Day ; also upon what Method will have the greatest tendenc}^ to Cause a Suspension of all Commercial Intercourse with the Island of Great Britain, (that being adjudged a Measure the most Salutary- and Prudent that can be adopted, and most likely to etfect the end proposed,) Voted, That the Inhabitants of this Town come into an Agreement, faithfully and Religiousl}'^ to be observed, that the}- will not I1U3-, purchase, or Consume, or suffer any person b\', for, or under them, to purchase or Consume, in an}' way or manner whatsoever, an}' Goods, wares, or merchandise that «hall arrive in America from Greate Britain aforesaid, from and after the 31 Day of August ilext ensuing, for and until such time as they shall have Received the Result of the Continental Congress, upon whose wisdom, Prudence, and Integrity they Rely, & to whose Determination they shall Readily Conform. A'^oted, That if any person or persons shall Discover such a want of regard for the Interest and Good of the Country, as to import any kind of merchandise from Great Brittain aforesaid, after the aforesaid 31 Day of August until the publication of the aforesaid result, they wall not purchase of them any article of British goods, whatever, when, or howsoever imported. Voted, That a Covenant comprising the Spirit and intention of the foregoing \"ote be forthwith Subscril)ed to I)}- the Inhabitance of the Town," and a committee was appointed for the purpose.

September 12th, it was "Voted, that the Tow^i Justifie the Committee of Correspondence for their Going to CouQord, to join with the committees of the other towns of this County, to Consult upon measures proper to be taken at the present important day," and ''that the town fully accept of the Resolves passed at said meeting in Concord." At the same time the town voted to choose two persons, " as a Committee to attend at the Provincial Congress, to be held at Concord on the second Tuesday in October." William Stickney, Esq., and Mr. Ebenezer Bridge were chosen. Already the First Continental Congress was in session at Philadelphia, and the active union of the Colonies was taking practical form. Two weeks later, Mr. Stickney was also elected Representative to the General Court, " to be held at Salem," October 0 ; and he was instructed " to pay no Regard to the King's new mandamus Council, as a Council, nor proceed to act with them" ; and, "if the Governor Should Dissolve, prorogue, or adjourn the Court, that our Representative joine the House in forming themselves into a provincial Congress," and in the latter case, Mr. Bridge was also to attend it.

The progress of sentiment and action was rapid, as appears 6 December, 1774, when the town adopted a conunittee's report as follows: " When we Reflect on the alarming & Critical Scituation of onr Pu1)lick affairs, it is with pleasnre we behold the Remarkable Unanimity that prevails Through the whole Continent ; we are Greatly pleased to find that the very Methods by which a Corrupt Ministry- Sought to Divide the Colonies have Served Happily to unite them, and by every New Act of Oppression more and more to Strengthen the Union, So that the people Seem in Every (Quarter, almost to a man, to be P^ngaged in the Common Cause. And we Earnestly Recommend it to this people, that since the}' have Endeavoured to Collect the United wisdom of the whole Continent, by their Selected Delegates, also the General Sence of the province, now assembled in Congress, that the^' would pay a proper Regard to their Resolves and Recommendations ; it is with most painful Sensations we see the supineness and inattention to our Common Interest that seems to prevail in the minds of many people in this town ; we are sorry that there is so much uneasiness in the minds of some People in Regard to settling the melitia. We heartil}- wish that this people were more fully Convinced that good polic}' Consists much in learning the use of arms and the art of war ; and the times may soon Demand their Service and the utmost Exertion of them. And Since it is submitted to us, as a committee, to Draw some plan for the Town to adopt in order to settle the melitia, we Give it as our humble opinion that it would be best for the [men to be] called Together : both the \larm List and the Training band ; and in the first i)lace to Resolve that they will abide the Vote of a Majority-, and then proceed to the Choice of officers for each Compan}', and when the Compan\^ are so settled, that each Company meet to G ether as often as they can conveniently in order to learn the art military, and that the companies all attend & stiictly obey the lawfull commands & orders of said officers. With Regard to the Company' under the Command of Mr. p]benezer Bridge, we can't but Justif}' upon the principles they set out, which, we take for Granted, was to Learn the Military Art, and we Rejoice to see that the}', as well as the other Companies, have made such noble Improvements, and we hope that Company will act so much upon Ilonnor as not to make any Devisions in the other Companies, and if they go on to Enlist men, that they be Restricted to a Certain number." Monday, the twelfth, was assigned for the election of officers, and Mr. Bridge's compau}' was limited to fort}'- eight privates. It was none too soon for the miUtia to be arniing and training; as the}' were qnickly needed. Volunteer movements, it appeared, had alread}^ been made before the action of the town.

Another vital step was taken when the constables were instructed, December 19, to pay the Province taxes to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stowe, who had been appointed b}- the Provincial Congress Receiver-^ General. The State was to have the means in friendly hands to carry on its legitimate work. A Committee of Inspection was also chosen, consisting of Ebenezer Bridge, Joshua Abbot, Solomon Pollard, Joshua Davis, William Tompson, Timothy Danforth, Reuben Kendall, John Parker, and Oliver Abbot, "to see that the Resolves of the Continental, and Provincial, Congress, be adliei-ed to, so far as they Respect ns." In January, 1775, AVilliani Stickney was chosen delegate to a Provincial Congress which met in Cambridge ; and another important committee was thus provided for: "The Difficulty aud Dangers of the present Day into which we are fallen, when the Course of Law & Justice is Interrupted, and the Danger of people being Disorderly & Tumultuous to the Disturbing the Common wealth and the peace of the Good people of the Town, taking the Advantage of the times ; voted, to choose a Committee of twelve persons, as Conservators. Chose William Stickney, Esq., Mr. Ebenezer Bridge, Mr. Joshua Abbot, Captain Daniel Sticknej', Captain Josiah Bowers, Mr. Joshua Davis, Lt. Asa Spaulding, Mr. Benj. Lewis, Mr. Henry Jefts, Mr. Zebadiah Rogers, Captain Ralph Hill, & Mr. Paul Cooke, whose business it shall be, as nnich as in them lies, by all prudent methods, to prevent & Discountenance all Disorders, Mobs, & Tumultuous Assemblys in the s'' Town, and to heal all Diferances by persuading all Contending persons to be at peace, or to leave their Differences to men to settle for them ; aud to P^ncourage people as much as possil)le to lead (^uiete # peacable lives in all Godliness & honesty. And where persons prove obstinate and erreclaimable, to bring such matters before the town for their Consideration & Determination, ^"oted, that seven of s'' Committee be a Corum." These good men intended to pi-ove and did prove that they could guard the public peace in times of transition and danger. It is also evident that Dr. Cumings did not always write or criticize their public utterances. He would have secured better grannnatical coherence ; but what the fathers meant to say is usually clear.

pnid one shilling for even' half-days' training, except when this day was the same as the general training-day. The oflieers, appointed by a committee of the town, were Ca[)tain Ebenezer Bridge, Lieuts. Jonathan Stickney and James Lewis ; and the minute-men were to pass muster before Colonel Tompson, Captain Pollard, and Captain Farmer. Another committee was ''to perfect the alarm List; the Rule to go by is, all above the age of fifty-five."

4- few days later occurred an incident in Boston which has made the name of a young man from Billerica famous in the history of these days, and produced much effect upon the minds of the patriots. Thomas Ditson, Jun., being in Boston, was seiised by the British troops, March 8, on the pretence that he was urging a soldier to desert ; without any examination kept a prisoner until the next day, when he was stripped, tarred, and feathered, and dragged through the principal streets on a truck, attended by soldiers of the Forty- Seventh Regiment, led by Colonel Nesbit, to the music of Yankee Doodle, the original words of which, it is said, were then first used. The outrage produced great indignation, and the selectmen of Boston sent a letter reporting the case to the selectmen of Billerica, who presented a remonstrance to General Gage, and submitted the case to a town meeting, on March 20. The town thanked them '' for the wise and i)radent measures" they had taken, expressed its dissatisfaction with the reply of General Gage, and instructed them to carry the case to the Provincial Congress.

Debates and events were becoming ver}' serious, and the drilling of train-l)ands and minute-men foreshadowed too well the work before them. The stern resolve of the patriots expressed itself in a vote, the same day, "to look up the old Bayonets" ; and, April 14, four days before the Lexington and Concord alarm, they voted to " furnish the mfiuUe-men with Bayonets and Cartridge Boxes." It was also voted, that "as every method ought to be pursued which may tend to promote the arts & manufactures of the Country, especially tliat of wool. The Inhabitants of this town Shall not Kill any lambs for the markett till after the first Day of August next ; and also that no one ought to sell an}- to any Butcher or Petty Chapman, at any time whatever." "Voted, That the Inhabitants of this Town will, on the Death of a friend or Relative, Conform to the 8"' article of the American Association, & go into no further mourning than such as is therein Recommended, and will entirely Discontinue the Giving of anv Gloves whatever at Funerals."

To prevent the troops in Boston from being snpplied with materials for hostile operations, the town voted not to permit any team "to Load in, or, after loaded, to pass through, the Town, with Timber, Boards, Spars, Pickets, Tent-poles, Canvas, Biick, Iron, Waggons, Carts, Carriages, Intrenching Tools, Oats," etc., without satisfactory certificate from the Committee of Correspondence, as to load, destination, and abode. Meanwhile, General Gage was preparing for an expedition to seize the military stores which had been gathered at Concord, with little suspicion what preparation the Provincials had made, and how promptly the}' would deal w4th such a movement. It was about eleven' o'clock on the night of April 18th, that Paul Revere and William Dawes set out on their ride to give the alarm and summon the minute-men to resist the advance of the British troops. The story of that day has been well told, and can not be here repeated. It was certainly to Billerica one of the most exciting and important days in her history. The midnight riders spreading the alarm were likely to come b}' the Woburn. Ijcxington, and Bedford roads, and probably reached Billerica by two o'clock. The Ditsons on the Woburn Road would be among the first to receive the summons, and very ready to respond to it after their recent experience. Colonel Tompson and Lieutenant !Stickney, living in the southeast part of the village, would be promptly notified ; and El>enezer Bridge, who was captain of the minute-men, and lived at the Farmer place and nearl}' opposite Colonel Stickney's. There was huriTing to and fro, we may be sure, and in the early dawn, when the first encounter took place at Lexington, few families, if an}', had not heard the call to arms. Muskets and accoutrements were hastil}' made ready and donned ; the alarm-list no doubt turned out as well as the train-band and the minute-men ; and gathering at the Common for muster and orders, the}- hurried off towards Concord. IMeanwh'le, the British had pushed on to Concord, and after the fight there found reason for hurrj'ing back towards Boston. They had not gone far when, at IMerriam's Corner, the Billerica troops came and joined in the assault and pursuit of the retreating foe. Mr. Frothingham states that the}' came under the command of Colonel William Tompson, a fact which suggests that the force was not limited to the company of minute-men under Captain Bridge, and it is not likely that the veterans would be slow to turn out at such a call. Some Billerica men w'ere naturally in the Bedford company and arrived earlier, and when Capt. Jonathan Wilson was killed, the eonunniKl devolved upon his Bilk'rica lieutenant, Edward Stearns. Nathaniel Wvnian of the same company was killed, who was probably from Billeriea, although his name is also credited to Lexington. No other man from this town was killed, but John Nickles and Timothy Blanchard were wounded.

Tlie day of Lexington and Concord decided the issue of Avar ; and there followed a rapid nuistering of Provincial forces. Billeriea I'urnished her share of men, as appears from this action. May 15: '-('hose Messurs Samuel Kidder & Isaac Foster as a Comt'''' to pro- \ide Blanketts for those persons in this town that have Inlisted into the provincial service." Another vote was, "thttt the Commanding officer of the Caddett Company make Keturne to the field Officers, the State of the Compan}', as the other Militia Captains do, and also that they Ije Read}' on any Ocation to take their part in any Burthen, acording to then- number, with the other Companys." A committee was also chosen "to provide straw for the army at Cambridge." Deacon Hill was excused from the Committee of Correspondence, and Captain Daniel Stickney and Lieut. John Parker were added to that important committee. Two weeks later, the town voted, that the article in the warrant "Respecting the Dissolution of the Caddett Company be put over to the fall meeting" ; but there is no record of farther action. Probably this was a compan}- of bo3'S, too young for service and too patriotic to neglect preparation for future duty.

A conmiittee was chosen, June 2G, "to purchase GO hogsheds of salt & ten hogsheds of MoUasses, for a town Stock." This salt was bought at Beverly, and furnishes many items among the town charges for the year. Other items are "a pair of shoes for William Britton," "an old coat and a pair of stockings" for the same soldier, and "sundries Delivered to Mary Britton," no doubt his Avife. "To Jacob French for fixing 5 Bayonets to their Onus, 9% 5, 2," and "to AY'" Baldwin for making 7 Cataridge Boxes for the minute-men, 1, 8, 0" ; "a pair of shoes for Ro])ert Augier, 6% 0" ; "a Jaccoat for AV" Britton, 2% 0" ; "3 cords of wood for Mary Britton, 1,0, 0."

The siege of Boston occasioned the departure of many of its l)atriotic inhabitants, who sought refuge in the surrounding towns ; and at the iNLirch meeting in 177G a committee was appointed "to take care of and provide for the Donation persons that came from the towns of Boston and CbarlestoAvn." The Committee of Correspondence was reconstructed, William Stickne}', Esq., taking the place of Colonel Bridge, who was absent in the army. Other members were "Josluua Al)l)ot, Co'. W"\ Tompson, Capt. Daniel Stickne}', Capt. Josiah Bowers, Dr. Timothy- Daufortli, Dea. Joshua Davis, Lt. John Parker, Mr. Henry Jefts, Mr. Isaac Foster, and Mr. Benj". Lewis." Their duty is defined, "to serve as a Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safet}', whose Business shall be to Communicate with Dispatch an}^ matters of importance to the publick that may come to their Knowledge to the Committees of the same Denomination of an3' other town, Count}', or Colony, which it may particularly concern, or to the General Assembly- of this Colony, or in their Recess to the Council ; and also to Inspect whether there [are] any Inhabitants of or Residents in their Respective towns who violate the association of the Continental Congress, or any other the Resolves, Directions, or Recommendations of said Congress, or Acts and Resolves of the General Court & preceding Congresses of this Colony, Respecting the present Struggles with Great Britton. And, if any such are found, that the}' proceed with them in Such manner as tl^ Resolves of the Continental Congress or the laws or Resolves of this Colony Do or shall Direct ; That the}' make known to the General Court or to the Council all Gross Breaches of trust in any officers or servants of this Colony that may come under their oljservation ; That they use their utmost influence to promote peace and harmony in their Respective towns." These were extensive powers and duties, and the exercise of them was liy no means nominal. Viny nuich was due to the vigilance and discretion with which these committees discharged their various and delicate functions.

At a meeting. May 23, the town voted ''to send another Representative this year," and chose Colonel Tompson. It then adds a resolution which showed the progress of public sentiment after a year in the school of war? and that they were finding out tliat loyalty to Great Britain could not much longer be made consistent with the defence of their rights. "The Question was put whether the Town will, in Conformity to a Resolve of the Hon^'*^ the House of Representatives of this Colony, advise our Representatives that, if the Hon'''*^ Congress Should for the Safety of the Colonies Declare them Independent of Great Brittain, they the said Inhabitants will engage with their lives & fortunes to Support them, and it passed unanimously in the affirmative." They were patriotic men who were ready for this action. With such leaders as Dr. Cumings and William Stickney, we may he sure it was not taken witliout intelligent consideration of its significance and what it was likel}- to cost them.

The l)attle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, mid in that Ijattle the company from Billeriea served in the redoubt under Prescott. Its foi-mer captain was now Colonel Bridge, and Lieut. Jonathan Sticknej' was in command. Asa Pollard, whose home was near the "fordway," was the first soldier killed, and was buried on the field. Sanmel Hill was also killed, and probal)ly Benjamin Easte,. who was reported as dead soon after ; and Timothy Toothaker died a few days later of wounds received. Colonel Bridge was wounded on the head and neck b}' a sword cut, and was one of the last to retreat. In the severe scrutiny which followed, he did not escape charges of misconduct, in seeking too cautioush' the cover of the redoubt. He was tried, but acquitted on the ground of indisposition of body. '

It is beyond the proper range of a local history to attempt to follow the current of national affairs ; and the great Declaration, with the important events following, can only be suggested as occurring at this point. The town voted, October 7, to open the salt store, selling the salt for five shillings per bushel, not more than a bushel and a half to each family-, and no credit was to be given. At the same time it was voted, "that the Rev. Henrj- Cumings, Joshua Abbot, Dr. Tim". Danforth, Capt. Josiah Bowers, & Col. Tompson, be a Committee to Draw up some proper vote to present to the town * relative to a hand bill sent to the town." This committee reported, October 14, as follows: -

"'The town of Billerica being assenil)led this clay, ou adjouninient of a legal meeting, wai-nod in Compliance with a Eeeonuiiendation from the house of Represeutatives, in order for the Freemen of said town to express their mind Kelative to the erecting some form of Government in this State, after Deliberatel.v Discussing the matter, came mto the following votes:

Tliat tlie Tyranny of Greate Brittaine, (whi<*h lias eomptdled the United provinces of America to Dissolve their Connection with hei-.) having broken up the Constitution of this province, it has now become necessary for the prevention of anarchy, for the preservation of internal peace & good order, and for the umtual Security of the Inhabitants in the enjoy-

1 Siege of Boston, p. 1"C. Mr. Frothiiighain's JKlinirable record iiiid iiiialv.sis of the events around Ko.stou in 1775-76 make liis volume an indispensable authority to all students of those campaigns. Its value is impaired by a failure to recognize the e.xtent and importance of the services of the New Hampshire soldiers under StiU'k at the rail-fence and breastwork; and by a tendency to nuignify the position of Colonel Prescott, who had command in the redoubt. A corresponding injustice is done General Putnam, the only general otficer present, who certainly exercised authority in the larger Held beyond the redoubt, and the only American whose position, as if he were the chief otiicer, is recognized, both by contemporary letters and art, British and American.

The Reyolution

-'2. That it be Submitted to the present house of Representatives, in Conjunction with tlie Council, to Draw up such a phm of Government as they in their wisdom shall judge best adapted to promote tlie lasting welfare and happiness of this State, Depending on it that before such plan of Government be ratified & established by an act of the Court, it be made publick. for the inspection of the people, that they also may have an opportunity to judge of it, and to propose such alterrations as thej' may think best to be made, if it should appear in any Respect Disagreeable to them, voted, the above I'eport be accepted."

Ill 1777, May, the town instructed its representative to favor the course thus indicated, which was adopted by the Court, and a Constitution was submitted to the people ; but it did not please them and was rejected. Two years later a convention was called for the purpose of framing a Constitution, to which Billerica sent her pastor, Rev. Dr. Cumings. The result of its deliberations was approved by the people, 1780, June 5th,. the first Constitution of Massachusetts. Billerica desired an alteration of a clause, but consented to it without conditions. Until this was adopted, the towns acted on a theor}- of their semi-independence ; for instance, "the Question was put whether the town will heartily Submitt to the Reagulating bill, & it passed in the affirmative."

As the war went on, and the calls for troops were repeated, the people found it more difficult to respond. The country, in fact, was poor, and the tax of maintaining the contest in both men and money was severe. 1777, March 10, the town chose "a committee of five persons to Indent with persons to Inlist into the Continental service," consisting of Capt. Solomon Pollard, Capt. E^dward Farmer, Capt. Jonathan Stickney, Lieut. Jacoli Richardson, and Oliver Crosb}- ; and they were allowed fourteen dajs to procure men and make report. On the 24th, the town continued the committee, adding Lieut. Elijah Danforth, and voted an additional bounty- of £24 to "such persons as will now Inlist into the Continental Army." Probabl3- fort}^ of the men who are numbered (3) on the ensuing list of soldiers responded to this call, a number which would demand nearly £1000 to fulfil this stipulation. A committee of nine was chosen, "to form some plan how the money shall be raised for the aditional bounty." Their report was : -

-'First. That every man according to his Interest shall be taxed to paj^ the aditional bounty to hire men to Engage in the Continental Army.

2^y. That each person that liave latelj^ arriven to the age of sixteen years be Exempted from any part of the charges that hath aheady arisen l)y the hite levy of men. ;5'>'. That each Lanlord pay this tax upon the farines IJented. 4'>. Tliat those tliat engaged in tlie service at Cambridge for eight montlis. in the year 1775, be allowed credit for each man. £'J, 0. 0. 5'>'. That those that served six weeks be allowed credit for each man, 1. 0. 0. G'>'. Those that sei'ved Two montlis have credit each man, 1, 4, 0. 7'-^ . Tliose that served in the Continental army in 1776 witliout hire have credit each man. 18, 0. 0. 8'y. Those that went to Ticondirogue without hire have Credit each man, 12, 0, 0, 9'y. Those that went to the lines without hire have credit each man, 2, 0, 0. lO^y. Those that went to New York 2 months without hire have credit each, G, 0, 0. ll'y. Those that went to New York 3 months without liire have credit each, 12, 0, 0. Those men that have advanced money to hire men into the army have credit for what money they paid."'

A list of "what each person hath done in the "War" was reported, liut unfortunately not recorded ; it would l)e verj- interesting. The town accepted the repox't, "save the 2^* article," and voted to raise £900, as a "tax to be levied on Interest" ; also, that the services of ap[)rentices and .sons under age be set to their masters and fathers. But the tax on interest was objected to, and reconsidered at the next meeting, when the town voted, that it be raised "on polls and estate in the usual wa}-" ; and that apprentices and minors should receive one-half of the credit for their services. The latter item was still not satisfactory, and in May the committee was instructed "to Drop the Credit tluit was to be set to INIinors as to the Back Charges," but "to keep an account of s*^ Credit for their Benefit in some futer time." The jjccuniary embarrassments became more and more serious as the Continental currency depreciated ; and persons with fixed incomes suffered most. This appears in a vote, 1777, December 1, "that the selectmen make Mr. Jonathan Kidder, our Schoolmaster, an addiquate reward for his services in some measure, as things haA'e risen." The extent of this inflation is illustrated in the salary- of Dr. Cumings. This was £80. But for the year ending in July, 1779, he received £380 ; for the next half-year, £830 ; and for the year 1781, £9000. In other words, this "Continental currency" had fallen to less than one per cent, of its face value. It had become too attenuated to be reclaimed, and the unfortunate holders of it, soldiers as well as citizens, suffered greatly in its utter loss. In 1782 the taxes were raised in specie, and the pastor's salary' was again £80.

cared for their nxmilies in eases of need. Snch aid is recorded, in 1777, for the wives of Abijah and Josiah Beard, William Britton, William Currier, Jesse Danfoitli. John Edes, and Roger Toothaker. In giving this aid, Mrs. Cnrriei- had sevent^'-three quarts of milk, at ninepence a quart ; live months' house-rent for £3 ; one cord of wood for £1, lO.s. ; and a bushel and a half of Indian meal for the same. In 1778 the selectmen are instructed "to take care & provide for the families of the soldiers that are out in the Continental ami}', according to their Several Circumstances, and keep accounts thereof." The treasurer is also instructed "to borrow money to pay for the Cloathing, provided b^' the Selectmen for our Soldiers in the Continental Army."

In 1778 the proposals for the Confederation came before the town, January '23; and they sav, "although they apprehend, some things therein Contained are no so agreeable, yet considering the vast Importance of the whole for the well being & Hai)piness of the united States of America, A'oted & agreed to the whole of s"^ Confederation, and that Col. W". Tompson, our Kepresentative, be and he is hereby Instructed to Jovne with the honorable house of Representatives in any measui'cs they Judge best, in order to forward the same to Congress."

Another call for recruits, in 1778. was met by the town's offer of £30 to such able-bodied men "as siiall Inlist themselves to Joyne Gen. Washington's army for the space of nine months, except sooner Discharged, in order to fill up the Continentall army" ; and £00 to such persons "as shall Inlist themselves as militia men to go to the North River for eight months." The selectmen were empowered to borrow mone}' for this purpose, and, at a later meeting, £10 were added in each case to these offers. In October, 1778, we have a glimpse of the hopes which cheered them during these tr3'ing 3'ears in the report of a committee, appointed to estimate the back services in the war, who say: "That, considering the many services done since our appointment and the Diflficulty of estimating them Separatel}', and the hopeful pros[)ect that this sumer's campaign will put a finall end to services of this sort, it is our oppinnion that one Committee Consider the whole." Whereupon the town appointed a committee of seven, "to estimate the back services since the}' went to Ticonderogue, since the war rate was made in 1777, having Refference to the former settlement Respecting some grievances that some persons sustained in said settlement, according to their

If we had the names of the men employed iu these A'arious services, the record would have greater interest ; but it is safe to assume that the town was represented in all ; and there was work for the comniittee again appointed, Ma\' 13, consisting of Jonathan Hill, Ebenezer Richardson, Jonathan Pollard, Samuel Rogers, Josiah Crosby, Joshua Davis, Jacob Manning, Thomas Allen, and Jonas French, "to provide for the families of those persons that are Gone out of this town into the Continental Army." At the same meeting, " the Question was put whether the town at this time will have a new Constitution or form of Government, and it passed in the Negativ^e ]>3' fort}' Votes."

More men were needed in 1779, and, June 22, a committee was appointed to procure the town's quota, '"to go into the Continental army and to Rhode Island." July 5, a tax was levied, of thousand dollars," for the purpose of paying and securing the needed men ; the first use of the word "dollar" in the Records. As prices rose and the value of the currenc\' became more doul)tful, men had reasonable fears as to enlisting and trusting pronnses of future pa}'- ments. A State Convention was held, and resolutions were passed "for the Retreiving the Credit of our Currency," which Billerica adojited, also appointing delegates to a County Convention, August 5, at Concord, " to regulate the pi'ices of produce and manufactures," whose proceedings were also adopted ; and a connnittee of fifteen was "chosen of Observation to see that the Resolves and Recoihmendations of the State and Count}' C'onvention be imnctually compl^-ed with." But the task laid upon them was much more hopeless than that of linding men wdiose patriotism would respond to the call of Washington ; and althougii a wei'k later the Selectmen and Coimiiittee of Corrc'si)oii(li'iice were united with this one, and "Impowered and directed in the most Vigorons Manner to see that there l)e no breaking over or evading the doings of the said Convention, and tliat the breakers tliereof be proceeded against according to their offences ; and more especiallj' to see that there be no bartering in Gold and Silver, to the Ingur}' of onr paper Cnrrency," prices continued to rise, the regulations could not be enforced, and the end came in thi' utter worthlessness of the paper currency thev strove so resolutely- to sustain. 1780, June 14, another committee was appointed, "to procure our (juota of men now called for, to joinc the Continental army"; and, July (3, the town voted, that *'the sum of £'31,710 be granted as a tax to ))e levied upon polls and estates, in the usual manner, for hiring nineteen militia to serve three months in tlie army ; also, to hire four men to join the Continerital ai'my for six months." Some of the men who, in 1777, had enlisted "for three years or the war," had returned, and the town voted that they be rated for their poll tax. Again, 1781, January 1, a committee was api)ointed, "to procure our quota of men * upon the most easy terms they can." A tax of £27,000 was levied, "to procure our (^uota of Beef for Supplies for the army." In Juh' another tax was raised for the same purpose, but the terms of the tax were changed to £180 "in Specie." The poor Continental currency could be used no longer, and they return to the specie standard. Another and a[)parently the last call for men appears, July 15; and a tax of £2.")0 in specie is levied, "to pay the hire of the men now called for." Lieut. Isaac Barron was to be allowed -'equal hire with a Private." Yorktown closed the campaign of 1781, and the long and exhausting contest was practically ended.

(2.) Service in 177(), incliKliiig the bnltle ol" Bunker Hill and the siihsefjuent siege of Boston." Seventy-five of these men served eight months, and claimed a "'coat," promised for that service.

(3.) Service in 1777. Tiurty-two men under Captain Edward Farmer, who marched "to reinforce the Northern Army," which was fighting Hnrgoyne at Bennington and Saratoga, are included above. Colonel Bridge also marched with a detachment, on the "Bennington alarm" ; went ninety miles, and was dismissed by General Lincoln. Xo roll of his men is found. ^