Haverhill City (part 1 of 2)

Haverhill City

In the return of enlistments for 1760, we find Josiali Ingraham, Samuel Steward, Timothy Kimball, John Jakish, James Webster. The above enlisted between March 6th and April 9th, 1760.

In the fall of 1760, the Collector of this town was allowed the rates of the following persons, who " were gone into his Majesties Sarvice."

History Of Haverhill

" Captain Brown served through the whole war, and with such acceptance, that in 1770, the General Court granted him eleven thousand acres of land on Saco River, - where, we believe, he settled, and his descendants still reside.

In the Pay Eoll of Captain Moses Parker's Company (Chelmsford) were Levi Cottle Private from May 12 to Jany 10 Jesse ^urrell " " Mar 19 " Nov 1

From the foregoing lists of names, it will be seen that Haverhill furnished its full proportion of soldiers during the whole of this war. We regret that we cannot give more definite information in regard to the names and number of those killed, wounded, or captured, but the meagreness of the records as to individual histories, and the time which has elapsed since the occurrences took place, have put it beyond our power to do so. We have no doubt that other persons from this town, besides those whose names we have given, were in the service ; but, as the place of residence or enlistment is not always given in the rolls, and as it frequently happened that persons of the same name, but from different towns, were found in those lists where the residence was given, we have found it impossible to obtain a more perfect list. As a specimen of the imperfection of the records, we may cite the fact, that although Dr. James Brickett of this

® Middle names are very seldom met with previous to 1730, and from that time they increased slowly until about 1780, when they were consitlsred "fashionabW Captain Brown was one of the first Haverhill men we find thus honored.

History Op Haverhill

town was in Colonel Frye's regiment, as surgeon's mate, from March 30, 1759, to July 30, 1760, yet we do not find his name in any of the rolls, and were it not for his petition in 1761, for his pay, we should hardly have known that he was in the service at all.

Chaptee Xxii The Bevoltttion. 1765 To 1783

Although the war with France bad resulted in the expulsion of the latter from all their possessions in the northern part of America, it had been carried on at a vast expense, and had added largely to the national debt of England. To relieve it from future embarrassments of this sort, the scheme was suggested of raising a revenue in America. The first act in this direction was the revival of the sugar act, in 1764. This placed a duty on sugar, molasses, coffee, wines, &c., of foreign production, and required that the proceeds of the tax should be paid into the treasury of England.

An act laying duties on some of these articles had existed since 1733, but had never been rigidly enforced. But now instructions were given to the officers of the customs to enforce the law rigidly. This action led to a discussion of the right of parliament to tax the colonies. James Otis wrote a pamphlet, in which he denied the right ; and the House of Eepresentatives of Massachusetts took the same side of the question. Boston instructed her representatives to use their exertions to procure a repeal of the act. The discussion of this question developed such bold views of independency as to alarm the British ministry, and the measures they adopted only tended to widen the breach.

On the 22d of March, the " Stamp Act" was passed, to go into effect on the first of the November following. This act required the people of the American Colonies, in all their legal and mercantile transactions, to use papers stamped with the Eoyal Seal. It was spiritedly opposed, however, by the Colonies, especially in Boston, where the inhabitants collected and assaulted the house of Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson, who was a friend of the act. In other places, the bells were tolled, and efiigiea of the stamp-officers were burnt. So strong was the excitement, that every stamp-officer throughout the country, unable to resist the public opinion, resigned his commission, and when the time arrived for the act to go into operation, there were neither stamped papers to be found, nor officers to execute the act.

History Op Haverhill

The feeling in this town may be judged Tby the following proceedings of a meeting specially warned a few days before the act was to go into operation : -

At a meeting of the town, October 14th, 1765, called " To see what Instructions the Town will give to their Eepresentative Eelating to the stamp act & Excise act ; or Concerning anything else as they shall Judge proper," &c., "the following Kesolves and Instructions were considered and voted : Whereas some matters of great Importance to this Town & province In general are likely to Come under Consideration at the next sitting of our great and general Court ; it is therefore thought proper at this Critical Juncture to draw up and give our representative Coll Saltonstall some special Instructions & resolves & to lodge a Copy of them In our Cleark's office :

As the time prefixed by act of parliment is neare when these much desputed & oppressive Stamped papers were required; when our navigation. Courts of Justice, &c may not be carryed on without them ; & the offenders against said act be subjected to a Court of admiralty ; unless it be repealed of which we have no certain account, it is resolved that we Esteem it our Indspencable duty to pay a due regard to all the Legall Injunctions of our King & parliment ; & to duly resent all arbitrary Impositions ; & to declare that we think the Stamp act to be unconstitutional ; which with the Extensive power lately granted to Courts of admiralty are great Infringments upon our rights and priviledges ; & that they were vmjustly obtained by reason of wrong Information ; and recommend it to our Eepresentetive to Exert himself to the utmost of his power for the Eecovery or preservation of our Just liberties hopeing that what has & may be done by the several Colonies In America will convince those who preside at the head of affairs in our mother Country that the Stamp act & such Exertions of power would not only ruin their Colonys but greatly affect and distress trade & the manufactories in England ; & Influence them the Guardians of libertie to restraine the power of Courts of admiralty to proper bounds ; & to promote & procure the repeale of said act as best for the nation in general ; and there having been of late several rioatous assemblies within this province that committed gi-eat violence on the persons & ' Estates of Sundry persons who were suffered to destroy & pillage houses, &c, which require large Damages to the unhappy sufferers ; it is resolved that we beare Testimony against all such jji'oceedings and Eeccommend it to our Eepresentetive that an act or law of the Province be made requireing that all the like Damages by any such rioutous assemblies then or hereafter shall be satisfied & paid agreeable to the laws of England by the

Town whare permitted to be done & not by the province in general ; It is also Resolved tbat our Representetive use his Influence that there be no Excise on Tea Coffie &c for the future ; Resolved that he use his Influence that Excise be taken off from the private Consumption of Liquers ; and that it be not more then four pence on the Gallon to Licensed persons and that he use his Influence for taking of the oath Respecting other Governments money or bills of the other Governments."

There could be no mistaking the spirit and meaning of the American people in this matter, and the British government hastened to repeal the obnoxious act.

In July, 1766, Governor Wentworth, of New Hampshire, was appointed by the King " Surveyor General of all "his Majesty's woods in North America," for the purpose of putting into execution the acts of parliament concerning the preservation of " the King's woods from trespass & waste." By these acts, all white pine trees from fifteen to thirty-six inches in diameter, were reserved for the royal navy, and any owner of land, before he commenced cutting, was under the necessity of employing a deputy surveyor to mark the trees upon his land, reserved for the use of the king, and if he neglected to have his land thus surveyed, either from inability to pay for such survey, or other cause, and proceeded to cut his timber, the same was forfeited to the king ! In this way, whole mill-yards of lumber, got out by the settlers for building their houses, and barns, were often forfeited. Seizures were made in all parts of the Province, wherever the pine abounded, and mills had been erected. Samuel Blodget, of Goffstown, was appointed, in February, 1772, deputy surveyor for thirty-one towns in the province of New Hampshire, and the towns of Haverhill, Andover, Dracut, Chelmsford, and Ipswich, in the province of Massachusetts Bay.

The seizures and proceedings under this law of parliament, tended greatly to aggravate the people wherever such proceedings were had, and fostered the deep-seated feeling of discontent.

While the colonies were resting from the agitation into which they had been thrown by the past acts of the British parliament, that body was preparing new causes of excitement. England could not yet relinquish her scheme of raising a revenue in America, and besides passing an act laying duties on glass, painter's colors, tea, and paper, she passed another, asserting a right " to make laws of suflicient force and validity to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever," and established a board of commissioners for the management of the customs in America.

The passage of these acts occasioned at first no violent outbreaks, like those which followed the stamp act, but rather a firm determination of the people to abstain from the use of the dutiable articles, and to encourage, by every means, domestic manufactures of every kind. But the strict execution of the revenue act, at length produced new mobs and riots in the seaport towns, which led the government to call to its support a naval and military force.

At this juncture, Samuel Adams drew up a remonstrance against the revenue act, which was read in the House of Eepresentatives, and after being debated several days ; " Seven times revised ; every word weighed ; every sentence considered ; " it was adopted to be sent to the agent at Court, and to be published to the world as expressing the unchangable opinion of Massachusetts. A proposition was then made and adopted, to lay these proceedings before the other colonies, that, " if they thought fit, they might join them," and a masterl}'^ circular, also draughted by Adams, was accepted. The latter circular reached England in April, (1768) and was at once denounced as of a " most dangerous and factious tendency," and the General Court was ordered to rescind their resolutions, upon pain of dissolution by the G-overnor. The message of the Governor, conveying this order, was read in the House once, and ordered to a second reading in the afternoon, when the clarion voice of Otis rang through the hall in a masterly speech of two hours in length, setting forth his objections to a compliance with the requisition.

Tor a full week the affair was in suspense. At length, the Governor demanded a definite answer. The House asked a recess, to consult their constituents : - it was refused. Upon this, the question was taken viva voce ; and out of one hundred and nine votes cast, only seventeen were in the affirmative ! In accordance with his instructions, the Governor thereupon dissolved the Court, and thus Massachusetts was without a legislature.

Soon after, (September 1st) a town meeting was called in this town, " to see if the town approves of the proceedings of the late House of Eepresentatives in not Eescinding ; " and on its being put to vote, " The thanks of the town were voted to the Gentlemen of the house of Eepresentatives for their firmness in defending the liberties of the people."

On the 8th of September, information was received that a body of troops had been ordered to Boston, and, almost immediately, a town meeting, the great engine of those days, was summoned in Boston. This meeting recommended that a convention of committees from all the towns in the province sTioulfl be held at Paneuil Hall, to concert and advise such measures as the public peace and safety required. This proposition met a hearty response from the principal towns in the province.

In this town, at a meeting specially warned for that purpose, (September 20) " Samuel Bachcllor was chosen as a Committee Man to Joyn in a Convention with a Committee of this province held in the Town of Boston on the twenty second day of September Instant ; to consult advise and act; as his majesties sarvice and the peace and safety of his subjects in this province may Eequire."

" Further voted that Mr Bacheller be Directed in Every Constitutional way & manner Consistent with our Loyalty to our Gracious Sovereign ; to oppose & prevent the Levying or Collecting of money from us not granted by our selves or our Legal Eepresentatives."

The result of the convention was a calm enumeration of grievances, strong professions of loyalty, and a discountenancing of all tumultous expressions of the feelings.

On the 28th of the same month, two regiments arrived in Boston, and landed about one thousand men without' opposition. But both the General Court and the town of Boston refused to furnish the troops with quarters or supplies, although the Governor repeatedly applied to them for that purpose.

The continuance of the troops in Boston was a constant source of vexation to the people, as difficulties were often occurring between the inhabitants and the soldiers.

The merchants of Boston, after vainly endeavoring to have the duties on goods removed, renewed an obligation formerly made, to import no more goods, unless the revenue law should be repealed, and recommended that the inhabitants of the province should not purchase goods from those who violated the agreement.

The collision between the British troops and the inhabitants of Boston, on the 5th of March, 1770, was the signal for renewed manifestations of determined resistance to the odious laws ; and a meeting of this town was soon after called, to consider what course should be pursued by the inhabitants in the critical emergency. The following is a copy of the whole record of the meeting : -

" At a Legall Town Meeting In Haverhill on April 9 : 1770 warned by the Constable by virtue of a warrant received from the Selectmen for his 60 doing &c :

Istly To see if the Town will vote something respecting the importers X)r the Importing British Goods Contrary to the agreement of marchents In General or with respect to the late resolve about them :

2dly To see if the Town will vote something with respect to those who shall or may purchest such Goods or promote the bringing them Into this Town or what they will otherwise Eesolve :

3dly To see if the Town will Chuse a Committee to see that all Salutary Eesovles and agreements about stich Goods be Duly observed and to give notice and Expose all such persons who shall violate them."

" Voted, That we will by all Lawfull ways & means Exert ourselves and Expose to shame & Contempt all persons who shall offer to make sale of British Goods Imported Couterary to the agreement of marchents or that shall purchase such Goods In this Town or be aiding or assisting to bring them Into it, till a General Importation of such Goods shall take place and that all persons who shall violate or Counter act this vote and resolve shall be rendered Incapable of being Chosen to any office of proffit or Honouer in this Town.

Voted, That Messrs Thomas "West, Deac John Ayer, Capt "William Greenleaf, Nathaniel Peaslee Sargent Esq, Xathaniel Walker, John Young, and James Carr, be a Committee to Inspect and see that all salutary resolves and agreements with respect to such Goods be Duly obsarved and to Give Notice & Expose all who shall violate them ; that their names may be remembered with Infamy ; and to have the Custety and keeping of all such goods stored dureing said Term.

Voted the thanks of this Town to the truly patriotic marchants who have acted with firm resolutions for preventing the Importation of British goods for the good of their Country tho much to their private loss and to the Town of Boston and the several Towns In this province & Else whare which have by their spirited resolves prevented the sale of British Goods lately Imported In the principle Towns & places in the Colonics.

Such thorough and determined opposition to the odious laws, induced parliament to modify them, as far as it could without relinquishing its right to legislate over the colonics. In this view, they rescinded the duties upon all articles except tea.

The General Court, which had heretofore met in Boston, was, by " a eignification of the King's pleasure," convened at Cambridge, on the 15th of March, 1770. This led to a long controversy between the Governor and the Legislature, the latter protesting against the removal, and wellnigh resolving not to proceed to the transaction of business unless they were removed to the ancient place of sitting- - "at the town house in Boston."

Understanding that in times past you have voted against the General Assembly's proceeding to business as they are not allowed to meet in the Town of Boston we your Constituents think it our Duty to give our opinion relative to that Important matter ; & Important it is considering the present state of our Interlal polity ; the expiration of the laws for regulating fees ; Choice of Jurymen ; restraining Excessive usury ; are some of the matters that need Imeadiate redress. The operation at this time of the law for Limitation of actions whereby much of our property lies wholly at the mercy of Debtors is a grievance that almost every person In the province is affected with ; and finally an Exorbitant Tax laid on the province this year ; will nearly render the misery of those of our fellow subjects who are now struggling with poverty Compleat ; these things & many others might be mentioned ; we think are more than a ballance for any little Inconvenientcy that may arise by means of the General Court setting out of Boston ; wee know that some years past it was opinion of many that the Court setting In Boston was an Inconveniencie ; and the General Court refusing still to Do Business will be detrimental only to the province ; not to those by whose Influence it was removed ; we therefore now Exercising our Constitusanel right advise and Intruet you to give . your vote & use your whole Influance that the general Court should at their next sessions act upon the Business of the province ; & afford us all Due release from the Griev^>nces above mentioned as well as any others that may be : this we Expect from you as our Eepresentative & wish you success in your Endea )urs."

T Ar Samuel Bachellor Eepresentative for the Town of Haverhill," jlowly, but surely, the people of the colonies were led, or rather driven, toward open revolt. The embarrassments of the East India Company hastened the final struggle. Through^ mismanagement, and the continued

Refusal of America to import tlieir teas, - -wliicli were thus thrown back iipon them in great quantities, - they were on the verge of bankruptcy, and applied to parliament for relief.

A loan was granted them, accompanied by a bill empowering them to export teas direct from their own warehouses, upon their own account, and granting them a drawback of the whole duty payable in England on such teas as were exported to the British plantations in America. The colonial tax of three pence on the pound was still to be paid ; nor would Lord North listen to the proposal that this should be abandoned. " America was not to ba relieved from taxation. The king was determined " to try the question in America," - ^and he did try it, but did not decide it.

Cargoes of the tea were sent to New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. At the two former places, the consignees resigned their trust; but in Boston they declined doing so, whereupon the inhabitants, in public meeting, voted, "that the tea shall not be landed, that no duty shall be paid, and that it shall be sent back in the same bottom." Seven thousand persons were present at the meeting, and yet the vote was unanimous ! The owner of one of the vessels containing the tea had already promised that it should not be landed, but should be returned, but had been refused a clearance. He was instructed " to protest against the custom house, and apply to the governor for his pass." But the Governor had stolen to his residence at Milton, and before the owner returned, darkness had settled upon the town. "Within the dimly lighted walls of the " Old South," upon this cold December eve, the audience awaited his return. At a quarter before six he made his appearance, and reported that the Governor'* had refused him a pa^ss. " We can do no more to save the country," said Samuel Adams ; and a momentary silence ensued. The next instant a shout was heard at the door ; the war-whoop sounded ; and forty or fifty men, disguised as Indians, hurried along to the wharf, posted guards, boarded the ships, and in three hours' time three hundred and forty-two chests of tea had been broken and thrown overboard. So great was the stillness that the blows of the hatchets, as the chests were split open, was distinctly heard, and when the deed was done, every one retired and the town wore its accustomed quiet.

The die was now cast. It was impossible to recede. When, upon the Eews reaching England, it was proposed to pass conciliatory measures, Mansfield exclaimed, " The sword is drawn, and you must throw away the scabbard ; " and besides voting, one hundred and eighty-two to forty-nine, against the repeal of the tax on tea, a bill was carried for " the better regulating the government of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay/' abrogated so much of the charter as gave to the legislature the election of the council ; aholished town meetings, except for the choice of town officers, or on the special permission of the governor ; conferred on the executive the appointment and removal of sheriffs at pleasure ; and intrusted to the sheriffs the returning of juries; - a bill " for the impartial administration of justice," &c., which transferred the place of trial of magistrates, revenue officers, or soldiers indicted for murder, or other capital offence, to Nova-Scotia or Great Britain ; - -and a bill for legalizing the quartering of troops in Boston. Governor Hutchinson, was re-called, and Thomas Gage appointed in his stead, and four regiments were ordered to enforce submission. By his instructions, the governor was to close the port of Boston.

General Gage arrived at Boston on the 17th of May, (1774) and on the appointed day, (June 1st) as the clock struck twelve, the port was closed, and the courts were suspended, amid the solemn tolling of bells. The day was improved, not only in Massachusetts, but even in Virginia, and other colonies, in fasting and prayer.

Satisfied that the time had come when a union of the colonies was absolutely necessary, the House of Eepresentatives, by a vote of one hundred and seventeen to twelve, decided that " a committee should be appointed to meet, as soon as may be, the committees that are or shall be appointed by the several colonies on this continent, to consult together upon the present state of the colonies." The committee was chosen, and funds provided for their expenses. This was on the 17th of June. On the 28th of July, notwithstanding the new law to the contrary, a town meeting was held in this town, the proceedings of which we think justify an insertion of the full record in this place.

" At a legal Town meeting held in Haverhill on July 28th 1774, warned by the Constable by virtue of a Warrant Eeceived from the Selectmen for his so doing &c

4th]y In answer to two Petitions from the Inhabitants of this Town, To see if the Town will Vote that they will not Buy or purchase any Goods or Merchandise imported from Great Brittan, from and after the

Time agreed upon by the Colonies in general, or the General Congress to Ibe held at Philadelphia and not to have any Commercial Intercourse with them that will not come into the nonimportation agreament - and to Chuse a committee of Inspection, to inspect and find out those Men or "Women who shall expose to Sale, Tea, or any new imported Goods, contrary to the general agreement, and expose their Names to the Publick : that they may avoid them ; and to act further on the affair as the Town shall Judge proper

5thly To Chuse a Committee of Correspondence, to Correspond or consult with the Committee of the Town of Boston, & other Towns in this Province relating to the distressed Situation the Province in general, & the Town of Boston in particular is brought into by the late Acts of the ' British Parliment - to consult (if possible) of Some Measures of Eedress - and also to Draw up a Solemn Agreement for the Inhabitants of this Town to Sign (if they Judge it proper) that they will not buy or purchase any Goods or Merchandise of any Person, which shall be imported contrary to the general Agreement of the Colonies in General Congress - if the Town likes not that already drawn alid also to act further on the whole Affair as the Town shall Judge proper

6thly To see if the Town will Vote to Draw Three Pounds Nineteen Shillings and Ten Pence out of the Town Treasury, for the use and benefit of the Committee to meet at the general Congress, in behalf of the Province - and Chuse a proper Person to draw said Money out of the Treasury, by order from the Selectmen, for the Purpose above said, and be accountable to the Town

Sthly To see if the Town will vote to allow Mr John Sawyer liberty to erect a Scale for weighing of Hay in some convenient jDlace in this Town.

Voted, the 4th article in the affirmative - also Voted that Messrs Samuel Appleton, Samuel Souter, Thomas West, Samuel Merrill, Nathl Eolf, Thomas Cogswell, Doc William Bachellor, John Sawyer, and Nathaniel Walker Junior, be a Committee of Inspection

W^hereas The Importation, Sale, or Consumption of East India Teas, is evidently counteracting the peaceable Measures which have been pursued, and are now pursuing, by the province in general, for the Eelief of the

Town of Boston, the Restoration and Continuance of our Charter Eights - and whereas it is highly probable the approaching Congress of the Deputys from the respective Colonies, will come into a Determination that a general Plan for a nonimportation and nonexportation of Merchandize to and from Great Britain and Ireland; will be most effectual means for attaining this desirable End ; and whereas it is necessary and becoming that every community should communicate their Sentiments and Eesolutions to their Brethren at this alarming Crisis of Our public Affairs - Therefore

\. Resolved, That we will not import, purchase, vend or consume any East India Tea, until the Duty imposed upon Importation into the Colonies shall be taken off ; & the port of Boston opened.

2. Resolved., That we will not purchase any kind of Merchandize of those persons, who shall (by importing, purchasing or vending Said Tea) act contrary to the sense of the above Resolutions.

3. Resolved, That we will abide by any Determination of the approaching Congress which shall be rational & generally adopted ; in particular, if a nonimportation and nonexportation of Merchandize to and from Great Britain and Ireland, and a nonconsumation Agreement, shall be their Determination, we will both collectively and individually abide by the Same.

4. Resolved, That if a nonimportation and nonexportation of Merchandize to and from Great Britain and Ireland shall be agreed upon and generally adopted and any person should be so lost to every feeling of Humanity and Regard to posterity, as to counteract such Agreement : We will not purchase any kind of Merchandize of them ; and will use our influence to deter others from doing the same.

5. Resolved, That there shall be a Committee of Correspondence for this Town to correspond with the Town of Boston, and other Towns in this province and that this Committee shall consist of Five or more persons.

6. Resolved, That Samuel White Esq, Mr Isaac Redington, Mr Joseph Haynes, Mr Richard Ayer, Mr Jonathan Webster Junior, Mr Daniel Dennison Rogers, & Mr Timothy Eaton, be a Committee for the above purpose, any Eour of whom when met together to proceed on business.

7. Resolved, That there shall be a Committee of Inspection ; to Inspect into the Conduct and inform of those persons who shall counteract the above Resolutions.

Histoky Of Hayerhill

9. Resolved, That the Committee of Correspondence he desired to transmit a Copy of these Eesolutions to the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston.

6 th article in the Warning Voted in the afl&rmative, Nemine Contradicientc also voted that Mr Jonathan Webster Jun Draw out said money & he accountable to the Town.

Though there were then three companies of Militia in the town, the patriotic citizens determined to organize a fourth. The latter was formed as an independent " company, and it being the first one in the town, and organized at a time when serious work was expected, and counted on, we feel justified in giving a somewhat extended notice of it.

We the Subscribers, sensible of the importance of a well regulated Military Discipline, do hereby covenant and engage, to form ourselves in to an Artillery Company at Haverhill according to the following Articles, -

First. That there shall be four officers (viz) a Capt., Lieut, Ensign and Sergeant, who is to act as Clerk, To be chosen by a majority of the Company when met together,

2d. That we will meet together (on the first and third Mondays of September, October and November following, and on the first and third Mondays of the six Summer months annually till the Company shall agree to dissolve the same) for the exercise of Arms and Evolutions, And that the role shall be called two hours before Sunset, and the Company shall be dismissed at Sun set N. B. If it be fowl weather the Day appointed, the Company shall meet the next fair Day -

3dly. Any one neglecting Due attendance shall be subject to a fine of eight Pence, for the use of the Company; unless on a reasonable Plea, excused by the Company,

6thly. That each member shall be supply'd with one Pound of Powder and Twenty Balls ; to be reviewed twice a year ; upon the Days of chusing

The first meeting of the subscribers was held the same day the agreement is dated, when James Brickett was chosen Captain, and Israel Bartlett Clerk, of the company. They voted to meet twice each week for drill, - one hour before sunset. October 3d, the organization was completed, by the choice of Doctor James Brickett, Captain ; Israel Bartlett, Lieutenant ; Joshua B. Osgood, Ensign ; and Edward Barnard, Clerk and Sargeant. November 12th, it was " Voted, that this company look upon themselves to be an Independent Corps ; also upon their Officers to be equal in Bank and Command to Field Officers, of any Eegiment in this County, and subject to the Command of no officer, but such as the Field Officers of the several Eegiments are subject to." November 21st, the company " voted to use the exercise as ordered by His Majesty in the year 1764." Several of the members immediately sent to England for a copy of the " Norfolk Militia Book," which arrived in due time. The work cost them £6.15. The names of those who thus manifested their zeal in the pursuit of correct military knowledge, were " Bailey Bartlett, Israel Bartlett, Thos Cogswell, Nathl Marsh, Doctr Brickett, Nathl Walker."

" Voted, to meet Mondays, at 6 o'clk in the evening, precisely, for the above purpose. Voted, to pay a fine of 6d for non-appearance. Voted, that we meet once a week (Mondays) as Volunteers. Voted, that the Clerk provide candles for the use' of the Company out of the fines. Voted, that N Saltonstall, D Marsh, J McHard, & John Sawyer be of this Company."

"Dec 5 1774. Met at Mr Osgood's Still house. Voted, that the Officers of this Company shall not assist in choosing the Field Officers of the Regiment."

"Jan 1775. Met at Mr West's Distill House. Voted, tliat any Memher who shall leave the Company before he is discharged by the Commanding Officer, shall pay a fine of 4d.

" March 21, 1775. Met at Capt Greenleaf 's. Voted, that Nathan Blodget and Heman Ladd be admitted as members of this Company. Voted, that we Dress in a Uniform consisting of a Blue Coat, turned up with Buff, and yellow plain Buttons, the Coat cut half way the thigh ; and the Pockets a Slope. Voted, Also, that we have Buff, or Nankeen Waistcoat & Breeches, and White Stockings with half Boots or Gaiters, Also that the Hats be cocked alike. And that each one have a bright gun, Bayonet, & Steel Pamrod. Voted that the Company be equipd in this Uniform by the first Monday in May."='-=

" May 1st. Made choice of Edw Barnard as Clerk. Voted, that William Greenleaf be Capt of this Company - that Israel Bartlett be Lieut, Voted, that N Marsh be Ensign of this Company. Voted, that the Clerk act as Sargeant."

The above is the last vote entered in the record book as that of the Artillery company. The first entry upon the next page is " Eecords of the first Company in Haverhill." This is followed by the records of that company, and we find no subsequent allusion to the artillery company. In the records of the first company, we find the names of most of the previous members of the artillery company. These facts, with the absence of record or reliable information to the contrary, lead us to the conclusion that the heavy drafts and constant activity and readiness required of the militia, (to which, of course, every member of the artillery also belonged, by law,) led to the necessity of a disbandmeut of the latter. Whether it was afterward resuscitated, or not, we cannot say.f t In 1788, there were " four companies in Haverhill." These four companies were divided into " two Bands," viz. : the Training, or " Train Band," and the " Alarm List." An allusion to " both bands," in the records of 1776, was probably the occasion of the statement by Mirick, that there were then but two companies iij the town. He was evidently mistaken, as there had been for many years three companies of militia in the town.

town tax of one liundred pounds for the present year. They next " voted to buy 800 lbs powder with Balls and Flints answerable, as the Towns Stock." Then it was " voted that the Town Treasurer hire money to pro* cure 600 lbs of powder towards the Town's Stock ; " and, that nothing should be wanting in the time of need, a committee was chosen " to ex-' amine the stock of powder in the powder house." Having thus unequivocally committed the town to the cause of American liberty, the meeting adjourned to the 10th of October.

" By Vote the Constables arc to pay no more Money into the Province Treasury until further Orders from the Town - but that They pay it immediately to the Town Treasurer ; and take his Security for the Same without Interest."

While the almost universal sentiment of the inhabitants of the town was that indicated by their pi-ocecdings at these meetings, there were a few among them who did not sympathize with them. They were " Loyalists," - those who adhered to the cause of their sovereign, - and deprecated the revolutionary measures so vigorously carried on by the "Patriots;" and while they doubted their success, they hoped (and some of them labored also) for their defeat. Among the most prominent and influential of these loyalists in this town, were Colonel Eichard Saltonstall and Eev. ]\Ioses Badger, (brother-in-law of the above) . Colonel Saltonstall was a man who had always commanded the confidence and respect of his townsmen, and the esteem of all who knew him. At the early age of twentytwo years, he was commissioned as Colonel, and was in active service through the whole of the French War. But he was now a loyalist, and, as a consequence, there could be but little sympathy between him and the large majority of the people of the town. This wide difference of opinion, upon what was then a matter of the most vital importance, as may readily be supposed, gradually led to a feeling of coldness toward him, and finally to that of distrust, and uneasiness at his presence. Sometime not long after the July meeting above noticed, an incident occurred which is* thus recorded by Mirick : -

" The principles of Col. Pilchard Saltonstall, who was a Tory, were very repugnant to the W^hig party, which composed a majority of the voters. A party from the West Parish, and Salem, New-Hampshire, collected before his house, armed with clubs and other instruments, to mob him ; but he made them rather ashamed of their conduct. He came to the door, and with much dignity, told them his reasons for pursuing a difi"erent course from tliat whicli tlicy had adoptctl. He ordered refreshments for them, and requested them to go to the tavern and call for entertainment at his expense. They accepted of his invitation, and huzzaed to his praise. He soon after went to England, to escape the resentment of the Whigs, where he was well received by his connexions."

This account is, in substance, taken from the " Sketch of Haverhill," a paper prepared and read before the Massachusetts Historical Society, in 1816, by Leverett Saltonstall, Esq., and is, we think, a partial account of the affair.

It is a tradition in the family of Timothy Eaton, who was the leader of the party that called on Colonel Saltonstall, that the bold and unpatriotic words and actions of the latter, had become so obnoxious to the public opinion of the town, that a large party was made up to call on him, and notify him that such was the case. They went, and Mr. Eaton, leaving his company a short distance from the house, called the Colonel to the door, and informed him of his errand. Upon this, the Colonel " drew himself up" and exclaimed, "Is that any of yoz<r business?" Eaton quickly replied, " I'll let you know that it is my business," and was about retiring to his companions, when the Colonel, finding that the affair was like to terminate seriously, dropped his lofty air, held a parley, promised to give them no more cause for offence, and invited them all to refreshments at his expense.

After hearing several versions of this affair, and an examination of the town records, (which seem to have been altogether overlooked by Mirick) we have concluded that the facts were probably something like these : -

Colonel Saltonstall had, for years, and, indeed, from the beginning of the troubles between the colonies and the mother country, espoused the cause of the latter, "When, in 1768, the House of Representatives were ordered to rescind the obnoxious resolutions already referred to. Colonel Saltonstall was a " rescinder ; " and he was not a man to disguise his sentiments, or remain quiet and silent when such a contest was going on. Hence he became known as a " Tory " - an enemy to the patriot cause ; " an enemy to his countr}'." Timothy Eaton was a zealous patriot, and one of the leading ones in the town. He had just been chosen to the second place on the " Committee of Inspection," and was also one of those chosen to " show each man his proportion " of the one hundred pounds voted for the relief of Boston. He was also one of the town's " Committee of Correspondence." It is, therefore, quite reasonable to suppose, that he called on Colonel Saltonstall off.ciaUy, taking with him a sufficient posse to prove to the Colonel that it was not a matter to be trifled with.

The recent action of the town, and this ominous visit convinced the latter that it was no longer safe or consistent for him to remain in the town,, and he decided to leave. That the company were " treated " at his expense, is equally creditable to both parties. It was an earnest that they parted as personal friends, though divided as to the all-absorbing question before the colonics.

In further proof that neither rioters nor a " mob " managed the affairs of the patriots, in the times of Avhich we write, we quote the following,, from the original paper now in the archives of the State : -

" The Committee of Corrispondence &c for Haverhill In Complyance with the orders & directions of this Great & General Cort, took posession of the House and abut an half acre of land in sd Haverhill belonging to- Mr Moses Badger late fled from Boston with the Ministeral fleet and leased the same for the Term of one year, to Mr Isaac Ecdington of Haverhill for Seven Pound to be Paid at the years cnd,-

Also took posession of the Pcr-onal Estate of Coll Eichard Saltonstall of Haverhill who fled as aforesd, (after having carefully Examined Eespccting his Eeal Estate and in the opinion of the Committee according to Law Justice & Equity he had not any as the House & land he lately occupied was Mortgaged for the full Value thereof )

Colonel Saltonstall left town soon after, and ere long embarked for England. The King granted him a pension, and he passed the remainder of his days in that country.

While these proceedings were being had in this town, the other towns in the colony,, and in the other colonies, were by no means idle, or indifferent. At a meeting of the committees of correspondence of those towns which had such committees, held at Fancuil Hall, August 26th and 27th, it was resolved that a Provincial Congress was necessary, to counteract the systems of despotism. The next step in the progress of the cause, was the holding of county conventions of delegates from each town. That

<?)? Essex Tiras convened at Ipswich, on the 6th and 7th of Septemhei% 1774. The delegates from Haverhill Samuel White, Esq., Mr, Jonathan Webster, Mr. Isaac Eediugton, Mr. Joseph Hajnes. After passing a series of rciolutions, the convention dissolved.

In the meantime, (September 5th) the Continental Congress assem:- hlcd at Philadelphia, where the glowing eloquence of Patrick Henry recited the wrongs which the colonists had suffered, and for which redress was imperiously demanded. After a careful examination of the subject, and an interchange of thoughts, sentiments, and opinioHS, the Congress unani^ mously resolved '- that from & after the first day of December next, there be no importation into British Amei'ica, from Great Britain or Ireland, of any goods, wares, or merchandise whatever, or from any other place of any such goods, wares, or merchandises, as shall have been exported from Great Britain or Ireland ; and that no such goods, &c imported after the said first day of December next be used or purchased."

To return again to our own province. "Writs had been issued convening the General Court at Salem," on the 5th of October ; but before the time -arrived, a proclamation from the Governor dissolved the assembly. For this step, the patriots were pi-epared ; and, pursuant to the course which had already been agreed upon, after meeting at Salem on the appointed day, they resolved themselves into a Provincial Congress. The dele^ .gates to the Congress from this town were Samuel White, Esq., and Mr, Haynes.f After organizing, the Congress adjourned to Concord, and, still later, to Cambridge.]:

This body took the government of the province into their own hands, and made vigorous preparations for the approaching contest. Towns were recommended to provide arms and ammunition, and to enlist and equip minute-men, who should hold themselves in readiness to march " on the -shortest notice," and in the meantime *' to use their utmost diligence to perfect themselves in military skill."

t The delegates from this town to the second and the third Provincial Congress, were Nathaniel Teaslee Sargeaut, Esq., and Jonathan Webster, Jr.

X The First Provincial Congress convened at Salem, October 7, 1774, and adjourned the same day. at Concord, October lltb, and adjourned the 14th. Convened at Cambridge, October ITth, and adjourned the 29th. Convened at Cambridge, November 23d, and dissolved December 10th.

The Second Provincial Congress convened at Cambridge, February 1st, 1775, and adjourned the 16th. at Concord, March 22d, and adjourned April loth. Convened at Concord, April 22d, and imme'" adjourned to Watertown, where it again convened the same day, and dissolved Jlay 29th.

As soon as their delegates to the Provincial Congress returned horaef and reported the doings of that body, a town meeting was immediately warned, for January 3d, 177o, to consider their recommendations. Among the matters spscificd in the warrant for this meeting were the following : - -

" To agree on some measures for the carrying into execution the Eecommendation of the grand Continental 'and Provincial Congresses ; and all those matters and things which Eespect us : ^ " =--=

'* To see if the Town will chuse one or more meet Persons to' attend the Provincial Congress in February next or sooner according to the Direction of the late Congress."

Jonathan AYebster, Ji-., Samuel "White, Esq., Samuel Merrill, IS^'athaniel P. Sargeant, and Doctor James Brickett were chosen to consider the first matter above mentioned anl report at an adjourned meeting.

It being " put to vote to sec if the town would give anything to the Minitc Men," it was decided in the affirmative, and Isaac liedington, Daniel Denaison Eogers, Deacon Joseph Kelly, and Deacon John Ayer, were added to the above committee, to whom the whole matter was referred.

It was then "voted to give unto the Poor of Boston one hundred pounds. Voted that the said hundred pounds be Raised by a Bate or an equal proportion - hut none are to he compelled to pay " !

The following persons were chosen committees " to show each man his proportion " : - For the West Parish, Timothy Eaton, Stephen AVebster, and Samuel Merrill ; for the Old Parish, Nathaniel Bradley, Moses Clement, and Captain AVilliam Greenleaf; for the East Parish, John Ela, Ephraim Eliot, and Captain Daniel Johnson ; for the North Parish, Deacon Benjamin Clements, and Isaac Snow.

The meeting adjourned to the 12th of the same month, at which time Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant, and Jonathan AYebster, Jr., were chosen delegates to the Provincial Congress. The town " voted to stand by, and firmly adhere to the Resolves of the Continental Congress; " and also " to sign a covenant similar to the Association agreed upon by the Continental Congress;" and Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant, Esq., Joseph Haynes, and Jonathan AA'cbster Jr., were chosen a committee " to draw a Covenant for the people to sign."

The vote in relation to the " Poor of Boston " was at this meeting reconsidered, and it was determined to raise money for them by voluntary subscription. Edward Ordway was added to the committee for that purpose, and the meeting then adjourned to the 30th of the same month.

January 30th, the town met according to adjournment. At this meeting, the vote " respecting the peoples signing a Covenant," was re-considered, and it was then unanimously voted " to adhere strictly to & firmly to abide by the association of the Continental Congress." It was then

" Voted that there be a Committee consisting of 15 Persons (which are called the Committee of Inspection) to Inspect & Duly observe that the association of the Continental Congress is put into Execution. The Committee are as followeth : - Messrs Samuel Merrill, Timothy Eaton, Doctr William Bachellor, Eichard Ayer, Isaac Eedington, Thomas West, Doctor James Brickett, Thomas Cogswell, Enoch Marsh, James Sawyer, John Ela, Dea Ezra Chase, Dea Ebenczer Colby, Isaac Snow, Edward Ordway."

" We have carefully examined Our Numbers and find we ought to Eaise Sixty three Men including three Commission officers to make up one Quarter part. We Eecommend it to the Town to appoint three Commission officers to inlist, discipline, and upon occasion when called for in defence of the Province to march the same. Wc further Eecommend it that the Minite Men be duly disciplined in Squads three half days in a Week, three hours in each half day, and that they be allowed for each half day, eight pence till ye middle of March next, and one shilling for each half day afterwards, until they are called out to actual service from home, or disbanded. That when they are called to leave home on actual service they shall Eeceivc ye same wages & subsistence as Soldiers received the last war. That if they are called upon & do actually march from home in defence of the Province they shall be intitled to recieve three dollars each as a Bounty, either from the Town or Province. Further that the three chief officers r3cievo for each half Day two Shillings Each till ye middle of March next, & after that time three shillings each half Day till called upon to march from home, or are disbanded - when called upon to march to recieve such pay as shall be ordered by the Province. All inlistments to be for the Space of one year from this time, unless sooner disbanded by the Town or Province.

iST. B. The words to march the same - meaneth Sixty Three men including Three officers, being one Quarter part of the Soldiers in Town." (Signed) Jonathan Webster, per order."

After a long and tedious search for the names of these minute-men, xtq have been so fortunate as to find a list of them, which we give bcloAv. The paper of which the following is a copy, and several other exceedingly valu* able documents relating to that period, were found among the toAvu's old papers, and proved to be part of a parcel of loose papers found in an old bag which had been kicked about the assessors' room for years. They were finally carefully placed with the town's other papers, by R. G. Walker> Esq., and thus luckily preserved: -

" A Piol of the Minit Men in Capt James Sawyer's Company & the Number of days Each man Trained according to the Voat of the Town of Haverhill in March and Apirel 1775 "

At the annual meeting, March 14, thirty dollars were voted to procure a military instructor to " instruct the Militia in the Art Military " in the town. One week later, it was voted that the minute-men should train one whole day in each week, instead of three half days as previously voted. They were to he trained by " Mr George Marsden, whom wc have hired," and to receive two shillings each for that day. We have now before us a return of the minute-men of this town, that " met at Andovcr for Exsise " on Thursday, the 13th of April. Forty-six men of Captain Sawyer's company were present. Little did they probably think that this was their last opportunity for preparatory " training," but so it proved. Before another week had passed, the fearful struggle had commenced.

We need not repeat the story of the morning of the immortal Nineteenth of April, 1775. The soil of Lexington and Concord was baptized with the blood of American Patriots, and the whole country was aroused. The jiews probably reached this town soon after noon of the same day, and the minute-men immediately left for the scene of action. Before night, one hundred and jive Haverhill men were "-^ gone to ye Army." This was almost one-half of the entire militia force of the town. Surely we can do no less than to place the names of these noble patriots on our pages.

" A List of the men who Eecieved their Part of the Billiting or Bounty Money from ye Town of Haverhill " Capt James Sawyer, Danl Colby, Lt Tim'y Johnson, Saml Sanders,

Each of these men, (except Peter Emerson, who received 5s, and Enoch Eaton, who received 6s) received nine shillings Bounty money. It was paid them by Colonel Brickett, and the original list of the company is in his li and- writing. June 26, 177G, the House of Eeprcscntatives " Eesolvcd, That thei-e be allowed & paid out of the Public Treasury of this Colony, to the Selectmen of Haverhill, the sum of Fifty seven pounds four shillings and six pence in full of their account of provisons supplied the Army, at the time of Lexington fight, on the 19th of April 1775."

" A Muster Koll of the Company under the Command of Capt Daniel Hills in Colo Johnsons Eegt of Militia which marched on ye alarm April 19th 1775, from ye Town of Haverhill to Cambridge under the Command of Lt Saml Clements."

o James Walker was of tho sixth generation s'nce thi settlement of the town. Diiriiiii; the war, lie an ensign in a company raised here, and afterward commanded a detacliment of men who had eliarge of the boats belonging tooiie of the divisions wlreh crossed the Delaware, on^lie night previous to the memorable battle of Trenton, December 2.".th, 1770. From 181S. until his death, Mr. Walker received a peasiuB of twenty dollars a month. He died February 8th, 1846, iu the ninety-eighth year of his age.

** A Muster Roll of tlie Company uuder ye Command of Capt Ebenezer Colby in Colo Johnsons Eegt of Militia wch marchd on ye alarm April loth 1775 from ye Town of Haverhill to Cambridge."

In addition to the three comi^anies here given, we must add the name of " Col James Brickett," (afterward General) who probably hastened to Cambridge on the first alarm, as we find he was there on the 26th, and subsequently.

The following letter, from our delegates to the Provincial Congress, dated the next day after the battle at Lexington, is additional evidence that these men marched immediately on the alarm : -

The late dreadful Fire in this town" - The great Number of our People gone to ye Army - The great Numbers from ye other Government that pass & repass thro this town, & ye disturbances in it, renders it absolutely necessary, as we apprehend, that we attend at home to preserve Order & quiet -

Therefore Sr, we hope you will excuse our nonattendance this Session - wishing that he that giveth wisdom liberally, would enlighten your Paths, we subscribe, Sr

" Sir : The Congress liavc this day received a letter from Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant Esq, and Jonathan "Webster Esq, acquainting them that the late dreadful fire in Haverhill, together with some public disturbances in said town, make it necessary that they should be at home at this time. The Congress apprehend that the important business of the colonies requires that every town should be now represented ; and therefore desire that if neither of those gentlemen can attend, others should be elected in their room, that the wisdom of the whole colony may be collected at our hour of need."

° On Sunday, 16th of April, a destructiye fire broke out in Main Street, and all the west side of it from what is now Court Street to the corner, was burnt. Seventeen buildings were destroyed, including, a large brick tavern, owned by Mr. John White, the store of Deacon Joseph Dodge, the store of James Duncan, Esq., a house occupied by Mrs. Alloy, and a distillery. The earth was parclicd with a drought, and everything was combustible. The meeting-house was frequently on fire, and there being but one engine, it was difficult to sulidue the raging element.

At tte opening of the third Congress, at Watertown, May 31st, Mr. Webster was present, and took an active part throughout the session. We notice that he was almost daily appointed on important committees.

In the midst of the excitement, anxiety, and distress, of the inhabitants of the town, consequent upon the news from Lexington and Concord, and the departure of so many men for the war, now actually begun, there occurred an event which added ten-fold to the distress of those left behind. Those who witnessed it, can never forget its scenes, and those who did not, can have but a faint idea from any description. We allude to what has been sometimes called " the Ipswich fright," and which happened something in this wise : -

On the afternoon of the second day, after the Lexington fight, a man named John Tracy, of Marblehead, came riding into town, bare-headed, and in the most excited manner cried out that the British were marching toward the town, and would be here by the next morning, - that they were " cutting and slashing all before them." The news spread like wildfire, and being generally credited, it produced a complete and most distressing panic. As a large part of the militia of the town were gone to the scene of action, the terror and alarm, particularly among the women and children, exceeded the power of language to describe. Preparations were immediately made, by all who could command any means of transportation, to remove at- once into the back country ; and many who had neither horse nor oxen of their own, hastily .collected a bundle of such necessaries as they could carry, and started on foot. The scene on the village common that night can scarce be imagined. Guards had been posted at a distance to give the alarm if the enemy should appear, and, with horses saddled, and ox-carts loaded, and the oxen yoked, the aifrighted inhabitants repaired to the grounds around the meeting-house, and the "old town pump," and anxiously waited for daylight, to take up the line of march. Those who lived near by, put their children to bed undressed, and many who lived in more distant parts of the village, brought their children to the houses of those near 'the meeting-house. And so the night wore slowly away. With the morning, messengers were dispatched to learn more of the dreaded enemy. But no reliable information could be obtained, either of them, or as to the truth of the first report, and gradually the inhabitants became convinced that it was a false alarm, and one after another returned to their own dwellings with lighter hearts than they had left them only a few hours befoi-e."

<* In the East Parish, large numbers of the aCrighted inhabitants. flocked to the "hemlocks," on the east side of Kenoza Lake, where they remained concealed during the night.

History Op Haverhiil

The origin of the alarm is still involved in obscurity. By some it has been supjDosed to have been a regularly concocted scheme to alarm and distress the inhabitants, and it is remarkable that the same story, in substance, was simultaneously told, from Ipswich to Coos. In every place the " regulars " were but a few miles behind the messenger. How, or by whom, or with what motives, the report was first started, no one could ever tell. It lasted but one night, and in the morning all who were informed that rumor was without foundation,

Two days after the Lexington fight, the Committee of Safety resolved that eight thousand men should be immediately inlisted out of the Massachusetts forces for seven months, unless sooner discharged. Two days later, the Provincial Congress, which had been hastily summoned to convene, resolved that it was necessary an army of thirty thousand men should be immediately raised, of which Massachusetts should furnish thirteen thousand, five hundred. These were afterward known as the *' eight months service men."

A careful examination of the rolls, shows that at least ninety-four Haverhill men enlisted in this service. Below, we give their names, with the company and regiment to which each was attached : -

In Captain Micajah Gleason's company, in Colonel Nixon's regiment, "Wingate Bradley, Fifer Lemuel Bradley, Private Samuel Eand, Private James Kimball, Lieut Nathaniel Kimball " (Total 5)

Jacob Whittier, Private. The above regiments were all stationed at Cambridge, - excepting that of Colonel Gerrish, which was stationed at Maiden and Chelsea. The Haverhill men, with the two exceptions noted, were all (probably) enrolled previous to May 19, 1775, at which time nearly all the above named oificers were commissioned. J The time of enlistment was until the following January.

<* Did not enlist until July 13th, and served two months and twenty-two days, t Enlisted February 14th, and served six months and twenty-one days..

J The returns were sent to the Provincial Congress, June 10th. Colonel James Brickett received his commission as Lieutenant-Colonel, in Colonel James Frye's Essex Regiment, May 20th.

It is worthy of mention, that although but thirteen thousand, five hundred men were called for, fifteen thousand voluntarily enlisted before the middle of June.

The town of Harpswell having applied to the Provincial Congress for a supply of powder, (which was very scarce in the whole colony) that body requested (May 7) the selectmen of Haverhill to let them have one halfbarrel, promising that it should be replaced as soon as it could be had. The supply of powder continuing to be very scanty, a committee was appointed to ascertain how much each town had, and report how much could be safely spared for the public service. They reported that in forty towns, a total of sixty-seven and three-fourths barrels could be spared. Of this amount, Haverhill furnished two barrels. Only ten towns in the whole colony were able to spare an equal amount each.

May 13th the Congress ordered post-riders to be immediately established between Cambridge and the principal towns in the province, and established post-offices in such towns. Simeon Greenough was appointed postmaster at Haverhill.

On the loth day of June, the Committee of Safety, after long deliberation, decided to occupy Bunker Hill, in Charlestown, and passed a secret vote to that eflfect. The next day. orders were issued to Colonel William Prescott, Colonel Bridge, and the Commandant of Colonel Frye's'- regiment, to be prepared for an expedition, with all their men fit for service, and one day's provision. The same order issued for one hundred and twenty of General Putnam's regiment, and Captain Gridley's company of artillery with two field-pieces.

Early in the evening of the IGth, Colonel Prescott was ordered with these troops to proceed immediately to Charlestown, take possession of Bunker Hill, and erect the necessary fortifications to defend it. Profound secrecy was to be observed. The troops were silently assembled on Cambridge Common, where a solemn prayer was offered up by Eev. President Langdon, of Harvard College. At dark, the detachment left the camp, and proceeded to Charlestown. Colonel Prescott led the way, dressed in a simple calico frock, with two sergeants, having dark-lanterns open only to the rear, about six paces in front of the troops. Profound mystery

" Colonel Frye was at the time ill of the gout, and, moreover, president of a court martial. His regiment was, therefore, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel James Briukett. Colonel Prescott, under date " Camp at Cambridge Aug 25, 1775," writes to John Adams, at that time a Delegate to the Continental Congress : -

"On the 16th June, in the evening, I received orders to march to Breed's Hill in Charlestown, with a party of about one thousand men, consisting of three hundred of my own regiment. Colonel Bridge and Lieut. Brickett, with a detachment of theirs, and two hundred Connecticut forces commanded by Captain Knoulton." - Frolhingham's Siege of Boston, 395, hung over the object of the expedition until they crossed Charlestown neck and found wagons loaded with intrenching tools, fascines, gabions, and empty hogsheads.

But we cannot continue thus minute. Suffice it to say, that the tall, granite shaft on " Bunker's Height," has been erected to commemorate the events of that night and the day following -

In that first battle of the Revolution, Haverhill was largely represented. In the detachment that marched to occupy the hill, on the evening of the 1 6th, were Lieutenant-Colonel Brickett, one ; in Captain Davis's company, one ; in Captain Sawyer's company, fifty-two - Total fifty-four. The whole number of the detachment was not above one thousand men, - thus giving this town one man in every twenty. Of those actually engaged in the battle, the most careful and reliable accounts give us the following : - Lieutenant-Colonel Brickett, one ; in Captain Sawyer's company, fiftytwo ; in Captain Moses McFarland's company, fourteen ; in Captain Gleason's company, five ; in Captain Davis's company, one ; in Captain Mooer's company, one - total, seventy-four."

The number of Americans engaged in the battle, fluctuated largely, and the crude state of the army organization at that time, render it impossible to say with precision how many men took part in the action ; but after a long and patient examination, we give the above as very nearly the true nvimber of Haverhill men who took part in the glorious struggle on that day.

Of the one hundred and fifteen killed, two were from this town - John Eaton and Simeon Pike - both in Captain Sawyer's company. This company evidently performed hard service on this occasion, as we find in the official list of those " who lost guns, &c., at the Battle of Bunker Hill," the names of twenty-one from this town, - most of whom were attached to this company, f They are as follows : - s David How and Samnel Blodget, both of whom afterward became prominent citizens of this town, were also in the battle. Blodget was one of those who succeeded in arresting the retreat of the New Hampshire troops.

Colonel Scammon, of Saco, - who commanded a large regiment from Maine, on that day, - was at one time previous a resident of Haverhill. He was not, however, actually in the battle, although "ordered to go where the fighting was ! "

*> We also find in the Province Treasurer's book for 1776, - under the head of " Sundry payments made for Losses sustained at the Battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, paid in 1776," - the following ; " June. Paid James Brickett & others £382, 6.1." We presume this was paid him for the persons above named.

Of the three hundred and five Americans wounded in the battle, we can, with certainty, name only one from this town, - Colonel Brickett. He was standing by the side of General Putnam, in the early part of the action when a cannon-ball struck the plank upon which they stood, knocking them both down. Colonel Brickett was wounded in the foot, and the shock was so great as to cause a " rupture," from which he suffered to the end of his life.--'

Colonel Swett, in his account of the battle, says that General "Warren, as he went on the hill, to fight as a volunteer, obtained his arms of Lieutenant-Colonel Brickett, " who came off with the first wounded."

The tune of the Americans, at Bunker Hill, was " Yankee Doodle." It was the first time of its use by them, but ever after it was their favorite, and has become our most popular national air.f

* James Frye's regiment, from Essex, was commissioned May 20. The latest return is dnted May 26. James Brickett was lieutenant-colonel; Thomas Poor, major; Daniel Hardy, adjutant; Thomas Kittredge, surgeon. Colonel Frye did not go to Breed's Hill with his regiment on the evening of June 16, on account of indisposition ; but was in the battle, behaved with spirit, and was active in urging on reinforcements. Lieutenant-Colonel Brickett, a physician, was wounded early in the action, and, with other Burgeons, repaired to the north side of Bunker Hill, and remained in attendance on the wounded." - Frothinghain' s Seige of Boston.

t Yankee Doodle. - To every Yankee, be he boy or man, who can whistle, hum, or sing, the tune of Yankee Doodle is familiar ; but the burlesque song which in old time so often accompanied it, is fast passing into oblivion, and we cannot resist the temptation to give it a place in these pages. The story runs, that the song was composed by a British officer of the Revolution, with a view to ridicule the Americans, who, by way of derision, were styled Yankees. The song has had many commentators and collators, and undergone many additions and alterations. The following version gives it as sung at least seventy years ago, and is probably as near the original as we can now expect to secure it :

History Of Havehhill

*' Voted that a Committee of Seven Men be chosen to Serve as a Committee of Correspondence, Safety and Inspection ; and are as followeth Viz : Dea Jonathan Shephard, Mr Isaac Redington, Capt Pdchard Ayer, Lieut Samuel Merrill, Mr Ephraim Elliot, Lieut Isaac Snow, & Mr Thomas West."

At a meeting held December 11th, the town granted permissson for Nathaniel Marsh and Isaac Bartlett to establish a manufactory of saltpetre, and voted them fifty pounds, for their encouragement. But owing to the tinsettled state of the times, it was discontinued.

From the records of the First Company in this town, we copy the following list of the names of those who were drafted from that company for the continental service in 1775 and 1776 : -

The following is a list of those who served six weeks at Roxbary. They "were commanded by Captain Eaton, and marched in December, 1775 : - Obadiah Ayer, John Whiting, Moses Whittier,

The following is a list of those " who hired for two months in February 1776, at forty shillings L. M. pr man." Samuel Appleton, John Cogs- ^vell, jr., Isaac Eedington, John Green, Theodore Tyler, Amos Gile, William Wingate. David Marsh, Enoch Marsh, and Nathaniel Marsh, classed, and hired one man ; James Duncan, Samuel Duncan, and Jonathan Barker, were classed, and hired one man; Israel Bartlett ^nd Phineas Carlton, were classed, and hired one man.

It is impossible, at this time, to give the names of all who served in tlie army of the Kevolution, from this town, or even to give the time, and place, and length of service, of all those whose names are still preserved. It frequently happened that, when an order came to draft soldiers, two, three, and four men were classed, and were obliged to hire one man to serve in their room. This was done so as to make each man bear an equal portion of the burthen.

At the annual meeting, March 19, 1776, the same persons that were elected in September, were re-chosen a "Committee of Correspondence, Safety, and Inspection."

April 23d, a meeting was held and Thomas West, Esq., was chosen a delegate to a county convention to be held at Ipswich, " to consider of some method by which they may obtain an equal representation, by every man's having a like voice in the election of the legislative body of this Colony."

On the 30th of the same month, a meeting was called, and Captain John Mulliken, and Captain Cornelius Mansise, were chosen " a committee to attend a meeting of Committees of Newbury, Newburyport, and Amesbury, May 2d, at the Town House in Newburyport, to fix on a plan of a Port to be built on Plumb Island."

" Voted, That if the Honorable Congress for the Safety of the United Colonies should Declare them Independant of the kingdom of Grreat Britain, this Town do engage with their Lives and Fortunes to support them in the Measure."

-' Voted that the Town Treasurer is hereby impowered to hire money for to purchase Arms &c for the use of the Poor in this Town."* \ June 29th, the towns of Haverhill and Newbury applied to the General Assembly for arms and ammunition, " on account of their exposed situation." The Assembly decided that they were " unable to furnish them."-j-

On the same date last mentioned, (June 29, 1776,) an order arrived to raise forty-three men in this town. The quota of the First Company was eleven. They were destined for Ticonderoga, and marched July 23d. Their government pay was nine pounds per month. The following were furnished by the above company : - - James Brickett, Brig. Gen. ; Doct

° They purchased twenty-five " Fire arms," at a cost of seventy-five shillings each. The money was borrowed for the purpose, of Nathaniel Marsh.

t Several British vessels had already been taken by privateers and brought into Newburyport ; and bu4 a few days before, a Newburyport privateer, (the Tanhee Hero) after a sharp engagement, had struck to a British frigate.

Eix was hired by Isaac Eedington and Enoch Marsh ; Ayer, by Deacon John Ayer; Benj Mooers, Jr., by Benj. Mooers and Samuel Souther; G-age by Daniel D. Eogers and Phineas Carleton ; Middleton, by John Sawyer and Joseph Dodge ; Duston, by Nathl. Marsh and Israel Bartlett ; Joshua Mooers, by Isaac Osgood ; Clements, by John White ; and Pecker, by James Duncan.

On the 4th of July, the members of the Continental Congress affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence, and the last hope of reconciliation with the mother country expired. But, as we have seen, this town was prepared to do its part in the contest, and cheerfully and promptly furnished "men and material " whenever called upon. They had early put their hands to the plough, and during the whole of the long and bloody struggle, we do not find the least sign or symptom of an inclination to look hack.

On the ISth of July, order was received from Colonel Whittier' to draft every twenty-fifth man, destined for Ticonderoga. John Bailey, Thomas Hopkins, and Nathaniel Bodge, were drafted from the first company, and marched on the 17th of August. On the 25th of the same month, every twenty-fifth man was raised, and marched for Dorchester, On the 2 2d of September, an order was received to raise every fifth man in the town, under fifty years of age, destined for New York. The quota of the First Company was twelve, and it was so classed that three men were to furnish one soldier each, and twenty-two were to furnish nine. In December, another was received, to raise every fifth man in the town, to march to New Jersey. The quota of the First Company was again twelve ; three of whom marched, and the others employed substitutes.

* The following letter, from Colonel Whittier, will be read with interest. Though excused from marching to the field, lie appears to have continued in charge of the home regiment : -

I have very lately heard that I am appointed to the command of a Regiment for the Canada Expedition. I most sincerely & heartily thank the Honoble Court, for their repeated Honors done me - and should gladly have accepted the appointment - were it not, that my Health of late, has so far failed roe, that at present, I find myself unable to perform a Journey of Twenty Miles without much ditliculty <t delay, - notwithstanding my willingness to assist in this (as I apprehend) just & righteous Cause - yet the great & constant care of a Regiment, &, the Fatigues of such a long Journey, render it impossible forme to accept the Invitation, with honor to myself, & any Advantage to the Province, - therefore I trust, that the Honorable Court will justify rae, in declining to accept, at present, of such ,an appointment.

Gentlemen, That you may have all that wisdom which is proffitable to direct, - & that the Americaa Arms may be crowned with Victory & Success, is the Ardent Prayer of Your most humble & obedient Servant JOHN WHITTIER.

History Of Haverhill

From the index to tte Muster Rolls of Colonel Nixon's regiment, ib 1776, - which rolls are now in the possession of the Antiquarian Society, of Worcester, Mass., - we copy the following names of those who were from, this town. The whole number is 63 : -

While our town was thus freely sending its sons to the field of strife, it was not neglectful of those other measures that required consideration, as a part of the great plan of American Independence, as may be seen by the following copy of the warrant f )r a town meeting, October 14, 1776 : -

" 1st To see if the Town will Vote to give their consent that the present House of Ecpresentatives of this State of the Massachusetts Bay in New England - Together with the Counsel, if they consent in One Body with the House and by equal Voice should consult ; agree on ; and Enact such a Constitution and Form of Government for this State as the said House of Representatives and Counsel as aforesaid, on the fullest and most mature Deliberation shall judge will most conduce to the Safety, Peace, and Happiness of this State, in all after Successions and Generations:

° Those to which .a ^ is prefixed were probably " colored persons," of whom there was a large number in the array. The first blood drawn in the Revolution, was that of a negro - Crispus Attacks - at the Boston Mass.'.cre, on the 5th of March, 1770.

To see if the Town will Vote and direct that the same be made puhlick for the inspection, and perusal of the Inhabitants ; before the Eatification thereof by the Assembly."

The Continental Congress having called for 88 battalions " to serve during the war, or for three years," fifteen of which were apportioned to Massachusetts, a resolve passed the Assembly January 26, 1777, making a requisition on the towns for " every seventh man of sixteen years old and upward, without any exceptions, save the people called Quakers."

The whole number who enlisted in this town, under this requisition, was sixty four. The following table, prepared from the " Kegular Army List," gives the name, time of service, &c., of each man : -

In the above list we find the names of five who deserted. As we must make a corresponding discount from our town's patriotic account, it is no small satisfaction to give their names. Here they are : - Eliphalet Buck,

Jolin Davis, David Peasley, John Thomas, John Wilson ! As Buck first served almost a year, perhaps we should have placed his name last on the list, instead of the first.

At the annual meeting (1777) " Brig-Glen James Brickett, Capt Timothy Eaton, Dea Ezra Chase, Lt Isaac Snow, Capt John Mulliken, Capt Samuel Merrill, and Samuel Ayer," were chosen the Committee of Correspondence and Safety for the year.

" Pay Poll for Capt Johnson' s'-* Company in Coll Titcoms Eegmt of Militia from the State of Massachusetts Bay to the State of Ehodisland for two months Service from their arrival in Providans in said State with addition of Days travil from their several homes to the place of Distination and Eeturn home to the several towns where they came " &c.

May 21, 1777, a meeting was held, principally " To see if the Town will Vote to instruct their Eepresentatives to form a new Constitution of Government in Conjunction with the Counsel - and when so formed to be laid before the Town for their Inspection and Approbation or Disapprobation, or alteration before it be Enacted."

Upon the first article the town voted "not to instruct;" and upon the second, voted to choose a committee of three, to see the Act carried into execution. At an adjourned meeting, June 2d, " Brig Gen James Brickett, Capt James Sawyer, and Dea Jonathan Shepard," were chosen such committee.

In September, a volunteer detachment turned out to reinforce the northern army. Through the kindness of John Bartlett, Esq., a son of Lieutenant Israel Bartlett, we are enabled to give the names of these volunteers, and also a copy of the Joui'nal kept by the latter, during the time : -

" Sept. 1777. Eecd an invitation for half this Eegt to turn out as volunteers to reinforce the Northern Army for 30 days after their arrival at head quarters : the following turned out of this company :

Benj. Baker reed half a hire from David Marsh. Ebenezer Porter paid by Charles Haddock. Joshua Moors paid by Ebenezer AYood. Jonn Harris paid by Phineas Carlton and Enoch Marsh. Mark Withan by Simon Mansies. John Clark reed 8 Dollars of J. Eeddington. Enoch Caldwell paid 20 Dollars. James Pell paid 20 Dollars. Marched 4th. Oct. 1777. Was absent 5 weeks, hire £6.0.0. Gen. Bricket turned out at the same timey ^

History Of Haveehill

12 Marched to Hancock - Stopd & viewed the spring & dined atPhillipstowu, put up at ditto - -13 Settled all accounts in Company - Arrived at the New City of all his troops in our possession this day - 10 O'clock, we were alarmed and ordered to turn out, for that Gen. Burgoyne had refused to sign the capitulation, and hostilities would Commence in one hour. Defered till 12 O'Clock - Sunset; news again, that the articles are signed - General orders, that men lay on their arms, for the General suspects treachery. 3.7 Parade at 10 O'Clock to- receive Gen. Burgoyne, who accordingly arrived at 12 O'Clock, and the troops followed at three O'Clock. we arc ordered to draw three days provision, and march in order to take charge of the prisoners, who are to march to Boston.

25 Saturday. We marched to Worthington 20 miles, through exceedingly bad mountains and deep mud - We marched late, but got ^ good quarters - the rain & mud, very fatguining. Arrived at 2 O'Clock - Three men left came up to day and tell us that the people, we thought religious, deny our paying reckoniEg.

Army - Breakfasted & marched to the furthest part of Brookfield 11 miles from our last quarters. Were forced to march 4 or 5 miles further than we intended, for want of quarters, Xov. 1 Saturday - We marched 1 J mile to Spencer & halted all the rest of day to draw provisions ; the commisary being absent, could not draw halted - we are mustered and obliged to march, occasioned by the Artillery's advancing beyond the lines set? - we marched 5 miles and halted at Sudbury.

and mud, the worst day's march we have had ; we expected ta continue till rested, and draw provisions, as we had none since we left Brookfield : but on our return from Prospect Hill a Maj. of Brigade overtook us and dismissed us, with the General's thanks ; but the provision would have done us more good, as little could be procured at Cambridge." The closing paragraph of the Journal affords us an opportunity to say that General Brickett, who commanded the escort of the prisoners, seriously embarrassed himself by advancing large sums of money from his private purse, and contracting obligations to furnish necessary provisions and accommodations for the troops, during this long and tedious march. For all this, he never received one 'penny ! Massachusetts claimed that it belonged to the United States government to reimburse him ; and Congress was pleased to refuse to allow him the claim, on the ground that General Brickett was not an United States officer, but under commission from Massachusetts ! Between the two, the General's just claim fell to the groimd, and to this day has never been paid. When Congress afterward pensioned the soldiers of the Eevolution, General Brickett was urged to secure one for himself, as he could readily do so, but he indignantly refused to accept a pension, 'while his higher claim was ignored by the government.

The petition of B. G. James Brickett Humbly Sheweth, That whereas in obedience to a Eesolve of the Genl Court in the year 1777, for Eeinforcing the Northern Army, then under the command of General Gates, I marched with a number of Men, and joined said army, soon after which the articles of Convention between Mr General Gates and Gen Burgoyn were Exchanged, after which by the General's Direction, I recieved orders to take ye command of the Escort for Gen Burgoyn's troops from Saratoga to Boston, which Business was compleated as Expeditious as possible, for which Services I have not Eecieved any Eecompense. Notwithstanding the aplication made to Generals Heath & Glover - who I considered as the proper persons to apply to - wherefore this is to beg you would consider of the affair & Grant such compensation, as you in your wisdom shall think proper for said services, & the Necessary Extra Expenses I was at - and your petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray

"I do hereby Certify; That Brigadier General James Brickett, was appointed to ye Command of about five Hundred Militin, Detached from General Gates army, to Guard a Division of ye Convention Troops, from Saratoga to Cambridge, in Octobr 1777 - which Charge he executed with Judgment and Prudence Jno. Glover

On the Petition of Brigr James Brickett Eesolved that Brigr James Brickett be allowed for his Services in Eeinforcing the Northern Army under the Command of Major Genii Gates ; that he be permitted to make up a Eolle as Brigr and Exhibit the same to the Committee on Eolles for allowance ; & the Trear is hereby ordered to charge the same to the Continent."

General Brickett afterward wrote that he would make up his EoIIs aff Boon as he received returns of " parts of one or two Eegiments." This is as far as we can trace the matter. For reasons above given, he finally failed to receive his well-earned wages.

" 1st. To see if the Town will carry into Execution a late Act of the Great and Genl Court, intitled an Act for the Securing this and the Other United States against the Danger to which they are Exposed by the internal Enemies thereof:

2dy To see if the Town will chuse some One Person to collect Evidence against those Persons that may be deemed Enimical to their Country, as directed by the said Act :

3dy. To see if the Town will chuse a Committee to Supply the Soldiers Families that are gone into the Continental Service, agreeable to a Eesolve of the General Court of this State."

Upon the first and second articles, the vote was in the afl&rmative ; and Thomas West was chosen to collect evidence, agreeably to the second article.

At an adjourned meeting, held October 20th, a committee of ten were chosen " to snpply the families of such non-commissioned private soldiers as are in the Continental Service." The following are the names of the committee: - Thomas West, Deacon Moses Clement, Edward Ordway, John Mitchell, John Smith, Jr., Jonathan Webster, Esq., Mr. Isaac Eedington. Captain Timothy Eaton, Deacon Ezra Chase, and Lieutenant Isaac Snow.

" To see if the Town will take into consideration the Proposals of the Continental Congress in entering into a Confederation, and perpetual Union between the States, and to give Instructions to their Eepresentatives how to act for or against it."

The following named persons were chosen a committee "to peruse the Articles of Confederation, and give their Eepresentative Instructions Eespecting them " : - Hon. Judge N. P. Sargeant, Brigadier-General James Brickett, Major Enoch Bartlett, Samuel White, Esq., Mr. Joseph Haynes, Captain Samuel Merrill, Mr. James Duncan, Doctor William Bachellor, Deacon Ezra Chase. The meeting then adjourned for one week.

" Voted, That a Union of the Thirteen independant American States is a Matter of the greatest importance for the defence and Protection of this and the Other American States:

Voted, That the Confederation, or Plan of Union formed l^y the Honble Congress, and laid before the Town, is in general very agreeable. Though in some respects we could wish it altered :

A^oted, as the Opinion of this Town, that the Larger States in this Confederacy Ought to have votes in Congress, in, or near the proportion of the Taxes they pay for the Common Defence. - that it appears necessary some Plan or Mode should be added to the Confederation for compelling such States as shall be defective in Kaising Men, or Money for the common Defense, to perform their Duty : Lastly

Voted, that our Piepresentative be Instructed, in Conjunction with the Other Eepresentatives of this State, to Authorize our Delegates, or any Number of them in Congress, to confirm and establish this Confederation, or Plan of Union, with such alterations and Amendments as the General Assembly may think necessary.

At the annual March meeting, the following were chosen the Committee of Correspondence and Safety: - Brigadier-General 'James Brickett, Captain Timothy Eaton, Deacon Ezra Chase, Isaac Snow, John Sawyer, Captain Samuel Merrill, Joseph Pike.

The renunciation of allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain, rendered it necessary for all the American colonies to establish, as soon as practicable, indepeiMent governments, for the protection and security of the people and their interests. The growing necessity of a Constitution, or Form of Government, for Massachusetts, led the General Court, in June, 1776, to appoint a committee to prepare one. But as the opinion was generally expressed that the subject should originate with the people, the business was not proceeded in by the committee. The House contented itself with recommending the people to choosp their deputies to the next General Court with power to adopt a form of government for the State. This, recommendation was renewed more formally the next spring. In the interval, a Convention of the Committees of Safety of a majority of the towns in the State, met at Worcester, and voted that it would be improper for the existing General Court to form a constitution, but that a convention of delegates from all the towns fchould be called for that special purpose.

A majority of the towns having chosen their representatives with a special, or, at least, implied consent, to form a constitution, the General Court at their next session appointed a committee for that purpose. The result was, that a draught was agreed upon, appro^d by a convention, and submitted to the people.

2d. To see if the town will vote to joyn in a Convention of this County, to be held at Ipswych on the loth Instant, relating to the new Form of Government, proposed by the Convention of this State, as recommended to us from the Select Men of Newbury Port."

May 21st, another meeting was called to consider the subject. The warrant for the meeting directed " all Male Inhabitants being free and Twenty one Years of Age To take into their deliberate Consideration the Constitution and Form of Government agreed upon by the Convention of this State on February last ; to see if the town will approve of the same."

The Clerk records : - "At the Eequest of the Moderator, I read the Form of Government proposed. After some talk, & without any Vote being tried, the meeting was adjourned to Monday next."

Monday, June 8th, the town again met, and proceeded to vote upon the proposed Constitution. The result was seven votes for, and sixty-three against it. The record gives us no clue to the reasons for this strong opposition to the new Constitution, but we find that throughout th« State the general objections against it were, that it contained no declaration of rights ; that the principle of representation was unequal ; and that the powers and duties of the legislators and rulers were not clearly and accurately defined. Besides, the opinion was still general, that such a Constitution should be framed by a convention of delegates, chosen directly by the people. The vote in the State stood ten thousand against the constitution, and two thousand in its favor ; and one hundred and twenty towns made no return.

While the people were thus laboring to establish a prop* form of state government for themselves, they were at the same time making the most vigorous efforts to establish their national independence, as may be seen from what follows : -

May 5th, a meeting was held to see what the town would do about " procuring fifteen soldiers for the Continental Army, which this Town is obliged to Eaise."

" Voted that the Militia Officers of the Companies of this Town be empowered to procure by hiring, sd soldiers, on the most reasonable Terms, at the Charge of the Town :

Voted that tte Town Treasurer be directed to liire & furnisli sd Officers Witt sucli sums of Money as may be necessary for raising sd Men : The Officers to be accountable to the Town, for such sums of Money as they shall recievc."

The meeting then adjourned for one week. At the adjourned meeting, the treasurer was directed "to hire Money as soon as possible, to enable the Officers to raise Soldiers"; - and the militia officers were ordered " to raise Men for the Militia Service, by hiring, at the Charge of the Town."