COLLECTIONS
OF THE
MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SECOND SERIES
DOCUMENTARY
HISTOEY OF THE STATE OF MAINE
VOL. XIX
CONTAINING
THE BAXTER MANUSCRIPTS
EDITED
Br JAMES PHINNEY BAXTER, A. M., LITT. D.
PUBLISHED BY THE MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AIDED BY
APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE STATE
PORTLAND
LEFAVOR-TOWER COMPANY
1914
Copyright 1914
BY THE MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
r
PKKSS OF
i,KFAvon-TowER COMPANY, PORTLAND
PREFACE
r I ^ HIS volume, even more than the preceding, discloses
-i- the depredations to which the scattered coast settle-
ments of Maine were subjected during the long war of the
Revolution. With a coast line too long for the Massachusetts
Government to adequately protect, the more remote com-
munities were ever exposed to extinction, hence their per-
sistent, and almost futile cries, for assistance. As we read
there always seems to be a chronic state of inefficiency on the
part of the Massachusetts Government, and we can but
suspect that some of those whose names shine on the roll of
fame as patriots, have been overestimated; indeed, we know
that then as now, there were men in control of important
government positions, who regarded their public duties with
a more languid interest than they did their political honors.
We should, however, keep in mind the fact that through
the entire war, those at the head of affairs in Boston were
always at their wits end to obtain supplies necessary to main-
tain a defensive position, and were continually appealing to
the General Government for help. It was fortunate for us
that the offensive operations of the enemy were managed with
such evident inefficiency; had they not been, our history
would have worn another aspect.
JAMES PHINNEY BAXTER.
Mackworth Island.
July 26, 1914.
CHKONOLOGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1780 April 27 Report, 62
Oct. 24 Representation of Col Brewer, ... 1
Oct. 25 Petition of James Cargill, .... 2
Permit in re Sloop Nancy, .... 3
Petition Selectmen of Boothbay, ... 4
Oct. 26 Genl. Wadsworth to President of Council. . 5
Oct. 30 Petition of Reed and Kent, .... 6
Petition of Penobscot Chiefs, . . .6
Oct. 31 Petition of Lucy Rittal 10
Decrees of Maritime Court 13
Nov. 2 Letter from John Allan 24
Petition of Saml Freeman et als, . . 33
Petition of Saml Freeman et als, . . 34
Nov. 3 Order of General Court 15
Nov. 4 Report of Committee in re Penobscot In-
dians, and Resolve by General Court, . 15
Nov. 7 Resolve of General Court, .... 37
Petition of Pelatiah Freeman, ... 16
See error in title, page 16.
Letter from J. Allan, 18
Doggett & Jepsons Petition, ... 23
Petition of Josiah Brewer 36
Nov. 8 Representation of Phillip Audebert, . . 38
Nov. 9 Resolve Directing the Commissary Genl., . 39
Nov. 10 Resolve making an Establishment of the
Troops at Machias 39
Nov. 11 Petition of Peletiah Freeman and Order
Thereon, 42
Resolve making an Establishment for Juni-
per Berthiaume, 43
Nov. 14 Letter of William Frost, .... 44
Nov. 15 Resolve on the Petition of Benj. Jepson, . 45
Nov. 16 Resolve Directing the Committee on Accts., 45
Nov. 19 Thomas Town et al to Col. Taylor, . . 45
Nov. 20 Resolve on Certificates From Genl. Wads-
worth 46
Nov. 21 Resolve Directing the Treasurer, ... 47
Nov. 22 Letter from Hon ble B. Chadbourn, Esq., . 48
Nov. 23 Saml Rittal to Governor and Council, . . 50
Thomas Town to Col. Taylor, 61
Vlll CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1780 Nov. 24 A Grant of 1463-7 to Col John Allan, . 50
Report of Committee on Col. Allan's Peti-
tion, 51
Nov. 25 Petition of J a Avery 52
Report on the Accts. of Lemuel Weeks &
Clement Lemon 53
Nov. 27 Petition Town of Washington, . . .133
Nov. 28 Genl. Wadsworth to John Hancock, . . 53
Ezra Taylor to the General Court, . . 57
Resolve Requesting the Governor to Write
to Congress, 59
Petition in Behalf of Andrew Gilman, . . 63
Dec. 11 Nathl Thwing to Col. Hutchinson, . . 64
Dec. 15 Letter of Col. Allan, 65
Dec. 19 Petition of James Avery, .... 66
Dec. 20 Action on Petition of James Avery, . . 67
Dec. 23 Letter from General Wadsworth, ... 68
Dec. 26 Petition of Ebenezer Tinkham, ... 70
Deposition of Joseph Berry 72
Deposition of William Pendleton, . . 72
Deposition of Benjamin Shaw, ... 74
Jan. Selectmen of Thoniaston to General Court, 77
Jan. 1 Petition of Selectmen of Pepperellborough
to General Court, 79
Petition of Nathl Green Moody, ... 81
Memorial of Town of Cape Elizabeth, . . 82
Genl. Wadsworth to Gov. Hancock, . . 87
Jan. 12 Order in re Committee of Valuation, . . 89
Jan. 13 Resolve, 93
Report on Furnishing Supplies By Town
of Thomaston 93
Jan. 18 Petition Town of Fryeburgh, ... 94
Feb. 16 Resolve favor Town of Fryeburgh, . . 96
Jan. 22 Petition of Paul Revere, .... 97
Petition of Philip Maret, .... 98
Resolve in favor of James Cargill Esq., . 99
John Springer to General Court, ... 99
Memorial of Inhabitants of Frenchman's
Bay, 102
Report of Resolutions in re Dr. Joseph
Gardner, 104
Jan. 26 J. Allan to President Powell, . . .105
Jan. 27 Petition of Inhabitants of Winslow, . . 113
Petition of John Gushing, . . . .116
Resolve on same, 124
Jan. 29 Resolve in re Beef for Army, . . .117
OF CONTENTS IX
PAGE
1781 Jan. 29 Petition of Benjamin West, .... 119
Feb. 1 Memorial of John Allan 122
Petition of John Gushing, .... 124
Memorial of Owners of Ships Black Prince
and Hector, . 125
Feb. 5 Resolve on Petition of Williams and Peel, 127
Petition of James Littlefield, . . .128
Feb. 9 Resolves on Measures of Defence, &c., . 129
Feb. 13 Resolve in favor of the Town of Washing-
ton, 134
Feb. 14 Resolve on Petition of Pepperrellboro, . 134
Petition of Ebenezer Thomas, . . . 135
Feb. 17 Saml Huntington to Gov r Hancock, . . 136
Memorial of Joseph North, .... 137
Feb. 19 Resolve Relating to Falmouth, . . .139
Resolve Relating to Disposal of Spars, . 139
Feb. 20 Resolve favor Christopher Newbit, . . 140
Resolve favor Andrew Woiseaker, . . 141
List of wounded at Penobscot, . . . 142
Resolve favor of Ebenezer Perkins, . . 143
Resolve Authorizing Benj. Chadbourn to
Prosecute Trespassers, .... 144
Feb. 22 Letter of Benjamin Lincoln to Governor, . 145
Feb. 23 Wm. McCobb to the Commanding Officer
at Falmouth 148
Committee of Georgetown to Governor, . 148
Feb. 24 Resolve on Memorial of Col. Allen and Peti-
tion of James Littlefield, . . . .152
Despatch Relative to Capture of Genl.
Wadsworth, 152
Feb. 26 Order Relative to Unappropriated Lands, 155
Jas. Richardson to Charles Miller About
Supplies, 155
Reply to same, 156
Committee of Georgetown to William Lith-
gow, 150
Order Relative to Unappropriated Lands, . 155
Resolve favor of Town of Fryeburg, . . 157
Feb. 27 Resolve favor Moses Gunn, .... 158
John McLellan to the Governor, . . . 158
Jas. Richardson to Genl. Court, . . 159
Feb. 27 Report of Committee in re Defence of East-
ern Country, 161
Mar. 1 Resolve in re Treasurer of Boothbay, . . 160
Mar. 1 Resolve Relating to Supplies, and New
Hampshire Troops for Defence, . . 163
X CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1781 Mar. 1 Resignation of John Avery, .... 167
Mar. 2 Resolve Relating to Prosecution and Settle-
ment Trespassers on Public Lands, . . 168
Report of Committee on Protection of
Eastern Coast, 170
Mar. 3 Resolves in re Protection Eastern Counties, 172
Mar. 6 Resolve on Petition of Inhabitants Thomas-
town 176
Resolve Relating to Exchange of Genl.
Wadsworth, 177
Letter Relating to Defence of Eastern
Country 177
Mar. 7 Resolve in re Fitting Out Ships for Defence, 178
Mar. 8 Resolve in re Impressing Men for Service, . 180
Mar. 9 Address of Governor Relative to Deficiency
of Supplies 181
Mar. 10 Order Appointing Committee on Resolu-
tions, 182
Resolve Relating to Militia of Frenchman's
Bay, 183
Resolve Impowering the Governor, . . 184
Mar. 17 Advice of the Council to the Governor, . 185
J. Allan to the Governor, . . . .186
April 6 Memorial of George Stillman, . . . 189
April 7 Petition of laaac Washburn, . . . 190
April 9 Letter of Chairman Committee of Corre-
spondence, . ...... 191
Petition of Nicholas Crosby, . . .192
Mar. 11 Committee Town Machias to Governor, . 193
Petition of Josiah Crockett, . . .193
Mar. 12 Petition of Andrew Reed, . . . .196
April 13 Affidavit of Nathaniel Thomas, . . .198
April 14 Petition of Mary Campbell, . . . .199
April 16 Petition Nathl Silsbee, 205
April 17 Order to Committee to Deliver Message to
Governor, 206
Resolve Placing Troops Under General Lin-
coln, 206
Resolve in favor of George Bacon, . . . 207
April 18 Governor Hancock to the Senate & House
of Representatives 208
April 19 Order to Reimburse Stephen Smith, . . 208
April 20 Resolve favor of Wm. Hubbard, . . .209
Certificates favor Wm. Hubbard, . . . 210
Order for Revision of Resolves for Defence
Eastern Counties, 210
OF CONTENTS XI
PAGE
1781 April 21 Resolve to Stay Proceeding Hodge vs. Reed 211
Resolve in re Troops for Eastern Country, 213
Petition Scarboro' Gridley 216
April 23 Resolve favor Scarboro' Gridley, . . .217
April 24 Petition John Hathaway, .... 218
Resolve in re Establishment at Machias, . 218
Petition of Major Wheaton, . . . .219
April 26 Resolve Granting Privilege of Transporting
Corn, 220
Resolve Relating to Prisoners, . . .222
Mar. 9 Certificate in favor Josiah Crockett, . . 223
April 28 Resolve Relating to Pay of Soldiers, . . 224
Memorial of Inhabitants of Machias, . . 225
April 30 Resolve favor Ebenezer Perkins, . . 229
Resolve favor Joshua Swan, . . . 229
Petition of Andrew Brown 231
May 1 Resolve on same, 233
Resolve in re Mustering Department, . . 232
Resolve in favor John McGoff, . . .233
Resolve on the letter from Col Allan, . 234
April 26 Affidavit of David Jenks, . . . .235
Mar. 17 Letter Francis Shaw to Stephen Jones, . 235
Letter of Committee, 238
April 11 Deposition of Jonas Farnsworth, . . 241
A Copy of Letter of Frances Shaw, . . 243
May 3 Letter of Francis Shaw to Governor and
Council 246
Petition of Nathaniel Silsbee, . . .250
May 5 Resolve Relating to Bounties, . . . 251
May 8 Resolves Relating to Defence Eastern Parts, 252
Genl. Wadsworth to John Hopskins, Esq., 254
May 9 J. Allan to Gov. Hancock 256
May 15 Resolve on Petition of Jos. McLellan, . . 258
Resolve in favor of Sprague & Ward, . . 259
Petition of Jeremiah Colburn, . . .261
May 16 Letter Jn Hopkins to Caleb Davis, . . 261
May 17 Resolve in favor Jeremiah Colburn, . . 262
May 18 Resolve in favor Genl Wadsworth, . . 263
May 19 Resolve Relating to Letter of Maj r Osgood, 264
Commission to Hon ble Samuel Osgood, Esq., 265
May 24 Petition Inhabitants in Lincoln Co., . . 265
June Petition of John Bane 266
May 29 Certificate in favor John Bane, . . . 267
May 30 Daniel Merit to James Avery, . . .268
Resolutions of Several Eastern Towns, . 269
May 31 Memorial of James Sullivan, . 271
Xll
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1781 May 31 Memorial of Plantations in Eastern Country, 273
April 26 Memorial of Eastern Towns, . . .275
June 4 Robt. Pagan to Dr. Nathaniel Coffin, . . 276
June 6 Petition of Selectmen of Buxton, . . 277
June 9 Report on Exchange of Sullivan, . . . 279
June 11 Resolve in favor Town of Buxton, . . 279
Resolve in favor John Magray, . . . 279
June 12 Petition in behalf of Towns of Brunswick
and Harpswell 280
June 16 Selectmen of Boothbay to Genl. Court, . 282
Letter Col. Allan 283
June 18 Resolve on Petition of John Bane, . 288
June 20 Memorial of John Allan in re Liquidation
of Debts, 370
June 21 Petition in Behalf Town of Berwick, and
Resolve, 289
Acct. William Vaughan and Resolve There-
on, 290
Accts. Accepted and Allowed, . . . 291
June 22 Petition of Juniper Berthiaume, . . . 291
Petition of Josiah Brewer, . . . .292
June 27 Resolve on same, 293
June 23 Stephen Hall to Governor and Council with
Resolve and Instructions on Same, . . 293
June 25 Petition of Phillip Hodgkins, . . .295
Resolve in favor Phillip Hodgkins, . . 296
June 26 Certificate, 297
Petition of Andrew Gilman, .... 297
Second Petition of Chief Orino, . . .298
June 30 Petition of Chief Orino 299
July 2 Resolve in favor of Chief Orino, . . .300
Memorial of Joseph Brewer, .... 301
Resolve on same, ...... 302
July 5 Resolve in re Disposal of Vessels, . . 302
July 6 Memorial of Juniper Berthiaume, . . 303
Resolve in favor Juniper Berthiaume, . 304
July 23 Petition of James Mosher, . . . .305
Memorial from F. Shaw J r 307
July 25 Action on Foregoing Petition, . . .308
Petition of Peleg Wadsworth, . . .309
Action on Foregoing Petition, . . . 309
Aug. 7 Letter of H. Y. Brown, 310
Warrant for Arrest Andrew Reed Jr., . . 311
Aug. 11 Certificate Inhabitants of Winslow, . . 312
Petition of Martha Oxnard, . . . .313
Aug. 13 Action of Foregoing Petition, . . .314
OF CONTENTS Xlll
PAGE
1781 Aug. 16 Petition of Nathaniel Coffin 315
Advice of Council on Foregoing, . . . 316
Order on same, . . . ... 316
Aug. 20 John Frost to the Governor, . . . . 317
Aug. 24 Petition of Andrew Reed, . . . .317
Aug. 29 Paper Accompanying Petition, . -. . 318
Oct. 11 Action on Petition Andrew Reed, . . .319
Aug. 26 Warning, 319
Sept. 4 Letter Josiah Brewer, 319
Sept. 5 Advice Relating to Father DeBourger, . 320
Petition of Ami Smith, . . . .320
Sept. 8 Petition of Joseph Bragdon Jr 321
Sept. 10 Petition of Andrew Reed, . . . .322
Action on Petition Andrew Reed, . . 323
Sept. 12 Petition in Behalf Inhabitants Machias, . 372
Sept. 12 James Avery's Petition in Behalf of Col.
Allan, 369
Sept. 13 Petition of Mary Crawford, . . . .323
Order Creating Committee, .... 324
Report of Committee Respecting Machias, 324
Resolution of Congress Relating to Indians, 325
Resolution of Congress Relating to Eastern
Indian Dept., 325
Sept. 14 Petition of Elizabeth Stevens, . . .326
Sept. 15 Saml Freeman to the Governor, . . . 327
Sept. 17 Genl Heath to Gov. Hancock, . . .329
Sept. 19 Resolve Appointing John Langdon, . . 330
Sept. 20 Nathl Thwing to Ezra Taylor Esq., . . 321
Petition of John Murray, .... 331
Resolve Appointing Saml Freeman Esq., . 334
Sept. 21 Petition of Eliphelet Downer, . . .335
Sept. 25 Petition of Stephen Hall, . . . .335
Sept. 27 Resolve on Same, 326
Certificate of Wm. Todd, . . . .337
Sept. 25 Petition of John Murray, . . . .337
Sept. 26 Certificate of Genl Wadsworth, . . .338
Petition of Ezekiel Pattee 338
Message of Gov. Hancock to General Court, 340
Sept. 27 Petition of James Avery, .... 341
J. Avery to Saml Freeman, . . . .343
Sept. 1 Deposition of Bartholomew Jackson, . . 344
Sept. 29 Resolve in favor of John Murray, . . 345
Resolve in favor of John Murray, . . 346
Oct. 2 Resolve in favor of Soldiers, . . .346
Resolve in favor of Soldiers, . . . 347
Oct. 3 Petition Selectmen of Lincoln, . . .348
XIV CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1781 Oct. 3 Resolve in favor of Selectmen of Lincoln, 349
Oct. 4 To Pay Teamsters and Grant Warrant to
Com. General, 350
Oct. 5 T. D. Street to Sergt. Burns, . . .351
T. D. Street to Robert Leake, . . .352
Oct. 8 Petition of Amos Lincoln 352
Oct. 9 Appointment of Committee, .... 353
Oct. 13 Memorial of Lapham and Thomas, . . 354
Oct. 17 John Allan to the Governor, . . .355
Resolve in favor of Falmouth Soldiers, . 357
Oct. 18 Petition of Thomas Starrett, . . .357
Oct. 22 Caleb Graffam to General Court, . . .358
Oct. 23 Certificate of Stephen Smith, . . .359
Oct. 24 Resolve in favor John Blunt, . . . 360
Certificate Accompanying Above, . . 361
Oct. 24 Memorial of Ezra Taylor, . . . .362
Oct. 30 Action on Petition Thomas Starrett, . . 364
Petition Selectmen Town of Gorham, . . 364
Petition of Joseph McLellan, . . . 366
Resolve in re Petition James Avery in Be-
half Col. Allan, 367
Resolve on the Foregoing 368
Nov. 20 Complant of Juniper Berthiaume, . . 372
Dec. 13 Petition of Inhabitants of Georgetown, . 374
Acct. of Massachusetts Against the U. S., . 376
Affidavit of Jeremiah Tolman, . . .376
Petition of Barbara Douglass, . . . 377
Petition of Officers et als in Co. of Lincoln 378
1782 Jan. Petition Town of Sanford, . . . .409
Jan. 14 Petition of Samuel Leighton, . . .412
Jan. 15 Petition of Stephen Barton et als, . . 379
Jan. 16 Petition of John Lewis, . . . .380
Petition of Vicente Doo, . . . .382
Petition of Selectmen of Cape Eliazbeth, . 384
List of Men Lost Belonging to Cape Eliza-
beth, 385
Jan. 17 John Lewis to Speaker of the House, . . 387
Jan. 18 Petition of James Avery, .... 388
Theophilus Bradbury vs. Petition Vicente
Doo, 389
Jan. 21 Resolve in Case of Vicente Doo, . . . 391
Jan. Petition of Col. Edward Grow, . . .393
Jan. 24 Resolve on Foregoing, 394
Petition of Vicente Doo 394
Jan. 28 Resolve in re Losses in Penobscot Expedi-
tion, 395
OF CONTENTS XV
PAGE
1782 Jan. 29 Resolve in favor of John Lewis, . . .396
Resolve on Petition James Avery, . . 397
Report on Petition Inhabitants of George-
town ... . 398
Memorial Selectmen of Pownalboro, . . 399
Feb. 1 Resolve on Foregoing Memorial, . . . 401
Accts Relating to the Penobscot Expedition, 401
Petition of Addison Richardson, . . .403
Feb. 2 Certificate in favor of Josiah Waters Jr., . 405
Feb. 8 Petition of Benjamin Jepson, . . .405
Memoral of Edw. Grow, .... 406
Feb. 11 Resolve on Foregoing, 407
Feb. 9 Resolve on Petition Stephen Hardison, . 407
Report in re Boothbay Accts., . . . 408
Feb. 9 Action on Petition of Town of Sanford, . 410
Feb. 13 Nathaniel Shaw to Committee General Court, 411
Feb. 18 Action on Foregoing Petition, . . . 413
Feb. 19 Resolve in Behalf Cape Elizabeth, . . 414
Chas. Gushing to Gov. Hancock, . . . 416
Petition of Lydia Twycross, . . . 417
Resolve on Foregoing, 418
Affidavit of Saml Goodwin Jr 419
Feb. 20 Affidavit Joseph North 420
Affidavit of William Howard, . . .420
Feb. 22 Resolve in favor Ezekiel Pattee, . . .421
Feb. 25 Postmaster General to Samuel Freeman,
Esqr., 422
Feb. 26 Petition Thos Rice in Behalf County Lin-
coln, 423
Feb. 28 Resolve on Treasury Notes, . . . 425
Resolve on Confiscated Estates, . . . 426
Petition of Larkin Thorndike, . . .426
Joshua Thomas to Governor, . . . 427
Proceedings of Court Martial in Case of
Paul Revere, 428
Mar. 7 Resolve in Behalf County of Lincoln, . . 430
Resolve Relating to Losses of Towns, . 436
Mar. 8 Col. Allan to the Governor 436
Petition of John Allan, 439
Mar. 9 Stephen Jones to the Governor, . . . 440
P. Talbot to the Governor, . . . .443
Mar. 14 Certificate in re Sloop Centurian, . . 445
Mar. 15 Certificate in re Sloop Fortune, . . . 445
Mar. 18 Petition of Amos Lincoln, . . . .446
Mar. 27 Certificate in re Sloop Sparrow, . . . 447
Mar. 28 Memorial of Lewis Fred DeLesdernier, . 447
XVI CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1782 April 1 Memorial of De Lesdernier to Governor, . 448
April 4 Report to Commissary General, . . . 449
Eben Preble to Governor and Council, . . 450
April 5 Memorial Selectmen of Berwick, . . . 451
April 8 Petition of Nathaniel Coffin, . . . .453
April 9 Petition of Saml and Abigail Sewall, . . 454
April 10 Memorial Inhabitants of Falmouth, . . 454
Action on Petition Town of Falmouth, . 458
Petition Selectmen of Wells, . . .458
Memorial Lt. Col. Ezra Badlam, . . .460
Petition James Avery, ..... 462
April 15 Memorial Edw Grow in Behalf Joseph
Trafton, 463
Resolve on Foregoing, 463
Petition Town of Falmouth, .... 464
June Resolve in favor Town of Falmouth, . . 466
April 15 Petition of John Hill for Town of Berwick, 466
Memorial of Robert Foster 467
April 16 Petition of Daniel Lane, 469
Resolve to Levy in County of York, . . 469
Report Committee to Estimate Expense
County York, 470
Certificate Thos. Chase in favor Robert
Foster, 471
April 19 Petition of Jedidiah Preble, . . . .472
Action on Foregoing, 472
Court General Session to Jedidiah Preble, . 472
Resolve favor County of York, . . .473
Resolve Requesting Colonel Badlam to Mus-
ter Troops Into Service, .... 474
Resolve that Genl Glover Appoint Muster
Masters, ....... 477
Resolve Relating to Muster Masters, . . 478
April 20 Selectmen of Coxhall to General Court, 479
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
OF THE
STATK OF MAINK
Representation of Col Brewer.
To the Honorable Council of the State of Massachusetts Bay
The Eepresentation of Col Josiah Brewer Truck Master
of the Penobscot Tribe of Indians, Humbly sheweth That
he hath accompanied the Indians now in Town to Newport
where they have been politely entertained & are very well
satisfied with their reception there That they are now in
this Town & are desirous of Returning home upon re-
questing me to take the Charge of such things as your honors
may se fit to grant upon thier late Petition That your
Petitioner would pray your honors to give an Order that the
said Indians & thier Interpreter may receive ten Days pro-
visions in order to enable them to return & likewise give an
Order for the Discharge of the Account of John Marsh their
Interpreter who was employed for that purpose by General
Wadsworth or otherwise to give such orders respecting
them as your Honors may see proper
Josiah Brewer
Boston Ocf 24 th 1780
State of Mass" 8 Bay
Council Chamber Ocf 24 l 1780
Read & Ordered That the Commissary General of this
State be and hereby is directed to deliver Col Josiah Brewer
for the Use of Six Indians with their Interpreter lately
arrived from Penobscot ten Days Provisions to enable them
1
Z DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
to return to their respective Homes and Charge the Same
to the Ace* of the United States
Attest John Avery D Secy
To his Excellency the Governor & To the Hon 1 General As-
sembly of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts The
Memorial of Col Josiah Brewer Humbly shews,
That some few days since (upon the Indians now in this
Town Return from Rhode Island) he was ordered by the
Hon 1 Council to send them off, as soon as possible the wind
hitherto has prevented there going that the French Consul
hath given them encouragement that they may have a priest
to go with them provided they tarry some days, they are there-
fore very desirous of tarrying till the priest can have your
Honors Orders to go down with them Your Memorialist
therefore prays your Honors to give him such Directions Re-
specting the said Indians as your Honors shall see fit and like-
wise to give order that the Priest may be permitted to go &
proper provision made for him and as in Duty bound will
ever pray
Josiah Brewer Truck Master
Petition of James Car gill.
October 25. 1780
To the Honourable the Senate and the Hon ble the House of
Representatives In General Court Assembled.
The Humble Petition of James Cargill of Newcastle Most
humbly Sheweth
That having applyed to the General Court under the late
Constitution for Releif in a Controversy he has for several
years past had relative to the Sloop ISTancy he took in the
Service of the Enemy, and notwithstanding the publick Faith
of this Commonwealth, on which your petitioner reived, after
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 6
she was legally condemned in the Court of Admiralty ap-
pointed & constituted by this State, & became the property of
your petitioner yet was recovered from him to his great Damage
and Loss, and your Petitioner is finally ruined, and his Fam-
ily, as all his Estate is Seized, (and he is by this means
greatly involved in Debt unless this Hon ble Court will please
to take cognizance of his unhappy & distressed circumstances ;
Your Petitioner has been at a very great Expence in Sollicit-
ing this affair, yet he humbly hopes this Hon ble Court will
exercise that Compassion due to his Case, as it is Singular,
and grant him the Liberty of pleading his cause before the
Hon ble Senate, and the Hon ble House, as he has such reasons
& arguments to lay before them as he judges will be Sufficient
to induce them to grant him that relief his most distressed
Circumstances call for, consistent with their wisdom and
Justice. And your Petitioner as in Duty bound &c
James Cargill
N. B. The papers relating to the above Caption are in
the Secretary's Office.
Permit in re Sloop Nancy.
To the Eespective Commanders of his Majestys Ships and
Vessels at Boston
[Seal] By Sam 1 Graves Esq r Vice Admiral of the White fee-
Permit the Sloop Nancy, Peleg Crooker Master, with three
hands, to go out of the Harbour, with Leave to carry One
barrel rum, One Barrel of Molasses, one hogshead of Salt, and
Thirty bushels of Corn, and to return with Fuel &c for his
Majestys Service. This pass to remain with the Vessell 'till
she returns.
Dated at Boston the 20 th July 1775,
Sam 1 Graves
4: DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition Selectmen of Boottibay.
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives
for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts We the Selectmen
of the Township of Boothbay beg leve to Represent to Your
Honours the confused & Eregular manner in which the Towns
papers be at present on account of the Shift of Officers last
March meeting, in perticuler the Treasurer. We cannot find
any regularity in the Treasurers Books, no proper Settlement
from the begening to Eand of it and the former Treasurer
after a Lawfull Demand of him to Deliver up the Receipts
& other papers in his hand belonging to the Town has abso-
lutely Refus'd: which ocations Grate inconveniences for
which Reason we wou'd beg Your Honour to take the matter
into your wise consideration & if your Honours Should think
proper we would beg that you would Grant or appoint a
Committee in Sum of the Neighbouring Towns to inquire into
this matter and see that there is a proper Settlement of our
Towns Accounts. We wou'd likewise Represent to your
Honours the obstmasy of our Militia Officers in this Town,
they have taken Severel Fines from men that they Draughted
& cou'd not go into the Sarvis, & have never accounted with
the Treasurer for one farthing Since the war which seems
to us to be very unjust we wou'd beg therefore that if your
Honours Shou'd appoint a Committee as above, that they
may be Impowered & Directed to call the Militi Officers to
account Respecting the fines & see that a proper settlement
is made, we would likewise represent to Your Honours the
Grate Inconveniance of having two Companys of Militi in
this Little poor Town where there is not more than one Com-
pany of able Bodyed men, having so nieny Officers Screen' d
from Draughts comes very Heavy on the Remander, we
would therefore beg if Your Honours think proper, to bring
the Militi in this Town into one Company
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 5
Hoping Your Honours will Grant this our most Ernest
petition We are Your Honours most Obedient and most
Humble Servants
(Major part
of the
Selectmen
of Boothbay
Boothbay October 25 th 1780
Genl. Wadsworth to President of Council.
Honble James Bowdoin Esq r President of Council
Head Quarters Thomaston 26 th Oct r 1780
Dear Sir
The Bearer M r Pelatiah Freeman is one of our good
Friends, who has lately fled from the Oppression of the
Britains at Bagaduce & left his Family behind him. If you
Could procure a passage for them in the first Cartel that
Goes from Boston to that Place, I should acknowledge it as
a particular Favour done to, D r Sir Your most humble Serv*
P. Wadsworth B G
Major John Hopkins
Sir
at the Bequest of Peletiah Freeman would inform your
Exelency that he was Born and Lived in York till he moved
to Penobscutt and I Never heard as I Remember but he has
Been a friend to the united States
Your Exellency 8 most obd* and very Humb le Serv*
Edw d Grow
His Exellency John Hancock Esq r
Boston Nov* 9 th 1780
6 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Reed & Kent.
To the Hon bl Senate & House of Representatives of the Com-
mon Wealth of Massachusetts
Oet r 30 th 1780
The Petition of Andrew Reed & Benjamin Kent Both of
Boothbay Humbly Sheweth, that one of your Petitioners
Andrew Reed, being a Commission' d officer On the late un-
successful expedition to Bagwaduce was after our Retreat
from thence to Boothbay, Ordered by General Lovell to im-
press some Whale Boats ; in obedience to his orders Kents
boat was, impressed one Whale boat, the property of Benja-
min Kent your other petitioner, an inhabitant of Said Booth-
bay, which boat was employ d at the direction of General
Lovell. and not since returned to the owner who is in great
need of her tho both duty & enclination Commands every
Effort in the power of your petitioners to Serve the great
Cause of Amarica yet presume your Honors Cannot intend
individuals Should lose what was for the public Service there-
fore prays your Said petitioners may have a boat of equal
value, which when taken away with Road Sails & appur-
tainances was worth one hundred & fifty pounds, hoping your
Honors will take the matter into your Serious Considderation
and grant such redress as your wisdom shall dictate, as to
fall of Currency Since, and the Want of a fishing boat to a
needy distress* 1 family and your Petitioners as in duty bound
Shall ever pray.
Andr w Reed Benjamin Kent
Petition of Penobscot Chiefs.
To His Excellency the Governor, and Honorable Senate &
House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 1
The Petition of Orina and others Chiefs of the Penohscot
Tribe of Indians Humbly sheweth, | That by reason of
Enemys possessing of Penobscot they have been put to the
greatest Difficultys they Unfortunately having four of
their Brothers killed by them who left large families for the
Tribe to support who are unable to support themselves by
Reason of their having been drove from their settlement by
the Enemy which makes them at present very poor the
Enemy have Offer d them large presents to come & join them
but they have declined in hopes that their Brothers the
Americans would provide for them & fulfill the promises
which Gen 1 Lovell made them viz 1 that they should have the
same Supplys which those have at Machias & likewise that
something should be done for the Widows of those who fell
in Battle with the Enemy who are extremely poor that those
Indians at Machias are frequently receiving presents at the
public Cost while those of the Penobscot Tribe have not rec d
any that the said Indians were allow d to draw provisions
for a Considerable time at free Cost and likewise had their
Wives & Children Cloathed at the Cost of the public
They would therefore represent to your Honors whom they
look upon as their fathers that the Winter is now Coming on
that they have not had the advantage of hardly any trade
this Summer they would therefore Most humbly pray your
Honors to give orders that the Truck House at Eort Halifax
may be supplied with such Articles as Col Brewer shall give
a List of, and likewise that You would order Col Brewer
to make them such presents for the support of themselves &
the Poor of the Tribe as your Generosity shall Dictate
they would likewise Represent & beg your Honors to Con-
tinue Col Brewer Truck Master at Fort Halifax and as in
Duty bound will ever pray
Joseph Orina
Chief of the Penobscot Tribe in behalf of himself and others
8 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
This may Certify that the foregoing was taken from the
Mouth of Orina the Chiefs and is the meaning of what he
desired may be wrote
John Marsh Sworn Interpreter
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Kepresentatives Oct r 30 : 1780
Ordered that M r Barrett & Brig r Frost be a Committee
with such as the Hon. Senate shall join to take into Consid-
eration the Petition of Josiah Brewer Truck-master at Fort
Halifax & Orina & other Chiefs of the Penobscot Tribe of
Indians
Sent up for Concurrence Caleb Davis Speak 1 "
In Senate Oct r 30 th 1780
T Cushing President
Eead & Concurred and Jedidiah Prebble Esq r is joined
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Oct 30, 1780
The Committee of both Houses on the Petition of Orana,
a Chief of the Penobscot Tribe & others, and also the Petition
of Col Josiah Brewer, Truck Master at Fort Halifax
Report that There are now in Town of the Penobscot
Tribe, one Chief viz* the Petition as aforesaid and also
one Son of the Late Cheif * Trench Meser, one Grandson
of Orina the first mentioned Cheif also a Cheif named
*Atteor & two of the Indian Council who have each of them
bad a Hat a Blanket, a Shirt & one p r of Indian Stockings
before they went to Newport presented them by the
Government.
The Committee are of Opinion that it would be expedient
that the Cheif, Orana, be presented with a Coat a Gun &
Ammunition for Defence on his Passage, fire Arms & Am-
munition for the rest with a Pair of Shoes for each
That it would be also expedient that Provision should be
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 9
made for the Accomodation & Subsistance of the Person
whom the French Consul has recommended ; and also for his
support while in that Country
That on Conference had with the Chief aforesaid & the
Truck master we are of Opinion that a large Number of the
Penobscot Tribe consider themselves as in Actual Service of
the United States holding themselves in Readiness to en-
gage with the People of the Commonwealth against the
Enemy on all Occasions & that the Persons mentioned in
the Petition fell in our Cause, leaving their Families to be
supported by the public and that it would conduce to the
Public Good, in attatching the Tribe to our Service to make
some Provision for the Families of these Persons That
whatever is sent them would be more grateful as a special
Mark of Attention, & have a better Effect, if sent in a par-
ticular Package & directed to these Families, & to be delivered
to them by the Truckmaster as a Present from the Com-
monwealth and that 24 Yards of Strouds 36 Yards of
Linnen would be sufficient for that Purpose and one Barrel
of Pork & two Barrel of Flour be also sent them by the
Truckmaster for their Winter Support
That one hundred Weight of Powder With a Proportionate
Quantity of Ball & Shot & fifty Hatchets be sent to the Fort
to be distributed as presents to the Tribe, and also about ten
Doz of Jack Knives
That certain Stores for the Supply of Fort Halifax to
continue the Trade with the Indians are necessary a
Schedule of which is exhibited as hereunto annexed, by Col
Brewer, which with the Stores now on hand, a Schedule of
which is also annexed, will be sufficient untill the month of
May next Which Several Matters are submitted
Jedidiah Preble Chairman
In Senate Oct. 31, 1780
Read & Sent down Gushing President
10 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Lucy Rittal.
His Excelency the Governor & the Honorable Council of the
Commonwealth of the Massachusetts Humbly Sheweth
The Petition of Lucy Rittal of Pownalborough in the
County of Lincoln That on Sunday the 25 th of September
1780 Capt McClelan with a file of men by order of General
Wadsworth Esq r (as he said) who then was at the Shore in
Kennebeck river, about twenty five miles from the Sea Tooke
my husban Francis Rittal from his Large family & out of
his house viz 1 his wife and teen Children, and he often has
the asseme to that Degree we think he Cant Lives and Carried
him and put him into Close Gaol at Falmouth in the County
of Cumberland, and There Still he is Confin'd about Sixty
miles from me when there w r as a Gaol within a mile of him,
on Tuesday y e 17 th of October 1780 I went and with Great
Expences and heavy Bonds Obtained the Liberity of the
Yard for him, and one M r Thomas Towns of Pittstown about
teen miles high up Said River, who was Committed with
him, and for what, M r Towns, Neither my husban Nor my
selfe Cant Tell, he never Broake any Law of the State that
he or I knows of, but always obsarved to Keep all the Laws
that come to his Knowledge, Taking the appossels advice
and submited to the Powers that be which the People here
hath made it their Rule Our Son Francis Rittal junior
between 16 & 17 years old went in the army to Penobscut and
behaved well as all that Knew him Said, my husban was also
draughted & sent with Prisoners to guard them to Boston we
also made Provision for all we Could for those that Came
from Penobscut & Returned by way of Kennebeck, & som that
w T as Sick & wounded we entertained there upon free Cost &
Carried them to Brunswick about 18 miles out & 18 home 36
in all and always paid our Taxes for hiering men besides
what my husban & Son hath don and was peaceable and
OF THE STATE OF MAINE
11
Quiet & Studied to mind our own busness and to Get a Com-
fortable Liveing by our hand Labour and indaustory with
our Large family, but this Extradonary affair, and the Loss
of the head of the f amely, with the heavy Charges attending
of it. Going to & from him at 60 miles Distance and Charge
there must bring Distraction and a Seperation of our f amely,
and Cause the Tender Babes to Cry for Bread, which is hard
to be Gott here with all prudance and indaustory we Can use,
we are Denied the Knowledge of his accusers or Even of the
Least fault that my husban is Charged with & he & I are
Conscious that he is Guilty of no Breach of Law against the
State or any of them therefore I most Humbly pray your
Honours to Take our Distressed Circumstances in your wise
Consideration and Liberate my husban Francis Rittal from
Falmouth Goal & his Bonds 60 miles from his Distressed
family or otherwise Releave us as Your Honours in your
Great Wisdom Shall think proper and I as in Duty Bound
I Shall Ever Pray Lucy Kittal
Pownalborough Octo r 31 st 1780
We the Subscribers are Knowing to Great part of the
Truth of Said petition therefore most humbly pray your
Honours that M r Francis Eittal may be Liberated and Return
to his Distressed family again & as in Duty Bound etc
Samuel Goodwin Stephen Mason
Samuel Goodwin JrGeorge Goud
John Johnson
Tma Pond
George Stephen
David X Clancy
Obadiah Call Jun r
Joseph X M c f arlan Joseph Jackson
Sam Mason William-f- pray
Joseph M c f arland Peter Pachard
Abner Mason
Henry Bickford
Louis houdlette
Phillip Majer
Gerge Pocherd
Jaque Goud
Christopher Jakin
George Mayer
Martin Haly
Thomas Haly
William Haly
John Haley
Jabez Robinson
Elijah Robinson
12 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Bill of Eights &c
VII Government is instituted for the Common Good ; for
the Protection, Safety, Prosperity, and happiness of the
people; and not for the Profitt, honor or private Interest of
any one man, family, or Class of men:
XII N Subject Shall be held to answer for any Crime
or offence, untill the same is fully and plainly, substantially
and formally, described to him; or be compelled to accuse or
furnish evidence against himself e, and every subject shall
have a right to produce all proof, that may be favourable to
him ; to meet the Witness face to face, and to be fully heard
in his Defence by himselfe, or his Counsel, at his Election
and no Subject Shall be arrested, imprisoned, despoiled, or
deprived of his property, immunities or privileges
of the Protection of the Law, exiled, or deprived of his Life,
Liberity or Estate, but by the Judgement of his peers or the
Law of the Land, And the Legislature shall not make any
Law that Shall Subject any person to a Capital or infamous
punishment, excepting for the Government of the Army and
ISTavy without Tryal by jury
XIII In Criminal prosecutions, the verification of facts
in the vicinity where they happen, is one of the Greatest
Securities of the Life, Liberty & prosperity of the Citizen
XXVIII No person Can in any Case be Subjected to Law
martial or to any penalites or pains, by virtue of that
Law, except those imployed in the army and navy and except
the militia in actual service, but by Authority of the
Legislature.
In Council Dec 17 th 1780
Read & Advised that his Excellency the Governor be re-
quested to write a Letter to Brig d General Wadsworth upon
the Subject Matter of the within Petition
Attest Jn Avery D Secy
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 13
Decrees of Maritime Court.
State of Massachusetts Bay | Lincoln Ss
in New England (
At the Maritime Court for the Eastern District of the
State of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, holden at
the Meeting-house in the East Precinct of Pownalborough,
by the Hon Timothy Langdon Esq. Judge of said Court on
Tuesday the third day of September, in the year of our Lord,
one thousand, seven hundred & seventy six
Be it remember'd that on the fifth day of July in the year
of our Lord, One thousand, seven hund d & seventy six, James
Cargill of Newcastle in the County of Lincoln, who prose-
cutes as well for & in behalf of the People on board divers
armed boats, Commanded by the s d Cargill as of himself,
came before the said Judge & filed a Libel, exhibiting an in-
formation, (to wit,) That on the twenty fourth day of July,
Anno Domini, seventeen hundred & seventy five, within
thirty leagues of the shore, & within the Jurisdiction of this
Hon ble Court Attacked, took & brought, into the river of
Sheepscott, within s d County of Lincoln, a certain sloop
called the Nancy, burthen about eighty tons, & laden with
the articles of Cargo mentioned in the schedule annex'd, that
said Sloop at the time of the capture thereof was in the actual
service of the Fleet & Army then employ'd against the United
Colonies & had at divers times between the nineteenth day
of April, Anno Domini seventeen hundred & seventy five, &
the s d twenty fourth day of July been improved in carrying
supplies of sundry kinds to the s d Enemies of the United
Colonies, & that the master of s d sloop had designs to supply
the s d Enemy, In violation of the Laws & acts of this Colony
in such case made & provided. By means of all which the
s d Sloop her Cargo, & Appur ns aforesaid by force of the Laws
& acts aforesaid, are become a lawfull prize to the captors
14 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
thereof, who are" the s d James Cargill & his s d Companies &
to be disturbed as by s d Laws are directed, And Praying ad-
visement thereon & that in a due course of Law & Proceed-
ings, the s d Sloop her Cargo & Appur ces may be adjudged to
be & remain forfeit, & to be divided & applied in manner
aforesaid. And the time & Place of trial having been duely
notified, the s d James Cargill the Proponant appears & no
Person appearing to shew cause why the said Sloop with her
Cargo & Appur ces should not be condemned, after a full hear-
ing of the s d Proponant (by his Counsell) the bill aforesaid
of the s d Proponant was committed to a Jury duely returned,
impanneld & sworn, to return a true verdict thereon Accord-
ing to Law Evidence. Which Jury are Solomon Walker,
John Cartland, James Little, Samuel Brown, William Reed,
Gabriel Hambleton, Alexander Drumond, Joshua Farnham,
Jonathan Fuller, William Hilton, John Getchel, William
Boyinton, who upon their Oath say that the said Sloop Nancy
was improved in carrying supplies to the Fleet and Army,
employ'd against the United States of America, since the
nineteenth of April, One thousand seven hundred & seventy
five, & being so improved was taken by James Cargill & his
s* Company, as set forth in the Libel.
Thereupon it is by the s d Timothy Langdon, Judge as
aforesaid considered, & by him decreed, that the s d sloop
with her Appur ces & Cargo, are forfeit, that the same be sold
at Publick Vendue, & that of the monies thence arising the
charges of trial & Condemnation, being Eight pounds, seven-
teen shillings & nine pence be paid to James Cargill the Pro-
ponant, that the residue of the Proceeds of the same, after
deducting Sherriffs fees, be paid to the said deptors, or their
Attorneys or Agents for the Benefit of said Captors
Att Nath 1 Thwing Clerk
A True Coppy as appears of Record
Examined p r Nath 1 Thwing Clerk
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 15
Order of General Court.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Eepresentatives Nov r 3 : 1780
Ordered that Col. Coffin & Col. Dawes with such as the
Hon Senate shall join be a Committee to take into Consid-
eration a Letter from Joseph Gardner & report what is best
to be done thereon
Caleb Davis Speaker
Sent up for Concurrence
In Senate Nov r 3 d 1780
Bead Concurred & Sam 1 Mather Esq r joined
Jere Powell Pres*
Report of Committee in re Penobscot Indians, and Resolve
By General Court.
In the House of Representatives Nov 4, 1780
The Committee on the Petition of Col Josiah Brewer &
of Orana & others Chiefs of the Penobscot Tribes of Indians
take leave to report the following Resolves
viz* In Consideration of the Attatchment and Services of
the Penobscot Tribe of Indians, and the Advantages of their
Connection & Trade, fResolved That the Commissary
General be & hereby is directed to make Provision for the
Accomodation & Subsistence of the Person whom the French
Consul has recommended, on his Way to join the Penobscot
Tribe in Order to reside with them as an Instructor and
to procure & deliver to Col Josiah Brewer for the Use of the
Indian Chiefs now in the Town of Boston, the following
Articles viz 1 one Regimental Coat six Fire Arms six
Pounds of Powder twenty four Pounds of Ball & Shot for
their defence on their Return Home and the following
16 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Articles for the Use of the Families of those who fell in
Battle in the Service of the United States viz 1 twenty four
yards of Strouds or Duffelt thirty six yards of Dowlass or
coarse Linnen one Barrel of Pork & two Barrells of Flour
and the following Articles for Presents to the Trihe to he as
equally as possible divided among them under the Direc-
tion of Col Brewer viz 1 one hundred Pounds Weight of
Powder with four hundred Pounds Weight of Shot and Ball
one hundred Jack knives and fifty Hatchets and that the
Commissary General be directed to make Sale of the Furrs
now on Hand, & that such Part of the Produce thereof as
may necessary be appropriated to the afore mentioned Pur-
poses, reserving the Ballances in his Hands for Procuring
such Stores, as this Court shall see fit to order for the Supply
of the Garrison at Fort Halifax any Order or Resolve to the
Contrary notwithstanding
Caleb Davis Speaker
Read & accepted sent up for Concurrence
In Senate A T ov r 6 th 1780
Read & Concurred
Jer. Powell Presid 1
approv'd John Hancock
Petition of Lucy Rittal.
To his Excellency John Hancock Esq r Governour of the
Commonwealth of Massachus" 8 and the Honorable the
Council of said Commonwealth.
The Petition of Peletiah Freeman Humbly Sheweth
That to avoid the Enemy of the United States, He came
from Penobscott the 20 th Ulti with an Intent to Settle in
some part of this Commonwealth unexposed to thair Deper-
dations & Insults, that the mode of his quitting that place
OF THE STATE OF MAINE IT
not Admitting of his taking his Family with him, he was
reduced to the disagreeable Necessity of leaving behind him
a Mother, Wife, and four Children, for whose removeal he
Apply'd to Brigadier Gen : Wadsworth to Grant a Flag, who
Conceiving himself not Authorized to grant the request
recommended your Petitioner to your Excellency & Honors
whom he now Prays that he may be Allowed to send a Flag
from Old York in this Commonwealth to Penobscott for
the removal of his Family, Consisting as Above recited and
your Petitioner in duty bound shall ever pray
Pelatiah freeman
Boston Nov r 8 th , 1780
In Senate Nov. 9 th 1T80
Read and Advised that the Prayer of this Petition be so
far granted that Pelatiah Freeman be and he hereby is per-
mitted to proceed in the first Cartel that shall sail from this
Port bound to Majorbaggaduce for the purpose of removing
his Family from thence into some part of this Common-
wealth and the Commissary of Prisoners is hereby directed
to permit the Said Freeman to take Passage for the purpose
aforesaid
John Hancock
Attest John Avery D Secy
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Council Chamber Nov 11 th 1T80
Whereas it hath been represented to his Excellency the
Governour by Pelatiah Freeman late a resident at Penobscot
that he was under the Disagreeable Necessity in Consequence
of the 111 Treatment of the Enemy to leave his Family in a
very destitute Situation and prays that a Flagg may be
granted to bring his Said Family from thence to the Town
of York in the County of York. The Council advise that
Pelatiah Freeman be permitted to send a Flagg to Major-
baggaduce to be Commanded by some Person that the Select-
18 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
men of the Town of York shall approve off, for the purpose
of bringing the Family of the Said Pelatiah Freeman con-
sisting of his Mother Wife and four Children from thence to
the Town of York in the County of York and Said Select-
men are hereby directed to see that no more Men be shipped
on Board Said Vessel than necessary to navigate her or
Provisions or any other Articles more than sufficient for said
Voyage and to see that No Merchandize of any kind whatever
be brought in Said Vessell on her Keturn excepting the
Household Goods of the Said Freeman's Family, and to in-
spect all Papers or Letters 011 Board previous to her sailing
Attest John Avery D Secy
Letter From J Allan.
A Plan Proposed for the Military & other Business in
the Indian Eastern Department
One Colon 1 Superintend 1 | & a Secretary 1 Major 1 Capt n l
Capt n Lieutn* 2 First Lieuten 8 2 Second Lieut 8 a Drum & Fife
for the Departm 1 Three Scrjeiits three Corporals One Bom-
bardier One Gunner One Drum & Fife Fifty privates
The Whole of the above, with what Indians may be Imploy'd
from Time to Time, to be Incorporated into one Corps
the Unsteadyness of the Indians & their Fluctuating ways,
it is Uncertain to Know How mayny will be in Service
But Highly Necessary for Officers with Ranque and Author-
ity to be Continualy Amoung them on Military affairs &
Negociating other Business
The Indians are very Expencive Soldiers there is no Sat-
isfying them when necessety Calls for their Assistance, &
will for ever After Any Piece of service is don return
- In Consiquence it will be Best More Certain, & Much Less
Expence to keep White Troops on duty Keep the Indians
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 19
a Hunting & only Call upon them when Immediately wanted
the same as Militia
Tho the above be in one Core the duty which is Necessary
will be diffirent, To Wt, Major Capt n Lieu 1 1 first Lieu 1 1
& 1 Second Lieutenant one Drum & fife perticularly for the
Indians one Captain, on first Lieutn* & one Second Lieu*
& the other White Troops for Garrisoning Fort Gates &
other Temporary posts &c for the Indian Business, as also
for the Care of the Artilary Here &; when Ordered Other-
ways, the Business of the Indians being so Extensive The
diffirent Tribes & Villages Necessary to Be at from time to
Time requires that Coud this take place, and the Militia
Eastward of Penobscut River be under proper Regulation
Order & Command it is presumed it would be fully suffi-
cient to oppose any Enemy which at present coud Come
Against this part of the Country It is much more ad-
vantagious in every Respect to have men Steady, it is Im-
practicable to Do Business with out it the Winter Employ
being as much as Summer & the Militia that Comes are
no ways Calculated for such things tho they have done as
much as can be Expected
The Company of Artilery under Lieu 1 Albee has not been
full these two years as the small Encouragement the In-
digent State & Extravagent prices of the Country, is such
that the men are most of the time unfit for Duty for want
of Clothes otherwise we could get what men we please It
would be necessary if such a Company be raised that they
have Cloathing as other Troops in the Continental Service
But in order to have the Indians of any Service to the States
& to prevent all Connection with the Enemy, some thing
More Permanent than has Been, Must be settled Either
to keep them in the Service Continualy, or for Trade If
the former Large Quantity of Provision must be laid in, with
Cloathing, If for Trade a Truck House with Large Supply
20 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of Cloathing, Ammunition & Some Provisions this Must be
done by Febuary or the Middle of March at furthest, for
the Spring, & By the Last of Octob r or Middle of Novemb r
at furthest for the Fall The Trade of the Indians may be
verry Great & verry Beneficial, But requires sutable & Time-
ly Supplys, or the Trade is Lost if not Attended to at the
proper Season The Truck House Must be fixt on the River
Skuduck at Passamaquody, which may be done with as Little
Expence as any where this being the center of the Indians
Hunt and the Rout they Generaly Take when Coming to the
Sea Coast from Hunting If this is not done the Petty
Traders | which Are every where with rum & other things
of no Service to the Indians, which at present is the Case |
Are Liable to take every thing. If the Trade is not all
Commanded, the Indians will Run every where Steal their
Trade & if any will supply them in Rum they Care not what
is given, depending upon Assistance from the Public Stores,
&; if refused will go to S* Johns and Must say Hitherto
the Indians have Been Supported by Government for the
Benefite & profite of Individuals the Law to Prohibite the
Trade is of No Service in the Department Such a ^' r ericty
of Measures to be pursued in Civil Law, the Great Expence
attending it, the Length of Time it takes and the distance of
the Place where it Must Terminate, Makes it impossible for
Persons in Public Service to do any thing in such Cases.
Of the Two aforesaid propositions one must Certainly
Take place if it is Expected the Indians will be of Service
That of Keeping them in the service, the Government has
seen the Expence tho not Adequate to their Wants, nor what
I Promised them If for Trade there must be full supplys
as before Mentioned for if they Cannot Get Something
Gratis, In the present State of Trade and if it Depends
Upon their own Industry for subsistance they will Certainly
Deal with those they Can Gete the most from. When if a
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 21
Truck House is not sutably suppy'd By the States the
Britons will reap the Benifite, as their Stores are Generaly
well furnished and without doubt / am sorry to be Obliged
to say it/ Trades much More Honorable & Fair with them
If Trade shoud be thought Most Expedient, and Not Con-
vinent for Government to procure supplys, it will be much
better to Give some Person an Exclusive Right to the Trade
during the Warr Under Certain Rules & Restrictions, this
woud Tend so much to the Interest of Governm* as to Keep
the Indians in the States Ready if wanted
In Calculating what may be Wanting for the Trade, To
Come as near as possible 120 Famelys one with Another
the Value of 50 lb Beaver each this is rather Under than Over
for Spring one third that Quantity in the fall the sup-
plys Necessary being Generally Known may be Calculated
by this
There Must be also supplys Laid in for the payment of
Indians for Any Services done & When Employ'd with pro-
visions if Intended to have their Assistance in wars
The Setuation of the Department is such that it would be
Requisite to have the Whole Business Transacted thro One
Channell as a More Accurate & Satisfactory Account Might
be Keept
To have the Whole Business Laid Under Certain Re-
straints & Regulations, & Some Certain Method fixed to
Bring Delinquents to Justice the Post being at such a dis-
tance from where the Law is properly Executed, Requires
this-
In Furnishing Provisions for the Whole Department as the
distance and Risque is so Great the Length of time it may
Take in procureing it, Consiquently Great Expence in Col-
lecting for Present Necessity It is proposed that Pro-
visions be Laid in for Six Months, Bread kind two thirds in
Indian Corn one third "Bread, Rice & Mollases some Hogs
22 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Fatt & Porck the Beef and Greatest part of other Matters
may be purchased in this Country at a More Cheaper rate
than in Boston the Risque & Freight Saved Rum there
Must Allways be, for Indians & other Services
Coud it be Consistant with Order, and Government have
such a person in the Management of the Business, on Whose
Honour & Integrety they coud Confide It woud be Ex-
pedient that he shoud have the Whole Direction of the Busi-
ness & to Make Such Alterations as might be Necessary for
in such a Department persons may be Employd for such a
perticular part by Government as may Not be Necessary for
what is to be done Before this summer persons where
Only Employ'd as Occation Required & payments Made
Agreeable to What they Merited and Indeed the Business is
of such a nature, that it is Requisite the Commanding officer
Shoud Particularly Interfere in every Matter & the Whole
to Go thro his Hands
The Department is at present in Want of Provisions &
Supplys for Indians not Two weeks Allowence in the
Stores about Fifty persons at present to Support on the
spot Besides The Indians which Comes in, and When they
Assemble for Councel, Expect Subsistance dureing the Time
Also Deserters and Prisoners dayly passing, which must
be supported here & on their way westward
Powder is also wanting, the Indians Consuems a Great
Quantity & some other Matters for Artillery and Utincels for
the Use of the Garrison, a Memorand m thereof herwith sent
An Armmourer is Much Wanting which is the most
Beneficial Employment in the Staff Department
In Order to have that Part of the State Eastward of
Penobscutt in Preparation & Posture for Defence It being
as it were Divided from the Other Part to have some per-
ticular Order for Assembleing the Militia When Orderd
The Indigent State of the Country & the scarseity of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 23
Amunition Make it Difficult & in Some places Impossible
for the Militia to Furnish Themselves It woud be of the
Greatest Service to have some Arms & Ammunition De-
posited in each district for the Use of the Several Companys
According to their Strength & Not to be in Use, but on
Necessary Occations, & if Not Used to be Keturnd this
Practised Under my own Command.
It woud be Also Necessary to have an Officer of Militia on
Command at Frenchmans Bay, to have the Immediate In-
spection of that Part, to be able to Collect the Militia on a
sudden Occation & Command any Troops sent from this part.
This at Present Appears in General the Best Method for
the Management of this Department and Secureing the
Country Eastward of Penobscutt The Whole is Submitted
to the Ditermination of Government
J Allan
Doggett & Jepsons Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts \ To the Hon 1 Council Hon 1
Senate and Hon 1 House of ^Representatives sitting at
Boston Nov r 1780-
The Petition of Benjamin Jepson & Samuel Doggett
humbly sheweth.
That they were owners of the Sloop called the Pigeon of
eighty Tons burthen which was taken into the Government
Service by the Board of War of said Commonwealth as a
Transport for the Expedition to Penobscot on the 8 th Day
of July 1779 and was chatered for Six pounds fifteen Shil-
lings a Ton by the month which was to have been paid within
3 months from the time of her discharge or being lost or taken
that the said Sloop was destroyed at said Penobscot being
24 DOCUkENTARY HISTORY
appraised before she sailed at 4400 in the then current
Money unfortunately for said Doggett as the profits & Gains
of which being the only means whereby he could support &
maintain his family he having for eighteen months past been
in so bad a State of Health as to render him incapable of any
Business has been obliged to borrow Sums of Money to supply
the wants of himself & family and has no ways or means to
pay the same but upon the Keceipt of the above Money The
said Doggett being thus greatly distressed & not knowing by
what means he can support his family during the ensuing
winter unless your Honors would interpose for his relief.
Your Honors took into consideration the distressing Circum-
stances of said Doggett as alledged in the above Petition &
ordered him to be relieved by the said Board of War and the
said Board of War accepted to pay the same & are ready to
pay it in War Office Certificates the depreciated Circum-
stances of which are such as that they will not be of any the
least Service or relief to him. Your Petitioners humbly
pray your Honors again to take into Consideration the Cir-
cumstances of a Suffering Inhabitant and order him to re-
ceive if even a Part of the above in circulating Currency or
in any other way to your Honors may seem just & wise.
And as in Duty bound your Petitioners will ever pray.
Benj a Jepson Sam 1 Doggett
Letter From John Allan.
Indian Eastern Department
Machias Novemb r 2 d 1780
Sir
I take the first safe Opportunity to Transmit to your Ex-
cellency a Return of the State of this Department, and shall
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 25
at the same time take the Liberty to Make some Observations
in its setuation at this Juncture, With some Occurrences
which has happened
This Department, Being not as Yet fixt upon any Certain
Plan, ISTor Am I acquainted of the real Intention of Govern-
ment respecting it, Nor to Whome, I am Immediately Ac-
countable for my Conduct Being Authorized by Congress as
Agent to the Eastern Indians at the same time Commission'd
in a Military Capasity, By the General Court of this State
Hitherto I have Transmitted Matters, Both to the Con-
tinental Commander of the Military & the General Court
The Head Quarters of the Department and the Principle
Post Erected in Consiquence, Being within the Massachusetts
and the Secureing the Interest of the Indians being more
perticular for the Benefit of the Eastern Part of the State, I
thought it my duty to Inform your Excellency of these
perticulars
The Keturns Here Inclosed I have Taken from the Sev-
eral Persons Concerned, and as I Generaly Make myself
interested with every Perticular Matter, it may be deppended
Upon, the Whole to be Exact and Just
Your Excellency will see by this, the State of this post, on
which Depends the State of the Country Eastward of Penob-
scutt, and Secureing the Indians Matters Are verry Visi-
bly Changed within Eighteen Months Instead of having
Suitable Assistance from the people, in opposeing the Enemy,
There is a Necessity of Pursuing Measures to Stop the Con-
nexion & Correspondence Between the Trading part & the
Britons By which the Setuation of Our Country is Contin-
ually Communicated to them, the security of the Country
Hitherto, has Been by Preventing an Intercourse & Check-
ing every Appearence of it so that the Enemy Coud never
Know our real Strength, But it is now quite otherways
The Farming & Common people are as Zealous in the Cause
26 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
& Determine! to Oppose as ever, But those who were Call'd
the Leading Men have Turned to Another Object, & Pursue
the Paths of | the Bane of America | of too Many on the
Continent, Makeing Self the Predominant, By which the
people in General Knows not which way to Turn or how to
Act-
Negotiations Began two years Ago, by some Persons to
Supply the Britons with Lumber, which has Been Growing
ever since, & which I have frequently Acquainted Govern-
ment of, Hitherto I have been successful in suppressing it
By keeping Scouts of Indians & Others thro the Country
A Quantity of Boards Masts is now at Frenchmans Bay
& by Certain Inteligence from Baguaduce, the Enemy ap-
pears determind to have as well as to seize Catle for the
Use of their Garrison Upon the Application of the Com-
mittee for Assistance have Orderd Lieu 1 Col 1 Campbell of
the Militia to take post there, and have detached of a Party
of the Troops from this Post with a Piece of Artillery It
appears that this Lumber & Masts are paid for, in Consi-
quence I orderd a Court of Inquiry to find Out the Certainty,
& if the Case to seize it, or if other ways to secure it
Passamaquody about thirty Miles Eastward of this is a
nest of Villiany in Negociating Business with the Enemy
The Toleration given by Granting Clearences for Vessells
from the Massachusetts and ^N"ew Hampshire, opens a door
to Carry on every Illicite Matter Kunaways, Express &c,
shelterd & forwarded every thing in Trade and Politics
Xegociated thro this Channell Add to this it is the only
Adjacent place for the Indians to Hunt, & I Chuse Generaly
to Keep them there, as it Diminishes the Expence of Pro-
visions & Much More Agreeable to the Indians Here the
Emissarys of Britain Probagate reports Amoung and Under
handedly Discourages the Indians from serving America,
The Itinerant Traders, Gets the Greatest part of their Trade,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 27
which they turn to either side as may be Most Beneficial
I am some times Under the Greatest Disadvantage in Trans-
acting Business & which Generaly Tends to bring on heavy
Expences to keep them quiet The Trade of Fishery of this
place is Advantagious, but must be under proper restraint to
be Beneficial to the States it is at present under the Juris-
diction of Novascotia & the Law of that Government is in
force & frequently Executed British Cruizers often there
a Ship of Twenty Guns was Loaded there a Short Time
Ago The Movement I made upon the Occation &; since has
prevented others that was Expected this Ship saild six
hours before I got there, having had Inteligence of my Com-
ing, tho sett of in the night, as Secrete as Possible.
I have Hitherto Protected that part as some of the In-
habitants have Been verry Beneficial in helping the Indians
relying allways Upon their sanguine Atteachment to the
States, but this Summer Occular Demonstration has Con-
vinced, that they are not deserving such Protection
My Unhappy Situation for want of Men has Prevented
Many from being brot to Justice, tho Matters Apear Clear
against them there is no way to pursue to Conviction,
without Aprehending them in the Act, as the Group of those
Conected & Concerned Use every Means to Suppress these
things from being brot to Light
Upon the Whole, as a servant to the States think it my
duty to Recommend to Your Excellency, as of Great Con-
siquence for the Safety of the Eastern Country & to prevent
the Advantages the Enemys Reaps by Inteligences that Passa-
maquody may be Under some other Regulations & Restraints,
& some Arbitrary Measures to stop the Evil
The Toleration also Given to People to settle Business in
Nova Scotia is very Detrimental to the Public Interest. I
know myself several that has had it these three years, &
whome I know certain has Compleated their Business some
28 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Time Ago Do Still Under that former Sanction go Back-
wards & forwards as they Please, By this Another Evil
Arrises, which is a discouragement to the Good Subjects in
this Quarter the Martial Law's Being Established in the
County of Lincoln, and the necessity of Keeping Matters
Under some Regulations, I have Laid restraints on peoples
going to Passamaquody without a Passport in which is every
persons name who goes, in Boat or Vessells, with Certain
Restrictions, these People with Permission often Makes their
Appeareiice, the people in General Knows their Business,
But they appear to Defy every Authority In Consiquence
the quiet & Peaceable Inhabitants, who are only procuring
a Little Fish for the Suport of their Famelys Views them-
selves the Only Persons who suffers any Evil which Arrises
from the Law
The situation of Indian Affairs I cannot at Present Trans-
mit to Your Excellency, as I have Not had a Conference for
some time. I Expect a General Meeting the 15 th of the
Mounth at Passamaquody, where I intend to have a Gen 1
Settlement of every Matter & form upon such Methods as
may Best Appear for future Conduct
The Steps taken by the Britons the past Summer has
Occationed much Confusion Amoung them & Made them so
unsteady that if a proper Attack had been Made by the
Enemy, the Country Must without Doubt, fell into their
Hands
During my Agency every Method has been pursued by
the Enemys offering presents, pay, Premiums and the Like,
but by the Smiles of Providence, have not taken effect
this Summer, General Haldimand Engaged some of those
Indians, who had escaped General Sulivan, to Carry Belts
of Wampum for Warr Amoung the Eastern Indians that it
was their diterminatioii to fall upon the Eastern parts of this
State to gete satisfaction Desireing the Assistance of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 29
the Eastern Indians,, or if not to draw off from the Ameri-
cans, otherwise if found Amoung them they woud suffer,
as a General Massacre was Intended, that 1500, now As-
sembled for that purpose this seem'd to take some Effect,
& from March last to Septemb r every Tree or Leaf seen to
Shake, by a Squaw or papoose, was the Mohawks Coming |
It may be Observed that Indians are much more Affraid of
their own Coulas*, when Coming Amoung Famelys to attack
than other People Knowing their Own Customs of Cruelty |
I was fully senseable of the foundation of the Matter by
private Inteligence I Continued five weeks in their Vil-
lage, during the Time, Public Conferences every day Ex-
press often, from Penobscutts, Micmacks & the Confines of
Canady, finily I Persuaded them to the Contrary and
proposed that Deputys from each Tribe shoud be sent to
Canady to know the Certainty which was agreed to & put
in Execution thing Being thus Quieted I Return'd to
Mechias Upon some Business which Required my Attend-
ence seven days after, Return'd to Passamaquody same
day of my Arrival, An Express Came from a Priest, with
all the Pompe & Majesty necessary to Excite the Indians
their Seal & Begotry was such that it Got the Better, and all
I coud Argue or Say far Diffirent than I was before ac-
customed to they Gave me a Positive Answer they Must
go & see the Priest, but for nothing Else I found it Neces-
sary from Necessity to Coincide It appears they have not
Negociated any thing with the Britons, nor Do I think any
woud joine But by drawing them off Leaves the Country
Open, Gives Great Encouragement to the Enemy as the In-
dians were their only dread before A Great Part of them
has drawn off in the Lakes Back of Passamaquody, but none
of any Consiqueiice have Been in here since the Expresses
are Continualy Keep'd up, & Mutual Pledges of Friendship
* Class?
30 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Allways Passes the Death of Ambroise, which there is
every Reason to supose was poisoned, Occations Much Spec-
ulation Amoung them | and By their not Meeting me before
now | Immagine they Are Consulting About that Affair, as
my Express has been about three Weeks Gone & No Answer
at present only Twenty five Wigwams at Passamaquody
You will have Laid before your Excellency, a Plan for
the Military and other Matters of this Department, which I
Humbly Submit for your Excellency's Perusal By Experi-
ence I have found the Methods allready pursued, no way of
Advantage to the Business & which has accumulated the
Expence
The Indian & Military affairs in the Department have
been a Complixt Matter the supplys have been Laid in
for the diffirent uses, the Great Deffeciencys always of both,
the necessity of a receprocal assistance, & the whole being
under my Command, obliged to Take from the one to help
the other to Enable me to Execute the Various Bussiness
The Manner of Laying in the Supplys of this Department
has Occassioned Methods verry Diffirent from the Rule in
Other places, nor was it possible to do business otherways
Nothing Coud be purchased for Money The Inhabitants
in General only a Bare Sufficiency for their support, Coii-
siquently coud not spare thing only on Conditions of Re-
turning, the necessity of Keeping a Good Understanding
with the people to prevent the Enemy from Reaping certain
Advantages by jarring & Contentions, Compelld me to do
this so that during my Agency Bartering & Changeing has
been the Case Continualy
Your Excellency will Please observe, that the Time of the
Troops on duty here that Came from the Westward, is out in
three weeks, By which there will not Exceed fifteen men for
the defence of this Post and Transacting the Indian Busi-
ness there can be no Dependence on the Militia for Garri-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 31
son Duty for when any Are demanded Altercations
Arrises & Inflamed by men of not the Best Principles for
America about the Lawfullness of such things which
Arrises to a sufficient Excuse to dispute Going on duty it
Generaly Terminates so, as to be of no service or Use We
have several Times been threatened, but thro a Kind Provi-
dence been preserved, But at this Time there appears as much
danger than at any time before, of surprizeing this Post
tho Accounts Are sometimes Vague, Still there is a Suffi-
ciency to prove the Certainty General Clinton having
Engag'd with one Farnum for a Considerable Premium to
sieze me this Man arrived at Bagauduce in a Ten Gun
Schooner About three weeks ago, who was to assist him in
the Execution, which was to be done in the night with Boats,
but two young men belonging this way, having made their
Escape from the Schooner, Gave me Immediate Advice,
which I presume stoped them for the present Other steps
of the Kind has been Tryd with the Indians who have
Hitherto Refused the Celebrated Col formerly Major
Rogers passing & Repassing Constantly in Boats that from
these Circumstances Amoung Many Others I have every
Reason to Suppose some attempt will be made when the
Troops are Discharged
I must therefore Recommend in the Strongest Manner
to Your Excellency that some Arrangement May be made
in this Department more than has hitherto been, & some as-
sistance Immediately sent for the secureing this Post &
Country & the Interest of the Indians or if not Imme-
diately Under Your Excellencys Jurisdiction, must solicite
your assistance in having it Executed
M r Avery who has Been some time in Boston had my
orders to have a proper arrangement made, what has been
done I have not yet heard but at present must Recommend
the plan Herewith sent
32 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
The Inclosed plans of the Situation of Fort Gates is not
verry Ellegantly Drawn, but pretty Accurate, will I flater
myself Give your Excellency an Idea of it
Your Excellency will please Excuse the Length & Incor-
rectness of my Letter, being Anxcious to give every In-
formation, but the Hurry of Business which Surrounds me,
prevents my doing of it so as to be Less Tedious I can only
Take an Opportunity now & then to Huddle it Together
Capt n Preble Second in Command, in Indian Affairs &
who Goes Commander of the Schooner Neshquowoit will
have the Honour of Delivering your Excellency this He
will be Capable to Inform of Any News & other perticulars.
I have the Honor to Be with the most Profound Respect
Your Excellencys
Most Obed* and very hb 1 serv 1
J Allan
November 9 th 1780.
The Schooner not being in a situation to Depart before this
Evening Have just Received a report by Express from Col
Campbell, that the preparations made had deter'd the Enemy
to Attempt any thing at Frenchman's Bay. That the Militia
that way had behaved with great Spirit That the Court of
Inquiry Coud not find out Certain proof that the Lumber was
paid for, But that many Circumstances Corroborated, that
in their oppion it was British property, there is about 180,000
ft of Board about 80 fine masts & sparrs
That & saild from Bagaduce as a Convoy of a Mast Ship
going to River St John's to Load from thence to Halifax
These mails I have acquanted You of before also a Number
of Prizes with him This fleet was seen of Machias Last
Sunday I amigine will pass Cape Sable in Ten days from
this-
That a Ten Gun Schooner & Two smaller were Cruizing
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 33
of Crambery Island, Mount Desert to Intercept some Ves-
sells Bound from this So far the Report
I have ordered Col Campbell to remove the Lumber &
Mails to a place of Safety This day Three Vessels with
Considerable property sailed from this for westward The
Neashquowoit sails tomorrow
In Senate lSIov r 7 th 1780
Read & thereupon ordered that Stephen Choate & Joseph
Dorr Esq rs with such as the Hon ble House shall join be a
Committee to consider this Letter with the papers accom-
panying the same and make report what may be proper to be
done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell, Presid*
In the House of Representatives Nov r 18 th 1780
Read & concurred & Mr Lombard, Col Taylor & M r Lewis
are joined
Caleb Davis Spk r
Petition of Saml Freeman et als.
To The Hon ble Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of the Proprietors of a Tract of Land "be-
ginning at the little River Newechewanaog River over against
Humphry Chadbourne (late whilst he lived at Kittery) his
Log House and from thence upon an Imaginary Line to Cape
Porpus River being by computation, Twenty Miles, and so
from thence upon Imaginary Lines to make it up Twenty
Miles Square" derived from Francis Small late of Truro in
the County of Barnstable Fisherman deceasd humbly
shews
That said Proprietors are informed that the Proprietors
of a Township held under the Title of Maj. Nicholas Shap-
34 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
leigh whose Right was derived from the above named Francis
Small have petitioned the Gener 1 Court to have said Town-
ship incorporated
That your Petitioners are not knowing of any proper and
legal Division which has been made between them and the
rightful Heirs of the said Francis Small. It is true an
Agreement was made the 17 th August 1773 with the Heirs
of said Shapleigh by M r Samuel Small Jun r and a number
of others who called themselves Heirs of the abovesaid
Francis Small. But it is in the Opinion of your Petitioners
attended with such extraordinary Circumstances that it ought
not to be considered as a fair and proper Title to the Town-
ship it was intended to set off to the said Shapleighs Heirs
We are willing notwithstanding they shou'd have a Town-
ship in the Westerly Part of the aforesaid Tract but we
do not think it right that they should extend it Easterly so
far as the bounds they have proposed
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that said Town-
ship may not be incorporated until they shall have an oppor-
tunity to be heard upon the subject and such Bounds
settled as will be just & reasonable between the Parties.
And as in Duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray
Sam 1 Freeman ]
Peter Woodbery }- Committee
Daniel Strout j
By order of said Proprietor
Falmouth Nov 2 1780
Petition Saml Freeman et als.
To The Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of the Subscribers a Committee of the Pro-
prietors of a Tract of Land "beginning at the little River
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 35
ISTewechewanoag Eiver over against Humphry Chadbourne
(late whilst he lived at Kittery) his Log House, and from
thence upon an Imaginary Line to Cape Porpus River, being
by computation twenty Miles and from thence upon imagin-
ary Lines to make it up twenty Miles Square" late belonging
to Francis Small deceasd, humbly shews
That said Proprietors being desirous of settling their
Lands and having the Bounds thereof between their claim
and Lands belonging to the Government, ascertained, peti-
tion' d the General Court, sometime since, to take measures
for determining the same.
That they have appointed your Petitioners a Committee
to run out said Claim, in order that the Settlement thereof
may be promoted.
Your Petitioners therefore, in behalf of said Proprietors,
humbly pray that your Excellency & Honours wou'd revive
their Petition above referrd to, which is now on the Files of
the late Honorable House of Representatives, and take such
Order thereon as to your Excellency and Honours shall seem
meet And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will ever
pray-
Sam 1 Freeman
Peter Woodbery
Daniel Strout
Falmouth lSTov r 2 1780
At a Meeting of the Proprietors of a Tract of Land be-
ginning at the little River Newechewanaog River over
against Humphry Chadbourne (late whilst he lived at Kit-
tery) his Log House, and from thence upon an Imaginary
Line to Cape Porpus River, being by computation Twenty
Miles and so from thence upon Imaginary Lines to make it
up Twenty Miles Square: derived from Francis Small late
of Truro in the County of Barnstable Fisherman deceased
held at the house of M rs Alice Greely Innholder in Falmouth
36 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in the County of Cumberland; 24 th October 1780, Voted
Unanimously to run out or cause to be run out the Claim of
the Proprietors, and that. Samuel Freeman Esq r Peter Wood-
bery and Daniel Strout be a Committee for that purpose that
the Committee aforesaid be directed to Inquire if the General
Court have taken any order on the Petition of said Pro-
prietors prefer'd in June last, and if it is not their Honors
pleasure to take Order thereon, that said Committee be and
are hereby directed to proceed on the business Assigned them
without delay, Voted that the Committee be directed to pre-
fer a petition to the General Court in such terms as they
shall think proper Praying that Shapleigh Town may not be
incorporated according to the bounds Expressed in their
Petition
Attest Tho. Childs Prop rs Clerk
Petition of Josiah Breiver.
Boston Nov. 1780
To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable the House of
Representatives of the Common Wealth of Massachu-
setts, in Court Assembled
The Petition of Josiah Brewer Truck Master at Fort
Hallifax Humbly Sheweth That the Honorable General
Court having Resolved on the 4 th iiist That the Commissary
General be and hereby is directed to make provision for the
Accommodation and Subsistance of the person whom the
French Consul has recommended on his way to Joyn the
Peiiobscot Tribe in order to reside with them as an Instruct-
or" and no order being Taken with Respect to his Support
during his residence in the Eastern Countrey. Your Peti-
tioner requests of the Honorable Court, That the said Juni-
per Berthiaune, Recollet be put under the Direction of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 37
Commanding officer, in the Eastern District, and have such
support allotted and ordered to him as to your Honors may
seem fitt Your Petitioner further begs leave to Kepre-
sent to your Honors that the Stores & Merchandize which he
has on hand belonging to the Common Wealth for the pur-
pose of Carrying On A Truck Trade with the said Indians
are not sufficient for the Purpose of supplying them, and
receiving the Advantage of the Furrs which they Usualy
bring to the Truck house for sale or Exchange, for Mer-
chandize and Stores from this time, to The Spring Ensuing,
and inasmuch as the Continuance of the Supply is of Im-
portance to the Common Wealth in Strengthening the at-
tachment of the said Tribe to our Interest We humbly
request the Honorable Court to give orders for his being
supplied with the following articles,
2 bbl Sugar 2 bb 1 Mollasses 2 hh da Bread 2 lb Shot 1 K> Pow-
der 4 yd 8 Baze 6 y ds Linnen 100 Blankets 8 yd s Shrouds 2
yd s Broad Cloth 1 hh d Tobacco 50 y ds Quality 20 yds Bib-
band 10 doz Jack knives 6 y ds Calleco 2 y ds Cambrick 10 R)
Brimstone 100 Worms for Guns 30 Small brass Kittles 100
Doz Flints 60 w Brass Wire 20 doz fish hooks 1 Box hard
Soap 2 doz Hatchets 10 doz Handkerchiefs And your peti-
tioner as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray &c
Josiah Brewer
Resolve of General Court.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Eepresentitives ]STov ber 7 1780
on the Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants of the
Town of Thomaston in the County of Lincoln Seting forth
their Distressed Situation on x\ccount of the Emmy in that
Quarter whereby their usual Supplies are in a Manner cut
38 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of: which Kenders Many of the Inhabitants uterly unable
to Pay their Taxes at Present
Therefore Kesolve that the one Moiety or half Part of all
the Taxes Set to the Said Town of Thomaston Since the first
Day of May Last be abated : and the Treasurer of this Com-
mon Wealth be and he hereby is Directed to Suspend the
Calling on Said Town for more then the one half of the afore
said Taxes A "untill the further order of the General
Court" -
Kead & accepted
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate Nov r 7 th 1780
Read & Concurred with the following amendment at A viz
dele the words "untill the further order of the General Court"
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi at
In the House of Representatives Nov r 7, 1780
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Representation of Phillip Audebert.
To the Hon ble the Senetors And House Representatives
John Lucas Com sry of Pensioners for this State In behalf
of Phillip Audebert A Meren On bord the Armed Brigenten
Hazard belong g in the Service of the State, and who was
wounded, 17 th July 1779, As Appers by his Certificates
John Lucas
Pension office at Boston, 8 th Nov r 1780
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 39
Resolve Directing the Commissary Gen 1
The Committee appointed to consider what further Sup-
plys be granted to the Indian Chief now in the Town of
Boston takes leave to report the following Resolve
Viz
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov 9 1780
Resolved, That the Commissary General be & he hereby is
directed to furnish a Pair of Shoes & a Coat to each of the
five Indian Chiefs now in the Town of Boston
Read & accepted
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate Nov r 9 th 1780
Read & concurred Jer. Powell Pres*
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve making an Establishment of the Troops at Machias.
The Committee of Both Houses on the Petition of James
Avery, have attended that Service, hear'd the Petitioner and
take Leave to report on the several Matters contained in said
Petition, by way of Resolve.
E Brooks p r order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov r 10 th 1780
Resolved That the Pay-Rolls of the Troops at Machias
Except those called Dyers Rangers since June 1 st 1779, be
made up as follows, viz each private Soldier at forty Shil-
lings per Month in Bills of the new Emission, and their
Officers in the same Proportion according to the Continental
Establishment
And it is further Resolved, That the Pay-Roll of the
Troops called Cap* Dyers Rangers, raised by Order of Coun-
40 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
cil in January last, be made up at six Shillings per Month,
in the Bills of the new Emission, to each Private and their
Officers in the same Proportion at six shillings bases to forty
shillings according to the Continental Establishment and that
Customary Rations be allowed them they having found their
own Provisions.
And it is further Resolved, That those Men in the Artil-
lery Company under the Command of Lieu 1 Albee, who have
been in the Service near three years, and still continue in
the Service, have the Depreciation of their wages made up
to them in the same manner and Proportion as other Con-
tinental Troops
And it is further Resolved, That the Officers & Soldiers
under the Command of Col. Allen, who are engaged during
the War, and have been in service more than three years,
have the depreciation of their wages made up to them, in
manner and form as expressed in the foregoing Resolve
and that the Board of War deliver to the officers a Sute of
Clothes each on the same Terms, other Continental Officers
have received them.
And whereas Colo Allen has been under a Necessity of
Borrowing Provisions for the use of the Troops and Indians
under his Command, as by his Returns appears; and there
remains a Balance still due to him therefore
Resolved, That the Board of W T ar be directed to Receive
and Examine said Returns, and to furnish Col. Allen with
the several Articles necessary to Compleat the Payment of
s d borrow' d Provisions
And whereas Col. Alexander Campbell has been employed
in the publick Service the greater part of the Time since
Dec r 1778, therefore
Resolved That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this Commonwealth to said Col Campbell the Sum of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 41
Forty Pounds in the Bills of the new Emission in Considera-
tion of his past Services to this Time
And it is further Resolved, That the Rev d James Lyon be
intituled to Receive Two Rations p r day out of the Puhlick
Stores in Consideration of his officiating as a Chaplin to the
Troops at Machias untill further Orders of the General
Assembly
And it is further Resolved, That there be allow'd and
pay'd to Cap* Stephen Smith out of the Publick Treasury
the Sum of Eight Pounds per month in Consideration of his
Service as Commissary from the Time of his Appointment
in the year 1777 to this Time; and that there be paid to
William Tupper Clerk to the s d Commissary the Sum of
Three Pounds per Month for his Service, each Payment to
be in Bills of the new Emission.
And it is further Resolved that there be paid out of the
Publick Treasury the sum of Four Hundred Pounds, in
Bills of the new Emission to Col Allen or his order to defray
the Charges that have accrued since his Accounts have been
made up ; and also such Charges as may arise hereafter, said
Allen to be accountable for the same in the next Settlement
of his Acc ts A
In Senate Nov r 8 th 1780
Read & Sent down
Jer e Powell Pres*
In the House of Representatives Nov r 15 th 1780
Read & accepted
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate Nov r 15 th 1780
Read & Concurred with an Amendment at A viz
A insert the several Sums to be charged to the Continent
Sent down for Concurrence
Jere. Powell Pres 1
42 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In the House of Representatives Nov 1 " 15 th 1780
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Spk r
W* drawn Nov r 29 th ins 1 for 400
Approved John Hancock
W drawn Nov r 24 ins 1 for 40 in favor Col Alex r
Campbell
Petition of Peletiah Freeman and Order Thereon.
Pownalborough Nov m 11 th 1780
Coll Ezra Taylor Esq r Sir I intreat the favors of you
to present the inclosed Petition to the Great and General
Court and use your Intrest, & all your friend to Gitt my
husban Liberated form Goal & from his Bonds that he may
Return to his Distressed Numerous family & many of them
Small there is a hard Winter a-coming on & with the Greatest
Industery & frugalety people Cant but Jest Live in this Cold
Climat & my husbans Disorder., of Asseme that at Times we
think he Cant Live, the Vessel that our Son James was in
foundered at See We herd & Saved in the Boat & taken up
& then taken & carried into Captiverty, So that increases our
Great Trouble, I petitioned General Wadsworth and Received
his answer which is as follows Viz" headQuarters Thomas-
ton 26 Oct r 1780 Mad m I have Jest Received your Letter
in behalfe of your husban who unfortinately for me & more
so for you, is Repersented as an Enemy to his Country, You
may be assured that no undue advantage will be Taken of
Small Indiscretions provided on Tryal (which will be soon at
this place) he does not appear to be the man he is Repersented
to be I am with sentements of Compassion Mad m M rs Rittal
A Copy Your most Obed 1 P. Wadsworth B. Gen 11
My husban is Still in Goal & his f amely in Great Distress
as well as himselfe & I beleave you are Knowing to the Truth
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 43
of part of the Petition that he & his hath don for the Country
& nothing against it. Your favour in this &c will lay both
my husban & me & f amely under Great obligations and am
Sir your Devoted
humb 1 Servent Lucy Rittal
Resolve making an Establishment for Juniper Bertheaum.
The Committee on the Petition of Co 1 Josiah Brewer have
attended that Service, & take Leave to report the following
Resolves Viz 1
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov r 11 th 1780
On the Petition of Col Josiah Brewer Truck master at
Fort Hallif ax on Kennebeck River,
Resolved, That Juniper Berthiaune, Recollet, the Instruc-
or recommended by the French Consul, to reside with the
Penobscot Tribe of .Indians, be put under the Direction of
the Commanding Officer of the Eastern District and that he
be allowed & paid for his Services in Establishing the said
Trible in the Interest of America the Sum five Pounds of the
new Emission per Month & two Rations p r Day until the
further order of the Gen 1 Court & in Consideration of the
Benefits resulting to the Commonwealth from the Friendship
of the said Indians, & for Continuing the Trade with them,
it is further Resolved, That a Sum not exceeding five hun-
dred Pounds of the new Emission be granted & paid to the
Commissary General of this Commonwealth, the same to be
by him appropriated to the Purchase of such Articles as he
shall find necessary for carrying on the Truck Trade at Fort
Halifax
And that the goods be procured & forwarded with all pos-
sible Dispatch to Fort Western there to remain subject to
44 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Order of the said Col Brewer to be by him disposed of
in Exchange for Furrs & Skins the same to be by him re-
mitted to the Commissary General Said Brewer to be ac-
countable for the said Goods
Eead & accepted
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate Nov r 11 th 1780
Read & Concurred
Jer : Powell Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Warrant drawn for 500 14 th ins 1
Letter of W m Frost.
Falrn Nov r 14 th 1780
May it please y r Honours
The masts belonging to you in my care I observe decay
fast on ace 1 of the rents on the side which is out of Water &
has been exposed to the Sun should they lay another season
will not be worth shipping, they are now in my dock which
probably will freeze in a fortnight, so that they cannot easily
be got out in the winter. Should you incline to send them
off this Winter I can now get them to a place where they may
be come at, at any Time can also procure, what is deficient
to load a ship of five hundred tons by the first good sleding
or in the course of the Winter the masts are so defective al-
ready that they must be considerably reduced: if you con-
clude to send a Ship, please to inform me thereof by the first
Post. I remain y r very h 1 S l
W m Frost
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 45
Resolve on the Petition of Benj Jepson.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
in the House of Repentatives Nov r 15 1780
On the Petition of Benj. Jepson & S Dogget Resolved that
the Prayer of the Pitition be Granted & that the Board of
Warr be directed to Settle & pay them as soon as they can
agreeable to Charter party alowing them Depreciation on the
Sum due from the Time they ought to have been paid their
mony according to the Rule of Depreciation.
Resolve Directing the Committee on Acc t8
Common Welth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov r 16 th 1780
The Committee appointed to Consider Certain Gaurds at
Falmouth Bay Leave to Report By Way of Resolve
Resolved that the Gaurds on the Sea Coast at Falmouth
be made up the same Rations as the other Corps are made
the Comand of General Wadsworth at the Eastern Depart-
ment and the Committee on accounts are Directed to Settle
with the Commissary accordingly
Read & accepted
Sent up for concurrence Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate Nov r 16 th 1780
Read & Concurred Jer e Powell, Pres*
Appro v'd John Hancock
Thomas Town et al to Col. Taylor.
Falmouth Gole Nov r 19 th 1780
Sr we have this opertunity to in forme you of our Distresd
Surcumstanst in being taken as prizners and caried to Fal-
mouth and thare put into Close Gole and Confind thear with-
46 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
out a Trial we have aplied twice to the Gen 11 for trial but
cant Get it we have offerd Bondsman for our apearince.
When Ever called or go to Camden our Selves thearfore we
pray your Honer would lay our Sitation Before the Genarl
Cort from your Humble Ser* by the favour Doc* Shepard
Thomas Town
Francis Ridle
To Coll 1 Ezra Taler in Boston
Resolve on Certificates From Gen 1 Wadsworth.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Xov r 20, 1780
Whereas it appears from two Certificates from Brig r Gen-
eral Wadsworth dated Head Quarters, Falmouth July 18 th
1780 That he was under the Xecessity of purchasing of
Mr Jacob Haskell forty two Bushels of Indian Corn ; and of
M r Moses Bradbury forty eight Bushels of Indian Corn at
sixty five Dollars the old Currency per Bushel, for the Use
of the Troops at Cambden, and as the said Jacob Haskell
and Moses Bradbury are Collectors of Taxes for the town of
Gloucester in the County of Cumberland, and Collected said
Corn of the Inhabitants who were indebted for their Taxes.
Therefore Resolved that the Treasurer of this Common
Wealth be and he is hereby Authorized & Directed to Dis-
charge the Said Jacob Haskell for the sum of Eight Hun-
dred & nineteen pound ; and the said Moses Bradbury the
sum of Nine Hundred & thirty six pounds out of the Taxes
due from them as Collectors of Taxes for the Town & County
aforesaid to this Common Wealth ; and that the two above
Mentioned Sums of the Old Emission be charged to the Con-
tinent for the Use of the Troops in the Eastern Department
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 47
under the Command of Brig d Gen 1 Wadsworth Any Law or
Eesolve to the Contrary Notwithstanding
Read & sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
Warrant drawn Novb. 24 th 1780
In Senate Nov b 20 th 1780
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Pres 4
Appro v'd John Hancock
Resolve Directing the Treasurer.
Commonwealth of Mass tts
In Senate Nov b 21, 1780
Ordered That Jahleel Woodbridge Esq. with such as
the Honble House shall join be a Committee to take into
Consideration the Overtax of the Town of Washington being
much more than their equal Proportion since the last ap-
portionment of Taxes upon the several Towns of this Com-
monwealth in Consequence of the Representation made by
said TOWTL and to report what may be proper to be done
thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Nov r 21 : 1780
Read & concurred & Cap 1 Bonney & Mr. Bacon are joined
Caleb Davis Spk r
The Committee of Both Houses appointed to Consider
the over Tax of the Town of Washington have attended that
Service and beg leave to Report the following Resolve
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate November 23 rd 1780
Whereas it appears by a Resolve of the General Court of
this State of June 14 th 1780 that the Town of Washington
48 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in the last Valuation was Deemed a much Larger Sum than
was their just proportion of said Valuation and whereas it
further appears that by said Kesolve the Treasurer of this
Commonwealth was Directed to Credit the Said Town of
Washington a Sum Equal to one third part of the Taxes set
upon s d Town from the Last Valuation to the said 14 th Day
of June, and whereas it appears that the same Disproportion
still Continues to opperate Therefore
Eesolved that the Treasurer of this Commonwealth be and
he is hereby Directed to Credit the Town of Washington a
Sum Equal to the Amount of one Third part of all the Taxes
set upon the said Town of Washington since the 14 th Day of
June Last
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Pres 1
In the House of Eepresentatives Nov. 24 1780
Eead & concurred
Caleb Davis Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
Letter From Hon blc B. Chadbourn Esq r
Berwick Nov r 22 d 1780
S r
I had the Honor last evening to receive Your Excellency's
favour of y e 11 th Ins 1 in which I was summoned to attend at
the Council Chamber in Boston to assist the Governor in the
executive part of Government agreeable to my appointment.
Some few days before I rec d a letter from y e Secretary in-
forming me of my appointment but neither of them reach' d
me for more than ten days after they were wrote & at y e same
time was inform' d that a recess of y e General Court was like-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 49
ly soon to take place Some difficulty arose in my mind ab*
accepting on account of my incapacity to so important a
Trust added to my Bodily infirmities y e great distance I am
from y e seat of Government the difficulty of Journeying &
being from home at this season of the Year were great im-
pediments in my way but when I considered it to be y e voice
of so respectable a Body as y e Senate & House of Representa-
tives that called me to it I have concluded to accept of the
appointment & do the Commonwealth all y e Service in my
power but looking into y e Constitution & finding that the
Council must subscribe y e Declaration therein required in
presence of the two Houses of Assembly I found it imprac-
ticable for me to get to Boston before the recess took place
(depending on what I had heard) but determined to attend
y e opening of the next Session but if any inconveniency is
likely to arise by my not attending sooner & Court continues
Setting I chearfully leave it with the two Houses of Assembly
if they see fit to elect some other Person in my stead And
whether I have the Honor & pleasure to assist the Govenor in
Council or not You may be assured that it is my earnest de-
sire that Your Excellency in Your Administration may be
directed & succeeded from Heaven Your Council may have
y* Wisdom which is profitable to direct The Legislative Body
may be actuated from such principles as shall 'tend to make
the People of this Commonwealth happy the Judicial part
may be composed of Men of learning & integrity that our
laws may be rightly interpreted & Justice equally distributed
among the People & every single Magistrate may so act that
He may be a terror to y e evil doer & a praise to them that do
well. And wether in public or private life what influence I
have shall be employ'd among the People of my acquaintance
in promoting Industry & Frugality to cultivate peace Har-
mony & good Order & a due subordination to the powers of
50 DOdUMENTARY HISTORY
Government Happy that Rulers may be wise & prudent &
the People good & happy I have the Honor to be your Ex-
cellency's most Ob* H Servant
Benj a Chadbourn
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
Sam 1 Rittal to Governor and Council.
To His Excelency the Governor & the Honor ble Council of
the Comonwealth of Massachusetts Bay in New Eng-
land Humbly Sheweth
That I am in Goal at Falmouth in the County of Cumber-
land & taken out of my house at Pownalborough & without
a fault & am Denied the Knowledge of who Complained, or
of any Crime Charged on me and here left in Goal, in Great
Distress, both for my Selfe my wife & Children, Great part
of them are Small the Charge & Expence I am at 60 miles
Distant from them, will bring me & my famulty to poverity
and Distruction & I Know of no fault that I ever Committed
against the State or Broake any of the Laws, I have paid
my Taxes & paid my part of large bounties to hier men & my
Son went into the Service & my Selfe for some time. I am
Denied the Knowledge of my accusers, or the Charge of any
fault I have Committed; the within petition of my wifes
&c is True, I most Humbly Pray your Honours to
Liberate me from Goal and Bonds, and Leet me Return to
my Distressed f amely and I as in Duty bound Shall Ever pray
Samuel Rittal
Falmouth Goal Nov r 23 th 1780
A Grant of 146 3-7 to Col John Allan.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov r 24, 1780
Resolved that there be paid out of the public Treasury of
this Commonwealth to Col John Allen Superintendent of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 51
Indians in the Eastern parts of this Commonwealth, the
Sum of one Hundred forty six Pounds three shillings and
seven pence (New Emission) in full of the Ballance of his
accounts to the first Day of June 1780 as certified by the
Committee for methodizing & settling accounts A
Caleb Davis Spk r
Sent up for Concurrence
In Senate Nov r 24 th 1780
Read & concurred with an Amendment at A viz at A in-
sert said Sum to be charged to the United States
Sent down for concurrence
Approved Jer Powell Presi dt
John Hancock Warrant drawn
27 Nov b 1780
In the House of Representatives Nov r 25 : 1780
Read & concurred with the proposed amendment
Caleb Davis Spk r
Report of Committee on Col. Allans Petition.
Commonwealth Mass ts
In Senate Nov r 24 th 1780
The Committee of both Houses, appointed to take into
Consideration Col. John Allan's Letter to His Excellency
the Governor, relative to the Indian Eastern Department,
and other Papers accompanying the same, and to make Re-
port what may be proper to be done thereon, have attended
that Service; and upon careful Enquiry into the affair are
clearly of Opinion, that the Support & Defence of the East-
ern Department, referr'd to in s d Letter, is an Object of great
Importance to the United States, and worthy of very particu-
lar attention:
Therefore ask Leave to Report as their Opinion, that it is
necessary that a Company of forty Men (Officers included)
52 DOCTfMENTAKY HISTORY
be raised by Inlistment from the Militia in s d Department
in Addition to the Company of Artillery already there:
to be in Service from the 25 th of December to the 25 th of
April next That Clothing, Provision, & Ammunition
necessary for the Supply of s d Men & Garrison, be speedily
provided & forwarded to Col. Allan at Machias: And
that some suitable Person be appointed, priviliged with an
exclusive Right of supplying, & trading with the Indians in
s d Department, agreable to such Rules and Regulations as the
General Court shall prescribe and ordain and to be under
the Inspection of the Superintendant of Indian Affairs, in
s d Indian Department And your Committee are further
of Opinion, that the Letter above mentioned, and the other
papers accompanying the same, be forwarded to Congress
together with a Representation of the Importance of defend-
ing the s d Eastern Department, and the Reasonableness &
Propriety of its being done at the Expence of the United
States and requesting that Congress would signify their
Pleasure relative to the same and that a Committee be ap-
pointed to bring in proper Resolves relating to the Matters
contained in this Report all which is submitted.
Jos. Dorr per Order
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Nov r 24: 1780
Read & Concurred & Mr Barrett M r Esterbrook & Mr
Burrill are appointed to bring in Resolves for s d Purpose
Petition of J s A very
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court Assembled
James Avery Agent for Col Allen
Humbly Sheweth
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 53
That Colo Allan Las sent the Schooner Neashquowoite, be-
longing to the Public, from Machias to this place, for the
purpose of Carrying Stores for the Garrison & Indians there,
and as said Schooner wants some small repairs before she
will be in a condition for said Service Your Petitioner
Therefore Humbly prays your Honors wou'd be pleased to
Direct the Board of War, to have said Schooner Repaired for
the purpose before mentioned & your petitioner as in Duty
Bound will ever pray
Ja s Avery
Boston Nov r 25 th 1780
Report on the Accounts of Lemuel Weeks & Clement Lemon.
The Committee to hume was Committed the Accounts of
Lemuel Weeks and Clement Lemon, praying for Allowance
for their Losses thay sustained at Penobscot, have atended
that service and find by a Resolve of the Hon ble Council
passed July 3 d IT 7 9 Making provision that all Captors at
Penobscot should be for the officers & men.
Your Committee are of oppinnon that nither the officers or
Privets either by Sea or Land, are Intitled to any Allowance
from this State for any Losses they may have sustained in
said expedition
Oenl. Wadsworth to John Hancock.
Thomaston 28 th ]STov r 1780
Sir
After congratulating your Excellency on your Accession to
the chief Seat of Government, & the Commonwealth on your
having made the Very Points of its true Interest your im-
54: DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
mediate Concern ; I beg leave to represent to your Excellency
that the time for which the troops in the Quarter are rais'd
expires, in general, by the end of next month & a consider-
able Number now on the Ground must be discharg'd before
that time being entirely unfit for service for want of Clothing.
That the Quartermaster's Department both at this Place &
Falmouth have been destitute of Money during the past sea-
son, by which the Credit of the State has suffered much & the
Fortifications at Falmouth been greatly retarded. It seems
necessary that these amounts should be spedily discharged as
well on the Principles of Policy as Justice. The Quarter-
master at this post resign'd the last of Sept. since which time
there has been none, tho one is very much wanted.
The Troops in this Quarter have their rations dealt in
Beef & bread, or bread-kind, only. Could measures be taken
for procuring Vegitables, the State would Save an Expence
& the Soldier receive a Benefit. A proper person appointed
& Supplied with Money to procure the Several Articles con-
tinually wanted in the Quartermasters & Commissary's Line,
that might be had in this part of the Country would not only
make a Saving in the first Cost, but, of the risk & expence of
transportation: Besides it would give a Supply of money
into the hands of the people of which at present they are
very destitute.
The Appointment of a Paymaster to this Department with
money to pay of the Wages &c of the Troops, without putting
the Officers to the Expence of obtaining it from Boston would
greatly serve the present & encourage any future service
The Surgeon at this post has serv'd his own private medi-
cine for the use of the Troops, none having been Supplied by
the States ; & the Troops at Falmouth have been attended by
a private Surgeon & Physician there having been none ap-
pointed to that Corps, I request therefore directions in what
way these amounts are to be Settled.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 55
I have directed Lieut. Coll. Prime to disband that part of
his regiment stationed at Falmouth at the End of this Month ;
the Season for Fortification being over; wood not to be had
but by impressing it; the men being destitute of Clothing &
other Conveniences not to Say Necessaries & their time of
Service nearly expir'd. I have the Pleasure to acquaint your
Excellency that Lieu* Col 1 Prime in his Command, has done
the highest Honour to the Militia of Massachusetts, in the
exact Discipline & good order of his Troops & his unwearied
Attention to the Good of the Service.
The Engineer also has shewn the greatest Care & Atten-
tion to his department & has my Direction to report to your
Excellency the State of the Fortifications at this Post.
The Fortifications & Military Stores at Falmouth are now
guarded by Cap* Lieu* Moore who has the Command of the
Matrosses, the only troops remaining there. The Inclosed
is a return of the Troops & a Schedule of Sundry Articles
wanted here in the Commissary & Quartermasters Depart-
ment; but as some of these Articles cannot arive in Season
for the Service of the present Troops, I mean them rather to
point out what may be necessary for future service.
And here with the Discharge of the Troops now on the
Ground, I also request a discharge from this Command ; find-
ing myself quite unequal to the Task, where there are some
Intricacies, more perplexities & much Service to be done &
permit me to say, but very little to do with.
At the same time I would strongly recommend that a new
regiment be immediately rais'd for this Place & Machias, as
a Discontinuance of Troops in this Quarter even in the Win-
ter Season whilst the Enemy hold a Post at Bagaduce will be
fatal to the County; Besides a regiment will be rais'd with
less Expence at this Season for twelve months, than in the
Spring for Seven or eight ; it will keep the Minds of the In-
habitants (which are already in motion with the Idea of being
56 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
left) from wavering & the Enemy Still. And I would
recommend that it Should be rais'd by voluntary Inlistment
rather than by draught if it should be tho't advisable to make
an Establishment equal to the purpose, & the following I will
venture to propose as such, viz* a Suit of Cloths Bounty & ten
Dollars p r Month the Wages to be paid at least Quarterly.
If this Measure Should be adopted, the men that are deficient
of the last Draught of the three Eastern Counties might be
Ordered here whilst others can be rais'd on the new Estab-
lishment. Let the Commanding Officer here Muster them
& have the Bounty to deliver on Mustering. This regiment
might be under good Discipline by the opening of Spring &
ready for early Service.
But the reduction of the Enemy at Bagaduce would at
once put an end to all after Reparations & tho the Expence
would be considerable at first it would be more than Sav'd in
the End, & I think the Importance of this County to the
States would justify, nay, demand, the undertaking. The
Success of a Coupe de Main in the Winter would be rather
too uncertain as their Fortification is in a good Posture of
Defence & their Troops quartered in the Fort: but I can
conceive of but one object (viz* to Establish the Grand
Army) of more Importance in the Spring not only to this
but the United States, than the reduction of the Enemy at
Bagaduce & securing this County on which so immediately
depends the resources of our future Greatness, Lumber &
Fishery; not to mention the Amazing Tract of the finest
Soil that would soon Spring into improvment on the Settle-
ment of a happy Peace.
I hope for Pardon, if I am mistaken in my Conjecture that
the Commonwealth, as such, is not fully sensible of the vast
Importance of these eastern Countries, without which, our
future Navy, that may rule the World, will cut but a trifling
Figure.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 57
The Enemys Cruisers have been very frequent on this
Coast of late, & have captured many Coasters & Small Craft,
some of which have been recovered ; & two Coasters have been
ransom'd after being carried to port by my Permission, tho
on further Consideration I am much dissatisfy 'd with my
Conduct in that respect & request to know if it ought to be
permitted in any Case.
As Brevity is not my Talent, I beg that it may be con-
sidered as an Excuse for the Leangth of this Letter, & have
the Honour to Subscribe myself, with great respect Sir
Your Excellencyp most obedient & most humble Servant
Peleg Wadsworth B. G.
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
Governor & Commander in Chief of Commonwealth of
Massachusetts
In Senate Jan y 6 th 1781
Read & committed to Tho 8 Rice Esq r with such as the
Honorable House shall join to take the same into considera-
tion & report
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presid'
In the House of Representatives Jan y 6, 1781
Read & concurred & Major Lithgow & Mr Wells are joined
Caleb Davis Speaker
Ezra Taylor to the General Court.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts J- To the Hon ble the Senate
& House of Representatives in Generall Court As-
sembled at Boston Nov r 28 th 1780
Humbly Sheweth
58 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Ezra Taylor of Pownalborough in the County of Lincoln
for & in Behalf of said County That the Same County is
Bounded on the Sea Coasts about Two hundred miles in
Length, and Continually Exposed to be attackt Plundered
and Distressed by British Ships of War as well as small Boats
& Barges, with which our Sea Coasts are Continually In-
fested, That the British Troops have allready availed them-
selves of a \ 7 ery advantage 3 Post allmost in the Heart of said
County where they have Strongly fortified themselves & have
a very Large & Commodious harbour for Ships from which
we are Constantly in danger, and often Plundered & Rob d
boath by Sea & Land and our houses and other buildings
burnt & distressed, That on the more northern Parts of said
County at the heads of our Rivers we Lay for a vast Length
open & Exposed to the ravages of the Canadians who are well
acquainted with that part of the Country & the advantagous
Streams that Leade Directly into the midest of us and are
often makeing Excurtions that way By means whereof we
have been often alarm d and Called to arms, That about one
hundred famelys in the year past have moved out of the
County over on the Western Side of Kenebeck river and to
other places of greater safety and that one of our Towns is
Intirely Depopulated & not one family Left in it, That in the
Year pasts about four fifths of our militia were Imployed in
that Ingloryous Expedition to Major Bagadooss & in garding
our Sea Coasts & Defenceless Exposed Settlement after the
Defeat of the army. That in the present year about one half
the militia from the Interiour parts of the County were
raised for the same Duty for the Term of Eight months
which Caused a Tax on the Severall Towns about as Large
as the Largest State Tax that has been Laid upon us, That
the Time of said men as well as all those from other parts
under the Comand of Generall Wadsworth will Expire in
about a month and then we shall have nothing to Defend us
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 59
but our own Militia & a kind Providence, That the County
is now reduced to poverty & distress and that out of forty
nine Coasting Vessells we have but one Left in the County,
this now is our unhapy and Dangerous Scituation but bad
as it is we are Determined not to give up so valueable a part
of this Commonwealth so long as we can have there favor &
Assistance but Should we now be called upon to raise the
Quota of Men Set to us by the Late resolve for filling up the
Continentall army it would be Impossable for us to Comply
therewith for we have no money nor way nor means to pro-
cure any to hire men with, nor any men that Can be Spared
without Leaveing us in a most Dangerous & Defenceless State
Exposed to the ravages of a watchf ull & Enterprizeing Enemy
Wherefore your Petitioner prays in behalf of said County
that they may be Excused from raiseing the aforesaid Quota
of men, and that Such Small Exertions as they are able to
make may Enure to the preservation of their own Lives and
properties and the Salvation of so valuable a part of this
Common Wealth &c
Resolve Requesting the Governor to Write to Congress.
The Committee appointed to bring in Resolves in Con-
formity to the report of a Committee of both Houses, on the
Letter of Col. John Allen, Commander of the Garrison of
Machias & Superintendant of the Indian Eastern Depart-
ment, of the 2 d instant, with the Papers accompanying the
same; and also on the Petition of James Avery, Agent to
the said Allen, relative to the Eepairs of the Schooner ISTear-
quowait; have attended that Service and take Leave to re-
port the following Resolves, viz 1
60 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Kepresentatives Nov 28 : 1780
Whereas the Support and Defence of the Eastern Depart-
ment of this Commonwealth, & the Commerce & Friendship
of the Several Tribes of Indians within the same and in the
vicinity thereof, are of great Importance to the United
States, it is resolved,
That his Excellency the Governor be & he hereby is re-
quested to transmit to Congress Copies of the Letter received
from Col John Allen Superintendant of the Eastern Indian
Department of the 2 d ins 4 & of the Papers accompanying the
same, containing the state of the Garrison, with the several
official Returns, and also to represent, in the fullest Manner
possible, the Importance of the said Department to the States
in General ; with the Propriety & Reasonableness of Support-
ing & Defending the said Department at the Expence of the
United States ; and to request of Congress to signify as soon
as may be their Determination respecting the same
A And whereas it is necessary to augment the Garrison
of Machias, within the said Department, it is resolved, That
the Commanding Officer of the same be & he hereby is
directed immediately to issue his orders for inlisting from
among the Militia within the said Department, a Company
consisting of forty Men, Officers included, to be in addition
to the Artillery Company already inlisted & doing Duty at
the said Garrison, to be under the same Command and to be
and continue in the said Service from the 25 th Day of De-
cember next ensuing to the 25 Dec b 1781
And it is further resolved, That the Board of War be &
they hereby are directed to provide, as speedily as possible
such Quantities of Clothing, Provisions, Arms and Ammuni-
tion as the Governor & Council shall direct for the Supply
of the said Men, & for the further Supply of the Garrison of
Machias & its Dependencies and that they make the neces-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 61
sary Eepairs on the Schooner Nearquowait of Boston, & for-
ward in the same the said Clothing Provision Arms & Am-
munition without Loss of Time under Care of Lieut : James
A very, Agent to Col. John Allen, Superintendant to the.
Eastern Indian Department
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate November 29 th 1780
Eead & Concurred Jer: Powell Presid*
Approved John Hancock
A Also Resolved that his Excellency the Governor with
the advice of Councill be Impowered & requested to Licence
some Suitable person to have an Exclusive right to Trade
with & Suply the said Indians in the Eastern Department
with Necessaries until the further order of the Gen 1 Court to
be under such orders & Regulations as the Gov r & Councill
shall think Necessary for & consistant with the publick
Safty
Thomas Town to Col. Taylor.
Falmouth Gole Nov r 23 d 1780
Sr these Lines from your Destrest frind hear Confind,
for what I Dont know, nor Cant find out. Thearfore I pray
your Honour would Lay a pitison before the Genril Cort
with M r Rittles for me as we weare taken to Gather and
Confind conterey to the Bill of Rites for I live 40 miles
from the See Shore. We have Desired the Maj r twice to Rite
to the Gen 11 for a trial but have had no answer yet. Sr I
sufer to hear and my wife and Children att home wich is
very Distressing Sr your Compiance with the within Re-
quest will Gaitly oblige your Humble Se l
Thomas Town
To Coll 1 Ezra Taler
P 8 Sr I will Satisfie you for all your Trouble
62 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Report.
State of Massachusetts Bay
April 27 th 1780:
The Committee of both Houses on the letters from Brig-
adier General Wadsworth and Peter Noyes, & the resolve of
Congress of the 8th inst. report, that they have enquired of
the Board of War respecting the supply of Provisions, In-
trenching tools & whale-boats ordered for the Eastern De-
partment, & are of opinion that what Provisions & Intrench-
ing tools are sent, and ready to be sent, are all that could
immediately be obtained, and will be sufficient for the
preasent; a Schedule whereof is now presented: Measures
are taken that the Whale-boats agreed for be built with all
possible dispatch & that they, with those already procured be
forwarded as soon as may be. And as by y e Resolve afore-
said, Continental pay & rations are to be allowed to any body
of Militia not exceeding Eight hundred men, which this
State may judge necessary to be raised for the defence of the
Eastern Department, Your Committee report that the Con-
tinental Quarter Master General & Issuing Commissary of
Provisions be requested to replace such articles as have been
supplied by the Board of War for the purpose above men-
tioned that come within their respective departments, & to
furnish such supplies as may be further wanted for the East-
ern department.
Your Committee think it expedient that two Eighteen
pounders and three Four pound Field pieces with thirty
rounds each be sent to Falmouth, and a Leiu* & twenty
Mattrosses to strengthen that Post, and that an Engineer be
appointed and directed to repair there as soon as may be.
That Brigidier Gushing be directed to deliver to Brigadier
Wadsworth or his order, so many of the Firearms returned
into him from the late Expedition at Penobscot, as he shall
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 63
apply for, taking said Wadsworths receipt to be accountable
for the same.
Your Committee further report that so many of the Whale-
boats procured, be forwarded as will be necessary to trans-
port the Troops destined for Machias, to that place, & that
the said Troops be embarked under the direction of General
Wadsworth. To alter the regulation of the Post from Fal-
mouth to Boston, Your Committee apprehend will expedite
intelligence & not much encrease the expence, for w ch purpose
have prepared the Eesolve accompanying this report. All
which is submitted.
John Pitts p order
In Council April 27, 1780
Read & Sent down
John Avery D. Sec
Petition in Behalf of Andrew Oilman.
To the Honorable Senate & Hon 1 House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The petition of Col Josiah Brewer a Truck Master to the
Penobscot Tribe of Indians in behalf of Lieu 1 Andrew Gil-
man Interpreter to the said Tribe Humbly sheweth,
That the said Oilman has been in the Service (by your
Honors orders) in the above Capacity these five Years past
And your Petitioner really beleives has been of great Service
in keeping the Indians (who are very fond of him) peaceably
disposed towards us That your Honors were pleased to
make an Establishment of 18 p r m and a Suit of Cloaths
gratis in Oct r 1779 for his past Services That he now has
upwards of a twelve months Wages due him & is desirous of
receiving the same in order to purchase necessarys to enable
64 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
him to live Comfortably w th the Indians the ensuing winter
he being at present entirely destitute of all manner of
Cloathing which prevented his personal application to your
Honors for this purpose Your Petitioner therefore in be-
half of the said Oilman prays your Honors to make such an
Establisment according to the Depreciation of the Currency
for his Service for the time past & to come as your Honors in
your Goodness shall think his Services Merits
Josiah Brewer
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Dece r 4 1780
On The Petition of Leu* Andrew Oillman Interpreter to
the Penobscut Tribe of Indians Praying allowance for his
services as Set forth in his said Petition Beg leave To Re-
port by way of Resolve Viz*
Resolved that there be paid out of the Publick Treasury
of this Common Wealth the sum of fifteen Pounds Ten shil-
ling of the New Money in full for his Services to this day
Nath 1 Thwing to Col. Hutchinson.
Boston Dec r 11 th 1780
Sir You may doubtless remember my shewing you a peti-
tion from Deacon Sawyer, and Agreable to your desire I have
left it with Col Dawes I here inclose you a Copy of a
Warrant for a Town meeting for the purposes mentioned in
the petition which Deacon Sawyer informed me was over
thrown by means of the person who was their former
Treasurer I should think it would not be necessary for any
person to appear before the Committee as they could say no
more than what the petition says, and as they pray for noth-
ing more than to have a Committee appointed to enquire
into & settle their publick Town affair, I should think it
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 65
might be done as well as if any person was present, though
I would not be thought to dictate, I have proposed to Col
Dawes that you might be nominated one of the Committee : as
I am now going out of Town I inclose the Copy be delivered
to you. I would just mention the names of the persons
Deacon Sawyer desired might be appointed a Committee
Viz* Nath 1 Thwing Dummer Sewall & Waterman Thomas
Esq rs
I am Sir in behalf of Deacon Sawyer
Your Hum 1 Serv*
Nath 1 Thwing
Col Israel Hutchinson
Present
Letter of Col. Allan.
Machias December 15 th 1780
Dear Sir
Your favour of the 10th Ult arrived at Machias the 24 th
my being absent among the Indians & Capt Andrews Neglect
of forwarding by Express, did not receive it till the 7 th inst.
I returned a few days ago from my Indian Bout tho I
underwent the greatest difficulty s for want of provisions &
Craft, still I accomplished my business with the S 1 Johns
Indians (who went of Last Summer) and others to my san-
guine wishes. The Rev d Father which has Come is Ex-
tremely well Calculated, gives the Indians great satisfaction,
we Both return in Six days about half way to St Johns for
a Gen 1 Conference of Deputys from Each tribe & to keep
Christmas which is a peculiar Festival, But to you I go in a
manner Intirely Incompatable with the Nature of my busi-
ness, I must Intirely depend upon the favour of a Providence
as I have neither Craft provisions nor men to Support & aid
me in the business, The Importance of it is such that it Can-
5
66 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
not be Dispenced, tho This part is in danger of surprise dur-
ing my absence I can freely declare I feel nothing for
myself personaly, and am Determined to pursue my duty
but the Event is uncertain and I feel Troubled for the fate
of things this way if supplys does not shortly Arrive, I beg
you will write the Governor to press the supplys, as my time
will not permit me If This goes by head Quarters, with
the most of Captain Andrews Comp y . The former Can
Acquaint you of different matters, some difficultys Arises
with their Commander, they Incline not to go with him, tho
I have had a small Vessell prepared sometime, I was san-
guine at first for their Going, but since I find it more Ex-
pedient for them to go By Land had no procession here
or an appearance of it, most of this Comp y wou d stop, they
are also Naked and a long winter before them and indeed I
feel much troubled about their Geting along
Cap* Andrews will go in one of the Whale Boats the
other is at Passamaquody the severty of the wether during
the time I was there, the Nakedness of the men, and the
Whale Boat out of repair, I thought it best to Leave her,
when a suitable opp shall forward it
I am much obliged to you for the news Paper, but I never
had the Chance of seeing it.
I wish you Every happiness & am with respect & Esteem
D r Sir y r Very hb. S l
J Allan
Petition of James Avery.
To His Excellency the Governor and the Hon'ble Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of James Avery Agent for Colo John Allen
Commanding Officer at Machias Humbly Sheweth
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 67
That, the last letters your Petitioner rec d from said Colo
Allan, he informed him, that they were nearly Destitute of
Provisions & other Stores for the Troops at that place, and
Directed your petitioner to Dispach the Schooner Neash'quo'-
\voite with such Stores, as your Excel! 7 & Honors might
think proper to Direct as soon as possible.
Therefore your Petitioner Humbly prays your Excellency
& Honors wou'd be pleased to Take the Matter into your
wise Consideration & take such orders thereon, as in your
wisdom may think proper and your petitioner as in Duty
Bound will ever pray
Ja s Averv
Boston Dec r 19 th 1780
Mem of what is wanting immediately for the Troops at
Machias & Indians
30 Blankets 20 Stands of Arms 500 w Powder 300 w Balls
(Musquet) 500 w Shott 1 Hhd Eum New Engl d Three
Months Rations for 50 Men.
as the Great Difficulty attends in Sending matters During
the winter Season, it is absolutely Necessary for the above
to be forwarded as soon as possible
A person to be Licenced for the Indian Trade
Ja 8 Avery Agent for Colo Allan
Action on Petition of James Avery.
The Commonwealth of Mass tts
In Council Decemb. 20* 1780
Advised that the Board of War be and they hereby are
directed to deliver M r James Avery Agent to Col John Allen
Commander in the Eastern Department, thirty Blankets
twenty Stand of Arms, five hundred W. of Powder three
hundred W. of Musquet Balls, five hundred W. of Shot, One
68 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Hh d New England Rum and three Months Rations for fifty
Men for the Supply of the Garrison and its Dependences
agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court of the 29 Novem-
ber last he to be Accountable for the aforesaid Articles.
John Hancock
Letter From General Wadsworth.
Thomaston 23 d Dec r 1780
Sir
I have this day the honour of your Excellencys of the 13 th
Inst: inclosing the Petition of Lucy Rittall; & as it is not
in my Power to make the Enquiry your Excellency was
pleased to order, at this Juncture; to prevent the deepening
of an unfavourable Impression till the Matter can be fully
try'd, I beg leave to lay before your Excellency a brief State
of Facts.
There are a considerable Number of Persons in this Quar-
ter who uniformly discourage & discountenance every public
Measure adopted by the States, as well by their general Con-
versation as by positive inimical Acts. Kennebeck River is
not free from persons of this Sort. Frequent Applications
were made to me in September by approv'd Friends to the
Cause for a party to be sent there to suppress this growing
Evil & to apprehend the principals. Knowing the Indiscre-
tions apt to be run into on like Occasions, I did not care to
trust the Commission to any Officer I could then Spare, but
intended soon to hear & see the utmost of the matter myself.
Accordingly having Occasion to visit the Settlement on the
head of Sheepscutt River towards the End of Sep 1 , I took
Kennebeck in my Rout to Falmouth & after I had made the
best Enquiry I was able quite to the head of the Tide, of the
undoubted Upholders of our Cause, I gave Orders to Lieu*
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 69
McLellan to proceed with a party & to apprehend five, who
(I supposed & still suppose) were the Instigators of every
evil Work (amongst which Francis Rittal was one) & to join
me at the mouth of the River, which he did, excepting that
two of the five were out of the way & could not be found,
Being bound to Falmouth & Boston & having no comfortable
place of Confinement at Thomaston where they were to be
tried, & the weather coming on cool, I thot best to take them
to Falmouth for Confinement under Guard till my return to
Thomaston & then to give them a fair Trial. On my Return
to Thomaston from Boston by Water about the middle of
Oct r having an exceeding fine Wind, I did not Stop at Fal-
mouth, & finding it necessary on my arival here to employ my
whole Attention, men & Officers to prevent the ravaging
parties of the Enemy which at that Season were very Active,
I could not with any Convenience order a Court Martial, the
prisoners still remaining under Guard at Falmouth except-
ing one, who, on Account of Indisposition was admitted to
Bonds after two or three days Confinement.
Towards the End of Nov. finding that I should not be
able soon to attend the Trial on account of the Avocation of
my Officers & a general Destitution of every Sort of Supplies,
I sent an order to Lieut Coll Prime at Falmouth to recognize
the Prisoners viz 1 Rittal & Towns in large bonds for there
Appearance here when call'd for for Trial & to release them.
They were accordingly release' d on the 27 Nov r not knowing
till I receiv'd your Excellencys Letter that a Petition had
been preferred against me. I am not Insensible that I am
Subject to Errors as other People are, but in the present
Case, I do not yet see that I have err'd or offended against
the new Constitution (or the old, under which it was chiefly
transacted)
The Law Martial is exercised by an act of the State of 25
March last within its Limits (the Sea flowing fifteen miles
70 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
above Pownalborough) These persons have been appre-
hended, their Crimes drawn & Signed in military Form &
they have been kept under guard till (finding it impracticable
for the present to give them a Tryal) they have been ad-
mitted to give Surety for their Appearance when call'd for.
I cannot Suppose that a Court martial is to be orderd to Set,
purposely, at or near the place where there is a Criminal;
but that the Criminal is to be carried to the Court martial,
where the parties are examin'd face to face.
If it is Supposeable that the disaffected part of the Com-
munity will be ever clamourous against those whose hard lot
it is to be Servants of the Commonwealth ; I hope there will
be reasonable Allowance made for their Representations & I
dare challenge any one who is acquainted with the whole List
of Signers in favour of the Petition, to pick one good Whigg
from the whole Number, which Circumstance I think rather
against them as there are Whiggs of Note in the Neighbour-
hood.
I shall proceed to a Trial by Court Martial as soon as Cir-
cumstances will permit, tho I rather hope that this Business
will fall to my Successor In the mean time I am Sir, with
much Eespect your Excellencys most obed* & very humble
Servant
Peleg Wadsworth B G
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
Petition of Ebenezer Tinkham.
To the Hon bl the Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Gen 1 : This Petition from Ebenezer Tinkham y e 2 nd of
Middlebor in the County of Plymouth Humbly Sheweth:
that I the Said Ebe r Tinkham did (on the nineteenth day of
June A: d 1779) Volentaryly Inlist under (L:t Hambelton)
as a Mareen on Board the Continental Ship Warren; and at
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 71
the time of my Said Inlistment I was Promised In case that
I was Wounded in battel that I Should be Taken Cair of
on the Publicks Cost : after which the Said Ship Warren was
ordered on the Penobscut expedition; and in a Battel Oca-
tioned by our Landing at Said Penobscut: on the 28 th day
of July A : d 1779 I was wounded with Two Balls from the
Enemy : by which acsident I was Disinabeled from doing any
Labor for about Seven Months and was at Great Expence for
docters and for my Surport for which I have Received noth-
ing, but at Length one of Said Balls was Taken out of my
Shoulder and I have now by the Goodness of God in a Good
Degree Recovered my helth again and also by Reason of
my being wounded I Lost one Coat one wastcoat one Shirt
one Pair of Trousers Three Pair of Stockens one Pair of
Shoes one Hat and 13-2-0 in money and now Gen 1 my
Prayers to your Hon rs is: that you would Commisorate my
Case and think of the Panes that I have felt & of the Loss
of my Time and Cloathing & Estate and Expencis and that
you would order me a Competant Reward Such as you in
your Wisdome Shall think Equatable and Just : and as I am
In duty bound Shall Ever Pray & :c
dated at Middlebor this 26 th of Dece r 1780
Ebenezer Tinkham y e 2 d
This may Certifye'that we the Subscribers Selectmen of
Middlebor having Sufficiant Reason to beleave the Certainty
of the within named Ebe r Tinkham being wounded and Suf-
fering as is in his Petition Set forth: for Some of us have
Seen his Wounds and the Ball that hath been Taken out of
his Body since his Return from Said Penobscot Expedition
John Alden
Edward Wood
Thomas Nelson
Isaac Tomson
dated at Middlebor this l d of Jan r 1781
Selectmen of
said Middlebor
72 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Deposition of Joseph Berry.
The Deposition of Joseph Berry of Topsham in the County
of Lincoln yeoman, of Lawful age testefieth and saith that
on the last Day of August 1775 he was taken prisoner bj
Capt n Dawson Commander of the Hope Schooner in the King
of England's service and was put on board the Preston Ship
of War & was kept on board three months and then removed
on board the Boyn Ship of War & was Sent to England in
her, & kept there untill the ninth day of July following &
then I made my Escape from said Ship and got to f ranee,
& there I Entered on board a Sloop in the Continental Serv-
ice bound to Philadelphia and in our Passage home s d Sloop
was on or about the Last Day of October in 1776. and while
I was on board said Ship Capt Bishop Called me aft to
examine me & after understanding that I belonged to the
Eastward he asked me if I knew one Cargill, I told him that
I had Seen him but was not much acquanted with him then
the s d Cap* Bishop Said he is a Villain and a dam d Rascal,
for he has taken some of our vessels, he has taken three of
our vessels at Penobscot, he is a Collonel there now; I wish
I could Catch him then he Enquired of me what particular
place he lived at, but I told him I could not tell and further
saith not
A Coppy Joseph Berry
Deposition of William Pendleton.
I William Pendleton of a place Called Long Island in the
County of Lincoln Gentleman of Lawfull age Testify & Say
that Sometime in the month of July A. D 1775 that John
Winslow of Boston Came down here To a place Called Long
Island out of the Bounds of any Town and in y e County of.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 73
Lincoln, in Penobscot Bay in a Transports all Guarded by a
man of Warr Shipp Called the Sinigall, who Came to my
House, & in Conversation he the said Winslow said he Came
for Wood and wanted Wood to load the Transports to Carry
up to Boston, further the above named Winslow had a Letter
from the Select men of Boston for that purpose & that he
Copied That Letter at my house, and sent a Copy of said
Letter to the Committee of S fc Georges, and to the Com-
mittee of Camden to acquaint them what Authority he had
to apply for Wood, after the said Winslow had sent a copy
of his letter to S l Georges & to Camden two of Coll Cargills
officers Viz 1 Cap tn Wheaten of S* Georges & Capt n Gregary
of Camden, with the advice of the other officers Came to my
house and Desired me to go with them in a private manner
to Camden, where I met with Coll : Cargill with a number of
y e Militia from there we went for Penobscot Fort in order
to Burn & destroy it and to take any Vessells that were
loading with Wood in order to go to Boston under the Con-
voy of the man Warr Shipp called the Sinigal, in our Way
to Penobscot we found Capt n Peleg Crooker Loading with
Wood at Belfast, and the Militia under Coll: Cargill took
the said Crooker and the Yessell he was loading and then
Took said Crooker & the Vessel up to Penobscot, also the
s d Cargill Sent away a number of men in Boats to Major
Bagadoose, which men when they Returned Brought four
Vessells to us at Penobscot. after the Fort was Destroyed
at Penobscot, We Came down the Bay off against Major
Bagadoose There We saw the Shipps Lay off Between Fox
Island & Long Island, Then I Came down with said Cargill
in the Vessell that was taken from s d Crooker with the other
Vessells so far as the head of Long Island, and then said
Cargill ordered us to come down on the Western or Northern
Side of said Island and then left us. The next morning
Some of the officers which Belong to Coll. Cargill told me
74 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
That he Left orders with them to put me a Shore on long
Island where it Suited me to land after that I saw no more
of the Shipps nor of Coll: Cargill or the Vessells he had
taken at that time or that Voiage. and further saith not
William Pendleton
A True Copy of William Pendleton 8 Deposition to be used
at the Superior Court to be holden at Salem on the first Tues-
day of Nov* A. D. 1777
Sealed up by Benjamin Woodbridge Jus 1 Pacis
Deposition of Benjamin Shaw.
I Benjamin Shaw of North Yarmouth in the County of
Cumberland Yeoman of Lawful Age, testify & say that some
time in April one thousand seven Hundred & seventy five
I was at a Place called Belfast, in the County of Lincoln,
a Hand on Board a Sloop called the Nancy, belonging to
Peleg Crooker and Stephen Hall then both of Boston, of
which the said Peleg was then Master, which said Vessell
was then Loaded with Wood & Bound for Boston, On our
Return from said Belfast we put into Falmouth, & at said
Falmouth first heard of the Battle at Lexington, fought on
the nineteenth Day of April one thousand seven hundred &
seventy five From thence we proceeded with said Vessel!
to Newbury and said Crocker went from said Newbury by
Land to Charlestown to see if he could get into Boston with
said Vessell & from said Charles-town immediately returned
on board said Vessell, & proceeded with her to Marblehead,
where there then lay a Man of War, called the Lively, & the
said Ship Lively immediately sent her Barge along Side of
Us, and enquired if we had any Wood to sell, & the said Ship
Lively sent her Boat along Side & received several Cords of
Wood, for which I saw the said Crooker receive of one of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 75
Officers of said Ship Lively Thirteen Shillings & four Pence
p r Cord, then we proceeded with said \ 7 essell to Boston, &
unloaded the Remainder of the Wood on Board said Vessell
at Stephen Hall 8 Wharff, from which Wharff Wood was fre-
quently carried on Board the Man of War, then lying in the
Harbour of Boston, after which I went two Trips more
with said Crooker to said Belfast, & loaded each trip with
Cord wood, which said Crooker carried to Boston, & unloaded
at said Halls Wharff, & I frequently saw the Officers belong-
ing to the British troops on said Wharff after Wood The
Trips above mentioned were performed between the said
Nineteenth of April & the twenty fourth Day of July fol-
lowing, during which Time I was a hand on board said Ves-
sell and I further say, that we might at any time have
gone into Situate or any other Port to the Southward of
Boston, during the aforementioned Trips And the said
Stephen Hall was with us the last of said trips, in which we
put into Falmouth And after our Arrival at Boston I was
taken on Board the Senigall Man of War, and was told by
them that I was recommended as a Pilot a few days after
which said Senigall sailed for Long Island in Penobscot Bay,
with four Transport Ships and Three Sloops to procure
Cord wood on Board of one of which Transports, was
John Winslow Merchant of Boston, who was Agent for said
Fleet, and had a Recommendation from the Selectmen of
said Boston to get Wood for the Inhabitants of said Boston
when we arrived at said Long Island we took a consider-
able Quantity of Wood on Board said Transports, but hear-
ing that the Militia had got on to the Island to assess us,
were afraid to tarry to compleat our Load, and immediately
left the Island & sailed for Halifax While we lay at
said Long Island, said Winslow procured some live Stock
off said Island for the Use of said Fleet which was killed on
Board I the Deponent further say that while I was with
76 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
said Crooker, after unloading the first of the beforemen-
tioned Freights at Boston, he carried out some Passen-
gers to Situate & Plimouth from whence he sailed for
said Belfast for another freight of Wood which he carried
to Boston, & was to have carried out more Passengers
but instead of that, We took the said Stephen Hall before
named & one Benj a Coleman on Board, who acted as Hands
(there being 110 other but they & myself with said Crooker
on Board) and proceeded directly again for said Belfast for
another Freight of Wood After we got there I left him
one Whole Day because he had not gone to Situate after
unloading his last Freight according to his promise but
upon his renewing his Promise to me that he would not go
into Boston again, but proceeded directly for Situate, with
the Freight of Wood he was then taking on Board, by the
permission of the Committee of said Belfast, for that Place
I consented to stir on Board again but after we were
loaded & partly on our Passage he Determined to go into
Boston with said Freight of Wood which he accordingly did
as before related and further saith not
Benjamin Shaw
Cumberland ss. North Yarmouth October 17 th 1777.
Then the above named Benjamin Shaw Personally ap-
peared, & being first carefully examined & duely cautioned
to testifie the whole Events relating to the Cause hereafter
mentioned made solemn Oath to the truth of the above affi-
davit by him subscribed being taken to be used in a Mari-
time Cause to be heard & tried by Appeal at the Superior
Court of Judicature &c to be holden at Salem in the County
of Essex, on the first Tuesday of November next wherein
James Cargill of Newcastle in the County of Lincoln Es-
quire and others are Libellants of the Sloop called the Nancy
her Cargo & Appertinances & Stephen Hall of Boston in the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 77
County of Suffolk Wharfinger & Peleg Crooker lately of
Situate in the County of Plimouth Coaster, are Claimants
The said Benjamin Shaw the Deponent living & being
from North Yarmouth which is more than Thirty Miles
from Salem the Place of Trial, and the said Stephen Hall
& Peleg Crooker living & being more than twenty Miles
from North Yarmouth the Place of Captain, were not noti-
fied nor present taken according to Law at the Request
of the said James Cargill
Coram David Mitchell Just c Pacis
Endorsed: To the Clerk of the Superior Court of Judica-
ture &c for the State of Mass. Bay The Deposition of
Benjamin Shaw of North Yarmouth, taken to be used in a
Maritime cause by Appeal at s d Court to be holden at
Salem in the County of Essex on the first Tuesday of Novem-
ber A. D. 1777 Wherein James Cargill Esq & others are
Libellants & Stephen Hall & Peleg Crooker are Claimants
Sealed & Delivered to the said Cargill at whose Request it
was taken
p r David Mitchell J. P.
Selectmen of Thomaston to General Court.
To His Excellency the Governor the Honorable the Senate
and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth ol
Massachusetts Jan y 1781
We the Subscribers Beg Leave to inform your Excellency
& Honors that the Selectmen of Thomaston received a Re-
solve from the great and general Court that this Town
Should furnish the Army with cattle well fatted for beef to
the amount of three Thousand four Hundred and twenty
two pounds or money sufficient to purchase said Cattle, the
selectmen immediately called a town meeting and Laid the
78 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Kesolve before the Town at a full meeting of the Inhabitants
and the Inhabitants seeing the impossibility of procuring
the Cattle or the money to purchase them with under
our deplorable scituation moved that the Town should Choose
a Committee that should make Report what wold be best for
the Town to act ; thereupon three men were then chosen as a
Committee for the porpose the Committee upon Considering
the matter see that it was not in the power of the Town to ful-
fill the Eesolve of Court though their wills appeared good
and discovered a desire to Do all in their power: the Com-
mittee thought best not to deceive the Fathers of this Com-
monwealth knowing that a disappointment of provisions
would be of bad Consequence being so well acquainted with
the Circumstances of the Town that if the town Should vote
to Suply the quantity of Beef it wold not be in their power
and therefore Reported that we are not able to pay the Tax
now Laid upon us at present, and therefore think proper to
acquaint the Court of our inability and to Choose a Com-
mitee for that purpose.
We being a Committee for that purpose Desire to inform
your Excellency Honors the whole Truth of the affare : First
thare is not one fat Beast in this Town nor in the three
towns on S l Georges River also our Cattle are very much
thinned not more than a quarter part of the usual dumber
Left and the Want of English Hay and grain prevents Stall
feeding any: the fall of the year is the only Time we have
any that can be called Beef and provision is so scarce here
now that if it was equally distributed to each Family There
is not Enough in the Town to Last may out : secondly money
is very scarce here and there is not any prospect of its being
plentier as all our Coasters are stopped not one Vessel Left
belonging to this River and the Cruisers are so plenty that
Vessels Cannot come in from other plases to Carry away our
Lumber which is the only way we used to have to bring money
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 79
among us and if that Buisenes, conveners to be stopped we
cannot pay our taxes and our fameles must suffer: But if
it were possibel that two or three armed Veseles Could Cruise
on the eastern shore to protect the Costers or Costing Busi-
ness money would grow plenty and then we could pay our
Taxes as well as other Towns and Exept that can be effected
we cant mack any great assistance which we are verey sorry
for = Thirdly : we cannot send any Boats a fishing but they
are all Robbed or taken by the Enemy and if any boats hap-
pens to comm into this River with provision the price of
every article is so high we Cannot purchase much : and also
Last Winter we Were obliged to keep a guard at Camden and
furnished them with provision until thay were Released by
General Wadsworth's arrival: These are the Cause from
which our present Inability of paying our Taxes at present
ariseth, all which are Humbly Submitted to the Considera-
tion of your Excellency and Honors by
Nath 11 Fales \
Jeremiah Tolman /
Rich d Kating > Committee
Isaac Washburn \
Daniel Morse /
In Senate March 5 th 1781
Read & Sent down
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Petition of Selectmen of Pepperellborough to General Court.
To the Honorab 16 Senate and Honorab 1 House of Represen-
tatives of of the Common Wealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Pepperrell-
borough in the County of York in behalf of the Inhabitants
of Said Town Humbly Shews That your Petitioners was
and are Still of Opinion when the Last Valuation was Settled,
80 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
that the Town of Pepperrellboro was Set Higher in s d Valua-
tion then its Due proportion with y e Neighbouring Towns
after we had made Two Taxes we found our Taxes was much
higher on farms of Equal Value with Farms in y e Adjacent
Towns and should Immediately Petition the Hon ble General
Court for Releif had it not have been for an Order of Court
for a new valuation and a Promise to those Towns that Was
set too high in the Last: that Equal Justice shou'd be done
them in the next We have Ever Since the Afores'd Valu-
ation Done what has been in our Power to do toward Paying
of Taxes and Raising men &c for the Service of the United
States as well as for this Common Wealth as we have done
ever since the Commencement of the present war and we are
of Opinion that no Town has furnished the armies with more
men than the town of Pepperrellbor has, agreable to the
jSTumber of Inhabints thereof : on Every Occassion in the
year 1777 the Continental army was Raised for three years
on or During the war every Seventh man was Called for
our Towns Proportion was Twenty Seven but instead thereof
Thirty Eight inlisted and went in the army which was Eleven
more than our Quota out of which eleven only had Returned,
the Remainder we Suppose Must be Still in y e army During
y e war or Dead but according to y e best Enquiry we can
Make we suppose we have now our Quota of Men in the Con-
tinental army and to our Great Grief your Petitioners
Find y e Town of Pepperrellbor Called upon by a Resolve of
this Common Wealth Dec r 3 d 1780 for more men than an
Equal proportion with Other Towns in this County and
also in the Last Beef Tax we have added to us a considerable
Quantity of Beef more than Our Proportion of Taxes as
they Stand Agreable to y e Last Valuation We Wou d here
Inform your Honors to Account for the addition of men for
y e army and Beef upon this Town we are unable Wherefore
we Pray your Honor to Take under Consideration y e Dis-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 81
tress y e Town of Pepperrellbor is likely to be in by being
overburdened by y e afores d Resolve and last Beef Tax as well
as by y e Last Valuation Act and Grant Such Releif as in
your Great Wisdom you Shall See Meet and your Petitioner
as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray &c
Rich d Burke
Humphry Pike
Select Men
of
Pepperrellbor
Pepperrellbor January 1st 1781
Petition of Nath 1 Green Moody.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts. To the Honorable the
Senate and the Honorable the House of Representatives
in General Court Assembled
The Petition of Nathaniel Green Moody late of Falmouth
in the County of Cumberland humbly Sheweth fThat
your Petitioner did on the fourteenth Day of October 1766
Mortgage a lot of Land on which he Dwelt containing forty
Square Rods with the Buildings thereon to Jonathan Sewell
Esq r late of Charlestown an Absentee for one hundred and
fifty Pounds thirteen Shillings and Eight pence that in the
Destruction of the Town by Cap 1 Mowat your Petitioner lost
all his Buildings which were very Valuable TfThat your
Petitioner was at that time Clerk of the Town and one of
the Committee and was obliged to attend the Town Meeting
to Consult the Safety of the whole Community that he
Ordered his Family to Carry the Town Record out of Town
at all Events tho' they neglected their own Effects which
was Comply'd with whereby it was put out of the Power of
your Petitioner or his Family to save many things and on
that account Lost to a Large amount which they might Other-
ways have saved that your Petitioner Applied to the Town
for Compensation who replied that they were not able to do
82 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
any thing for him by all which means your Petitioner has
been Eeduced to Poverty and Distress your Petitioner there-
fore prays your honors to order the Mortgage to be Cancelled
that he may sell it for the small sum it will fetch that he may
be enabled to support hims'lf and Family and your Petitioner
as in Duty bound shall ever Pray
Nat. Green Moody
In Senate Jan y 6 th 1781
Read & ordered that Jed h Preble Esq r with such as the
Honorable House shall join be a Committee to take into con-
sideration this Petition & report what may be proper to be
done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence Jer : Powell, Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Jan y 6 : 1781
Read & concurred & Col Grow & M r Wells are joined
Caleb Davis Speaker
The Committee of both Houses appointed to take into
consideration the above said Petition beg leave to report that
the petitioner I^T. G. Moody have leave to withdraw his
petition
Jedediah Preble p r order
In Senate Jan y 11 th 1781
Read & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence Jer: Powell Presi dt
Memorial of Town of Cape Elizabeth.
The Honourable Senate and the Honourable House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court Assembled.
January 1781
This Memorial Humbly Sheweth: That we Your
Memorialists The Selectmen of the Town of Cape Elizabeth
in said Common Wealth: Do in behalf of Said Town beg
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 83
leave to lay Before your Honours Sundry Grievences under
which this Town Labours, and that it is our Duty in Justice
to our Selves in this way to Apply our Selves To the Honour-
able Court for Kedress f But before we proceed beg leave
to Say (which we can in Justice do) that ever since the
Commencement of the Just and Necessary war (on our part)
with Great Britain, For the Security and Enjoyment of our
rights and Priviledges, we have with Great unanimity and
Chearfullness Comply d with all the orders of Court for the
raising men Money and Cloathing for the Carrying on of
the war as far as we were able, and that we are Still willing
and Determined in a Just proportion with our Fellow Sub-
jects in General to Support the war with our lives and
Fortunes to the last Extremity fThe Greviences are as
Followeth Viz 1 Ever Since the Year 1778 when the Val-
uation was Taken this Town has paid for one Hundred Polls
more than there were in the Town at that time, nor is our
paying for said Polls all the Difficulty we Labour under on
that account, For we Justly suppose that when men and
Cloathing are Call'd for that we are obliged to raise a Greater
number of men and an undue proportion of Cloathing on
that account, which has Greatly Exhausted and brought us
very low We also beg leave to Inform the Honourable
Court that our loss of men in the Army and at sea (agreeable
to a list herewith Exhibited) has been Exceeding Great which
has so greatly augmented the number of Poor Widows and
Orphan Children amongst us that none who are Touch d with
fealings of Humane Nature can behold without Droping a
tear of pitty and Condolence, many of them have Houses
and lands (such as they be) which are taken in the lists of
Estates lately sent to Court which they cant possibly pay
taxes for unless they sell them and in that case the most
of them must be supported by the Town and the Towns
being obliged to pay taxes for them Increases our burden
84 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
T Furthermore We would Inform the Honourable Court that
we have no Trade not haveing one Vessel in this Town for
Carrying on the Foureign Trade or Coasting business, All
the Navagation we are possest of is a few small Fishing boats,
so that we are obliged to go out of Town to purchase every
article of Foureign Consumption and a Considerable part of
the Necessaries of life of this Countrys produce which Drains
us of our money We also Beg leave to say that for several
years past we have paid so much more than our Just pro-
portion of the Publick Tax that unless we have a proper
Allowance for the same we shall soon be reduced to such an
Impoveresh d Condition as not to be able to pay Taxes for
the future which we apprehend will by no means be for the
Good of the Common Wealth If When we look up to his
Excellency and Honours in General Court Assembled as the
Political parent of this Common- Wealth We Flatter our-
selves they will not look upon it Impertinant or Persumeing
in us ; if we remind their Honours : that in the Course of
the last Summer, this Eastern Shore has Been so Infested
by the Enemy 3 armed Boats and other small Vessels from
Penobscutt that many Coarsting Vessels and Fishermen have
been taken from other Towns and also two Fishing Vessels
from us, which obliged our Fishermen to keep in the Har-
bour a Considerable part of the best of the season for their
business, which as it lessons our Little Incom it serves to
render it less able to bair up under our Burden, Within a
few Days past These Insedeous wretches, cut two schooners
out of the Harbour of Falmouth one Belonging to that Town,
the other to marblehead, These Captures were made by the
Famous or rather Infamous Cap 1 John Long who lately
Broke Goal in Falmouth, and it is thought by the most
Juditious and Deserving among us, that unless some Viger-
ous and Effectual Measures are taken by the Honourable
Court to cover this Eastern Shore from the ravages of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE
85
Enemy, that Next Summer the Eastern Inhabitants of this
Common Wealth will not be able to Carry on the Coasting
business Nor to Cetch fish for their own Familys Consump-
tion, which will greatly effect the Tradeing Towns in the
West 1f We your Memorialists relying on the Wisdom
Justice and Compassion of the Honourable Court, Beg leave
to lay this Memorial Before Your Excellency and Honours,
Praying, that you would take it into your wise and Paternal
Consideration and grant us such Kedress as you in your
Wisdom shall think fit as we your Memorialists in Duty
Bound shall Ever Pray
Nath 1 Staple
Stephen Randell
David S trout
Selectmen of the
town of Cape
Elizabeth
A True List of the men Died mising and Absent Since the
Commencement of the Present war Likewise those who has
this mark X has left wives and Children in the town of
Cape Elizabeth
James Dyer Jun r
Jabez Dyer
Joseph Maxwell
Thos Maxwell
Nath 1 Staple Ju n
Rich d Jordan Jun r
Robert M c Creight
David Woodson
James Cobb
Jeremiah Jordan
Israel Jordan
Isaac Jordan
W m Jordan
Nath 1 Wheeler left one child
Joseph Wheeler
John Jordan Ju n
Tho 8 Jordan 3 d
Alexander Pollock
Solomon Jackson
Sam 1 Robinson
Sam 1 Gammon
John Preston X
John Gammon
Edward Avery X
Wm. Eowler
Jonathan Webster
Nath 1 Sawyer
Tho 8 Webster
W m M c Callen
Tho 8 Nich Chershind
86
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Sam 1 Jordan
Tho 3 Jones
Joseph Cobb X
Walter Simonton X
Peter Dyer X
Ebenezer Robinson X
Robinson Prentice
Matbew [ torn ]
James Webber X
John Strout
David Strout Jr.
Isaac Battle X
Christopher Strout X
William Sawyer
Tho 8 York
Timothy Eldridg
Lemuel Sawyer
Benj a Dyer X
Joseph Stanford
Abraham Bryant Jr
Robert Herinton X
Robert Jemison X
Ebenezer Jordan
Robert Jordan X
Edmund Jordan
Rich d Langley X
John Curate X
Andrew Jordan
Joseph Hatch X
Jon a Sawyer
W m Plummer
James Stanford
Josiah Stanford J r
Barnabas Sawyer X
Reuben Sawyer
Hezekiah Sawyer
Asa Sawyer
Josiah Skillings Son
Cap 1 Loring Cushing
Jonathan Strout X
Sam 11 Cash X
James Dimble
Sam 1 Dimble
Francis Cash
Stephen Cash
Robert Stanford J r X
Joseph Parker X
W m Thomas X
John Bryant
Ebenezer Sawyer
Those be Absent for Several years and we know not
where.
Wm Stanford
James Horton
Jon a Fairbanks X
Ephraim Sawyer
James Allen
Judah Dyer X
Wm Maxwell X
George Smith X
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 87
Ephraim Crocket X Jacob Webb \
John McDaniel X David Fairbanks J Absentees
Thos Jent
David Strout
Stephen Randel
Nath 1 Staples
Selectmen
of said
[ torn ]
Cape Elizabeth Janu a 6 1781
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives February 17 1781
Whereas it appears to this Court that the Town of Cape
Elizabeth in the County of Cumberland was Charged with
one Hundred Polls More than their was in said Town at the
time the last valuation was settled f Therefore Resolved
that eight shillings four Pence be abated from the Propor-
tion sett on the Town of Cape Elizabeth to the Thousand
Pound in the Last Valuation and that they be allowed out
of the next State Tax sett on s d Town all such sum or Sums
of Money that shall appear they have paid in Consequence
of Said Hundred Polls.
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate February 17 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presid*
Approved John Hancock
Gen 1 Wadsworth to Gov. Hancock.
Sir
In mine of the twenty eighth of Nov r last, I acquainted
your Excellency that the public Stores here particularly
Bread, was nearly expended & that the Engagement of the
Troops was almost up, with sundry other matters relative to
this Dep 1 Since which I have rec'd neither Supplies nor
Directions excepting that I had the honour of your Excel-
88 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
lency's of the 13 th UP respecting the Petition of Lucy
Kittal (to which I immediately returned an answer dated
23 UP)
I have now to inform Your Excellency that, about the
twentieth of last month, having no bread, & the Severity of
the weather for the time preventing my Craft from getting
the Beef Collecting in the remoter parts of the County; be-
sides the Soldiers being almost unfit for any Duty for want
of Cloths & their Term of Service expiring in about a fort-
night, the whole of the Troops here, except a Subaltern &
thirty Men, were discharg'd At the same time passed this
Place on their way home, the Company that had serv'd
at Machias the past season; so that now the whole Country
on either Side Bagaduce from this Place to Machias, but for
the Inhabitants, lays open to the Enemy; their Small
Cruisers are very frequent on the Coast & there is scarce a
Vessel left in the County of Lincoln.
There is four Small Cruisers from Bagaduce (the only
^aval Force left, except a Letter of Mark Brig of 16 Guns)
which are Steadily on this Shore & have of late cut out Sev-
eral valuable Vessels from their Moorings.
The post at Ealmouth will be destitute of Troops (ten or
twelve half naked Matrosses excepted) by the twentieth
Inst : & here I may not omit asking your Excellency's Pardon
for my Misrepresentation of that Post in mine of the twenty
eighth of Nov 1 " It having been thot proper to dismiss part of
the Troops there with my knowledge, f The Subaltern &
thirty men retain' d here are divided between this Place &
Cambden, for the Subsistence of which Bread is borrowed
from the Inhabitants in Expectation of having it replaced on
the Arival of public Stores.
Inclosed is a Letter which I received from Col Allan, I
intreat your Excellency to consider whether the disagreeable
representations from this Dep 1 ought to be looked upon as
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 89
troublesome, or whether they are a necessary Information,
describing a Disease that a remedy may be applied.
Is it not necessary that there should be some Troops on
either Side of the Enemy to prevent their Depredations, &
(what is of much the greatest Importance) to prop the Minds
of the Inhabitants ? Is it not necessary to have two or three
Small Cruisers on this Shore to counteract those of the
Enemy, to have the Small remainder of our Coasters & to
prevent Mixt Trade ?
And is it not necessary that a Small Number of Troops
Should be stationed this winter at Falmouth to keep the
Fortifications in readiness & the Stores Safe. Certainly thus
much at least is necessary this winter & much more in the
Spring unless the County of Lincoln is to be entirely relin-
quished in which Case the Inhabitants might make a petit
guerre of their own.
The Bearer Waterman Thomas Esq r can give your Ex-
cellency Any needed Information respecting this Quarter, &
Should any thing be undertaken, would be a very suitable
person to collect supplies &c in this County.
I impatiently wait some return from your Excellency &
in the meantime I have the honour to be with great respect
Your Excellency's most obedient & very humble Servant
Peleg Wadsworth B G
Thomaston 10 Jan y 1781
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r &c
In Senate Jan y 29 th
Read & sent down Jer: Powell Pres dt
Order in re Committee of Valuation.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives January 12 : 1781
Ordered that Col Dawes M r Jewett & Col Thacher be a
Committee to consider of what number the Committee on the
90 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Valuation shall consist & what number to the respective
Counties
Jan y 16 : 1781 The Committee appointed to consider
what number the Committee on the Valuation shall con-
sist & what number from each County, take liberty to
report that the Committee consist of thirty One, in the
following proportion viz 1 Suffolk 4 Essex 4 Middlesex 3
Hampshire 3 Plymouth 2 Barnstable 2 Bristol 2 Worcester 3
York 2 Cumberland 2 Lincoln 1 Berkshire 2 Dukes County
& Nantuckett 1 Total 31
Jan y 17 1781 Ordered that the following Gentle-
men be of the Committee for settling a general Valua-
tion County of Suffolk Thos Dawes Sam 1 Barrett &
Nath 1 Bayley Esq rs and M r Abner Ellis f Essex Cap 1
Holt, Cap 1 Higginson Cap 1 Adams & M r Erazier Middle-
sex Major Hosmer Tho 8 Brooks Esq & Cap 1 Read
If Hampshire Col Goodman M r Ely & M r Smead 1 Barn-
stable M r Nye of Sandwich & M r Paine If Plymouth Hon
James Warren Esq r & Cap 1 Kingman f Bristol Col Pope &
Col Peck If Worcester Cap 1 Curtis M r Ammidown & Cap 1
Cowden York Nath 1 Wells Esq & M r John Hill 1 Cum-
berland Clement Jordan Esq & M r Small f Lincoln f Wm.
Lithgow Esq Berkshire Col John Ashley & James Harris
Esq r Dukes County & Nantucket Stephen Hussey Esq r
January 18: 1781 The Hon. Sam 1 Mather Esq r came
down from the Hon ble Senate with the following Vote of
Senate Viz 1
In Senate Jan y 18: 1781 Ordered that W m Sever
Eleazer Brooks & Jon a Greenleaf Esq rs with such as the
Hon ble House may join be a Committee to consider the
most proper methods to be taken for settling the Valuation
agreeable to the returns from the several Towns & Plantations
in this Commonwealth
Sent down for Concurrence
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 91
Eead & concurred & Co 1 Dawes M r Dix M r Fessenden &
M r Tracy are joined
Jan y 23: 1781 The Hon. Ephraim Starkweather Esq r
came down from the Hon. Senate appointing James Barker
Esq of the Committee to consider the most proper method to
settle a Valuation &c, in the room of Eleazer Brooks Esq who
is absent sent down for Concurrence Read & concurred
& M r Nash is appointed upon the above Committee in the
room of M r Dix who is absent.
Jan y 24: 1781 The Hon: Mr Mather came down from
the Hon. Senate with a Vote of Senate appointing Eleazer
Brooks Esq. to consider the best method to settle a Valuation
&c in the place of W m Sever Esq excused sent down for
Concurrence Read & concurred & M r Ammidown & Cap 1
Curtis are appointed in the room of Col. Dawes and M r
Tracy who are absent
Feb y 1 : 1781 The Hon. Sam 1 Niles Esq. came down from
the Hon Senate with the following viz 1 Ordered that Josiah
Stone Eleazer Brooks John Bliss Ephraim Starkweather &
Increase Sumner Esq. be a Committee on the part of the
Senate, to confer with such Committee as the Hon ble House
shall appoint upon the subject matter of a report of the Com-
mittee of both Houses Upon the most proper Method to settle
a Valuation Sent down for Concurrence Read & con-
curred & Gen 1 Warren M r Gerry M r Ellis M r Bacon & M r
Dunbar are joined.
Feb y 2 : Ordered that M r Higginson be of the Committee
to confer with a Committee of the Hon Senate upon the
Matter of a Valuation in the room of Gen 1 Warren who is
absent
Feb y 3 : 1781 The Committee of Conference on the part
of the House for settling the Valuation reported verbally that
the valuation originate with the House and after it is ac-
cepted by the House be sent up to the Senate for Concurrence
92 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
or Amendment which was accepted as settled by Committee
of Conference of both Houses and it was thereupon Ordered
that the Committee appointed to settle a Valuation do sit
immediately
Afternoon If Hon. M r Gorham came down from the
Hon ble Senate to propose a Conference relative to the settling
a Valuation If M r Bacon went up to the Hon. Senate to ac-
quaint the Senate that the House agreed to the Proposal of
the hon ble Senate [and]
Feb y 5: 1781 The Hon M r Niles came down from the
Hon ble Senate proposing to postpone the Conference relative
to the Valuation tomorrow 3 OClock. f M r Barrett went up
to the Hon. Senate to acquaint them the House do not agree
to postpone the Conference but propose agreeable to assign-
ment to have the Conference immediately & that the Usual
Seats were assigned for the hon ble Senate; The Hon Mr.
Gorham came down from the hon ble Senate to acquaint the
House that by reason of the Severity of the Weather & their
Numbers being few, they therefore again propose [or]
OClock to morrow Afternoon f M r Kollock went up to the
hon ble Senate to acquaint them the House agreed to their last
Proposal
Feb y 6: 1781 The Hon. M r Gorham came down from
the hon ble Senate to acquaint the House that the Senate was
ready to proceed to the proposed Conference relative to the
Valuation Tf^ r Bacon went up to the Hon. Senate to
acquaint the Senate the House were ready to proceed to the
proposed Conference If And after the Conference was ended
it was ordered that the Vote of Saturday last accepting the
Keport of the Committee of Conference upon the Valuation
be reconsidered and thereupon Ordered that the Committee
appointed to settle a Valuation do sit immediately
If Ordered that M r E"ash be of the Committee on the Valua-
tion for the County of Berkshire in room of Col. Ashley who
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 93
is absent f The Hon. M r Phillips came down from the Hon
Senate to desire that the House would serve the Senate with
an attested Copy of their Proceedings relative to a Valuation
lM r Henshaw went up to the Hon. Senate to acquaint the
Senate the House have ordered their Clerk to make out an
attested Copy of their Proceedings relative to a Valuation &
when finished will be sent up to the honorable Senate
A Copy of Kecord Attest
And. Henshaw Clerk to the House
Resolve.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Kepresentatives Jan y 13 th 1781
On the Petition of James Cargill praying for Liberty to
be heard upon the floor of y e Hon ble House relative to the
damage he has sustained in Consequence of the Sloop Nancy's
being taken from him after she was Legally Condemned, in
a Court of Admiralty as set forth in his Petition, f Re-
solved that the Prayer of y e Petition be granted & that the
said James Cargill have liberty to be heard upon the floor of
y e House Relative to the Matter mentioned in his Petition,
on Monday 15 th Jan. at three oclock in y e afternoon
Read & accepted
Report on Furnishing Supplies By Town of Thomaston.
At a Meeting of the legal Voters of the Town of Thomas-
ton on Monday the fifteenth Day of Jan y A D 1781 at the
Dwelling House of M r Oliver Robins in said Town, agreeable
to a Notification for that Purpose, In Obedience to a Resolve
of the General Court for furnishing a Number of Cattle or
Money sufficient to supply a quantity of Beef for the Sup-
port of the Army the present Year
94 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Voted and Chose David Fales Esq ; Moderator On a Motion
made and seconded, voted that a Committee be chosen to
prepare a Vote for this Town to pass upon the present Affair,
Nathanael Tales, John Simonton, Elisha Snow, Committee
The Committee Eeported as followeth viz. "We beg leave
to report, That we are not able at present to pay the Tax
now laid upon us, and therefore we think proper to acquaint
the Court of our Inability of paying; and also to choose a
Committee for the same Purpose, Nath 1 Fales Chairman"
Which Keport was accepted, and thereupon Voted that
Mess rs Nathanael Fales, Isaac Washburn Daniel Morse Jere-
miah Tolman, & Richard Kating, be the Committee. Then
Voted that this Meeting be desolved.
David Fales Moderator.
A true Copy Attest David Fales Town Clerk
Petition Town of Fryeburgh.
Common Welth of Massachusetts To the Hon 1 the Senet
and House of Representatives
The Petition of Simon Frye in behalf and by the Direction
of the Inhabitants of the Town of Fryeburgh humbly
sheweth that said Inhabitants were at great expence in
looking out by different routs for a road to said Town and
Clearing Fifty four Miles through an uninhabited Country
in Order to move their families that the unseasonable Frosts
have cut of their Crops for many years so that they were
obliged to transport great part of their provisions from Bos-
ton that they were at great expence on the Roads to Fal-
moth and Sauco which together with many other expences
and Difficulties must have brok up the Settlement had it not
been for the Vigorous Exertions of some of them and the
assistance of their friends by reason of s d Frosts and
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 95
Freshets which have frequently proved hurtful to our Grain
we have scarsely ever been able to raise a sufficiency thereof
for the Town notwithstanding they have been obliged to part
with grain at some seasons ; for salt and other Necessaries it
always is wanted in the Town before the year comes about
that the Transportation from Falmouth which is the nearest
market Town (by reason of the badness of the road and
extraordinary blocking Snows was not less then five shilling
p r Hund d w* in lawful silver money before the present war
that said Town is under great disadvantages on acount of
keeping sheep which is so Necessary for Clothing in these
times for altho we have much exerted ourselves in that matter
we are disapointed and have suffered much Loss in them
as well as in other young Cretures) by reason of the wild
beasts of the wilderness our Plantation being New and
many of the Inhabitants very Indigent when they went
theither: have not as yet by far the greatest part of them
been able to procure themselves Houses comfortable to live
in that their unavoidable Expence as a Propriety & a
Town are very great: these and many other difficulties in-
cident to new Towns renders us incapable of paying so large
a Tax as those Towns that lye better Situate and more im-
prov'd said Town by order of the Honorable Court is As-
sess'd May 15 th 1780 in the sum of 8400.00 In Oct r
24 1780 in a sum of 8400-00 In a silver mony Tax of the
Sum of 108 00 and Two Beef Taxes one of 3600 wt at 30/
p r pound 5400 00 another of 6915 lb wt, at 30/pr pound
10372-100 Sum Total of said sums is 32680 10-0
= Including the Silver mony Tax in the Value of Silver
The Charges arising in the Town for hiring Soldiers the
year past and other Necessary Charge is 12910 00 fThe
above said Sums yet remain Due the Town have not been
Able to Discharge any of them and think themselves entirely
unable to pay the whole there of in there Circumstances
96 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
1J Notwithstanding our Indigent Circumstances we feel our
selves as willing to exert our selves for the suport of Gov-
ernment and Carrying on the war as any people in the Com-
monwealth, (according to our ability But we humbly
Conceive we have more laid upon us then our due proportion
with other Towns Compareing Abilities and Circumstances
wherefore humbly pray the Honorable Court to take our
Case into their Consideration and make such abatements of
said Taxes as they in their wisdom shall think just and
Reasonable and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall
ever pray
Simon Frye
Boston January 18 th 1781
Resolve in Favor Town of Fryeburgh.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives February 16 1781
On the petition of Simon Fry in the behalf of the Town
of Fryburgh Setting forth that said Town hath been taxed
a much larger Sum than their Equal Proportion by Reason
of S d Towns being Doomed near Double to what S d Town
ought to have Stood in the last Valuation, f Therefore Re-
solved that the Treasurer of this Common Wealth be & he
is hereby Directed to Stay his Executions from the Town of
Fryburgh untill the further order of the General Court pro-
vided the s d Town of Fryeburgh Pays the one half of all the
Taxes laid on s d Town Since The Last valuation was taken.
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate February 16 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 97
Petition of Paul Revere.
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Massachusetts State, in General Court Assembled
The Petition of Paul Revere who commanded a Corps of
Artillery in the States service Sheweth That Your
Petitioner while in said service had a complaint prefered
against him to the Hon bl Council by one Thomas Jeners
Carnes, for misconduct on the Expedition to Penobscot; on
which Complaint, Your Petitioner was Arrested by the
Hon ble Council; two days after; the Arrest aforesaid was
taken off and Your Petitioner Ordered to attend the ex-
amination of a Committee for investigating the Causes of
the failure of that Expedition ; that He as in duty bound
attended said Committee; and, as your Petitioner under-
stands, the report of said Committee, was never excepted by
both Houses.
That in such a situation as must be deemed greivous to any
Officer, Your Petitioner, petitioned the then Hon ble Council
and House of Representatives six different times, between
the 6 th of Septem r 1779, and the 8 th of March 1780, for a
Tryal by a Court Martial, but did not obtain one, till about
a fortnight before the time expired for which said Corps was
raised. When the Hon ble Council Ordered a Court Martial,
and appointed Col Edward Procter President, which Court
Martial was never summoned by the President, and of course
never mett. The time expiring for which Your Petitioner
was engaged; He has remained ever since suffering all the
indignity which his Enemies, who He conceives have made it
a personal affair, are pleased to impose on him.
Your Petitioner therefore most earnestly Prays this
Hon ble Assembly, to take his case under consideration and
Order either a Court Martial or a number of Officers, three,
five, seven, or any number the Hon ble Court may see proper
98 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Continentals or Militia properly qualified ; who may enquire
into his conduct on said expedition, and report, (all the evi-
dence for and against Your petitioner is in writing sworn too
before the above Committee, and now among the Hon ble
Councils papers, ) that the truth may appear and be published
to the World. And Your Petitioner as in duty bound will
ever pray & c Paul Revere
Boston Jan y 22 1781
Petition of Philip Maret.
To the Hon bl Senate & House of Representatives of the Com-
mon Wealth of the Massachusetts
The Petition of Philip Marett Cap* in Col Tho 8 Crafts'
late State Regiment of Artillery
Humbly Sheweth that your petitioner was in the Said
Regiment from its first forming till sometime in Jan y 1779,
when he was Regularly Discharged by the Hon ble Council to
Serve his Country in another Department most the officers
in Said Regiment has Received there Depreciation, some of
them who have Recived it left the Service before your Peti-
tioner. Your Petitioner was in that unfortunate Expedition
to Penobscut : a Lieu* on bourd the Ship Sky Rockett where
he lost his Cloaths & Bediiig for which of his Services he has
Recived nothing. Your Petitioner begs your Honor's to
Grant him his Depreciation & in Duty bound shall ever
Pray &c Th : Marett
Boston Jan y 22 d 1781
Boston Feb y 24 th 1781
These Certify all whom it may concern, that Capt Phillip
Merett was regularly discharged by Order of the Hon ble
Council from the Mass ts Regiment of Artillery, while under
my Command Tho 8 Crafts
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 99
Resolve in Favor of James Cargill Esq.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Kepresentatives January 22 d 1781
On the Petition of James Cargill Esq. f Resolved
that there be paid out of the Treasury of this State to the
said James Cargill the Sum of five A hundred and forty two
Pounds nine Shillings in the Bills of Credit of the New
Emission in full for Losses and Damages he hath sustained,
on account of the Sloop Nancy, captured by him the said
Cargill in the year 1775.
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate Jan y 23 d 1781
Read & Concurred w th an Amendment at A viz, at A dele
the word five and Insert four
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Jan y 23 : 1781
Read & Concurred
Approv'd John Hancock
W* drawn 25 th inst.
Caleb Davis Speaker
John Springer to General Court.
Sir Immeadst of a see of troble I think on a former Ac-
quantance with your honor I Cannot forbear tacking the
freedom to acquant your honor Somewhat of our Deplorable
Sittwashon we hear att frenchmans Bay have been afruntear
Ever sence the Enemy took stashon att Bageduse for all the
inhabbatnts Betweaen we and them did fall in withe the
Enemy and took the oath of fydelity to their king and we
have kept our Lines ever sence with out the assistance of any
one tell this fall we wase oblged to Call on our Neabours
100 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Eastward of us and obtaind Eighteen of Col Aliens atteach-
ment all mechias to our assistance and Seance theay Left
us our Neabours on Mount Deasert Island have the more
parts of them Been up to the Enemey and taken the oath of
fydelity allso Soo that all this Deay we are all most Sur-
rounded on Every Quarter by the Enemy and their Subjeacts
which Renders our Case more Diffucult and Discurgeing
then Before soo that our fears are not bearly from whate
we have Expearanced this fall but what the Approching
Spring and Sommer may Bring Abought But Still we
flatter ourselves that sence our Constitushon has taken place
and soo worthy a man att the head of our Commonwealth that
their will be something Done for Bageduse
Dear Sir Ant it ameasing to think on ? that About three
hundred Brittish trops and about fifty Refugees cast[e] upon
Bageduse iieack in A littel fort with about Eight Carrege
Guns Should keep all this Steat in an uproer taking and Dis-
troying all our Navegashoii and fishery, ameasing in Dead
I Could wish I had an hundred thousand pounds and the
athority would give me Liberty to Lay it out in the Reduck-
shon of Bageduse I now of now way I Could Lay it out with
soo much plesure ass I Could in that weay if I ware sure it
never would be Replast to me Again in Dead Sir I think
if their wase proper measurs pursued It would be an easey
preay with a Good man, att helme Except the Great God
Should frown on us ass it seam d he Did att our Defeat
But I have faith to think that he is yeat on our side and will
finily vouchsafe our cause if we put our trust in him who Is
the God of armeys
Sir we now present a potishoii for some assistance pro-
vided their Should be ISTo Expedishon formed Against Baga-
duse this Spring and hope it will be taken under your honors
wise Considrashon in General Assembly for should there be
nothing Done for us tiss Emposable for us to keep our Lines
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 101
ass Bageduse is within: 30: miles of us and mecchias 70
from us Soo that we can Geat noo assistance from that before
theay might Distroy our whole Settlment and if we Should
Give Back hear their Is no prospict of another Stand being
made teel theay come to Machias Sir is it posable for
[line missing]
Body Can be Allways Deaf to our Most Sencear Repree-
senttashons thoughtless of our approching Danger and Leave
us a pray to the Cowardly Discretion of our Emplagable
Enemyes and Loose soo vealewable apart of this State Ass
will onavidably fall in to their hands unless a Speedy
Mathord be taken for its Safty Sir It is the oppinion
of thinking men amongst us if we had a hund d and fifty or
two hundred men and the inhabbatants put in pay with a
small matter of artilary we Could hold the Ground with Safty
and troops Stashoned hear wood be a tarrow to Evil Doars
who are amounghts us their prelights and Shimcis and such
for we are not with out such men amounghts us theay Rise
Daly to our Great Surprise Sir we allmost Dispair for fear
we are for saken and Given up for we have not Received soo
much ass any advise from our Leaders this twelve months
we think att Least we Should have that soo we may the Beter
know how to Govern our Sieves I preesume to Assart that
their is a number of well Grounded princable amoungst us
In faver of our Common Cause who hold themselves in
Readiness to Jopperd their Lives in Defence of it if your
honors in your wisdom shall See meet to poynt out some
proper meathord to prosead in Between Bagaduce and
west passemequody their is between :60 : and :70 : Saw Mills
which would in the Season of their Gooing Cut two hundred
Thousand of Lumber Every twenty four howers that have
been Silenced Ever Sence the Enemy took poshon of Baga-
duse is not this a Great Danger to the publick welbe besides
indivaduals that owns them ameasing what Shall I Say more
102 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in my Zeal I Could wright a wole voullom But not nowing
whether it will awile any more than throoing Stones against
the wind I Conclude with subscribing my selfe a well wisher
to the Comon Cause of the Younited States of Amarikey and
with Kespeact your Sencear frind and humble Servant
John Springer
frenchmans Bay the 24' of Jenveary 1781
In Senate March 10 th , 1781
Eead and Kef erred to the Governer & Council to take such
order thereon as they shall think proper
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Kepresentatives March 10* 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Spk r
Memorial of Inhabitants of Frenchmans Bay.
To the Honourable the Senate & House of Representatives of
the Common Wealth of Massachusetts.
The Humble Address of the Distressed Inhabitants of a
place commonly known by the name of Number Two, within
Frenchman's Bay, in the County of Lincoln. Begs leave
to Represent to your Honours, That ever since the Com-
mencm* of the present unhappy War, We have Laboured
through the Greatest Difficulties, which we have Cheerfully
bore, & Defended our Privilidges & our Country's Cause,
against our unnatural Enemies untill the present Day. When
the Brittons took Possession at Bagueduce the other Towns
West of us, fell into their unjust Measures, & took the Oath
of Fidelity to the Crown of England, we made a Stand &
absolutely Refused to give up, untill by force of Arms ; after
the unhappy Defeat at Bagueduce we Returned home & Re-
OF THE STATE OP MAINE 103
sinned the same Principle altho all west of us took a Second
Oath to them, & we still stand out, altho' their Threats &
Invasions are many ; this Fall a Number of Refugees sallied
out on us, took a number of Cattle & some Prisoners, but by
the Dexterity of our Militia the Cattle & Prisoners were soon
Released, & the Ring Leader of the Refugees made prison 1 "
But finding it was their Absolute Determination to Destroy
this place totally & we the Frontier, were und r the Disagree-
able Necessity to call in to our Assistance some of the Millitia
from the Towns east of us, & Col Allan sent us a Lieut,
with Eighteen State Soldiers all which we were Obliged to
Support with provisions by Killing our Cattle & Grinding
up our Grain we had Raised for the Winter, which put us in
great Distress at present, & some men in particular.
We find now that it is their Determination to Subdue us
at all Events, which if they do it is unlikely there will be any
other Stand untill at Machias; which cannot Stand long if
all is Subdued to there, our Distance is Twenty five miles to
Bagueduce and Seventy to Machias, our Millitia are so
Pleagued out, & Provision so Scarce that unless Speedily
Helped, we fear we shall soon fall into their hands, and if we
do, we must Expect no Mercy, as we have Stood out so long,
& they so Exasperated against us, and in particuler the
Murdersome Refugees whose threats Breaths out nothing
but Effusion of Blood and Destruction against us, and if
this place is Subdued it will be an Inlet to the Enemy for a
Large Lumber Trade as well as Large Stocks of Cattle und r
their Command, Likewise the unavoidable Distress of so
many True Subjects to the States.
They have Plunder 'd us of all our Navigation even to our
Fishermen, Stop't all our Trade, & under those Circum-
stances we have as yet stood out, and Still are Determined
to, untill made Prisoners of War, with our Familys and
Interest,
104 DOCTTMENTABY HISTORY
Therefore we humbly pray your Honours to take our Dis-
tress'd Situation into your Wise Consideration, and Grant
us such Assistance as in your Wisdom you may think most
Expedient for us and best for the Common cause of the States.
And if there can be Nothing done for our Protection we
beg leave humbly, your Honours may Grant us a Flag, for
such as will incline to Move off & Save themselves from
Ruin.
Moses Butler
Thomas Moon Committee
William Ingolls
N 2 Within Frenchmans Bay jany 26, 1781
M r Stephen Hardison the Bearer
Report of Resolutions in re Dr. Joseph Gardner.
In Senate Jan y 1781
The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider the
Eepresentation of Doctor Joseph Gardner take Leave to Re-
port the following Resolves which are submitted
The Committee of both Houses upon the Representation
of Doctor Joseph Gardner
Resolved, that Andrew Wisacre and Philip Audibert
wounded at Penobscott, out patient of the State Hospital,
are no longer under the directions of D r Gardner, and he is
not permitted to allow them Rations: f Resolved, that the
Sick Seamen who were Strangers, returned in the Ship Pro-
tector from her last Cruize, and could not be taken in to the
State Hospital & had their necessary's from said Hospital
during their sickness, have the Doctors Bill paid by the
State, and nothing further, f Resolved that the sick negroes
who were Servants on board said Ship & died, have the
Doctors Bill paid by the State & nothing further
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 105
Resolved, that no funeral Charges be paid by the State
for any Seamen belonging to the ship Protector, The wages
of such Seamen as died after the Cruise was up being suffi-
cient for said purpose & the Necessarys from said Hospital
and Doctors Bill is paid by the State. If Resolved, That
some Provision be made for a State Hospital other than that
on Rainsford Island in the Harbour of Boston.
Sam 1 Mather p r Order
In Senate Jan y 26 th 1781
Eead & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Jan y 31 : 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approved John Hancock
J. Allan to President Powell.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Indian Eastern Department Machias January 26 th 1781
Sirs, I had the Honor of writing your Excellency the 2 d
Novmb r by Capt n Preble since which no sutable opportunity
has happened that I could give any Information of Matters
on this Department, f Agreable to what I then Acquainted
your Excellency Respecting the Meeting of the Indians The
14 th of Novemb r Six Canoes Arived from S* Johns with
Those I sent Express and Several others from the Neigh-
bouring Lakes, being anxious about seeing a Priest, did not
want my going to Passamaquody we Immediately met in
Conference but the Indians so Elated with the sight of a
Priest & other Agreeable Inteligence Mix'd with Intoxica-
tion Little coud be done at that Time Agreed to Meet
106 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Them at Passamaquody to fix upon a place for an Incamp-
ment so to have a General Meeting at Christmas TThe
24 th November Went to Passamaquody in Company with the
Priest After seeing them all Incampt and a Small
House Built for the Business of the Winter I returnd to
Machias the 9 th of December during my Absense much Dif-
ficulty Arose respecting Provisions Amoung the Militia, was
Oblidged to discharge Cap n Andrews Company the 13 th
If On the 20 th December Returnd to Passamaquody where I
found deputys from S* Johns & Messages from those belong-
ing on the Confines of Canady & other Villages, the severity
of the season and the necessity of Keeping at Home to pro-
cure provisions prevented Many from Coming but Re-
ceived Great Tokens of Friendship, Seal & Attachment
towards the States, with full Authority to hold a General
Conference. The 3 rd of January we mett on business, I
Acquainted them of the General State of Matters, the Conec-
tion with the French & other Nations Explaned to them the
Message sent by the General Court & French Consul, Repre-
manded for their Conection with the English at Fort How
And Acquainted them what I had proposed to Government
respecting future Conduct To, wit That they Keep Upon
their Hunting Grounds which was within the States that
they follow their Hunt a Truck House to be Established
for Trade upon An Equitable Footing, A Store House to
pay them when Imployd Also necessary presents for such
who Merits and for the poor and Indigent to have some
permaineiit Method to prevent the Impositions of Petty
Traders on condition of a Firm Attachment to the States to
be ready at all Times when call'd upon Either Offencive or
Def encive If This plan was what I have before Com-
municated, & what I further found by private Conversation
Amoung them woud Take the Greatest Effect to wean them
from the Empresions made by the Britons Whoes Con-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 107
duct this fall Amoung the Indians has sett their minds
wavering, Those on S* Johns have received Cloathing for
their Whole Famelys, Arm & Amunition, On Condition they
wou'd Hunt on the Kiver, Trade at Fort How & not To have
Any Conection with the States Their Going to S* Johns
Last Summer, tho they say it was for to see a Priest, it was
as Much to Gete supplys, which they were in Great want of
in that Time, had There Been a Small Assortment for Trade
or Otherways There it woud have prevented all this
If The Indians in Answer to my Speech made a Declaration
which in Gen 1 was that their Zeal affection & attachment was
towards the United States and were ready at all Times to
Attend their Call & Continue in Any Place They should De-
sire if Properly supported, that the whole of Them on S l
Johns & Elsewhere woud remove as early as the season
woud admit But Necessity Compelled to Go to S* Johns
being in the Greatest want for Necessarys They, (and
perticularly at the present Conference) Express the Greatest
Affection for the French, the Connection with whome, much
cements their union with us The Priest which came from
the French Fleete, Appears the Most Calculated for the In-
dians then Any I ever saw either from the French or
Britains, the Steps he has. taken, the Conduct he pursues
gives the Indians the Greatest Satisfaction And which (if
he is permitted to Tarry s) will be of the Greatest Utility &
Benefit in Securing the Interest of the Indians And I am
now well Convinced if sutable Supplys are Laid in for the
Indians to prevent their Going to the Britons for Necessarys,
the whole of them as far as Canada, will Immediately Joyn
for any sort of Bussiness the States may require & in a short
Time win the Adjacent Mickmaks if not the whole for the
Same Purpose After settling all matters I returned the
6 th January Leaving the Priest & Lieut Delesdernier the
former being aged & so Infirm coud not Stand the Cold in an
108 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Open Boat I Expected to have mett the Schooner Nes-
quowoit with Supplys perticularly some provisions for the
Indians, Intending to Keturn Immediately to Passamaquody
in the Schooner finding her not there, sent Express to
Pacify the Indians The 25 th the Priest & M r Delesdernier
returnd to Machias, Brot Inteligence that the Indians were
Greatly Incensed at me in not procuring some provisions for
them & Coming with the Schooner I Immediately sent off
some Ammunition and Apply'd to some Inhabitants at Passa-
maquody to furnish some provisions a Considerable I have
already procured for which I stand Indepted on my Personal
Credit 1f The 13 th the Neshquowoit Arrived, my Trouble &
Anxiety your Excelency will please permit me to Mention,
on the Keturn of the Schooner in Not having some Pro-
visions for the Indians which I had promised them Agree-
able to the Message from the Honb 1 Court, & what Indeed I
coud not have otherways done to bring them together for the
business of the Conference, & to Keep a Number Adjacent to
these Settlements to deter the Designs of the Enemy, as other
Troops coud Not be Raised, A number of these Famelys
Left S* Johns After their Winter Supplys were Laid in
and Several have kept Continualy in the District Intirely
Devoted to the Service & who have done no Other Business
for their Livelyhood But Attended their duty as Soldiers
when called upon Several of them Merrits as much as any
Imployd in the Service According to their Stations
1f By the Resolves of the General Court I perceive nothing
is done for the Indian Department Except Authorizing Your
Excellency to Grant an Exclusive Right to some Person for
the Indian Trade, I did not Take the Liberty to Recommend
their plan as absolutely settled with the several Tribes, Nor
Expected if agreed upon it coud Take place before the In-
sueing season, In the Interim I fully Relyed & Expected
that the Indians woud be supply'd with some Provisions for
. OF THE STATE OF MAINE 109
Immediate Subsistan.ee and Untill the Time they Entered
Upon Other Bussiness to Enable them to procure something
themselves this Discouragement will Create Great Diffi-
cultys, Occation Uneasiness & discontent which even 150
Bushils Corn might have prevented 1f The Plan I had
the Honor to Transmit Your Excellency in my former Letter.
In Conducting the Indian Affairs, I still presume is the most
Elligible only with any Alteration which may appeare in
this, that it will be Highly Requisite to fix Upon Passa-
maquody for the Principle place for General Randevous And
whatever may be done to be as Expeditiously as posible
and Must further Implore in my own Private behalf as
Official, to Fulfill my Promise with Them, that some Supplys
of Cloathing may Come down to pay such as have been Im-
ploy'd if Nothing for the others, as Also provision for the
whole as of the Utmost Coiisiquence in preserving their In-
terests. Permit me further to Inform Your Excellency, as
a Matter that Needs No doubt that the Manner in which
Things are Conducted with the Indians this Season, and
What they perceive in the Attention paid by the States for
their Benifit & Comfort will Govern them & Settle their
Union in future The Great Encouragement Given by the
Britons They View Themselves More Independent than ever
1 When I was with Them and further Acquainted by the
Priest Their Minds are much Lifted up by having a
Reverand Father And the Expectation of Supplys Taulk
Continualy and publickly as well as privately of War. Re-
lying they will be Imployd somewhere, the report has Gone
Abroad every where Amoung the Tribes Consiquently if
they see Nothing to Support Them nor no Encouragement
for their doing Any thing, their Spirits will fall as much
down as they are now Lifted which in General is the Nature
of Indians TfAs soon as my Present Dispatches are for-
warded Shall sett of for Passamaquody where I intend to
110 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Continue Amoung the Indians till the Keturn of the
Schooner 1 The State Transmited to your Excellency re-
specting the Situation of the Country I must further
Acquaint You, is growing more Alarming every day, The
Tolerations & Licences Granted to several persons Opens a
dore for An Open Communication to & from Nova Scotia.
The British Posts Eastward of this gives themselves no
Trouble to Molest or Hinder, Consiquently its evident how
much such persons are Esteemed by the Enemy by pur-
suing some Measures as Agreeable to them, Persons Goes to
the westward Claiming the Rights of Law, It is clear and
evident the same are Permitted to stand in the British Courts
of Judicature & recouver what has been Captured and
Letters in an Open Manner Conveyd to & from Halifax &
Majourbagaduce Persons have been Apprehended here,
whom I have Brot to Examination during which Time, being
on their Parole have Absconded. The Indigent State of the
department and the Multiplicity of Bussiness makes it Im-
practable to pursue such Tf The Inhabitants of Mount
Desert Hitherto the most Zealious to Oppose the Enemy by
the Conduct of Many About them, discouraged & by the small
threats given by the Enemy has in a manner Revolted & all
but about 8 or 10 have been to Majourbagaduce & have taken
the Oath of Allegence f The People of Erenchmans bay
still stand Out & seem Ditermind, they are very solicitous
to be assisted & has wrote me there upon, Hitherto I have
done all in my power to help them but at present Cannot
I must in their Behalf Solicite Your Excellencys Attention,
who as Good Subjects of the Country are deserving of it
TfBy the Submission of Mount Desert, this Department is
Brot into a small Compass only Frenchmans Bay, Goulds-
borough, Narraguagus, Pleasant River & Mechias that there
Can be Any Dependence Upon, The former in a Manner
surrounded with Torys under every Disadvantage By Sea &
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 111
Land IfL 1 Regard to the Military State of Matters here,
I am sorry to Acquaint Your Excellency that it is Im-
practable to Raise Men as Ordered by the Resolve of the
Gene 1 Court the 28 th ]STovemb r every One being Inclined to
pursue his Own Occupation, the small Encouragement given,
the Backwardness on my part in Make'g payment & fullfill-
ing promises I have made, with the Account of the Low State
of the Treasury which many make a bussiness of Probagating
with Agravated Circumstances that it is in a Manner Viewed
as An Insult to propose Such a thing in the Country
Under these Circumstances I have been Oblidged to have
Recourse to Varrious Measures to Keep the Post secure dur-
ing my Absence Amoung the Indians, Apply'd to the Com-
mittee for Advice, by their Recommendation Requested of
the Commanding Officer of Militia to Garrison the Fort,
Being Affraid of pursueing any Method that had a Tendency
to Infringe on the Liberty s of the Militia in their Civil
Capacitys, I agreed to have it done Under the directions of
their Own Officers & in such a Manner as they thot Best
which is the Only way I can pursue at present, to follow any
other thats diffirent from the disposition or Inclinations of
the people woud Occation Broils which in the present Cir-
cumstances of the Country might be of Fatal Consiquences
If Your Excellency will please Excuse the Prolixity of my
Letter being Anxious to Communicate every matter which
Accrues in the department Any Incorrectness or Litegeous-
ness pleas Attribute to the Multiplicity of Bussiness and
anxiety About the Setuation of Affairs in the Department
1fl would now beg of Your Excellency that if thought Ex-
pedient to Continue me in the Command that some perma-
nent Measure may be Taken to Carry on the Business, that
I may be Able to fullfill the Intentions of Government and
to Discharge that Duty of Honor as a Servant of the States
If Shoud Any Matter Appears not satisfactory in my Con-
112 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
duct to your Excellency & the Honor ble Court, I woud pray
the Indulgence to be permited to Go Westward to Give Any
satisfaction Required and would Chuse for the futture if
Continu'd to settle every Matter personally the Supplys not
Coming Induses me to Suppose the Government is not Sat-
isfy'd with my Proceedings in Consiquence I have Orderd
M r Avery to Return with all Expedition in Order to settle
such Public Matters as Remains Unsettled and if agreeable
to Your Excellency will proceed for Boston if thought Neces-
sary on the Return of the Yessell Jan y 31 st | The Vessell
being detaind and my Letter not Closed I have further to
Inform Your Excellency that Last Evening an Express Ar-
rived from the Committee of Frenchmans Bay, That Several
Persons Adjacent were Useing their Endeavours to win the
Inhabitants to the Britons that some of That District had
Been at Bagaduce, Disposed of a Large Quantity of Lumber
- He Returned Openly Defying every Authority That the
said Lumber is now at the Risque of the Britons who were
Expected soon That such Discouragement Appeared that
they were Fearefull if Something was not Done Immediate-
ly, the Inhabitants Some thro fear & some from Necessity
must submit I intend to proceed that way myself Imme-
diately on the Departure of the Vessell If Have Also Re-
ceived Certain Inteligence that three small Privateers were
Fitting Out Privately at Annapolis to Cruise of this Har-
bour the Biggening of April
I have the Honor to Be with all posible Respect Your
Excellency Most obedient hum 16 Servant
J Allan
In Senate February 14 th 1781
Read & Sent down with the memorial accompanying the
same
Jer: Powell Presi dt
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 113
In the House of Representatives Feb y 15 : 1781
Read & thereupon Ordered that Cap* Patch Major Page
& M r Fry of Fryburgh with such as the Hon. Senate shall
appoint be a Committee to take into Consideration this Letter
& the Memorial accompanying the same & to report what
may be proper to be done thereon
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate February 16 th 1781
Read & Concurred & John Pitts & Stephen Choate Esq"
are joined
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Petition of Inhabitants of Winslow.
To His Excellency John Hancock Esq r Captain General and
Governour in chief, in and over the Commonwealth of
the Massachusetts Bay in New England & c & c
To The Honourable the Senate of Said Commonwealth and
the Honourable the House of Representatives in General
Court Assembled
The Petition of us the Subscribers, a Committee Chosen
by the Inhabitants of Winslow, at a Legal Town Meeting held
the 16 th Instant, in Order to Represent to Government the
presant State & condition of said Town of Winslow Humbly
Sheweth That sometime last fall a Number of Indians, to
the amount of Twenty families consisting of Ninety Nine,
men women and Children came and Settled, near Fort
Hallifax, and have built what they call a village for them-
selves, They brought no necessaries of life for their support
with them, nor anything to purchase it, when they first came
the skins and furrs they had, they exchanged for rum in a
short space, They said they had sent some of their men to
J14 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Boston in Order to get Stores for them and that they had
had assurances of being found in what they wanted This
quieted the Inhabitants by which means the Indians was
not obstructed in either settling or residing in said town,
and the Inhabitants was kind to them, in giving them
provisions, beyond what reasonably could be expected
from such a new settlement as we are, But upon return of
their men, and particuliarly Co 1 Brewer, they, as well as the
Inhabitants found they were to have no Stores from Boston
this winter, which threw the Inhabitants into a Delemma,
Thinking they were now necessiated to support the lives of
these people, as the winter was then fully set in. The In-
habitants applyed to the Select men for redress of Grievances,
who upon Strict enquiry found that one forth part of the
Inhabitants of the Town, had not provisions to bring them
to the first day of March, the Consequence then was that the
burden must fall on the other three quarters, but upon
further enquiry, the half of the three quarters foresaid could
only support their own families till the first of May. The
case being thus circumstanced, and no Mercat. to Supply
either them or the Inhabitants Occationed the Town meeting
aforesaid. This winter is unfavourable for hunting by
reason there is no Crust on the Snow, besides the Indians
are fifty miles from their hunting ground, and cannot get
provisions to carry them there, They got an order from Gen-
eral Wadsworth on the agent, who receives beef, for 1000 w*
The town of Winslow immediately advanced the 1000 w*
of beef to them, which will last them but a short time. There
is a misunderstanding among the Indians, They are possessed
with an opinion that cannot easily be removed, That the
State, and even individuals are under an obligation to Sup-
port them in all their Extravagancies, which makes them
Extravagant in their demands, to that degree that they often
want the Inhabitants to kill their cows and Sheep for them
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 115
without makeing any provision for the payment thereof, with
threatnings and even violence offered They have a great
number of dogs that are voraceous and wild, they seize on all
tame animals without provocation, and follows them till they
kill them, This had like to breed much trouble last fall, the
dogs killed many sheep and several young cattle, when the
Inhabitants told the Indians they would kill their dogs if they
did not take care of them their answer was, if any one would
kill their dogs they would kill a Cow for every dog, now the
Spring of the year is advancing when the cattle will go out
to the woods after food, if the Indians dogs kill them, the
owners will kill the dogs, which if the Indians resent the
Consequence must be bad, and instead of preserving peace
with the Indians, there will be an unavoidable war, we doubt
not that the Government ment well in placeing a truck house
for the Indians at fort Hallifax, But as the most of bad
examples take their rise from good Designs, this is likely to
be the case here if not timeously prevented, your petitioners
in behalf of the Town of Winslow humbly pray that your
Excel! 8 and Honours will consider our distressing Cir-
cumstances, and Discontinue the Truck at Fort Hallifax and
move it if your wisdom think fit, some miles above the In-
habitants, either on Sibeslucook or kennebeck rivers by this
means, the Indians will not often Incorporate with the In-
habitants, and when they get Drunk their quarrells will be
among themselves, besides they will be near their hunting
ground, and Consequently more industerous than they appear
to be at present, for they now take advantage of our other
Difficulties and value their friendship much, which they are
set upon to sell as dear as they can, The Town of Winslow
have always strictly adhered to the orders of the General
Court, since the commencement of the presant war, both with
respect to raising - their quota of men for the Continental
army, the years past, and others, on Special Occations, and
116 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
are still willing to Comply to the outmost of our powers, At
presant there is four men required of this Town for the Con-
tinental army for three years or during the war, we have
made Tryal to Inlist them, but cannot accomplish it, Your
petitioners pray your Exellency and honours will consider
this town as being a frontear to the Enemy at Penobscut and
liable to alarms from thence which we have often experienced,
besides the Indians are an unsteady people and there is more
in number of them fighting men than Inhabitants and on
these considerations acquit us from raising these four men
required, at least that we may not be ammercated for neglect,
and a reasonable time allowed us, There is another re-
quisition on this Town for 2420 wt of beef, we have ad-
vanced 1000 wt of it for the Indians as before set forth, the
remaining 1420 wt the several Inhabitants of this town have
given to the Indians in provisions of some kind or other,
Therefore we hope this town will be Considered as having
Satisfied for their Quota of beef required, and that we may
be properly Discharged from any further payment of said
beef and your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray
Ezekiel Pattee John M c Kechnie
Winslow Jan ry 27 th 1781
Petition of John Gushing.
To the Honourable the Senate the Honourable the House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The petition of John Gushing in behalf of himself and
John Wormsley, humbly sheweth, that your petitioner and
the said Wormsley, have fitted for sea, two large Letter of
marque ships, one called the Polly John Burk, master, the
other the Black Queen Samuel Dunn, master, pierced for
Eighteen guns and will mount Twelve Iron six pounders
each, which ships they propose to load for the West Indies
OF THE STATE OF MAItfE 117
at Casco Bay, and intend they shall sail in Company with
another ship of the same force that is loading at Portsmouth ;
and they wish to take on board said ships a few large masts,
which (tho' an Act of this Commonwealth restraining the
Exportation) they conceive may be of public utility at this
time as the three ships make up such a force as renders it
highly probable of their going in safety, and if they arrive
safe must greatly serve our Allies the French (at whose
request the restraining Act was principally made) as well as
many American Vessels, who have suffered so amazingly in
the late hurrycane in the West Indies, and to facilitate the
loading said ships your petitioner wou'd be glad to purchase
of the State a few of the large Spars, they have laying at
Casco Bay under the care of the Honor ble Board of War, and
to discount the same with said Board for a Debt due from
them to your petitioner.
Therefore your Petitioner humbly prays that your Honours
would take the matter under your serious consideration, and
as others have lately been allow'd to carry large Spars, have
no doubt but we shall have the same Indulgence; and that
you will be pleased to give your Permit for loading the said
ships, and that if the Spars before mentioned are not wanted
for the use of Government, that you will be pleased to give
your Directions to the Honourable Board to dispose of them,
and your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Jn dishing.
Boston January 27 th 1781.
Resolve in re Beef For Army.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In House of Kepresentatives Jan y 29 th 1781
Whereas it has been represented to this Court that there
is a quantity of Beef Collected and Salted in the Counties of
118 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Cumberland & Lincoln upon the first requisition | That
Beef will be wanted for the Troops in that Quarter there-
fore f Resolved that the whole Quantity of Beef which has
been raised upon the first requisition, and that has or may
be raised on the second requisition in the Counties of Cum-
berland and Lincoln be retained in s d Counties untill the
further orders of the Gen 1 Court, and that Eben r Pribble be
& hereby is appointed Commissioner for the County of Cum-
berland and Dummer Sewell Esq r for the County of Lincoln
to collect said Beef into proper Stores and take special care
that the same be well secured & preserved, and to give dupli-
cate Receipts to the Agents from whome they may receive
said Beef one of which Receipts s d Agents are directed to
lodge in the Secretaries office If and it is further Resolved
that the Agents for said Counties of Cumberland & Lincoln
be & hereby are directed forthwith to pay the Monies they
have or may receive upon the first and second requisition in
lieu of Beef into the hands of the Superintendant of this
Commonwealth taking duplicate Receipts for the same one of
which to be lodged in the secretaries office. If And where-
as it appears that several Towns &c have Collected their
money in lieu of Beef upon the first requisition but have not
had opportunity to pay the same to the Committee or Agents
Resolved that the Committee and their Agents shall re-
ceive money in lieu of Beef of the said Deficient Towns &
Plantations untill the Twentieth day of February next at the
rate of Three Pounds seven shillings & six pence of the new
Emission & Hundred weight f and whereas there is a defi-
ciency of Returns from Several of the Towns &c of the Beef
& money they have supplied upon s d first requisition said
Towns & plantations are hereby notified forthwith to make
returns into the secretaries office of such Certificates as they
have received or may receive from the Committee or Agents
as they would avoid the penalty provided in the Resolve
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 119
of the 25 th of September last. The Superintending Com-
mittee are also directed forthwith to lodge in the Secretaries
office a List of the supplies each Town & Plantation has made
either in Beef or Money f and the Secretary is hereby
Directed to publish in the several Newspapers such part of
these Resolves as Make provishon for Lengthing out the
time for Receiving Money in Lieu of Beef & also Calling for
the Returns from the several Towns & Emmeadietly A Send
forward to B M r Eben r Pribble & Dummer Sewell Esq r c
their appointment
In Senate Jan y 29 th 1781
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
Read & Concurred with the amendments at A to B & C
viz at A dele from A to B : send forward to & insert to notify
at C insert of
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Jan y 29 : 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approved John Hancock
Petition of Benjamin West.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honorable Senate
and honorable House of Representatives in General
Court Assembled Jan y 1781
The Petition of Benjamin West of Roxbury in the County
of Suffolk Labourer, humbly Shews that in the year 1775 he
entered into the Service of his Country and continued therein
untill he was taken prisoner at the Siege of Quebec where he
p
120 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Suffered a Eigorous imprisonment for the space of Nine
Months, in addition to which he had the misfortune to be
robbed of all his Cloaths, consisting of a Great Coat, Blanket,
Beaver Hat, Jacket & Breeches, Shoes & Stockings, besides a
firelock & accoutrements all of which were his own property
that after having served in the Army several times, he was
taken by force and carried to Penobscot and there served
faithfully untill the Return of the Troops from that un-
happy Expedition, in which Service he was also so unfortu-
nate as to lose a Great Coat, Jacket, Breeches, two Shirts,
trousers & overhawls, by which losses and Sickness your
Petitioner is greatly reduced, & almost in a suffering Condi-
tion, nor has he received for his Services at Penobscott any
Wages or allowance whatsoever The Circumstances and
Sufferings of your Petitioner, being thus Singular & dis-
tressing he doubts not your honors disposition to relieve and
to do justice to one who has not been backward to step forth
in defence of the Cause of Liberty in every time of danger
the above facts your Pet r will make appear whenever your
honors will grant him that liberty He therefore prays the
Honorable Court to make him such Allowance & Compensa-
tion for his Services and great losses, as your Honors in your
great Wisdom & humanity shall think reasonable TfAnd
as in duty Bound will ever pray
Benjamin West
Boston Feb y 6, 1781
This may Certify that Benj. West was prest on board the
Warren Friggate at the time she went to Penobscot
S Cooper, Purser of s d Ship
Boston February 1781
An accompt of the loses I sustained in the Service ac-
cording to the best of my Judgment. As hard money goes
now one Dollor : 6-0
OF THE STATE OF MAIXE 121
my great Cote or Surtout Six Dolors 140
Blanket 2 Dols 9
Beaver hat 8 Dolors 140
Jacket Breaches 7 Dolors 140
Shoes & stockings 2 Dolors 090
Firelock & accoutrements 12 Dolors 300
Lowance of provisions When I was Starving in the Woods
20 dols.
The loss I sustane by going to penobscot
a french great Cote Seven dolars 140
Jacket and Breeches 3 d 13 4
Two Shirts 3 Dolors 18
Trowsers & ovehals 3 Dolors 15
53 Dolors 11 4
Wages due to me for going to penobscot What my superiors
think just I am Content to receive So I Remane my Coun-
trys friend
Benjamin West
the expences of my Witness that Sworn for me and several
days I have spent hard Dolors myself
Suffolk Ss. Feb y 16 th 1781.
Then the above named Benjamin West personally ap-
peared before me and made Oath that he lost the several
Articles above mentioned
Before Richard Cranch Jus: Pacis
Boston February 7 1781
I James Welch of Boston being of Lawful Age do Testify
and Declare that in the Latter Part of the Summer in y e
year 1775 I the s d Welch was with Benjamin West of Rox-
bury Inlist under Capt Thair who went under Col Arnold
to Quebec and there in the storming of Quebeck the s d West
was Taken prisoner and Detained their and that the s d West
122 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Lost all his Cloaths Except what he had on his Back and
further the Deponent Saith not
James + Welch
Suffolk Feb y 7 th 1781
Then James Welch appeared & after being duly cautioned
to testify the whole truth made oath to the foregoing declara-
tion to which he has set his mark, taken at the request of
Benj a West before me
Joseph Greenleaf Justice peace
This may certify that I was at the siege of Quebeck in the
year 1775 with Gen 1 Arnold & that Benj a West was also
there & taken prisoner, lost his clothes & was left in Captivity
Elias Goddard
Suffolk Feb y 7 th 1781
Then Elias Goddard appeared & made oath to the truth
of the foregoing certificate by him Subscribed before me
Joseph Greenleaf Justice peace
Memorial of John Allan.
Indian Eastern Department To the Honorable The Senate
and House of Eepresentatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts If The Memorial of John Allan, Con-
tinental Agent and Commander in Chief of Indians
Eastern Department
Your Memorialist Having for some Time The Honor of
Superintending the affairs of this Department as also the
Military Command, by the Smiles of Providence has so far
succeeded in the Business as to Secure The Interist of the
Indians & Preserving the Country as far as Union River.
The Indians in general have had no Correspondence with
the Britons Till Last Summer, When by verry great Encour-
agement from the Enemy so far had Influence over Them, as
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 123
to draw Near the Whole, from This Post By the Negotia-
tions this fall, Your Memorialist has had the further happi-
ness to secure the Interists of said Indians, As also many
More that had not been in Micmaks and others from the
Confines of Canada Some of Whome has Removed this Winter
on Snow Shoes, the Whole Intending to Leave that River as
soon as the Season will Any way Permit
By the Deficiency of Supplys, which was Ordered by the
former Hono bl Court and the present Indigent State Your
Memorialist has Labourd under the Greatest DifHcultys in his
Business, and the Setuation of the Winter being Semiler to
the Last, has a Tendency of Much discouragement to the
Indians Your Memorialist Has Transmited to his Excel-
lency the Governor The Setuation of the Department, which
your Memorialist would beg Leave to Recommend to Your
Honors Notice as of the Greater Consiquence for the Safety
of the Country
Your Memorialist Has Also been Obliged to procure
Necessarys to a Considerable Amount, As well for supplying
the White Troops as the carrying on The Business of Indians,
The Latter of Which will ever Create considerable Expences
& which cannot be Evited, perticularly where they Are Liable
to have Conections with the Enemy The Extenciveness of
their Terretores the Varrious Sentiments Among them Com-
mands every Attention to Carry a Shew of Dignity & Consi-
quence, which must be always pursued with Indians
Your Memorialist Therefore Humbly prays Your Honors
to Grant Him 600 for the purpose of Defraying Expences,
which has been Contracted & may arrise before Supplys
Comes down, as he now stands Indepted for a Considerable
Upon his Personal Credit f Also that your Honors woud
Order the Provisions Borrowed as before orderd by Court
to be Returnd That the Rations & Encouragement
promised and made by me to the Ranging Company Under
124 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Cap n Dyer Last winter, who were of The Greatest Utility &
who Deserves the Greatest Encouragement, May be Granted.
Your Memorialist Humbly Kequests that the Encourage-
ments for the Troops there Supplys for Indians, and other
necessarys, for the Public Use before Requested, the Two
former Indians in Particular Your Memorialist Must take
the Liberty to L T rge with the Greatest Importunity f Your
Memorialist further Requests, If he Continues Longer in the
business of the Department, that he may have Instructions,
in what Manner to proceed in future As Hitherto He has
been Unacquainted with what the Government would have
perticularly done with the Indians Only Acted on his Own
Judgment ]f Your Memorialist Begs Leave to Submitt the
whole to Your Honour's Wisdom & Consideration, Relying
on the Detirmiiiation Respecting The Primesses.
J Allan
Machias February 1 st 1781
Petition of John Clashing.
In the House of Representatives Feby 1781
On the Petition of John Gushing praying for leave to
Load two ships with masts & Sparrs f Resolved that the
prayer thereof be granted and the said John dishing be &
he hereby is permitted to Load the Ship called the Polly
John Burk Master & the Ship Black Queen Samuel Dunn
Master with Mast & Sparrs for the West Indies any law or
Resolve to the Contrary not With standing ^f Resolved that
the Board of War be and they are hereby directed to dispose
of what Mast & Spars they have on hand at the Eastward
for the most they Can & pay the money they shall receive for
the Same to such persons as have Demands on them in be-
half of this Common Wealth
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 125
The Memorial of Owners of Ships Black Prince and Hector.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Eepresentatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
assembled.
May it please your Honours
We your memorialists, late Owners of the Ships Black
Prince & Hector, lost at Penobscot, in the service of the
Public, having apply'd to the General Assembly of this State,
imploring relief & justice without adequate success, humbly
desire your attention to this second representation of our
Complaint. We beg leave to repeat, that at a time when we
were struggling under recent misfortunes, and many of us
encountring constant disappointments, in every attempt, even
to procure subsistence; when our hopes were most sanguine,
while our necessities were most urgent, our Ships were de-
manded by the authority of the State, and sent on the ruinous
enterprize against the Enemy at Penobscot. Since many of
us were reduced to depend on the success of our vessels in
the Summer Cruize which we had meditated, we were ex-
tremely solicitous for the event of an expedition, in which
so important a part of our whole Estates was involved; and
when some evident circumstances taught us to expect the
Calamity which seemed inevitable, we could only wait the
event, in melancholy & mortifying Silence. Relying how-
ever on the authority of our country, which promised speedy
& ample indemnity, we early took measures for this purpose :
but having no immediate prospect of a recompence, so just
& reasonable without more serious exertions, we did in Sep-
tem r last present a Memorial to both Houses of Assembly,
setting forth our losses, the reasonable hopes on which we
grounded our application, and requesting performance of the
public faith, pledged to Us in the beginning of the expedition,
which promised ample redress in Case of misfortune, without
126 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
delay or equivocation. From this application we obtained a
Eesolve of Court for one thousand pounds each in the new
Currency, a Sum of small account in building a twenty Gun
Ship, and for the Balance to be paid in public Notes of
Credit, which to us as merchants could be of little present
value, unless to remind us of that former wealth, which
enabled us to make these unrewarded Exertions, and of our
cruel Disappointment.
Referring Ourselves therefore to this Hon ble Assembly, the
first, formed under a Constitution of Government processing
Justice and Liberty as its Object, and founded on the basis
of public Virtue, we humbly take leave to observe, that our
Necessities are not slight and equivocal, but Serious, im-
portant and distressing that we sue to your Honours not
for a ratification of the contract, but that it may be cancelled
and completed, that the Compensation we now expect, is
either in Ships, as valuable as those taken from us, or the
direct means of procuring them our selves: that altho' the
ultimate value of public Notes is indisputable, yet they can-
not be received, or considered by Us, as an equivalent, to
property, that cannot be purchased with them; and that
current Money alone, will enable Us in any decent measure,
to redress our calamitous circumstances, and therefore can
alone be considered as the equivalent, so solemnly pledged
to Us by the highest authority, in the Commencement of this
Contract.
We do therefore most earnestly but dutifully entreat the
attention of this honorable Assembly to our Memorial ; that
we may be enabled to make those great & expensive Exertions,
which the Circumstances of our Country now require, and
which are expected from every Freind to the Commonwealth ;
and being secure in the religious observance of the public
faith, that we may be ready at all times when demanded, to
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 127
aid every public Exertion, with the Zeal of our Hearts, and
the Weight of our private Fortunes.
Geo Williams
pr order of the owners of ship Black prince
Jon a Peele Jun r
pr order of the Owners of the Ship Hector
Resolve on Petition of Williams and Peel.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb'y 5 1781
The Committee appointed to Consider the Petition of Cap 1
George Williams & Jonathan Peel in behalf of themselves
& the other Owners of y e Ships Hector & Black Prince lost
in y e Penobscot Expedition (Praying they may be imme-
diately paid for s d Ships &c for reasons set forth in said
Petition) Have attend d that Service, & after duly consider-
ing the same, find it is not possible for Government in the
present state of y e Treasury and the immediate demands on
it for the support of y e Army, to discharge s d Debts at this
time
Therefore Resolved that s d Petitioners, be directed as soon
as possible to settle the acct 8 of s d Losses with the Board of
War, & ascertain the exact balances due to them, & that the
General Court will, as soon as the state of y e Treasury will
admit of it, Make provision for the payment of the same
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate Feb y 15 th : 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Pres dt
Approved John Hancock.
128 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition James Littlefield.
To the hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts the Petition of James
Littlefield humbly sheweth
That your Petitioner supplied the Indians under the Com-
mand of Col John Allan with the Articles mentioned in the
annexed Account amounting to sixty eight pounds 12/ in
hard money & he humbly prays your Honors that you would
be pleased to order him Payment for the same in such money
as is equivalent or in such other Way as to your Honors may
in Justice & Equity see fit & your Petitioner as in Duty
bound will ever pray
James Littlefield
The United States To James Littlefield Dr.
To Sundrys Supply'd a party of Men & Indians at Passa-
maquody Commanded by Major George Stillman, under
Colo Allans Command in Aug* 1779 Viz 1
15 ft) Tea @6/ 4 10-
20 ft Sugar @ I/- 1
1/2 barrell Pork 3 14
1/2 C Bread 1 10
10 Gallon West Indian Rum 6
16.. 14-
Suffolk Ss
Boston Feb y 6 th 1781
Personally appeared Cap 1 James Littlefield the Signer of
the within Ace 1 & made Solemn Oath that the Same was
just & True Before me
To Sundrys Supply'd Said Indians in the service under Col
Allan's Superintendence Viz 1
11/2 barrells Pork 3 14
2 bbls flour 4 8
1 Tierce Rice 5-1-0 48/ 12 12
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 129
500 W* of Ship Bread 15
iy 2 bbles Beef 2
20 K> Sugar 1
4 Blankets @ 4 p r Pr 8
1 Large Dish (Pewter) .. 12
6 Plates 1
68 .. 12
Boston Feb y 1781
Errors Excepted Hard money.
Boston Feb y 6 th 1781
This may Certifie that the Indians mentioned in the within
Ace* were at that Time in the Service of the United States
under the Superintendency of Colo John Allan
Ja 8 A very, Agent to said Colo Allan
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Eepresentatives Feb y 16 : 1781
Ordered that the Committee appointed to consider a
Memorial of Col. John Allan & a Letter from s d Co 1 Allan
addressed to the Governor, be a Committee to take into
Consideration a Petition of James Littlefield & to report
what may be proper to be done thereon
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate February 16 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Resolves on Measures of Defence &c.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives, Feb y 9, 1781
Whereas the defence of the Eastern parts of this Common-
wealth against the unjust encroachments and depredations
130 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of the Enemy is an object that demands the immediate at-
tention of Government, and whereas the time for which the
troops late commanded by Brigadier Wadsworth were raised
is now elapsed and the Country by that means exposed, not
only to the ravages of the Enemy but also to the more
rapacious Cruelties of refugee Tories from various parts
under their influence & direction. Therefore Resolved, that
all the Troops raised or to be raised in the Counties of York
Cumberland and Lincoln pursuant to a resolution of this
Commonwealth of the second day of december last be and
they are hereby detain'd in said Counties untill the further
pleasure of Congress and his Excellency Gene 1 Washington
respecting their future destination be known; but subject in
the meantime to the orders and disposition of the s d Hon ble
Major General Lincoln within said Counties or either of
them f And Whereas a small J^aval Establishment within
this Commonwealth the ensuing Season is essentially neces-
sary for the security of our Coasts and the protection of our
Trade, Therefore Resolved that the two armed Sloops each
of which, to mount twelve 4 pounders be immediately pro-
cured manned and equipped for Sea, to be employed for the
protection of the Sea Coast of this Commonwealth until the
first day of Dec r next but Subject however to such special
orders as the respective Commanders may from Time to
Time receive from the Governor of this Commonwealth
Tf And it is further Resolved that the said Sloops during their
continuance in Service as aforesaid be on the Establishment
made or that may hereafter be made for armed Vessels in
the Service of Said Commonwealth. If And it is further
Resolved that one Row Gaily be also procured and equiped
to be under the direction of the Commanding Officer in said
Counties for the time being and manned by the Troops as
occation may require f And it is further Resolved that two
Boatbuilders be appointed to repair the Whaleboats now in
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 131
the Counties of Cumberland and Lincoln and to perform
such other business as the Commanding Officer shall direct:
to be furnished by the Commissary Gen 1 of said Common-
wealth with Tools and other articles necessary in that de-
partment from time to time that they continue in said Serv-
ice untill the first day of dec r next unless sooner discharged
and that they be allowed four pounds each p r Month for each
Callender month they may be in Service, f And it is further
Resolved that the Surgeons who attended the Troops and
furnish'd them with their own private medicine, at Falmouth
and Thomaston during the last Season be directed to lay their
accounts before the General Court for Examination allow-
ance and payment t And whereas the necessity of an early
supply of provisions Amunition and other Articles in order
to give energy and effect to our military Opperations in
these parts is apparently great and indispensible therefore
Resolved That the Continental Commissary of Issues now
in Boston be requested immediately to procure 200 barrells
of Flour and 100 barrells Pork and in case the said Commis-
sary shall be unable to procure the whole or any part of said
provisions, the Commissary General of this Commonwealth
be and he is hereby directed to procure said Flour and pork
or so much thereof as to make up the aforesaid quantity and
that the same be charg'd to the United States And it is
further Resolved that the Continental Commissary of war-
like Stores be requested immediately to prepare for trans-
portation 2000 pounds of powder and 3000 Flints f And
whereas it appears that the said Commissary of warlike
Stores is unable to Supply many Articles within his depart-
ment which will be immediately wanted in the Counties
aforesaid therefore
Resolved that the Commissary General of this Common-
wealth be and he is hereby directed immediately to procure
and fit for transportation the following Articles and that the
132 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
same be charged to the United States viz* 400 fire Arms with
an equal number of Bayonets 4000 pounds of Lead 400
Cartridges Boxes 200 hatchets 400 Knapsacks Ten Eheams
of Cartridge Paper ten pounds of brown thread suitable for
making Cartridges five bullet moulds of different Sizes fitted
for running Balls from 16 to 24 in the pound and one Ladle
to each mould and one sett of Armourers Tools and in case
the said Commissary should be unable to procure the Flour
and pork aforesaid for want of money to purchase the same
then Oliver Phelps Esq r Superintendant of purchases for
this Commonwealth is hereby directed to furnish the Com-
missary General thereof with said pork and flour or a suffi-
cient sum of money to purchase the same out of the money
which he has or may receive in Lieu of Beef If And it is
further Kesolved that all the articles aforesaid which the
several Commissary's aforesaid are directed to procure be
delivered to such person or persons as the Governor may
appoint to receive and convey the same to Falmouth in the
County of Cumberland there to be under the direction (of
the Commanding Officer and by him secured in some safe
place in said County for the use of the Troops as Occassion
may require 1f Resolved that the Governor be and he is
hereby desired immediately to write to his Excellency Gen-
eral Washington representing the Critical and distressing
situation of the three Eastern Counties in said Common-
wealth but more especially the County of Lincoln the im-
portance of said Counties to this and the United States of
America, as well as to the Enemy who now consider said
Counties as one principal Object of their attention the
necessity of retaining within the same the Troops raised or
to be raised in said Counties on the Continental Establish-
ment pursuant to a Resolve of the General Court of the 2 d
day of Dec r last amounting to 473 in the whole and therefore
(in behalf of this Commonwealth) to request his Excellency
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 133
the General to order that said Troops may be appointed to the
immediate defence of said Counties and that they remain
within the same during the present unfavorable appearances
there and that his Excellency General Washington Will
be pleased to order how said Troops shall be Officered and
Arranged
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate Feb y 9 th 1781
Eead & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presid*
Approv d John Hancock
True Copy Attest
John Avery Sec 7
Petition Town of Washington.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
27, 1780
To the Honorable Senate and To the Honorable House of
Eepresentatives In General Court Assembled
The Petition of The Town of Washington in the County of
Berkshire, in Said Common Wealth Humbly Sheweth
T That The Town of Washington aforesaid in the Year One
Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy Seven Was doom'd to
find their Quota of one hundred & Thirty Poles in Said
Town to Serve in the Army for Three Years or During the
Warr f Whereas in fact their was at that Time but seventy
four poles and no more. 1 That the said poor Town found
their Quota for one hundred & thirty men instead of Seventy
four, to Serve in the Continental Army f That The Said
poor Young Town is in the Utmost Difficulties, and Unable
to pay more then their proportion of Taxes. Most Humbly
134 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Prays Your Honors would Remitt Them their Charge in
finding Six Men More then their Quota &c and Your Peti-
tioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray &c
pr order of the above said town
Ahimaas Easton
Resolve in favor of the Town of Washington.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb y 13, 1781
The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the
Complaint made by the town of Washington in Respect to
their being Called upon by the General Court to furnish more
than their Equil proportion of men in the last Requisition for
men to fill up the Continental Army, have attended that
Service, and beg leave to Report by way of Resolve
Whereas it appears to this Court that the Town of Wash-
ington in the last Valuation were doomed one third part too
high, in polls & Estate, upon which doom Six men was ap-
portioned to that Town in the last Requisition for men to fill
up the Continental Army Therefore Resolved that the Town
of Washington be Required to furnish four men as their
Quota of men to fill up the Continental Army for three years
or dureing the War with Great Britain, upon the last Requisi-
tion, and no more
Sent up for Concurrence Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate Feb y 16 th 1781
Jer: Powell Presd 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on Petition of Pepperrellbor .
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives Eeb y 14 : 1781
On the Petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Pep-
perrelboro 1 " Praying that they might be releived from Pro-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 135
curing any More Men for the Continental Army. Then an
Equal Proportion with other Towns,
Whereas it appears by the Schedule of Nov r 29 th last for
filling up the Continental Army, That the Town of Pep-
perrelboro 1 " has one Man More assigned to them by said
Schedule then their equal share, and that a Plantation called
Shapleyboro 1 " has none assigned to them, which Ought to
have One. Therefore Eesolved, One Man be deducted
from the Town of Pepperrellboro r and be laid on said
Shapleyboro 1 " and the Brigadier of the County of York is
hereby Directed to Inform said Town & Plantation of this
Resolution that they may conform themselves accordingly.
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate Feb y 14, 1781
Read and concurred
Jer: Powell Presid*
Approved John Hancock
[For Resolve see date Jan 7 l flt 1781]
Petition of Ebenezer Thomas.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lincoln Ss To the Honor-
able Senate and House of Representatives of said Com-
monwealth in General Court assembled February 1781
Ebenezer Thomas of Pittston in said County, a Soldier
in Col M c Cobbs Regiment in the Expedition to Penobscot
in the Year 1779, Humbly sheweth, | That on the Retreat
from said Penobscot, he was ordered by the General to go
on board the Ship Hamden, Cap* Salser as a Marine, that
he was taken by the Enemy in said Ship, whereby he lost a
good Fire-Ann and Cartouch Box, of the Value of four
pounds New Currency He therefore humbly requests your
I
136 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Honors, that he may have Compensation made him there-
fore And your Petitioner, as in Duty bound, shall ever
pray &c Ebenezer Thomas
Lincoln Ss February 16, 1781
Then Cap* Timothy Heald made Oath, that Ebenezer
Thomas a Privet Soldier in his Company, on the Retreat
from Penobscot, lost his Fire arm, by the Enimy
Before me
Joseph North
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 1781
On the Petition of Eben Thomas of Pittston, in the County
of Lincoln Praying for Compensation for a Fire Arm he lost
in the Expedition to Penobscot ^Resolved that there be
allowed paid out of the Treasurer of this Common Wealth
to Eben Thomas of Pittston the Sum of Three Pounds in
the New Emission in full for the loss of his Fire Arm
Sam 1 Huntington to Gov r Hancock.
Philadelphia February 17, 1781
Sir,
By the inclosed Resolve of the 15 th Instant your Excel-
lency will be informed of the Sentiments of Congress re-
specting the Eastern Indian Department; and that the
Governor & Council of Massachusetts are empowered to
compleat the Company of Artillery at the Post of Machias
to a Number not exceeding sixty five Men including Officers,
to be under the Command of Colonel J Allen, and to be raised
& supported at the Expence of the United States With
the highest respect I have the honor to be your Excellency's
Most obed* & Most hbble Servant
Sam. Huntington President
His Excelly Governor Hancock
OF THE STATE OP MAINE 137
Memorial of Joseph North.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lincoln Ss. To the Honor-
able the Senate and House of Eepresentatives of the
said Commonwealth in General Court assembled
Govern. 1780
Joseph North, of Pittston in said County, Humbly
Sheweth, f That the Incursion of the Enemy from Majabag-
gaduce into the interior Parts of the said County whereby
the Brigadier General was captivated, his and the property
of others consumed by Fire, Cattle stolen and driven off, and
the principal Men of the County, for their Zeal and Attach-
ment to our glorious Cause, in imminent Danger of sharing
the same Fate; Together with the Damage done on the Sea
Coasts by Numbers of Vessels, particularly Wood-Coasters,
being Captured and Destroyed by the Enemy's Privateers
and armed Boats, which in a Manner cut off all Communi-
cation by Sea between this County and the other parts of the
State; and many other Grievances to which the good People
of the said County have been for a long Time subject from
their near Situation to that Nest of our venomous Foes at
Penobscot; rendered it indispensibly necessary that their
distressing Circumstances should be made known to those
who, next to the Almighty, were alone able to apply a Rem-
edy, f Accordingly, your Petitioner, deeply impressed with
the sufferings of his fellow Subjects, and stimulated by his
well known Ardour for the publick Weal, did at his own
Cost and Charge make a Journey from the said County to
Boston & lay their unhappy Case before the Honorable Gen-
eral Assembly, in Consequence of which that August Body,
out of their wonted Goodness, sent them such Aid as mitigated
their Distresses and perhaps saved the County from Subjuga-
tion For which Services your Petitioner has received no
Consideration: He therefore humbly requests Your Excel-
138 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
lency and Honors would order him to be paid, out of the
Treasury of the Commonwealth, a reasonable Sum for his
Time and Expences in the said Services, agreeable to the
accompt offered here with. And your Petitioner, as in Duty
bound shall ever pray &c
Joseph North
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Joseph North D r
1780 Aug 1 Sept.
To Horse Hire on a Journey to Boston to represent to the
General Assembly the distressed Situation of the County of
Lincoln as set forth in my Petition 200 Miles, at 24/ p
Mile- 240..0..0
To my Expences to & from Boston 240 .. ..
To my Expences while attending the General Court,
4 Weeks at 90 360 .. ..
Horse-Keeping same Time at 40 Doll 8 p Day 336 .. ..
To Attendance on the General Court 28 Days, at
12 336..0..0
1512 ..0..0
Pittston Nov. 1, 1780 Errors Excepted
Joseph North
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Kepresentatives Feb. 17 th 1781
On the Petition of Joseph North praying that he may be
allowed a reasonable Sum for his Time and expence for At-
tending the Gen 1 Court in Aug 1 & September last to represent
the Distressed Curcumstances of the Eastern parts of this
State TfKesolved that Joseph North be allowed and paid
out of the Treasury of this Commonwealth for Twenty Days
Travil and Ten Days Attending the Gen 1 Court at Twelve
Shillings New Emission pr Day in Whole Eighteen Pounds
in full for his time and expence in performing said Service.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 139
Resolve Relating to Falmouth.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives February 19 1781
Resolved that Joseph Noyes of Falmouth in the County
of Cumberland be & he hereby is directed to lay his Accounts
of Supplies & Expenditures in the Quarter Master's depart-
ment to the Troops at the Post at Falmouth and also for
what provision & other Necessaries he has Purchased for the
use of said Troops before the Committee on account for al-
lowance & payment which sums are to be Charged to the
Continent
In Senate February 19 th 1781
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presid 1
Approved John Hancock
Resolve Relating to Disposal of Spars.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb y 19 th 1781
Whereas there are a Number of Masts & other Sparrs in
the Eastern parts of this Common Wealth belonging to this
Government for which there is no imediate use and it
may be greatly for the interest of the publick that the masts
& sparrs afors'd should be speedily disposed of Therefore
Resolved that Jedediah Prebble Esq r be appointed and
authorized and he is hereby accordingly authorized to dispose
of such masts, and sparrs belonging to this Government as
are under the care of Wm Frost at Falmouth = and that
Thos. Rice Esq r be appointed and authorized and he is hereby
authorized to dispose of the masts & sparrs belonging
140 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
to this Government that are under the care of Timothy
Parsons at Wiscasset Point And that James M c Cobb
Esq r be appointed and authorized and he is hereby ac-
cordingly authorized to dispose of the Masts & Sparrs
belonging to this Government that are under the care of
s d Timothy Parsons afors d at Kenebec for the most said
Masts & Sparrs will fetch & pay the money arizing therefrom
imediately into the publick Treasury taking duplicate Re-
ceipts therefor one of which to be lodged in the Secretary's
Office Tf And it is further Resolved that the said Jedediah
Prebble Tho s Rice and James M c Cobb Esqr 8 render an ac-
count of their proceedings respecting the Sale of the Masts
& Sparrs afor d to the General Court as soon as possible after
said Masts & Sparrs are disposed of they to receive such
compensation for transacting s d business as the General Court
shall hereafter order And it is further Resolved that the
afors d W m Frost and Timothy Parsons be directed and they
are hereby accordingly directed to deliver all such Masts and
Spars as are in their possession belonging to this Government
to the Persons respectively appointed to sell the same
Sent down for Concurrence Jer : Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Feb ry 22 d 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approved John Hancock
Resolve in Favor of Christopher Newbit.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives Feb y 20 th 1781
On the Representation of John Lucas Commissary of
Continental Pensioners in behalf of Christopher Newbit a
Soldier in Philip M. Ulmers Company who lost his Arm by
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 141
a Cannon Ball in a Battle with the Enemy at Majorbigw*-
duce the 28 th July as appears by his Certificate
Kesolved that the said Christopher ISTewbit is entitled to
half pay as a Soldier to commence from the 28 th Sep* 1779
the time of his discharge
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate Feb y 20 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presid 1
Approved John Hancock.
Waldoborough July 24 th 1Y80
These may Certify that Christopher Newbit was A Soldier
in A Company Commanded by me and Lost his arm in Battle
at Majorbigwaduce July 25 th 1779 and behav d himself as a
good Soldier whilest under my Command
To it may Concern
Philip M Ulmer Maf
To the Hon ble the Senate & House of Representatives
John Lucas, In behalf of Christopher ]^"ewbit a Soldier in
Phillip M. Ulmer's Company and who lost his Right Arm the
28 th July 1779 at Majorbigwaduce, as appears by his certi-
ficates
John Lucas Com dry
Pension Office at Boston, 7 th Nov r 1780
Resolve in Favor of Andrew Woiseaker.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
House of Representatives Feb y 20 1781
On the Representation of John Lucas Commissary of Con-
tinental Pensioners in behalf of Andrew Woiseaker who was
Imprest & sent on Board the ship Putnam & in an Engage-
ment at Penobscot lost his Right Arm in August 1779 as
142 DOgUMENTARY HISTORY
appears by his Certificate If Resolved that the said Andrew
Woiseaker is intitled to half pay as a Soldier to commence
from the 1 st of September 1779 the time of his discharge
Sent up for concurrence Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate Feb y 20 th 1781
Bead & Concurred Jer: Powell Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
We the under written, Commander & Surgen of Ship Put-
man, in the Service of this State, Do Certify That Mr
Andrew Woiseaker of Boston Butcher was Imprest and sent
on board the afore s d Ship, and went to Penobscot, whare he
behaved with Great Gallantry, & Courage & In an Engage-
ment unhappily Lost his right Arm in Augs 1 , 1779
Daniel Waters Cap 1
William Truen Surg n
Boston Apl. 20, 1780-
The above is a trew Coppy
Attest Jn Lucas Com y
To the Hon ble the Senate & House of Representatives
John Lucas In behalf of Andrew Woiseaker and who lost
his right arm at Penobscot in Augst 1779 as appears by his
Certificates John Lucas Com ary
List of Wounded at Penobscot.
Pension Office at Boston Kov r 9 th 1780
Andrew Woiseaker wounded at Penobscot, Jn McGoffe
Service State Brig 1 Tyraniside Benj n Slader ditto Jos.
Brick Continental ArmyX Jonas Shattuck ditto John
Brick, Continental Ship Chris* Newbit Penobscot
Aron Cobbet -Queen France X W r m Pedrick Continental
Tho s Shaw ditto Phillip Audebert State Brig 1 Luther
Littel d Asa Ware Cont 1 Army. dl d Doct r Downer,
Sawyer's report
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 143
Resolve in Favor of Ebenezer Perkins.
To the Hon ble the Senate, & House of Representatives of
the Common Welth of the State of y e Massachusetts Bay
John Lucas, In behalf of Ebenezer Perkins, a Marine on
board the Continental Ship Warren Commanded by Dudley
Saltonstal and who was wounded at Penobscott by a ball's
entering his brest & passing through part of his Shoulder &
Arm, by which he has lost the use of it as appears by a
Coppey of his Certificates
John Lucas Corns 1 " 7
Pension Office at Boston 26 th Nov r 1780
This to Certify that Ebenezer Perkins Served as a marine
on board the Ship Warring Dudly Saltonstal Commander,
upon the Expedition Against Penobscot as Appears by the
Warrens Books
William Vernon for the board
Navey Board at Boston 13 th April 1780
This may certifie that Ebenezer Perkins was badly
wounded by a ball that Passed into his brest and out through
part of his Shoulder & Arm, by which he has lost the use of it
Jos. Gardner Serg 11
Trew Coppey from the Records
John Lucas Commissary of Pensions
Boston 13 th April 1780
Commonwealth of Massachusets
In the House of Representatives Eeb y 20 th 1781
On the Representations of John Lucas Commessary of
Pensionors in behalf of Ebenezer Perkins a merean on Bord
the Continental Ship Warren who was wounded at Penobscut
by a ball's entring his brest and goen through part of his
shoulder and arm by which he has lost the use of his arm
144 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
as Appears by his Certificates Therefore Resolved that the
said Ebenezer Perkins is intitled to one third pay as a
mereaii to Commence from the 13 th of Apriel 1780
Sent up for Concurrence Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate Feb y 20 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
Resolve Authorizing Benj. Chadbourn to Prosecute
Trespassers.
Commonwealth Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb y 20 th 1781
Whereas there is a tract of land in the County of York of
about three mile Square called Cook's lott on the Western
side of Saco River, and adjoining thereunto without the
bounds of any Incorporated Town, upon which there are
many valuable White Pine Masts: a considerable part of
which lot is the property of this Commonwealth ; and as it is
said that some persons have made strip and waste thereon,
and are again preparing to carry off the pine Masts afore-
said by cutting them into mill logs & for other uses
Therefore to prevent any further destruction of said Timber
and also that such as have heretofore Trespassed on said Lott
may be called upon to make speedy satisfaction therefor
Tit is Resolved that Benjamin Chadbourn of Berwick in
the County of York Esq r Be and hereby is fully Authorized
and impowred, in the name and on the part of this Common-
wealth to join with the other Proprietors or Tenants in
Common of the said Tract in commencing & prosecuting to
final Judgement and Execution any person or persons that
have unlawfully entred and Committed any Trespass on said
Lott Since the first day of Jan y 1775 or that hereafter may
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 145
Commit Trespasses thereon Said Chadbourn to appear in
person, or by such Attorney as he may see cause to appoint,
and on the part of this Government, to submit to refrence
any action or suit or suppos d cause of action in the same way
& manner other partys in their own suits have usually sub-
mitted them said Chadbourn to account with the Judge of
Probate for York County, for their Government proportion
of the Damages that may be received & rais'd by him and to
pay into the Treasury of the Government, such Sum or Sums
as may on his account so examind & allow d appear to be due
to the State, and the Treasurer's But shall be a full dis-
charge for all such sums as he may pay And it is farther
Eesolved that if any Person have entred on said lot with
an intention of Selling thereon without leave of the owners
that the said Benjamin may join with the other Tenant in
Common in Commencing & prosecuting to final Judg* and
Execution Actions of Trespass or Ejectment against such
Intruders as the Call may require Any law usage or Re-
solve to the Contrary Notwithstanding
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate February 21 8t 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
Letter of Benjamin Lincoln to Governor.
Boston Feb ry 22 1781
Sir
I find by a resolve of the General Court of the 9 th Inst,
that they are apprehensive for the safety of the eastern part
of this Commonwealth; and from late accounts, I am con-
vinced, that their fears are not unduly alarmed: for it can
hardly be doubted but that the enemy will attempt a sub-
10
146 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
jugation of it, considering the case, with which it might be
effected in its present situation; and the advantages which
would result to the enemy from the measure. The conquest
of that part of the Country would open to them their useful
and most necessary mast trade, and afford them a large sup-
ply of lumber now absolutely necessary in their West India
Islands, to repair the injuries of the late hurricane. It
would also give them a large tract of territory, and facilitate
their extending their conquest westward either by their acts
or their arms. In addition to these powerful inducements
the enemy know, that their conquest will be loss of a consider-
able extent of our territory, deprive us of a valuable pro-
portion of inhabitants, the principal means of supporting our
trade to the West Indies, and exceedingly distress our sea-
ports, by taking from them a source whence they receive their
fuel and other necessary supplies, f If these observations
are justly founded it is undoubtedly the indispensable duty
of this Commonwealth to adopt in season the most effectual
measures to counteract the designs of the enemy and provide
for the safety and happiness of its own inhabitants. ^Is it
not then necessary to take into consideration the critical
state of the eastern part of this Government and what
measures are necessary to be pursued for its safety and to
enquire particularly what State of defence the town of Fal-
mouth is in whether the works there are compleated If
not what time it will take to compleat them what number
of cannon there are mounted what size and what num-
ber more and what size are necessary for the works whether
the works when compleated will so cover the town as should
the enemy attempt it will reduce them to the necessity of
making a regular siege whether the channel can be so
stopped or the harbour so commanded as to force the enemy
to a land attack only whether there is a proper powder
magazine what quantity of powder there is in it what
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 147
quantity will be necessary in case of a siege and other mili-
tary stores what number of men will be necessary fully to
garrison the town If the town is not and cannot be so
secured to what strong post should the stores be removed and
what proportion of them Whether the militia in that
country are well officered whether they are fully supplied
with arms ammunition and accoutrements If they are not
what are the deficiencies and what public supplies will be
necessary and at what place or places they should be lodged
What provisions can be procured in that part of the coun-
try & what kind what quantity and kind must be provided
and sent and where stored what guards are now necessary
and where they should be stationed, f Does it not also ap-
pear necessary to request his Excellency the Governor to
direct that a certain part of the Militia in the Counties of
Essex and York hold themselves in readiness to march on the
shortest notice eastward if required and apply to Congress
to recommend to the State of New Hampshire to hold a cer-
tain proportion of their militia in readiness to march either
at the request of this Commonwealth or the officer command-
ing in the eastern part of it.
I have the honor to be Sir with great esteem your most
obedient servant B Lincoln
Hon Caleb Davis Esq Speaker
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Eepresentatives Feb ry 22 d 1781
Read & thereupon Ordered that M r Noys Major Lithgow
& M r Lombard with such as the hon Senate shall join be a
Committee to take this letter into consideration & report
what is necessary to be done thereon
In Senate Feb y 22 d 1781
Sent up for concurrence Caleb Davis Speaker
Read & Concurred and Jedediah Prebble and Thomas
Durfee Esq" are joined Jer: Powell Presi dt
148 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Wm. McCobb to the Commanding Officer at Falmouth.
Srs.
Altho unacquainted with you, but holding an unwavring
mind in Respect of the Justice of the great cause now in
Dispute between Great Britain & America (I mean on the
side of America) Causes me to Inform your Honours that
I have this Day been Informed by two friends of undouted
credit who says they have undoughted Information that a
plan is now forming by our publick Enemy, to take post at
Falmouth in Casco Bay before the Spring Opens the
method to be procured is the Cannon in the fortifications is
to be Disabled by sum Intarnel Enemies on Shore = while
a partie by Sea, is to Land and take possession of the forti-
fications = where they Expect to Reside and Remain in
Quiat as at Majorbagaduce = matters at this Present Day
are so conducted which gives much trouble of mind to all
Friends to the American Caus among us in these parts =
Allwais looking upon it to be my Duty to give Notice of the
least Approchertion of Danger, I would beg you s r to be on
your watch against secret Enemies as well as Publick ==
I Remain S r with Respect your Hum 10 Sar 1
Wm M c Cobb
Boothbay Feb y 23 d 1781
N". B. There Intentions seems to be to make a sudden
push
To the Commanding Officer at Falmouth
Committee of Georgetown to Governor.
Sir, We think it expedient to acquaint your Excelency
by way of express that on the 7 of this Month a Ship, thought
to be the Dileware ancord in Townsend harbour & burned two
Sloops that were haled into a Creek ; an Armed Brig Ancord
in Sheepscut River & landed some Men before Day at Decon
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 149
Sayers, & robed the House of every thing except a bed on
which his Daughter had Just lainin then set the House on
fire, but by the exertions of the Robed Deacon the House
was saved, others have suffered the loss of Cloaths & great
abuses, these Vessels are attended with six small schooners,
one of which is at the Mouth of our River with whaleboats :
our intelligences from Boothbay is not from any Publick
Authority, we there fore sent an express but no return, which
gives us reason to fear that all the Inhabitants on the Sea
Coast eastward of Sheepscut River are subjugated The
Wigs on our sea-coast have been under arms ever since the
Alarm, this Day we are fixing a Guard of thirty Men to
continue at the Rivers Mouth till our Express returns the
large body of Snow forbids the colecting the scatered Malitia
if they were Constitutinaly Officered except they were fur-
nished with Snow shoes We are determined to Stand if
possible Our peculiar Distressing curcumstances on this
unexpected Alarm urges us to pray for a Navel Protection
lest we are left to the Dire Alternative! of making peace
with our implacable Enimies or fleeing in this inclement
season It is conjectured by this extrordenary Meanuver,
that our Enimies mean to take advantage of our being blockt
up with Snow to Subdue the Seacoast in this unexpected
Season thereby paveing the way to Falmout We hope that
neither the incorrectness of the above account, nor the
simplessity of our Prayer will hinder that spedy releife that
the Alarming situation of your loving Constituants call for
If Cap 1 Jon a Davis by whom we send this is able to give a
more perticular account
Your Excelency's most Obedient humble Servants
Wm Swanton | Committee
Dum r Sewall of
Georgetown Feb r 23 d 1781 ) Georgetown
To his Excelency John Hancock Esq r
150 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Senate March 2 d 1781 -
Read & thereupon Ordered that Jedidiah Preble & Jon a
Greenleaf Esq rs with such as the Hon ble House shall join be
a Committee to take this Letter into Consideration, and make
a Report there
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives March 2 d 1781
Read & concurred & Major Lithgow Mr Wells & Mr Lewis
are joined
Caleb Davis Speaker
Committee of Georgetown to Wm. Lithgow.
Dear Sir: Our seacoast is infested Our situation dis-
tressing Our Enimies are taking advantage of our security
by Ice & Snow A Brittish Ship ancord in Townsend, a
Brig in Sheepscut, & six small Vessels about the Coast, one
in the Mouth of Kenebeck with Whaleboats Two Sloops
burnt in David Reeds Creek Decon Sayer of Boothbay
surprised last Sabath Morning & Robed of every thing in his
House except a Bed under his Daughter who had Just
lain in M r Herinton of Edgcom robed & abuesed a boats
company of 16 landed at Pettegrows, Plundring & Burning
certain on the Banks of Kenebeck was their design This ex-
treordeny Meanuver of our Enimies at this sevear Season
seams to speak a design of Subjugation The Snow near
31/2 feet Roads blocked up Our Malitia not Constitu-
tionally organized, these things maks the Matter serious
The Wigs have been under Armes seven Days, this Day we
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 151
are forming a Guard of thirty Men on the Credit of the
Town, and have agreed to send Capt Davis Express to Bos-
ton We flatter ourselves with a I^aval protection imme-
diately from Boston We are determin'd to sell our littel
all at as high a price as posible The thought of sewing
for Peace with Robers, or Fleeing in this inclement Season
is too Painf ull We are morrily sure that authority will not
wate to see some of our not enough Notised Wigs flee naked
with Harts too full of simpithy to relate the Destress of
their second selves left behind but we forbair we know
nothing in your Power will be wanting We are fearfull
of all below Sheepscut River as no intiligence but some that
stole away Cap 1 Parker has sent a Man on purpose to
Boothbay who hath not yet returned This is not a mear
motion of the Committee but the most respectable In-
habitants
Yours with the greatest Regard
Wm Swanton Jun
Dum r Sewall
To William Lithgow Jun Esq r
Committee
of
Georgetown
P. S. yours to Dum r Sewall by Capt Turner is answered by
the same.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 2 d 1781
Read & committed to the Committee to whom was com-
mitted the Letter from George Town to his Excelly the
Governor dated Feb ry 23 d 1781-
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate March 2 d 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer Powell Presi dt
$
152 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Despatch Relative to Capture of Genl. Wadsworth.
Head Quarters Thomaston Feb y 23 d 1781
May it please Your Excellency
I now dispatch. Major Burton as an express to informe
you of the loss of our Worthy Brig r Gen 1 Wadsworth, whoes
quarters was surround d in the Night of the 17 th Instant by a
party of men from Majorbigwaduce and he after an obstinate
engagement was wound'd, and taken prisoner with, his waiter
and two men, his behaviour through the whole Scene was
the most Soilder like he wounding three men I have now
sent forward two letters, one to your Excellency, the other to
the Commisary of Prisoners from the Gen 1 which I recev'd
on the return of a Flag, that I dispatch'd immediately on
hearing of his being taken. Must refer you to Major Burton
for further particulars being the person that command'd the
Flag Altho' in great hast I look upon it as my duty to
informe you, that our scituation at present is very dangerous,
there not being more than six men left on the ground, and
without haveiiig immediate Assistance from the western parts
of this Country, or else where, must of Course fall a prey to
our enemys. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys
most Obedient & very Humble Servant
Mason Wheaton
Col : of the 4 th Keg 1 of Militia in the County of Lincoln
To His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
In Senate March 5 th 1781
Read & Sent down Jer : Powell Presi dt
Resolve on Memorial of Col. Allen and Petition of James
Littlefield.
The Committee of both Houses on the letter of the 26 th of
Jan y last & the Memorial of Feb y the 1 st from Col John
Allen Commander of the Garrison at Machias and Superin-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 153
tendant of the Indian Eastern Department; and also the
Petition of James Littlefield praying that his Account for
supplies of a party of Men & Indians at Passamequody, have
attended the service & report that the petition & account of
said Littlefield not being supported that the Petitioner have
liberty to withdraw them: and the Committee on the afore-
said letter & Memorial of Col Allen also report as their
opinion, That it is of importance for the support and defence
of the Eastern Department of this Common Wealth that the
resolves of the 28 th of November last respecting supplies
thereof, & "requesting the Governor, with the advice of Coun-
cel, to leicence some suitable Person to have an exclusive
right to trade with & supply the said Indians in the Eastern
department, with necessaries untill the further order of the
General court, to be under such orders & regulations as the
Governor & Council shall think necessary" be carried into
effect; and that Col John Allen be further supplied with
such articles as are necessary for the supply of the Indians,
to preserve a friendly intercourse with them & prevent a
connection with the Enemy, and that he encourage the In-
dians to keep to their hunting to avoid expence as much as
possible. And it appearing to Your Committee that the
orders in the aforesaid resolve for enlisting from among the
Militia within the said Eastern department forty Men for the
defence thereof has not been attended with success for want
of sufficient encouragement for remedy whereof & to provide
further for said Department. Your Committee report the
following resolves:
Jn Pitts pr order
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb y 24 th 1781
Resolved that the Commissary General be & he hereby is
directed to deliver to Lieu* James Avery Agent to Col Allen
Superindant to the Eastern Indian department, One hundred
154 DOCUMENTARY HlSTOHY
Bushels of Corn, two hogsheads of Hum & One Quarter Cask
of Wine, to be sent at different times, in such proportions
thereof as the Governor & Council shall direct; and that
there be paid out of the Treasury of this Commonwealth to
the Commissary General or his order to Enable him to pro-
cure the said articles the Sum of one hundred & Fifty
pounds of the New Emmission and it is also Resolved that
the Agents for cloathing be & hereby are directed to deliver
to said Avery Cloath & trimings of a suitable quality, suffi-
cient for forty suits of Cloths, & forty Blankets as a bounty
for the men ordered to be raised by the resolve of the 28 th
of November last to augment the Garrison of Machias. And
as it appears by the Memorial of Col Allen, that consider-
able expences have arose by reason of his not having supplies
in time, for which he is indebted, therefore resolved that there
be paid out of The Treasury of this Common Wealth to Col
John Allen or his order, the Sum of six hundred pounds new
Emission, to defray the expences aforesaid: He to be ac-
countable for the same, f And whereas the Critical State of
the eastern Department requires all possible attention for its
support & defence, w ch is of great consequence not only to this
Common Wealth, but the United States in General, there-
fore resolved that the Governor be & hereby is requested to
continue to write to Congress that what has been & may be
advanced by this Government for the support & defence of
the Eastern Country, may be carried to the credit of this
Common Wealth
Eead & sent down Jer : Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Feb ry 26, 1781
Read & accepted
Sent up for concurrence Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate February 26 th 1781
Read & Concurred Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
OF THE STATE Otf MAINE 155
Order Relative to Unappropriated Lands.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate February 26 th 1781
Ordered, that Jedidiah Preble & Jon a Greenleaf Esq
with such as the Honorable House shall join, be a Com-
mittee to ascertain the Unappropriated Lands belonging to
this Commonwealth lying between Saco River, and the State
of New Hampshire, and to ascertain the Boundary Line &
Lines between the Land belonging to this Commonwealth
lying in the place aforesaid and the Lands claimed by the
Proprietors holding under Major William Phillips and
Bridget Phillips and to Report at the next Session of the
General Court.
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell, Presi dt
In the House of Representatives March 2 d 1781
Read & concurred as taken into a new draught & John
Lewis, William Lithgow & the hon. David Sewall Esq r are
joined
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 1 st 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Jos Richardson to Charles Miller About Supplies.
Boston Feb y 26 th 1781
Dear Sir.
Being hon d last Evening with a Resolve of the Hon ble Gen-
eral Court of this Common Wealth requesting me to furnish
immediately Two hund d Barrells of Flour & One hund d Bar-
rells of Pork for the use of Four hund d & seventy three Con-
156 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
tinental Troops necessarily detained for the protection of the
three Eastern Counties in this Common Wealth which the
Enemy now consider as one principal ohject of their attention
If I beg you will be pleased without loss of time to procure
& deliver me Two hund d Barrells of Flour & One hund d
Barrells of Pork accordingly or with such part thereof as
may be in your power whereby you will essentially promote
the Interest of the United States & greatly oblige ^fD r Sir
y r most Obed 1 & very Hb le Serv 1 -
Ja s Richardson D C G Issues
(Copy)
Charles Miller Esq r
Reply to Same.
Boston February 26, 1781
Sir
Your favour of this day have Duly Received and note the
Contents It would give me great pleasure, was it in my
Power to Comply with your Request in Supplying you with
200 barrels Flour, & 100 barrels Pork, but it is not; I am
Largely indebted now for the Bread I have Supply'd this
Department with for the Last three Months I have Repeat-
edly Wrote the Commissary Gen 1 of Purchases for Supply of
money to support this Department & he has Assured me
from time to time that he wou'd Support me with Cash but
he has not done it I have not Received a Dollar from him
Since Last may & this Department is now Supported with
Bread on my Credit When I shall be able to Discharge the
Debts I have already Contracted for the Public I know not
& I do not think it prudent for me to Involve myself any
further in Debt if any person would Trust me When I see so
little prospect of being Supply'd with Cash to Discharge
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 157
those Already Contracted If the General Court will point
out any way that I may be Supply'd with Cash to purchase
those Articles with I can procure them on the Shortest notice
and this is now the only Regular Mode that Continental
Troops can be Supply'd in I always have the Interest of
the United States at Heart and you must be Sensible that
I have ever Exerted myself in Support of the Department
I am Sir, Your most Obe d Serv*
Charles Miller D C G P.
James Richardson Esq. D C G I.
Resolve in Favor of Town of Fryeburg.
Common Welth of Massachusetts
in the House of Representatives Feb y 26 th 1781
The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the
Requisition for men Laid on the town of Fryeburg by a Re-
solve of the General Court of the 2 d of December 1780 have
attended that Service and it appears to your Committee that
the town of Fryeburg have more men Required of them then
their Proportion therefore Beg Leve to Report by way of
Resolve f Resolved that the town of Fry burg be and they
hereby are Excused from Raising of three men of the Quota
assigned them by the Resolve of Dec r 2 d afores d
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate February 26 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv d John Hancock
158 DOCMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve in Favour of Moses Gunn.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb. 27 1781
Whereas Moses Gunn Representative for the Town of
Montague in the Year 1777 attended his duty in said House
for 15 days in that year in the May and November Sessions
for which & one Travel he hath not been made up in any
Pay Roll If Resolved that he the said Moses Gunn be made
up in the pay Roll of this Session for the fifteen Days At-
tendance and Travel aforesaid at the Same Rate as other
Members are made up & that the same be charged to the
Town of Montague in the next Tax.
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speak r
In Senate February 27 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer : Powell Presi dt
Approv d John Hancock.
John McLellan to the Governor.
Falmouth Feb y 27 th 1781
Sir
The Inclosd I Rece d this Day & thought it my Duty to
forward it to your Excelencey without Delay We have had
Divers reports that the Enemy are Meditating an Attackt
upon this place but what ever Theire real Intentions may be
we think it will be Prudant to be provided for the worst
We therefore beg leave to request that your Excelency Will
order to this place such supplies of Men & provisions And
warlike stores as will be Necessary to make an Effectual De-
fence, the Importance of this place to this State & the Other
United States, & the Advantage it will be to our Enemy If
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 159
they should git possession of it Need not be mentoned to your
Excelencey At present we are in A Defenceless State
Destitute of Almost every Necessary for making a Defence
Small armes in perticular and Officers And what few men
we have had at this post this Winter are Allmost Naked for
want of their Cloathing Not having received Aney since they
Engaged But for particulars I must Refer your Excelen-
cey to M r Hall the bearer who Can Inform your Excelencey
of the State of the Garrison here & who your Excelencey May
put the Greatest Confidence in Am Sir your Excellenceys
most Obed' & Verrey Hm ble Serv*
Jo 8 M c Lallen
Commanding Officer at Falmouth
His Excellencey John Hancock Esq r
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 3 : 1781
Read & committed to the Committee of both Houses on
Gen 1 Lincoln's Letter of 22 ult respect g the Guard 6 of the
Eastern Coast
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate March 3 d 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Jas. Richardson to Genl. Court.
Boston Feb y 27 th 1781
Hon ble Sir
In the Evening of the 25 th Ins* having the honor to re-
ceive a Resolve of the Hon ble General Court of this Com-
mon Wealth requesting me to procure Two hun d Barr 18 of
Flour & one hun d Barrells of Pork for the use of Four hund d
160 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
& seventy three Continental Troops detained for the defence
of the three Eastern Counties of this Common Wealth
If I made immediate application to Cha s Miller Esq r D C
Gen 1 Purch 8 for the Continent requesting him to procure &
deliver me the said Two hund d Barrells of Flour & one
hund d Barr 18 of Pork a Copy of my application with his
Answer I beg leave to enclose for your Hon rs perusal & am
with perfect respect Hon ble Sir y r Hon" most Obed 1 & very
Hb le Serv 1
Ja 8 Richardson D C D Issues
The Hon ble Benf Lincoln Esq r
Resolve in re Treasurer of Boothbay.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 1, 1781
On the representation of the Major part of the Select men
of Boothbay To this Court dated October 25, 1780 f Re-
solved That Nath 1 Thwing Esq of Woolwich, Dummer
Sewall Esq r of George Town, and Waterman Thomas Esq r
of Thomaston All in the County of Lincoln be, and they are
hereby appointed a Committee to enquire into the Represen-
tation made by the Select Men of Boothbay in said County,
and if they find the facts to be as set forth in said Repre-
sentation, that they see the Treasurer's accounts of said
Town adjusted as soon as may be, and the late Treasurer
mentioned in said Representation and the present Treasurer
are hereby directed to attend the business of Settlement as
aforesaid. And they are also directed to order a Settlement
with the Delinquent Militia officers in said Town, and they
are hereby directed to pay the fines received by them into the
Treasury of said Town for the Use of said Town. The
Expence arrising in Consequence of the above to be paid by
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 161
the Town of Boothbay. And the Committee aforesaid are
directed to make Known of their doings to this Court as soon
as may be
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate March I 6t 1781
Eead & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Report of Committee in re Defence of Eastern Country.
The committee to whom was refered the Letter from Gen-
eral Lincoln on the state of the Eastern Country beg leave to
report That from the reasons he has offered and others
which have come to their knowledge there is the highest prob-
ability that the Enemy means to attempt the subjugation of
it in the Spring & that the present defenceless situation of
that Country is but an invitation to them to take possession of
it That the Works at Falmouth are quite inadequate to
cover the Town and that they are deficient in Artillery &
Stores That the Militia are by no means fully organized or
properly supplyed with Arms & Ammunition That the
Country doth not afford a full supply of any one article of
Provision at this season of the Year and at the best meat only
- Your committee beg leave therefore further to observe that
in their opinion a good Work on Mount Joy at the Easterly
part of the Town of Falmouth, and other Works at the West-
erly part (at both of which places Works are begun) with
proper out Works and suitable Cannon mounted in them will
cover the Town and prevent the Enemy from making a lodge-
ment in any part thereof which will not be commanded by
those Works, those Works will also command the Harbour and
prevent any Ships lying within reach of the Town unless sub-
11
162 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
jected to the Fire of the Forts That ten Cannon at least
from Eigh teens & upwards will be necessary in addition to
those already there to compleat the Works. That 10056
thousand round shot and pounds of Grape will be necessary
according to the annexed schedule & twenty Tuns of powder
That the Works should be such at the places aforesaid as
when compleated they will reduce the Enemy to the necessity
of a regular Siege before they can be carried which will give
so much time to call in the neighbouring Militia that they
will probably be in force to raise the Siege or cover the Gar-
rison in coming of when opposition shall no longer avail
should they be reduced to so unhappy a situation That
three hundred men will be necessary for a constant Garrison
in Falmouth during the summer who may be employed in
compleating the Works but no provision need be made for
raising them untill an answer be received from Congress
respecting the destination of the men raised in y e three
lower Counties That two hundred Barrels of Beef & Pork
and the same number of barrels of Flour be sent as soon as
may be to Falmouth for the use of the Troops & that sixty
Barrels of Beef & Pork & sixty Barrels of Flour lye for the
use of the Garrison in case of a Siege and that the Com-
missary have orders to keep that supplyed, at least, always
on Hand That five hundred stands of Arms and Ac-
coutrements Ten thousand Flints, 2000 pounds Musket
powder 4000 pounds of lead or musket ball of different sizes,
proper paper & thread for making cartridges be lodged in
some safe magazine in the rear of the Town That three
hundred men be stationed in the County of Lincoln to act
there or in the neighbouring Country as the safety & good
of the whole may require to be raised as shall be ordered in
future That his Excellency the Governor, be requested to
order one half of the militia in the Counties of Lincoln,
Cumberland York & Essex to hold themselves in readiness to
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 163
march at the shortest notice to the Aid of the Eastern part
of this commonwealth when called by him to that service or
the officer commanding in the Eastern part of it on the ap-
proach of the Enemy and to continue thus in readiness for
the first two months after & then the other half & so in rota-
tion untill the close of the year at least That his Excellency
the Governor be also desired to address Congress & request
that they would recommend to the state of New Hampshire
to hold one half of their Militia in readiness at all times 'to
march to the Aid of the Eastern part of this State to march at
his Call or at the Call of such officer as he shall appoint. All
which is submitted
Jedediah Preble p r order
In Senate February 27 th 1781
Kead and Sent down
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Resolve Relating to Supplies, and New Hampshire Troops
For Defence.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the Senate March 1 1781
Whereas there is great reason to apprehend that the Enemy
have in contemplation the reduction of some part of the three
eastern Counties in this Commonwealth, or that by taking
possession of some advantageous post they aim at effecting
an additional permanent Establishment therein And
Whereas the provision already made for completing the
Works at Ealmouth for raising Men necessary for the defence
of said Counties, and for Supplying the Troops destined or
that may hereafter be destined to serve in the same, is in-
adequate to so important an End therefore
Resolved that Seven hundred Men be appropriated to the
defence of the Eastern parts of this Commonwealth the en-
164 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
suing Campaign, to be raised on such establishment, & for
such time as the General Court shall hereafter order in the
mean Time that the Governor be & is hereby requested to
order a Detachment of such parts of the Militia as he with
the Advice of Council may judge necessary for their imme-
diate Defence who together with the Militia serving in the
County of Lincoln shall be on such and such an Estab-
lishment as the General Court shall hereafter Order
That. 200 barrells of Beef and Pork and the like quantity
of Flour be procured for the use of said Troops, and such of
the Militia as may be raised on any emergency for the de-
fence of the said Counties or either of them, at the discretion
of the Governor or the Commanding Officer in said Counties.
That 500 Stand of Arms with their Accoutrements, 10000
Flints 2000 lb of Musket powder, 4000 Ib. of Lead, or Musket
Ball of different sizes, a quantity of paper and thread proper
for making Cartridges, 10 pieces of Cannon from 18
pounders and upwards, together with the several Articles
of round <fc grape shot mentioned in the annexed schedule be
procured as soon as may be for the use of said Department,
for w T hich purpose the Governor of this Commonwealth is
hereby empov/ered to issue his Orders to the Superintendent
of purchases for said Commonwealth and to the Commissary
General of the same for such of the above mentioned Articles
as they now have on hand, respectively or such as they may
be speedily able to procure, If That the Governor be also
requested, in case the said Superintendent & Commissary
General shall be unable to furnish the abovesaid Articles to
apply in behalf of this Commonwealth to the Continental
Commissary of Issues and to the Continental Commissary
of warlike stores, for such of the above enumerated Articles as
they may respectively be able to procure ^fThat on the
said Articles or any part of them being procured as afore-
said the Governor by and with the advice of Council is hereby
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 165
empowered and requested to send the same to the said Coun-
ties, or either of them at such times and in such proportion
as he with the advice of Council shall Judge necessary
That on the arrival of any such supplies in said Counties
or either of them They shall be under the direction of the
Commanding Officer there, who is hereby required to secure
them in some safe magazine, under a proper Guard
Tf That the Commissary to be appointed for that Department
be and he hereby is required to keep a constant supply of
sixty Barrells of beef and Pork, and a like quantity of Flour
in the Garrison at Falmouth as a necessary supply against a
seige If That be appointed Agent in the County
of Cumberland, and that be appointed Agent
in the County of Lincoln who are hereby respectively em-
powered to sell to the Militia of their Respective Counties
such of the Anns and accoutrements aforesaid as they may
receive from the Commanding Officer for that purpose
| That the price of each Arm with Accoutrements shall be
the sum of the said Agents to be accountable
for all arms they may receive as aforesaid, and for the Money
for which they may sell any Arms as aforesaid which money
shall be disposed of as the General Court may hereafter
Order f That the said Commanding Officer be and he is
hereby directed to deliver into the hands of such Agent or
Agents so many of the said Arms from time to time as he
shall think proper for the purpose aforesaid, taking duplicate
receipts therefor, one of which to be lodged in the Secretary's
Office
That the Governor be and he is hereby requested to
issue the necessary Orders that one half of the Militia of the
Counties of Essex York, Cumberland & Lincoln hold them-
selves in constant readiness during the Term of two Months
to march at the shortest Notice to the aid of the said Counties
or either of them whenever they shall be thereto required by
166 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Governor, or the said Commanding Officer ; that the Other
half of the said Militia then hold themselves in readiness as
aforesaid during the Term of two Months and so in rotation
as long as the Governor by and with the Advice of Council
Shall Judge necessary f And whereas the State of New
Hampshire by reason of its contiguity to the said Counties
must at least be equally affected with this Commonwealth
by the invasion or reduction of the same; it is therefore but
reasonable that the said State should contribute her propor-
tion of Men Money and Supplies toward the Common De-
fence of said Counties therefore If Resolved that the
Governor be and he is hereby requested immediately to ad-
dress Congress on the Subject, and to request in behalf of
this Commonwealth that they will be pleased earnestedly to
recommend it to the said State of New Hampshire to fur-
nish a reasonable proportion of supplies as aforesaid accord-
ing to their Abilities, and 1f That in the mean time com-
missioners be delegated immediately to repair to the said State
of ISTew Hampshire, and in behalf of this Commonwealth to
request the Legislature of the same, immediately to join this
Commonwealth in the Measures adopted or that may here-
after be adopted for the defence of the said eastern
Counties
Read and sent down Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives March 2 1781
Read & committed to the Committee on the letter from
George Town to his Excellency the Gov r dated Feb y 23 d 1781
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate March 2 d 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Endorsed: 300 Men to be Inlisted f Muster Master al-
ready appointed in those Counties to Muster such Soldiers
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 167
f Whereas by a Former Resolve the Continent 1 Troops were
to be subject to the orders of General Lincoln within those
Counties & Whereas Gen 1 Lincoln is at this Time out of the
State then Resolved that said Troops shall be subject to the
Order of the Governor who is hereby impowered to appoint
such Officers as may be necessary to Command in addition
to those already appointed by the General for that purpose
Resolved that AB. be appointed paymaster & that the
Governor appoint a Quarter Master for the Militia who shall
serve as such for the Continental Troops till such an Officer
be appointed. Also endorsed : Report of Com on Gen Lin-
coln's Letter 22 d Feb ry Falrn Affairs
Resignation of John Avery.
Sir, If Having had the Honor to be Commissiond a Lieuten-
ant in Colonel John Allans Core Stationed at Machias the
4 th of July 1777, by the Honble Council of the (then) State
of Massachusetts Bay & Continued in that Service since that
Time & Being now Desirous of leaveing the Service in that
Department, beg leave to Resign.
I have the Honor to be With the greatest respect your
Excellency's most Hble Servt
Jas Avery
Boston March 1 st 1781
In Council March 27 th 1781
Advised That the Resignation of Lieut James Avery be
& hereby is accepted
Jn Avery Sec y
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
168 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve Relating to Prosecution and Settlement Trespassers
on Public Lands.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 2 d 1781
Whereas it has been Represented to the general Court that
divers Trespasses have been committed on the iinappropriated
Lands belonging to this Commonwealth & that divers persons
have illegally Entred upon & taken possession of various
Tracts of said Land & still continue to hold Possession there-
of contrary to Law & Justice And Whereas it is probable
that further Trespasses may be committed & illegal Entries
made unless proper Measures are taken to prevent the same
Therefore
Resolved that Jedidiah Preble, Jonathan Greenleaf David
Sewall John Lewis and William Lithgow Esq rs be & hereby
are appointed a Committee to Examin into all such Tres-
passes & illegal Entries with full Power in Behalf of this
Commonwealth to Commence any Action or Actions against
any Person or persons who have or may hereafter commit
any Trespass or Trespasses on the said Lands & also against
any Person or persons who now hold or may hereafter hold
Possession of any Tract or Tracts of said Lands contrary to
Law & prosecute the same Action or Actions to final Judge-
ment Execution & Receipt, Saving Nevertheless Where any
such Trespasser shall be disposed to make due Recompence
in the Judgement of said Committee, for any Damage done
to the Commonwealth by him. In that Case the said Com-
mittee are hereby directed to accept the same & discharge
the Trespasser so making Recompence for his Trespass. And
also Where any illegal Possessor as aforesaid shall signify
to the said Committee that he is desirous of purchasing the
Land by him possessed as aforesaid & shall agree on Condi-
tion of Receiving a good Deed of Conveyance or Grant of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 169
such Land to pay to said Committee for the Use of the Com-
monwealth such Sum or Sums of Money as they shall Judge
the same to be reasonably worth & shall give proper Security
for the performance of such Agreement the said Committee
being of Opinion that it will be for the Interest of this Com-
monwealth to dispose of the same to such Person, are hereby
directed to make Keport thereof to the General Court for
their Consideration & further Order thereon
And it is further Resolved that said Committee be & here-
by are directed to Examine the Authenticity of Claims to the
said unappropriated Lands or any part thereof which they
may have Reason to think are not well founded & Report the
State of such Claims to the General Court as soon as may be
And it is further Resolved that the said Committee be &
hereby are directed to Run & Mark out or Cause to be Run
& marked out such Dividing Lines between the Lands be-
longing to or Claimed by any Individual or Number of In-
dividuals & the said Unappropriated Lands as they may
Judge necessary for the purpose of preventing Trespassing
& illegal Entries in Future
And it is further Resolved that the said Committee be &
hereby are directed to Take or cause to be taken any Plan or
Plans of said unappropriated Lands or any part thereof that
shall be denied necessary for answering any of the purposes
aforesaid And also to estimate & ascertain the Whole Number
of Acres contained in said unappropriated Lands as near as
may be with Convenience.
And it is further Resolved that the said Committee be &
hereby are authorised for the purpose of Commencing &
Prosecuting any of the Actions aforesaid to Substitute one
or more Attorneys & the same Substitution to Revoke at
pleasure & appoint others in their Stead as the Case or Cases
may Require & allow & pay him or them for their several
Services what the same may be reasonably worth
170 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
And it is further Resolved that said Committee be & here-
by are directed to publish this Resolve or such parts thereof
in the Boston & Worcester News Papers as they may think'
proper in Order that the Trespassers & Illegal Possessors
aforesaid may have an Opportunity of availing themselves
of this Lenity of Government to save the Expence which
might otherwise be incurred by Law Suits.
And it is further Resolved that any Three of said Com-
mittee shall be sufficient to settle any Business to them
committed in the Resolve and the said Committee are di-
rected from Time to Time to make Return to the General
Court of all their Proceedings with Accounts on Oath of
their Time & Expence and also the Several Sums of Money
and Securities for the payment of such Sums of Money which
they may Receiv'd in Consequence of this Resolve
Report of Committee on Protection of Eastern Coast.
The Committee of both houses appointed to take into Con-
sideration an Express from the County of Lincoln & have
attended that service beg leave to Report the following Re-
solve & sit again
Jedediah Preble p r Order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 2 d 1781
Whereas by recent Advices received by Express from the
Eastward it appears that the Enemy with a Number of armed
Vessels, are dayly committing the most horrid Depredations
& Cruelties on the Inhabitants who Reside on or near the
Sea Coasts in the County of Lincoln Therefore | Resolved
that the Governor be & hereby is Requested immediately to
dispatch an Express to the Admiral or Commander of the
French Fleet at Newport earnestly Requesting in Behalf of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 171
this Commonwealth that the said Admiral or Commander
will be pleased immediately to order that the French Ship
of War now laying in the port of Boston & if possible one
Frigate from the said Fleet at Newport be detached to Cruise
for a few days on the Eastern Coast of this Commonwealth
for the purpose of Capturing or destroying any Vessels that
may be found infesting the same If And it is further Re-
solved that the Governor be Requested immediately to order
that the ship Mars be discharged of her Cargo & fitted for
Sea with all possible Dispatch that she may be Ready to
proceed on said Cruise in Conjunction with the said ships
or either of them on the shortest Notice 1" And it is further
Resolved that as an Inducement to private armed Vessels to
Cruise against the worthless Banditti who are continually
ravaging said Coasts the following Bounty be granted by this
Commonwealth to the Owners & Crew of every private armed
Vessel which after the Tenth Day of March Ins* shall Cap-
ture & Bring in to port or destroy any Vessel belonging to the
Enemy which may be found infesting the Sea Coast of the
Counties of York, Cumberland or Lincoln or cruising within
Five Leagues thereof Viz. for .each Cannon mounted on
board of any such Vessel carrying Two Pound Shot the Sum
of Fifty pounds in Silver & Gold or Bills of Credit Equiva-
lent for each Cannon mounted aforesaid carrying Three
Pound Shot the sum of Sixty pounds in Like Money for
each Cannon mounted as aforesaid carrying Four Pound
Shot the Sum of Seventy pounds in Like Money for each
Eighty pounds in Like Money for each Cannon mounted
as aforesaid carrying a nine Pound Shot the sum of one
hundred & Twenty pounds in money as afores d and also for
each man that shall be taken on board any such Vessel &
belonging to the same & Delivered to the Commissary of
Prisoners The Sum of Six pounds in money as affores d
Read & Sent down Jer : Powell Presi dt
I
172 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In the House of Representatives March 2 d 1781
Read & accepted
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate March 2 d 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv d John Hancock
Resolves in re Protection Eastern Counties.
The Committee of both houses on the Several expresses
from the Eastward and the Letters accompanying the same
beg leave farther to report the following Resolves
Jedidiah Preble p r order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 3 d 1781
Whereas from authentic intelligence received from various
parts there is great reason to apprehend that a Plan is now
forming, or already formed by our Enemy for the imme-
diate Subjugation of the three eastern Counties in this Com-
monwealth ; and Whereas no adequate provision has been yet
made for preventing so capital an evil, It is therefore
Resolv'd, that seven hundred men be raised and appro-
priated to the defence of the eastern parts of said Common-
wealth the ensuing Campaign, for such time and on such
Establishment as shall be hereafter ordered That in the
mean time the Governor be and he is hereby rquested to
order a detachment from such parts of the Militia of said
Commonwealth, as he with the advice of Council may deem
necessary for the immediate defence of said Counties which
detachments together with the Militia now serving in the
County of Lincoln to be on such Establishment as the
General Court shall hereafter order. That 200 barrells of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 173
Pork and beef and a like quantity of Flour be procured as
soon as may be for the use of such Troops as may be destined
to serve in the eastern department.
That 500 Stand of arms with their accoutrements, 10000
Flints, 2000 pounds of Musket powder, 4000 pounds of Lead
or musket ball of different Sizes, proper quantity of paper
and thread fit for making Cartridges, 10 Pieces of Cannon
from 18 pounders and upwards, together with the several
Articles of round and grape shot mentioned in the annexed
schedule, be also procured as soon as possible for the use of
said Department; for which purpose the Governor is hereby
requested to issue his Orders to the Superintendent of pur-
chases of said Commonwealth and to the Commissary General
of the same for such of the above enumerated Articles of pro-
visions and warlike Stores as they may now respectively have
on hand or such of them as they may be speedily able to pro-
cure in their several Departments
That the Governor be also, in case the said superintendent
or Commissary General shall be unable to procure said
Articles of provision and warlike Stores requested imme-
diately to make application in behalf of said Commonwealth
to the Continental Commissary of issues & to the Continental
Commissary of Warlike Stores for such of the aforemen-
tioned Articles of provision and Warlike Stores as they may
be able to furnish for the purpose aforesaid in their respec-
tive Departments
And it is further Resolved that there be paid out of the
Treasury of s d Commoii w to the said Commissary General, a
Sum not exceeding of the new emission, part of
the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ordered to be borrowed
from Continental Loan Office by a Resolve of the 2 d instant,
to be applied to the sole purpose of enabling the said Com-
missary to comply with the Governor's Requisitions as afore-
said.
174 DOCMENTARY HISTORY
That as soon as the said Articles of provision and Warlike
Stores or any part thereof can be procured, the Governor by
and with the advice of Council is hereby requested to adopt
the most speedy & effectual Measures for causing the said
Articles to be conveyed to the said Counties in such propor-
tion as he with the advice of Council may judge expedient;
the same to be under the direction of the Commanding Officer
in s d Department, and by him secured in some safe Magazine
or Magazines under a sufficient guard
That the Governor be requested to appoint a Commissary
Q r Master & Surgeon & Secry to serve said Department
which Comm y is hereby authorized and empowered to ap-
point sufficient Deputy Commissaries under him not ex-
ceeding the Number of who are to be accountable to
the said Commissary
That the said Commissary be and he is hereby requested
to keep a Constant supply of Sixty Barrells of Beef and pork
and a like quantity of Flour in the Garrison at Falmouth
against a Seige
And it is further Resolved that the Governor be and he is
hereby requested immediately to issue his Orders to the
Militia of the several Counties of Essex, York, Cumberland
and Lincoln that one half of the said Militia hold themselves
in constant readiness during the Term of Two Months to
March at the Shortest Notice from the Governor or Com-
manding Officer of said Department to the aid of said Coun-
ties of York, Cumberland and Lincoln or either of them and
that the Other half of said Militia then hold themselves in
Readiness for a like Term and for the purpose aforesaid,
and so in rotation as long as the Governor by & with the
advice of Council shall Judge necessary.
And Whereas the State of New Hampshire by reason of
its contiguity to the said eastern Counties must at least be
equally affected with this Commonwealth by the Invasion or
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 175
Reduction of the same; it is therefore but Reasonable that
the said State should contribute her proportion of Men
Money and supplies toward the Common defence of said
Counties.
Therefore Resolved that the Governor be and hereby is re-
quested immediately to address Congress on the Subject, and
to request in behalf of this Commonwealth that they earnest-
ly Recommend it to the said State of New Hampshire to
furnish a reasonable proportion of Supplies as aforesaid.
That in the mean time commissioners be delegated immediate-
ly to repair to the said State of New Hampshire, and in behalf
of this Commonwealth to request the Legislature of said State
immediately to join said Commonwealth in the measures
adopted or that may hereafter be adopted for the defence of
said eastern Counties
Read & Sent down
Jer : Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives March 4 th 1781
Read & accepted as taken into a new draught
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate March 6 th 1781
Read & thereupon Ordered, that Josiah Stone & Samuel
Mies Esq rs with such as the Hon ble House shall join be a
Committee to take this Report, together with the Resolve
passed the 9 th of Feb ry last relative to the Eastern Depart-
ment into Consideration and make Report thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives March 6 th 1781
Read & concurred & Col Little M r Mills & Maj r Lithgow
are joined
Caleb Davis Spk r
176 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Senate March 6 th 1781-
Kead & Concurred w th the House as taken into a new draft
w th an amendment at A to B in page 3
sent down for Concurrence
Jer. Powell Presi dt
viz dele, from A to B excepting "fifty barrels of Beef"
In the House of Eepresentatives March 6 th 1781
Eead & concurred Caleb Davis Speaker
In the House of Representatives March 10: 1781
Reconcurred Caleb Davis Speaker
Resolve on Petition of Inhabitants Tlwmasiown.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 6 1781
On The Petition of the Inhabitants of Thomastowii in the
County of Lincoln Seting forth their difficulties by reason of
A dumber of Cruizers on their Coast, & Other Circumstances
they are Under. Therefore pray for a Temporary Release
of the Beef Tax Set upon that Town.
Resolved that the Inhabitants of Thomastown be informed,
by having a Copy of this resolve sent to them, that this Court
are taking proper measures for the defense of all the Eastern
Sea Coasts, that there will be Soldiers in such places in that
part of the Country as Shall be tho't proper & that such part
of their Beef as they can furnish will be expended in the
ensuing Campaign for their Own defence and the Secretary
is humbly desired to furnish s d Inhabitants of Thomastown
with an attested Copy of this Resolve
Sent up for concurrence Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate March 7 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 177
Resolve Relating to Exchange of Gen 1 Wadsworth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives 6 th March 1781
On a Letter received from Brig r Gen 1 Wadsworth, dated
Bigwaduce Fort George 20 Feb y 1781 requesting that he
now a prisoner of war, may be exchanged as soon as possible ;
Resolved, that the Governor be & he hereby is desired to take
measures for effecting the Exchange of so worthy an Officer
as soon as may be.
On a Letter received from Col Wheaton, dated Head
Quarters Thomaston 23 Feb y 1781, informing of the Capture
of Brig r Gen 1 Wadsworth ; & of the critical, dangerous Situa-
tion of that part of the Country ;
Resolved, that the Governor be, & he hereby is requested
to inform s d Col n that measures are now adopting for the
immediate Defence of the eastern parts of this Common-
wealth ; & that in the mean time Col n Wheaton be directed to
take the most effectual measures for the Security of the
provision & Stores at Thomaston.
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate March 7 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
[The letter of Col. Wheaton's referred to will be found
under date of Feb. 23].
Letter Relating to Defence of Eastern Country.
Newport, 6 th March 1781
My dear Sir :
His Excellency General Washington arrived here this
Forenoon. I have had an opportunity of conversing with
12
I
178 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
him with Respect to our Eastern Country and the propriety
of retaining the Troops raised in the three lower Counties,
for the Defence of them. He says the Measure can by no
Means be assented to, as Congress have ordered all the Troops
South of Jersey to join the Southern Army So that the
Main Army must be composed of the New England, New
York, and Jersey-Lines which forbids his assenting to any
Detachments. I wish the Assembly had known this before
they were adjourned for the Security of the Eastern
Country is certainly an Object which should claim our Atten-
tion. I know the Court thought it so, and had they not
believed that those Troops might be retained, they would
probably have made other provision, I hope Congress has been
addressed on the Subject, for it is peculiarly hard for our
State to guard its extensive Sea Coast, part of which is now
in the possession of the Enemy, without the Aid of the Con-
tinent. I have written to our Members in Congress on
this Matter, supposing that the State would address Congress
and request their Assistance. Can not men be sent Easterly
before the Court meet again ? *[ I wish I had a little News
to send you I have none which I dare warrant as authentic.
Gen 1 Washington was received here with every Mark of Re-
spect & Joy. 1 The Militia are coming in, and will most of
them be stationed near the North End of the Island. 1fl
have the Honor to be, Dear Sir, with the highest respect and
Esteem, Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble
Servant [not signed]
His Excellency Governor Hancock Esq.
Resolve in re Fitting Out Ships For Defence.
The Committee of both Houses on the Letter from the
Commander of the French fleet at Rhode Island with his
Excellencies Message accompanying the same, with respect
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 179
to sending the Ship Mars in cooperation with one of his most
Christian Majesties Frigates, on an expedition to the eastern
parts of this Commonwealth have attended that business
and beg leave to report by way of Eesolve
Jedidiah Preble pr order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 7 th 1781
Resolved that His Excellency the Governor with the advice
of Councill be requested A to take the ship Mars under their
immediate care, and appoint some suitable person or persons
to see that the said Ship be fixt B in as expedtious a manner
as possible also to appoint any officer or Officers for s d Ship
in case the Officers now belonging to said Ship Should decline
that service f And it is further resolved that the officers
& Seamen who shall engage on board s d Ship during s d Serv-
ice shall be on the same establishment as the Officers & Sea-
men who have heretofore engaged on board the c Ships in the
Service of this Commonwealth with the addition of A seven
Dollars of the Bills of Credit of the New Emission as a
bounty to each Seaman who shall voluntarily enter board s d
Ship for s d Service. If And it is further Eesolved that the
Governor with the advice of Council be authorized to im-
power the commander of s d Ship (in case he cannot man his
Ship in season on the aforesaid encouragement) to impress
a sufficient number of men to go on board s d Ship on s d ex-
pedition D not exceeding six weeks from the time of s d Ships
sailing f And it is further Resolved that the Commissary
General be and he is hereby directed to furnish such pro-
visions & Warlike Stores as the Governor with the advice of
Councill may judge necessary for s d Ship during s d expedition
Read & sent down
Jer: Powell Presi dt
And it is further Resolved that the Agent lately appointed
to fit out an armed Vessel as a Tender to the Ship Tartar be
180 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
directed to fit out s d Vessel forthwith as a Tender to the
French Frigate on the above mentioned Expedition
In the House of Kepresentatives March 7 th 1781
Read & accepted with the following amendments at A B
C&D
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
viz. Dele from A to B & insert to order the Agent for the
naval department of this Commonwealth to fix the said Ship
for Sea" At C insert "armed" at D insert "to serve"
In Senate March 9 th 1781
Read & Concurred as taken into a new draught
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer. Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives March 9, 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Spk r
Approv d John Hancock
Resolve in re Impressing Men For Service.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 8 th 1781
Whereas it is expedient that the ship Mars Should be
immediately fitted for the Sea, to act in cooperation with one
of his Most Christian Majesties Frigates on an Expedition
to the Eastern parts of this Common Welth Therefore Re-
solved, that the officers & seamen who shall engage on Board
s d Ship during her Cruise Shall be on the same establishment
as the officers & Seamen who have heretofore engaged on bord
the Ships in the Service of this Common Welth with the addi-
tion of Seven Dollars of the Bills of Credit of the New
Emission, as Bounty to each Seaman who shall voluntarily
OF THE STATE OF MAltfE 181
enter on board s d Ship for s d Service f & it is further Re-
solved that the Governor with advice of Council!, be author-
ised to impower the Commander of s d Ship in Case he Cannot
Man his Ship, in Season on the aforesaid incouragement, to
impress a sufficient number of Seamen, to go on Board s d
Ship to serve on s d expedition not exceeding Six Weeks from
the Time of s d Ships sailing
Address of Governor Relative to Deficiency of Supplies.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
It is my Wish at all times to carry into Execution the
Resolves of the General Court with such dispatch as shall
Effect the purposes Design'd and in Consequence of your
Resolve of Feb y 9 th was using every possible Means to furnish
& forward the supplies Ordered for the Eastern Department,
many of which are now ready, but notwithstanding every
Exertion, there will be a Deficiency even in the Execution
of that part of the Supplies. | The Resolves of the General
Court of March 6 th Include a Requisition for a Supply of
Articles for the same Department more Extensive than the
former whch if design'd as an Addition to the first, & to be
Immediately furnish'd, will Certainly fail in the Execution.
Not three hundred fire Arms are in the public Stores of this
Commonwealth, I have sent to the Commissary of Military
Stores to know what of the Articles Ordered, he can supply,
he returns me for Answer he can only afford the Supply of
Powder, The Means proposed by the Resolve are not Ade-
quate to the purchases of the Deficient Articles, I cannot
therefore sign the Resolve without the further Interposition
of the General Court, lest I should be made Accountable and
Censurable, when wholly out of my power to carry the Re-
182 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
solves into Execution, altho' much Dispos'd to Exert myself
for the Welfare & safety of every part of the Commonwealth
I must request the General Court to give some Explana-
tion of their Intentions as to the Immediate Supply of the
Several Articles for the Eastern Department, and if the
whole of the Warlike Stores Cannon &c : mentioned in two
Resolves of Feb y 9 th & March 6 th are to he procur'd, that
further Means may be provided for the Obtaining them
The several Resolves respecting the Militia I will Endeavor
to carry into Execution, but I must beg Leave to request the
Attention of the General Court to that which respects the
Continental Troops in the three Eastern Counties, & the
Impropriety of my Interfering in Officering or Arranging
those Troops If the whole supply of provisions is to be
made I shall be Obliged to send to M r Baker for one hundred
Barrels of the Pork, under this care, & appropriated for an-
other purpose, the Disappointment to the Army & the Charge
of Land & Water Transportation, I submit to the General
Court
Council Chamber March 9 th 1781
John Hancock
Order Appointing Committee on Resolutions.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 10, 1781
Ordered that M r Hall M r Wells & Major Lithgow with
such as the Hon Senate shall appoint be a Committee to take
into Consideration a Draught of sundry Resolutions relative
to the Eastern Counties & his Excellency's Message in conse-
quence thereof & to report thereon
sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 183
Resolve Relating to Militia of Frenchman s Bay.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts [
In the House of Kepresentatives March 10-1781
On a Letter to the Hon ble Speaker of this House from Mr.
John Springer of a Settlement in the eastern part of this
Commonwealth called Frenchman's Bay, representing their
situation & dangerous Circumstances on account of the
Enemy, & praying for some Direction & Relief in order to
enable them still to preserve that part of the Country from
the Enemy.
^Resolved, that such of the Militia of the Settlement called
Frenchman's Bay, as shall hold themselves in readiness to
march at a minute's warning well armed & equipped to repel
invading parties of the Enemy, & shall be inrolled for that
purpose under the direction of Col n John Allan of Machias,
shall be intitled to receive ten Shillings silver money p r
month, or an equivalent in Bills of Credit according to the
current Exchange, as a Consideration & Inducement for hold-
ing themselves thus in readiness. A until the further order
of the Gen 1 Court And it is further Resolved that Col.
John Allen is directed to make a Return to this Court as
soon as possible of the number of Militia in Frenchman's Bay
armed & equipped as aforesaid B Said Militia to find their
own provisions. Such part of s d Militia to be imbodied un-
der suitable Commanders from time to time as Occasion may
require, & as shall be directed by s d Col n John Allan, whose
Orders shall be produced as Vouchers for the actual Service
of s d Militia. That part of s d Militia who shall be imbodied,
shall be in full pay & shall be intitled to receive forty shil-
lings p r month as above, while on actual Service; & shall be
relieved or discharged in whole or in part from time to time
as Occasion may require & as shall be directed by the above
s d Col n Allan. And the s d Col n Allan is hereby Ordered &
I
184 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
impowered to take the direction of the Militia at French-
man's Bay as above & to appoint suitable Commanders from
time to time, & to furnish s d Militia with necessary Am-
munition^
sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate March 10 th 1781
Read & Nonconcured Jer: Powell Presi dt
Resolve Impowering the Governor.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bay
In the House of Representatives March 10 th 1781
Whereas in the present critical situation of the three east-
ern Counties of this Commonwealth it is necessary that extra-
ordinary powers should be vested in the Governor and Council
in the recess of the General Court Therefore Resolved That
the Governor be and he is hereby impowered & requested by
and with the advice of Council to adopt such Measures dur-
ing the recess of the General Court as he may deem necessary
for the defence of the eastern parts of this Commonwealth
A taking into Consideration the Resolution of the Gen 1 Court
for retaining the Troops raised in those countys for the Con-
tinental Army B ; for which purpose it is further Resolved
that the Governor be and he is hereby impowered with the
advice of Council to draw out of the Treasury of this Com-
monwealth a Sum not exceeding six Thousand Dollars of the
]STew Emission part of the Sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars
ordered to be borrowed by a Resolve of the second Instant,
and that the Gov r be Requested to give order that the Acco 4
of the Expenditure of the Money he may draw out of The
Treasurer in Consequence of this Resolution C.
sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Sp r
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 185
In Senate March 10 th 1781
Read & Concurred with the Amendments at A to C :
sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi d
viz. at A dele from A to B. at C Insert, be laid before the
General Court for Examination
In the House of Representatives March 10. 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Advice of the Council to the Governor.
Commonwealth of Mass ttB
In Council March 17 th 1781
The Council having taken the Resolve of the General
Court of the 9 th of Feb y last for the Defence of the Eastern
parts of this Commonwealth under Consideration As also the
Powers vested in the Governor and Council for this purpose
f Advice That his Excellency order a Detachment from
the Militia of the Counties of Cumberland and Lincoln of
one hundred & fifty Men; one hundred of which to be
stationed at Falmouth for the defence thereof, to be paid for
their Service as the General Court shall hereafter order and
to do Duty for three Months, if not sooner discharged
That a Sergeants Guard be established at the Mouth of the
Kennebeck River That a Sergeants Guard be placed at
Towns End in the County of Lincoln That a Sergeants
Guard be placed at French Mans Bay That half the Num-
ber of Arms and the whole of the Ammunition mentioned in
the said Resolve of the 9 th of Feb y last should be sent down
to Falmouth for the use of the Men ordered to do duty there
That a Subalterns Guard be placed at S l Georges That
186 DOCUVENTKAY HISTORY
Provisions for Subsistance of the Troops stationed at Fal-
mouth be sent there in such quantities as his Excellency
shall think proper And that his Excellency be requested to
comply with the Resolution of Congress passed the 15 of
Feb y 1781 to compleat the Company of Artillery at the Post
of Machias to a Number of Sixty five Men including officers
for the further Security and Defence thereof to be under
the Command of Col John Allen.
Attest John A very Sec 7
/. Allan to the Governor.
Machias March 17 th 1781
Sir
My Last which I had The Hono r of Writing your Excel-
lency was of The 26 Jan y I then Acquainted you of the
Situation of The Department to that Day and of my In-
tention of Going to Frenchmans Bay in Consiquence of The
Inteligence I had Received from That Place It was the
8 th of February before I coud get ready when I sett of in
Company with Col Foster Also Col Campbell on Our Way
On Our Arrival There found Much Disturbance, respect-
ing some Persons being at Bagaduce, I accordingly in a Mili-
tary Capacity Siezed two Men, and had an Examination in
presence of The Committee who are all Men of Virtue &
Zealous for their Countrys Good The deplorable situation
of the Inhabitants, and the fear of Agravating The Enemy,
Made it precarious how to Act for the Safety of The people,
I consulted with The Committee and finialy on their Appli-
cation to be Responsable for the Prisoners future good Con-
duct, Delivered Them up to The Town, who took necessary
steps for Securing Them This was the Only Step I could
Do, even at The Best. Tho not known to Others, as the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 187"
Indigent State of This Post rendered it Imposible for me to
secure such people 1f There was a Meeting of The whole
Town but four or five Absent. Those present Voted Unani-
mously to do their Utmost to Oppose the Enemy if they Came
there. I promised Them every Assistance in my power
depending That I shoud soon be able By Assistance from the
Westward Matters appeared Settled & Agreeable for the
present, I returned to Machias But on the 24th the British
Ship The Allegence of 18 Guns from Baggauduce Arrived
There, Landed a party of Men, about Two in the Morning, at
a Village called New Bristol & with The Most Wanton &
cruel Agravations, Burnt M r Beans & Capt n Sulivans Houses.
Takeing the Latter Prisoner The former was the house I
put up at The Man & Women in an Advanced Age of
Life The Latter Infirm, Both of them often Threaten'd to be
Laid in the Pile not Permited to have Sufficient Cloths to
secure them from the Inclemency of The Weather Thus
a Eamely in The Most Affluent circumstances in a New
Country Rendered Miserable by Those Bloody Wretches
I shall not Trouble Your Excellency with more perticulars
of this Your Own Principles of Humanity will point out
their Calamitious Setuation If The 27 th I Received the
Express, it Seem'd to strike a panic thro the Country, nor
was it in my power to give any Assistance, any further than
by promises to Encourage them to perseverence Several
proposed Makeing Retaliation on the Torys which I dis-
countinenced for The Present, Only to stand upon The de-
fencive The Ship Committed several other Depredations
plundred several People & Threatned Ruin to every One,
who Any way Opposed their Taking of Lumber f Lieu*
Col Campbell Musterd what Militia he could Raise But
the Scarcity of every Necessary rendred it Imposible to Con-
tinue any Time, at Present all still But Expect every Hour
to Hear British Vessells Takeing Lumber f About Three
'
188 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
weeks Ago a Sloop Arm'd, Arrived at Gouldsborough with
Falmouth papers on Board, and aforged Passport from The
Commanding Officer for Boards She was Loaded & the
Money paid, Has since, I understand, been Taken by An
American Privateer 1 There is much Confusion now in
the Country in Respect of Nutrality some Late Advices Brot
from Boston That it woud be Comply'd with if Requested,
Has sett some Districts much upon The wavering Hand
I did not put much Dependence for some time, but Lieu*
Col Campbell Informs me: that by the Influence & per-
suasion of some, most of the people will fall in with it not
Knowing the Nature and Meaning of Such a State Nor
Conceiving the Consequence shoud it be permited) I pre-
sume some thing will be Mention'd at the Head of Govern-
ment Respecting this where I doupt not Suitable Steps
will be taken as best for the Public Utility If It Ap-
pears Certain That the Self Interested & Torys thro the
Country are Detirmind to Grasp at every Straw reather
then Give up the Conection with The Britons, if they
fail endeavour to Bring Others into Disgrace with Them-
selves or be supposed to be Friendly. Last week A
Brittish Ten Gun Schooner came to Managuagus & took
a Schooner which Col Jones & Some Others came from
Boston in, And Carry ed her to Bagauduce, where I under-
stand He and Some Others have since Gone to Endeavour
to Get her Back It is Surprizing that this Vessell shoud
be taken Only, when there was Another belonging to
Capt n Walice of the Militia who has upon all Occa-
tions been Active & forward in Defending the Country & a
Man of Property The Other a Pirmitt from Mowet
This is the way they have Managed for Sometime and Under
a Cloak of Being Distressed, has Kept the Country in Con-
fusion & Trouble to cary on their own Intrigues f Since
my last to Your Excellency several Indian Famelys have
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 189
Arrived at Passamaquody from S* Johns On my Eeturn
from Frenchmans bay, Despatched of The Priest & Lieut
Delesdernier to Celebrate Lent who Keturnd in Eight days
They found every thing Agreeable & friendly only the
want of Provisions I have furnished them with Consider-
able Ammunition They Eely upon Something which Keeps
up their Sperits And Your Excellency may rest assured
by the Last of April a very Considerable Body will be Keady
for Any Matter they may be Commanded to do IfYour
Excellency woud see by my Last the State of the whole De-
partment, as I have Received no Assistance since, It may be
easily Conjectured, what our present Setuation is But it
may be Depended upon, that every Exertion in my power
shall be Used to secure The Country & the Interests of the
Indians 1 1 have the Honor to be with the Most Profound
Respect
Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humb 1 Servant
J. Allan
His Excellency John Hancock Esq
Memorial of George Stillman.
To his Excellency John Hancock Esq. Governor, & the
Hon ble Councill of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston April 6 th 1781
The Memorial of George Stillman Humbly Sheweth that
By Resolve of the Hon ble General Court of the fifteenth of
November last the Board of War were ordered to Furnish
Capt n Smith Commissary at Machias with Sundry Provisions
for the purpose of Replaceing those Borrowed By him and
Col Allan agreeable to the Returns herewith presented the
publick Stores being then so nearly exausted as not to inable
them to Furnish but two Barrils of Pork and two Barrills of
190 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Beef the Remainder is still due, & your Memorialist having
lent Large Quantities of it to the publick by which he Now
Suffers for want of it to supply the Indians as he has an
appointment solely for that purpose your petitioner humbly
pray your excellency & Honors in your Wisdom to Direct
that the said provisions may be replaced and your Petitioner
as in Duty Bound will ever pray George Stillman
Petition of Isaac Washburn.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts [ To the Hon ble Senate and
House Eepresentatives.
The Petition of Isaac Washburn humbly Sheweth Your
pertitioner would beg leave to Represent to your Hon r that
after the Capture Brig r Gen 1 Wadsworth, your Petitioner took
Command of Gard. of Twenty Men Statined at Cambden and
S* Georges dureing their Service of Thirty Days, and your
Petitiner thirty throe Days, which time each & every of s d
Gard found their own Provision, wherefore your Petitioner
prays that, said Company may have thier Rations allowed
them, and your Petitioner, Reimbursed what money he ad-
vanced in Collecting said provision, and your pertitioner as
in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. &c
Isaac Washburn
Thomaston April 7 1T81
Sir:
As I have been Obliged to Leave thomaston great part of
this winter I thought proper to Appoint Cap 1 Washburn to
Keep up a Small guard in this place as there was a necessity
that a guard Should be keep up after the Troops Left this
Place I should take it as a faver if you would give him Some
Assistance in Regard to his wagies for the Same I am Sir
your Hum bl Ser* Major Wheaton
[to] Col Dawes
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 191
Letter of Chairman Committee of Correspondence.
Pleasant Kiver April the 9 th 1T81
Gentlemen
We Received your Friendly Letter of the 30 th of March
Last, with a Copy of M r Shaws Letter, and a Copy of Repre-
sentation to the Governor &c &c.
And we have vewed the Resolves of your March meeting and
do look on it, that you acted Like Spirited, good, & Loyal,
Honourable Subjects, to the States of America &c. Also we
have Perused Francis Shaws Esq r Letter and Look upon it
as unorthodox selfish, but mistaken Policy.
Likewise we hav considered of the said Representation,
and we do Look upon it with Disdain, & that it is an Atrocious
Audacious Falce Piece And we do heartily joine with you
in Rejecting the said Letter & Representation & do scorn
and Dispise a Neutrality, & it is with Pleasure that we can
Informe you (thats to our knowledge) that not one Person
here has coveted to be Neuters at Present Neither do we De-
sire to be so Sneeking as Leave our Friends at the Westerd
to Beat the Bush & we to cathch the Hare. But we will
Joine with you, heart & hand to defend the Rights & Liber-
ties of America and its Independences to the Last. And we
do Returne you hearty Thanks for your kind Letter & your
opinion on the subject matter: & do wish Prosperity to
American arms, & a speedy, honurable and happy, Peace
And we do wish you Evry Blessing By order of the Com-
mittee of Correspondence &c
Daniel Merit chairman
P S Before the sealing of this, yours of the 9 th Instant
came to hand with a Packet To Colo 11 Campbell which we
sent off by my son Direct
Daniel Merit
$
192 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Nicholas Crosby.
His Excellency Jn Hancock Esq r
To his Excellency the Governor & the Honourable Council
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of Nicholas Crosby Humbly Sheweth That
before the enemy took possession of Penobscot he was an
inhabitant there; owning a farm Considerably brought to &
well Stoked: but upon that events taking place rather than
Submit to the British government & from a firm attachment
to the Cause of his Country he left all his interest there &
Came to Salem : by which means his Circumstances are much
straitened; he therefore Prays your Excellency & Honours
would grant him a Permit to go to Penobscot to take some
Care of his interest there & to bring off Such of his effects
as he can in a row boat which he perposes to go up that
river in fyour Petitioner also prays he may have per-
mission at the Same time to Carry sum Necessaries to his
fathers family there which they Stand in great Need of and
your Petitioner as in duty bound Shall ever Pray &c
Nicholas Crosby
Salem April ye 9 1781
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council April 12 th 1781
Adviced that the Prayer of the Petitioner be so far granted
That Nicholas Crosby be and hereby is permitted to go up
Penobscot Eiver for the purpose of taking Care of his In-
terest and to bring off such of his Effects as he can obtain
and to return into this Commonwealth with the same in a
Small Boat which the said Crosby hath procured for the
purpose
Attest John Avery Sec y
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 193
Committee Town Machias to Governor.
May it please your Excellency Duplicate.
We have by order of the town forwarded to your Excel-
lency the papers relative to the Conduct of Francis Shaw &
Nathan Jones of Gouldsborough & Capt William Nickells
(Naval Officer) of Narroguagus; how far they have corrupted
the minds of the good people of these remote & distressed
plantations, we cannot say, but beleve, very few except their
dependents, will join in a request of such a Malignant nature.
The above Gen ts seem to have free Ingress, Egress & Regress
to Major Bagwaduce which we apprehend to be of dangerous
consequence both to the peace and safety of these detatched
plantations ; the Enemy, at least, learn our poverty & weak-
ness, and we gain no intelligence but what suits the base
purposes of these men; of course their baleful influence &
misrepresentations powerfully tend to intimidate and disarm
the Inhabitants & embolden our Enemies ; and Doubtless they
have advised the removal of our leading men, as the only
effectual measure in the declining power of these Minions of
despotism, to reduce us under the power of Britain, the
grand prerequisite to the full accomplishment of their lucra-
tive and ambitious purposes. Such a measure we are well
informed is resolved on, and has in part already taken place.
We therefore humbly pray that every assistance & support
in the power of Government, may be speedily Granted us.
By order of the Committee
Machias April 11 th 1781 Stephen Smith Chairman
Petition of Josiah Crockett.
To the Honourable the Senate and house of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Humbly Sheweth
Josiah Crockett of Deer Island in the County of Lincoln
that on the failure of the expedition to Penobscott in the
13
J
194 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
year 1779, the inhabitants of Deer Island, especially those
who had taken up arms with their brethren of this Common-
wealth (among whom was your petitioner) were compelled
by the British Commander at Majorbigwaduce to take the
oath of Allegiance to the King of Great Britain, as the con-
dition upon which alone they might peaceably enjoy their
estates, with the assurance however that they should not be
called upon to bear arms against those under the banners of
America. That on the eighteenth day of April A D 1780
General Wadsworth Commander of the American forces in
the County of Lincoln, by his proclamation of that date, in
tenderness and justice to the inhabitants of said Deer Island
and other places adjacent to Majorbigwaduce, (whose critical
and uncomfortable situation was not owing to their want of
affection to, or zeal for, the Government of Massachusetts,
but to a contingency of events needless to be mentioned) did
order and direct the inhabitants aforesaid to consider them-
selves as neutrals in regard of aiding or assisting either
party; allowing them an intercourse with the subjects of this
Commonwealth, and declaring that they should always have
proper passes for their return home from the Commander at
the American post: That on the 7 th day of October 1779,
the house of Representatives requested the Hon ble Council
to direct the Commanding Officer of the County of Lincoln
not to suffer small scouting parties to molest or disturb the
inhabitants of Penobscott; By all which the spirits of the
people have been supported under their sufferings, reflecting,
that although a wise Providence has seen fit to exercise their
patience by an ostensible submission to his Britannic Majesty,
(which can only be considered as temporary, and during the
present constraint they are under), yet the inhabitants of
Deer Island could never doubt your Honours confidence in
their hearty affection and zeal for the cause and interest of
the United States as having never by any voluntary act for-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 195
felted the protection of the laws and Government of this
Commonwealth, Yet in addition to their distress as though it
were not already sufficient, in total disregard of the feelings
of humanity, prompted by avarice and a desire of plunder a
certain Nathaniel Thomson of Falmouth in the County of
Cumberland in a boat with fifteen men from said Falmouth
on the sixth day of March last past landed at said Deer
Island abused robbed and plundered some of the inhabitants
thereof. They entered the house of your petitioner, struck
and abused his wife there being, broke in the window where
a child was laying then dangerously sick and thereby greatly
hazarded its life; They took and carried away from your
petitioners store rum tobacco &c and meeting your petitioner
as they left his house as he returned from his neighbours
they insulted and abused him; took from him eleven gallons
of molasses he then had with him, and forced him on board
their boat, where they detained him a considerable time.
They also entered the house of M r Richard Crockett your
petitioners father, being above 75 years of age, and with a
loaded gun placed at his breast threatened to take away his
life, they otherwise insulted him, and beat and wounded him
so that he was unable to follow his business for the space of
fourteen days. More insults and outrages were offered to
others his neighbours by said Thompson and his men which
'tis probable will be laid before your Honours. Your Peti-
tioner as soon as conveniently he could repaired to Falmouth,
to obtain satisfaction of the Cap 1 and crew of the boat afore-
said ; but received only abuse and insult, yea two of the crew
and they the most guilty swore that if he prosecuted them
they would burn and destroy all the interest and estate he
had on Deer Island. Your petitioner therefore, reposing
the highest confidence in the wisdom, justice, liberality and
goodness of this Commonwealth, looks up to your Honours
as the avengers of injuries done to the subjects thereof, and
196 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
begs his case may be taken into your wise consideration, and
such order taken thereon as may be for the security of the
subject from such injuries in future, and that the per-
petrators of the injuries and inormities set forth in this
petition may be punished. And as your petitioner is em-
ployed by many of his neighbours on Deer Island to purchase
corn for their necessary support, he prays a permit may be
granted him to transport the same without danger of being
taken by the Privateers, or robbed and plundered by parties
of men from boats or hindered and delayed unecessarily in
ports & harbours as has heretofore been his case, And your
Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray
Josiah Crockett
Falmouth 11 th of April 1781
In Senate April 19 th 1781
Read & thereupon Ordered that Increase Sumner and
Jonathan Greenleaf Esq rs with such as the Honorable House
shall join be a Committee to take this Petition into Consider-
ation and make report what may be proper to be done thereon.
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives April 23 d 1781
Read & concurred & Gen. Titcomb Col Coffin & M r Leggate
are joined
Caleb Davis
Petition of Andrew Reed.
To the Hon ble the Senate & the Hon ble the house of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court assembled
The Petition of Andrew Reed of Boothbay Humbly
Sheweth That when the expedition against the enemies of
America at Penobscut, was undertaken under the Command
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 197
of the Hon. Brigadier General Lovell in the year 1779;
your Petitioner readily engaged in the service with his per-
son, his sons, and all the property he had that was capable
of any employment in it.
That General Lovell did on the 22 d of July take into the
transport Service the Sloop Townsend the property of your
Petitioner, & held her in the business of an hospital-ship
until he retreated from the place, at which time your Peti-
tioner was commanded to quit her, & she with the rest of the
fleet was lost.
That this loss was ruinous in its consequences to your
Petitioner as it was the chief part of his estate from which
he could derive any present advantage; & when deprived of
it he found himself cut off from the usual & indeed from the
only means he knew of providing for the Subsistence of a
numerous & helpless family & himself & his sons turned out
of business the only business by which they earned their
bread.
That under this disadvantage he was forced to submit to
another arising out of the same source: his uniform exer-
tions of his utmost abilities from first to last in the cause
of his Country had made him obnoxious to its enemies; in
so much that he was noted by them as the butt of peculiar
vengeance; to escape their hands he was obliged to abandon
his settlement on the coast & retire with his family into the
wilderness, in circumstances peculiarly distressing.
That it was no small addition to his distresses that the said
Sloop had never been paid for; your Petitioner had indeed
repeatedly tendred the payment to the former owner, at the
time when it came due, which was in the fall of the year
1777, three months after the purchase had been made; but
that Gentleman respecting the public credit, ever refused to
receive payment, until the late act of the legislature for better
establishing the currency, And now under the shelter of that
198 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
act lie has sued your Petitioner for the debt in hard money,
& the case is depending before the Inferior Court at Pownal-
boro' next June: & if execution issues at that time against
your Petitioner, agreeable to the demand of the Plaintiff,
your Petitioner & his family must be involved in infallible
ruin.
That your Petitioner has repeatedly made humble repre-
sentations of his Case to the General Court in hopes of
receiving some satisfaction for his loss in the Sloop afore-
said; but without success; the extremity of his distress
alone constrains him to address the legislature once more on
that Subject:
Your Petitioner therefore earnestly entreats Your Honors
to take his case into consideration, & to order him some just
compensation for the loss he has sustained, or grant him
such other relief as to your Honors in your wisdom & Justice
shall appear to be righteous & meet : & your Petitioner as in
duty bound shall ever pray
And w Keed
Boothbay 12 th of April 1781
Affidavit of Nathaniel Thomas.
Cumberland Ss.
I Nathaniel Thomas of Deer Island in the County of
Lincoln House Carpenter of Lawfull Age Do Testify and
Declare That I was at the House of Richard Crocket of Said
Deer Island Joiner on the Sixth Day of March last past.
And about Sunrise of Said Sixth of March there Enterd the
house of the said Richard Three Armed Men Viz Beniah
Low, Kemp and Daniel Marston who were part of a Boat
Crew Commanded by Nathaniel Thompson of Falmouth in
the County Cumberland M r Crocket Attempting to go out
of his Door said Kemp Low and Tobey Struck him several
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 199
Violent Blows with the Butts of thier Guns and one of them
Viz Marston presented the Muzzle of his Gun (the Gun being
Cocked) at the said Crocket the others Continuing to
beat and Wound the said Crocket Tearing his Clothes and
Abusing his person. Eumageing his House and taking
from thince a Gun and Bullet Bag which thay Carried away
with them When M r Crocket Cried Murder and for help
they said "Dam him Kill him" and Dam you speaking
to the said Crocket "We mean to Kill You" in Consi-
quence of all which Abuse and 111 Usage the said Crocket was
Confined to his house For above a Fortnight The said
Richard Crocket is above Seventy Three Years of Age
Natha 11 Thomas
Cumberland Ss Falmouth April 13 th 1781
The above-named Nathaniel Thomas, made Solemn Oath
to the Truth of the above Deposition by him Sign'd taken
in perpetuam rei memoriam
Coram Enoch Freeman Sam 1 Freeman J-
Justices of the Peace quorum unus
Petition of Mary Campbell.
To his Excellency the Governor ; the Honourable the Senate,
and house of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
The petition of Mary Campbell wife of John Campbell of
Deer Island, in the County of Lincoln, in behalf of said
John and herself, humbly sheweth. That on the eighteenth
day of April A D 1780. General Wadsworth Commander of
the American troops in the County of Lincoln by his
proclamation of that date, in tenderness to the feelings of
the inhabitants of said Deer Island and other places in the
vicinity of Majorbigwaduce ; (whose critical and uncomfort-
- J
200 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
able situation was not owing to want of affection to, or zeal
for, the Government of Massachusetts but must altogether be
imputed to the contingency of unhappy events needless to be
enumerated) did order and direct the inhabitants aforesaid to
hold themselves as neutrals in regard of aiding or assisting
either party, allowing them an intercourse with the other
subjects of this Commonwealth, and declaring that they should
always have proper passes for their return home, from the
Commander at the American post. That on the seventh day
of October 1779 the house of Representatives requested the
Honourable Council to direct the Commander of the (then)
State troops not to suffer any scouting parties to molest or
disturb the inhabitants round about Penobscott. By all
which the Spirits of the people there have been greatly sup-
ported under the heaviest trials, reflecting that altho a wise
Providence has seen fit to exercise their patience by an osten-
sible submission to his Brittanic Majesty (which can only
be considered as temporary and during the present force they
are under) yet the inhabitants of Deer Island could never
doubt your Honours confidence in their hearty affection and
zeal for the cause and interest of the United States, having
never forfeited by any voluntary act, the protection of the
laws and Government of this Commonwealth. Yet never-
theless, in addition to their distress as though it were not
already sufficient in total disregard of the feelings of
humanity from a motive of avarice which grasps at
everything justifiable or even colorable by law. Nathaniel
Thompson of Falmouth in the County of Cumberland Com-
mander of a whale boat called the Roebuck with fifteen men
armed did, on the fifth day of March last past without colour
of any commission for so doing break the house of the said
John Campbell of said Deer Island, and one holding a pistol
at his breast threatning him with instant death if he moved
some of the others robbed him of his watch and fifteen hard
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 201
dollars, and took and carried away a trunk containing the
most valuable of your petitioners wearing apparel, table and
baby linen (not even excepting clouts) &c according to
schedule exhibited herewith amounting in the whole to one
hundred and nineteen pounds original value; but of much
greater estimation in the eyes of your petitioner as the great-
est part of the womens apparel was either the bounty of or
descended from the ancestor's of your petitioner. Add to
this that they came not to the knowledge of your petitioner's
being possessed of those several articles (which were shewn
them by your petitioner as her own) but by their being out
of provisions, and liberally treated with the best the house
afforded the day before. Your petitioner as soon as she
could with convenience repaired to Falmouth to owners and
crew for satisfaction of these injuries ; and is happy to find
the owners and one of the crew willing to redeliver your
petitioner such of the booty as is in their possession, which
however does not amount to one half of the articles in the
schedule mentioned, but the rest refuse to deliver them
presuming that the inhabitants of Deer Island are in law
enemies; that plunder from them of whatsoever nature is
justifiable, and that the Government of this Commonwealth
would support them in it, altho' the husband of your peti-
tioner has inviolably maintained a friendly conduct towards
this Country as far forth as his situation would admit, and
although as your petitioner is made to understand the Gov-
ernment of this Commonwealth on application for that pur-
pose stedf astly refused to grant permission to the Whale boat
afore mentioned to cruize against the enemies of the United
States, lest as your petitioner presumes, such enormities
might be committed perhaps on the steddiest friends to the
American States, or if not that it would be dishonourable to
free and independent States to pursue such a mode of war,
where the advantage, accruing to the Commonwealth in a
202 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
view of interest bears no comparison with domestic distress,
and the greatest injury is perhaps done to women and chil-
dren. Your petitioner therefore reposing the highest con-
fidence in the wisdom, justice, liberality and goodness of this
Commonwealth, looks up to your Excellency and honours as
the avengers of injuries done not merely to your subjects
but to her sex as she is thereby the greatest sufferer, and
prays your Excellency and Honours to afford her such relief
or express such disapprobation of this conduct as shall seem
meet, whereby your petitioner may receive compensation for
her sufferings adequate to the injury, and such enormities
prevented for the future. And if your Excellency and
honours should determine that inhabitants of Deer Island
are so far the subjects of this Commonwealth as to be entitled
to the privileges of its laws then Your petitioners propose by
the advice of Counsel to institute a civil action in the Court
of Common Pleas next to be holden at Pownalborough in the
County of Lincoln, and prays your Honours to grant a safe
protection for themselves and witnesses to appear at said
Court, and that some person may be impowered at said Deer
Island to take depositions in the case. And as in duty bound
shall ever pray.
Mary Campbell
Falrn April 14 th 1781
A true inventory of sundry goods of which I was robbed
on the night of the 5 th of this instant March 1781, by a boat's
crew commanded by JSTath 1 Thompson as they say.
One garden satten sack and skirt cont s 18 yds @ 3
dollars p yard 16.4
One paduasoy gown cont g 12 yds @ 3 dollars 10.16
One white damask gown cont s 10 y'ds @ 15/ p y'd 7.10
One pattern of a petticoat India patch 4.4
Cambrick Holland gown 5 y'ds @ 9/ p yd' 2.5
One striped cotton gown 5 y'ds @ 5/ .15
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 203
One purple white chince gown 5 y'ds @ 3/ .15
One white damask skirt 8 y'ds @ 3/ 1.4
One quilted silk petticoat 7.4
One white garlic petticoat 4 y'ds @ 2/ 0.8
One white diaper petticoat 3 y'ds @ 3/ .9
One Cambrick apron 18/ 18
One fine Holland apron 19/ 19
One Cambrick Holland ditto 19/ 19
One p r double lawn ruffles 15/ 15
One spotted lawn apron 9/ 9
One lawn handkerchief 8/ 8
One pair deep Cambrick ruffles 9/ 9
One gauze handkerchief apron & ruffles 10
One black gauze shade 10
One broad cloth riding hood 6 6.0
One white silk hat & shade 12
One pair silk shoes 16/ 16
One pair stays new 2.8
One stone Necklace, 2 ivory stick fans & 5 yards ribbon 1.16
One Cap & 5 yards lace 6.4
One pair English cotton gloves 3
Two fine Holland aprons 1.16
One red ratteen jackett new 2.10
One black broad cloth coat 2.10
One pair breeches 1.10
One chintz waistcoat 12
Two pair woosted hose 12
One new Holland shirt 24/ 1.4
One old ditto 10
One muslin neckcloth 0.6
3 y ds % of superfine broadcloth @ 30/ 4.18
Five yards London shatton @ 4/ 1.0
One pattern nankeen 1
One pair Dutch Holland sheet 2.8
J
204 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
One pair pillow cases
One Damask Table cloth.
One handkerchief and one towell
Two damask napkins
Baby Linnen as follows viz
Nine shirts 5 of them laced
99.1
Five bibbs one of them laced
Fifteen caps 7 of them laced
One Lutestring 1 dimity & 1 flanel blankets
One Brocade baby pincushion
Brought over 99.1
Three clouts 1 damask waistcoat |
Three pair sleeves one swaith j 5
One Turkey counterpain 10
One yard drab cloth 12
Six & half doz metal spoons 2.0
One new adze, some small tools & tacks 1.0
One spy glass & Mariners compass 1.4
One silver watch 7.
Cash 15 dollars (silver) 4.10
One gun 5w shott and 1 horn of powder 3.0
A chest 3 or 4 yards English duck 1.10
One muslin hood and 2 oz fine thread |
One lutestring stomacher j 12
Two quarts rum 4
119.13
John Campbell
A True Copy Attest Mary Campbell
Goods returned viz
White Holland gown & pair of stays by Cap 1 M c Lallen
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 205
White damask gown, Muslin cap 4% yds of canvas returned
by Dole
N B. There are some Articles omitted which were not
recollected at the time M r Campbell made out the foregoing
Inventory
M Campbell
Petition Nath 1 Silsbee.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 16 th 1781
On the Petition of JSTath 1 Silsbee in behalf of himself &
others Oners of the Ship Hunter, lost on the Penobscot ex-
pedition, praying they may be reimbursed for the same for
reasons set forth in their Petition
Resolved that the Oners of s d Ship Hunter be & they here-
by are directed, to settle their acco ts with the late Board of
War ; & ascertain the exact ballance now due to them for s d
Ship &c, and it is further Resolved that the Governor with
the advice of Council, be & he is hereby requested to grant
a warrant on the Treasurer for the Whole of S d Ballance so
adjusted, on condition, that the Oners of s d ship will Loan
to Government five Sixths of the amount of s d warrant, agre-
able to the Supply Bill for Borrowing 800000, passed this
Session, the remaining one Sixth to be paid in Specie, or
Bills of Credit equivalent thereto
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 17 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
206 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Order to Committee to Deliver Message to Governor.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
in the House of Representatives April 17 th 1781
Ordered that Major Lithgow and M p Henshaw with such
as the Honourable Senate shall appoint be a Committee to
wait on his Excellency the Governor with the following
Message. If May it please your Excellency,
The General Court request to be informed what Measures
have been adopted during the Recess, by your Excellency,
for the protection of the Eastern parts of this Commonwealth
A Also whether any Answer has been received from his
Excellency General Washington, to Your Excellency's Letter,
respecting the detention of the Troops raised in the three
Eastern Counties for the purpose of reinforcing the Con-
tinental Army B
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate April 17 th 1781
Read & Concurred }
w th the Amendment at A to B j & John Pitts Esq r is joined
Sent down for Concurrence
Jere Powell Presi dt
viz, dele from A to B
In the House of Representatives April 17 th 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Resolve Placing Troops Under General Lincoln.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives. April 17 th 1781
Whereas by a Resolution of the General Court of the 9th
day of February last the Troops ordered to be raised in the
three eastern Counties of this Commonwealth as their quota of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 207
the Continental Army according to a Resolve of the 2 d of
december last, were retained in the said Counties untill the
Pleasure of his Excellency General Washington respecting
their future destination should be known ; whereas it appears
that General Washington is of Opinion that s d the public
service requires that the s d Troops be immediately forwarded
to the Grand Army therefore
Resolv'd that the s d Kesolve of the 9 th of Feb y last so far as
it respects the detention of s d Troops in the said Counties or
either of them be and it is hereby repealed, and that the s d
Troops in future be subject to the Order of the hon ble Major
General Lincoln's.
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speak r
In Senate April 17 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
Resolve in Favor of George Bacon.
Commonwealth of Massachusets
In the House of Representatives Apriel the 17 : 1781
On the representation of John Lucas Commasary of pen-
tioners in behalf of George Bacon a merean on bord the Con-
tinental Ship Warren was wouded in his arms at penobscut
in July 1779 as appears by his Certificate.
Resolved that George Bacon is intitled to one thurd of his
pay to Commence from his discharge which was the four-
teenth of August 1779
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Sp r
208 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Senate April 19 th 1781
Read & Concurred Jer: Powell Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Boston JSTovem r 4 th 1780
This may Certify that George Bacon was a marean on
board the Ship Warren at the Expedition at Penobscot Dudly
Saustout Commander and that the s d Bacon Recevd a Wound
in his arm that has deprived him of the use of it
Jo s Bradford Surgeon in Navy
Boston February the 7: 1781
this may Sertify that George Bacon was a merean on bord
of the Warren frigate in the Continental Servase and was
wounded at the landing in his arm at bagaduse in July 1779
Doc 1 Eliphelet Downer
(Governor Hancock to the Senate & House of Representatives.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of Rep-
resentatives
In Reply to your Message of yesterday, I am to inform
you that the Provisions & Stores necessary for the Eastern
Department are on board the Mars and the Galley, & they
will sail in two Days, & the necessary orders for Guards are
now Issuing. It was judg'd most Adviseable, for the Pub-
lick Interest, to Suspend the Execution of these orders untill
the present time, they will now be carried into immediate
effect John Hancock
Council Cham r April 18, 1781
Order to Reimburse Stephen Smith.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Council Chamber April 19, 1781
Ordered That Richard Devons Esq. Commissary Gen-
eral to deliver James Avery for Cap* Stephen Smith at
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 209
Machias the Deficiency of Provisions borrowed for the Use
of the Troops & Indians under the Command of Col John
Allen as p r return agreeable to a Eesolve of the General
Court of the 15 th November last
Attest John Avery Sec'y
1780 Col John Allen to the Board of War D r
Decem 2 To 2 Barrels pork 440 ft
2 ditto Beef 480 *
Delivered in part pay for Provisions he Borrowed for me of
the Troops & Indians. p r order of Court 15 th Novem.
Resolve in Favor of Wm. Hubbard.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 20 th 1781
On the Representation of John Lucas Commissary of
Pensioners in behalf of William Hubbard a Marine on board
the Continental Ship Warren & who was wounded by a
musket ball through the knee the 29 th of July 1779 at
Majorbagaduce by which wound he has lost the use of his
leg as appears by his Certificate
Resolved that the said William Hubbard is intitled to half
pay as a Marine to commence from the 2 d of Septem br 1779
the time of his discharge
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate April 20 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
14
210 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Certificates in Favor Wm. Hubbard.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives
John Lucas In behalf of W m Hubbard a Merene on board
the Cont' 1 Ship Warren, and who was Wounded by a Musket
ball through the Knee the 29 th of July 1779 at Majorbigway-
duce by w h wound he lost the use of his right leg all of
w ch Appears by Coppeys of his Certificates the origenal being
lost, or mislay d
John Lucas Com sry of Pensioners
Pension Office at Boston 20 th Ap 1 1781
Navey Board East n Department
Boston 5 th of May 1780
This Certifies that W m Hubbard was a merean on board
the Ship Warren, on the Expidtion to Penobscot, as Appears
by the Ships pay role, returned unto this Office, and the
Navey Board are Inform'd that he there lost his Right leg
or the Cause of it
J Warren for the board
These Certifie that W m Hubbard a Marean on board the
Ship Warring, & who was wound d Thr the right Knee by
w ch he lost the Use of it
Jos. Gardner Sergen
Boston 9 th May 1780
Pension Office at Boston 20 th Ap 1 1781
A Trew Coppey Jn Lucas
Order for Revision of Resolves for Defence Eastern Counties.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 20 th 1781
Ordered that M r Tracy, M r Wells & Col Thorndick with
such as the hon. Senate shall join be a Committee to revise
the Resolves for guarding & defending the Eastern Counties
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 211
consider what further measures are proper to be taken for
that purpose & report thereon
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate April 20 th 1781
Bead & Concurred & Jedidiah Preble & Jon a Greenleaf
Esq rs are joined on the part of the Senate
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Resolve to Stay Proceeding Hodge vs. Reed.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Eepresentatives April 21 st 1781
The Committee on the Petition of Andrew Reed of Booth-
bay in the County of Lincoln beg leave to Report the follow-
ing Resolve
Whereas it appears to this Court that the Sloop Town-
send the Property of Andrew Reed of Boothbay in the
County of Lincoln was on the 22 d day of July in the Year
of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred & seventy nine
taken into the service of Government on the Expedition
against Penobscut being undertaken and improved by Gen-
eral Lovell as a hospital Ship and that she together with the
rest of the Fleet was lost on the Retreat from before that
place. That Henry Hodge of Pownalborough in the same
County the former Owner of said Sloop, availing himself of
the late Act for better regulating the Currency of s d Com-
monwealth has commenced his Action against the said
Andrew & one Robert Reed who purchased her of him altho'
they repeatedly tendered the Money which they agreed to
pay him by their Note of hand for said sloop at the time
when it became due, which Action is now pending at the
Inferiour Court of Common Pleas to be holden at pownal-
bor within and for said County of Lincoln on the first
212 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Tuesday of June next, by which means the said Andrew
Reed & his family will probably be involved in ruinous Cir-
cumstances, unless prevented by the equitable intervention
of the Legislature, therefore
Resolved that the Justices of the Inferiour Court of Com-
mon Pleas in the County of Lincoln be and they are hereby
directed to continue from Term to Term the Action of Henry
Hodge of Pownalbor in said County Yeoman against
Andrew Reed of Boothbay in said County Esquire and
Robert Reed of said Boothbay Mariner on their Note of
hand dated the fourteenth day of Augus* 1777 payable in
Nine Months after the date of said Note for the sum of One
hundred & sixty pounds which was to be equal to five hun-
dred & thirty three Spanish Milled Dollars and one third of
a Dollar A untill the further Order of the General Court B.
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speak 1 "
In Senate April 21 st 1781
Read & non Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In Senate April 21 st 1781
Read again & the Senate Reconsider their Vote of Non
concurrence & Concur with an Amendment at A to B
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
viz dele, from A to B and insert, "to the Inferiour
Court to be held in said County of Lincoln, the last Tuesday
of SepF next" -
In the House of Representatives April 23, 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 213
Resolve in re Troops for Eastern Country.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Committee of both Houses on Eastern affairs beg leave
to report the following Kesolve
Jedidiah Preble p order
Whereas the depredations committed & daily committing
on the Eastern parts of this Commonwealth by the Enemy
from Penobscut & Halifax evince the immediate Necessity of
a military Establishment in the Eastern Counties adequate
to the purposes of preventing detached parties of the Enemy
from plundering their Frontiers with impunity Wherefore
Resolved that One hundred & sixty effective Men be im-
mediately raised in the County of Lincoln by voluntary in-
listment for the defence of the same, and stationed at such
places and in such proportion within the said County to the
Westward of Penobscut River as the Governor with the ad-
vice of Councill may from time to time Order, provided al-
ways and it is hereby further resolved that the Recruiting
Officers appointed for this purpose shall have full Liberty to
inlist Men part of the Number aforesaid in any such Towns
in the Counties of York and Cumberland as may have pro
cured their proportion of Continental Troops assessed upon
them Respectively by a Resolution of the General Court of
the 2 d of Dec r last.
And it is further Resolved that Eighty Men be raised as
aforesaid in the Counties of York and Cumberland and
stationed at Ealrn within the Limits of the latter, the whole
of said Troops to be properly armed and equiped and to con-
tinue in the Service of said Commonwealth from the time
of their respective engagements untill the first day of Dec r
next unless sooner discharged; that they shall be mustered
by the Muster Master in their respective Counties, that those
Troops to be raised as aforesaid in the County of Lincoln
214 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
shall be divided into 2 Companies, that those stationed at
Falmouth compose one Company, the whole of said Com-
panies to be on the continental Establishment in every Re-
spect, save only that the Non Commissioned Officers and
privates shall in addition to their Continental pay be intitled
to Receive a further sum of Twenty shillings per Month for
each Callender Month they shall respectively continue in
Service as aforesaid ; which together with their Continental
pay shall be paid in Gold and silver or an equivalent in Bills
of Credit current within this Commonwealth; said Com-
panies to be Officered by the Governor with the Advice of
Council and commanded by such field Officer or Officers as
the Governor with the advice of Council shall direct. That
a Surgeon, Surgeons Mate Quarter Master & Adjutant Shall
be appointed by the Governor with the advice of Council to
be also on the Continental Establishment.
And it is further Resolved that the said Troops during
their Continuance in service as aforesaid shall be subject to
march out of either of the said Counties into the Other as
occasion may require at the discretion of the Commanding
Officer.
And it is further Resolved that the Agent for this Com-
monwealth be & he is hereby empowered and directed to pro-
cure either by hire or Purchase as he shall Judge best and
fit for sea as speedily as possible Two armed Vessells to be
employed within said Commonwealth as Guarda Coastas to
be under the Direction of the Governer & Councill neither
of which Vessells to mount less than Ten nor more than four-
teen four or six pounders
And it is further Resolved that the said Armed Vessells
during this Continuance in service as aforesaid shall be on
such Establishment as the General Court shall hereafter
order
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 215
And it is further Resolved that such of the Troops afore-
said as shall be unable to furnish themselves with Arms or
Accoutrements shall have liberty to purchase them out the
public Arms &c which were ordered to be procured & for-
warded to the lower Counties by a Resolve of the General
Court of the 9 th day of Feb y last paying for each Arm with
a Bayonet and Cartouch Box the sum of Fifty Shillings and
For each Fire arm & Bayonet without a Cartouch Box the
sum of Forty five shillings to be deducted out of their Wages
respectively, and the Commanding Officer is hereby directed
to take duplicate Receits for all Fire Arms &c that may be
delivered to said Troops as aforesaid one of which to be
lodged in the Secretary's Office prior to their pay Rolls being
made up provided Nevertheless that Each Soldier who
shall when he is Discharged turn his Fire Arm & Accoutre-
ments to the Commanding officer in good order shall have no
Deduction made from his wages therefor And it is further
Resolved that the Militia who have done duty or are now
doing duty in the County of Lincoln & Cumberland be on
such Establishment as the General Court shall hereafter Order
In Senate April 23 d 1781
Read & Sent down
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives April 24 th 1781
Read & accepted
sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speakr
In Senate April 24 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
216 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
f|
Petition Scarboro' Gridley.
To the Honorable Senate and Hon'ble House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court Assembled
The Petition of Scarboro' Gridley Humbly Shews By an
Order of the former Council of this Commonwealth Your
Petitioner was order'd to Falmouth, in the County of Cum-
berland, as Engineer to erect such Fortifications as should
be judg'd by General Wadsworth & himself to be necessary
for the defence of the Eastern part of this State;
Your Petitioner proceeded accordingly and continued on
the business untill the Troops were dismiss'd that Service,
he is sorry to say that they are still incompleat through the
want of Materials, such as Timber, plank, picquets &c &c
Your Petitioner on this service incur' d an Expence of
Board of 1800 for which he is still in arrears; As Your
Petitioner has not received any pay for Eighteen Months
past, nor depreciation, nor Cloathing, nor any other Emolu-
ment that the Rest of the Officers of this State receiv'd ; not-
withstanding his having continued in the Service, from the
first commencement of the War; which has utterly put it
out of his power to discharge the sum mention'd ; Your Peti-
tioner prays your Honors to grant him such supplys as in
your Wisdom shall seem meet and your Petitioner as in duty
bound shall ever pray
Scarboro': Gridley
Boston Jan y 29 th 1781
In Senate Jan y 29 th 1780
Read & sent down
Jere Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Eeb y 5 : 1781
Read &
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 217
Resolve in Favor Scarboro' Gridley.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts [
In House of Representatives April 23 d 1781
On the Petition of Scarboro' Gridley A Seting forth j t
by Order of the Former Council he was ordred to Falmouth
in the County of Cumberland as Engineer to Erect Fortifi-
cations under the Directions of Gen 1 Wadsworth (the truth
of which Appears by his Commission for that Purpose Dated
May 10 th 1780) That he incured an Expence of Board of
Eighteen Hundred Pounds. That he has not Received any
pay for Eighteen months Past nor depreciation nor Cloathing
&c notwithstanding his having continued in the Service from
the first commencement of the War, praying for supplies &c B.
Resolved that there be paid out of the Public Treasurer
of this Comon Wealth forty five Pounds new Emission equal
to the s d Sum of Eighteen Hundred Pounds mentioned in
Said Petition he to be accountable for the same And that
his Excellency the Governor be desired to write to Gen 1
Washington Requesting him to give information what Rank
& Standing Scarbor' : Gridley Esq r has in the Continental
Army. And from whence He is to Receive his Pay
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate April 25 th
Read & Concurred with an Amendment at A to B
viz dele, from A to B
Jer: Powell Presi dt
sent down for Concurrence
In the House of Representatives April 25 th 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approved John Hancock
warrant drawn
218 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
_
Petition -John Hathaway.
To the Honourable the Senate And House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
the petition of John Hathaway in The name and behalf of
the Town of Freetown humbly Sheweth That the Town of
Freetown Did procure the most of the men laid On Said
Town to Serve in the Continental Army for the Term of nine
Month in the Year 1779 but by Reason of not making a
proper Return of S d men the S d Town of Freetown was fined
which fine Your petitioner prays may be Repaid to Said
Town again So far as He Can make Evidently to Appear
by the Sertificates herewith Exhibitted S d Town did procure
S d men or otherways Releive S d Town as you in your wisdom
Shall See meat as your Petitioner In Duty bound Shall Ever
pray
John Hathway
April 24 th 1781
Resolve in re Establishment at Machias.
The Committee of both Houses on the Letter from Congress
Respecting an Establishment at Machias & the Resolve there-
of accompanying the same &c have attended that Service &
beg leave to Report the following Resolve
John Bliss P r order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives April 24 th 1781
Resolved that the Governor & Council of this Common-
wealth be & hereby are Requested in Compliance with the
Resolve of Congress dated the 15 th day of February 1781
to give the necessary Directions for compleating the Com-
pany of Artillery at the Post of Machias to the Number
mentioned in said Resolve
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 219
And it is further Resolved that the Governor with the
Advice of Council be & hereby is empowered to Order the
Comissary General of this Commonwealth to furnish the
Troops which are or hereafter may be Stationed at said Post
in pursuance of said Resolve with such Supplies as from
Time to time may be judged necessary & the Commissary
General is hereby directed once in Six Months & oftener if
required to lay his Accounts of all such Supplies before the
General Court for Examination & Allowance & in Order that
the same may be charged to the United States
Read & sent down
Jer. Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives April 25 th 1781
Read & accepted
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
Tn Senate April 25 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
Petition of Major Wheaton.
To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled
The Petition of Major Wheaton Commander of the fourth
Reg 1 of Militia in the County of Lincoln f Humbly
Sheweth, that the Distresses of Said Regiment Dayly re-
ceived from the Enemy requires him to Repeat his Request
of your Honours for Immediate Relief, no longer ago than
yesterday a party from Major Bagaduce, which Landed in
Camden in the Night and made Prisoners of Seven In-
220 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
habitants which were good friends to the State, and most of
them heads of large Families, the Stores Belonging to the
Puhlick which were left by the Troops, were either Carried
off or Destroyed, together with the Barracks at the Same
time your Petitioner Humbly Beggs by the Desire of the
Inhabitants, that your Honours would give them Immediate
Relief, both with men and Provisions, otherwise we must
fall an easy Prey to the Enemy, their being Neglected I
impute to your having Business of Greater importance on
hand, but I begg you would lay them under further Obliga-
tions by affording them your earliest Assistance, which if
granted will be greatfully Acknowledged by me who as in
Duty Bound will ever Pray
Major Wheaton
Thomaston April 25 th 1781
In the House of Representatives May 4 th 1781
Read & thereupon Ordered that this Letter be committed
to the Committee on Col Allen's Letter inclosed in a Letter
from the Committee of Correspondence &c for the Town of
Boston
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 4 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Resolve Granting Privilege of Transporting Corn.
In Senate April 26 1781
Whereas it has been represented to this Court that the In-
habitants of a place called Deer Island A have had many
outrages and Violences committed upon them by some of the
Inhabitants of this Common th And Whereas doubts may arise
whether under the present Circumstances of said Inhabitants,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 221
they have by law a Right to prosecute to final Judgment and
execution such persons, as have or may be Guilty of plunder-
ing or in any Way or Manner Abusing, the said Inhabitants,
for Removal of which It is Resolved that the Inhabitants of
said Island have been, and now are considered in such a Sit-
uation as that they ought to have and enjoy the same Pro-
tection, Security, and Advantage from the laws of this
Commonwealth, as the other Subjects thereof do, or may
exercise & enjoy
B And Whereas application has been made to this Court
by Josiah Crockett an Inhabitant of said Island for liberty
to transport a small Quantity of Indian Corn for the Relief
of the Suffering Inhabitants of said Island
Therefore Resolved that the said Josiah Crockett be, and
he hereby is permitted, to purchase and transport to sd Is-
land for the Use of sd Inhabitants to Fifty Bushels of Indian
Corn & no more he giving Bond with good Sureties to the
Naval Officer of the Port from whence said Corn shall be
exported that the same shall be faithfully delivered and
appropriated to the Use of s d Inhabitants C
In Senate April 26 th 1781
Read & Accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives April 27, 1781
Read & concurred with an amendment at A. B. C
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
viz at A insert "in the County of Lincoln, " Dele from B
to C-
In Senate April 27 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
J
222 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve Relating to Prisoners.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 26, 1781
Whereas Stephen Pembleton of Penobscott Sound, who
last Summer murdered M r Soal of Broad Bay ; & John Long,
who last fall broke from Falrn Goal, where he was com-
mitted by special Order from Council to take trial for
traiterous Practices against this & the United States of
America ; & Elisha Cheesbrook, who made his Escape last
Summer from the Guard at Thomaston, where he was con-
fined to take Trial for Treasonable practices against this &
the United States of America ; Also W m Parry, W m Gam-
mon, James Fling, Joseph Millican, Jame Crocket, W m
Whitaker James Stewart, Inhabitants in & about Penobscott
Sound, are now held as Prisoners lately taken on board an
armed Sloop in the Enemy's service; & Whereas their Ex-
change would be highly injurious to this & the United States
of America, therefore Resolved that the Governor be & he
hereby is requested to take measures that s d Pembleton, Long
& Chessebrook be effectually secured for Tryal ; & that s d
Parry, Gammon, Fling, Millican, Crockett, Whitaker,
Stewart be effectually secured, & held unexchangable till the
further order of the General Court
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate April 26 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives April 26 th 1781
The House having considered the Governors objections in
his message of this day this Resolve, agreeable to the con-
stitution reconsider their vote hereon
Caleb Davis Speaker
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 223
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
Your Resolve of this Day Requesting me to take measures
for effectually securing certain "persons therein named,
points out a certain "Stephen Pembleton of Penobscot Sound
who last Summer "murder'd M r Soal of Broad Bay/' if it
was proper in all other Respects, it would be necessary that
I should be furnish'd with the Evidence of his being the
Murderer, before I give my Sanction to the Resolve, but it
seems to be against the 25 th Article of the Bill of Rights in
the Constitution of this Commonwealth, I cannot therefore
consistently Sign the Resolve
John Hancock
Council Chamber 26 April 1781
In the House of Representatives April 26, 1781
Resolved that the Hon ble Council be desired to send
Orders to the Commanding Officer of the County of Lincoln,
not to suffer small scouting Parties to molest or disturb the
Inhabitants of Penobscott under their present distressed Cir-
cumstances,
True Extract from a Resolve passed Ocf 7 th 1779
Attest John Avery D Secy.
Certificate in Favor Josiah Crockett.
we the Subscribers inhabetance of Deer island Do hereby
Certife that M r Josiah Crocket has lived on Said Island for
a number of years past = and we farther Certifie that we
have never knowen him to Say or Act aney thing against this
Cuntry but on the Contreary his Conduct has been Such as
Renders him a good neighbour and a Vallewible member of
Sociaty = N : B the above is a Unanimous vote of Said in-
224
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
habetance at a meeting Calld on the ocation of Said Crockets
being Robed of Sundry goods on the 6 of this instant March
by an armed boats Crew Commanded by Nath 1 Thompson
as they Sead
John Dow
Deer island March 9 th 1781
Alig Haskall
Stephen bubbage
James Sanders
Timothy Sanders
Ezekiel Morey
Jonathan Eaton
Thos Robbins
Benjamin Cole
Ignatius Haskell
William Grenlaw
William Stinson
John Gressy Junor John Hooper
Will" 1 Babbidge
John Howard
Ezar Howard
Mark Haskell
Nathan Dow
Francis Haskell
Richerd Crocket
George fales (?)
Ezekiel Marshall
John Pressey ( ?)
Chas Cressy
Joseph Colby
Thomas Sanders
Lot Curtis
Jonathan Torvey
John Raynes
Nathan Raynes
Nathaniel Bray
Cornelius Bramhall
Thorn Stinson
Resolve Relating to Pay of Soldiers.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives 28 Apr : 1781
Whereas there are in the Counties of York, Cumberland,
& Lincoln a number of Officers & Soldiers, who have been
called upon & done Duty in s d Counties ; but have received no
pay for their Services ; & whereas pay for past Services will
be highly conducive & may be necessary to facilitate raising
the men already ordered to be raised by voluntary Inlistment
for the defence of the eastern country; and whereas it may
be most convenient to pay s d men by Receits given on the
Collectors in the Counties afores d
Therefore Resolved, that the Treasurer be, & he hereby is
directed to give Receits on the Collectors in the Counties of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 225
York, Cumberland & Lincoln in answer to the Warrants
given on the pay Eolls made up for the Officers & Soldiers
aforesaid, in all Cases where he cannot conveniently advance
the Money from the Treasury.
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate April 28 th 1781
Kead & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Memorial of Inhabitants of Machias.
DUPLICATE.
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Machias on the 29 th
of April 1781: and continued by adjournment to the 10 th
day of April 178
May it please your Excellency |When the peace and
safety of a State is disturbed by persons endeavouring to
make innovations therein when any particular person or
Persons evince a disposition inimical to the Laws of their
Country; and in time of War, are using their utmost en-
deavours to open a Trade with the Enemy ; lulling the people
asleep by various arts, in order to make them stand Neuter
in the Contest; when such measures are pursuing; it is the
duty of every good subject, to awaken their Country men to
a sense of the danger drag the offender to justice, and
preserve the freedom of the State. If With this view; the
inhabitants of Machias, beg leave to inform your Excellency,
that similar measures have been in contemplation for some
time past, and there has not been wanting in our Neighbour-
hood, those who have endeavoured to carry them into Execu-
tion, A certain Francis Shaw of Gouldsborough (who is now
15
226 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
p
& has been for five years past second Major of the Six th
Regiment of Militia in this County) lately sent a Letter to
Stephen Jones Esq r of this place who was then Chairman of
the Committee inclosing a paper, called a "Representation
of the Inhabitants living between the Rivers Penobscott & S l
Croix," addressed to your Excellency, the Hon ble the Senate
& the Hon ble House of Representatives; and desiring our
concurrence therein ; which paper makes many complaints of
grievances which the Inhabitants of the Eastern Country
have experienced, & to which they yet remain obnoxious, by
reason of their adherence to the Independence of America,
it also contains other matters equally absurd; and concludes
by praying your Excellency & Honors to Sett of the In-
habitants there in mentioned, To remain Neuter," With a
view as we conceive to be in a situation to trade more openly
with the Enemy, Said Francis Shaw Also in his Said Letter
holds up to us the Idea, that even your Excellency had been
consulted & approved said plan, that Government was unable
or unwilling any longer to support us; therefore we had an
undoubted right to take such measures as we should judge
proper If Said letter & papers being Laid before the In-
habitants, after consideration thereon at a very full meeting
Unanimosly Came into the Resolutions which are closed.
U" We herewith send your Excellency a Copy of said Letter
and of the paper which accompanied it, not doubting but
your ExcelF will take such measures, as will not only
frustrate the designs of our Enemies, but deter others from
following such courses, as must end in their own destruction
We have no doubt of the good disposition of your Excel-
lency and the other branches of Government, towards us:
we have often experienced your bounty & Care without which,
we shuld be now groaning under that Tyranny which our
internal enemies are now striveing to bring on us ; under the
precious pretext of Neutrality. We therefore hope we shall
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 227
not now be given up for a prey, but that our political Fathers
will yet continue to protect us, and animate us still to hold
out and persevere in the defence of the Liberties to which
we are intitled; and untill the Independence of America
Shall be Acknowledged by our Enemies, f We have un-
doubted intelligence that our Enemies are determined to
take of some of the principel persons among us most obnoxious
to them, (which may Easily be done) Thinking by that means
to drive us into measures to which they have hitherto in vain
endeavoured to allure us. Our coasts are daily infested by
the numerous Privatears of the Enemy which rendezvous at
Bagwaduce, & we have too much reason to believe a cor-
respondence is kept up by Some persons in our neighbour-
hood, most contiguous to the Enemy. Namely Colo 1 Nathan
Jones, Capt William Nickells & the said Francis Shaw
Cap 1 Daniel Sullivan, commander of the Company of
Militia at Frenchmans Bay was laitely taken out of his bed
& carried to Bagwaduce, his house, with that next to it,
burned by a party from that place, because he was forward
in opposing their plans, by which some of our friends are
disheartned, and the enemy suppose if they can by any means
become masters of this place, they will all between this place
& Bagwaduce fall in with them ; which if so, will give them
the Lumber trade of which they stand in much need, and
divest the Commonwealth of all territory East of Penobscott.
Being near one Hundred Miles sea coast If In order to
frustrate their plans, permit us to point out Some measures
which in our opinion will curb their insolence & establish
our safety Let one Company of Men be stationed at French-
man's-bay, two Companies at this place, and two of three
Vessells of force cruise the Shore, this together with the
Militia would put our Enemies out of all hopes of reduceing
us, encourage our friends & Confirm those more contigeous to
the Enemy, who may be wavering : It would also put a stop to
228 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
persons going to & from Bagwaduce & Nova Scotia which is
not at present in our power to prevent If The Inhabitants
of this Commonwealth East of Union River ware so highly
pleased with the Election of your Excellency to the first
office in our Commonwealth, that they thought it their duty
to express their entire complacency in our Chief Majestrate,
and their grateful sence of the divine favour in granting us
one of our selves, one of the first in the Glorious cause of
Freedom, and one, in our apprehension, so well qualified to
rule over us ; in a humble and cordial address If That
address received the approbation of the different Towns in
this district, and was signed by all the Committees by order
of their Respective Towns; but Not withstanding all our
precaution, it was unhappily preserved, as we are informed
by a suspected person Namely Col Nathan Jones above
mentioned, from whence your Excellency might possibly be
induced to view it as the sycophantic production of a few
disiging Men, rather than the genuine feelings & sentiments
of a faith full & brave People, (in which agreeable point of
light, your Excellency undoubtedly may and ought to view
it If Your Excellency may rely upon the affection & fidelity
of the Inhabitants of these plantations in general, notwith-
standing all their present difficulties : and that they will exert
themselves to the utmost, against all the enemies to the peace
& Independence of the United States of America. We there-
fore humbly request that your Excellency & the Hon bl the
General Court will be pleased in their wonted goodness and
generosity to grant us as expeditiously as possible, such aid
& assistance as may be Necessary to enable us to take proper
Measures to avert the designs of our enemies.
By order of the Committee
Stephen Smith Chairman
His Excellency Jn Hancock Esq r
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 229
Resolve in Favor Ebenezer Perkins.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts \
House of Eepresentatives April 30 th 1781
On the representation of John Lucas Commissary of Pen-
sioners in behalf of Ebenezer Perkins a Marine on board the
Continental Ship Warring & was wounded in an Action with
the Enemy at Majorbagaduce as appears by his certificate
Resolved that the said Ebenezer Perkins is intitled to one
third pay as a Marine to commence Sep 1 2 d 1779 the day of
his discharge
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
In Senate April 30 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in Favor Joshua Swan.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts [
In the House of Representatives April 30 th 1781
On the Petition of Joshua Swan, Praying for a Grant of
A Strip of Land, Containing About five Hundred Acres,
Scituate In the Late Province of Main, near A Township
Called Fullers Town, Laying Between two Mountains
Resolved that the Prayer of the Petition be Granted on the
Following Conditions. (Viz) that the Above Named Joshua
Swan be Intitled to the Above discribed Land, he paying the
Just Value thereof Togeather with the Expence of Servaying
& apprizeing the same, and Settle Two Famileys on S d
Premises in three Years after he Shall be Intitled thereunto.
And that Simon Frye M r Jonathan Bartlet & Cap tn Joseph
Frye jus 1 be a Committee on Oath, to Measure Delineate,
Apprise, make out, and Execute a good and Lawfull Deed
230 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of S d Land, on the Conditions aforesaid, to the Said Joshua
Swan. And Receive the Money for S d Land, And Convey
the Same into the Treasury office of this Commonwealth, and
take Duplicate Recpts therefor, one of which to be Lodged
in the Secretary's office. And make Return of their doings
to the General Court, as Soon as may be
Whereas I Joshua Swan Not long Since Petitioned this
Commonwealth for a Strip of Land Describ'd in s d Petition
Shewing my Willingness to Purchase as much of s d Strip
as my Ability will Inable me And understanding that the
Report of the Com ttee on s d Petition hath been Objected to
on Account of the Petitioners have Liberty to take a Certain
part of s d Strip To Remove which Objection I Will under-
take to Purchase the Whole (tho' it Should Surmount my
Interest) By Procuring money on Loan If this Hon ble Court
in their Wisdom Judge it will be more for the Interest of the
Commonwealth to Sell the Whole than a Part thereof
Joshua Swan
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Methuen April 10: 1781
To the Great & General Court of the Commonwealth afores d
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Essex Ss
Methuen Feb y 19 1 1781
To the Honourable the Senate, And House of Representatives
in General Court Assembled
The Petition of Joshua Swan, Humbly Sheweth That
Your Petitioner is Dispos'd to Purchase of this Common-
wealth a Strip of Land of about Five hundred Acres, Situate
in the Late Province of Main Contiguous to a Tract of Land
of four hundred Acres laid out to Satisfy a Grant made to
John Dennis, which Strip Lies between two Mountains, on
both Sides of a Stream Called Sundy River, which Unites
its Waters with the Great Androscoggin River in a Township
Called fullers Town
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 231
That your Petitioner is Willing to give the full Value of
s d Strip of Land in Cash, as Soon as he Shall he Entitled to
the Same That as he hath no Land of his own to Improve
he is Desirous of Purchasing s d Strip that he may be Enabled
thereby with his own Industry to Provide Subsistence for
his Family.
Wherefore Your Petitioner Humbly Intreats this Honour-
able Court to make him a Grant of So many Acres of s d Strip
of Land as he is able to Purchase And as in Duty bound
Prays. Your Petitioner Joshua Swan
Petition of Andrew Brown.
To the Senate and House of Kepresentatives of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts, in General Court assembled.
The Petition of Andrew Brown, Humbly Sheweth, That
your Petitioner served in the American Army from the
Memorable 19 th of April 1775, to the first of November last,
and in the Muster Master General's department, from the
15 th of May 1777, to the 12 th of January 1780. Your Peti-
tioner was appointed for the Eastern department, and this
State became his station, in which the greatest part of his
duty lay,
When the Money began to depreciate, many of the Muster-
ing Officers resigned, particularly, the officer for the State of
Khode Island, when Your Petitioner had not only the duty
of his own department to attend to, but was frequently
obliged to travel to, and throughout that state, to Muster the
troops there. 'Tis useless to trouble Your Honours with
a lengthy account of the fatigues he underwent, and the ex-
penses he was exposed to, in traveling almost every month,
Summer and Winter, to all parts of this State, where troops
of any kind were Quartered, for near three years; This is
too well known to some of your Honors, to render it neces-
sary to say much upon it here.
232 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In every stage of the depreciation of the Money, your
Petitioner received the strongest assurances from his Prin-
cipal that he would be paid for his services ; But to this hour
he has not received either pay, expences or Depreciation.
Your Petitioner was at the expence of a Journay last
September to Head Quarters, in hopes of receiving his pay,
but Gen 1 Green, who then Commanded, (His Excellency
being at Hartford) informed your Petitioner, that he could
not be rewarded anywhere, but by the state he belonged to,
or where he did the Duty.
Your Petitioner having waited from Month to Month, and
from Year to Year, and being reduced to circumstances ex-
ceedingly peculiar, is obliged to look up to your Honors, most
earnestly praying for immediate relief, by a settlement of
his accounts and payment of his reasonable demands, in such
a way as to your great wisdom shall appear right.
And your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever Pray
And w Brown
May 1 st 1781
In Congress 12 th Jan y 1780
Resolved, That the mustering Department be discontinued
and the Officers thereof discharged. And whereas the Com-
missary General of Musters has approved himself a good
and faithful Officer, and those who have been employed under
him have given satisfaction in their Offices.
Resolved, That the said Commissary General of Musters,
and those Officers who have continued in that Department
eighteen months last past, shall be entitled to receive a sum
equal to their pay respectively for the term of twelve months
from this day.
Resolved, That in future the business of mustering the
Troops be performed by the Inspectors of the Army in such
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 233
manner and under such regulations as the Commander in
Chief shall direct, who is hereby authorised to make the
arrangements reporting the same to Congress.
Extract from the minutes.
Chs Thomson Sec y
In Congress 7 th Feb y 1780
Resolved, That the Commissary General of Musters, his
Deputies and muster Masters be allowed one hundred Dol-
lars per month for each retained Ration, from the 18 th of
August last to the 12 of January last, when the Department
was Discontinued in like manner as the Officers in the line.
Extract from the minutes.
Geo. Bond Dep y See 7
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 7 th 1781
On the Petition of Maj r Andrew Brown Deputy Muster-
Master for the Eastern Department, Praying for the Depre-
siation of his wages to be made Good for the Reasons Set
forth in his Petition Resolved, That the Committee ap-
pointed to Settle the Depresiation with the officers and Sol-
diers of the Continental army be Directed to make up the
Depresiation of the wages due to Maj r Andrew Brown and
that it be Paid in the same manner as the officers in the
Massachusetts Line of the army are Paid.
Resolve in Favor John McGoff.
To the Hon ble Council,
John Lucas Corns 1 " 7 of Pensions for this State, in behalf of
John M c Goff Seaman on board the Brig 1 Belonging to this
234 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
State who lost his Right Leg the 30 tb of march 1779 in an
Engagement w th the Enemy as Appears by his Certificates
John Lucas Com 8ry
Boston Oct r 10, 1779
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May the 1781
On the representation of John Lucas Commissary of Pen-
tioners in behalf of John McGoff Seaman on Bord the Brigg
Tyranaside in the servase of this Commonwealth who lost
his leg the 30 th of march 1779 as appears by his Certificates
If Resolved the said John McGoff is intitled to half his pay
as a seaman to Commence from his discharge which was the
21 of Apriel 1779
Resolve on the Letter from Col Allan.
The Committee appointed on the Letter from Col
Allen and papers accompanying report the following Resolve
and ask leave to report same
John Pitts p order
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In Senate May 2 d 1781
Resolved that the Governor with advice of Council be, &
hereby is requested, to take such measures respecting the
Persons represented in Col Aliens Letters and Papers ac-
companying it, to be to an Inimical disposition towards these
United States, as the public Safety may require
Read & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives May 2 d 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Appro v'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 235
Affidavit of David Jenks.
Boston 26 April 1781
David Jenks of lawful age testifieth & saith that last
Summer between the latter end of May & the beginning of
Sept r being a Prisoner on Board the Albany at Bigwaduce,
he repeatedly saw Francis Shaw of Goldsborough at Bigwa-
duce. He appeared intimate with the British Officers both
of the Army & Navy at s d Bigwaduce, & also appeared to be
there on business. He further testifieth that he saw s d Shaw
as above described as often as three different times with con-
siderable Intervals
David Jenks
Suffolk, Ss. Boston 26 April 1781
The above subscribed David Jenks, being duly cautioned
made solemn Oath to the truth of the above Declaration, be-
fore me
K. White J. Pacis
Letter of Francis Shaw to Stephen Jones.
Gouldsborough 17 th March 1781
D r S r
I was in hopes to have had the pleasure of your Company
last Wednesday, when I Intended to have propos'd to you
our Intentions of Endeavouring to be put into a Neutral
State, the Matter has been proposed this way and almost
Unanimously Accepted, Inclosed you have a Copy of the
Representation we propose to make to his Excellency the
Governor & Hon ble Court and Doubt not it will be Approv'd
of, as Discoursing with his Excellency respecting the Situa-
tion of the Country, he Say'd it was not in the Power of the
Court to protect us, Therefore we had an undoubted Right to
make the best Terms we cou'd to save our Families and In-
236 DOCUMENTARY IIISTOEY
terests, how it may be Received by your Town I can't Say,
(As they are in part Supported) But I dare say it will be
Agreed to this way, as we are not, nor cannot be protected,
You will be kind enough after Perusal to send it to the Com-
mittees of Chanders & Pleasant Eiver that if they think
Proper they may Join with the Towns this way, As I Expect
there will be an Opportunity to send it from this place in
10 or 12 Days, I Shall Sett off in my Boat for Boston To-
morrow, As our Neighbours at Major Bagaduce have taken
the Schooner we came down in, & my Business calls me Im-
mediately there with Sutable Respects I Remain D r S r Your
most hum Serv*
Era : Shaw J r
Stephen Jones Esq r
This may certifie that I receiv'd the within Letter by the
hand of M r James Noonan
p r Stephen Jones
This is a true copy of the Original
Attest J. Noble Shannon, 01. of Com tee
At a very full Meeting of the Inhabitants of Machias,
legally warned and assembled on the 29 th day of March 1781.
Was presented by Stephen Jones Esq r a Letter which he re-
ceiv'd from Francis Shaw Esq r of Gouldsborough, with a
Representation that came inclosed to said Jones in said
Letter ; the same being read in open Meeting, the Inhabitants
Unanimously came into the following Resolutions.
1 st Resolved, That the said Letter and Representation be
deposited in the hands of the Committee. To which the said
Stephen Jones Esq r chearfully agreed.
2 d Resolved, That the Inhabitants of this Plantation do
hereby express the utmost abhorrence both of the subject mat-
ter of said Representation and Letter of the 17 th ins 1 signed
by Francis Shaw of Gouldsborough; who hath made it evi-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 237
dent that he hath his private Interest at heart, more than the
good of his Country. And we do hereby declare that we are
ready to defend the Eights & Liberties of the United States
of America, against Great Britain or any other Enemies to
the Freedom and Independence of America, whether internal
or external ; that we despise a Neutrality in the present con-
test, holding as an indisputable truth, those that are not for
us, are against us.
3 d Resolved, That the Committee send the proceedings of
this Meeting together with said Letter and Representation,
to the Committees of the other Plantations west of us as far
as Frenchmans-bay, desiring to know their determination on
the matter.
4 th Resolved, That the Committee be desired to prepare a
Letter to be sent to his Excellency the Governor, and that the
same be laid before this meeting at the adjournment for
approbation.
5 th Resolved, That the Committee be desired to wait on
the Commanding Officer of this department, with a copy of
the proceedings of this Meeting, and consult with him what
measures is best to be taken for the safety of this place.
The meeting was then adjourned to the 10 th of April next.
April 10 th The Inhabitants met according to adjourn-
ment, when the Committee presented the meeting with the
copy of a Letter which they had prepared, which being .dis-
tinctly read and duly considered, Resolved that the same
be accepted, and that the Committee be directed to sign the
same, and forward to his Excellency forthwith.
Attest W m Tupper Clerk
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Machias on the 29 th
of March 1781 and continued by adjournment to the 10 th day
of April.
$
238 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
The Committee according to order, presented the follow-
ing Letter, which was approv'd, and the Committee was
directed to sign the same and forward to his Excellency the
Governour forthwith, together with the other papers.
May it please your Excellency,
Letter of Committee.
When the peace and safety of a State is disturbed, by
persons endeavouring to make innovations therein when
any particular person or persons evince a disposition inimical
to the Laws of their Country ; and in time of War, are using
their utmost endeavours to open a Trade with the Enemy;
lulling the people asleep by various acts, in order to make
them stand Neuter in the contest; when such measures are
pursuing, it is the duty of every good subject, to awaken
their Countrymen to a sense of the danger drag the
offender to justice, and preserve the freedom of the State.
With this view, the Inhabitants of Machias beg leave to
inform your Excellency, that similar measures have been in
contemplation for some time past, and there has not been
wanting in our Neighbourhood, those who have endeavoured
to carry them into execution. A certain Francis Shaw of
Gouldsboro', (who is now, and has been for five years last
past, second Major of the sixth Kegiment of Militia in this
County) lately sent a Letter to Stephen Jones Esq r of this
place, who was then Chairman of the Committee, inclosing
a paper, called a Representation of the Inhabitants living
between the Rivers Penobscot & S l Croix, "addressed to your
Excellency, the hoii ble the Senate & the hon ble House of Repre-
sentatives," desiring our concurrence therein; which paper
makes many complaints of grievances which the Inhabitants
of this Eastern Country have experienced, and to which they
yet remain obnoxious, by reason of their adherence to the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 239
Independence of America; it also contains other matters
equally absurd; and concludes by praying your Excellency
and honors to sett off the Inhabitants therein mentioned, to
remain Neuter. "With a view as we conceive to be in a
situation to trade more openly with the enemy, Said Francis
Shaw, also in his said Letter holds up to us the Idea, that
even your Excellency had been consulted, and approved said
plan! that Government was unable or unwilling any longer
to support us, therefore we had an undoubted right to take
such measures as we should judge proper !
Said Letter and paper being laid before the Inhabitants,
after consideration thereon, at a very full meeting, they
unanimously came into the Resolutions inclosed. We here-
with send your Excellency a Copy of said Letter and of the
paper which accompanied it, not doubting but your Excel-
lency will take such measures as will not only frustrate the
designs of our Enemies, but deter others from following such
counsel as must end in their own destruction. We have no
doubts of the good disposition of your Excellency and the
other branches of Government toward us ; we have often
experienced your bounty and care, without which, we should
be now groaning under that Tyranny, which our internal
enemies are now striving to bring on us, under the specious
pretext of Neutrality. We therefore hope we shall not now
be given up for a prey, but that our political fathers will yet
continue to protect us, and animate us still to hold out, and
perservere in the defence of the Liberties to which we are
intitled, and untill the Independence of America shall be
acknowledged by our Enemies.
We have undoubted intelligence that our Enemies are de-
termined to take off some of the principal persons among us,
most obnoxious to them (which may easily be done) thinking
by that means to drive us into measures to which they have
in vain endeavoured to allure us. Our coasts are daily in-
240 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
fested by the numerous Privateers of the Enemy which
rendezvous at Bagwaduce; and we have too much reason to
believe a correspondence is kept up by some persons in our
Neighbourhood, most contiguous to the enemy, namely Col
Nathan Jones and the said Francis Shaw of Gouldsborough,
and William Nickells of Narraguagus. Cap 1 Daniel Sulli-
van, commander of the Company of Militia at Frenchmans-
bay was lately taken out of his bed and carried to Bagwaduce,
his house with that next to it, burned by a party from that
place, because he was forward in opposing their plans; by
which some of our friends are disheartned; and the enemy
suppose if they can by any means become masters of this
place, they will all between this place and Bagwaduce, fall
in with them ; which if so, will give them the Lumber Trade,
of which they stand in much need, and divest the Common-
wealth of all territory East of Penobscot, being near one
Hundred miles sea coast. In order to frustrate their plans,
permit us to point out some measures, which in our opinion
will curb their insolence and establish our safety. Let one
Company of Men be stationed at Frenchmans-bay, two Com-
panies at this place, and two or three Vessells of force cruize
the shore, this, to gether with the Militia, would put our
enemies out of all hopes of reducing us, encourage our friends,
and confirm those more contiguous to the enemy who may
be wavering, it would also put a stop to persons going to and
from Bagwaduce and Nova Scotia, which it is not at present
in our power to prevent. Permit us also to add.
The Inhabitants of this Commonwealth, East of Union
Eiver, were so highly pleased with the Election of your Ex-
cellency to the first Office in our Commonwealth, that they
thought it their duty to express their entire complacency in
our chief Magistrate, and their grateful sense of the divine
favour, in granting us one of ourselves, one of the first in the
glorious cause of freedom, and one in our apprehension, so
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 241
well qualified to rule over us, in a humble and cordial
address. That address received the approbation of the dif-
ferent Towns in this district, and was signed by all the
Committees by order of their respective Towns ; but notwith-
standing all our precaution, it was unhappily preferred, as we
are informed, by a suspected person, namely Col Nathan
Jones above mentioned, from whence your Excellency might
possibly be induced to view it as the sycophantic production
of a few designing men, rather than the genuine feelings and
sentiments of a faithful and brave people; in which agree-
able point of light, your Excellency undoubtedly may &
ought to view it.
Your Excellency may rely upon the affection and fidelity
of the Inhabitants of these Plantations in general, notwith-
standing all their present difficulties; and that they will
exert themselves to the utmost, against all the enemies of the
peace and Independence of the United States of America.
We therefore humbly request that your Excellency and the
Hon ble the General Court will be pleased in their wonted
goodness and generosity to grant us as expeditiously as pos-
sible, such aid and assistance as may be necessary to enable
us to take proper measures to avert the designs of our
Enemies.
Stephen Smith Chairman
By order of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection
& Safety
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r Governor and Com-
mander in chief of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Deposition of Jonas Farnsworth.
The Deposition of Jonas Farnsworth of Machias, of Law-
ful age, testifies and saith, that on the twenty first of last
Month, being at Narraguagus, in Company with Col Alex r
10
$
242 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Campbell, he informed me, that Col Nathan Jones and Cap 1
W m Nickels were gone to Bagwaduce after a small Schooner
they had taken from there a few days before and was carried
to said place. The deponant having business with Cap*
Nickels, and walking by his house in company with said
Col Campbell, we both went in and enquired whither Cap*
Nickels was returned home, we was informed he was not
returned. We went about one mile further to Cap 1 Joseph
Wallis's where we tarried that night; in the evening was
informed Cap* Nickels was returned home; in the morning
Cap* Nickels came to Cap* Wallis's, where the deponant heard
Col Campbell ask Cap* Nickels the following questions.
What news at Bagwaduce ? Cap* Nickels answered he
had seen several old acquaintance there, and named Cap*
Dan 1 Sullivan, who had been taken a few days before and
carried there, also that Brigadier Wadsworth was used very
genteely, also they were fitting out Privateers, One of eight
guns, another of ten guns would sail soon, & three more
smaller, and he expected they would take almost everything
that came along shore; he further said a Small Privateer
Schooner arrived their immediately from Boston, brought in
by twenty five prisoners that broke out of one of the Guard
Ships & stole said Schooner; he further said, there had not
been any other of our Vessells carried in their lately. Col
Campbell asked him if they did not want him to take the
oath at Bagwaduce ; Cap* Nickels answered, they never men-
tioned one word about an Oath to him. Col Campbell
further asked Cap* Nickels if he had got his Vessell; Cap*
Nickels answered he had got her by paying John Long
Twenty five pounds Currency, and that himself and Col
Nathan Jones, who went with him to Bagwaduce, was used
very well by Col Campbell of Bagwaduce; he also said that
M r Pagan & others had moved from New York to Bagwaduce,
that they were very glad to get from N York being tired of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 243
doing duty. There was several other questions asked him
concerning news, to which Cap* Nickels answered he did not
hear a great deal of news, and he should not tell all he did
hear; and that Cap* Dan 1 Sullivan was to be sent to ]STew
York in a few days, & further saith not.
Jonas Farnsworth.
Lincoln Ss. Machias April 11 th 1781
Then Jonas Farnsworth personally appeared and made
Oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed,
taken at the request of the Committee of Correspondence,
Inspection & Safety of this place. Before me
Stephen Jones Jus. Pacis.
A Copy of Letter of Frances Shaw.
To his Excell 7 the Governor, The Hon ble His Council, The
Hon ble the Senate & The Hon ble the House of Repre-
sentatives of the Common Wealth of Massachusetts =
Setting at Boston in said Common Wealth, the Represen-
tation of the Inhabitants of all the Tract of Land, lying
& being on & between the Rivers Penobscott & S l Croix
inclusive, being more than One Hundred Miles Sea
Coast Sets forth & Shews.
That by Excessive Fatigue & Unremitted hardships, they
have Acquired large & Convenient Possessions on the said
Eastern Shore, which they Intirely Depend on, as well for
the present as the future support of themselves & Familys,
not only the Conveniencies but even the Necessarys of life
being cut off, every Source of Receiving Subsistance being
at least uncertain, not to Describe the Distruction of our
Mills, Masts & large Quantitys of Lumber, Built & procured
at Great Expeiice & Trouble Previous to the Commencment
of Hostillitys, in Particular our Estates a're lay'd Waste in
244 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
General & are by Mature more Especially in their present
Infantile State Exposed to the Depredations of both the Bel-
ligerent Powers, Devastation & Plunder have been carried into
Extreme Effect by both sides, our Wives & Children have
Suffer'd all the Horrors of an Attack, from Men unfeeling &
barbarous, our Dwelling-Houses been surrounded by an un-
merciful Banditti Guided only by the hopes, of Plunder &
unawed by Opposition, they have even enter'd our Peaceful
Abodes once Sacred even from Intrusion & there committed
Cruelties which wou'd enliven the Cheek of the untutered
Savage with a Blush, whilst on the other hand such of our
property as was Moveable has been taken and Converted to
the use of some of the Inhabitants of your Common Wealth
and for the Kecovery of the same if Redress can Possibly be
procured by seeing Attorneys & Journeying to & fro' Inde-
pendent of the Neglect of our Business, we must Expend as
much as we have lost, We have as Repeatedly Petition'd the
former Government of Massachusetts Bay, since the Revolu-
tion for Protection & Support, as that Government did the
Kingdom of Great Britain, for Redress of Grievances,
Previous to the Commencement of Hostilities, and we feel
unhappy to say with as little Effect, there being late Instances
of Plunder & Devastation together with the addition 1
Grievance of the Declaration of Law Martial in our Confines,
helpless & Consider'd Inimical by both Parties have Tended
to Distress & Starve & make our present Situation unsuffer-
able and by the most hardy Race of Mankind insupportable,
we had far Rather Retreat to the Desart & Depend for our
subsistance on the uncertainty of the Chace & Encounter by
Compact the Wolf & the Bear than Extend our present Pros-
pects to the Production of an Hour. Such may it please
your Excellency & Honours are the Sufferings of a People
who Alternately Hunt the Forrest & Till the Ground, who
find support by the morning Trace at one Season and the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 245
sweat of the Brow at another, a People which the Greatest
Inhumanities that ever Disgraced Civilized Nations, have
Roused to Resentment & produced determinations Character-
istic of Men, whose Possessions wou'd Swallow up the Dig-
nified Principalities of Germany, it is unnecessary to Reason
Respecting the Rights of Nations, the Arguments are incon-
testable they are founded on the Laws of Nature & Govern
the Secret Springs of Man's own Conscience, they are as
Glaring as the Western Sun Beam & can be found, tho' not
refuted without the fine Spun Aid of Metiphysicks, to Repeat
that we are Friendly to the cause of the United States wou'd
be like Burning Tapers at Noon day to Assist the Sun in in-
lightning the world, We have Discover'd our Attachment by
the Exposal & Loss of our lives, the Sufferings of our Familys,
& the Ruin of our Fortunes We are Still ready to Appear
in the cause of Virtue & Mankind provided we cou'd either
live like Friends or Dye like Enemies, but the most that can
be Expected, of a People in Pursuit of one Common Ad-
vantage is to bear an Equality of Suffering & each has an
Indisputable Right to Share the Immunities & Privileges of
the State in Common with his Neighbour, That Allegience
& protection are Reciprocal, is so well Establish'd, they are
so Interwoven together & so Dependant on each other that a
seperate Existance wou'd be a Solecism, the Government of
Massachusetts (from what cause is totally Immaterial,) have
Refused or Neglected to give Protection to us the said In-
habitants in Return for our Allegiance, so that in Justice to
our selves, our Familys, & Posterity founded on the Univer-
sal Concurrance of Nations we are constrained to Ask of
your Excellency & Honours, an Act of Neutrallity for all the
Inhabitants, living on the said Tracts, that we may be able to
protect ourselves without being Consider'd a Party in a Con-
test, the Burthen of which we have hitherto so unequally
Born, We not only wish to Receive the Consent of the
246 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Governm* of Massachusetts but Shall ever Esteem ourselves
happy in a Coincidence of their Opinion.
Among the many causes which Instigate this Request, the
want of Personal Protection & Security of Property are the
Principle, But when we consider the sure Destruction of a
People, Compressed between Two Potent contending Powers,
by an Apparent Connection with one unable to Protect them
(for we will not suppose the Commonwealth unwilling) and
the Safety & Security of the Same Apparent Connection
being thrown off and the Many Advantages which must In-
evitably Arise to your Common Wealth, from the Encrease
of Lands before mention'd we think that our Request will
not have a Desenting Voice, for our Attachm 1 as such to the
Country from whence we Sprang that an Advantage in part
must be advantageous to the whole In Support of the fore-
going Representations, we have hereunto Subscribed our
Names for ourselves & by order & in behalf of the Inhabitants
of our Respective Towns this day of One Thou-
sand Seven Hund d & Eighty one. This may certifie that the
foregoing is the paper inclosed in a Letter I received from
Francis Shaw, dated March 17 th 1781
p r Stephen Jones
This is a true copy of the Original.
Attest J. Noble Shannon Cle r of Comm.
Letter of Francis Shaw to Governor and Council.
Boston 3 d May 1781
May it Please your Excellency and Honours,
At the Commencement of this unhappy War, I was in
Commission under the former Goverment which I as readily
Resigned as any other Officer, soon after I Received a Cap-
tains Commission under the Hon ble Congress at Cambridge
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 247
to Guard the Sea coast, I raised my Men and did my duty
(at least to the Approbation of that Hon ble Body) soon after,
at the New Arrangment of the Militia I was appointed a
Major, and have ever Endeavoured to do my duty in that
Station, early in the Year 1776 when our Eastern Country
was unprotected, and the Inhabitants uneasey, Expecting the
Savage hourly to Destroy them, Cap 1 Smith & myself Secret-
ly sent & procured a Number of the Cheifs of the Different
Tribes, and at my own Expence fitted, maned & Victualed a
Vessel, and brought them to the Hon ble Court then at Water-
town, where they entred into a Treaty of Peace & Freindship
with them, it would be Tedious At this Time to Kelate how
often, and on how many occaisions, I have raised & supplyed
Men for the service of my Country, thro' I think I may be
allowed to say as often as any Man within the bounds of the
sixth Eegiment in the County of Lincoln, I have had my
Enimies as well as other Men, and after full Enquirey was
made into my Conduct by the Hon ble Court at Watertown,
it was declared so much in my favour as to put my Enemies
to Shame, My Muster Rools were ever Liable to the Inspec-
tion of the most Inveterett of them, and alltho 7 they could
never find any Fraude in them, (By your ExcelF & Honors
permission) I shall shew you that some of my Successors in
office, who are now my Greatest Enemies, & pretend to be
the Greatest Freinds to the Country, have made up False
Eools, sworn to them I Received their Money. At the Time
the Brittish Troops arrived at Bagaduce I was prisoner at
Nova Scotia, on my Return I was called on and did my duty
as before, some Little Time after having some Difference
with Col Allan, he and a few others, who he has endeavoured
to support at the Public Expence, have been Endeavouring
to hurt Me both in Charecter & Estate, by Demanding my
Provisions, preventing my Mills from Sawing &c & c how-
ever I Am happy to think that I have a Large Majority in
248 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
O
my favour in that Country, and those who are as well Wishers
to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as His, I have for
several Years been a Member & most of the Time Chairman
of the Committee of Gouldsborough, and I flatter myself that
our Conduct has been as Consistant as any in that Country,
and altho' we Lay more Exposed to the Depradations of the
Enemy than many of them, yet we have ever been as ready
to Assist with our Persons and Property in Defence of Amer-
ica as any of them After being absent Six Months I
returned home the 26 th Feb y last, the Morning before my
arrival, the Enemy had been to Frenchmans Bay destroyed
Cap ts Sullivan & Beans Houses, & carried off Sullivan
prisoner unprotected as we were then, and are Now, the whole
Country was in great Confusion & Distress, not knowing how
soon the Enemy might return & destroy the Rest, French
mans Bay was for sending Immediately to Bagaduce, and
apply ed to Gouldsborough to join them, I opposed it in Com-
mittee (a Number of other Inhabitants present,) as the Town
was just Notified of their Annual March Meeting, but was
overpowered on the Argument that Delays were Dangerous,
as the Enemy had Threatned further Devastation, our Town
was accordingly called togeather earlyer than was first In-
tended, I think on the 9 th March, about the same Time
Frenchmans Bay & Narraguagus Meet, when they came to a
Unanimous Resolve, Nearly to the following purport, "that
a Committee be appointed to Confer with the Committees of
the other Towns, to draw up a proper Representation to the
Hon ble the Legeslature of the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts, and the Commanding Officer at Bagaduce, Requesting
that they would restrain their privateers and Armed parties
from Committing Depradations on this Shore, as we find we
are unable to defend ourselves, or support our Familys with-
out Trade & Commerce, therefore we think we ought to be
Considered in a Neutral State unmolested by either of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 249
Contending powers" accordingly a Representation was drawn
up to the Hon ble The Legeslature of this Commonwealth, and
I beleive approved off by Frenchmans Bay, Gouldsborough,
dumber Four & Narraguagus, before I left Home on the
23 d March last, if any Representation has been Drawn up
to the Commander at Bagaduce it is unknown to Me, When-
ever I Reflect on thier Distressed Situation in General, but
more Especially on my own Family and Connections I am
Led almost to Dispair, but with double Concern I hear that
some of the persons whoes very Exi stance has, and does de-
pend on the supplys I may be able to carry to them, En-
deavouring to deprive Me of that opportunity, by holding up
my Charecter to the Public as Inimical For several days
past I have been Informed that there was a Number of papers
against Me, before the Committee of this Town, the Hon ble
House &c I have ever wished to be heard on the Subject,
Conscious that my own Heart could not Condemn Me, with
being unFreindly to the Cause of America, I am happy to
hear that a Summons is Issued for my Appearance before
your Excellency & Honors on the Morrow, tho' I could have
wished it to have Come in another Chaniel than the Sherif,
but Submit the Matter to your Excellency & Honors better
Judgement, I have not yet seen the Sherif, but shall do my-
self the Honor to wait on your Excellency & Honors at the
Hour appointed, when I flatter myself, from your ExcelF
& Honors known Candor, I shall not only be Acquited of
being an Enemy to my Country, but Esteemed a Freind to
the Libertys of America in General as well as the Inhabitants
of the Eastern part of this Commonwealth I have the
Honor to be with much Respect your Excellency & Honors
Most Obed 1 Humble Serv'
Fra: Shaw 3r
To his Excellency the Governor & Hon ble His Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
250 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Nath. Silsbee.
To the Hon ble Senate and House of Representatives for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled
The Petition of Xathaniel Silshee of Salem in the county
of Essex Humbly shews f That whereas the General Court
aforesaid by certain Resolves made in the year 1779, author-
izd and impower'd the late Board of War to contract for and
engage certain private armd vessells to take part in an expedi-
tion against the enemy at Penobscott, in pursuance of which
resolve the said Board contracted with Bartholomew Putnam
of Salem merchant and others owners of the Ship Hunter
burthen about one hundred and sixty tons and mounting
eighteen carriage guns to fitt out and prepare said ship for
the said service, which accordingly at great expense was fitted
for the Sea, and sailed on said expedition to Penobscott where
she was destroyed, whereupon the said owners according to
their contract with said Board were intitled to receive of the
then State of Massachusetts Bay, the sum of one hundred &
fifteen thousand pounds Your Petitioner in behalf of him-
self and the other owners humbly represents That placing
the highest confidence in Government security they expected
an immediate recompence for their loss, but as the funds
have been hitherto so incumberd with publick charges, they
have been compelled to the great detriment of their business
to lose the use of their money they are now happy to
observe that Government have resumed their credit; and
discover a disposition equitably to discharge their debts, other
persons in the same predicament have received part of their
debts, and as your Petitioners were at a peculiar expence in
furnishing all their stores and rigging without any assist-
ance from Government they hope for a similar indulgence
they are willing to loan a part to the treasurer taking his
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 251
notes & security for payment, and do otherwise in the
Premises as this Hon ble Court or a Committee by them ap-
pointed shall think just & reasonable and as in duty bound
will ever pray
Nath el Silsbee
Resolve Relating to Bounties.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In house of Representatives May 5 th 1781
On the Memorial of John Frost Esq r & others in behalf
of the several Towns & Plantations in the Counties of York
Cumberland & Lincoln
Resolved that in the Assessment of the Bounties given to
the Soldiers raised within this Commonwealth to serve Six
Months pursuant to a Resolve of the General Court passed the
5 th day of June 1780 & also the Bounties given to the Soldiers
raised to serve Three Months in pursuance of a Resolve of
said Court passed the 22 nd day of June 1780 the several
Towns & Plantations in the Counties of Cumberland & Lin-
coln be entirely exempted from any proportion of said Assess-
ment in the Tax to be granted for that purpose
And it is further Resolved that the several Towns & Planta-
tions in the County of York shall be assessed in the same
proportion & no greater than they were severally called upon
& directed by said Resolve to furnish Soldiers for the Six &
Three Months Service when compard to other Towns in the
Commonwealth in Consideration that the several Towns &
Plantations in said Counties furnished all the Soldiers for
the Defence of that part of the Commonwealth & paid them
their Bounties for that Service out of their own Pockets ex-
cepting Thirty Pounds in old Continental Currency allowed
& paid to each Soldier out of the publick Treasury
'- $
252 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
And it is further Resolved that the several Towns & Plan-
tations in the Three Counties aforesaid shall he assessed in
the said Tax in proportion as they stand in the Valuation
compared one with another the Sum of Two Hundred &
Forty Pounds in Gold or Silver or an equivalent in Bill of
Credit being the Amount of the Bounties paid out of the
publick Treasury to the Soldiers who engaged to serve in
Defence of the eastern Country the last year, any former
Resolve of the General Court to the Qontrary notwithstanding
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 5 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer : Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolves Relating to Defence Eastern Parts.
The Committee of both Houses on a letter from Col Allen
of Machias & another from Col Wheaton of S* Georges &
the papers accompanying report the following Resolves
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In Senate May 8 th 1781
Resolved, that one of the Armed Vessels ordered by a re-
solve of y e 24 th April ult to cruise for the defence of the
Eastern parts of this State be immediately dispatched with
30 barrels of Beef & Pork, & 30 barrels of Flour for the
relief of the Garrison at Machias. 1f And it is also resolved
that one Company of Seventy Men, Officers included, in addi-
tion to sixty five Matrosses already ordered be raised in the
Eastern part of the County of Lincoln by voluntary Inlist-
ment to serve for the term of twelve months from the first
day of May instant, unless sooner regularly discharged, for
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 253
the defence of that part of the State ; to be directed & posted
from time to time by the Commanding Officer of that de-
partment in such manner as shall appear most for the security
& defence of that part of the Common Wealth. 1f And it is
further resolved that the pay of s d men shall be ten silver
dollars, or bills of Credit equivalent according to the Cur-
rent Exchange, per Kalender month, to each private & to each
Sargent Twelve dollars to each Corporal Drum & Fife Eleven
Dollars as afors d the Commissioned Officers to be on Con-
tinental Establishment. If And for the immediate relief &
defence of that part of the Eastern Country between Ken-
nebeck & Penobscott Rivers If Resolved, that the Governor
be & he hereby is requested to order from the militia in that
part of the Country one or more Companies of men for the
defence of the parts adjacent to Penobscott Sound, till they
can be relieved by the men ordered to be inlisted by a Re-
solve of the 24 April last : And also that he order a suitable
quantity of the provision & ammunition already sent forward
to the eastward for the supply of s d Detachment ; And further
that he direct the Officer appointed to take the Command of
the men ordered to be raised by Inlistment forthwith to take
the Command of the Department. If Arid it is further Re-
solved, that the pay of the aforesaid Detachment be the same
as that of the men ordered to be raised by Inlistment by a
Resolve of the 24 April last. If And whereas the local situa-
tion of the County of Lincoln; its remoteness from the seat
of Government ; the contiguity of the Enemy, & other circum-
stances attending said County, under the ordinary execution
of Law ineffectual for its security & good management, there-
fore 1f Resolved that the Committees of Correspondence In-
spection & Safety in said County be, & they hereby are
authorized & impowered with the advice of the Commanding
Officers of the American Troops in said County, when it can
be obtained, & without when it cannot, to apprehend & secure
254 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
any person or persons whose enlargement may to them ap-
pear dangerous to this Common Wealth, or promotive of the
Enemy's Interest: And if it shall at any time appear ex-
pedient to any of the Committees aforesaid, & the Command-
ing Officers shall advise to it, to send any person by them
apprehended to Boston ; they shall at the same time forward,
the Evidence against s d persons reduced to writing, which
written Evidence authenticated by the Committee, shall be
received as valid in Boston, and shall be deemed effectual
further to secure said Person or Persons, provided the charges
supported thereby shall appear sufficient reason for their
Confinement. Tf And it is Resolved, that no Committee or
Commanding officer shall be subject to any suit or prosecution
for their doings pursuant to the foregoing resolve.
Read & sent down
Jer : Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives May 10 th 1781
Read & accepted as taken into a new draught
Sent up for Concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 10 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Genl Wadsworth to Jno. Hopkins Esq.
Bagaduce Fort George 8 th May 1781
Sir:
In mine of the 19th Ulto by way of Falmouth, I wrote to
you requesting that You would procure of the State, Money
for my Subsistance whilst a Prisoner, & Suggesting a Pro-
posal for the Exchange of my self or Major Burton or both
& the Paroling Messrs Stocgdon & McNabb &c &c. Having
now a direct Oppt y by a Cartel which I am informed is Setting
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 255
off for Boston, I must renew my request & desire that you
would send me what you Shall procure on my Ace 1 by the
return of this Cartel & also let us know what Prospect there
is of our Exchange. There is great Complaint here of the
111 Treatment of Prisoners in Boston, both officers & privates,
that Officers are unsuitably confin'd on board the prison Ship
& that the whole are very much Starv'd, particularly M r
Long taken in the Sloop Industry, Cap 1 Bell, who sends
word that he has no Allowance of Provision at all & that he
is closely imprison'd & In Irons in Salem Goal. &c &c As I
know that this Treatment is very different from the Usage
of the State, & particularly contrary to your Disposition I
can heartily wish that if there is anything of the kind that
has escap'd yours or the Observation of the State, that on
examination, it may be rectified, or at any rate that the
whole matter may be set in a fair Light, which may prevent
the addition of Bitterness to the natural Calamities of War.
I could also wish that M r Long might be exchanged for a
Suitable person, If " Apropos" of the Treatment of Prisoners
I will give you just the State of my own & Major Burton's
Confinement here; We have a good comfortable room in the
back side of the Officer's Barracks within the Fort with good
Beds & Bedding, Firewood, candles & Utencils for the room,
the Windows Barr'd & Sentries at the Door, We are each
allow'd one ration, which being turn'd into a Family (& an
over plus to be paid in money,) a very good fare is daily
brot us by the Servant allotted to wait on the room. We also
purchase what ever else we may chuse. The Circumstances
of the Place does not admit of our being parol'd on the
Peninsula, but we daily walk on the Parade within the Fort
for the Sake of taking the Air, where the Officer of the Guard
generally Attends Us, with Sentries at a proper Distance.
Our Confinement is much alleviated by the frequent calling
in of most of the Gentlemen of the Garrison in a Sociable
256 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Way You have it. I have mentioned these particulars on
purpose to cultivate a reciprocity of good Offices ever to be
desir'd between contending Powers, & if every one was care-
ful to acknowledge the Conveniences which they do receive
& as careful not to exagerate the unavoidable Inconveniences
they Sometimes suffer it would prevent much of that bitter
Animosity which Serves only to the Misery of Individuals.
1f If you obtain money for me, & it is allowable, desire you
to send me six gallons Wine of a good Quallity & as many
Bushels Oysters by this Conveyance Major Burton hopes for
a return from you We are both anxious to be exchanged,
\ I am Sir your most humble Serv*
P. Wadsworth
Jn Hopkins Esq r D C G P
Superscribed : John Hopkins Esq r D C Gen 1 Prisoners
Boston
/ Allan to Gov Hancock.
On Board the La Estre at the mouth of Machias Kiver
May 9 th 1781
Sir
I have but just time to Acknowledge the receipt of your
favour By M r A very, as allso the Articles By the Neasbquo-
woit for the use of this Garrison I am very sorry I am
Compelled to Acquaint you Again that there is not the Least
Appearance that any men Can Be raised on the Condition
mentioned, In Consequence this Post is Intirely Destitute
of any Defence & Support, but what Can Be Gote Volun-
tarily from the Country, which at present is very difficult
as the Season is on for Cultivating the Land The Bearer
Cap 1 Cha 8 Le Perouse, who Convey'd the Schooner & others
down here has Truely Acted Like a friend to America. His
Complisence, Humanity & the Trouble he has taken, is be-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 257
yond what I can Express. Bent Intirely upon doing service
to the United States We have been waiting at the mouth
of the Harbour these Two Days to Go to Passamaquody, that
the Indians might have An Opp* to see a French man of
War but the wind Continuing Contrary we Are Obliged
to Leave the Frigate this morning, as the Capt 8 Time is up
that he must be going Back
With the Vessell Goes Lieut Street & seven private men
Prisoners Belonging to the British American Families,
who were taken By Captain Smith Cruising along shore in
a small Boat I must beg that these men may be taken the
Greatest Care of Even to have them detained as long as pos-
sible their knowledge of this river, their Zeal for Britain, and
their Design to hurt all they Can the Inhabitants of this
District as well as along shore, Compells me to pray you to
have them secured properly 1f As by not having Troops
here for the protection of the Port I find I can be of Little
Service to the United States, in my Continuing at the post.
I shall move to Passamaquody for the Care of the Indians,
As I presume Duty will be done at Machias better By the
Militia Officers. After setleing matters I propose going west-
ward for the settlement of the business of the department
If Excuse my situation on Board, as I am in a hurry in getting
ashore I am with my Great respect y r very hb 1 Sv 1
J Allan
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 11 th 1781
Read & thereupon Ordered that Col Little, Col Coffin &
Col Thacher with such as the hon Senate shall join be a
Committee to consider of this Letter & report thereon
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Spk r
17
258 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Senate May 11 th 1781-
Read & Concurred & Samuel Niles & John Pitts Esq rs are
joined.
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate May 11 th 1781
The Committee appointed on the Letter of Col John Allen
of Machias, report that the provision for men & supplies for
the support of that Post already made by this Court is in the
opinion of this Committee all that is expedient to be done at
present And also that the Prisoners refer'd to in s d letter
are this day committed to Goal in the town of Boston by
order of the Governor
Sam 1 Niles p r Order
Sent down for Concurrence
Read & Accepted
Jer Powell Presi dt
Resolve on Petition of Jos. McLellan.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
May 15 th 1781
To the Honble the Senate & the Honble House of Represen-
tatives in General Court Assembled.
The Petition of Joseph M c Lellan for himself and the
other Owners of the Ship humbly shews. 1f That your Peti-
tioner with the other Owners of said Ship have a Prospect
of making a very advantageous Voyage if they could have
Permission to carry six or eight Masts from Twenty Inches
& downwards to some French or Spanish Port in the West
Indies. That the Town of Falmouth in the County of
Cumberland where said Ship is owned has during this un-
happy War suffered very greatly, has lost all their Vessels,
(this Ship only excepted), that uses any foreign Trade, and
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 259
if said Ship should make a successful Voyage the great Bene-
fit arising from it would enable the aforesaid Town to pay
their respective Taxes Your Petitioner therefore humbly
prays your Honors to grant Permission for Shipping the
above said Masts.
And as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Joseph Mclellan
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate May y e 15 th 1T81
Kesolve on the Petition of Jos McLellen Praying for Lib-
erty to export eight Masts from the Port of Falmouth, in
the County of Cumberland of Twenty Inches & downwards
to Some French or Spanish Port Resolved that the Prayer
of the Petition be granted and that the Naval officer of the
Port of Falmouth be & he hereby is directed to clear out
said Eight Masts, any law or Resolve to the Contrary not-
withstanding.
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives May 19 th 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in Favor of Sprague & Ward.
To The Honorable Senate & House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled.
The Petition of the Subscribers sheweth That early in the
present Contest your Petitioners awarded largely of their
Interest & have ever since done all in their power to assist
Government more especially in the Penobscot Expedition
260 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
when they were concerned in Three Ships which were taken
into that service two of which were lost, by which they sus-
tained great damage & have not as yet had any compensation,
(altho the General Court then assembled solemnly engaged
that in case of loss they shou'd be indemnified) nor wou'd
they at present (knowing in some measure the Distresses of
the Common Wealth) trouble your Honors with any request
were it not that they are exceedingly distressed for want of
means to enable them to obtain a support for themselves &
Famalies, as they have lately sustained great and extraordi-
nary Losses by which they are deprived of allmost all their
Trading Stocks. They therefore most earnestly pray that
this Court wou'd take their case into their consideration &
afford them such Kelief as in their wisdom they shall think
fit and as in duty bound will ever pray
Joseph Sprague
Samuel Ward
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 15 th 1781
On the petition of Joseph Sprague & Samuel Ward, pray-
ing for some relief from this Court, on ace* of large Sums of
Money due to them for Ships lost on the Penobscot expedition,
for reasons set forth in their Petition If Resolved, That on
acco* of the peculiar circumstances attending the Petitioners,
occasioned by the Losses they met with at Penobscot, & since
at S l Eustatia, there be allowed s d Petitioners the sum of
Five hundred pounds in Specie, or bills of Credit equivalent
thereto, & that the Governor with advice of Council, be re-
quested to grant his Warrant on the Treasurer for the same,
on condition that s d Petitioners Jointly Loan to Government,
the amount of Four thousand pounds in specie, or Govern-
ment Securities they may have in their hands, agreable to
OF THE STATE OP MAINE 261
the Supply Bill for borrowing 800,000, passed this session
they to be accountable for the same in the Settlement of their
Acco 1
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 15 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
W ts drawn 7 th Feb y 1782
Letter Jn Hopkins to Caleb Davis.
Boston th !6 May, 1781
Sir
I would beg leave to lay before your honor a Letter from
Gen 1 Wadsworth, were he Desires me to Apply to you. for a
Sum of Money, and if procured to Forward it to him, by the
Return of the Cartel, which is to Sail to Morrow,
I have the Honor to be Your Honors most ob* Serv*
Jn Hopkins
The Hon le Caleb Davis Esq r
Petition of Jeremiah Colburn.
To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable House of
Representatives in General Court Assembled, the 15 th
May Anno Domini 1781
The Petition of Jeremiah Colburn of Camden Lieu*
Under the Command of General Wadsworth f Humbly
Sheweth That Your Petitioner was Left in Command of
General Wadsworth at his Post at Camden, when your Peti-
262 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
tioner on the 24 th April Last was Attack by five Brittish
Officers and 75 of their Soldiers, with Two Refugees, their
Pilots and took Possession of the Stores at Camden, and dis-
armed the Inhabitants and Drove them off, and Captivated
my self and Familey and took Possession of all my Stores
and furniture with four Whale boats, and burnt and Dis-
troyed a Flatt bottom'd Boat the Breast Works and Plat-
forms and all the Damage they Could do, and Carried your
Petitioner of to Penobscot River, and then Granted him A
Parole to Boston In order for an Exchange, Now Your Peti-
tioner being destitute of any Support. E"ot having Power
to make up his pay Roll untill duly Exchanged, Your
Petitioner prays Your Hon rs Would Order him Back Rations,
and Subsistance Money for himself Wife & Son as has been
allowed heretofore with some Money to defray his Charges
Under his Unhappy Circumstances Or Order what in your
Great Wisdom Shall See Meet and Your Petitioner as In
Duty bound shall Ever pray &c
Jeremiah Colburn Lieu 1 Camden
May 15 1781
Resolve in Favor Jeremiah Colburn.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 17 th 1781
On the Petition of Jeremiah Colburn an Officer on Parole
praying for an Allowance of back Rations & subsistence
money & also a grant of some money for his Expences
Resolved, That there be granted and paid out of the
Treasury of this Commonwealth to Jeremiah Colburn thirty
Pounds in the new Emission in part for the wages due to
him from this Commonwealth from the twenty sixth of Jan-
uary last and that the Commissary General be directed to pay
the said Lieu 1 Colburn his back Rations and his subsistance
OF THE STATE OF MAINE
money in Rations from the first day of April last to the
sixteenth instant, he to be accountable for the same f And
whereas the said Jeremiah Colbiirn when he was captivated
lost two fire Arms, a Hanger and two Cutlasses and a
Cartrich Box be it further resolved that the Commissary of
Ordinance be directed to deliver to Lieut Colburn one fire
Arm and a Hanger taking his Eeceipt and he to be account-
able for the same
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 18 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approv d John Hancock
Thomaston May 1 1781
this may certifie whome it may Concern that Lieu 1 Col-
burn had the Command at Cambden of the troops and
Ordenance Stores When Gen 1 Wardsworth was taken and
on the 24 of April was taken prisoner by a party from Major
Bagaduce
Major Wheaton Col
Resolve in Favor Geril Wadsworth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 18 th 1781
On the Letter from Gen 1 Wadsworth requesting money &
wine 1f Resolved That there be granted & paid out of the
Treasury of this Commonwealth to John Hopkins Esq r Com-
missary of Prisoners, to be delivered to Gen 1 Wadsworth
the sum of fifteen Pounds in Silver & Gold he to be account-
264 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
able for the same, and it is further If Resolved That Caleb
Davis Esq r Agent for this Commonwealth be and he is here-
by directed to deliver to John Hopkins Esq r aforesaid ten
Gallons of Wine for the Use of Gen 1 Wadsworth and the said
Agent is directed to make return of the Value of it to the
Committee for methodizing public Accounts that the same
may be charged to the Account of General Wadsworth.
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 18 th 1781
Head & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
Resolve Relating to Letter of Maj r Osgood.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 19 th 1781
Resolved, that, the Letter from Maj r Sam 1 Osgood of y e 8 th
Inst:, with the accompanying the same, together with a Re-
ceipt in s d Osgoods hands, signed by Joseph Noyes, Issuing
Commissary at Falmouth in the County of Cumberland, for
a Sum of Money rec d by s d Noyes, not accounted for, be
Lodged in the hands of the Committee for, Methodizing the
public acco ts till the further orders of y e General Court
Sent up for concurrence
Caleb Davis Speaker
In Senate May 19 th 1781
Read & Concurred
Jer: Powell Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 265
Commission to Hon bl Samuel Osgood Esq r
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate May 19 1781
Eesolved that his Excellency the Governor be & he is here-
by desired to grant a commission, under the great seal of the
Commonwealth to the Hon ble Samuel Osgood Esq r authorizing
him to appear and act as a delegate of this Commonwealth
in the Congress of the United States, untill the first day in
November next, he having been thereto elected by the joint
ballot of the Senate & House of Representatives.
Sent down for Concurrence
Jer: Powell Presi dt
In the House of Representatives May 19 th 1781
Read & concurred
Caleb Davis Speaker
Approved John Hancock
Petition Inhabitants in Lincoln County.
To the Honourable the General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
Humbly shew the Subscribers Inhabitants of tract Lying
at the Head of the Township of New Bristol in the County
of Lincoln and Belonging to the Government that theay Have
Settled more then fifteen years ago upon the same Lands
having then no Doubt but that the Government would in
Consideration of the adjacent Lands being made better by
their Labour givath them in their possessions and therefore
humbly Relying upon the Clemency of the Government theay
have Expended much time and toyl upon their new planta-
tions but being as to town Government in a state of nature
they find Great Difficulty in preserving from the hand of
Rapine the fruit of their honest industry that theay have
since the Commencement of the present war uniformly exerted
266 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
themselves in defence of their Country and have with in the
Last Summer put their Lives and property at hazerd and
undergone all the hardships necessary incidint to an invaded
people in Defending those Labors which can never he of ad-
vantage to them or their families without your Honors atten-
tion to their petition
Whereas theay most humbly pray that your honours would
Consent that a township shall be Laid out their of twelve
miles Square and make a grant their of to your petitioners
for such Sum or on such Conditions and with such Reserva-
tions as your honors shall think to be most condusive to the
publick Good and Should any part of the same be Reserved
to the State the Cultivation of the Residue will soon Impress
more vellew upon the part Reserved then the whole Can in
any other way be made worth and as we in Duty bound Shall
ever pray
Philip Marble Peter Butler
Daniel Scammon Moses Butler Junior
William Springer Xathaniel Butler
Daved Springer Stephen Clark
John Springer Junior Jonah West
John Springer Stephen Handifon
Moses Butler Benj Clark
David Hooper
Dated att frenchmans Bay the
24 May 1781
Petition of John Bane.
To the Honourable the Senate & the Honourable the House
of Representatives in General Court Assembled.
Humbly Shews f The petition of John Bane, that your
petitioner from a sincere regard to his Country and weighing
circumstances at the Commencement of Hostilities with
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 267
Britain came to a solemn determination, to hold his Life &
little fortune with the many pleasant things around him as
a ready sacrifice rather than submit to the Tyranny of the
King of England, it is known to all the neighbourhood where
he lives that he has invariably kept to his said determination
The Enemy know it, & your petitioner has been hunted as
dangerous to their cause & been almost pursued to Death,
His House & Barn have been destroyed by fire, and the little
provision He had remaining for the Support of his family.
Your petitioner having left his family & escaped as with the
skin of his Teeth hope for that Assistance which your honours
will see meet to Grant. Your petitioner supply'd the Troops
while on duty in Frenchmans bay by the direction of Col
Campbell with 800 lb Beef 33 Bush 1 of Meal 66 bushels of
Potatoes & 1000 feet Boards as p r Account, which your peti-
tioner is, now in great want of which is the principle Cause
of his risquing himself to Boston. Upon his Communicating
his Intentions of Coming to this Court, he was intrusted with
a petition which he presents with his own, also a Proclama-
tion of the Commanding Officer of Majorbaggaduce. Your
petitioner begs the Attention of your Honours to his distresses
and the Circumstances of the Towns below Baggaduce and
doubts not of Eelief, And as in duty bound will Ever pray.
John Bane
June 1781
Certificate in Favor John Bane.
Number 4 May 29 th 1781
These may Certifie that the Subscriber being appointed to
the Command of a Number of Militia And Continental
Troops By Col John Allan, for the Protection of the In-
habitants of Frenchmans bay I Appoint the Bearer M r
John Bane to Act as Commissary of Issues for Said Troops
268 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
for the Time being: he Continued in Said Service from the
27 th of October untill the 20 th of December in 1780 and that
During Said Service M r Bane Supply d out of his Own Stores
800 lb Beef, 33 Bushels of meal, 66 Bus 18 Potatoes & Delliv d
as Rations by him to Said Troops, And that he the Said
Bane was at the Expense of Baking Bread for 18 men and
his kitchen improv d as a Gard house for the Same Number
of Said Troops, that he further Furnish* 1 one thousand of
Bords, I Further Certifie that as Commanding officer Give
Order for the Issuing Said Provision to Said Troops Ac-
cording to the Returns, that M r Bane having his House
Burn d By the Enemy Informs me he has Lost said Returns
and his appointment by me Alex : Campbell
Daniel Merit to James A very.
l\ T umber Four 30 th May 1781.
S r
You will please to prefer the Pettition we have committed
to your care to the Governor & Council, at the same time you
will use your utmost endeavours to have the Matter Comply'd
with. M r John Bane is equally concern'd in pursuing this
Business with you, and we Strongly Recommend that you
both Act in Conjunction. We Rely on your Candour &
good Conduct in pursuing this Affair as you are fully Ac-
quainted with the most Minute Circumstances Respecting
this Country Wishing you a good Passage and a safe
Return I am with Esteem your Friend. By order & in be-
half of the Convention Daniel Merit Moderator
N : B : You are Likewise Desired to use the utmost of
your Endeavours to Obtain a Grant of the Arms & Ammu-
nition for the Millitia as Express'd in the 5 th Resolve of the
Convention ; a Copy of which is herewith Delivered you.
[to] James A very Esq r
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 269
Resolutions of Several Eastern Towns.
At a Convention of the Committees of the several Towns
East of Union River held at Col Allexand 1 " Campbells
D welling House in Number Four on the 28th day of May
A: D: 1781 Present Capt: Stephen Smith Delegate for Ma-
chias, M r Daniel Merrit, Capt : John Bucknam & M r Richard
Coffin full Committee for Pleasant River; Capt: Joseph
Wallis, Capt: William Nickels & Capt: John Small S r full
Committee for Narrowguegus ; M r Terah Sprague, M r John
Yeaton, & M r Samuel Weakfield, full Committee for Number
Four; M r Thomas Hill & M r Daniel Wright part of Com-
mittee for Gouldsborough ; & M r John Bane S r in behalf of
the Committee of Frenchman's Bay. Voted as follows Viz*
1 st Voted M r Daniel Merrit Moderator
2 d Voted James Noonan Clerk
3 dly Voted Unanimously that there Shall be a Pettition
Drawn & Transmitted to his Excellency the Governor & the
other Branches of Legislature of the Common Wealth of
Massachusetts, Setting forth the Situation of the Eastern
Country.
4 thly Voted That M r Daniel Merrit, Capt : Stephen Smith,
Col Allexand 1 " Campbell, M r John Bane Sr & James Noonan
be a Committee to Draw Said Pettition.
Meeting Adjourn'd 'till Tuesday 29 th day of May A: D:
1781 at Eight of the Clock A: M:
Tuesday 29 th day of May A: D: 1781 Convention Met
according to Adjournment, the Pettition being Read & duely
Examin'd & Accepted, came into the following Resolutions.
Viz 1
1 st Resolved Unanimously That the said Pettition Shall
be Transmitted to the Legislature of this Commonwealth as
quick as may be.
270 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
2 dly Voted & Resolved Unanimously That the said Petti-
tion Shall be presented & prefer'd by M r John Bane S r of
FrenchMan's Bay, & James Avery Esq r of Machias.
3 dly Kesolved That the Moderator of this Convention
Shall Sign Instructions for the Proceedings of the said John
Bane & James Avery.
4 thly Kesolved, That the Clerk of this Meeting Shall
Serve the said John Bane & James Avery with a Copy of the
Doings of this Meeting.
gthiy Resolved, That the Legislature of this Common
Wealth be Pettition'd to Grant for the Militia of the Several
Districts, Eighty Stands of Arms or as many as they may
think proper, Together with Three Hundred Pounds of
Powder and Six Hundred Pounds of Balls.
6 thly Kesolved, That there Shall be a Company of Minute
men, consisting of Forty Persons Raised in the several Towns
& Districts.
fthiy That the Committees of the several Towns Shall
Publish the Resolves of Congress Respecting the Suppression
of holding Correspondence with the Enemy.
8 thly Resolved, That the Chairman or Moderator of this
Convention shall write to Col Foster to have his Regiment
in as good order on any Immergency as the Circumstances
of the Country will Admit, and that he be made Acquainted
that this Convention have thought it a prudent Measure for
the Security of the Country that a Minute Company out of
the Militia may be Raised between Frenchmans Bay &
Pleasant River inclusive, & for that purpose have made choice
of Thomas Parrot of Number Four for Captain, Daniel
Merrit J r of Pleasant River for first Lieu 1 & John Bane J r
of FrenchMan's Bay for Second Lieu* to Consist of Forty
Men Officers included, & Recommend that he give the Neces-
sary orders Accordingly for the Raising said men
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 271
9 thly Resolved, That no one Committee of the several
Districts shall act upon any Publick matter of Importance
without consulting or Informing the whole of the Committees
thereof.
Continued & Adjourned to the last Tuesday in July next
Ensuing to be held at Capt : Joseph Wallis's Dwelling House
in Narrowguegus at Ten of the Clock A : M :
Number Four 30 th May 1781.
a True Copy Attest James Noonan Clerk
Memorial of James Sullivan.
To the Honourable the Senate, and The Honourable The
House of Representatives of the Common Wealth of
Massachusetts in General Court Assembled
The memorial of James Sullivan, most humbly Repre-
sents, that upon the Sixteenth Day of March last one Daniel
Sullivan (a Brother to your Memorialist) & who was the
Commander of a Company of Militia in the County of Lin-
coln, and had his residence near the Lines of the Enemy,
there, was Surprized in the night Time by the Enemy his
House with all it contained reduced to ashes, and himself
carried a Prisoner to New York, Whereby his Family Con-
sisting Principally of young Children, was then rendered,
and as yet remain destitute of a shelter from the Weather,
and of Victuals, or clothing, and what renders their Calamity
Still more distressing, and insupportable is, that they are
placed in an uncultivated part of the country, where the Con-
stant depredations of the Enemy, added to the usual Scarcity
of Provisions, renders the people in their Vicinity unable to
give them any Considerable relief.
Your memorialist upon application finds, that Congress,
nor their Commissary of Prisoners can Exchange any one
272 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
for him, because he was not a Continental officer, and upon
application to the Supreme Executive of this State, is in-
formed, that there is an Act of the Legislature in Existence,
and lately made, which puts it out of the Power of the Gov-
ernor and Council to Exchange a British Subject for one of
their own, although the Britian is taken by the Private force
of this Common Wealth; from which Circumstances your
memorialist is induced thus to Trouble your Honours, and
while he feels himself distressed for the unhappy Sufferer
who is the Subject of this Petition, he is Still more affected
to find, that as the Exchange of Prisoners is to be con-
ducted by the above mentioned Act, the Subjects of this
State when taken are in all probability doomed to a mis-
erable Existence in a Prison ship, an Idea so Exceeding dis-
tressing and replete with horror, will most certainly induce,
every one who lives in an invaded part of the Government
to make his Peace with the Enemy, or to remove himself to a
place of Security; the Consequence of Either of which will
be fatal to the Country
Your memorialist is obliged further to add, that while
others in that County more Cautious than the above men-
tioned Prisoner, Either made their Peace with the Enemy,
or removed to places of safety, he was 011 all occasions head-
ing the Militia in his Vicinity, to repel their hungry and
vindictive outrages, and this alone could induce them, to make
one of no higher rank than a Captain the sole object of an
Expedition.
Upon the whole matter your Memorialist does most humbly
pray, that your Honours, as an Encouragement to others to
behave with similar faithfulness and bravery, and in pity
to a Suffering Family would direct his Exchange to be Ef-
fected in some way or other
James Sullivan
31st of May 1781
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 273
Memorial of Plantations in Eastern Country.
To His Excellency the Governor, the Hon ble Senate, & Hon ble
House of Representatives of the Common Wealth of
Massachusetts in General Court Assembled;
The Representation of the Committees of the Several Plan-
tations between FrenchMan's Bay & Machias inclusive
Humbly Shews
That we apprehend it our Indispensible duty (at every
opertunity) to Represent the particular Situation, & Cir-
cumstances of the Inhabitants Eastward of Major Bagwa-
duce, Having an Opertunity of Perusing the Different Re-
solves Passed by your Excellency & Honors Respecting the
Security of this Country, humbly begs leave to Return our
Grateful Acknowledgements for the Support Granted, as
well as many others of a Similer Nature heretofore, and it is
our earnest Desire that we may Conduct ourselves under our
unhappy Situation becoming the True Subjects of this Com-
mon Wealth, so as ever to merrit your Excellency & Honor's
approbation & Esteem, & Cordially begs leave to Assure
your Excellency & Honors, that it is our full Determination
to persevere in the cause of our Country untill the last Ex-
tremity, it may be Needless to enter into a Particular De-
tail of Matters, as your Honors are fully Sensible of our
Situation, that so long as the Britains holds their Garrison
at Bagwaduce, the Inhabitants Eastward are Reduced to the
most Dangerous Circumstances, both in their persons & prop-
erty, as well as the Publick Deprived of the advantage of a
most Valuable part of the Common Wealth. Still we ap-
prehend the Troops order'd to be Raised, properly Supported,
will be Sufficient (with the exertions of the Millitia) for the
present Defence of the Country, were they Raised & Ready
for Duty; with this Addition, which we earnestly beg leave
to Observe, That Two or Three Armed Vessels may be Ob-
18
274 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
tained for the purpose of Cruising this Shore, between Fal-
mouth & Machias; & which we apprehend wou'd be of the
utmost consequence towards the Security & Protection of
the Country, as it may Deter Persons from holding Corre-
spondence with the Enemy, & of consequence Discourage the
Enemy from Offering that Freedom of Communication &
the Lumber Trade, which they so Earnestly thirst after, &
which at present we are unable to prevent, we wou'd further
give it as our opinion at least one half of the Troops may be
Stationed at Frenchman's Bay. as the Inhabitants, we ap-
prehend, are most Exposed as being Contagious to the Enemy,
some of whom have severely felt the Resentment of British
Tyranny & Oppression by Destruction & Burning. That
Six or Eight Whale Boats may be obtained & sent, will be of
Essencial Service for Transporting the Troops (so Station'd
at FrenchMan's Bay) from Harbour to Harbour & to Act in
Conjunction with the Troops at Machias.
We cannot omit Observing further to your Excellency &
Honors, that we think it will be very Difficult to Raise any
men in this Country, at least a very Small proportion, &
hopes your Honors may have no Dependance; but that the
men may be Raised & Sent from the Westward for our Se-
curity. Upon the whole we beg leave to Rest the matter
with your Excellency & Honors & Humbly pray you may
take our case into your most Serious Consideration and Grant
Support According to your Wonted Goodness, as Speedy, &
in that way & Manner your Excellency & Honors may think
fit. For any further Particulars we beg leave to refer you
to M r John Bane & James Avery Esq r on whom we rely &
to whom we have given our Instructions to prefer the same.
N. B. We apprehend it may be necessary to Inform your
Excellency & Honors, that the Subscribers were Conveined
at the Motion & Particular Recommendation of Col John
Allan, for the purpose of Communicating some matter of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 275
Importance Respecting the Safety of the Country & are so
happy as to have his Coincidence in the several Matters Ex-
pressed in the foregoing Representation.
Stephen Smith for Machias
Daniel Merit for Pleasant river
Richard Coffin
John Bucknam
William Nickels
John Small Com- for
Narrouguegus
Terah Sprague
Joseph Walles
Daniel Wright 1 Com: for
Thomas Hills } Gouldsborough
John Bane for FrenchMan's Bay
Memorial of Eastern Towns.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts in general Court assembled
April 26 th 1781
The Memorial of the Representatives of the Several Towns
in the Counties of York, Cumberland & Lincoln Humbly
Shews that by a Resolution of the General Court passed in
March 1780 Six Hundred Men were ordered to be Inlisted
or detached from said Counties to serve Eight Months in
Defence of that part of the Commonwealth that a Bounty of
one Hundred Dollars only in old continental Currency was
allowed & paid out of the publick Treasury to each Soldier
who engaged in said Service & by Reason thereof the several
Towns in said Counties or the Individuals thereof were
obliged to advance & pay out of their own Pockets large
Sums of Money as Bounties to engage the Soldiers for said
service then Relying upon it that other parts of the Com-
monwealth would be called upon to perform similar Services
276 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
but they find that the average Price of the Bounties given by
the several Towns to the Six Months & Three Months Sol-
diers is to pass to the Credit of the several Towns who pro-
cured them & that the Amount of the Average Price
of said Bounties is to be assessed upon the Common-
wealth at large in which case the several Towns in said
Counties after having paid the Bounties given to the
Soldiers to serve in Defence of the Eastern Country out
of their own Pockets will be compelled to Contribute
equally with other parts of the Commonwealth in paying the
Bounties given to the said Six Months & Three Months Sol-
diers who were chiefly procured from the other parts of the
Commonwealth which in the Opinion of your Mem 08 is man-
ifestly contrary to the Kules of Justice & Equality & will
bring an insupportable Burden of Taxes upon said Counties
Wherefore your Mem 08 pray for such an Exemtion in the
Assessment of the average Price of the Bounties given to the
said Six Months & Three Months Soldiers as the Rules of
Justice & Equality require or that Relief may be granted
in such other way as the Court in their wisdom shall think
just & reasonable & your Mem 08 as in Duty bound will ever
pray c
Ezra Taylor Simon Frye
Jn Frost Sol. Lombard
John Hills Stephen Hall
Edw d Grow Tho 8 Cutts
W m Lithgow Nath 1 Wells
Col" Reed
Rohi. Pagan to Dr. Nathaniel Coffin.
Campbell Town Penobscot 4 th June 1781
Dear Sir
I send this to Dear Island in hopes of its being Convey'd
To you from Thence If It's intention is To Inform you that
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 277
I have Received from your friends at Bristol Sundry articles
the Effects of your Deceased Brother Francis, which I am
Desir'd To Deliver To you or your order, and they are now
with me Eeady To be Deliver'd when you Think proper To
Send for them Altho I Should meet with an opportunity
of forwarding them To you which by the way I have not the
Least prospect of, yet I would by no Means Choose To Do
it, as I Learn from one of our Sailors Lately a Prisoner in
Falmouth, that Some Little Matters Sent from this for family
use To Some of our friends, have been Siz'd and appropriated
by the Captors To their own use. I am Too well acquainted
with the disposition of the good People of FaLmouth To
Think that there are Many there who would be guilty or
approve of Such unfeeling & Low Lif'd Robery, yet while
that Man Can do So unpunished, I am determined not To
put your property in his power without your orders, And as
I have no Doubt you Can gett Liberty from those in power
with you To Send here for the property above Mentioned, I
would advise your doing So, and I am Confident General
Campbell will have no objections to my Deliverinjg it To your
order If With affectionate Compliments To Mrs Coffin &
all My Worthy Falmouth friends I am Dear Sir, your friend
& Humble Serv 1
Rob 1 Pagan
Doctor Nathaniel Coffin Falmouth
Petition of Selectmen of Buxton.
His Exelency the Governor L* Governor Senate & house of
Representatives For the Common Wealth of Massa-
chusetts Bay In General Court Assembled
We the Petitioners In behalf of the Town of Buxton
humbly Sheweth that we are apprehensive of a Disproportion
278 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of Taxes by some Means or other, as evidently apears by
estates of an equal value In our Neighbouring Towns, One
third more at Least, is Lain upon estate of equal Value in
this Town than in Scarbor or Gorham, our next adjacent
Towns, as we have often made the Comparison by Rate Bills,
the error we Conceive to be in Valueation of Towns, we have
hither too bore the burthen patiently as we expected a More
eaquallity at the Settlement of our Last Yalueation, but find-
ing a Continueance think it doing Justice to our Constituents
to Petition to authority for Relief, whose Justice we are ever
willing to Submit. We Conceive the Hon ble Court To be
perfectly Acquainted with the Punctuality of the Town in
Its Proportion of men hitherto Sent for the Relief of our
Country Since the Commencement of the Present war with
Britain, & that five more men Entred the Service of their
Country in the Late three Year Service than the Towns pro-
portion who Servd as faithful Soldiers in their Countrys
Cause during their Term, Three of which engaged for the
duration of the War, who from the Latest accounts (which
is not many months past) Were In Actual Service, Two
more have within this Year past engagd In the Service for
the duration of the war, one of which has been a great Cost
to the Town, and in Consequence of the Resolve of Court of
the 2 d Decem r Last we have Raised Seven more & Sent for-
ward to the Army Nine being our proportion According to
the Schedule, If the above mentioned Circumstances To-
gather with Past deficiencies of other towns Respecting their
proportion of men Can in any way Mittigate our Deficiency
which is but two, we willingly Leave it with Authority to
determine. In behalf of the Town of Buxten
Jn Woodman
Jacob Bradbury
John Smith
Buxton 6 tb June 1781
Select Men
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 279
Report on Exchange of Sullivan.
Commonwealth Massachusetts
In House Representives June 9, 1781
The Committee on the Memorial of James Sullivan Esq r
ask Leave to Report their Oppinion that it is not in the
Power of this Court to Effect the Exchange of S d Sullivans
Brother Now Prisoner in New York in a Regular Way
But Recomend to S d James Sullivan Esq r to Appley to the
Marean Board that they would Send a Flag to New York
With a Person of Equal Rank with Capt Sullivan (the
Prisoner) for his Exchange
read & accepted
Resolve in Favor Town of Buxton.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives June 11 1781
Resolved that the Committee of Supplies be & here by are
directed to deliver to Jacob Bradbury representative of the
Town of Buxton five Blankets for the use of four Soldiers
Inlisted from s d Town of Buxton & one soldier Inlisted from
the Town of Peperelborough for three years
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 12 th 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
Resolve in Favor John Magray.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives June 11, 1781
On the Petition of John Magray of Yarmouth in the
Province of Nova Scotia seting forth that his two mast
280 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
Shallop has been seized at Marblehead, that he has been
friendly to the American Cause & Prisoners, praying that
said Shallop may be restored and that he may have a permit
to go with her to Yarmouth & return to this market with
fish&c
Resolved that the prayer of the Petition be so far granted
that it be & hereby is recommended to the Naval Officer at
Marblehead to restore s d Shallop to the s d John Magray, his
paying the Charges that may have arisen, and that he have
leave to proced with her to Yarmouth in Nova Scotia, carry-
ing with him no Articles except Necessary Stores for the
Voyage, and that he do not return with any effects to this
Commonwealth except he bring with him his family to re-
main an Inhabitant. And the Commanders of All Armed
Vessels and others belonging to this Commonwealth are here-
by directed to suffer s d Magray to pass with his Shallop un-
molested, and it is hereby recommended to the Commanders
of all Vessels belonging to the United States or any of them
to let the s d Magray pass as aforsaid without hindrance
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 12 th 1781
Eead & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Petition in Beltalf of Towns of Brunswick and Harpswell.
To the Hon ble the Senate and Hon ble House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled at Boston
The Petition of Samuel Dunkan in behalf of the Town
of Brunswick, and of Isaac Snow in behalf of the Town of
OF THE STATE OP MAINE 281
Harpswell in the County of Cumberland Humbly Shews,
That the Resolves of the fourth of December last requiring
the said Towns to furnish their Quota of Beef for the Con-
tinental Army, did not reach them till the last day of January
last, which was some time after the time was expired for
furnishing the one half, and at the time when they had notice,
there was no Beef to be had among them at any rate ; It was
also out of their Power to Advance Money in Hew of said
Beef, being out of Cash, neither could they hire money of
any person tho.' they used their Endeavours to Obtain it.
That the said Towns have been and still are in very dis-
tressing Circumstances on Account of the Scarcity of Pro-
visions, as well as by reason of the Enemies being so near
them, so that they cannot send any thing to Market to make
money of, and especially the Town of Brunswick, was so
distressed that they could not but Partially Comply with the
Resolve passed in September last, And now are liable to
have Executions issued against the said Towns.
Your pet r therefore humbly prays this Hon ble Court will
be pleased to take their Case into your Compassionate con-
sideration, and be pleased to Abate to them some part of the
Beef required, and that Executions may be suspended for the
present, or relieve them in such way as your Honors in your
known Wisdom may see meet. And as in duty bound shall
pray &c
Sam 1 Dunkan Isaac Snow
June 12 th 1781
Commonwealth of Massachussetts
In the House of Representatives June 1781
On the petition of Samuel Duncan in behalf of the Town
of Brunswick, & of Isaac Snow in behalf of the Town of
Harpswell in the County of Cumberland praying that the
Super in tendant for purchasing beef in the Common Wealth
282 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
of Massachusetts be directed to Suspend Issuing his Execu-
tions, against the Towns of Brunswick and Harpswell for
not Complying with the Resolutions of Court with Respect
to furnishing their Quota of beef for the Continental Army
for Reasons Sett forth in Said petition.
Resolved that the Superintendant for purchasing beef in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts be directed, to Suspend
Isuing his Executions against the Towns of Brunswick &
Harpswell, for not furnishing their proportion of beef for
the Continental Army till the further Order of the Court.
Selectmen of Bootlibay to Genl. Court.
To the Honourable the Senate & House of Representitives In
General Court assembled.
May it please your Honours, The inroads and depreda-
tions almost daily Committed by the Enemy in this town last
spring, wearied out the Inhabitants keeping guards by turns
as our Settlement is much scattered, therefore necessity
obliged us as a town to Vote twenty men to be raised, (which
was immediately done, for defence of this seemingly devoted
place, they were officer'd out of the Militia and Served for
the term of one month, which was the time Voted for, we
obliged ourselves to pay each man so serving Two pounds
Eight Shillings p r Month, Wages, and a Sum of two pounds
Eight Shillings p r Month for subsistance, not knowing the
regulation provided for the Militia in such cases, and as the
said men were often on different tours, it was thought best
there Should be one Capt n & one Lieut, who when occasion
required had Seperate Commands and Could have assistance
from the Inhabitants if Called upon, in case of Superiour
opposition, We have sent your Honours a Roll of the Com-
pany likewise an account of the time & charge of Some
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 283
people who have been on guard in the most unfavorable
Wether we had for the Season, tho it is a small proportion of
time on duty mentioned in respect to what we have in reality
served, yet if your honours thinks proper to allow us pay
therefor it will help us to pay the Expences we were at for
necessaries in the Cold & Wett, thus hoping your honors will
cast a favourable glance on our performances, pardoning
what we have erred in for lack of knowledge accepting our
duty so far as we have done any, and grant Such help for
paying the Charges above mentioned as your Wisdom Shall
direct and your petitioners as in duty bound Shall ever pray
John Allen Samuel Adams } Selectmen
Boothbay June 16 th 1781,
Letter Col. Allan.
Machias June 16 th 1781
Sir
My last which I had the Honor of writing your Excellency
was of the 7 th Ult from on board the French Frigate, the
Suddenness of her Departure prevented my being so explicit
as I coud wish sence which no Certain safe opportunity has
offered, the Disappointment in the Frigates not geting to
Passamequody I have greatly felt, Cap* Le Peruse Intended
to have given the Indians Provisions & other Presents, which
wou'd have been of very Assential Service at this Time in
the Alteration taken Place in the Department: The 17 th
the Ship Marrs Came into the Hearbour, I requested of the
Captain to Run Down to Passamequody, as it wou'd be
Serviceable both in the Indian business, as well as a Check
to the Illicit Trade & the Enemys Privatiers on our arrival
we were Visited by a Number of the Indians, who were much
satisfy 7 d with the Appearence of the Ship and the Treatment
284 DOCUMENTAEY HISTOEY
fl|
they Received, the 22 d the Marrs proceeded on her Cruize,
I mett the Indians in Conference the 25 th Acquainted them
what had been done with the Department, I found a Gloom
& Coldness that I had not been Accustomed with, they
signify'd that they were hardly Belt with, & that as they had
left their own River they shou'd be allowed something more,
and that they were not prepared for Trade, their Time
having been Devoted for the Defence of the Country I
Endeavoured to soothe them for the present, and we agreed
to meet in a Short Time, having some Necessary business
I returned to Machias the 26 th The 1 st Ins 1 Dispatch'd off
the Priest, allso Major Stillman to whome I gave Instruc-
tions in what meathod to Trade with the Indians, I have allso
sent Lieu 1 Delesdernier with his family to Settle Down with
them- his ability and Friendship with them, I flatter myself
will be of the greatest Utility The Priest I allso Propose
to keep there the most of his Time, I shall sett out myself
as soon as I gete the Vessell away & Continue till I hear
from the Westward I woud allso mention that a Number
of Indians which I expected from S 1 John Six Weeks ago,
are not arrived, what is the Reason I Cannot find out,
*[ I mentioned in my last letter to your Excellency the im-
practability of Raising a Company of Men in this Country,
add to this not any Money has Come Down nor any thing
mentioned for Bounty But as I Conceiv'd the Determina-
tion of Government to have men here, the Urgent Necessity
for some persons to Assist in my business, as well as the
Care of the Fort, I took upon me to Offer a Bounty of Twelve
Guineas to such as woud Inlist During the War, Those to the
31 st December a Suit of Cloaths Giving the former an
obligation in form of a Certificate & Promisary Note for the
Payment, I have Inlisted Six During the War who had
been in the service before, & am in hopes of some more,
but the greatest difficulty is, I have made many promises &
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 285
Engagements from time to time with the people thro 7 the
Country, most of which I have not had in my power to ful-
fill they are now Jealous of Deseption, and the 111 affected
taking the Opportunity Discourages many that woud En-
gage the Necessity we are under most of the Time to
borrow Provisions, (which we do often under the greatest
Disadvantage & Expence in Necessity & Distress) Discour-
ages people allso from Engageing Permit me Therefore
to propose to your Excellency, if it is expected that any part
of these Men be raised in the Eastern Country That the
Provisions, Bounty and Cloathirig for them be sent here, By
which Thirty men might be raised Eastward of Penobscott
during the War, but no dependence of any more the others
must be got more Westward, I must further Recommend
& Request of your Excellency that some Active Experienced
Military Person, may be sent here for the Command of the
Company, to have the immediate Care of Fort Gates, at least
in my Absence, my reason for this is such that I am Possi-
tive it will be Usefull to the Public Service, I am more
pressing in Troubling your Excellency on this, as there is a
Number of Officers not in Actual Sendee, I presume it
might be as well as to appoint a New One, which probable
may be difficult, to procure this way that wou'd Answer the
purpose, nor do I Chuse any with me shou'd take such a
Charge, 1fWe Labour under very great difficultys in not
having Provisions this Spring five barrells of Beef &
Pork with the flour was all, & that Towards what was ordered
by Government last fall, not a bit of any thing has Come
for the present Troops the Corn for the Indians I have
been obliged to take part to Refund some that there was no
Possibility of Eveting, and have for 4 Weeks past pro-
cured meat otherwise for the people in the Service, I find
a Quantity of Provisions has Come in the Neashquowoite,
but mostly to pay Debts Contracted before my Command, -
286 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
We have at present persons Employ'd on different busi-
ness in the Department, that Consumes about Thirty five
Rations Daily, besides many other Contingent Demands
which a Department like this Can no way Avoid at present
only about 1200 lb flour for the whole the Indians allso
must have some, if it is not allowed to give them when they
are in upon business & Something for Services, the Indian
Interest will Certainly be lost, nor is it in my Power to Trans-
act matters, If I am not Enabled to give them something
Amunition I have given Considerable, as in their Situation
they cou'd not Subsist without, I must again take the
Liberty to mention, that by procuring things here in the man-
ner I am obliged to Accamulate the Expence of the Depart-
ment far beyound then if regularly supply'd, and takes up
great part of my Time that shou'd be Employ'd otherwise,
your Excellency from this may form a Judgment of the
State of the Department & hope some Provisions may, as
allso Powder be sent, Balls there is Sufficient, The
Musquets here are mostly unfit for Service having no
Armour, I have sent Several to the Militia, as allso the
Indians, the latter I expect not to get back, Consequently
will want some small Arms, I must allso request that some
Extra Provisions & Ammunition may be sent, for the Indians
Bussiness : If In Respect of ISTews, the Enemy seems to
Lye still at Baguaduce, the French Frigate, the Marrs, &
some Privatiers from Newbury Calling in here at different
Times, has been of the most Material Service, in keeping
the Coast Clear of the Enemys Privatiers, Nothing has
happened since some Vessells were loaded at Frenchmans
Bay, tho' a Constant Correspondence is keep'd up by some
as far as that Place If As I found there was a great Jarr
among the different Districts Occationed by the disaffected,
I sent Circular letters to the Several Committees to Meet to
Consult for the safety of the Country, one principle View
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 287
was to get them Joined togeather and Try to find out where
the Evil lay they accordingly Mett, but myself being with
the Indians near the Time & the weather proving Unfavour-
able, did not reach them, till they had near done & some had
gone off. I suppose your Excellency may by this Time
heard the perticulars There appeared something of a Con-
tridiction in the Signing which them Preasent were Sencible
of, tho' coud not be altered, Capt Nickels of Narraguagus
stood impeach'd by the Committee of Machias, & in the
present address was permitted to be a Signer, without any
thing appearing to Palliate the Crime before alledg'd against
him, Probable they will give your Excellency satisfaction
thereon there were several Eesolves pass'd which if duely
Execeuted must be of great Service to the Country If ~No
Intillegence of any Consequence from Nova Scotia, any more
then their Avacuating all their out Posts in the Province
Except Fort Cumberland, & Fort How, the former Cap*
Burns & 20 Men, the latter Major Studholm & about 60
Men. Endeavouring to geather all Possible in Halifax,
If I must now beg liberty to Solicit your Excellency's Per-
mission to go Westward, I have ranged every matter for the
Security of the Different parts, as well as things Can Admit,
which may for a Short time Answer as well without me as
either The Various business I have been Intrusted with, the
length of Time, the Keform of the Department in regard to
Indians, the Uncertainty of Conveyances, and the Desire I
have of giving every satisfaction During my Stewartship both
in my acc ts and proceedings, makes it absolutely Necessary
that I should be present myself I have Matters to Com-
municate to your Excellency to Gen 1 Washington on affairs
Intrusted by him and to the Hon ble Congress My being
appointed to the Military Command prevents my going with-
out your Excellencys Permission, Must Therefore plead your
Indulgence therein to grant Permission as soon as Possible,
288 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
t
shou'd it not be Incompatable with public service, f Mr.
A very who will be the Bearer of this, has Resigned His Office
as Secretary in this Department, But from his known In-
tegrity I have Gote him to Continue as my Agent, till my
Arrival in Boston. He will be able to Communicate any
perticulars, your Excellency may want to know. If I have
the Honor to Be with the most Profound Respect TfYour
Excellencys Most Obd 1 Very Hbb 1 Serv*
June 21 st J Allan
Last night an Express from Passamaquody that Twenty
Canoes of Indians Arrived from S e Johns Expect a number
more soon.
In Senate July 3 1781
Read & sent down S Adams Presid 4
His Excellency John Hancock.
Resolve on Petition of John Bane.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 18, 1781
On the Petition of John Bane, Resolved that the Com-
missary Gen 1 of this Commonwealth deliver s d Bane Eight
hundred weight of Salted Beef & Sixty Six Bushel of In-
dian Corn or the Value of s d Corn in Flour or rice in Con-
sideration of S d Banes haveing Supply d the Troops of this
State Under the Command of Co 1 Campbel, at Frenchmans
Bay with the Affors d quantity of Provision as Appears by
Col Campbels Certificate Nath Gorham Speaker
Sent up for concurrence
In Senate June 18 th 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 289
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To John Bane D r
For Kations Supply'd Troops while on Duty in French-
man's Bay from the 27 th October to the 20 th of December
1780.-
To 800 lb Beef 33 Bushels of Meal
To 66 Bushels of Potatoes 1000 feet Boards }-
To my Service as Assistant Commissary of Issues from )
the 27 th October to the 20 th of December A. D. 1780 J
is One Month & 24 Days a p r month
Petition in Behalf Town of Berwick,, and Resolve.
To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives in
Generall Court assembled June 21 1781
the petetion of John Hill in behalf of the town of Berwick
in the County of York Humbly Shews that their is a Sum of
mony Due to Said town from this Commonwealth for the
wages of those Soldiers who Served the Last year in the De-
fence of the Eastern parts thereof under the Command of
Generall Wadsworth which Sum the Said towns appropriated
for the purpose of procuring or paying the Second Requesi-
tion of Beef Laid on Said town and whereas the Super intend-
ant of purchases is Directed to Issue Executions against
Delinquent towns who have not Complied with Said Requesi-
tions your petetioner therefore Humbly prays that the treas-
urer may be Imeadiately Directed to pay what is due on the
pay Rolls for the aforesaid men or that the town may be
Discharged from the Burthen of an Execution untill the
treas r is Impowered to pay the same when the town has
Really advanced the mony for this Commonwealth before
the Requesition was made Sufficient to purchase the Beef or
10
290 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
that the town may be Discharged from the aforesaid Requesi-
tion in some other way as your Honours in your Great wis-
dom may think Best and your petetioner as in Duty Bound
will Ever Pray
John Hill
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 23 1781
On the petition of John Hill in behalf of the Town of
Berwick praying that the Superintendant for purchasing
beef may be directed to Suspend Issuing his Execution
against the said Town of Berwick for not Furnishing their
proportion of beef for the Army for reasons sett forth in his
petition Resolved that the Superintendant purchasing
beef, be directed to Suspend Isuing his Execution Against
the Town of Berwick till the further order of this Court
read & not accepted
Account of William Vaughan, and Resolve Thereon.
State of the Account of William Vaughan Agent to the
Estate of Abraham Clark late of a place called Machias
an absentee
Paid for a Deed & recording 5
Letter of Administration 12
Time & Expence of the Appraisers 2 3
Ditto of the Commissioners 3 10 7
Probate Fees in divers Instances 1 10
The said Agents own time Journeying and Ex- ^
pences concerning said Estate in y e whole j 6 2
14 2 7
Cumberland Ss. Allowed by y e Judge of Probate for said
County June 20 1781 and recorded by Sam 1 Freeman Reg.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 291
Accounts Accepted and Allowed.
Common Wealth Massachusetts
In the House Kepresentatives June 21 IT 81
Whereas it appears upon examination of the Treasurers
Acct 8 for the County of York, that all the Monies granted &
allowed by the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for
Said County, from April 1780 to April 1781 was for such
Purposes & appropriations as the Law impowerd said Court
to grant A & ballance, due to the County from the said Treas-
urer. Six pounds Nineteen Shillings, for which he is to be
accountable B therefore lfR es l ve( i that the said accounts
be accepted & allowed
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 22 1781
Kead & Concurred with Amendment
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
Dele from A to B
In the House of Kepresentatives June 22 1781
Kead & concurred
N" Gorham Speaker
Appro v'd John Hancock
Petition of Juniper Berthiaume.
To the Honorable Senate And to the Honorable The House
of Representatives in General Court Assembled The
22 d day of June Anno Domini 1781
The Petition of Juniper Berthiaume Recollect Instruc-
tor to The Penobscot Tribe of Indians Humbly Sheweth
If That Your Petitioner has been on Duty With the Indians
Eight months past and Supported himself Chiefly and by
9
292 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the request of Three of the Said "Tribe" Come to Boston
They are Arrived here with me Together with an English
Linguister to do Some business in behalf of The Rest of the
Tribe -
Your Petitioner Prays he May have his back Rations and
some Necessarys for his Support for the future and be
dispatched as Soon as possible as he is required to be with the
Tribe
Your Petitioner would Inform Your Honors that the In-
dians present with me are Sober Temperate Steady Men
And prays they may have Good Quarters allow'd them. The
Little while they hope to stay, And Your Petitioner as in
Duty bound Shall Ever pray &c
juniper Berthiaume Recollet
Petition of Josiah Brewer.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives Assembled the 22 d June 1781 -
The Petition of Josiah Brewer, Truckmaster at Fort Halli-
f ax in the County of Lincoln. Tf Humbly Sheweth That
Your Petitioner on the 27 th day of September 1779. Was
Appointed Truckmaster at Fort Halifax and has not Re-
ceived any Pay for the Same and no more than Six Months
Rations. He Prays he May have his pay and Rations up to
this Time as he Stands in Great Need of them and sent to
Fort Halifax. That your Petitioner has Furs & Skins to
deliver the Commissary General And Prays Your Honors
would Order them to be Sold, In Order to furnish The Truck
House with such Articles as the Indians Stands in need of
and your petitioner as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray &c.
Josiah Brewer
OF THE STATE OF MAINE. 293
Resolve on Same.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 27, 1781
On the Petition of Joseph Brewer, Truck Master at Fort
Halifax in the County of Lincoln, Praying that he may re-
ceive his pay & Eations, and that Such Furs & Skins as he
has, may be sold for the Benefit of the Indians there If Re-
solved That the Prayer of the Petition be so far granted, as
that the Petitioner, Col Brewer receive his back Rations, &
that the Commissary General be & he is hereby directed to
sell such Furs & Skins as shall be delivered to him by said
Brewer & that the neat proceeds thereof be laid out to furnish
the Truck House with such Articles as he shall Judge the
Indians Stand in need of, and that the same be forwarded
to the place aforesaid He, the said Brewer being account-
able for the same
Sent up for concurrence Nath Gorham Speaker.
In Senate June 28 th 1781
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A
at A insert, together with the Rations above mentioned
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives June 28, 1781
Read & concurred
Xath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock.
Stephen Hall to Governor and Council With Resolve and
Instructions on Same.
Boston 23 June 1781
The Subscriber humbly begs leave to represent to your
Excellency & Honors, that lately Mr. Joshua Freeman, a
respectable Inhabitant & one of the Selectmen of Falrn was
294 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
taken in a fishing Boat & carried to Bigwaduce, & is there
held a prisoner of war by the Enemy. Application has been
made to the Commissary of Prisoners to effect his immediate
Exchange; but that being impracticable at present I am de-
sired in a letter just received, to apply to your Excellency
& Honors for a flag to enable Benj a Woodman of Falm Son
in law to s d Freeman, to go to Bigwaduce to carry him some
necessaries for his Comfort. ^ The Subscriber therefore
humbly prays Your Excellency & Honors to grant a Flag
for the purpose aforesaid
Stephen Hall
To His Excellency the Governor in Council
In Council June 23 d 1781
Advised That a Flag be granted to Benjamin Woodman
of Falmouth Son in Law to Joshua Freeman lately captured
and carried to the Enemy at Major baggaduce in order to
carry said Freeman some necessaries for his comfortable
support while in Captivity
Attest John Avery Sec y
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Council Chamber Boston June 23 d 1781
Instructions to Benjamin Woodman appointed to the Com-
mand of a Flag to proceed to Majorbaggaduce for the purpose
of releiving the Necessities of M r Joshua Freeman lately
captured & Carried in this you are to hoist a White Flag
upon the Bow of your Small Boat and to continue it abroad
Night and Day until the Flag returns to Falmouth You are
to be very carefull that no small Arms of any kind be rec'd
on Board the small Boat while she is considered as a Flag, a
Violation of this Order may Occasion the Detention of the
said Boat f You are particularly instructed at your Peril
not to suffer any Goods of any kind to be taken on Board
except the necessaries you carry for the Comfortable Support
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 295
of the said Mr. Joshua Freeman f Com 1 of Mass 8 Council
Chamber Boston June 23. 1781 f Cap* Benjamin Wood-
man f You being appointed to the Command of a Small
Boat now ready to sail for the purpose of carrying necessaries
to M r Joshua Freeman late Captured and carried in to
Majorbaggaduce upon your arrival with the said necessaries
you will apply to the Commanding Officer of the Garrison
and inform him of your Intention You are particularly
instructed at your Peril not to suffer any Goods of any kind
to be taken on Board except the Articles of Cloathing etc.
for the more comfortable support of the said M r Joshua
Freeman while in Captivity
Petition of Phillip Hodgkins.
To the Hon ble the Senate & Hon ble House of Eepresentatives
of the Common Wealth of Massachusetts
I The Petition of Phillip Hodgkins of JSTew Bristol
Frenchmans Bay Humbly Shews f That some Time in
the Month of May last Has fitted out His Small Boat or
Shallop with Craft & stores for the Passama : quodia Fishery,
that some Time after the Ship Mars Commanded by Cap*
Nevins arrived at Passamaquodia and took and bought of
said Boat together with her Appurtenances and Stores, the
Distressed Situation of your Memorialists Family has
obliged him to take this Journey to Boston to pray that your
Honors would direct that his said Boat may be delivered
to him as he has no other Dependance for the Support of his
Family but by Geting Fish and bringing them to Portsmouth
or Newbury to purchase Corn and other Necessarys, and As
Cap 1 Kevins has said he does not wish detain any Poor Mans
property, and is willing to follow your Honors directions
Respecting Her, your Petitioner therefore Humbly prays
296 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
that Your Honor would be pleased to direct that the said
Boat Appurtenances & Stores may be delivered To Him
that he may be Enabled to Support his Family, and as in
Duty bound will ever pray
Philip Hodgkins
Boston 25 June 1781
Resolve in Favor Phillip Hodgkins.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 25. 1781
On the Representation of Phillip Hodgkins shewing that
in the month of May last, he fitted out his small Fishing
Boat of about Ten Tons burden for the Passamaquodia
Fishery, for the purpose of obtaining means wherewith to
Support his family, but unfortunately she was not furnished
with any papers, and for want thereof, she was taken by the
State Ship Mars Cap 1 Nevins. \ Resolved, that the Agent
of this Commonwealth be, and he is hereby Directed, to Re-
store to the said Phillip Hodgkins, that part of his Boat with
her appurtenances, and Stores, which may be in his care;
A and likewise Recommend to Cap 1 Kevins and the Crew, that
they Relinquish all their part of Said Boat, appurtenances
and Stores, to said Hodgkins B
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 25 th 1781
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A to B
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
Viz. dele from A to B
In the House of Representatives June 25 1781
Read & concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 297
Certificate.
These Certifye that the ballance due to the Common
Wealth from the Truck House at Fort Hallyfax is 50,000
exchang at 75 for 1 exclusive of the pay & rations of
the Truck master
Col Brewer has this day Did me 300 moose skins 53
Beaver do 64 Musquash do 8 mink do 300 Sable do
Beaver do 64 Musquash do 8 mink do 300 Sable
do 18 Black catt do 14 Otters do 17 Kackon do 4
Fox do 1f tis uncertain what sum the above skins will sell for
Rich d Devens Com y Gen.
Boston June 26, 1781 To the Hon le Com tee
Petition of Andrew Oilman.
Common Wealth Massachusetts
June 26 th 1781
To the Honorable Senate, and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives Assembled
The Petition of Andrew Oilman Lieu 1 And Interpreter to
the Penobscot Tribe of Indians f Humbly Sheweth That
Your Petitioner has been Some Considerable Time in the
Service without his drawing any Pay. That at this Junc-
ture he don't Expect to obtain Any Your Petitioner being
Destitute and very Bare and Almost Naked for want of
Cloathing. He prays Your Honors would Order him some
Convenient Cloathing out of the Cloathing Store he to be
accountable for The Same And also a Small Tent to Cover
him as he is Obliged to Travil & Lodge in the Night In the
Woods & Your Petitioner as in Duty Bound Shall Ever
Pray &c
Andrew Oilman
298 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 2 d 1781
on the Petition of Lieut Andrew Gilman, Interpreter to
the Penobscot Tribe Tf Resolved That the Com tee for pur-
chasing Supplies be Ordered and directed to Supply the said
Oilman with Suitable Cloathing for one of his Rank he being
accountable for the same
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 2 d 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Second Petition of Chief Orino.
To The Honorable Senate and The Honorable The House of
Representatives, Assembled the Twenty Seventh day of
June 1781
The Petition of Orino Chief of the Penobscot Tribe of
Indians Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner Has the
Chief Command of the Indians of The Penobscot Tribe
That Your Petitioner In Nov r 1780 Had the Charge of
A Number of Letters for the Mickmac S 1 John's and Passa-
maquody Tribes from Your Hon 1 Court To be deliverd to
Coll 1 John Allen Superintendent at Machias In order to be
Sent to those different Tribes. That Your Petitioner Was
at the Charge of Sending those Letters, from Fort Halifax
by Two Indians. One hundred and Fifty Miles to Mechias.
When they Arrived There One of Them was Sent By Coll 1
Allen to the Mickmac & other Tribes Three Hundred Miles
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 299
with Said Letters and When he Eeturned Coll 1 Allen In-
formed him he must Apply to Your Honors for pay for his
Trouble -
That Your Petitioner Upon his Return was Obliged to
Satisfie him. In Giveing him a Red Broad Cloath New
Blanket, a New Blue Broad Cloath Coat & Jackett One Pair
New Broad Cloath Indian Stockings, One New Ruffled Shirt,
One Pair New Maugasons One Gun Powder And Ball and
Fifteen days Provision also That Your Petitioner with A
Number of Other Indians are Deprived of Our Old Settle-
ments at Penobscot by Reason of The Brittish having Pos-
session there, makes it difficult for us to raise Provisions but
are ready & Willing to Serve on Millatary Duty at all times
if we Can be allowed to draw Each of us to the Amount of
20 or 30 of us one Ration p day. As we are in much want
of it, Prays Your would Grant w* in Your Wisdom Shall
see fitt. & your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall Ever
Pray &c
Mark of
Orino \- Chief Indian
Petition of Chief Orino.
To the Honorable Senate and to The Honorable the House of
Representatives of the Common Wealth of Massachusets
June 30 th 1781
The Petition of Orino Chief of the Penobscot Tribe of
Indians Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner In the
Course of The Last Winter was Obliged to Borrow A Small
quantity of Provisions of Coll 1 Josiah Brewer & Ezekiel
Pattee Esq r According to the price in their Accounts. Viz 1
Twenty five bushels of Indian Corn, One hundred & fifty
300 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
pounds Beef and One hundred and fifty Pounds of Pork
and Ten Gallons of Molasses for the Support of Five Indian
Widdows Whose Husbands Fell In Battle in the Service of
the United States, and Some of the Tribe who were in Great
distress for Want of Support.
That Your Petitioner and the Rest of the Tribe being in
Necessitous Circumstances On Account of our being drove
from our Homes, at Penobscot makes us very Needy. And
poor, and was not Able to do anything for the Aforesaid
Widdows.
Your Petitioner Prays your Excellency & Honors Would
Grant him Wherewith to Repay the Said provision. And
Your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray &c
The Mark
of v Orino
Resolve in Favor of Chief Orino.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 2 d 1781
Whereas Orino Chief of the Penobscot Indians Tf has Sup-
ported his petition by Evidence, That he Supplied the Express
sent to Machias, and from thence to the Mickmacks S l Johns
and Passimaquaddy Tribes with the Articles set forth in his
petition viz 1 A Red broad Cloth New Blankett, a New blew
broad Cloth Coat and Jackett one pair of New broad Cloth
Indian Stockings, One New Ruffled Shirt, one pair of New
Morgasons, one Gun, Powder & Ball Tf Resolved That the
Com tee for purchasing Supplies be Ordered and directed to
furnish the said Orino with the aforesaid Articles. B f C.
If Resolved That the Commissary of this Commonwealth be
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 301
Ordered to supply Cap 1 Josiah Brewer, Truckmaster at Hal-
ifax with Sufficient Provisions, for him to deliver to the said
Orino and his Tribe Thirty Rations per Day
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 5 th 1781
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A to B & at C.
Viz at A dele from A to B
at C insert "Indians."
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
]n the House of Representatives July 5 1781
Read & unanimously nonconcurred
Tath Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 6 th 1781
Reconsidered & Concurred as it stood originally
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Memorial of Joseph Brewer.
To The Honorable Senate & Honorable The House of Repre-
sentatives July 2 d 1781 -
The Memorial of Josiah Brewer, Truck Master at Fort
Halifax Humbly Sheweth.
That Your Memorialist, has Supplied the Indians with
Stores on Account of the State and was Obliged to take part
of Pay from them in paper, Old Continental Currency to
the Amount of About six Hundred Pounds Old Money And
fifty four Dollars New Money which The Comissary Gen-
eral dont Chuse to Receive without Orders from Your
Honorable Court. Your Memorialist Prays Your Honors
Orders & He as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray &c
Josiah Brewer
302 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve on Same.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 1781
On the Petition of Col Josiah Brewer Resolv'd that
the Commissary be directed not to Receive any Money either
of the Old Continental Currency or of the New Emission,
as it appears to your Committee that by a Resolve of the 27
September 1779 the said Brewer had no Liberty to Sell any
Effects belonging to the Common Wealth, only for Skins &
Furrs & to no other Persons except Indians
Resolve in re Disposal of Vessels.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 5 1781
Whereas the Schooner Nasquoit which has been Imployecl
in the Eastern Department is an unsuitable Vessel for Said
purpose therefore
Resolved that M r James A very (who has now the care of
Said Schooner) be & he is hereby Directed to Deliver her
with all her Stores & appurtenances to Caleb Davis the Agent
for this Common Wealth who is hereby Directed to sell Said
Schooner Together with Such Stores as are not Wanted for
publick Service, at publick Auction & pay the Money arising
from her Sale to the Treasurer of this Common Wealth
Takeing Duplicate Receipts for the same, which Money the
Treasurer is Directed to pay on ace* of the warrants in
favour of Col John Allen f and whereas the Agent affores d
in obedience to the orders of the Gen 1 Court has fitted the
Lincoln Galley as a Cruizer for the Eastern Coast, and it
being Represented that the said Galley is not a Suitable Ves-
sel for Said purpose: Resolved that on the Return of Said
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 303
Galley to the Harbour of Boston the Agent affores d be & he
is hereby directed to Exchange her (Either by Sale or other-
wais as he shall Judge Most for the Intrest of the Common
Wealth, for a More Suitable Vessell to Carry not more than
Eight or Less than four three or four pound Cannon and
his Excellency the Governor with advice of Councell is here-
by Eequested to give Such Orders to the armed Vessels of
this Common Wealth as he shall Judge Necessary for the
Suport of the post at Machias
Sent up for concurrence
Nath. Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 6 th 1781
Eead & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Memorial of Juniper Berthiaume.
To the Honorable Senate & The Honorable The House of
Eepresentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
July 6 th 1781
| The Memorial of Juniper Bethiaume, Recollect & Instruc-
tor to the Penobscot Tribe of Indians Humbly Sheweth
1 That Your Memorialist Together w th A Linguister & Three
Indians are here waiting An Oppertunity to get home with
what Your Honors hath Pleased to Grant them. And are
Without money or Provision for their Support, and no body
willing to do for them Without their Pay If Your
Memorialist Prays Your Honors to Grant about Twenty five
Pounds, therefor in Specie And Your Memorialist as in
Duty bound Shall Ever pray &c
Jumper Berthiaume Recollet
p
304 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve in Favor Juniper Berthiaume.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Eepresentatives July 6 1781
On the Petition of Juniper Berthiaume f Resolved that
his Excellency the Governor and Councill be requested to
examine the account for the support of s d Berthiaume and the
indians now in Boston with him and make such allowance
therefor as they may think proper and such further allow-
ance as may be necessary for their support untill an oppor-
tunity presents for their return And it is further Resolved
that Excellency the Governor with the advice of Councill be
impowerd to draw such sum or sums of money out of the
Treasury for the above purpose A
Sent up for concurrence
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 6 1781
Read & accepted with Amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
at A add, u not exceeding B Sixty c pounds in Bills of the
new Emmission
In the House of Representatives July 6 1781
If Read & concurred with an amendment 011 the amendment
of the Hon 1 Senate
Viz at B dele from B to C and insert, one hundred
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 6, 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approved John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 305
Petition of James Mosher.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Hon ble Senate, And House of Representatives in Gen-
eral Court Assembled.
The Petition of James Mosher. (Constable & Collector for
the Town of Gorham for the year 1780,) Humbly Sheweth
That, your Petitioner must be a Very great Sufferer in
Consequence of a late Kesolve pass d in the great & Gen 1
Court, the 3 rd Inst Unless your Hon rs Should See fit to Con-
sider him. And not only your Petitioner, but great num-
bers of the Inhabitants of Gorham must be greatly distresst.
the Case is truly this, The Town of Gorham has, during
the Present War, ever, readily Comply d with every Requisi-
tion of the Gen 1 Court, Respecting the Raising of men &
money, which your Hon rs are Sensible of. Notwithstanding
the great Numbers of Poor Families there is in the Town
who are put to the greatest difficulties to find Bread for their
poor Children to Eat, And your Hon r8 must also be Sensible
that if every Town in this Common Wealth had as fully
Comply d with the Several Requisitions of Court, as the Town
of Gorham has done, there would have been little, or no want,
of this whole States Quota of men & other Supplies for the
Army, in Oct r last this Town was Call d upon for about 6000
w* of Beef for the Army, it was readily Voted, and the beef
Procured & turn d in, to the proper Receiver, in Jan y last we
was Call d upon for above 11000 w* of Beef more, but at that
Season of the Year, it was not to be had in the Town, But
money in lieu thereof was readily Voted, and Assess d which
amounted to a very heavy Tax, about the same time, this
Town was Call d upon to Raise fifteen men for the Con-
tinental Army, which was also fully Comply 3 with by the
Town, which brot on another heavy Tax, and being obliged
to Raise and Clothe so many men so soon, it was impracticable
20
'
306 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
for the people in General to git the money, & Consequently
for your Petitioner to Collect it for to discharge the Tax
above mention* 1 in lieu of the 11000 w* of Beef a great part
of which Remains yet unpaid, as the Persons from whom it
is due had not the means wherewith to procure the money,
nor Could any ways git it till those who had it by them find-
ing out (before your Petitioner could even hear any intima-
tion of it) what the Hon bl Court was about to do, or had done
Respecting the old Currency who was then willing to part
with it, and the people, not knowing what Resolve had pass d
in the Gen 1 Court, gladly got the money upon any terms in
order to Discharge their Taxes in your Petitioner Bills,
when to the Surprize both of y r Petitioner & them we find
the money Struck Dead in our hands, Your Petitioner never
could obtain Sight of the Resolve of the 3 rd Ins 1 till Saturday
the 21 st Ins 4 had the newspapers been sent to the Town Clerk
of Gorham as Constant as they are to Falmouth & North
Yarmouth Your petitioner would have been seasonable Ap-
prized of the Resolve but none has been brought for the
Clerk of Gorham for Six weeks past which y r Petitioner Cant
Account for, as he 8 inform d that the Hon bl Court has order d
that Willis 8 paper be sent weekly, to every Town Clerk in the
Common Wealth: the Receipts Sent by the Treasurer Gen 1
to your Petitioner has been readily and punctually paid,
Your Petitioner, Deliverd to Capt Joseph Noyes the 20 th
Ins 1 16674:18 old Continental Currency for State Taxes,
which was paid to y r petitioner before the Expiration of the
time set in the Resolve above mention 3
Therefore as the Above Representation is the truth, and as
Your Petitioner has Exerted himself to the Utmost of his
Power to Collect the Taxes Committed to him to Collect, And
your Petitioner and many poor honest Persons in Gorham
must be greatly distrest Unless Y r Petitioner is allow d to pay
in the Old Currency which is on hand, Your Petitioner there-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 307
fore Humbly Prays Your Excellency & Hon rB to take his Case
into Consideration, and Allow him further time to pay in
what is yet behind for State and Beef Taxes, and y r Hum bl
Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray
James Mosher Collector
Gorham July 23 d 1781
We Certify that the foregoing Petit* is founded on Truth,
& in our opinion on equity That the Signer has served in the
Office faithfully & can recommend his cause to the favour-
able consideration of Legislature
Edw d Phinny Wm. Gorham } Selectmen of Gorham
Austin Alden Town Clerk
Memorial from F Shaw J r
To His Excellency the Governor and Hon ble the Council of
the Common Wealth of Massachusetts
The Memorial of Francis Shaw Jun r Humbly Shews, that
he has repeatedly applyed for Copy's of the Charges pre-
sented to your Excel! 7 and Honors by Col Jn Allan and
others in the County of Lincoln and is Informed by M r
Sec y Avery, that they cannot be delivered without your
Excelly's order, your Memorialist Conscious to himself that
He has never knowingly, Violated any of the acts of the
Hon ble Congress, or this Commonwealth, is more desirous of
haveing full Copy's of all the papers that have been laid
before your ExcelF & Honors, with your proceedings on the
2 d & 4 May last, not doubting he shall be able to Vindicate
his Character against all the Charges brought by his Enemies
against it. f Your Memorialist would further represent to
your Excellency & Honors, that ever since the Commence-
ment of Hostilitys, his Eamily & person have been harrassed
& much distressed, and his property depravated not only by
308 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Enemies of the United States but by some of the Sub-
jects of this Commonwealth, an Instance of which he is sorry
to Inform your ExcelP & Honors, has lately taken place
from a full Conviction that your Excell 7 & Honors, would
wish to promote the protection of Person, & security of Prop-
erty throughout the Commonwealth, and perticularly to sit-
uations altogether defenceless, your Memorialist is Induced
to request a Governmental permit to prosecute his Lawful
Business, which he flatters himself will in a Great Measure
prevent any further depradations from his fellow Country-
men, and of Consequence Letigious Law suits, & unnecessary
absence from his Family, & Bussiness, which have allready
well nigh wasted his Substance, and your Memorialist as in
duty bound will ever pray
Fr a Shaw J r
Boston 23 July 1781
Action on Foregoing Petition.
Commonwealth of Mass tts
In Council July 25 th 1781
On the Petition of Francis Shaw J r of Goldsborough in the
County of Lincoln praying that he may be protected in his
Person & Property and permitted to go about his lawfull
Business in said County
Advised That The Prayer of the Petition be granted and
that Francis Shaw be and hereby is permitted to return to
Goldsborough in y e County of Lincoln & prosecute his Lawfull
Business and all Commanders of Armed Vessels & others
belonging to this Commonwealth are hereby commanded and
it is, hereby recommended to all Commanders of Armed Ves-
sels & others belonging to the United States not to molest or
hinder the Said Francis Shaw in the Prosecution of his law-
full Business at Said Goldsborough
Attest John Avery Sec 7
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 309
Petition of Peleg Wadsworth.
To his Excellency the Governor & Council of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts.
The Petition of Peleg Wadsworth humbly sheweth, that
having had the Misfortune to loose the most of his Clothing
by being a Prisoner & not being able, at present, to obtain any
Money of the Treasurer, or otherwise to get decent apparrel ;
Therefore humbly prayeth that he may have an order on the
Agents of the State Store for a Suit of Cloths, viz 1 a Great
Coat, Coat, westcoat & Breeches; also an order on the Com-
missary for a pair Pistols, Fusee & Blunderbus, either in
lieu of the same articles which he has lost, or to be by him
Accounted for as shall be judged most expedient, & your
Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray
Peleg Wadsworth
Action on Foregoing Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council July 25, 1781
Whereas it hath been represented by Peleg Wadsworth
Esq. that he had the Misfortune to loose most of his Cloathing
when he was captured by the Enemy and carried to Penobscot
when in the Service of this Commonwealth and that he is
unable to replace the same for want of Money
Advised. That it be & it is hereby recommended to
Ebenezer Wales Esq r & Cap* Amasa Davis a Committee of
Supplies to furnish Peleg Wadsworth Esq. with Cloth suffi-
cient for a Suit of Cloaths he to pay for said Cloathing
when he shall have received the wages due to him out of the
Treasury
Attest John Avery Sec r
310 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Letter of H. Y. Brown.
Brownfield Aug' 7 th 1781
S r
About 20 Days ago a Party from Canada came into the
upper Coos, & from thence proceeded to Dartmouth a Town
thro' which the Road passes from the upper Coos to Fal-
mouth thro' this Place ; at Dartm h they took Joseph Whipple
Esq who made his Escape from them after which they took
all his Effects they coud carry off to the Amount of One
Hundred Guineas Last Fryday Evening a party of 7 or 8
Indians came to Eullerstown on Androscoggin River from
thence took 2 Men by the Name of Clerk, Cap 1 Twitchel &
one Man more, there is also missing Hope Austin formerly
from Methuen; they then proceeded up the River to Shel-
burne & discovered two Men at Work in a Field of Cap*
Rindgis a White Man & Negro, the White Man ran Peter
Poor by Name whom they shot thro' the Head the Negro
they made a Prisoner, they also took a young Son of Daniel
Ingalls's but were afterwards prevailed on to discharge one
of the Clerks & the young Lad, they then proceeded up the
River with all the Plunder they could carry: this Account
comes from a Party of Observation from Conway who got in
last Night A Party from Fryeburg of 23 Men set out on
Saturday Evening for Fullerstown Six have returned, the
Remainder with some of the Inhabitants of Fullerstown &
an Indian Pilot are in Pursuit of them, with a fair Prospect
of cutting them off as the Enemy follow the River & our
People know a much shorter Route to a Lake they must
pass 1fM r Whipple is gone to Newhampshire to request
a Scouting Party Vermont has a Party of Soldiers at the
upper Coos, if this Commonwealth would make Provision
for a Party of Twenty Men, they might be so stationed as to
protect the Settlements on Androscoggin River from such
scouring Parties from Canada otherways they must break
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 311
up, & as they are a Barrier Twenty Miles in the Wilderness
from other Settlements & cover the Countys of York & Cum-
berland I doubt not of your immediate Exertions if within
your Power to order a party & if not you will by an imme-
diate & pressing Solicitation to the Governor obtain it. a
small Delay may induce Families to hover in which would
be a great Damage to the public It is probable that Partys
will be kept out till we hear from you f I am S r Your most
obedient Humble Serv*
H : Y : Brown
~N. B. Cap 1 Twitchel made his Escape tho he was Bound
I know of no man more Sutable for the business than L*
John Evans of Fryeburg his knowledge of the Country and
Experience in the Service Renders him very capible for it
Warrant For Arrest Andrew Reed Jr.
Lincoln Ss The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Sheriff of our County of Lincoln his Under Sheriff or
deputy Greeting.
We Command you to attatch the Goods or Estate of Andrew
Reed Jun r in said County Gentleman to the value of twenty
four pounds for want thereof to take the body of the Said
Andrew Reed if he may be found in your precinct and him
Safely keep. So that you have him before our justices of
our Inferior Court of Common Pleas next to be holden at
Pownalboro, within & for our Said County of Lincoln on the
last tuesday of September next, then and there in our Said
Court to answer unto Benjamin Kent of Said Boothbay yeo-
man in a plea of the Case for that the Said Benjamin at
Said Boothbay on the fourth day of September in the year of
our Lord Seventeen hundred and Seventy Nine was possessed
of a Whale boat, two oars, two sails & forty fathom of Rope
altogether of the value of Eighteen pounds as of his own
$
312 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
property and being so possessed there afterwards on the Same
day Casually lost the Same, which Same boat oars sails and
rope afterwards on the same day came into the hands &
possession of the said Eeed by finding and he knowing the
same of right to belong to the plaintiff but contriving to
defraud him thereof Reed afterwards on the same day
Converted the Same boat Sails Oars and rope to his own Use.
to the damage of the Said Benjamin Kent as he Saith the
Sum of twenty four pounds which shall then and there be
made to appear with other due damages, and have you Show
this Writ with your doings therein witness William Lithgow
Esq r at Pownalboro, this ninth day of August in the year
of our Lord 1781.
True Coppy Jon a Benjamin Cler
Certificate Inhabitants of Winslow.
This may certify whom it may concern that We the sub-
scribers are Inhabitants of the Town of Winslow in the
County of Lincoln and near Neighbours of Major Ezekiel
Pattee of said Town, & that for the greater part of last Win-
ter large parties of Indians were almost constantly at his
house, that he furnished them with provisions & many other
articles, in order to preserve the Peace of these settlements,
there being at that time little or no supplies for them in the
Truck house, which was superintended by Col Brewer, and
that the said Indians were Very troublesome to said Major
Pattee and his family and we are very certain the said In-
dians never made him any Satisfaction for the Provisions &c
which he furnished them with
Solomon Parker Asa Phillips
Manuel Smith frances Dudley
Thomas Parker David Pattee
Winslow Aug' 11 th 1781
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 313
Petition of Martha Oxnard.
To his Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Council
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
The Petition of Martha Oxnard of Falmouth in the County
of Cumberland ^ Humbly Shews, f That your Petitioner's
Husband, M r Thomas Oxnard after the Destruction of the
Trade and Town of Falmouth did retire from his Family to
Places under the immediate Power of the King of Great
Britain, not incited thereto as your Petitioner humbly sug-
gests by any other Motive than a fear of personal Injury as
he conjectured from some ill-minded Persons in the Town of
Falmouth; since which his ISTame was indiscriminately in-
serted in an Act of the then State of Massachusetts Bay with
those whose Eeturn the State thought prudent to forbid ; by
which your Petitioner has for more than four Years past
been deprived of his Society and he of the tender Pledges of
their mutual Affection, a Calamity, the Distress of which
your Excellency and Honors will easily conceive and admit
without the bitter Experience- TfYour Petitioner begs
Leave to inform your Excellency and Honors that her Hus-
band has lately arrived at Majorbagwaduce, with whom she
could wish to spend a few Months at least; And not pre-
suming to scan the Wisdom and Providence of the Deity in
ordaining, for her so severe a Trial, and far from calling in
Question the Propriety of the Act above mentioned, whereby
in its Consequences those have unhappily lived asunder whom
God hath joined together, your Petitioner cannot but flatter
herself with the Ready Grant of her Request, when she asks
not for any Distinction in her Favor at present, other than
your Excellency's and Honors' Permission to go with her
eldest Son about seven years of Age in the Schooner Hazard
Burthen about thirty Tons commanded by
of from Falmouth to Penobscot as a Flag
314 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
at her own Expence and to tarry with her Husband for some
Months, yet not relinquishing the Hope of Permission for
her to return, if happier Times of Peace should not preclude
the Necessity of a Discrimination in his Favor and reverse
the Decree of his Banishment. TfYour Petitioner begs
Leave to add that she has not a Wish to carry with her or to
bring back any Property whatever exclusive of her wearing
Apparel
In this her Suit your Petitioner flatters herself with an
Advocate in the Bosoms of your Excellency and Honors more
irresistably persuasive if possible than even the Tears of a
Stranger, tho' of a Woman; So shall the Blessings of her
Sex descend on the heads of your Excellency and Honors to
soften the Asperity of Fortune and increase every domestic
Felicity, So shall the heart-felt satisfaction of having made
two Persons happy brighten the Gloom of a like tedious
Absence from those you most love if such Misfortune should
betide you (which Heaven avert.) and so your Petitioner as
in Duty bound shall ever pray for the Wellfare and Pros-
perity of America
Martha Oxnard
Action of Foregoing Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Aug 1 13, 1781
On the Petition of Martha Oxnard f Advised That the
Prayer of the Petition be granted and that Martha Oxnard
be permitted with her Eldest Son to take passage on Board
the Schooner Hazard Ebenezer Prebble Master for the pur-
pose of visiting her Husband M r Thomas Oxnard at Penob-
scot for three or four Months from the date hereof and that
a Flag be granted to said Vessel for her safe passage there
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 315
and the said Prebble is hereby directed not to carry any
Goods of any kind nor more Provisions than necessary for his
voyage nor bring any Merchandize from thence
Attest John Avery Sec 7
Petition of Nathaniel Coffin.
To his Excellency the Governor and the hon ble Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of Nathaniel Coffin of Falmouth in the
County of Cumberland Humbly shews
That your Petitioner's Brother Francis Coffin removed
from said Falmouth in June 1773 to Great Britain from
whence he followed the Seas till December 1777 when he
died leaving your Petitioner & a Maiden Sister residing with
him in Falmouth among his Heirs: That your Petitioner
has never had an opportunity of certain intelligence what
Effects his Brother left or what probable mode of obtaining
them with safety till within a few weeks, when he was in-
formed by an open Letter from Mr Robert Pagan, at Penob-
scot, that Sundry Articles, part of said Effects, are transmitted
to him to be delivered to your Petitioner or order, f Where-
fore as your Petitioner humbly presumes your Excellency &
Honors will not consider the receiving said effects as in-
jurious, but on the contrary beneficial, to the Commonwealth
of which your Petitioner is an Inhabitant, so he humbly prays
your Excellency's & Honors special Leave to go or Send for
the same to Penobscot in such way or manner as in your
Wisdom shall seem consistant with the public Good, & the
Laws of this Commonwealth; & your Petitioner as in .Duty
bound shall ever pray in behalf of Doctor Coffin
John Codnaan Jun r
Boston 16 Aug* 1781
316 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Advice of Council on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Mass" 8
In Council Chamber Aug 16 1781
Advised. That the Prayer of this Petition be granted and
that Nathaniel Coffin be permitted to send by Ebenezer
Prebble Commander of the Cartel Schooner called the Hazard
bound to Penobscot for sundry Articles the Effects of his de-
ceased Brother Francis Coffin in the Hands of M r Robert
Pagan at Penobscot as appears by his Letter dated fourth
June last And said Prebble is hereby permitted to receive
the same And all Commanders of Armed Vessels &
others belonging to this State are hereby directed and All
Commanders of Armed Vessels & others belonging to the
United States are requested not to molest or impede the said
Schooner Hazard with the Effects of the said Coffin on Board
on her return from Penobscot to Falmouth aforesaid
Attest John Avery Sec y
Order on Same.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Council Chamber Boston Aug 16 th 1781
Ordered that Nathaniel Coffin be and he hereby is per-
mitted to send by Cap 4 Ebenezer Prebble bound to Penobscot
for the Articles within mentioned and said Prebble is here-
by permitted to receive the same And all Commanders of
Armed Vessels and others belonging to this State are hereby
directed and all Commanders of Armed Vessels and others
belonging to the United States are requested not to molest
or impede the said Schooner, with the effects of the said
Coffin on board on her return from Penobscot to Falmouth
accordingly
John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 317
Jn Frost to the Governor.
Kittery Augs* 20 th 1T81
Sir
Inclosed is Returns of the field officers chosen agreeable
to the late Militia Law for the three Regiments in the County
of York Likewise a Letter from Col Goodwin and another
from Cap 1 Brown which your Excellency will See I reed
your Excellency orders in order to Detach a number of men
from my Brigade I Immediately gave orders for the same,
Sum of the Men have been raised and marched but by reason
of the money being so bad and now hard money this way
and the Enemie on ouer Banks makes it Extream Difficulte
to Procure the men tho the officers are rising all In their
Power for that Purpose ; If your Excellency should think fit
to send me any further order as to Brownfield or any other
affair I shall take it the Iligest Honnor to Put the same
into Execution
I have the Honour to be your Excellency most obed*
Humb 1 Servant
Jn Frost
His Excellency Governor Hancock
Petition of Andrew Reed.
To the Honorable the Senate and Honorable the House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
The Petition of Andrew Reed of Boothbay Jun r Humbly
Shews That your petitioner being a Lieutenant in one of the
Companies at and after the unsuccessful siege against Bag-
waduce ; On return of the troops to Boothbay your Petitioner
recieved Express command from Brigadier General Lovell
to collect a number of Boats for use of the said Troops ; among
others a Boat belonging to M r Benjamin Kent of Said Booth-
I
318 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
bay was impress'd into the service, and by some means or
accident not yet returned, tho your Petitioner is entirely
ignorant of the manner in which She was disposed of, M r
Kent has often demanded pay for his said Boat from your
Petitioner who Petitioned your Honours for direction, but
whether occasioned by Miscarriage, or what else is unknown
to me but I have recieved no answer, M r Kent has at last
Sued me for Said Boat to next September Court to be holden
at Pownalboro, I must pray your Honours that your Peti-
tioner may not be obliged to pay for said Boat, with or with-
out Costs of Court, as she was impressed Only in Obedience
to Command the orders for my so doing will be presented
with this to your Honors must importune your Honours in-
terposition in the affair as it is of a Public nature and grant
such assistance as y r Wisdom shall dictate for help of your
Petitioner who as in duty bound Shall Ever pray
And w Keed Liet
Boothbay August 24 th 1781.
Paper Accompanying Petition.
Head Quarters Townsend Aug 1 29 1779
Sir
You are requested to muster all canons, Boats &c in
this bay, Shipescut River, & damascotty River fitt for the
use of the troops and to convoy them here immediately,
Sir your humble Servant
S Lovell B r G 1
~N B you will Take to your assistance as many men from
your Company as you Shall think proper you will call on
M r Brown the Commissary for provisions for your Support
Superscription Lieut 1 Andrew Reed Booth Bay
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 319
Action on Foregoing Petition.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
Oct r the 11 th 1781
on the petition of Andrew Reed Lieut praying for pay for
his Whale boatt taken from him by General orders your
Committee beg leave to report as their opinion that the peti-
tion and papers accompining the same lay untill the nex
Setting of the General Court
Warning.
Limerick August y e 26 th 1781
To all Persons that are friends to the independensy of the
United States Be Ware of all stragling fellows that are pass-
ing that feign themselves as Fools there was one went from
this Place Last Saterday we here he is now in Smalls town
we there By think just to send Mr Abijah felek after him to
take him and confine him till he can prove where he is from
and where he is going he is taken for a Spye and we fear he
is an indian Pilot By inquiering how People is out for
Powder Balls and Guns and vews all houses in side and out
& in a Sly manner the Barer will tel Some more Peticlers
in Behalf of the Plantation
Jacob Bradbury
John Wingate
Joseph Gillpatrick
Assessors
Letter Josiah Brewer.
Fort Hallifax Sep* 4 th 1781
Sir
I should be glad if you could send me a few things for
the Truck House at this place I stand in need of the follow-
ing articles Viz 2 Peacies Coarse Broad Cloath 6 lb paint
320 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Sewing needles fishooks a little Rum Sugar and
the Rations for the theirty Indians Could be sent before the
River is shut up it will be of Great Service to them and
families to help them through the Winter, as the Crops are
Cut short in these partes it will not be in the power of the
Inhabitants to Suppli them, if you Could send the things
to Col William Howards at Fort Western I should take it as
a favour. I Remaine your most Obedient and very Humble
Servant
Josiah Brewer
Advice Relating to Father DeBourger.
In Council Sep 1 5, 1781
Advised that Richard Devens Esq Commissary General
be directed to deliver the Rev d father Frederick DeBourger
Chaplain of one of his most Christian Majesties Ship and
lately a Missionary among the Eastern Tribes of Indians
under the Care of Col John Allen Superintendant of Indian
Affairs in the Eastern Department two hundred and thirty
two Rations due to him for his Service from the Seventh of
May 1780 to the 30 th August 1781 and Charge the same
to the United States
Attest John A very Sec y
Petition of Ami Smith.
Boston Sep* 5, 1781
To His Excellency the Governor & the Gentlemen of the
Council of the Common Wealth of Massachusetts
the Petition of Ami Smith Most Humbly Sheweth that
your Petitioner being a Widow with four Children & having
no Ways to subsist upon, but having a father & friends in
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 321
Halifax & Penobscot begs your Excellency & Honors that
you would Grant her liberty to depart in the first Flagg that
sails for Either of those places as She has friends that will
provide for her and her Children there Against the Ensuing
aproaching Winter & your Petitioner as in Duty Bound
Shall ever pray
her
Ami X Smith
mark
Attested Era" Southack
In Council Sep 1 5 1781 Advised That Ami Smith be
permitted to depart this Commonwealth with her four Chil-
dren in the first Cartel that shall sent from the Harbour of
Boston either to Halifax or Penobscot and not to return again
without special Leave of the General Assembly
Attest John Avery Secy
Petition of Joseph Bragdon Jr.
Commonwealth Massachusetts
To the Hon bl Senate and House of Representatives in Gen-
eral Court Assembled.
The Petition of Joseph Bragdon J r humbly Sheweth that
Your Petitioner having Served the State and Commonwealth
in the office of Muster Master for the County of York for
three years past and upon an Adjustment of Accou 18 on June
28, 1781 Receiv'd of the Committee on Accou 18 the Sum of
549-6 in Old Emission of Continen 1 Money which was of
no Value to Your Petitioner when it was Receiv'd by him
which Payment was for Service Principally done two Years
Past wherefore Your Petitioner Humbly prays he may return
said Money and be Paid in other Money Current within this
Commonwealth and Your Petitioner in Duty bound Shall
ever Pray &c
Joseph Bragdon J r Must r Mast r for County York
York 8 th Sept r 1781
21
I
322 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
Petition of Andrew Reed.
To the Honorable the Senate & Honorable the house of Repre-
sentatives in General Court Assembled.
The Petition of Andrew Reed of Boothibay Humbly
sheweth, That your Petitioner with his Sons were employed
by Gen 1 Lovell in the expedition to Penobscot Anno 1779
that a sloop the property of your Petit 1 " was taken up by the
Gen 18 orders as a transport in that expedition & fell with the
rest of the fleet: that your Petitioner has never received
any compensation for his said service & loss : that the damage
consequent thereon to him & his family has been very great
partly as the fate of war had previously deprived him of every
other vessel & therefore the only hope remaining of finding
a subsistence for his family depended on his being able to
employ himself & his sons in the business of coasting in this.
But chiefly because the said sloop had been lately purchased
of Henry Hodge of Pownalboro' for a sum of continental
money to be paid at a certain day which sum y r Petitioner
carried & lawfully tendered to said Hodge on the day in
which the payment was stipulated but the said Hodge
refused to receive it & your Petit 1 " was constrained to reposit
the sum in his desk & keep it untouched until it ceased to be
of any value that the said Hodge at the June Court in the
present year sued y r Petit 1 " to Pownalboro, under cover of a
late Act of the General Court, for the whole sum in hard
money & it being impossible for your Petit 1 " to pay the
same unless he should receive payment for the said sloop from
this Hon ble assembly he petitioned the Gen 1 Court for some
relief in the Case & as the treasury was not in condition
to make payment to y r Petitioner at that time, an order was
passed to stop said Hodge's prosecution until this instant
September withal giving your Petitioner encouragment to
hope that some more effectual measures would be taken be-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 323
fore that time for the finishing of that matter the time is
come the Inferior Court at Pownalboro sits in this Month
& your Petitioner cannot find that any thing is provided for
his relief: he therefore expects that execution will issue at
said Court against him & if it should it will involve him &
his family in irrecoverable ruin
Your Petitioner therefore prays your Honors to take his
case into your wise consideration & grant him such relief
therein as to your Honors in your great wisdom shall appear
just & meet & your Petitioner as in duty bound Shall ever
pray
And w Keed
Boothbay Sept" 10 th 1781
Action on Foregoing.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
Oct r y e 11 th 1781
on the petition of Andrew Keed praying for pay for his
Sloop Lost in the Penobscutt Expedition your Committee beg
leave to report as their opinion that the petition and papers
accompining the Same Lay untill the next Sitting of the
Gen rl Court
Petition of Mary Crawford.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
Sept' 13 th 1781
To The Hon 1 Senate and the Honorable The House of Eepre-
sentatives in Gener 1 Court Assembled
The Petition of Mary Crawford of Templeton Widdow
Humbly Sheweth That Your Petio r Lived at Penobscot with
her Late Husband Docter Crawford who was Chaplin at The
Fort at Penobscot sometime before the Enemy took pos-
session There. Your Petitioner being then a Widdow Came
324 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
from Thence A few days Before the Enemy arrived there,
(On A Visit to her Friends at Templeton and would be Glad
of Leave to Return, there in Order to Secure as much of
her Intrest As She Can, & bring back with her in Order for
her & Childrens Support she Prays Your Hon Permit to
Go Up Penobscot River & Return & Your Petitioner as in
Duty bound Shall Ever pray &c
Mary Crawford
Order Creating Committee.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Sept r 13, 1781
Ordered That Col Coffin & Co 1 Taylor with such as the
Hon 1 Senate shall join, be a Committee to enquire into the
nature of the Establishment at Machias, and the Resolutions
of Congress authorizing this State to charge the united States
with the Sums advanced by this State for the Support of the
Post at Machias, and to report a State of Facts
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Sep 1 13 th 1781
Read & Concurred & Cotton Tufts Esq r is join'd
S Adams Presi dt
Report of Committee Respecting Machias.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If The Committee appointed "to enquire into the Nature of
the Establishment at Machias, and to charge the united States
with the Sums advanced by this State for the Support of the
Post at Machias and report a State of Facts," beg leave to
report, That your Committee have enquired into the nature of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 325
the Establishment at Machias and find it to be a Continental
Establishment, falling within the Department of John Allen
Esq. who was appointed by Congress Agent for Indian
Affairs in the Eastern Department, Jan y 14, 1777 As
Agent of Congress the said John hath made application to
this State from Time to Time for supplies to carry on the
Business of his Agency: Supplies have been granted, and
Provision made for the Support of the Post at Machias in
full Confidence that Congress would be answerable for the
same And the Appointment of a Priest in that Quarter,
was evidently made (in 1778) by the then Council of this
State at the Desire of Congress as the following Resolve will
show. Cotton Tufts p r Ord r
Resolution of Congress Relating to Indians.
In Congress Dec. 5 th 1778
Resolved, That the President write to the Council of the
Massachusetts Bay and inform them it is the Desire of
Congress that they comply with the Request of the Indians
in sending them a Priest But should not, what is now
offered be thought direct to the Point in Hand Your Com-
mittee humbly conceives, that the following Resolution will
shew not only that the Post at Machias is a continental Estab-
lishment, but also, That this State is fully authorized to
charge the United States with the Sums already advanced or
that may hereafter be advanced by this State for the Support
of that Post.
Resolution on Same Subject.
In Congress Feb y 15, 1781
Resolved
"That the President inform the Governor of Massachu-
setts, that Congress sensible of the Importance of supporting
326 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Eastern Indian Department under the Super intendance
of Col John Allen approve of the Care of the executive of
Massachusetts, in making from Time to Time the necessary
Provision for the same, and they are requested to continue
such Supplies, and charge the same to the united States.
And it is further Resolved, That the Governor and Council
of Massachusetts be and they hereby are impowered to com-
pleat the Company of Artillery at the Post of Machias to a
number not exceeding Sixty Five including such officers as
they shall judge necessary for the further Security and De-
fence thereof; the said Company to be under the Command
of Col John Allen and to be raised cloathed, paid and sub-
sisted as continental Soldiers at the Expence of the United
States' 7
In Senate Sept 25 1781
Read & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
Sam 1 Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Oct r 8 1781
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock.
Petition of Elizabeth Stevens.
To the Honble the Senate & Honble the House of Represen-
tatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court Assembled
The Petition of Elizabeth Stevens of Falrn Casco Bay
humbly shews that your Petitioner has a Brother in New
York who is in very good Circumstances and has often sent
for your Petitioner to go there and reside with him that your
Petitioner has here no Friend to support her, and is in very
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 327
indigent Circumstances. Your Petitioner therefore begs
Liberty to go to JSTew York in the Cartel now ready to sail
for that Place
And as in Duty bound will pray
Elizabeth Stevens
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Sep r 14 th 1781
f On the Petition of Elizabeth Stevens f Resolved for
reasons set forth in her Petition that the prayer thereof be
granted, & that the said Elizabeth Stevens be & hereby is
permitted to depart this State in the first Cartel for New
York, not to return to this State without leave first had &
obtained of the General Court; and the Naval Officer for
the port of Boston is directed to see that the said Elizabeth
Stevens does not carry away with her any Letters or papers
detremental to this or any of the United States
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Sept. 14, 1781
Read & Concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
Sam 1 Freeman to the Governor.
Falmouth Sept. 15 1781
May it please your Excellency: fOn the 30 th ult. was
brought before me, on suspicion of his being inimical to the
United States, a Person who calls himself Joseph Gordon
He was apprehended at a Place called Ossipee, near 40 miles
back of this place, and is the same Person who was just before
at Limerick and supposed to be a Rogue under the Mask of
t
328 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Idealism as mention' d in the inclosd Paper ISTo 1. IThe
Paper No 2 is all the Account I can get of his conduct at
Ossipee I have no other ace 1 of him than what he himself
gave, before me, as contain' d in Paper N 3. But as it
appeared to me there was probable cause to suspect him guilty
of "being adherent to the Enemies of the United States & of
giving them aid and comfort within this State" and as I was
informed that Some of the Inhabitants of our frontier Towns
fear'd he was a Spy, and would have been very uneasy at his
going at large : I thought it my Duty to commit him to Goal
and immediately sent to one Lieutenant Clark of Fullers-
town who was robbed and for a short time made a Prisoner
by some Indians and Tories who had lately been at his House
there, to desire he wou'd come and see if he was one of them
M r Clark has since been to see him, and says he is not one
of them He however knew his Face and says he is a person
who was sometime ago at Newton near Boston, and was sus-
pected of being a bad Fellow but as nothing particular coud
be proved against him, he was sufferd to go at large f He
talks very broken, and sometimes unintelligibly but while
I was writing his Mittimus, he was reading in a Book which
lay before him & now & then I observed him to read quite
plain After getting the Answers to such Questions as I
asked him I told him to give an Account of himself in his
own way but he refused & said repeatedly that none but
God shou'd have any more account of him than a Sketch
and upon telling him I shou'd send him to Goal unless he
gave a good account of himself, he appeared to be in a great
Passion, trembled and seem'd to be full of Malice Some
have so much Charity for him as to think he is really de-
fective in his understanding and that, being a Vagabond is
his greatest Crime
I confess I have not so good an Opinion of him But as
I know of no other Evidence against him than what is con-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 329
tain'd in the inclos'd Papers I thought it my Duty to
represent the Case to your Excellency, and should be glad
your Excellency wou'd direct me what to do respecting him
1f Perhaps if his name & an Account of his being appre-
hended & confined were published in some of the News
Papers, some further knowledge of him might be had
I am with the utmost Respect Your Excellency's most
obedient & very humble Servant
Sam 1 Freeman
Gen 1 Heath to Gov. Hancock.
Head quarters, Continental village,
Sept. 17, 1781
Sir, I have received undoubted intelligence from Canada,
that the enemy have for some time past been building canoes
and small Batteaux at S* Johns, baking hard bread at Mon-
treal and forwarding it to St Johns And this morning I
learn a brigade of troops have arrived at S* Johns from
Quebec. This renders it very apparent that they have de-
signs on the frontiers some where. The size of the small
crafts seem calculated rather for the creeks and rivers towards
the settlements on the head of Connecticut river, than to
cross the lakes If the former are the object, the militia of
the northern parts of the county of Hampshire are some of
the nearest to lend aid if the latter, those of the county of
Berkshire. I have written the Brigadiers commanding the
Militia of those counties, lest the movements of the enemy
should be sudden, requesting that if the frontiers are
actually attacked, they would aid them. This I assure my-
self will be approved by your Excellency, until you can give
such instructions as you may judge proper.
I have ordered a detachment from this army to Albany,
But the importance of the posts in the Highlands, and present
- J
330 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
state of the army forbid my making any considerable de-
tachments to a distance, and constrain me to request that the
number of militia called for from your Commonwealth in
his Excellency's last letter, may be completed immediately,
and the delinquent men for the regular regiments ordered on
1j"No news from the southward. If I have the honor to be
With the highest respect, Your Excellency's Most obedient
servant W Heath.
P. S. I am just informed that a fleet of about 40 sail
appeared in the Sound off Huntington, the 15. standing
eastward. But whether they had troops on board, or were
a wood fleet, is not known W. H.
His Excellency Governor Hancock.
Resolve Appointing John Langdon.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives September 19, 1781
Upon a Representation being made to this Court by Nath 1
Thwing Esq r of Woolwich That he with Dumer Sewall of
Georgetown and Waterman Thomas of Thomaston Esq were
appointed a Com tee by a Resolve of the General Court of the
first of march Last to Enquire into certain facts sett forth in
a Representation of the Selectmen of Boothbay, and that the
said Waterman Thomas is now removed to Boston and Can-
not attend said Service, Therefore f Resolved 1 That M r
John Langdon be and he hereby is appointed on said Com tee
in the Room of said Waterman Thomas who is hereby
Excused
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Sept b 20 th 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
4 OF THE STATE OF MAINE 331
Nath 1 Thwing to Ezra Taylor Esq.
Woolwich Aug 8 * 20 th 1781
Sir,
I some time since received from the Sec ry a Copy of a
Resolve of the Gen 1 Court appointing my self, Dummer
Sewall and Waterman Thomas Esq rs a Committee to enquire
into the Representation of the Selectmen of Boothbay, re-
specting sundry matters of said Town, but as Esq r Thomas
has removed to Boston with his Family and Cannot attend
the Business, the other two Cannot legally act in it, and it is
therefore necessary some, other Person should be appointed in
his Room, would therefore beg of you upon your Arrival at
the General Court to have some other person appointed in
stead of said Thomas if you would undertake to act in it,
should be glad if not should be glad you would endeavor
to have the name of John Langdon of Pownalboro inserted
Your Compliance herein will oblige the Petitioners in whose
Behalf, I am, Sir, your most Obed* Serv 1
Nath 1 Thwing
Ezra Taylor Esq r Pownalbor
Petition of John Murray.
To the Honorable the Senate & Honorable the House of Rep-
resentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court Assembled
f The Petition of the Subscriber on behalf of the town of
Boothbay. Humbly Sheweth, |That your Petitioner, be-
ing appointed to represent said town in this Honorable As-
sembly, is charged with particular instructions from his Con-
stituents, in their name & behalf, to petition your Honors for
certain favors therein specified ; and it is in obedience to their
injunctions that he takes this method of soliciting the atten-
'
332 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
j
tion of the Legislature to their humble and earnest requests,
and begs leave to be heard on the reasons in which each of
them is founded. f The peculiar share of sufferings in the
public distress by which that town has been distinguished,
even amongst the maritime Towns in the County of Lincoln,
has been so often represented to this Hon ble Court, that it can
hardly be supposed to be unknown to any member of it; it is
therefore become the less needful to be very particular in
laying the State of said town before your Honors at this
time. Nor could it give any pleasure to the generous minds
that compose this Honorable Assembly to dwell on the con-
templation of the accumulated hardships that have reduced
that people from a hopeful and flourishing state, now to ex-
hibit to the view of every spectator nothing but the wreck
of a Community in ruins. ^ Situated on an inviting
harbour contiguous to a navigable river on each side, this
Town has been wonie out with incessant alarms from the
Enemy's Vessels entring often anchoring and not un-
frequently lying for a considerable time in the road and often
within Swivel Shot of the houses during all which occa-
sions the inhabitants were obliged to ly on their Arms; and
the constant zeal in the common cause that governd all the
movements of that people naturally marked them out as the
special butt of distinguished vengeance from the hand of our
unnatural enemy and more especially from the plots of the
more unnatural traytors amongst the settlements in our vicin-
ity, who sleep safe in the bosom of our Country, tho' constantly
busied in sucking her vital blood. f From these causes not
a little of the property of said town has been reduced to ashes
all the vessels concerned in its navigation captured or de-
stroyed the flower of its young men, who had not been
sent to the Continental Army thus deprived of the wonted
means of earning their bread betook themselves to Pri-
vateers where, for the present, they are utterly lost to the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 333
town, and many of them gone whence they never shall re-
turn: while the remaining inhabitants, too far advanced
into the vale of life to be able for military employ by land
or water, thus naked of any means of self defence, have been
obliged to abandon their habitation in the front & remove
their families into the wilderness for Shelter, whereby we
may travel from end to end of the principal Settlement in
the Town & be able to discover nothing but houses without
inhabitants, or occupied only by widows & helpless orphans :
whilst the survivors out of the number of their former
possessors are forced to seek a pittance for the present sub-
sistance of their families from the laborious cultivation of
a Wilderness hitherto unsubdued: On the success of their
hard tillage all their hopes of living hung: the additional
judgment of heaven that has this Summer visited them with
a drought the most severe ever felt in that country seems
therefore to have cut up by the roots every hope arising from
that quarter: as it has for the present bereft us of every
prospect of the food necessary for the preservation of man
or beast thro' the dreaded extremities of the approaching
Winter. If It gives a Special pungency to the distresses
of that people that they have made it impossible for them
for the present any longer to continue that Support to Gov-
ernment or maintenance to the present just & necesesary war
which they have ever contributed with the greatest chearful-
ness, & which it is as really their desire still to contribute as
it is to supply their own families with the comforts of Life.
their men of ability for services are gone money is scarce to
be seen in the town. and the necessaries of life at present
seem unattainable f It would give them great pain to
cry to the Legislature for their daily bread tho' they know
not from whence otherwise to expect it, & should Govern-
ment See it to be duty to furnish them with any Supplies of
this kind, it maybe relied on that a more necessary deed of
334 DOCMENTARY HISTORY
charity could scarcely be devised. If But whatever may
be done in that case your Petitioner begs leave to assure your
Honors that it is not only in conformity to his instructions
that he must beg the acquittance of this Court from all de-
mands of Men, Money or provisions that have been made
against that people as a public tax, so far as such demands
remain unsatisfied : it is from Conscience that he troubles the
Honorable Court with this request : he is in Conscience con-
vinced of the utter impossibility of their complying with
these requisitions, in any part, during their present circum-
stances : & that for the Legislature to continue such demands
will appear to that people like insulting their miseries : &
such continuance, after so many repeated representations of
their State will effectually drive them to a State of despera-
tion. If Your Petitioner begs leave to add that he has the
best reason to know assuredly that it will be impracticable
to levy any of these things amongst his Constituents, & that
Coercive measures taken for that purpose commonly issue
in filling the county goal with prisoners to be maintained
there at the public expence. If He therefore humbly Sub-
mits the Case of his distressed Constituents to the mercy of
this Hon ble Court begging their indulgent consideration of
his plea, and a favorable answer to the prayer of this Peti-
tion in their behalf - And
Your pet r as in duty bound shall ever pray
John Murray
Boston Sepf 20 th 1781
Resolve Appointing Sam 1 Freeman Esq.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Sept r 20, 1781
Resolved That the Hon 1 Sam 1 Freeman Esq r be on the
Committee for selling the Estates of Conspirators & Ab-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 335
sentees in the County of Cumberland in the room of Solomon
Lombard Esq r dec'd.
Sent up for concurrence Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Sep* 22 d 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock.
Petition of Eliphelet Downer.
To The Hon ble the House of Representative & the Hon ble the
Senate of the Common Wealth of the Massachusetts in
General Court Assembled Sept r 21 1781
The Petition of Eliphelet Downer Humbly Sheweth That
Petitioner was appointed Surgeon General of the Expedition
formed against Penobscutt & in the retreat though your Peti-
tioner was so fortunate as to save the Medecine Chest being
the Property of the Public he was so unfortunate as to lose
his own Baggage consisting of the Articles Enumerated in
the Schedule hereto annexed your Petitioner therefore humbly
prays your Honors would take the premises into Considera-
tion and as y r Petitioner is Sensible that from the present
unhappy state of the Finances money is not to be obtaind
he therefor humbly Intreats y r Hon rs that such Terms as in
y r Wisdom shall seem meet may be ascertaind to him payable
at a future Day and as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray &c
Eliphelet Downer
Petition of Stephen Hall.
To the Hon ble the Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in General Court
Assembled.
| The Subscriber begs leave humbly to represent to the
Hon ble Court that in the application of & at the solicitation
336 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of Brig 1 " Gen 1 Wadsworth he entred the publick Service the
last year & officiated with the General as Secretary in the
eastern department. IThe General supposed from the
necessity he stood in of a Secretary that a reasonable allow-
ance would easily be made by the Hon ble Court on applica-
tion for that purpose
Application has not been made heretofore by reason of the
General's being in Captivity. If Your Memorialist therefore
now prays that the Hon ble Court would take the matter into
Consideration, & grant him such allowance, as to their Wis-
dom & Goodness shall seem meet.
Stephen Hall
Boston 25 Sept r 1781
Resolve on Same.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Sept r 27 th 1781
On the Petition of Stephen Hall 1f Resolved That Stephen
Hall Esq r who was Employed as Secretary to Brig r General
Wadsworth from April 20 th to Oct r 20 th 1780 in the East-
ern Department, being six months, as appears from the Cer-
tificate of Brig r Wadsworth received the same pay per month
as a Major in said Department; and the Committee on
Muster Rolls are directed to make up said Hall accordingly.
Sent up for concurrence
K"ath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Sep fc 27 th 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 33 7
Certificate of Wm. Todd.
I hereby Certify that after the defeat at Penobscot, Lieut. -
Andrew Reed by the Order of Brig dr Gen 1 Lovell delivered
a Boat with Sails the property of M r Benj a Kent of Town-
send, for the purpose of an express Boat which was sent to
Boston and where said Boat was some days kept by direction
of the Hon ble Councel that in the Mean time the term of
Engagement for the Men that came to Boston Expired and
they all left the Boat &c and Retired to their respective places
of Abode where by said Boat was Bulged & became finally
destroyed the sails were about two thirds wore and the Boat
about half wore
William Todd
then Brigade Major to Brig d Gen 1 Lovell
Petition of John Murray.
To the Hon ble Senate and Hon ble House Representatives of
the Common Wealth of Massachusets.
If The Petition of John Murray, humbly sheweth that your
Petitioner was Collector for the Town of Boothbay in the
year 1779, and Receiv'd the Bill from the Assessors, for the
Taxes, 1779 tax in the Year 1780, and with what Dispatch
Possable Collected the same, and sent the same to the Treas-
urer, which did not arrive untill the circulation of the Old
Emission was Stoped, and the Treasurer Refused receiving
the same without a Certificate that your Petitioner recev'd
the same for Taxes before the 20 th July, your Petitioner,
neither knew of any Resolve against takeing the Old Emis-
sion for Taxes, which has caused him a Jurney of Two hun-
dred Miles to fetch said money, and the Treasury. Refuses to
Deceive the same by reason of my Receiving at port since
22
338 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
July 20 1781, not knowing any Resolve of this Common
Wealth to the Contrary by Reason of liveing at such a Dis-
tance, and not haveing the Privalage of A Post, to our Quar-
ter of the World, your Petitioner prays your Honors would
take his matter under your Wise Consideration and Order
the Treasurer to Receive the same, and your Petitioner as
in Duty bound shall ever pray.
John Murray
Boston Sept r 25 th 1781
Certificate of Gen 1 Wadsworth.
Boston 26 th Sep 1 1781
This Certifies that being under a necessity of employing
Some person as a Secretary in the year 1780 M r Stephen
Hall at my earnest request consented to accompany me in
that Capacity in doing which he rendered not only a grateful
Service to me in the Imbarrasment of my Business, but
essentially served his Country. He serv'd from the 20 th
April to the 20 Oct r 1780
Peleg Wadsworth B. G.
Petition of Ezekiel Pattee.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court to be Assembled
1 The Petition of Ezekiel Pattee of the Town of Winslow
in the County of Lincoln, | Humbly Sheweth,
That the Indians from the interior parts of Penobscot
River, invited by the promise of supplies to be lodged at
Fort Halifax under the superintendance of Col Brewer, left
OF THE STATE OF MAIITE 339
their Habitations on s d Penobscot River & came to reside
with their Families in this Town the beginning of last Win-
ter: where from the insufficiency of the promised supplies
they were not only greatly disappointed in their expectations,
but were also soon reduced to a starving condition & in this
situation they necessarily became very troublesome to the
Inhabitants, among whom your Petitioner from his living in
the Neighbourhood of the Indian Encampment was a prin-
cipal Sufferer as may appear from the Certificate accompany-
ing this petition, being frequently obliged to harbor Numbers
of them in his house, which at that season of the Year was
peculiarly distressing to his family & in order to keep them
quiet often gave them victuals without making any account
of it afterwards when the supplies sent down by Govern-
ment were intirely exhausted & they could get no provisions
any where else, your Petitioner at the united Request of
some of the Indians & a french Priest who came with them
furnished them with the several Articles of Provision borne
on the annexed Schedule, for which they promised to pay
him, but tho' he has repeatedly applide to the s d priest for
his pay yet he has not been able to obtain any satisfaction
from him or the Indians IfYour Petitioner is therefore
compelled, tho' reluctantly to address the Justice of the
Hon ble the General Assembly and flatters himself that as
nothing but an Anxious Solicitude to preserve the peace of
these infant Settlements could induce him to part with the
s d provisions from the Necessities of his own family, your
Honors will take the matter into your wise consideration &
grant him payment of the s d Account in the Charge of which
he has endeavoured to be as reasonable as possible requesting
no more than what such provisions sold for in this Town
and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray
Ezekiel Pattee
Winslow Sep* 26 th 1T81
340 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Message of Gov. Hancock to General Court.
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
In your last Session, on application from the Deputy
Quarter General praying to be enabled to transport a Quan-
tity of Cloathing ordered by his Excellency General Wash-
ington for the Use of the Army under his Command, you
was pleased to pass a Resolution to supply the Quarter
Master's Department with the sum of One Thousand pounds
in State Certificates which Certificates in the recess of the
General Court were represented as insufficient to accomplish
the designed purpose of conveying the much wanted Cloath-
ing to the Army; Therefore upon this Representation and
the absolute necessity that Rum and wet-provision should be
immediately transported to the Army from Springfield the
Council advised me to write to the Selectmen of several
Towns in the Vicinity of Springfield in the County of Hamp-
shire as also to the Towns of Sturbridge, Sutton, Westborougli
and Charlton in the County of Worcester earnestly recom-
mending to them to afford all the assistance in their power
to the Quarter Master in this particular, and that I should
assure them that at the then next setting of the General
Court, I would recommend the immediate payment of the
Teamers who should chearfully turn out to releive the Dis-
tresses of the Army at such rates as the Teamers and the
said Quarter Master should agree The Service being thus
performed it necessarily becomes my Duty, that the Good
People of the Commonwealth on similar Emergencies may
not be discouraged in affording their timely Assistance to
acquaint you herewith earnestly recommending that pro-
vision may be made for their immediate payment which
appearing so necessary and interesting to the Commonwealth
I cannot doubt of the due attention of the General Court
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 341
to this perticular |I cannot omit reminding you of the
necessity of the Commissary Generals Department being
supplied with a Quantity of Flour in order to furnish the
Garrison at Castle Island which is now destitute and more
especially the Troops in the Eastern parts of this Com-
monwealth with that Article as the Commanding Officer in
that Department writes me that he shall be obliged to dis-
band the men for want of Bread
John Hancock
A True Copy Attest John Avery Jun r Sec y
Boston Sep 4 26 th 1781
In Senate October 1 st 1781
If Read & thereupon Ordered that Joseph Dorr and Samuel
Phillips jun r Esq rs with such as the Honorable House shall
join be a Committee to take this Message into Consideration,
and report what is proper to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
Petition of James Avery.
To the Hon'ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of James Avery, Humbly Sheweth That
your Petition was appoint by Colo John Allan his Agent to
Transact all such Public Bussiness as was to be done at this
place, and arrived from Machias on or about the 3 d of July
last, & presented a Memorial from said Allan to your Honors,
where in was set forth that there not having been any pro-
visions & other Stores sent for the Garrison & Indians under
his Command from RTov' till May last, he was obliged to
procure them from the Inhabitants of Machias, which he
Engaged shoud be fully satisfyed as their Situation was such
I
342 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
as they could not subsist without payment, therefore Re-
quested your Honors woud order the Amount of Eight Hun-
dred Pounds to be paid into the hands of your Petitioner to
pay off said Accounts he allso informed your Honors that
he was Directed by His Excellency the Governor to raise
Sixty Men agreeable to the orders of Congress, but no men-
tion what Bounty they were to be allowed, Upon which he
Engaged to pay those that inlisted During the War a Bounty
of Twelve Guineas & gave Certificates for the same, Copy of
which is hereunto Annex' d & requested your Honors wou'd
be pleased to order the same Discharged which Memorial
was Committed to a Committee, but no report made & is not
at present to be found Therefore your Petitioner Humbly
Prays your Honors woud be pleased to Take the foregoing
into your wise Consideration & Take such order thereon as
in your Wisdom may thing requisit & your petitioner as in
Duty Bound will ever pray
Ja 8 Avery
Boston Sep r 27, 1781
Form of Certificate given Soldiers for Bounty
Indian Eastern Departm 1 Machias 1781
These are to Certifie that has Inlisted into the
Service of the United States in this Departm 1 in the Core
Known by the Name of the Artillery Company during the
present War with Great Britain for which he is promised a
Bounty of Twelve Guineas, Which sum the Subscriber en-
gages to pay said or his order as Witness my hand
(Sign'd) John Allan C G Off :
These are to Certifie the above mentioned has in-
listed in the Service of the United States during the War
above Express'd & has pass'd Muster agreeable to the Rules
of the Continental Army.
(Sign'd) James Avery Muster Master
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 343
J. A very to Sam 1 Freeman Esq.
Council Chamber Sep 1 27, 1781
Sir
Your Letter of the 15 of Septenab Ins 4 with the Inclosures
respecting one Joseph Gordon his Excellency communicated
to Council this Day and Asked their Advice thereon and
having taken Said Papers into Consideration I was directed
to inform you that it was their Opinion that you must be the
most competent Judge in this Matter and that you must
deal with him as to Law & Justice appertaineth
I am Sir Your very humb 1 Serv*
J Avery Sec y
Hon 1 Sam 1 Freeman Esq
Aug 30, 1781
Examination of a Person who calls himself Joseph Gordon
Quest. What is your Name ?
Ans. Joseph Gordon. Son of James Gordon
Q. What Countryman are you ?
A. A Scotchman I was born in the Shire of Karcudbury
Q. How long have you been in this Country ?
A. About half a Score Years two or three Years at
Albany & Schenectady & I have been at Boston and Hart-
ford -
Q. What part of the Country did you first come to ?
A. New York
Q. What Ship did you come in?
A. Her name was Queen Mary
Q. Who was the Master of the Ship ?
A. They called his name Fisher
Q. When was you at Boston?
A. The last of July
Q. What Business do you follow ?
$
344 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
A. I have been loitering about, through Idleness but
I believe it will be for no good.
Q. Was you brot up to no Trade?
A. I am a Preacher
Q. Are you a married Man ?
A. No.
Q. Was you ever at Quebec ?
A. I do not think I ever was there
Q. Was you ever at Limerick?
A. I cannot tell.
The Deposition of Bartholomew Jackson who sayeth on
Saterday Last being Aug* 25 He was at work at one of
his Nieabours, viz: at M r David Elkins and about 6 oclock
in y e afternoon a Man came to said Elkins House, and M rs
Elkins told me that he asked her for Sum \ 7 ittles, and She
being afraid of said man She came to her Husband & me:
we being near the House: and asked us to go into y e House
for there was a man their & she could not understand what
he said, & when I got into y e House I asked the man where
he came from, and he Talked So broken English that I could
not understand him at first : but afterwards I understud him
that he came from Pigwacket, that morning, then I asked
him which way he came & he said threw the Bush. Then I
thought he was a Roage: & asked him hough he got over the
River, and he signefied to me that he got over on Sum Stiks
or Logs : and I knew that to be f alee Excepting he made
a Raft, then M r Elkins & I sent for the Neighbours & James
Brackit, & his Two Brothers & James Grant came, and then
I Examined him again and he said his name was Joseph
Gordin but he would give no account what his business was
nor tel whare he was going, & after he had Eat his Supper
he got up & was going away and then we thought best to
Stop him & send him to Pearsontown the next day Abraham
OF THE STATE OP MAINE 345
Bracket and my self came away with him and got more then
one mile & he wanted to go back and git his Cloaths which
before he had told us he had none : so we sent him to Pearson-
town
Bartholomew Jackson
Pearsontown Sept r 1 1781
Cumberland Ss
Pearsontown Sept r 1- 1781
If The within named Bartholomew Jackson made oath to
the Truth of the foregoing Deposition before me
Eph m Jones Just 8 Peace
Resolve in Favor of John Murray.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Eepresentatives Sept' 29 th 1781
on the Petition of John Murry in behalf of the Town of
Boothbay being under many distressed Circumstances as
sett forth in Said Petition. Resolved: that the Prayer of
the Petition be so far Granted that the Treasurer of this
CommonWealth be and he hereby is directed not to Issue his
Execution Against the Collector or Collectors of the Town of
Boothbay for any Sum or Sums of Money that are Assest
on the Inhabitants of said Town as their proportion of the
Taxes of this Commonwealth untill the further Order of the
General Court
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate October 1 st 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
m
346 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
Resolve in Favor of John Murray.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Kepresentatives Sept 29-1781
on the Petition of John Murry Collector for the Town of
Boothbay in the year 1779 Praying the General Court to
Order the Treasurer to receive the Monyes by him Collected
| Resolved that the Treasurer of this Common Wealth be
and he is hereby directed to Receive of John Murry Collector
for the Town of Boothbay the Monyes Collected by him A as
that Towns Proportion of the State tax for the Year 1779.
on his making Oath that he Collected the said Money before
he had any knowledge of the Resolve of this Court which
past Prohibiting the Collectors from Receiving any of the
Old Emistion after the 20 of July any Resolve to the Con-
trary notwithstanding.
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Oct 1781
Read & Concurr'd with Amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
at A, in Bills of the old Emission
In the House of Representatives Oct. 4, 1781.
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in Favor of Soldiers.
In the house of Representatives October 2 1781
Resolve that there be paid out of the treasury of this Com-
monwealth in Specie to Cap 1 Pinkham three pounds twelve
Shillings p r Month to his Lieu 1 three pounds to a Serg 1 two
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 347
pounds to a Private one pound Sixteen Shillings p r Month
and for there Rations Eight pence p r day for Each officer
and Private for the month they were in Service
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate October 2 d 1781
Read & Concurred as taken into a new Draft
Sent down for Concurrence
S. Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Oct r 8, 1781
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in Favor of Soldiers.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Oct r 2 d 1781
Resolved that there be paid out of the Treasury of this
Commonwealth in specie, to Captain Ichabod Pinkham, and
nineteen others named in said Roll, raised by the Town of
Boothbay, for the defence of the Sea Coasts, for one Month,
being from the 24 th of March to the 24 th of April A D. 1781,
Viz 1 to the Cap 1 three pounds twelve Shillings, to the Lieuten-
ant Three pounds, to the Sergeants two pounds each And
to each Private One pound Sixteen Shillings, for the Service
of the Month aforesaid; And that there be also paid Eight
pence p r Day to Each of said Officers & privates in lieu of
Rations, while in said Service & that said Roll be made in
Conformity to said Establishment, & exhibited to the Com-
mittee on Pay Rolls for examination & allowance
348 DOCUMENTARY HISTOBY
%
Petition Selectmen of Lincoln.
To the Hon ble Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
f The Petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Lincoln
Humbly Sheweth If That by a Resolve of the General Court
Pass d June 5 th 1780 the said town was Called upon to procure
Eleven Men to Reinforce the Continental Army for the term
of Six months under the penalty of a fine of three Hundred
Pounds for Each Deficiency That your Petitioners under-
standing that said towns just proportion of the Reinforcement
to be raised by said Resolve was but ten men according to
The Rule by which the appointment was made and That the
Eleventh man was added through a mistake of The Com-
mittee who made the same, Presented a petition to the Gen-
eral Court then Setting to be excused from Raising one of
the men called for but were told that an Alteration at that
time would be attended with inconveniences but that the town
must be Considered when the fines for Deficiencies Should be
Called for in the Next tax act
Your Petitioners beg leave further to shew, That by A
Resolve Pass'd the 23 d Day of the Same Month, the several
Towns therein mentioned were Required to Raise an addi-
tional dumber of men equal to one fourth part of the number
Required by the Resolve of the 5 th of June aforesaid, and if
A fraction of three remained after taking one fourth part of
the number Called for in any town Such town was Required
to procure a man on account of Such fraction, The number
required of the town of Lincoln being through Mistake as
aforesaid, Eleven, made a fraction of three And of Con-
sequence required a second man more then the Just propor-
tion of said town, Your Petitioners have been informed that
when the last Tax Act was made Circumstances did not ad-
mit of a Distant Confederation of the Complaint of particu-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 349
lar Town but that it was the Determination of The Hon ble
Court to Consider Such Complaints upon Special Applica-
tion, Consequently the Town of Lincoln is fined in the last
Tax act for not raising the two men aforesaid The Sum of
four pounds Each in specie f We therefore in behalf of the
Town aforesaid Humbly Pray your Hon rs to take their Case
into Consideration and Permit the fines aforesaid or other-
wise relieve the town as you in your wisdom & justice shall
think proper, and as in Duty Bound shall ever pray
Abijah Pierce
John Hartwell
David Fisk
Selectmen
of
Lincoln
Lincoln Oct r 3 d 1781
In Senate October 9 th 1781
Read & thereupon Ordered that Israel Nichols and Joseph
Hosmer Esq rs with such as the Hon ble House may join be a
Committee to consider this Petition and report what is proper
to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Oct r 16, 1781
Read & concurred & M r Harrington, Mr Brown of Con-
cord & Col Peck are joined
Nath Gorham Speaker
Resolve in Favor Selectmen of Lincoln.
The Committee of Boath Houses Appointed to Consider
the Petition of the Selectmen of Lincoln, Praying that said
Town may be Excused from a fine of Eight Pounds Re-
quired of Said Town in the last Tax Act through Mistake,
ask Leave to Report by way of Resolve
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
f Resolved, that the Prayer of the Petition be Granted, and
that the Committee on the Present Tax Bill, be Directed, to
'
350 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Creadit the Town of Lincoln the Sum of Eight Pounds,
being the Sum Required of Said Town, in the Last Tax Act,
as a fine for the Deficiency of two men Set to Said Town
Through Mistake
In Senate Oct 20 1781
Read & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives
Oct r 22, 1781
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
To Pay Teamsters and Grant Warrant to Com. General.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Oct r 4 1781
Resolved, that the Governor be & he hereby is requested
to order the Accounts of the T earners, who of late, on his
Application, assisted the Deputy Quartermaster General in
transporting Stores to the Army, to be laid before the A House
for allowance & payment out of the next State Tax. If Re-
solved, that B the Governor be, and he hereby is requested to
grant a Warrant on the Treasurer in favour of c the Com-
missary General the sum of two hundred & fifty pounds, to
enable him to supply Flour for the Garrison at Castle Island,
& the Troops in the Eastern Department. E
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
Mr. Brown 23 d ins 1 }
In Senate October 4 th 1781
Read & Committed
Octob 9 th Read & Concurred with Amendments at A B &
D at A dele House & insert General Court at B dele from B
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 351
to C & insert, there be allowd & paid out of the publick Treas-
ury to at D insert, he to be accountable for the same
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Oct 16, 1781
Read & Concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
T. D. Street to Serg* Burns.
Fort Howe 5 th Oct: 1781
Serg* Burns
I have just time to write you an Account of my Safe Ar-
rival here about five Weeks Since & request you'll acquaint
our Friend in Boston that I am arrived safe & have procured
the Release of the person he mentioned to me when we parted
if he was not gone from Halifax before my Arrival here
Major Studholm has two Rebel prisoners here, who will not
be released on any pretence whatever untill your Return
I have Wrote to Halifax a particular Account of the Treat-
ment of our prisoners in Boston & have no doubt but it will
be properly attended to Continue to despise the Rascalls
around you & you will allways be superior to them laugh
at their Villainous & unmanly Oppression & remember that
whilst I have existence, not an Injury you feall shall remain
unreveng'd inclosed is a Letter which I beg you'll convey
to Cap* Leake by a safe hand as privately as possible
I remain Your Friend
T D Street L* R. F. S.
Serg* Burns. TfP. S. Write to me by every Opportunity
Your Wife is well & in good Health as well as the rest of
your Friends here
T. D. S.
*
352 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
T. D. Street to Rob* Leake.
Fort Howe 5 th Oct: 1781
Dear Sir
I arrived here about five weeks since, having escaped from
the prison Ship, as I suppose you have heard f Instantly
on my Arrival at Penobscot I represented your Case in its
proper light & have Strained every Presure in your Behalf ;
I hope not without Effect On my Arrival here I wrote to
Halifax on the same Subject to a Gentleman who will pay
Attention to your Situation I have also Stated the General
Treatment of prisoners in Boston & I think the Kebel prison-
ers in Halifax have e're this, felt the Eod of Retaliation -
pray tell my good friend Crocker, if he is still near you, that
I have done the same for him the least recompense I could
make for his Civilities during my Confinement May God
bless you both & shower down his Curses on your Oppressors
rely on it such prisoners will be detained for you both in
Halifax as will secure your Exchange in spite of those Vil-
lains who wish to detain you & untill that Exchange takes
place, let your behavior convince those dastardly wretches
around you that themselves and their Cause are equally
Villainous & Contemptible. I remain
Dear Leake Your sincere Friend
T. D. Street L l E F. S.
Cap 1 Bob* Leake.
Petition of Amos Lincoln.
To whom it may Concern Boston Octob r 8 th IT 81
To the Honorable Senate and house of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of the Massachusetts in General Coart
Assembled
The Petition of Amos Lincoln Captain of a Company of
Matrosses in the Service of the Commonwealth Humbly
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 353
Showeth that your Honours on April 18 th 1781 did direct the
Committee of Supplies of Cloathing for this Commonwealth
to Supply me with a suite of Cloaths and Blanketts for each
man that I had in my Comp y then, which was Twenty six,
since I have five Inlisted into Said Comp y : which are in
great want of Cloathing and Blankets your Petitioner
Humbly Pray your Honours will be please to give the said
Committee Orders to Deliver Cloathing and Blankets upon
my Making a Return to them of the men that is inlisted into
said Comp y as in Duty bound will ever Pray
Amos Lincoln Cap*
Boston Oct r 9 1781
On the Petition of Amos Lincoln Captain of a Company
of Matrosses in the Service of the Commonwealth Resolved
that the Committee of Supplies be, and they are hereby Di-
rected to Supply Captain Amos Lincoln with Cloathing for
five Men, Inlisted by him, and any others that may Inlist
hereafter on his making a Return thereof agreeable to a Re-
solve of April 18 : 1781
Appointment of Committee.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate October 9 th 1781
Ordered that Jedidiah Preble and Aaron Wood Esq" with
such as the Hon ble House may join be a Committee to take
into consideration and report the number of men necessary
to be retained in the Service, as Guards of the Sea Coast
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Oct r 16, 1781
Read & concurred & Col. Gerrish Gen 1 Lovell & Gen 1 Tit-
comb 'are joined
NatkGorham Speaker
23
354 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
The Committee of both Houses to take into consideration
and report the number of men necessary to be Retained in the
Service as Guards of the Sea Coast have Considered that
Matter and take leave to Report the following Resolve viz* -
Jedidiah Preble p r order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If Resolved that the Guards stationed at Falmouth and
Cape Elizabeth consisting of one Serjeant and twelve
Matrosses and the Guard at Marble Head consisting of one
Serjeant and four Matrosses be retained and Continued un-
till the First day of March next upon the same Establishment
Made in the Resolve of Feb r 20 1781 and it is further
Resolved that the Guard at Plum Island : Glouster : Beverley :
Salem: and the Gurnet: be forth with Discharged: and the
Commander in Chief be desired to Dismiss them accordingly :
and give Such Orders as he shall think proper for Securing
the Cannon and Stores belonging to this Common wealth:
in the Fourts on Plum-Island: Glouster: Beverley Salem,
and the Gurnet
In Senate Nov r 2 1781
Read & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Nov. 2, 1781
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Memorial of Lapham and Thomas.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts To the Honourable Senate
and House of Repres a In General Court Assembled
Humbly Shews Joseph Lapham and Benj a Thomas Both
of Marshfield in the County of Plimouth that they Were
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 355
Both Impressed on the 12 th Day of July 1779 and Put on
Board the Ship Warren and in a few Days Sailed for Penob-
scot in Which Expidition they and Each of them were seven
weeks Before we Got Home in Which Time we underwent
Grate Hardships and have never Eeceived any thing for our
Services Wherefore Your Petitioners Pray that your Honours
Would Take our Case into your Wise Consideration and
Grant us Such Recompense for our Time and Services as
you in your Grate Wisdom shall think Just and Reasonable
and as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Joseph Lapham Benjamin Thomas
Plirn Ss. Oct r y e 13 th 1781
then the above named Joseph Lapham and Benj a Thomas
Both Personally appeared and made oath that the facts set
forth in the above Petition are True Before
Jn Turner Justice Peace
John Allan to the Governor.
Indian Eastern Department, Machias October 17 th 1781
Sir
My last I had the Honor of Writing your Excellency, was
of the 6 th Ins* then Acquainted your Excellency the situation
of the Department, allso that a Number of Inhabitants of
Goldsboro & Places Adjacent, Encouraged by the promises
made By the Enemy at S 4 Johns were going there, to aid &
assist in Loading the Mast Ships In Consequence I have
taken Every Step in my Power to send Word to Indians &
others to Intercept them
Great number of the Indians which went to S fc Johns are
Returned into the Lakes Back of Passamaquody, I Dread
much their Coming in Here, in Our present situation, shall
do Every thing in my Power to keep up their Spirits &
356 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
secure their Interest, A Considerable Number have been in
at times lately
Cap 1 Preble Major Stillman & some others at Passama-
quody surprised a Boat & seven men from S fc Johns Going
to Baguaduce, By whom found the within Letters, As it
Concerns Prisoners, thot Best to forward them Street is the
officer taken Last Spring & Sent up in the French frigate, He
made His Escape a short time Ago from the Prison Ship
If Two large mast ships are still at S l Johns Loading a
lumber of Deserters and others lately from Nova Scotia,
heard nothing material only fortifying Halifax strong
M r Low late Master of the Defence with 18 men, who went
up the Bay By Order of Cap 1 ISTevens, has since returned,
having been attacked By the Militia Two men taken, the
Rest made their Escape thro' the woods to Cape Sable, from
thence Bro fc over here By some French Accadians
The situation of this Department Is now Truely Lament-
able such that I am Convinced Did your Excellency see it,
would have much Pity f The season of the Year Being Over
for any Danger, And as I trust and Rely the War near a
Conclusion, And it appearing not meterial to have an Officer
of my ranque at this Post, should I not be permited to Go soon
to the westward Pray the Dismission from my Military
Command of this Place During the time I may Continue
with the Indians, It will be more Advantageous, to Be on the
Lakes of Passamaquody in the Center of their Haunt, But at
the same time, must put your Excellency in remembrance of
my going Westward Tfl have the Honour to Be, with the
Greatest Respect
Your Excellency's most obed 1 and very hble Serv*
J Allan
In Senate Ocf 31 st 1781
Read & sent down
S Adams Presid*
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 357
Resolve in Favor of Falmouth Soldiers.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Kepresentatives Ocf 17 1781
Whereas on the 3 d Sept r 1779 the Council of this then
State Ordered three hundred men to be detached in the
County of Cumberland, & marched to Falmouth for the de-
fence of that part of the State, to be on such Establishment
as the General Court should afterwards order; and whereas
no Establishment has yet been made for s d men; therefore,
11 Resolved, that the Officers & Soldiers, who marched to Fal-
mouth, & did duty in Consequence of s d Order be on the same
Establishment, & be entitled to receive the same pay, as the
Officers & Soldiers, who served in the eastern department the
last year, & there did duty under the Command of Brig r
General Wadsworth : And the Committee on Rolls are hereby
directed to pass the pay Rolls for s d men accordingly
Sent up for concurrence
Na.th Gorham Speaker
In Senate Oct. 17 1781
Read & Concurred S Adams Presi dt
Appro v'd John Hancock
Petition of Thomas Starrett.
To the Honor 1 Senate & House of Representatives for the
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of Thomas Starrett Col. of the Fourth
Regim 1 in the County of Lincoln in behalf of the Inhabitants
of the Eastern part of Said County Humbly Sheweth
That the said Inhabitants are in a Peculiar Manner Ex-
posed to the Ravages of the Enemy, and the Insults of the
Disaffected who Still reside amongst them; and although
the Government have Voted & been at the Expence of Raising
& Supporting a Considerable Number of Men for the Defence
358 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
of the Eastern Country Yet Such has been the Disposition
of that Force (being Stationed at the Western Part of the
County of Lincoln that the Eastern Part of said County
which is most Exposed Derives no more Protection from them
than if they were Stationed in the County of Berkshire, Thus
are they Left to be Insulted and Ravaged by the Enemy, and
Insultingly Told by the Toreys that the Government have
given them up and Dont mean to Protect any Part of the
County below Kenebeck Thus Circumstanced Your Petition-
er begs your Honors to take their Deplorable Case into your
wise Consideration & grant Such Relief as the good of the
Common Wealth & their Circumstances Requires, and Your
Petitioner as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Thomas Starrett
Octo r 18 th 1781
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Oct 19, 1781
Read & thereupon ordered That Col 1 Taylor, Gen 1 Lovell
& M r Hall with such as the Hon 1 Senate shall join be a Com-
mittee to take this Petition into consideration, & report what
may be proper to be done thereon
Sent up for concurrence
oSTath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Oct 19 1781
Read & Concurred & Jedediah Preble & Eliezer Brooks
Esq r are joyned S Adams Presid*
Caleb Graff am to General Court.
To the Hon Senate & House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts
If Humbly shews Caleb Graif am of Windham in the Coun-
ty of Cumberland Gentleman, that in order to support a
petition by him some time since to use a certain list of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 359
Assessments made by the assessors of Windham of a penny
halfpenny tax so called granted by the General Court up on
the unimproved lands in said Windham as also y e Notifica-
tion for the sale of Delinquent proprietors lands, both which
papers are now on file in the Secretary's office, that those
papers are necessary to enable him to support an action by
review to be heard at y e next supreme Judicial Court to be
held for said County of Cumberland Wherefore he humbly
prays the Secretary may be directed to deliver them to your
petitioner he leaving Copies of the same, & he as in duty
bound will ever pray &c
Caleb Graffam
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate October 20, 1781
On the Petition of Caleb Graffam If Resolved, That the
Secretary be, & he hereby is directed to deliver out of his
Office to Caleb Graffam, certain papers on File, which con-
tain the List of Assessments made by the Assessors of the
Town of Windham and the said Graffam's Notification for
the sale of delinquent Proprietor's Lands in said Town ; The
said Graffam previously furnishing said Office with attested
Copies of the same.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
In the House of Representatives Oct 22, 1781
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Certificate of Stephen Smith.
Machias October 23 1781
These may certify that Robert Foster Lait Quarter Master
to the Troops Stationed at & for the Defence of Machiaa
J
360 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Drew No Rations from the Commissarys Store in this place
from the twenty third Day of January one thousand seven
hundred & Seventy Eight until the Sixteenth Day of May
then next following per
Stephen Smith
Resolve in Favor John Blunt.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In house of Representatives Oct r 24, 1781
On the representation of John Lucas Commissary of Con-
tinental Pentioners, in behalf of John Blunt Lieu 1 in Co 1
Hitchcock 8 Reg 1 who was Wounded on long Island y e 27 th
of August 1776, also was Wounded at the landing at Major-
bigwayduce, in August 1779 when as Cap 1 in Gen 1 Levels
Corps A 1f Resolved That the said John Blunt is Intitled
to one Quarter pay as a Cap 1 to Commence from the B first
day of January 1781 c and to continue 'till the farther order
of the General Court
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Oct 30 1781
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A & B
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presi dt
f at A. insert whereby his Right Arm is renderd in a great
measure useless f at B dele from B to C & insert Sixth of
September one thousand seven hundred & eighty
Read & Concurred
~N Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 361
Certificate Accompanying Above.
Boston June 19 th 1781
These Certify that John Blount Was Wounded through
the Shoulder in making the landing at Major Bagaduce,
which he informs me is yet unwell, and is Still an Invalide
Solomon Lovell
To the Commissary of Pentioners
Tiverton Sep r 1 st 1778
I here by certifie that the Barer L* Jn Blunt was a Lieut
in Col Hitchcocks Reg 1 of which I was L 1 Col and he was
wounded and taken Prisoner on Long Island on the Twenty
Seventh day of August 1776 during the time he remained
with the Reg 1 he was brave
Ezek Cornell
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the Com-
mon Wealth
I John Lucas In behalf of John Blunt a Lieu* in Col
Hitchcocks Reg 1 & who was wounded on Long Island 27 th
Aug 1 1776 Also who was wounded in Aug 1 1779 when a
Captain at the landing at Majorbigwayduce all w h Appears
by his Certificates
John Lucas Com sry
Pension Office at Boston 24 th Sep 1 1781
Boston Oct r 16 th 1781
These certify that Cap* John Blunt was wounded (in
making the landing at Majorbigwaduce on the 28 th of July
in year 1779 in his right Shoulder which Wound has in a
great measure deprived him of Use of his said Anne
Doct r Elip* Downer
362 DOCUMENTARY HI8TOEY
Memorial of Ezra Taylor.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
October 24 th 1781
To the Honorable the Senate and house of Representatives
in Gener 1 Court Assembled
The Memorall of Ezra Taylor of Pownalboroh In the
County of Lincoln In behalf of James Goud one of the Con-
stables of Said Town for the year 1780 If Humbly shews
"f That your memoralist has now in his possession Five
Thousand six hundred & Twenty three dollars of the old
Emission which was sent To the Treasury of this Common
Wealth the beginning of August Last, and that your Memo-
rialist has the oath of said Constable duely Taken, that he
received said money on the Taxes Comited to him to Colect
& that he received the greatest part of said sum before the
Twentieth day of July Last & the residue on said day & that
the whole of said bills was received before he had any kind
of Knowledge or Intimation of the Resolve passed on the
third day of the same July restraining Constables from the
Takeing said bills, that your memorialist has presented said
bills to the Treasurer of this CommonWealth with the Oath
afore said, that the s d Treasurer refused to Take the said
bills 1f Wherefore your memorialist prays the Interpo-
sition of this Honra ble Court that the said Constable may
be relieved in such way and maner as the Wisdom & Justice
of this Honra ble Court Shall Direct, and in duty bound shall
&c Ezra Taylor
Pownalboro July 24- 1781
James Goud one of the Collectors of Taxes in the Town of
Pownalborough for the year 1780 on Oath deposeth and saith
That the Sum of five thousand six hundred & twenty three
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 363
Dollars in the old Emission deliver'd Jon a Bowman Esq. on
the twentieth instant to be paid into the Treasury of this
Commonwealth he the said James realey and truly received
in payment of the Taxes committed to him to collect and
that he received the greater part of said Sum before the
twentieth day of July instant, and the Residue upon said
twentieth of July inst. and none since And that the whole
was received by him before he had any kind of Knowledge or
Intimation of the passing a Resolve of the General Court
on the third of July inst. requiring the Collectors to make
Oath that they rec'd it before the 20 th of July. Before
Jon a Bowman Just Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives November y e 2, 1781
on the petition of Ezra Taylor in behalf of James Goud one
of the Collectors of the town of Pownalboroh praying for the
Interposition of the General Court respecting the payment
of a JSum of money which he the said Collector had collected
for the use of this Commonwealth as Sett forth in his peti-
tion | Resolved that the Treasurer be and hereby is directed
to receive of Ezra Taylor the Sum of five thousand Six hun-
dred and Twenty three Dollars old Emission and Credit the
aforesaid James Goud Collector of Pownalborouh for the
Same, he having rec d part of said money on the twentieth of
July notwithstanding
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov r 2 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock.
I
364 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
Action on Petition Thomas Starr ett.
October 30 1781
The Committe of both Houses to whome was referd, the
consideration of the Petition of Thomas Starret, have met
& attended that Service, and as Co 11 M c Cobb was in this
Town who Commands the Troops, Stationed in the County
of Lincoln they inquiered of him, rellative to the expe-
dency of Sending more Troops for the defence of that
County he inform* them that it was his opinion that the
Troops now in that County would answer as the seeson of
the year ware so fare advanc d it is therefore the opinion
of the Comni" that the Petitioner have Leave to withdraw
his Petition
Jedidiah Preble p order
In Senate Oct 30 1781
Read & accepted & thereupon Orderd that the Petitioner
have Leave to withdraw his Petition
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
Petition Selectmen Town of Gorham.
To his Excellency the Governor, The honourable Senate and
house of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusets in General Court assembled
The Petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Gorham
with Edward Anderson Agent in behalf of the Town of
Windham Benjamin Mussey Agent in behalf of the In-
habitants of Person Town and Enoch Perley Agent in behalf
of the Proprietors Bridgton, Humbly Sheweth That the
Inhabittants of the Towns and Plantations adjoyning the
Stream known by the name of Pesumpscut River, Labours
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 365
under Many Grievances which appears too great Silently to
be Bourn That s d River has in times Past been Remarkable
for being frequented by Shad Bass Salmon &c That about
Forty years Since there was a Dam Erected across s d River
whereby the free Course of the fish was obstructed, and Since
that time there has been a Number of others Built whereby
the Fish are Intirely Deprived of the use of s d River
That this honourable Court has been repeatedly petitiond
for the Redress of s d Grievance but nothing has been Enacted
that has Removd the Same
The Prayer of your Petitioners therefore is that the Hon-
ourable Court would appoint a Committee that Shall Cause
Good and Sufficient fish Courses to be made through the
Several Dams on S d River, or point out Such meathods as
they in their wisdom Shall Judge best that all obstructions in
S d River may be Removed and the Fish In joy the Previlege
of the Stream as usual
The Reasons why the Prayer of this Petition Should be
Granted are That the Inhabitants of the Plantations ad-
joyning S d Stream are many of them but in a State of infancy
with Respect to Settlements and their Cultivations but Small
that Renders it Difficult for them to Procure the absolute
Necessaries of Life in these Sircumstances a Plenty of Fish
comeing Even to their own Doors would Greatly contribute
to their Support and not only to Such Plantations but to the
Inhabitants of those Towns that are in more affluant Sir-
cumstances would the advantage be Very considerable
Especially to those on the Sea Shore who Depend on the Cod
fishery. For it is well known that the small Fish Running
in Shore for Fresh water Streams Draw the Cod after them.
And as our Fishing Craft by Reason of Brittish Cruisers are
in these years confind to narrow Limits, it makes it more
Expedient that all Streams Should be opend where Fish
have been wont to frequent, for it appears to be a grievance
366 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
that ought no longer Quietly to be Bourn that one great Source
of life which Nature has provided for Publick use Should be
Destroyed to Serve the Intrest of a Few individuals as
your Petitioners in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Edw d Phinny ) Selectmen of
Wm Gorham ) Gorham
Edward Anderson
Benj n Mussey Agents
Enoch Perley
Gorham in the County of Cumberland
October ye 30 th 1781
Petition of Joseph McLellan.
To the Hon ble the Senate & House of Representatives of the
Common Wealth
Joseph McLellan, Humbly Sheweth that the State is In-
debted to him for a Sloop & her Hier to the Amount of
Twenty nine Hundred pound in 1779 as Appears, by Charter
party 2 d July your memorialist begs he may now be supply'd
with a Cable and Ankor from the States Store, as he your
memorialist is Informed by the State Agent their is in Store
Such this things as he prays for If
Joseph Mclellan
Boston 30 th Oct. 1781
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov r 1 1781
On the Memorial & Petition of Joseph McLellan, praying
that he may be supplyed with a Cable & Anchor from the
State Store, in part payment for a Sloop & her hire, which
Sloop was Destroyed in the State Service at Penobscott in
the year 1779 ; | Resolved, that the prayer of the petition
be so far granted, that in Case there is in the State Store such
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 367
Cable & Anchor as prayed for, then Caleb Davis Esq r Agent
for this Commonwealth be, & he hereby is impowered & di-
rected to supply s d McLellan therewith; s d McLellan to ac-
count for s d Cable & Anchor on the Charter party at the price
agreed to by the Agent.
Sent up for concurrence
Nat Gorham Speaker
In Senate JSTov r 2 1781
Eead & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approved John Hancock.
Resolve in re Petition of James Avery in Behalf Col. Allan.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives 31 October 1781
on the Petition of James Avery in Behalf of Col n John
Allan of Machias Praying for the Sum of Eight Hundred
Pounds to Inable him to Discharge Sundry Depts Con-
tracted on Act of the Continent and that the Warrants s d
Allan has on The Treasury for money of the New Emis-
sion Drawn some Time Since May be Discharg'd in Hard
Money If and that the Committee of Machias be Im-
powered to Assess these Inhabitants with a Sum of Money
Eaqual to the Depts they owe Goverment 1 Resolved
that there be paid out of the Treasury of this Common
Wealth to Col n John Allan the Sum of eight hundred
pounds and the Same be Charg'd to the United States s d
Allan be Accountable for the Expenditure of the Same
If and it is Further Resolved that the Treasurer of this
Commonwealth be & he hereby is Directed to Discharge the
Warrant Drawn in Col n Allan 8 Favour in NoV Last
in Hard Money at the Rates of one Silver Dollar for one
368 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
& Seven Eighths of the new Emission f and it is further
Resolved that the Committee of Machias for the Time be-
ing be & they hereby are Authorized and Impowered
to Assess on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of
Machias the Sum of Money Which by the scale of de-
pretiation is Dew from them to Goverment Eaqual to Each
Persons Dept and s d Committee are hereby Directed to
Collect the Same as Soon as maybe and Lodge the same
in the Treasurers Office of this Commonwealth and Take
Duplicate Recp 1 for the Same one to be Lodged in the
Secretary's office aney Law or Resolve to the Contrary not-
Avithstanding
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov. 2 1781
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presi dt
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on the Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
By His Excellency the Governor
You are, by and with the Advice and Consent of Coun-
cil, ordered and directed to pay unto M r James Avery for
the Use of Col John Allen of Machias f the Sum of
Eight hundred pounds to enable him to discharge Sundry
Debts contracted on Acco 1 of the Continent the same to
be charged to the United States said Allen to be ac-
countable for the Expenditure of the same by a Resolve
passed the 2 d iN"ov r 1781 t for which this shall be your war-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 369
rant If Given under my Hand at Boston, the twentieth Day
of Nov r 1781 the sixth year of American Independence
John Hancock
To Hon Henry Gardner Esq r Treasurer
| By Order of the Governor with the Advice and Consent
of Council
John Avery Sec ry
Dec r 14 th 1781 Kec d Fifty One pounds on ace* of the within
Ja s Avery
Dec r 24 th 1781 Rec d one hundred & Two pounds
Jas Avery
" 29 1781 Rec d one hundred & Two pounds
Ja 8 Avery
1782 Jan y 8 th Rec d Two hundred & forty four pounds
Sixteen Shillings on ace* of the within
Jas Avery
Feb y 13 Rec'd three hundred pounds four Shillings in full
Jas Avery
James Avery 's Petition in Behalf of Col. Allan.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
f The Petition of James Avery Agent for Colonel John
Allan Comd 4 at Machias f Humbly Sheweth If That in
November last yours Honors were pleased to order War-
rents to be Drawn on the Treasurer for the Payment of
the Troops and other Expences of that Department, there
being very little Money in the Treasury at that Time the
said Warrents cou'd not be Discharged, and Col Allan
having Drawn orders on your Petitioner to a Large
Amount besides the paying the Men's Wages & other Ex-
pences of the Schooner Neashquowoite, he was obliged to
24
370 DOpUMENTARY HISTORY
borrow Large Summs of Money of A number of persons
to pay them, which your Petitioner stands personally In-
debted for and is daily pressd to Discharge them Like-
wise the Currency having greatly Depreciated, those that
have advanced Expects to have it made good f Therefore
your Petitioner Humbly prays your Honors woud be
pleased to take the foregoing facts into your wise Consid-
eration & grant such relief as in your Wisdom and Justice
may think fit and your petitioner as in duty bound shall
ever pray
Jas A very
Boston Sep r 12 th 1781
Memorial of John Allan in re Liquidation of Debts.
Indian Eastern Department Machias June 20 th 1781
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If The Memorial of John Allan Continental Superintend-
ent & Commander in Chief of Indian Eastern Department.
Your Memorialist is under the Necessity of Troubling
your Honors again for Assistance to Enable him to Dis-
charge the Debts Contracted for the Public Service, your
Mem lst having received Instructions the last fall & this Spring
to Support the Department as Usual, both in securing the
Interest of the Indians & Defending the Country, no Supply s
having arrived for some time and the different Movements
of the Enemy, as well as the Unsteady Conduct of the In-
dians, was Compelled to procure supplys under great Dis-
advantages to Enable him to Execute the Necessary Duty
your Honors having been so Indulgent as to order 600 new
Emission last February for the same purpose your memo lst
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 371
was thereby Enabled to Discharge some part, but by the
Depreciation, with -Matters Contracted since Makes the
Amount more Considerable If Your Memorialist having
Called in & Settled all Acc ts of this Department Contracted
here, Ballances Stands due to several persons About the
Sum of Eight Hundred Pounds in Specie, for which your
Mem llst has granted Certificates to Each person for the
Amount due them & by the Promises made to the said per-
sons your Mem lst is Sacredly Bound to see them Discharged
as soon as Possible, Your Memorialist having solicited for
permission to go Westward to settle all his Accounts as allso
to make Eeports & Communicate Necessary Matters to the
Several Departments he is accountable to, Defers for that
Eeason Transmiting to your Honors by this Opportunity the
said Accounts, Therefore Humbly Prays at this time that
your Honors wou'd be pleased to order to be paid into the
Hands of M r James Avery Acting Agent of this Department
the sum of Eight Hundred Pounds value in hard money for
the purpose aforesaid, f Your Memorialist has allso En-
gaged a Chaplin for the Use of the Eastern Indians, whose
behavour & Conduct has been of the Most Assential Service
in Securing the Indian Interest, by the Indulgence of the
French Admiral he has Continued, and from the Various &
feteagueing bussiness he has to persue your Mem llst Fixed his
salery as low as in Justice Cou'd Possibly be, His being a
Subject & in the Service of the Illusterous Ally of America,
your Mem llst has Endeavour'd to make every thing as Agree-
able & as Comfortable as his Situation wou'd Admit,
Promising allso full Satisfaction shoud be made without
Deminution, Must Therefore Humbly request, that said
Chaplin May have his Salary Confirm'd & ordered to be paid
in its full Value, An Interpreter was allso Employed in
Boston by the Hon ble Council which during his Time of
Service it is allso requested may be paid, as there is no fur-
372 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
ther Occation for a French Interpreter, have Discharged him
the Service 1 Your Memorialist with the most profound
Duty & respect Submits the whole to your Honors Wisdom
& Determination
J Allan.
Petition in Behalf Inhabitants Machias.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
T The Petition of James Avery in behalf of the Inhabi-
tants of Machias If Humbly Sheweth If That said In-
habitants at the Commencement of the present War rec d
Considerable Summs of Money from the Public to relieve them
in their distress'd Situation by a late Resolve, all who
stand Indebted to the Public are call'd upon for settle-
ment, your Honors their Instructions to him & begs you'll
be pleased to take the same into your wise Consideration
and grant them such relief as your Honors may think fit,
and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray If
Jas Avery
Boston Sep r 12 th 1781
Complaint of Juniper Berthiaume.
To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The information and Complaint of Juniper Berthiaume
Recolect Instructor of the Tribe of Penobscut Indians
If Humbly Sheweth That about twelve months ago I had the
care of the Penobscot Tribe of Indians by a resolve of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 373
General Court put into my hands, from which time I looked
upon it as part of Duty that Justice Should he done to said
Indians by the Truck master at Fort Hallifax. By the
Complaints of almost all the Indians to me, and what ob-
servation I could make myself it plainly appeared to me that
the Truck master at fort Hallifax did and persists in doing
unjustly by the Indians I shall instance in Several things that
are wrong Viz 1 He kept back one half of the hatchets sent
by the Governm 1 as a present to s d Indians, and made them
pay at the rate of a silver dollar a piece for fifty kept back.
He chainged their Knives sent as before to one half wooden
handled ones, and sold the Jack knives the Indians should
have had for a silver dollar or its value a piece for them
He took a moose skin for two quarts of rum most part
of last winter He took six moose skins for each blanket
altho' very ordinary He took twelve moose skins for each
rugg from the Indians, & two Guineas a piece from the
English for it makes no odds with him who he trades with
altho the Indians are much offended thinking the truck
is kept for them, all other things he has to sell is equally
extravagant to the above specimen -He does not give the
Indians weight and measure as an honest man should
do Besides I am fully of opinion he is not friendly to
the american cause, I am informed by good authority
that said truckmaster about six weeks ago purchased a
yoak of fat oxen at Sibesticook and that one Cap 1 Gin carried
said oxen to penobscot along with a number of other cattle
The Indians complain sorely of the evil treatment they
have received from said Truckmaster and say they cannot
come to fort Hallifax to trade till their trade ]
At present some Indians are gone to Canada others to Maja-
biguaduce and trades with the Brittains These disorders
respecting the Indians it is not in my power to prevent as
things are now Circumstanced Therefore prays your Ex-
374 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
cellency & Honours would enquire into matters of the Facts
respecting the truck at Fort Hallifax and evel tratement
the Indians have received there and your Complanant as in
Duty bound Shall ever pray
S. Juniper Berthiaume
Recollet
Winslow Nov 20 th 1781
Petition of Inhabitants of Georgetown.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
To the Hon bls the Senate & house of Representatives of in
General Court to be assembled,
The Petition of the Inhabitants of Georgetown on Ken-
nebec River, humbly Sheweth,
That the said Inhabitants have ever understood that
their raising a proportion of Men for the defence of the
Eastern Country the last Campaign, was intended by the
General Court, as a temporary excuse for not raising their
quota of Men for the continental Army, untill the further
Orders of Court for that purpose: they cannot therefore
help expressing their surprize & concern! on finding them-
selves called upon, by a Resolve of the General Court of
the 20 th of October last, for the average price of the Men
assessed on this Town for the Army, with an additional
sum of fifty p Cent, as a fine, for not having procured
them before; nor can they for the reason abovementioned
think themselves subject to the said fine of fifty p Cent,
upon the principles of propriety or justice But as the
said Inhabitants are sanguine in the opinion, that, on an
adequate view of their situation & circumstances, your
Honours will see & readily acknowledge, the impropriety
of the said Inhabitants being compell d to furnish the whole
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 375
Number of Men for the Continental Army originally as-
sessed on said Town, they therefore humbly pray your
Honours paternal regards for a moment to the following
simple State of Facts.
This Town which forms the entrance of the River Ken-
nebec, is situated on the Sea Coast, & is surrounded &
intersected, by numerous Rivers, Bays & Creeks; a cir-
cumstance that renders it extremely accessible to the
enemy's Cruizers & hostile Whale-boats, a circumstance
too, of which, they have frequently availed themselves since
the commencement of the War, to distress & plunder the
Inhabitants, to which acts of hostility, they are also strongly
invited, by the said River's being the principle resort of
Coasting Vessels from the Westward, which must pass
through said Town on their way up the River in search of
Lumber most of the said Inhabitants have borne arms
against the King of Great Britain, either here or in the Con-
tinental Army, & many individuals are from that circum-
stance, together with a spirited opposition to the various arts
of the british Commanders, to detach this Country from its
alliegance to the United States become peculiarly Obnoxious ;
& in the present defenceless State of said Town are subject
to be taken off by the Enemy, whenever they see fit The s d
Inhabitants are deprived of the essential advantages which
they formerly derived from their Lumber & Fishery by the
intire Capture of their Coasting & other Vessels their
Crops the last season have everywhere fallen greatly Short,
& in many places are totally destroyed by the Worms &
the most severe drought that has been known for many Years,
so that the greatest part of the Money which they can by any
means collect, must be applied to the purchasing Corn at the
Westward, for the Support of their families nor have such
of the said Inhabitants, as have served for three Years past
in defence of this part of the Country, as yet, received any
376 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
part of their Wages which might in some Measure enable
them to comply with the various Requisitions of Govern-
ment
Thus circumstanced, the said Inhabitants beg leave to ap-
proach the Legislative Body of the Commonwealth ! & humbly
to request, that they may be absolutely exempted from the s d
fine of fifty P Cent, & that such an abatement may be made
in the Number of Men demanded of them, & such time al-
lowed to obtain them in as your Honours in your great Wis-
dom may think proper & Your Petitioners as in duty bound
will ever pray
Alexander Drumond 1 Select Men
David Oliver ) of Georgetown
Georgetown Dec r 13 th 1781
Account of Massachusetts Against the United States.
Dr The United States to the Commonw th of Massachusetts
for sundrys supply'd for the defence of y e Post at
Machias
Itemized account, supplys etc 7897 . 8:0
To paid Col Aliens Officers & Soldiers for their
Wages as p r Acco* p r the Committee for
Settling with the Army 2401 .3.8
Specie 10298.11.8
Affidavit of Jeremiah Tolman.
Jeremiah Tolman of Lawful Age Testifieth & saith that
sometime in the beginning of June last after an alarm had
been given that the Enemy had arrived at Camden taken
several Persons Prisoners and carried away a Number of
Guns & other Articles, & destroyed some Cannon c This
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 377
Deponent a Selectman of the Town of Thomaston was De-
sired By Major Wheaton Esq, to go to Colonel McCobb, and
desire him to come, or send some Men to protect & Guard
these part, accordingly I went and the Colonel, told me that
he was waiting for Boats from the Governor and hoped to
be here soon himself, and further saith not
Jeremiah Tolman
Petition of Barbara Douglass.
To His Excellency the Governor in Council
The Petition of Barbara Douglass humbly sheweth, that at
the last supreme Judicial Court at Falmouth her husband,
Robert Douglass, was indited, and tried, and condemned for
theft; that among other punishment he was adjudged to be
whipped at the publick whiping Post : This must involve a
family intirely dependent on their Industry and Reputation
for their necessary support, in extreme misery : It would be
improper for your Petitioner to assert the Character she and
her unhappy family have hitherto endeavoured to sustain,
and have been happy in the enjoyment of: She hopes the
Names of the Gentlemen who are kind enough to give her
their assistance will sufficiently evince it to Your Excellency.
Her family consists of seven young Children. The three
eldest are Daughters from 14 to 19 years old; the four
younger are Sons from 1% to 10 years old For the sake of
these Your Petitioner humbly prays for the interposition of
Your Excellency's Clemency, and that in goodness the Cor-
poral punishment adjudged to her Husband may be remitted.
Barbara Douglass
We the Subscribers most heartily join the above signed
Barbara Douglass in the prayer of her Petition Thos.
Willson Elecksander Porter Rich d Temple, Jon a Thompson,
378 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
John Winchell, Stuart Hunt, James Elbet Treat, Nath
Hinkley, Samuel Gatchell, Nath 1 Larrabee, Thorn 8 Simons,
James Curtis, Sam 1 Stanwood, Benj a Thompson, Theopl 8
Hinkley, George Heddean Thomas Berry, Sam 1 Dunkan, H m
Tobey, James Willson, John Potter, Joseph Potter, henry
Pater, John Mallet, Moses Hodgkins, Charles Cousins, Ezra
Randal, - - Eaton, William Willson, John Allan, Jabe
Jeleson, John Merrill, Stephen Roach, William Mallet, Elijah
Tilden, Robert Cleaves, James Paters, John Dunlap, John
Cone, Robert Alexander, John Alexander, Tho s Thompson,
John Alexander, W m Alexander, Stephen Linnell, Alexander
Potter, Ezek 1 Thompson, Jedidiah Adams, Zebulon Preble,
James Landers, Andrew Duglas, frank Duglas, John Teyly,
Wilam Dugles, Abiel Richeson, henry Richeson, Prine Roes
Petition of Officers et ah in County of Lincoln.
To the Hon ble Senate and House of Representatives for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If The Petition of the Field officers and of the Selectmen
& other Inhabitants of the fourth Regiment in the County of
Lincoln in behalf of the poor Distressed inhabitants Situated
as it were under the Cannon of the Enemy humbly Sheweth
*[ That the Said inhabitants are in a peculiar Manner Ex-
posed to the Raveges of the Enemy and the insults of the
disaffected who Still reside amongst us, & although the Gov-
ernment have Voted & been at the Expence of Raising &
Supporting a Considerable Number of men for the Defence
of the eastern Country, yet Such has been the disposition of
that Force not being Stationed in the Front Gave the Enemy
Great advantage to Carry on their Plans through the Said
County, and it is Commonly Reported that Proclamations
are Sent through the Said County in a Private manner by
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 379
the Enemy for all to Come in and take the oath of illegiance
to them and it appears plain that Numbers have Gone there,
and we are insultingly told that we will be all under British
Government in the Spring as far as Kenebeck River, and
our Melitia tho once Good is got Cold and disheartened as
we have no Protection and left to Ravages of the enemy for
to Kill burn and distroy as thay have done and Still threaten
to Burn and distroy if they are found acting in the Cause
of our Country, thus left to an exasperated enemy Seems
Cruel If Thus Circumstanced, Your Petitioners begs your
Hon rs to take their Deplorable Case into your Wise Consider-
ation & Grant Such a relief of Continental troops as the
Good of the Comonwealth and our Circumstances Requires
and Your Petitioners as in duty Bound Shall ever Pray
1 Thomas Starret, Hatevil Libbey [ Field officers
1f Patrick Pepbles, William Bogs [ Select Men
| Mason Wheaton, John M c lntyer, Alex r Lermond, John
Wyllie, Sam 1 Brown, James Brown W T illiam Lermond, At-
wood Tales, Philip Robbins, Paul Jameson, John Sper,
William Robinson
Petition of Stephen Barton et als.
To the Hono ble the Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
assembled Gentlemen
| The Petition of us the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth
That whereas the General Court by their Resolves have Re-
quired of the Town of Vasselboro Six Continental men for
three years or During the war as also a Large Quantity of
Beef the Town Being Sensable that it is not in their Power
to Comply with your Honour Requisitions having Chosen
us the Subscribers to Petition your Hon rs and Pray for Relief
380 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
for Eeason Hereafter mentioned as your Petitioners are fully
Certain there is not money Enough in s d Town to Hire two
Continental men at the Price they would Engage for Neither
do your Petitioners Suppose there is Provision in said Town
were it Equally Divided any way to supply the Inhabitants
till May next Occasioned By Repeated Droughts and un-
favourable seasons & your Petitioners are so Situate in the
mouths of the Enemy By Sea that it very Difficult Obtaining
the Necessarys of Life which they must Have or Even Perish
No one article that your Petitioners have any way to Despose
of will Command money as their is no one article in the
County of Lincoln Can be disposed of unless it is Lumber
and unless our Sea Coasts and Trade Can be Protected your
Petitioners Greatly fear that many People must Greatly
suffer your Petitioners Trusting in your Honors Clemency
and Goodness Hope your Hon rs will Take their Destressed
Circumstances into your wise Consideration and as in Duty
Bound your Petitioners Shall Ever Pray
Step : Barton
Samuel Grant Committee
Jedediah Barton
Vasselboro Jan r 15, 1782
Petition of Jolin Lewis.
To the Honourable Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in General Court As-
sembled Jan y 16, 1782
If The Petition of John Lewis, of North Yarmouth in the
County of Cumberland, on behalf of the Town of Cape Eliza-
beth in said County Humbly Sheweth That from your Peti-
tioner's being Appointed by the Hon ble General Court to
Receive the Cloathing Soldiers of the Several Towns in the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 381
County, & his living in the vicinity which may suppose some
degree of knowledge of the present Circumstances of the
Towns in the County together with a desire that Justice may
be equally distributed, he hopes will Apologize for his pre-
fering this petition, presuming upon which would beg leave,
in mentioning something of the poor, decayed, & unfortunate
circumstances of the said Town of Cape Elizabeth, to say,
That upon their return in observance of the Resolve of De-
cember 9, 1776, their N was 350, which return was found
to be correct by Col Illsley's & Cap* Morton's report Feb. 3,
1778. this N as in all the other Towns was made the Basis
As to N os for Eaising the Continental Army in 1777, their
proportion was fifty men. Seasonably in that year there
was inlisted Seventy Six men in that Town, & went into the
Army some for three years and Some during the war, which
may be seen in the Secretary's office by the report of the
Committee for settling disputes between the Towns in this
County, relative to the soldiers, yet soon after drawing out
so large a number from them, They through some unaccount-
able mistake gave in a list of 402 Polls for a new valuation,
but mistakes is but a part of their misfortunes for early in
the Controversy with Great Britain loosing their Trade &
their Fishery being chiefly broken up, and much of their land
being but indifferent for farming, some of their inhabitants
were necessarily led to go into Seafaring business from other
Sea Ports in which they have had something of uncommon
losses of men, which loss of help to assist in bearing the bur-
den has been attended with the evident & natural increase
of burden by the multiplying of Widows & fatherless chil-
dren Among them some of their Inhabitants have removed
from them & I believe chiefly into the unincorporated parts
of the Country or Government, from these Circumstances, &
others that commonly attend Such great decays I am led to
think that it is beyond their power & ability to procure such
382 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
a number of men for the Continental Army as it is set upon
them by the Resolve of December 2-1780 & more so to pay
the fine set by the Resolve of the 24 of October last, f And
Therefore pray (if their case is not taken into consideration,
by application from themselves or otherways) that there may
be a Committee appointed to take into Consideration the
present circumstances of the Said Town of Cape Elizabeth
& how far their ability extends towards complying with the
aforesaid Resolve of December 2 d & report a state of facts, as
truth generally brightens by examination, or otherways re-
lieve the said Town as in Your Wisdom you shall think fit,
& as in duty bound shall ever pray
John Lewis
In Senate February 1st 1782
Read & thereupon ordered,' that Jedidiah Preble & Israel
Nichols Esq rs with such as the Hon ble House shall join be a
Committee to take this Petition together with the Petition
of David Strout & others, Selectmen of Cape Elizabeth, into
consideration & report what is proper to be done on the same.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives Feby 5 1782
Read & concurred & Col White Capt Ward & Mr Holden
are joined Nath Gorham Speaker
Petition of Vicente Doo.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the honorable the Senate, & the honorable the House of
Representatives of said Commonwealth in General Court
assembled at Boston Jan y 1782.
Vicente Doo, a Subject of his most faithful Majesty the
King of Portugal in Amity with the United States of Ameri-
ca most respectfully sheweth | That he was the late Master
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 383
of the Portuguese Schooner Nossa Senhora de Seledade S*
Miguel e Almas, which on the high Seas, in the month of
November last was taken by the private armed Schooner
Sally owned by Subjects of this Commonwealth & com-
manded by George Randall that his said captured Schooner
was afterwards carried into the Port of old York in this
State since which a Libel has been filed by the Captors
against said Portuguese Schooner before the hon ble Timothy
Langdon Esq r Judge of the Maritime Court for the Eastern
District of this Commonwealth, who hath appointed a Court
for the determining the Justice of said Capture to be held
at Falmouth on the 14 th Day of Feb y next: But as the Trial
if held at such a distant Part of the Commonwealth must
operate greatly to the Injury of the Owners who are portu-
guese merchants, as well as to the Loss of your Petitioner,
he begs leave to submit the following Reasons for the Re-
moval of said Cause from the Court in the Eastern District
to that of the middle, to your Honors Consideration, If 1.
That the principal Owners & most of the Crew of said pri-
vateer Sally live at Newbury Port, & yet said captured
Schooner was carried into a port within the Eastern District
in order that the Libel against her & her Cargo might be
tried in said District & this for purposes best known to the
Captors & others concerned in her Condemnation. f2.
That the Council engaged by your Petitioner to support the
Claim which he has filed to obtain Restoration of said Portu-
guese Schooner & her Cargo find it utterly impracticable to
go to Falmouth to attend said Trial, as the supreme judicial
Court is to set at Boston within four Days of the Time ap-
pointed for the Trial" at Falmouth & it being impossible for
them to return early enough, at this inclement Season to
fulfill their Engagements at that Court, f 3. That the
most material Witness on the part of your Petitioner speaks
in the Portuguese Language, & the only Interpreter that can
I
384 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
+
be found, utterly refuses to go such a Distance at this Season
of the year, f 4. That the Trial of said Capture in the
Middle District must expedite Justice, as an Appeal may be
there heard the beginning of March: Whereas an Appeal
cannot be had in the Eastern District untill the month of
June: Not to mention the Improbability of the Judge in the
last mentioned District being able to travel from Pownal-
borough to Falmouth at this season: Or that the Libellants
& Witnesses are much nearer to Boston than they are to
Falmouth & can therefore with greater Ease & much less
Expence attend the Trial at the last mentioned Place.
*| Your petitioner therefore prays that the Cause aforesaid
may be removed from the maritime Court in the Eastern
District to be held as aforesaid, & that the Judge of the mari-
time Court for the middle District may be authorized &
impowered to hear & determine the Justice of the Capture
aforesaid at his next Maritime Court, & that the Libellants
of said Schooner be directed to bring & file before the s d
Judge of the middle District, his said Libel & all the papers
by them filed in s d Cause before the s d Judge of the s d East-
ern District, on or before the first Day of the sitting of the
next maritime Court for the middle District.
Jan y 16 th 1782 Vicente Doo
Petition of Selectmen of Cape Elizabeth.
To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of the Massachusetts in General
Court Assembled
The Petition of Cape Elizabeth in the County of Cumber-
land Humbly Sheweth that from a series of misfortunes
since the beginning of the present War this Town is Rendred
uncapeable of complying with the Requisitions Made on us
by the Legislators of this State Espesialy in men to Furnish
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 385
our Quota for the Continental Army the misfortunes we
have had in Loss of Men more Sencibly affects us our lands
JSTow for want of labourers lays common Fences Rotten down
and a very considerable part of what was once the most val-
uable lands is intirely dormant for the verefying of which
we beg leave to Refer Your Honours to the Schedule herewith
armest & prefer d which contains an Exact list of the Extra-
ordinary numbers of men we furnished more than our Quota
for the War and the few Returned as allso our Extraordinary
Josses of Men by Sea which has served to multiply widows
& orpheans to which is added the total loss of our Small
Navegation and allmost total loss of our fishery and the very
considerable Removeals out of Town since all which Renders
us uncapable of Raising the full Quota of men laid on us
within our own town or of means or money to hire them
from others and much less to pay the fine on failuer. All
which we Humbly beg your Honours to take into considera-
tion and Grant us such Redress with Regard to our Quota
of men as in Your Great Wisdome shall think just and Your
Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
by order of Said Town
David Strout
Stephen Randall
Nath 1 Staple
Selectmen
of Cape
Elizabeth
List of Men Lost Belonging to Cape Elizabeth.
A List of the men Formerly Belonging to the Town of
Cape Elizabeth which went out in armed Vessels &c since y e
year 1776 Viz*
Lost in y e Ship Cumberland Cap* Collins Commander
Joseph Parker, Rich d Langley, Robert Stanford J r , Tho 8
Stanford, James Dyer, Sam 1 Jordan, John Curate, David
Strout J r , Tho 8 Gushing, Sam 1 Small, Isaac Jordan Tho'
25
386 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Webster, Tho" Jordan, Hattie Wheeler. Lost with Capt
Dillworth John Alex r Pollock Tim Eldreg Stephen At-
wood lately lost at sea. Lost in the Ship Miflen Cap 1 Day
Commander Viz 1 Reuben Dyer Lost in a ship from ~New-
bury of 18 guns Viz 1 Simon Jordan Lost in y e Privateer
Gen Wadsworth Viz 1 Andrew Jordan Lost on Board the
Guard Ship at New York Viz 1 Josiah Wallis, Benj a Dyer,
Christopher Strout Lost in the Civil Usage Viz 1 Peter Dyer
Barney Sawyer, Tho 8 York, John Gammon Lost with Cap 1
George Maxwell Viz 1 William Jones, Stephen Cash, James
Webber, Sam 1 Robinson Sam 1 Gammon Lost with Cap 1
Stone Viz 1 Joseph Maxwell Thos Maxwell Francis Cash
Lost with Cap 1 Hinkley Viz 1 Joseph Stanford, Jeremiah
Jordan, Ebenezer Jordan, Israel Jordan. Lost with Cap 1
Arthur M c Lallen Viz 1 William M c Lallen, Mathew Simonton
Lost in a Prize Brigt r at Piscatigue Harbour Viz 1 Ebenezer
Robinson, Walter Simonton, Ebenezer Sawyer, Wm Jordan.
Lost in ye Ship Rover of 20 Guns Viz 1 Nath 1 Randall, Daniel
Strout, Benja Sawyer, Ephraim Sawyer, Richard Stanford
A list of y e men Mov d from the Town of Cape Elizabeth since
y e year 1776 Viz 1 James Small, John Veeman, Tim Small,
Daniel Small, Jacob Small, Ithiel Smith, Hump h McKenney,
Benj a Jordan, Clem 1 Jordan J r , Archalus Stone, Jon* Stone,
David Vickery, Joseph Roberts, John Ficket, John Cash,
Benj a Smith, Dan 1 Dyer, Peter Bitter, George Boa, Isaac
Strout, Rich d Strout, James Stinson, Vincent Ficket, Abner
Ficket, Henry Jackson, Peter Staple, Sam 1 Tenney, John
Guld, Sam 1 Pennel, Joshua Westcoat, Josh* Strout J r , Benj a
Sawyer, W m Roberts, James Wagg Jr., Ezra Jordan, John
Fowler, Jedidiah Cobb, John Simonton, Tho 8 M c Lallan,
Stilsman Jordan [ ], Robert Jackson, Ebenezer Jewell,
Joseph Wiseman, George Robinson, Jacob Webb Refugee
Edmund Weston. A List of the men who Died in the Conti-
nental Army who Enlisted for three Years in the Year 1777
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 387
Viz* Robert Herrington, James Noble Cobb, John Jordan,
Robert Jordan, Edmund Jordan, Solomon Jackson J r , Ed-
ward Avery Ju r , John Bryant, Abraham Bryant Jr. Loring
Gushing, Robert Stanford, John Strout, Lemuel Sawyer,
Wm Sawyer, Nath 1 Sawyer, Jon* Strout, Reuben Skilling,
Josiah Stanford, Tho 8 Jones
*Eleazer Strout Jr. Ephraim Crocket, Sam 1 Dyer, Tho 8
Gent, W m Maxwell, Joseph Cobb J r * Not knowing whether
Dead or living.
Cape Elizabeth Jan y 17, 1782
Nath 1 Staple
Stephen Randal
David Strout
Selectmen
of
said Town
John Lewis to Speaker of the House.
Falmouth Jan r 17, 1782
Sir
the Remoteness of this County from the Seat of Govern-
ment naturally brings us to be later in our Complyance with
the orders of the General Court than the nearer Counties,
with respect to the Resolve of the 24 of Oct r last relative to
making up the deficiencies for the Continental Army, Upon
the Receipt of the Resolves I applied to the business accord-
ing to order, but the time was so far elapsed, & the great
scarcity of money in this part of the Country that it was out
of the power of most or all the different Towns to procure
the men by the 20 of Dec r I have however Received all
whether inlisted before .or after & shall send most of them
forward the beginning of next week, Some I shall not be able
to collect in the back Towns to go forward at that time as the
snow is very deep & must send them as soon as I can collect
them & must Ask about ten days longer to make out a list of
9
388 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the deficient Towns, which I expect will be but few, if I have
or am about to Act any thing in this affair, as above men-
tioned, that is Contrary to the design of the Hon ble Court,
Should be glad to know it as early as possible, f from your
very Humble Servant
John Lewis
The Hon ble Nathaniel Gorham Esq r Speaker of the House
of Representatives, to be Communicated if thought proper.
Petition of James A very.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Repres t8 of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of James A very If Humbly Sheweth ^ That
during the last Sessions your Honors were pleased to direct
the Treasurer to Discharge the Warrents Drawn in my favour
for Colo Allans ace* in Nov r 1780 in hard money, there being
no money in the Treasury he cou'd not comply with your
Honors Directions at the Time the Warrent was drawn
the Public Service made it Necessary to borrow Money to the
Am 1 for which your Petitioner gave his Private obligations,
the persons who lent the Money are daily pressing your Peti-
tioner to Settle & are determind to wait no longer and as
there is no probibility of their being Money in the Treasury
soon to Discharge them your Petitioner Humbly prays
your Honors would be pleased to Direct the Treasurer to
Issue Certificates to Discharge said Warrents as allso to
allow Interest which your petitioner stands obligated for to
the persons who lent the Money and your Petitioner as in
Duty bound will ever pray
Jas Avery
Boston Jan y 18, 1782
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 389
Theophilus Bradbury Esq. vs Petition Vicente Doo.
To the hon Senate and house of Representatives of the Com-
mon Wealth of Massachusetts in General Court as-
sembled.
If The Libellants of the vessel and cargo mentioned in the
petition of Vicente Doo, (without staying to observe the
unreasonableness of his request to have the papers removed
by them and at their Expence when the removal is solely
for his benefit and convenience,) beg leave directly to answer
If That the petitioner has been misinformed & is mistaken in
asserting that the major part of the interested in said Vessel
& cargo live in the middle district, On the contrary five
eighths in interest & all except three in number & they are
pretty numerous, live in the eastern district from whence
the privateer was fitted out, & whether this & the only other
prize she ever took were originally intended to be, and were
in fact sent. If If the reasons therefore are best known as
is suggested to the Libellants, yet they are plain & obvious,
& were never wish'd to be concealed, They are the same that
induce adventures from Boston, Salem & other ports in the
middle district to bring their prizes into those parts; Viz
because It was most convenient & least expensive to the major
part concerned to receive & divide their prizes there, and be-
cause they wished, especially in case of dispute to have their
cause tried as near their own homes as might be, where they
would conveniently attend in person and have the satisfac-
tion of seeing for themselves that, the trial was fair and
impartial ; & living as they do at so great a distance from the
Metropolis, & separated as they are therefore by an inter-
vening State, they esteem a trial of this and all their other
causes (where by law it may be) in their own neighbourhood
and vicinity one of their most important & valuable as well
as constitutional privileges, of which they ought not to be
i
390 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
deprived by being drawn to answer to a foreign Jurisdiction
-They further say that it cannot be done, and a speedier
trial had, in the present case, in the middle than in the east-
ern district, without a much great inconvenience & injury to
them, than the petitioner complains of; for if a maritime
Court is held in the former, previous to next Session of the
Supreme Judicial Court in Boston on y e 3 d Tuesday of next
month, it cannot legally be notified in the usual news paper,
sooner than for the first or Second week in that month, if for
the first the Respondents council cannot attend being one or
both of them engaged to attend a Court in New-hampshire
where they usually waited at that time ; if for the second, the
Libellants themselves & one of their council cannot attend,
being obliged to attend their other maritime Cause that week
at Falmouth If for these reasons the cause should, as it
doubtless would, be continued, the appeal after the first trial
would lie to the Supreme Court at Concord in April next,
but this would draw the Libellants still farther from home,
& is a session at which their council do not attend & practice,
& at a time when one or both are engaged to attend a Court
at York where one of them usually practices, for which
reasons the cause would doubtless be continued to the next
court on to Ipswich in June next but one week from that a
trial might be had at the same Court at York without re-
moving the cause. The 14th of February next at Falmouth
was pitched on because that is usually the pleasantest part
of the winter & the best travelling But if it is inconvenient
to the petitioner, his council or interpreter to attend then
which are the only reasons of any weight as your Respondents
humbly conceive for removing the cause, they are ready to
remove them all entirely, by agreeing that the cause shall be
continued to any town in the eastern district, the Petitioner
pleases, and to any time previous to the sessions of the
supreme Courts there in June when they & the Respondents
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 391
Council can all conveniently attend, in May if agreeable; &
they conceive they have already shewn that the final trial
will not be thereby delayed longer than one week. T The
Respondents are fully sensible, that upon principly of policy
as well as Justice, Foreigners ought to be enabled to obtain
speedy as well as ample Justice in this Common Wealth, But
they humbly conceive, that the most favourd & most friendly
neutral powers (to say nothing of Portugal in particular)
would not take umbrage, because a trial between one of their
subjects and a subject of this common wealth, was not at
his request removed from the Jurisdiction where such Causes
were by the established laws, the immemorial usage & con-
stitution itself of the Commonwealth, usually tried unless it
was manifest that a fair & impartial tryal could not other-
wise be had for which there is not in the present case the
least pretence, nor is it even suggested by the Petitioner
himself Wherefore the Respondents humbly pray that the
said petition may be dismist
Theop Bradbury their Att y
Resolve in Case of Vicente Doo.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Jan ry 21, 1782
On the petition of Vicente Doo a subject of his most faith-
ful Majesty the King of Portugal in amity with the United
States of America & claimant of the Schooner Nossa Senhora
de Soledude S 4 Miguel e Almas setting forth that said
Schooner was captured by an American privateer, carried
into the port of Old York & libelled before the hon. Timothy
Langdon Esq r Judge of the Maritime Court for the Eastern
District for the determining the Justice of which capture a
392 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Court is by Law to be held at Falmouth on the fourteenth
day of February next & praying that the trial of s d Schooner
may be removed from the s d Eastern District to the middle
District of this Commonwealth; for the expediting of Jus-
tice & other causes set forth in s d petition
Kesolve that the Libel filed against the s d Schooner before
the Judge aforesaid, together with all the papers & other
matters appertaining thereto which by Law are now to be
brought before & tried at the said Court to be holden at Fal-
mouth as aforesaid shall be brought before & tried at the
Maritime Court next to be held in the s d Middle District
after the s d fourteenth day of February & the same proceed-
ings shall be had thereon & the same privileges reserved to
either party at the last mentioned Court as though said
Schooner had been brought into the middle District & s d
Libtl had been originally filed before the Judge of the Middle
District afores d the s d Vicente Doo to be at the expence of
removing all such of s d papers as are now on the files of the s d
Court in the Eastern District afores d & to give notice of this
Kesolve to some one of the adverse party at least seven days
before the time appointed for the trial of s d Cause in s d East-
ern District any Law usage or custom to the contrary not-
withstanding.
Sent up for concurrence
ISTath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Jan y 23 d 1782
Read & ISTonconcurred
S. Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
January 26 th 1782,
Reconsidered & Concurred
S. Adams Presid*
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 393
Petition of Col Edward Grow.
Petition of Col Edward Grow, that Sheriff Johnson Moul-
ton, York Co, may delay return of "Executions."
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Kepresentatives of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts in general Court assembled
the 22nd day of January 1782
The Memorial of Edward Grow in behalf of Johnson
Moulton Esq r Sheriff of the County of York If Humbly
shews that the Treasurer of this Commonwealth having made
out Executions against the several Constables in said County
for the Ballances due from them Respectively of the hard
Money Tax Assessed 1780 which Executions were committed
to the said Sheriff who has visited the Several Constables
aforesaid & demanded in the most pressing manner satisfac-
tion of the said Executions that some of them have made
satisfaction in part & some of them in the whole & that they
universally appear disposed to do it if in their Power either
by Collections from the People or by hireing the Money for
that purpose that the said Constables have tryed the Experi-
ment of raising the Money by Distress without Effect for
Want of Money to purchase the Articles of Distress that the
Inability of the People in the said County to pay said Tax
principally arises from this Cause that Lumber of late will
rarely Sell for Money upon which they chiefly depend for
payment of Taxes that he is in Hopes some favourable Turn
in Affairs will soon take place which may enable the People
in that County to pay their Taxes as well as in other Counties
that in his Opinion it is not within the Limits of Possibility
to satisfy said Executions unless by Committing the several
Constables to Goal which he conceives can answer no valuable
purpose Wherefore your Memorialist prays in Behalf of the
said Sheriff that the said Sheriff may not be held & obliged
to Return said Executions till the further Orders of the Gen-
I
394 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
eral Court & that in the mean Time they may be in full force
or that he may have such Directions from the Hon ble Court as
they in their Wisdom may think best & your Mem as in
Duty bound will ever pray &c
Edw d Grow
Resolve on Foregoing.
The Committee on the Petition of Col Grow in behalf of
the Sheriff of the County of York beg leave to report by way
of Resolve
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Representatives Jan y 24 th 1782
on the petition of Edw d Grow in behalf of the Sheriff of
the County of York Resolved that the prayer of the peti-
tion be granted & that the s d Sheriff shall not be held & obliged
to return the executions committed to him against the delin-
quent Constables in s d County untill the further orders of
the Court & that the s d executions shall in the meantime be
in full force any law or Resolve to the Contrary notwith-
standing.
Petition of Vicente Doo.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the honorable the senate of said Commonwealth.
Vicente Doo humbly sheweth ^f That he has learnt that
the Resolve passed upon his Petition (which he had the
Honour of presenting to the General Assembly) by the House
of Representatives, hath met the Nonconcurrence of your
Honors, He begs leave to assure your Honors that should said
Resolve not pass, it must inevitably prove the Loss of his
Vessel & Cargo, Whereas no Disadvantage can arise to the
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 395
Libellants, from the Removal of the Cause into the Middle
District: Many additional Reasons might be given to those
mentioned in his former Petition, to inforce the prayer of
it, & he earnestly sollicits your Honors to give him an Oppor-
tunity of being farther heard upon the Subject, when he
doubts not he shall be able to satisfy your honourable House
of the Reasonableness of his former Prayer. As an unfortu-
nate Portugueze Subject, a Stranger to the Language & to
the Laws of this Country, without Money & without Friends ;
Dispossessed of a very valuable Property, which was no
sooner brought into a Port, than it was divided by the Captors
he throws himself upon the Justice of your Honors, & humbly
sollicits your Honors farther Consideration of his Distressed
Circumstances.
Vicente Doo
Resolve in re Losses in Penobscot Expedition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Jan y 28, 1782
Whereas the late Board of War of this Commonwealth is
indebted for Vessels charter'd & lost at Penobscot & for
Goods purchased and Services performed for this Common-
wealth & whereas the present State of the Treasury will not
admit of immediate payment in Money & it is but just &
reasonable that All the Creditors of this Commonwealth be
placed on the same equal footing Therefore Resolved
that the Committee for liquidating & settling the Accounts
of the late Board of War, be & they are hereby impowered &
directed to liquidate & determine all Sums of Money which
may be due for Vessels chartered & lost at Penobscot agre-
able to the Charterpartys & all other Debts w h may still re-
main due from the said Board of War & the said Com-
396 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
mittee are further directed & impowered to Consolidate the
same agreable to Law, estimating the Depretiation on the
Vessels lost at Penobscot according to the Date of the
Charterparty & on all other Debts as they become due re-
spectively And the Sums so Consolidated & the Interest
thereon the Committee aforesaid shall certify to his Excel-
lency the Governor who with Advice of Council is requested
to issue his Warrants on the Treasurer of this Commonwealth
who is hereby directed to receive the same on the Loan of
Eight hundred thousand pounds & to give his notes accord-
ingly *[ And Whereas Disputes may arise between the
Committee aforesaid & some persons who may have Accounts
open with the late Board of War, it is further Resolved that
in such Case the Committee be & they hereby are authorized
& impowered to submit any such matter to the Decission of
Indifferent Men mutually Chosen by the said Committee &
the Person or Persons with whom such Dispute May Sub-
sist
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham, Speaker
In Senate Jan y 28 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv d John Hancock
Resolve in Favor of John Lewis.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Jan y 29, 1782
On the Representation of John Lewis Esq r Superintendant
for the County of Cumberland in Relation to his Receiving
Continental Soldiers after the 20 th day of Decent 1 " last for
reasons mentioned. Resolved that the General Court do
approve of his Conduct in that Regard & that he be & hereby
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 397
is directed to send them forward as soon as may be & that the
several Towns Plantations or Classes who procured such
Soldiers be & hereby are exempted from all Penalties which
they may have incurred for not procuring the same soldiers
before the said 20 th day of Decem r last saving the Expence
which may have arisen in Consequence of the Issuing Execu-
tions any Law or Resolve to the contrary notwithstanding.
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Feb y 21 st 1782
Read & Concurred
S. Adams Presid 1
Approv d John Hancock
Resolve on Petition James Avery.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives Jan y 29, 1782
On the Petition of James Avery f Resolved that the
Treasurer be & he hereby is Directed to Issue Certificates
on the Tax granted in October last, to Discharge Warrents
heretofore Drawn in favour of James Avery for Colo John
Allan's Acct A
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Feb 1 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
At A insert "the same to be charg'd to the United States"
In the House of Representatives Feby 1, 1782
Read & Concurred Kath Gorham Speaker
398 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Report on Petition Inhabitants of Georgetown.
The Committee on the Petition of the Inhabitants of
George town on Kennebec River having attended that busi-
ness beg leave to Report by way of Resolve
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Representatives Feb y 1, 1782
Whereas from the distressed circumstances of the In-
habitants of Georgetown & their having been called upon for
a Number of Men for the defence of the Eastern Country the
last Campaign it appears to this Court that they are un-
able to comply with the requisition of Men for the Conti-
nental Army in it's fullest extent therefore
Resolved that the said Inhabitants be & they are hereby
excused from the payment of any fine for not raising their
quota of Men for the continental Army any former Resolve
of the General Court to the Contrary notwithstanding. And
it is farther Resolved that the said Inhabitants be & they
are hereby abated Six Men of the Number assessed upon
them by a Resolve of the 2 d of December 1780 provided
nevertheless that if the said Inhabitants shall not procure &
deliver in to the Superintendant appointed or that may here-
after be appointed to receive them the remainder of said
Number of Men assessed upon them as aforesaid on or be-
fore the A 1 st day of April next they shall be liable to the
penalty provided in & by a Resolve of the 20 th of October last
against delinquent Towns which penalty shall be recovered
in manner pointed out by said Resolve.
And it is further Resolved that the Treasurer of this Com-
monwealth stay execution against said Town for not pro-
curing their quota of Men as aforesaid for the Continental
Army untill the first B day of April next
And it is further Resolved that the Resolve of the 24 th of
December 1780 authorizing the Several Towns within this
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 399
Commonwealth to Class their respective Inhabitants in order
to procure their respective quotas of Men for the Continental
Army be & is hereby revived with respect to said Town &
shall continue in force until the first c day of April next
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Feb ry 11 th 1782
Head & oncurred with the amendments at A. B. & C.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
viz. at A. B. & C. dele, "first," and insert "thirtieth;"
In the House of Representatives Feb y 11 1782
read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Memorial Selectmen of Pownalboro.
To the Hon ble the Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court As-
sembled
Humbly Shew the Select Men of the Town of Pownalboro
in behalf of said Town, that this Town have for many years
past laboured under great Difficulties & Grievances which
have now increased to such a Degree as to render them utter-
ly incapable to Answer the present Demands of Government.
If Before & since the Commencement of the present War ; our
Chief Dependence was on our Lumber for our Support, which
was usually sent to Boston & other westward Ports to procure
the Necessaries of Life f By reason of our Coasts not being
sufficiently guarded, our Vessels are taken, and our Trade
400 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
wholly destroyed by the Enemy, so that we have but one
Coasting Vessel now belonging to this poor Town. That
this Town in the most fruitful Seasons have not raised one
half the Bread consumed therein, & by reason of the great
Drought the last Season we are now reduced to the greatest
Distress & Want; and what Provisions we can procure, to
support our Lives, & Money to pay what Taxes we possible
can, is at the Risque of at least, fifty p r Cent, a grievance
that our fellow subjects at the westward do not labour under
K That our foreign Trade is wholly destroyed by the Embargo
on Masts & Sparrs the Exportation of which formerly enabled
us to pay our Taxes, and a large Quantity of which has for
four or five years past laid on hand & perishing. If That
the Demands of Government, and the Peoples inability to
comply, has in this Town caused a great & alarming Emigra-
tion of its Inhabitants, so that we are now reduced greatly
in our Numbers, and the Burthins on the remaining few are
thereby increased and rendered insupportable. The late &
very great Exactions of Government have created such mur-
murs & discontent that many of the Inhabitants of this Town
are flying to the Wilderness for relief & support, and those
that tarry at home are constantly oblidged to guard their
Houses & Substance being in continual Danger from the
Enemy If We have thus as becomes dutiful & loyal Sub-
jects made known our Grievances to the Hon ble Court which
we hope will be sufficient to convince your Honors that we
are unable to pay the present Demands of Government, We
therefore pray your Honors in behalf of said Town, that they
may be abated the cloathing & Provisions for the Army &
Fine for not raising men for the Continental Army the last
Spring and such other Taxes as your Honors in your good-
ness & wisdom shall think meet, and your Petitioner as in
duty bound shall ever pray &c
Henry Hodge David Silvester
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 401
Resolve on Foregoing Memorial.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb y 1 1782
The Committee appointed on the Petitions of Henry Hodge
David Silvester Selectmen of the Town of Pownalborough
Arthur Hunter Jonathan Penney Selectmen of the Town
of Topsham and William Howard Daniel Savage & James
Cooks Committee for the Town of Hallowell Likewise
Stephen Barton Samuel Grant and Jedidiah Barton Com-
mittee for the Town of \ 7r assalborough Seting forth their
Destressed Circumstances by Reason of the Enemy being so
near them with other Dificultis as Set forth in their Petitions
Praying that the number of men Demanded from them by a
Resolve of the General Court Past December Second 1780
to Supply the Deficiency of the Continental army and like-
wise the Clothing Required by a former Resolve f Your
Committee begs Leave to Report by way of Resolve be it
therefore Resolved that the afores d Towns of Pownalborough
Topsham Hallowell and Vassalborough be and they are here-
by Released from Procureing the number of men Required
by the aforesaid Resolve be it further Resolved that the
afores d Towns be and they are hereby Released from Pro-
cureing any Clothing for the Continental Army agreable to
a former Resolve, any Law or Resolve to the Conterey not-
withstanding
Accounts Relating to the Penobscot Expedition.
Supplies and charges for the Penobscot Expedition from
June 29, 1779 to Feb. 5, 1780 An itemized account show-
ing the supplies furnished the different ships; as well as
other military stores: the Whole totalling 17,261-8
26
i f
402 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
A General Account of Supplies for the Expedition from
June 29, 17 79 to Oct. 1, 1779 An itemized account showing
supplies and military stores, and to whom they were fur-
nished The account is unfinished.
Accounts of the Board of War for the Expedition from
June 30, 1779 to Jan. 1781 An itemized debit and credit
account of the Board of War. The debit account totals
606,596 : 17 : 2 ; the credit, 26,255 : 19
Account of Stores delivered from the Laboratory for the
Expedition from July 7, 1779, to Aug. 16, 1779. An item-
ized account totalling 100,603:15
Sundry Charges in the Accounts of the Board of War re-
quiring explanation
Account of Jordan Parker, Purchasing & Issuing Com-
missary, paid
Account of John Tracy for amount of rations supplied the
brigantlne "Pallas" paid
Account of Edward Blaiichard for truckage paid
" Sam'l Brown for provisions paid
Waterman Thomas for sundries supplied the
troops at Camden &c paid
John Tyler, Quarter Master General, charged
G. W. Speakman, Commissary of Ordnance,
charged
John Lucas, Commissary of Provisions, charged
Eliphalet Downer, Surgeon, charged
Joshua Davis, Agent of Transports, charged
supplies for the ship "Gen Putnam" charged
Jon a Parsons, paid
Joseph Noyes, paid
Beriah Norton, paid
Walter Spooner, for powder
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 403
Henry Herrick, for cannon paid
articles delivered Gen. Wadsworth
articles delivered Waterman Thomas
sundry advances in small stores to the Mass, line
of the army
general charge of Supplies by the Board of War.
Articles delivered Col. Henry Jackson
Amount paid Commissary Devens for provisions
" " Edward Blanchard for trucking
" Commissary Devens for Spy Vessels
" Jon a Glover for schooners "Orne" and "Wil-
liam"
" " for the passage of Jon a Loring Austin, Jr. to
France & other expenses
Account of articles delivered Col. Ephraim Brown
Account of articles delivered Huson an Indian
Sundry Accounts allowed mostly for meals for soldiers on
retreat from Penobscot between September 21, 1779 and
June 30, 1781
Account of what was allowed sundry persons at and after
their retreat from Penobscot from Sept. 21, 1779, to June
27, 1781.
Petition of Addison Richardson.
To the Hon ble the Senate, and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
May it please your Hon r f Your Petitioner was one of
those unfortunate Officers that was taken Prisoner at Fort
Washington, upon the fated 16 th of Nov. 1776 ; and through
J
404 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Inhumanity of the Enemy, and violation of all Justice,
was stript, and plundered of all he had, except what he had
upon his Back an Inventory of which your Petitioner, as
soon as Circumstances would permit, made out, together with
their Value which he herewith takes the Freedom to transmit
to your Hon rs and your Petitioner considering it highly
reasonable that he should have his said Loss made up to him,
by the Community in whose Cause he suffered, he rests sat-
isfied in the Justice of the Hon le Court, expecting that they
will give him that Relief which the Justice of his Petition
claims. And as your Petitioner was detained eighteen
months in Captivity, in which Time the paper medium
greatly depreciated, he not receiving his Wages till sometime
in Sep r 1778, he requests the Hon le Court that they would
make him that Compensation for the said Deficiency, as
they, in their Wisdom shall see to be reasonable, and, as in
Duty bound will ever pray.
Addison Richardson
Cap 1 in the Reg* comm d by Qr Hutchinson Esq.
A Coppy of an inventory of things which the Subscriber
Lost on the 16 th of Nov r 1776. When he was taken Prisoner
at Fort Washington
One Bible 6/ one Silver Lilted Sword 7:10 7:16
one gunn Bayonet Box and Belt 3 : 00
one Broad Cloth Coat 4:16 4:16
4 fine holand Shirts 4 : 16 one Blankit 24/ 6 : 00
Sheets Pillow and Bed Sack 3 : 00
3 Jackets 2 p r Breeches 5 : 8
2 handkerchiefs one P r overalls 1 :
1 pr Shooes 12/ 7 pr hose 42/ 2 : 14
33:14
Addison Richardson
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 405
Certificate in Favor of Josiah Waters Jr.
Commonwealth Mass.
Boston February 2 d 1782
This Certifies, That the sum of Three Thousand & thirty
nine pounds five shillings specie is due from the late Board
of War to M r Josi h Waters Jun r for Provisions Supplied y e
s d Board for the use of the Penobscot Expedition July one
thousand seven hundred seventy nine, with Four hundred &
twenty one pounds two shillings for thirty one month Interest
am to Three thousand five hundred & ten pounds seven shil-
lings which sum when paid will be in full of all demands for
s d Provisions
Alex Hill
Thomas Ivers
Com te for Auditing
y e a/c t fory e B d
War
His Excellency The Governor & The Hon le The Council of
the Commonwealth Massacht 8 -
In Council Feb y 16 th 1782
R d & Advised That acct 8 be drawn on the Treas. for
3510 . . 7 in favor of Col Josiah Waters j r in full of the
within Certificate Jn Avery Secy
Petition of Benjamin Jepson.
To the Hon ble the Senate and Hon ble House of Eepresenta-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court Assembled at Boston February 1782
The Petition of Benjamin Jepson f Humbly Sheweth
T That your petitioner being part Owner of the Sloop called
Pidgeon chartered her to the State for the Expedition against
Penobscot where she was lost for which your pet r has never
received any compensation, your petitioner has been in-
formed that the Executors of Cap 1 Samuel Doggett the other
I
406 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Owner of the said Sloop has Obtained a Grant from this
Hon ble Court for the Ballance due to them. And as the
greatest part of your petitioners Interest is in the hands of
Government he is very much Straitened for money 1"He
humbly prays this Hon ble Court would be pleased to take
his case into consideration, and be pleased to Grant him the
Sum due to him for the Loss and hire of said Sloop
And as in duty bound shall pray &c
Benj a Jepson
Boston Feb y 8 : 1782
In Senate Feb y 8 th 1782
Read & thereupon Ordered, that Aaron Wood Esq r with
such as the Hon ble House shall join be a Committee to take
this Petition into consideration & report what may be proper
to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S. Adams Presi dt
Memorial of Edward Grow.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court assembled Feb 8 th 1782
If The memorial of Edw d Grow in Behalf of the Selectmen
of York Seting forth that he has an ordor on the Treasurer
from Cap 1 Thomas Bragdon in favour of the said Select-men
for the Day of his Rool for himself and the men that Be-
longed to York in the service of this Commonwealth in the
Eastern Department in 1780 and the treasurer thinks
himself orthirized to pay the said order without the Direction
of this Court your memorialist therefore prays that the
treasurer may be directed to pay said ordor and your
memorialist as in Duty Bound Shall Every Pray
Edw d Grow
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 407
Resolve on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb r 11, 1782
on the memorial of Edward Grow In behalf of the Select-
men of York Seting forth that he has an order on the Treas-
urer from Cap 1 Thomas Bragdon in favour of said Selectmen
for the pay of his Roll for himself and the men that belonged
to York who Served in the Eastern Department in the year
1780 as set forth in Said Memorial
Resolved that the Treasurer of this Commonwealth be and
hereby is Directed to pay Said Edward Grow what their is
due to the said Thomas Bragdon and those men made up on
said Roll belonging to the town of York he giving his Rects'
for the same, any Law or Resolve to the Contrary notwith-
standing
Sent up for Concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Febr y 14 th 1782
Read & Concurred with amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
viz at A insert "to be paid in Receipts on the Constables in
the Town of York, out of the last State Tax."
In the House of Representatives Feb. 14, 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on Petition Stephen Hardison.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives February the 9 th 1782
| Upon the Petition of Stephen Hardison and others of a
place in the County of Lincoln at the head of the Township
408 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of New Bristol f Eesolved that the said Stephen Hardison
and the other Petitioners with him be allowed to lay out
upon the Governments Land there a Township by a surveyor
& Chairmen under Oath of Miles Square adjoining
to said New Bristol in the County of Lincoln and to return
a Plan thereof to the general Court as soon as may be that
the same may be taken under Consideration and a grant
thereof made to them & others with such Reservations for
the use of Government upon such Conditions and for such
Consideration as the Court Shall Order.
Stephen Hardison
& ors Report f to lie
Report in re Bootlibay Accounts.
To the Hon ble The Senate, & Hon ble House of Representa-
tives for the Common Wealth of Massachusetts, in Gen-
eral Court Assembled
If May it Please your Honors We the Subscribers being
appointed a Committee by Resolves of this Hon ble Court of
the first of March 1781 and 19 th of Septem r following, to
enquire into the Representation made by the Selectmen of
Boothbay in the County of Lincoln respecting the Treasurers
Acco ts of said Town, &c Beg leave to Report, That we re-
paird to the Town of Boothbay, and have made due enquiry
into the matter, & the Treasurers Book being laid upon us,
we found the Acco ts to have been kept in a very irregular
manner, owing to the mode of Settlement from time to time
Whereupon we proceeded to Examine the Acco ts from the
begining to the end of the Book & have properly Stated &
Adjusted the same, & instead of a large ball ce being due to
the Town as was alledg'd, we find a small ballance of Five
pounds, sixteen shillings & five pence in bills of the old
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 409
Emission in fav r of William M c Cobb Esq r the former
Treasu r We have also directed the Militia Officer to pay
into the Treasury of said Town what fines he may have in
his hands that he has received & has not accounted for, as
he was not at Boothbay when we were there 1 We are with
due Respect your Honors most Obed* Serv ts
Nath 1 Thwing Dum r Sewall John Langdon [ Committee
Boothbay Feb* 9 th 1782
Petition Town of Sanford.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Jan y 1782
To the Hon ble the Senate & Hon ble house of Representatives
in General Court assembled
The Petition of the subscribers inhabitants of the Town
of Sanford in the County of York | Humbly sheweth : that
a number of years ago we settled on lands lying on the East
part of the Town of Sanford then a wilderness upon en-
couragement of some Gentleman that We should have an
opportunity of purchasing of it as soon as it could be divided
& each Proprietor to have his share located which took place
as to some but your Petitioners fall within the location of
about three thousand acres on We are informed belonging
to the late Governor Hutchinson which We then had a pros-
pect of purchasing but found the part He took in Govern-
ment. We Suppose his Estate is confiscated & is become the
property of this Commonwealth And as your Petitioner
has spent many years hard labour and undergone every
hardship in clearing these lands building houses to secure
themselves & families from the inclemency of the weather
and have during the present war paid their proportionable
part of Taxes and Furnished their Quota of men for the War
I
410 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Therefore, We pray that We may have y e liberty of pur-
chasing the lands we have taken up at a moderate price or at
the same price the other Proprietors sold their land of equal
quality adjoyning & that a Committe may be appointed by
Your Honors to view the lands & hear our proposals that We
may have an opportunity of purchasing if our proposals
should meet Your Honors approbation as We doubt not it
will or any other method You may think proper so that We
may have an exclusive right of purchasing & as in duty
bound shall ever pray &c
Jeremiah Eastman, Matthew Laisdel, John Stevens, Jere-
miah Clements, Samuel Cluff, Humphery Whitten, Joseph
Thompson, Levi Hutch ings, W m Parsons, Ebn r Hall, John
Knight, James M Daniel, Benj a Tripe Thomas Kimball
Paul Weston Wm Eastman, Gideon Stone, Joshua Goodridge,
Benja Barnes, Nath 1 Conant, Morgan Lewis
Action on Foregoing Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives Feb y 9 th 1782
Whereas it appears from the Representations of Ebenezer
Hall and other Petitioners Inhabitants of the Town of San-
ford in the County of York that some years ago they settled
upon certain Lands in said Towns which belonged to the late
Governor Hutchinson & have made considerable Improve-
ments thereon in Expectation of obtaining a good Title to
the same Whereas the said Lands are by Confiscation now
become the property of this Commonwealth & the Committee
for selling confiscated Estates in said County are Impowered
to dispose of those Lands as well as other Lands confiscated
to any person or persons indiscriminately And Whereas
the Petitioners have applied to the General Court for an ex-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 411
elusive Eight of purchasing said Lands for a reasonable
Consideration 1 Therefore Kesolved that John Hill Nath 1
Wells, & John Frosts Esq ra be and hereby are appointed a
Committee to make full Enquiry into the Circumstances of
the Settlement of said Lands, Who are hereby directed at
the Request & Expence of the Petitioners to View & Estimate
said Lands at such price as the same would have been worth
in a State of Nature and take or Cause to be taken such Plan
or Plans & prepare such Descriptions thereof as may be
requisite as preparitories to a Grant of the same to the said
Petitioners make Report of their Doings in Consequence of
this Resolve to the General Court as soon as may be And
the said Committee for selling confiscated Estates are hereby
directed to suspend the sale of said Lands and Prosecutions
against the present possessor thereof till the further Order
of the general Court any Law or Resolve to the contrary
notwithstanding
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate March 8 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Nathaniel Shaw to Committee General Court.
Boston February 13, 1782
Gentlemen :
As you are Appointed by the General Court to take into
consideration the Value of my Ship Putnam taken from me
by this State for the Penobscot Expedition, I have now to
inform you that I built the said Ship by Employing the
workmen by the Day, and att a great expence procured the
412 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
whole of the Timber from Fishers Island, which is Prefer-
able to any in this Country and as I intended her for a
Privateer I spared no pains to procure workmen of the best
kind paid them in Provisions at the old Price and upon
Honour I declare to you that she cost very near Sixteen
Thousand pounds and if I had taken Silver Money for the
Provisions I could have got 33 1/3 p r Cent more for them
than I let the workmen have them at, which will make the
Ship amount to Twenty odd Thousand pounds and am sure
I could not at that time have possibly replaced such a ship
for the sum ; when you consider the great price of every kind
of Stores necessary for to equip such a ship for Sea I cannot
believe you will estimate her at less money. She was much
the Largest Ship in the Fleet (except the Warren) and the
best Sailor (att that time I fitted a Brig at Sixteen Six
Pounders and she cost me ten Thousand Pounds) I am in-
formed that this State determine to do justice to all their
Conditions if you are of the same opinion I doubt not but
I shall have justice done me If Col Waters will deliver
you the Inventory of her Stores I have not to add but am
Gentlemen your most Hble Serv 1
Nath 1 Shaw
If P. S. I expect you will enquire the Character &c of
the ship from Col Waters & those persons who were ac-
quainted with the Ship M r Sam 1 Broome M r Jos. Russell &c
Petition of Samuel Leighton.
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled
Humbly Shews f Samuel Leighton of Kittery in the
County of York Guardian to Samuel Shapleigh a Minor of
the age of Sixteen or there abouts. That his said Ward is
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 413
interested in Six Several Lotts of unimproved Land in the
Town of Berwick, each Lott containing one hundred Acres,
& the share of the said Ward, is not more than one Tenth
part of a Lot, That the Minors Interest is continually dimin-
ishing, by loss of the Timber and Wood thereon, and is a
Continual Expence, by reason of Taxes Your Petitioner
therefore Prays that he may be enabled to make Sale of the
said Minor Interest in the same Lands, and to Execute a
Deed of Bargain & Sale thereof to the Purchaser for the
Benefit of the said Minor & as In Duty Bound shall Ever
Pray &c Samuel Leighton Guardian
Kittery Jan y 14 th 1782
It is hereby Certified That at a Probate Court held at
York in said County July 13 th 1779 That Samuel Leighton
of Kittery in said County Esq r was allowed to be Guardian to
Samuel Shapleigh a Minor upward of Fourteen years of age
according to said Minor Choice, & gave Bond with two Se-
curities in 5000 for the faithfull discharge of the Trust.
David Sewall Reg r
From the Information I had from the Guardian of Sam 1
Shapleigh, in Whose Honesty & Integrity, I have great Con-
fidence, I have the greatest Reason to believe the Facts set
forth in his Memorial for the Sale of some small pieces of
Land in Berwick are True, and that unless a speedy disposi-
tion is made of such Scraps The Ward will in a manner loose
the Benefit of them. David Sewall
Feb y 5 th 1782
Action on Foregoing Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb r 18, 1782
on the Petition of Sam 1 Leighton Guardian to Samuel
Shapleigh a minor Praying for liberty to sell s d minors Share
414 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in six Lots of Unimproved Lands Lying in the Town of Ber-
wick for reasons set forth in his Petition,
Kesolved that the said Samuel Leighton in his said capa-
city of Guardian, he and he is herehy Authorized and Im-
powered to sell the said Parsels of Lands for the most the
same will fetch and to give and Execute good and sufficient
Deed or Deeds to the Purchaser or Purchasers, he first giving
Bonds to the Judge of Probate for the County of York that
the moneys arizing from Said Sails shall be Apropriated for
the benefit of said Minor, agreable to Law A
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham, Speaker
In Senate Febr y 21 st 1782
Read & Concurred w th amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S. Adams Presid*
At A insert, "the said Guardian observing the Rules &
Directions of the Law respecting the Sale of real Estates by
Executors and Administrators"
In the House of Representatives Feb y 21, 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in Behalf Cape Elizabeth.
The Committee of Both houses on y e petition of y e In-
habitants of Cape Elizabeth having attended that business
beg leave to report y e following Resolve
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb y 19, 1782
Whereas it appears that in y e valuation, by which, y e
assessment of 4000 Men for y e continental Army, for three
years or during y e war, was appointed on y e several Towns
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 415
in this Commonwealth, according to a Resolve of y e General
Court of y e 2 d of December 1780 ; the Select Men of y e Town
of Cape Elizabeth by some mistake, made return of 100 rate-
able Polls more than in reality belonged to s d Town by which
means an undue proportion of said Men was appointed on
s d Town. And whereas, it appears that y e present circum-
stances of y e said Town are peculiarly distressing, occasioned
by y e great diminuation of its Inhabitants by repeated losses
at Sea, & y e peculiar severity of y e drought y e last Season
therefore f Resolved, that y e Inhabitants of y e Town of
Cape Elizabeth be, & they are hereby exempted from y e pay-
ment of y e average price of y e 18 Men assessed upon them
as their quota of y e Army for three years or during y e War,
also from the payment of y e fine of fifty p r Cent for not
procuring said Men agreable to a Resolve of the General
Court of the 20 th of October last. If And it is further Re-
solved, that Six of y e Eighteen Men assessed on said Town
by ye s d Resolve of y e 2 d of Dec. 1780 be & they are hereby
abated y e s d Inhabitants
And it is further Resolved, that ye said Inhabitants are
permitted to Class themselves for the purpose of procuring
the remaining 12 Men aforesaid on s d Town as aforesaid, in
order to which, y e Resolve of the 26 day of February 1781
for Classing, is hereby received, so far as it Respects y e s d
Town of Cape Elizabeth f And it is further Resolved that
y e Treasurer of this Commonwealth is directed to pay Execu-
tion against the said Inhabitants for y e average price of y e
said 18 men assessed on said Town, with the additional sum
of fifty P r Cent, they paying the Cost of any execution that
may already have been issued against them for said purpose,
anything in s d Resolve of y e 20 th of October last to y e con-
trary notwithstanding provided however that if y e said
Inhabitants shall not procure & deliver to y e Superintendent
appointed to receive them, the remaining 12 Men afores d on
$
416 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
or before y e A day of April next, the said Treasurer is di-
rected to issue his Executions against them for y e average
price of 12 Men for y e Continental Army, with an addi-
tional Sum of fifty p r Cent in manner pointed out in y e said
Kesolve of the 20 th of October last
In Senate Feb 19 1782
Read and accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Feb y 25, 1782
Read & concurred with amendment at A
viz at A insert, 'fifteenth'
Sent up for Concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Feb y 25 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock.
Chas dishing to Gov. Hancock.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To His Excellency John Hancock Esquire Governor and
Commander in Chief &c in and over the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
IMay Please your Excellency If Having just experienced
a fresh instance of your Excellencys favor in my appointment
to the office of Sheriff of the County of Lincoln I take
this opportunity to make my acknowledgments therefor
But am Sorry to Say that my circumstances will not admit
of my executing said office at present as my personal attend-
ance in the County would be necessary in the appointment
of Deputies And being so reduced by my late misfortunes
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 417
that I am rendered unable to be at so great an expence of
time and Money as such a Journay would occasion; while
my Services are needed here in the Support of my Family
Wherefore I beg leave to resign said Sheriffs Office
hoping in your favor that it should hereafter be convenient
for me to return to said County I may again be reappointed
I am with due respect Your Excellencys Most Obed 1
Hum ble Serv*
Chas Gushing
Boston Feb y 19 th 1782
Petition of Lydia Twycross.
Edmund Bridge of Pownalborough in the County of Lin-
coln Esq r
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
To the Honourable the Senate and House of Representatives
The Petition of Lyddia Twycross humbly sheweth that
the House that she and her Husband Lived in took fire in
the Night of October the 23 d 1776 the Wind blowing hard;
And Just as they had got in all their Corn and Stores for
the Winter, the Fire was so rapid that they lost all their
provisions, and allmost every thing they had and left allmost
naked The times were so difficult that we could not Support
our selves and could get no Relief to Cloth us &c My Hus-
band Robard Twycross, on that account was obliged to make
the Best of his way to England to his Honoured Father there
Vis. The Reverand Robard Twycross where he now is:
He has sent for your Petitioner and their Four Children
Viz Roberd Hercet Twycross, Stephen Twycross, Joseph Lee
Twycross, and Samuel Goodwin Twycross, To go to him my
Husband Rob* Twycross, in England: and hath ordered
Money &c at New York for me and my Childrens Support,
27
*
418 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
and passage ; And Money at Hallif ax if I should arrive there
in my Passage to New York Or obtain a passage from Lon-
don; Therefore I most Humbly pray your Excellency, and
Honours to grant me liberty to go to England to my Husband
with our Four Children and Effects about the value of Sixty
Pounds in all and that I may have the liberty of geting a
Vessel and Flagg Navigated by Three or Four Men to carry
me to New York by the way of Baguaduce and Hallif ax if
I could not get a passage from one of them places or to go by
Land which I can obtain most Conveniently and that your
Excellency and Honours would be pleased to grant that my
Husband my Self and Children may Return to New England
again in pase and safty: and I farther, most Humbly pray
your Excellency, and Honours, to grant leave that my
Honoured Father Samuel Goodwin Esq r may go with me and
Children, to obtain a passage and see me and Children on
Bord som good Ship bound to London: with Necessaries for
the Voige, and that he may then return to his Family again
in Pase and safety : and that I may carry a Woman for help.
All which Requests your Most Humble petitionar Prays your
Excellency and Honours to grant, and as in duty bound
shall ever pray
Lydia O Twycross
Pownalborough February 21 th 1782
Resolve on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives April 1782
On the Petition of Lydia Twycross praying that she may
have liberty to go to England to her husband Robert Twy-
cross &c If Resolved that the prayer of s d Petition be so far
granted, that the said Lydia Twycross have liberty to go to
Bagaduce in the first Flagg of Truce and take with her her
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 419
four Children mentioned in s d Petition (viz) Robert Herect
Twycross, Stephen Twycross, Joseph Lee Twycross & Samuel
Goodwin Twycross & such Articles only as may be Judged by
the Select Men of Pownalborough Necessary for their Pas-
sage, and that the said Lydia do not return again without
the Liberty of the General Court of this Commonwealth.
Affidavit of Sam 1 Goodwin Jr.
I Sam 1 Goodwin Jun r of Pownalborough in the County of
Lincoln testify and say that some time last fall, a Hessian
Deserter from Baggaduce came to my house, and afterwards
went from my house to M r Francis Rittals a Neighbour of
mine and soon after s d M r Rittal being at my house We
entered into some Conversation concerning the said Deserter
M r Rittal told me that he advised him to return again to
Baggaduce, and advised him to apply to one Doctor Shaeffer
to write a Letter for him to his Major The said Rittal
further said that he told the said Deserter that if he Went
among the Daimrd Rebels he would have nothing but Shad
& Potatoes He further told me that he told the said De-
serter that one of his Country men lived with one Sewall a
Tanner, and that Sewall kept him so poor that he got Lame
in one of his hands, and then run away, & lived with Doctor
Theobald and from thence went to Baggaduce I fur-
ther say that I have often heard M r Rittal express himself
against the American Cause and those who supported it, with
great bitterness
Sam 1 Goodwin Jun r
Lincoln Ss. Feb y 21, 1782
M r Samuel Goodwin Jun r above-named personally ap-
peared and made Oath to the Truth of the aforewritten
Deposition by him subscribed 1 before me
Jon. Bowman Just peace
420 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Affidavit Joseph North.
I Joseph North of Lawful age Testify and say that a
special Court was holden in the County of Lincoln before
James Howard Esq r and your Deponant, one John Jones,
was upon trial, as a person Enemical to the Libertys of Amer-
ica S d Jones Evidences was Entertained at one Frances
Rittals (he being an inn holder) the Evidences for the State
was Reffused Entertainment the said Evidences made
Complaint to the Court and Requested them to adjourn to
another town. Said Rittals General Character is that of
an Enemical Person, it is my opinion that General Wads-
worths Exertions were vastly Beneficial to this Country,
from the threats of our internal Enemies ; and the Recapture
of Brigadier Gushing, the Friends of America was Dis-
heartened and Discouraged from Doing their Duty Least
they should have their iiitrest Distroyed By Fire or their
Persons Captivated after Rittal and others were secured
the Face of things was Changed Furthermore it is my opin-
ion that said Rittal House is not Farther than ten miles
from the Sea Coast, that is to say where the Land is open
to the ocean.
Joseph North
T Lincoln Ss Feb. 20 A D 1783
Then the within Named Joseph North made Oath to the
truth of the within Declarations by him subscribed Before
me
Ezekiel Pattee Justice of Peace.
Affidavit of William Howard.
I william Howard of Lawfull age testify and say that the
General Character of Frances Rittal of Pownalborough is
that he is an Enemie to this Country and associates himself
with Suspitious Persons att the time said Rittal was taken
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 421
up by Cap 1 McLellan our internal Enemies Bore such sway
that they threatened the Friends to this Commonwealth with
Captivity which intimidated the officers from Performing
their Duty But after said Rittal and others was taken up
our internal Enemies was Frustrated in their Plans and
Government went on as usual and its my opinion By puting
Martial Law in force the Greater Service has Been Done to
this Country Especialy at that time
William Howard.
Lincoln Ss Feb r 20 th A D 1783
Then the within Nam'd William Howard made oath to
the Truth of the within Declaration by him Subscribed.
Before me
Ezekiel Pattee Justice of Peace
Pownalboro 20 th Feb y 1782
Sir,
I have been to M r Bowmans in order to give my Deposi-
tion in the affair between your Father & M r Rittal, I dont
Chuse to say any thing about it in that way, but will write to
Some of the members of the Court which will be of Eaquel
Service to the Cause f I am Sir your hum 1 Serv*
Sam Goodridge
Resolve in Favor EzeJciel Pattee.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In y e house of Representatives Feb y 22, 1782
Whereas it appears that Ezekiel Pattee Esq r of Winslow
in y e County of Lincoln in order to preserve y e peace of that
& y e neighbouring settlements, did at y e united request of a
Member of y e penobscut Indians & a french priest who re-
'
422 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
sides amongst them supply y e s d Indians with a quantity of
provisions the last Winter for which he has heen able to
obtain no satisfaction from y e s d Indians therefore 1[ Re-
solved, that y e Treasurer of this Commonwealth be & he is
hereby directed to issue Receipts on the Collectors of s d
Town of Winslow in favour of the said Pattee for the Sum
of sixteen pounds six shillings & ten pence half penny to be
paid out of the last tax assessed on said Town as their quota
of three hundred thousand pounds granted & assessed on y e
Inhabitants of said Commonwealth which when received by
y e said Pattee Shall be a full satisfaction for the provisions
supplied y e Indians as aforesaid
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate March 8 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S. Adams, Presid 1
Appro v'd John Hancock
Postmaster General to Samuel Freeman, Esq r
Phil a Feb ry 25 th 1782
Sir:
Congress having honored me with an appointment to the
Office of Post Master General, it has become my Duty to
rectify such Things in the Department as are amiss, some
of which have been long continued contrary to my Judgment
and Remonstrances. Amongst these is the Post from Ports-
mouth to Falmouth, which is very expensive, and produces
nothing worth mentioning. I am therefore under a Neces-
sity of discontinuing him after the Expiration of the present
Quarter, unless the Inhabitants upon his Route will subscribe
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 423
(& satisfactorily secure the Payment of) so far as, with
the Postage, will defray the Expence Mr. Libbey has
Directions accordingly f I am, Sir, Your very hum 1 Serv*
Serv*
Eben Hazard
Mr Hall is desired to return this
Superscribed: Samuel Freeman Esq r Post Master at Fal-
mouth
Petition Tlios Rice in Behalf County Lincoln.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Hon ble the Senate & House of Representatives in Gen-
eral Court Assembled
If Your Petitioner begs the attention & Indulgence of your
Honors, while he endeavours to state the peculiar & dis-
tressing Circumstances of the County of Lincoln. The In-
habitants from their first settlement, which is of late Date,
to the beginning of the present War, employed themselves
chiefly in the Fishery & Lumber Business, for the Support
of themselves & payment of Taxes and but very little culti-
vated their Lands. At the Commencement of the present
War, when Men were called for to compose a Continental
Army, this County, being then no more exposed to the Rav-
ages of the Enemy than many other Parts of the Common-
wealth, readily sent more than their Quota into the Field,
many of whom have never yet returned. In the year 1779
the Enemy took Possession of Penobscott in the Heart of
the County, and hold it to this Day. This step has at once
put the Inhabitants, eastward of them, into their Power,
and exposed those to the westward, in said County, to every
Depredation they were disposed to make The Advantages
in their Power, they have industriously improved, nearly all
424 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
our Coasting Vessels & fishing Boats have fell into their
Hands, a very considerable part of our rateable Property,
and the principal Means of Support & Payment of Taxes.
Many of our Houses they have robbed or burn'd and, carried
off much of the Stocks of Cattle & Sheep. Tis the Opinion
of your Petitioner, that at least three Quarters of the Settle-
ments in this County, are made on the Sea-Shore, Bays &
navigable Rivers, accessible to the Enemy in their Ships &
Boats ; this Circumstance so advantageous to the Enemy, has
kept the People under constant Fears, frequent Alarms, &
expensive Watching, f The uncommon scarcity of Bread
that happened two years since, drained the Inhabitants of
the little Silver they had, they then having nothing else that
would procure it. Large Quantities of Masts Sparrs & other
Lumber, procured at great Expence, has for several years
been decaying on our Shores for want of Opportunity to
export them. The most severe Drought happened in this
County the last Summer, that has been known since its first
settlement, by it every Produce of the Earth was greatly
diminished, and many of the Inhabitants now destitute of
Bread without any prospect how to procure it. The County
thus circumstanced ( viz destitute of money & the means of
procuring it) The Farms in it, by no means sufficient to
afford the Necessaries of Life in the best seasons, and the
little they commonly produce greatly diminished by the severe
Drought & swarms of Worms large Quantities of Lumber
decaying on the Landings Coasting Vessels & fishing Boats
nearly all taken or destroyed and the Enemy holding a
strong Post in the Heart of the County, and on those ac-
counts the People greatly in arrears as to many of the
Requisitions of Government, it being impossible to comply
with them under such peculiar Distresses, your Petitioner
most earnestly entreats your Honors to take the singular
Case of said County into your wise Consideration, and in-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 425
stead of demanding Brick in full tail without furnishing
the necessary straw, a thought, I know your Honors abhor,
to grant us relief, by ordering a suspension of the Demands
of Government for Beef, Cloathing & Men, for the Conti-
nental Army, and a part of the State Taxes, untill the further
Order of the General Court, or untill the Enemy shall be
removed from Penobscott, and we put on the same footing
with the other parts of the Commonwealth, and in the mean
Time that we may be permitted to raise some Men as in the
last Season, for the Defence of our sea-Coast, or otherwise
relieve said County as to your Wisdom shall seem meet, and
your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c
Tho 8 Eice
in behalf of the County of Lincoln
In Senate Feb y 26 th 1782-
Read & thereupon Order'd that Tho 8 Durfee & Jon a Green-
leaf Esq rs with such as the Honorable House shall join, be a
Committee to take this Petition into Consideration & make
report
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives Feb: 26, 1782
Read & concurred & Gen 1 Lovell M r Lithgow & M r Ely are
joined Nath Gorham Speaker
Resolve on Treasury Notes.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb y 28 th 1782
Resolved that the Notes which the Treasurer is directed
to give by a Resolve passed January 25 th 1782 : on the Peti-
tion of Colonell Paul Revere & others be funded & issued
I
426 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
according to the Act of this State passed in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty two entituled an
Act to empower the Treasurer to receive Government Securi-
ties on Loan to the Amount of eight hundred thousand
Pounds
Sent up for concurrence
Nathaniel Gorham, Speaker
In Senate March 7 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S. Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock.
Resolve on Confiscated Estates.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb y 28, 1782
Resolved, That the Committee for Selling confiscated
Estates in the County of Cumberland be, and they are hereby
directed to suspend the sale of any lands in said County until
the further order of the General Court.
Sent up for concurrence
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
In Senate March 8 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S. Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Petition of Larkin Thorndike.
To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives in
General Court assembled
the Petition of Larkin Thorndike humbly Sheweth
If That your Petitioner Being part owner of the ship Black
prince & Defence Privateers Lost at the Expedition at
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 427
penobscott & having Rec d now part of s d Ships that your peti-
tioner having met with misfortunes at Sea which has reduced
him of allmost the whole of his trading stock Exclusive
of what he hath all Ready loaned to this Commonwealth &
having made a pirchas of some Lands belonging to the Estate
of John Lendell Bowland Esq r absentee & finding it allmost
impossible to raise the money to pay for it beg that you would
lake into Consideration your petitioner situation & grant that
as he is willing to Loan two hundred pounds part of the
money Dew to him from the Common wealth for his part of
the Ship Black prince & Defence Lost at the Expedition at
penobscutt which is abought six hundred pounds Lawfull
money the other four hundred may be allowed for the pay-
ment of the above mentioned Lands or that my Bond may
be taken for the four hundred pounds for one year trusting
therefore to the Clemency of the Honorable the Senate &
house of Representatives he humbly submiting this petition
to their wise consideration hoping they will find the reason
in it sufficient to grant his request & he will in duty bound
ever pray
Larkin Thorndike
Beverly Feb r 28 th 1782
Joshua Thomas to Governor.
May it please your Excellency,
If Enclosed are the Proceedings of a Gen 1 Court Martial,
held on the 19 th instant by your Excellencys Orders, for the
Tryal of Lut: Col Paul Revere, f Indisposition & some
little Matters of Business, to which I was under the most
indispensable Obligations to pay an immediate Attention,
have prevented my furnishing your Excellency with a Copy
of the Proceedings and Judgement of said Court Martial
I
428 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
earlier than this Day. If I am, with every Sentiment of
Respect, your Excellency's most Obedient, and very humble
Servant Joshua Thomas
Boston 28 th Feb y 1782
Proceedings of Court Martial in Case of Paul Revere.
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
At a General Court-Martial, held at Boston on the 19 th
Day of Feb y , instant by virtue of the Orders of his Excel-
lency John Hancock Esq r Governor & Commander in chief
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for the Trial of
Lieu 1 Col Paul Revere of the Corps of Artillery late belong-
ing to this State, touching his Behaviour as an Officer when re-
treating from Major Bagwaduce. ^Members If Brigadier Gen 1
Warham Parks President *[ John Ashley Jun. Seth Gushing
Seth Washburn Gideon Burt Eben r Battle Charles Gushing
Joseph Webb Lieu 1 Col John May Major Cap 18 Edward
Farmer Eben r Mattoon J. B. Vernum Thompson J Skinner
Joshua Thomas Judge Advocate If The Members being duely
sworn, and the Judge Advocate being also sworn, the follow-
ing charges against Lieu Dt Col Paul Revere were read.
If "For his refusing to deliver a certain Boat to the Order of
General Wadsworth when upon the Retreat up Penobscot
River from Major Begwaduce." f "For his Leaving Penob-
scot River without Orders from his Commanding Officer."
If In Support of the first charge was the Deposition of Gen-
eral Wadsworth. General Wadsworth deposed, "that upon
the Retreat of the Army up Penobscot River, a small
Schooner having on Board the greatest Part of the Provisions,
was then in the Strength of the Tide, drifting down on the
Enemy, that it was in vain that a Number of Boats were
ordered to tow her across the Stream, and with much Diffi-
culty that a Boat was got off to take out her Crew, that in
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 429
endeavouring this, he was directly opposed by Lieu nt Col
Revere, who said, that he (the General) had no Eight to
command either him or the Boat, and gave Orders to the
contrary. The Boat, however, went off to the Schooner.
The General further deposes, that the Reason Lieu nt Col
Eevere assigned for refusing the Boat was, that he had all
his private Baggage at Stake, & asked who would thank him
for loosing that, in attempting to save the Schooner to the
State ? f Touching the Second Charge, Cap* Perez Cushing
deposed, "that upon the Retreat up Penobscot River, Col
Revere to whose Corps he belonged, left him on the Bank of
the River, promising to return in a few Minutes, that he
continued there with about forty men he had collected, ex-
pecting the Return of Col Revere, from 5 Clock till near
dark ; but saw Nothing of Col Revere, untill he got to Ken-
nebeck River, that Col Revere had an Oppertunity of
giving Orders to him and the Men before he & they left
Penobscot River, if he had inclined to, but did not." If No
other material Evidence being adduced to support the
Charges against Lieu nt Col Revere, he was called upon to
make his Defence. If Lieu* Col Revere acknowledged his
Refusal to deliver the Boat mentioned above to the Order of
Gen 1 Wadsworth, but observed that the Refusal was made on
a sudden and he immediately recollecting that Gen 1 Wads-
worth was his Superior Officer, delivered the Boat, and she
was employed in the Business Ordered by the General If Re-
specting the second Charge, Col Revere observed, that the
whole Army was then in a State of Confusion, that he him-
self came off in company with the Gen 1 Officers, and received
the same Orders to leave Penobscot River, as the other Com-
manding Officers of Corps. If Cap* Amos Lincoln testified
"to the good Conduct of Col Revere in general, that he was
Judicious, calm, vigilant, and attentive to the Object of the
Expedition, f The same Facts were deposed by Lieutenants
- *
430 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Phillips and M c lntyer. fLu* Col Revere having closed
his Defense, the Court after maturely deliberating on the
whole Evidence, proceeded to make up Judgement as follows.
IThe Court find the first Charge against Lut Col Paul
Revere to be supported (to wit) his refusing to deliver a cer-
tain Boat to the Order of Gen 1 Wadsworth when upon the
Retreat up Penobscot River from Major Begaviduce;" but
the Court taking into Consideration the Suddenness of the
Refusal, and more especially, that the same Boat was in fact
employed by Lut Col Revere to effect the Purpose ordered
by the General, as appears by the General's Deposition ; are
of Opinion, that Lut Col Paul Revere be acquited of this
Charge. | On the Second Charge, the Court considering,
that the whole Army was in great Confusion, and so scattered
and dispersed, that no regular Orders were or could be given,
are of Opinion, that Lut: Col Revere be acquited with
equal Honor as the other Officers in the same Expedition.
^ A true Copy from the Minutes
Attest: J. Thomas
Judge Advocate
I approve of the opinion of the Court Martial as stated
in the foregoing Report
John Hancock.
Resolve in Behalf County of Lincoln.
The Committee of both Houses to whom was committed
the Petition & Memorial of y e Hon ble Thomas Rice Esq r &
others respecting the County of Lincoln ask leave to report
the following Resolve
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Representatives March 7 th 1782
If Whereas it appears from the petition & Memorial of the
Hon ble Thomas Rice Esquire, & others, in behalf of the In-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 431
habitants of the County of Lincoln, that the said Inhabitants
from various causes mentioned in said Petitions, are reduced
to a situation peculiarly distressing ; but more especially from
their being constantly exposed to the ravages & depredations
of the Enemy ; therefore, f Resolved, that One hundred effec-
tive Men including non Commissioned Officers be immediate-
ly raised by voluntary inlistment in the County of Lincoln
for the immediate defence of the same to continue in the
service of said Commonwealth untill the first day of Dec r
next unless sooner discharged; that said Troops shall be
properly armed & equipped ; that they shall compose 2 Com-
panies of 50 Men each including non Commissioned Officers ;
that when raised they shall be on the Continental Establish-
ment in every respect ; that the whole shall be commanded by
a Field Officer; that they "shall be mustered by the muster
Master hereafter to be appointed, & Officered by the Governor
& that they shall be employed as ranging Companies within
said County & be under the direction of the Governor, who is
hereby empowered, by & with the advice of Council to order
the said Troops or any part of them in cases of emergency to
march into any part of the Counties of York, Cumberland, &
Lincoln f And it is further Resolved that the Officer who
shall be appointed to command s d Men be & he is hereby
appointed to muster the said Troops & pay them the Bounties
hereafter granted by this Resolve, f And as a further en-
couragement to such persons as may be disposed to inlist in
said Service in defence of their Country & the Persons &
property of themselves & neighbours it is further ^fResolv'd
that a Bounty of three pounds p r man in specie shall be al-
lowed & paid to each non Commissioned Officer & private
Soldier who shall inlist in said service, on his passing muster,
& for the immediate procurement of a Sum of Money ade-
quate to s d purpose, it is further Resolved that the Sum of
three hundred Pounds be assessed on the several Towns &
J
432
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
plantations within the s d County in the following proportions
agreable to the
last valuation Viz 1 on the Town
of
Pownalborough
23
8
103/4
Georgetown
28
8
103/4
Newcastle
17
15
2 %
Woolwich
18
10
1/4
Topsham
14
11
O*%l
Pittston
8
5
41/1
Winthrop
9
5
4%
Vassalborough
8
18
5%
Winslow
8
15
5%
Bristol
26
18
3%
S* Georges
10
18
4%
Warren
8
7l/ 2
Thomaston
8
7 1 /2
Howardstoii
2
18
5%
Lewiston
3
17
9%
Balltown
1
18
103/ 4
Wales
19
5%
ISTorridgwalk
1
17
43/4
Sterlington
1
12
434
Bath
13
15
3
Bowdoinham
9
16
4%
Hallowell
12
19
5i/ 4
Booth-bay
13
15
3
Waldoborough
19
9
1%
Edgecomb
13
19
113/ 4
Medumcook
2
11
101/4
Walpole
3
11
4
Total 300 .._.._
If And it is further Resolved that the Select Men and As-
sessors of the several Towns & plantations aforesaid are here-
by required without delay to assess their several Towns &
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 433
Plantations in the sums set against them respectively in the
above Schedule & make return of said Assessments to the
Treasurer of the said County on or before the 15 th day of
April next & issue their warrants to the Constables or Col-
lectors their respective Towns or plantations requiring them
to pay the sums respectively committed to them to collect to
the said Treasurer on or before the 10 th day of May next who
in case of delinquency in any Constable or Collector in not
paying in the sum or sums committed to him or them to col-
lect as aforesaid is hereby empowered & directed to issue his
Execution or Executions against them in manner provided
by law in case of delinquency in collecting County taxes.
Tf And it is further Resolved that the said Treasurer is di-
rected to pay the Sums by him received in pursuance of this
Resolve to the said Muster Master taking his receipts there-
for, for the expenditure of which the said Muster Master
Shall be accountable.
And it is further Resolved that the said Muster Master is
empowered & directed to pay to each non Commissioned Offi-
cer & Soldier aforesaid the bounty to which they are respec-
tively entitled by this Resolve on their passing Muster taking
duplicate Receipts therefor one of which to be lodged in the
Secretarys Office f And it is further Resolved that the Several
Towns & plantations aforesaid are exempted from raising any
part of their respective quotas of 1500 men for the Continental
Army, assessed on the several Towns & plantations within
this Commonwealth by a resolve of the first day of March
current. T[And it is further Resolved that the demand for
Men for the army agreable to s d requisition of the General
Court of y e s d day of Dec r 1780 so far as it respects the said
Towns & plantations is suspended untill the further Orders
of the General Court, provided, notwithstanding that such
Men as have been raised by any of the said Towns & Planta-
tions by Virtue of the last mentioned Resolve shall be held
28
I
434 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
to join the Army as tho' this Resolve had never passed.
T And Whereas it is absolutely necessary for the good of the
Service that the said Troops should have an early constant
& adequate Supply of provisions & warlike Stores, it is there-
fore further Resolved that on application made by the Com-
manding Officer aforesaid to the Commissary General of this
Commonwealth for provision & warlike stores for the use of
the Troops under his Command the said Commissary is di-
rected to lay such application before the General Court if
sitting that such order may be taken thereon as may by said
Court be deemed expedient and if any such application
should be made to the said Commissary General during the
recess of the General Court he is directed to lay the same
before the Governor & Council & the Governor is requested
to issue such immediate Orders to the said Commissary Gen-
eral for procuring & forwarding such Articles of provision
or warlike Stores or any part thereof to said County as he
with the advice of Council may from time to time judge
expedient for the good of the Service which Supplies shall
be charged to the United States.
And it is further Resolved that the Agent of this Common-
wealth is directed to procure & forward to said Commanding
Officer as soon as may be five good Whale Boats for the use
of said Troops & that the same be charged to the United
States and if the said Agent should judge it expedient to
procure said Boats or any of them in the Counties of Lincoln
or Cumberland the Treasurer of said Commonwealth directed
to issue his receipts or any of the Constables or Collectors of
said Counties respectively in favour of such person or per-
sons with whom the said Agent may contract for the purpose
aforesaid to the amount of the Sum or Sums so contracted for
if the said Agent shall judge it expedient the said Agent
procuring a Warrant Agreable to the Constitution there-
fore
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 435
And whereas it is probable that the Beef collected for the
use of the Continent in the County of Cumberland may be
wanted for the use of the Troops to be raised by this or any
subsequent Resolve in the Eastern Counties it is therefore
further Resolved the said Beef be retained in said County
untill the further Order of the General Court any resolve to
the contrary notwithstanding and the Agent for the said
County is directed to secure the same in some place of safety
any Resolve to the contrary notwithstanding If And it is
further Resolved that if any of the Select Men or Assessors
of the said Towns or plantations shall neglect to make the
Assessments required by this Resolve or shall neglect to make
return of the same as afores d they shall respectively forfeit
& pay to the use of this Commonwealth the Sum of fifty
pounds to be recovered by action of debt by such person as
the General Court may hereafter appoint for s d purpose
f And it is further resolved that the Secretary be directed to
procure twenty seven printed Copies of this Resolve, and to
take the earliest Opportunity to forward one, to each Town
& Plantation in said County.
In Senate March 7 th 1782
Read & sent down S Adams Presid 4
In the House of Representatives March 7, 1782
Read and accepted
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham, Speaker
In Senate March 7, 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid*
1 at A insert, agreable to a Resolve of Congress
In the House of Representatives March 7, 1782
Read & concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
I
436 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve Relating to Losses of Towns.
Resolve, directing the Selectmen of those Towns where the
Enemy have made depredations, to cause an account thereof
to be transmitted to the Secretarys office, pass'd March 8 th
1782 f "Resolve, that the Selectmen of those Towns within
this Commonwealth wherein the enemy have made wanton
destruction of property, be, & they hereby are required, to
cause to be transmitted to the Secretary's Office, within sixty
days from the date hereof, a fair and just return of the dam-
age thereby done, which damage, particularly that to real
property) is to be ascertained by the affidavits of people of
known good character, & if possible to be accompanied with
a. short recital of the conduct of the enemy in each trans-
action."
Account of Damage done by the Enemy to the Inhabitants
in the several Towns in this Commonwealth taken agree-
able to Resolve of the General Court pass'd 8 th March 1782
Viz 1
Boston- - County of Suffolk 323,074.. 14.. 6
Dorchester D 2,273.. 17.. 10
Falmouth County of Cumberland 54,741.. 19..-
Total 380,090.. 11.. 4
Col. Allan to the Governor.
Machias March 8 th 1782
Sirs
I had the Honour of Writing Your Excellency a few days
Ago by a French Gentleman Expecting by this Time to have
been able to have Compleated a General State of Matters in
this Department, but Continuing very Unwell, will Also I
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 437
fear prevent it by this Oppertunity 1 This will be delivered
your Excellency By Lieut. DeLesdernier, who I have Im-
powered to Transact the Business of the Department in Bos-
ton, & who will receive any Orders or Commands that may
be thot necessary 1 The Great discontent which took place
Among the Indians Last Summer, in not having Necessary
Supplys, & the Trade not being in a Manner: Agreeable to
their Expectations, withdrew to the Eiver S* Johns, where
every Step has been taken & means used to detain them,
what their Detirmination is, is still Unknown But shall
proceed Amoung them as soon as the Season will permit.
It appears by the manner in which Any Supplys have
lately Come, is perticularly confined to the Post of Mechias,
and As it has been Generaly thro necessity the Head Quarters
it Look'd upon to be the principal object in the Indian
Business This was verry Foreign from my Intentions,
as the place itself is noways Calculated for Indians, being
destitute of Fishing, Fowling and Hunting it Never was
Intended, only as a Temporary retreat for them, Always In-
tending to remove Eastward when the country was in a State
of Security & safety, For the Comfort & Satisfaction of the
Indians, as well as Advantageous & more profitable for the
States, & woud Also Secure a Great Extent of Country with
an Open Communication to Nova Scotia & Canada all which
Government has been Acquainted with
Matters being thus Confind to Mechias, The Troops for
the Indian Business Under my Command being Continued
at the Post, and the Injunction upon myself in a Military
Capacity, retards & obstructs the Original Business Orderd
by Congress, of Securing the Indian Interest. As the State
of the Country now is & has been for some time past. The
Militia being properly Organized & under the Command of
Men of Undoubted Abilitys, there needs not more then a
Subalterns or a Non Commission d Officer's Command for the
438 DOCUMENTABY HISTOEY
Care of the Fort from this the Expence for the sole care
of this Post as nothing can be done with Indians for want of
Necessarys & payment for men Is Burthensom & Unprofitable
to the States, And thro this Channell Under coular of the
Indian Department I find many Matters has been obtained
from Governm 1 & Resolves & Orders passd unbeknown to me,
must Request for the future, nothing may be Allowed with-
out a Certificate as my Intention is to use as much Economy
as possible I have made a Practice during the Agency to
make Alterations when necessary and never Allow'd more in
Office, or for a Longer time then was necessary for the busi-
ness Intended. The department was of such a nature that
nothing permanent coud be Established Tf I have there-
fore to Acquaint Your Excellency that if not Otherways
ordered I purpose moveing Immediately near to the River
S l Croix, the Boundrys between the Province of main and
Acadia where the Indians have agreed to joyn me, By which
I shall be more Able with Less Expence to Negociate the
Business orderd by Congress, will be the means of stoping
the Enemy in pursuing their design of securing those parts
they having Erected another Eort on S* Johns River for the
purpose with many other advanges and must request that
the Post of Mechias be not Considered as Concernd in said
Business The whole is so triffleing at present, I thot it
prudent as far as my authority Extended to Reduce the Staff
department & others not Usefull For my Business I
shall want the men which I have Retaind with me, as well
as some necessary Artickles from the Fort which may be
easily spared I have also sent a memorial to your Excel-
lency and the Honorable Court for some supplys & assistance,
to Enable me to prosicute the business, this with the Troops
pay Roll I must Earnestly pray & request may be attended
to with all speed and Assistance Granted as soon as possible
I 1 must Also Inform your Excellency that there is several
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 439
privateers Commissions this way under the Sanction of
which Quantity of Rum & other matters are conveyd to Nova
Scotia and Bagaduce and an Illicite Trade Open d & Counti-
nenced by Numbers in the Country f After the Spring
business with the Indians is accomplished must agen Solicite
Your Excellency s Indulgence to Grant me Liberty of Ab-
sence to Go Westward as I have not settled any Account
since the begining of Last Year, Expecting to go up & not
Chusing to Trust my Accounts any more without my At-
tendence Mr DeLesdernier, who has been Constant with me
in every transaction with Indians, will acquaint Your Ex-
cellency of any matter respecting the Affairs of this Country
1 1 have the Honour to Be with very Great Eespect f Your
Excellencys most obd & Devoted Hble
J Allan
Petition of John Allan.
Indian Eastern Department
To the Hono ble Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If The Petition of John Allan Continental Agent for In-
dian Affairs in the Eastern Department Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioner having at present the direction of
the Indian Affairs in the Eastern Department Under the
Authority of the want of every Necessary for the Purpose
| The Principle part of the Indians being at present drawn
away to S* Johns, it will Require a Speedy Assistance, that
an early Excursion may be made to Secure their Interests
as every Step will be taken on S fc Johns and from Canada to
detain them in the British Interest ^fMechias being No
Ways Calculated for Indians & their Constant Attendence
Not Necessary at that Place, Their Inclination being where
440 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Fish, Fowls &c, Can be procured, which Must Greatly Reduce
Any Expence Your Petitioner Intends immediately to re-
move up a River at Passamaquody, where he hopes By the
Blessings of Providence to Keep a Great part of them in
Interest f Therefore your Petitioner, Humbly Requests
that your Honours woud be pleased to Grant, & Order to be
immediately Delivered to Lieutenant Lewis Fred k De Les-
dernier, for the use of the Indian Business, Itself, Two
Months Rations for Twenty five persons Employed in the
Service, Four Barrils of Powder 1600 wh 4 of Shott &
Ball, 1000 Flints, One Hh d Tobacco, One pipe small Wine,
One Hh d Rum & Ten Good felling Axes, As Also the Sum of
Two Hundred pounds for Contingencys & payment of other
small Debts Contracted Your Petitioner further Prays
that your Excellency & Honours woud be pleased to Grant
Some Indian Corn and one Hh d of Molases for the Use of
Indians when call'd together, & other necessary Demands in
the course of the Business that cannot be Evited Tf The
whole Humbly submited to the Ditermination of the Honor-
able Court Bye
J Allan
Machias Commonwealth of Massachusetts March 8 th 1782
Stephen Jones to the Governor.
Machias March 9 th 1782
Sir
Some late proceedings of Colonel Fosters, who was Com-
manding Officer of the Sixth Regiment of Militia in the
County of Lincoln, haveing touched my honour in a most
sensible manner, Am under the necessity of applying to your
Excelency for Redress. Colonel Foster Issued Summonses
on the Sixth of November last, to the Captains & Subalterns
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 441
of the Eegiment to meet on the twenty first of the Same
month, to Elect the Field officers of the Eegiment. Twelve
officers met on the day appointed, and having no persons
present (but the Electors) to influence them in there de-
liberations, they proceeded to the Election, and Alexander
Campbell Esq r , had twelve votes for Colonel, I had Eleven
Votes for Lieutenant Colonel, and M r Jabez Simpson Seven
votes for Major We were declared by the moderator to be
duly elected, and notified by him of our appointment and we
certified to him our acceptance. About two months after-
wards Colonel Foster told the Moderator that he had received
a letter from Colonel Campbell, in which was inclosed a
letter from Lieu* Bane, of Frenchman's Bay Company,
wherein he complains that he and Lieu 1 Clark, of the Same
Company, did not receive there Summonses Seasonably enough
to attend the meeting, and that they and several more of the
Inhabitants of Frenchmans Bay, were displeased with M r
Simpsons being appointed major, but at the same time ex-
pressed there entire satisfaction in Colonel Campbells and
my appointment. Colonel Foster and a few other persons
here, being some what disapointed in my haveing the Lieut
Colonelcy, he was glad to catch at any thing where there was
the least prospect of throwing me out and for that purpose
Issued new Summonses to the Captains and Subalterns to
meet on the sixth Instant, to enquire into the legality of the
meeting on the twenty first of November, and if they should
consider it to be Illegal, then for them to Chuse a Colonel,
Lieut Colonel and Major. Ten legal officers met on the day
appointed, but it being Kany and they expecting three offi-
cers more, waited untill the next day about twelve oclock,
when the three officers expected arrived, They then formed
themselves into a body, Chose a Moderator and without ever
making any regular enquiery (after being embodyed) into
the legality of the former meeting, they proceeded to
I
442 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
chuseing Field officers, and made Choice of Colonel Campbell
again for Colonel, Captain Jeremiah Obrian had nine votes
for Lieut Colonel and Captain Joseph Wallis, eight votes for
Major, and they were declared to be elected, it appeared to
me and others that were present, that every artifice was used
by Colonel Foster, his adjutant, and Several others, to in-
fluence and prejudice the minds of the Electors against me,
whereby the freedom of Election, was in a great measure de-
stroyed, but Several of my friends, as well as my self, Con-
sidered the whole of the proceedings from the Issueing of the
last Summons, to the disolution of the meeting, to be wholly
Illegal, therefore made no opposition. We were of oppinion
that the whole was a piece of artifice, to give an opertunity to
create a division, in order to have some plea for a new Elec-
tion, of all the Field officers, it apears to us that Colonel
Foster had no right, or authority, to order an enquiery to be
made into the legality of the first meeting, the only objec-
tion they had against the legality of it, was Lieu* Bane &
Clarks not being notified in season to attend, and that matter
we thought ought to have been referred to your Excelency's
decision I have at Captain Talbot's Request inclosed a
Coppy of his reasons of disent against the legality of the first
meeting. We that are agreed, appeal to your Excelency,
Wheither Beans, & Clarks, not being notified in season, can
destroy the legality of the first meeting, there being more
than half the officers of the Regiment present and Lieut
Bean & Clark had expressed an entire satisfaction in the two
first officers of the Regiment. We also desire to submit to
your decision wheither Colonel Foster had any legal Author-
ity to Summons the last meeting, and require the officers to
decide upon the legality of the first meeting, as they were all
parties Concerned, and wheither they could when assembled,
lawfully proceed to a new election of Field officers. If the
first meeting was legal, I shall expect my Commission, but
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 443
if it was not, Shall depend on your Excelencys giving such
orders and directions respecting the matter as shall be agree-
able to the laws, and Consistent with our Eights and privi-
ledges. Tf I have not the honour of being Personaly acquainted
with your Excelency, and Should you desire to know any
particulars respecting my character, and abilities, you may
inform yourself by inquireing of Colo Hichborn and John
Coffin Jones Esq r of Boston
If I beg your Excelencys pardon for troubling you with so
long a letter, which I should not have done, had not I appre-
hended that the Electors Rights and priviledges were in-
fringed, as well as my own f I have the honnour to be
your Excellency's ^ Most Obedient Humble Serv*
Stephen Jones
P. Talbot to the Governor.
His Excelency John Hancock Esq r
Whereas a number of the Captains and Subalterns, of the
Sixth Regiment of Militia in the County of Lincoln, did
assemble themselves into a Body on thursday the Seventh of
this Instant March, in pursuance of a Summons Issued by
Benjamin Foster Esq r , late Colonel of said Regiment, to
meet at the dwelling house of Cap 1 John Bucknam at pleasant
River, on Wednesday the sixth of this Instant, at ten oclock
before noon, to enquire into the legality of the proceedings
of the meeting of said Captain and Subalterns on the twenty
first of November last TfAnd Whereas the said Captains
and Subalterns, did on the said Seventh day of March, pro-
ceed to the Election of field officers. Therefore I the Sub-
scriber Considering the said proceedings of the said Captains
and Subalterns on the said Seventh day of March, to be
wholy Illegal, do as a free and Independent Elector enter my
'
444 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
disent against said proceedings f First because that I am
of opinion that Colonel Foster had no legal authority to order
or enquire into the legality of the proceedings of the s d Cap-
tains and Subalterns on the twenty first of November last
| Secondly If Colonel Foster had sufficient authourity, the
business the said Captains and Subalterns, were Summoned
to meet for, was not attended to, for they were summoned to
meet on the Sixth of this Instant at ten oclock, which they
did not do, for altho part of them assembled, yet they did
not form themselves into a regular body on said day by
chusing a moderator *[ thirdly Because when they were
Assembled on the Seventh, and had Chose a moderator, they
did not make a due and Regular enquiery into the proceed-
ings of the meeting on the twenty first of November last; as
the summons required, but proceeded to a new Choice of field
officers f fourthly because I believe that Colonel Benjamin
-Foster, Cap 1 Jonas Farnsworth, and others were tampering
and using there endeavours to prejudice and influence the
minds of the Electors against the Gentlemen that were
Chosen Lieu* Colonel, and Major, at the meeting on the
twenty first of November last, (from the time of the first
assembling of the said Captains & Subalterns on the Sixth
untill the final Issue of the said choice made on the Seventh)
whereby it was not a free and due election ^ fifthly because
the Captains and Subalterns of said Regiment were Sum-
moned by said Colonel Benjamin Foster, to meet at said
Bucknams, at said Pleasant River on the twenty first day of
November last ; for the purpose of chuseing one Colonel, one
Lieu 1 Colonel, and one Major, on which day more than a
Majority of the said Captains and Subalterns did meet and
Chose there Field officers agreable to said Summons, of
which the gentlemen elected had due notice and signified
there acceptance If Sixthly Because Lieu 1 Joel Whitney one
of the Electors on the Seventh, was Elected a Subaltern on
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 445
the fourth Instant at Chandlers River, were there is not a
sufficient number of men for a Company agreable to law, and
therefore not entitled to have any officers at said plantations
accept they were united with some Company 1f Signed
P. Talbot.
Certificate in re Sloop Centurian.
Boston March 14 1782
This Certifies
That the sum of Two hundred & eight pounds twelve shil-
lings & four pence for the Balance of the loss of hire of the
Sloop Centurian a Transport on the Penobs 1 Expedition
1779, together with Thirty five pounds six shillings & three
pence for Interest, amounting in all to Two hundred forty
three pounds eighteen shillings & seven pence specie, is due
to Cap 1 William McLellan which when paid will be in full
said Loss & hire & also his own Wages as Master of s d
Sloop -
Alex Hill ) Com tee for auditing
Thomas Ivers ) the a/c 8 of the B d War.
His Excellency The Governor The Hon 1 The Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council March 14 1782
R d & Advised that a W l be drawn on the Treas y for
243 .. 18 .. 7 in full of this Certificate agreable to Resolve
of 28 th January last. John Avery Sec y
Certificate in re Sloop Fortune.
Boston March 15, 1782
This Certifies
That the Sum of Three hundred fifty two pounds six shil-
lings & ten pence for the Loss, Hire & Masters Wages of the
Sloop Fortune on the Expedition to Penobscot 1779 with
- J
446 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
Fifty one pounds one shilling & five pence for Interest there-
on amounts to Four hundred & three pounds eight shillings
& three pence, is due to Cap 1 David Drinkwater, which when
paid will be in full
Alex Hill ) Com tee for Audit 8 the
Thomas Ivers ) Accounts of the Board of War
His Excellency the Governor & The Hon* The Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council March 19 th 1782
R d & Advised That a W 1 be drawn on the Treas y for
403 .. 8 .. 3 in full of this Certificate agreeable to Resolve
of 20 th January 1782. John Avery See 7
Petition of Amos Lincoln.
To his Excellency John Hancock Esq r Captain General and
Governor in Chief and the Honorable Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of Amos Lincoln Cap 1 of a Comp y of
Matrosses in the Services of the Commonwealth Humbly
Sheweth that agreable to a Resolve of the General Court
past April 27 th 1780 the Soldiers that is Inlisted into said
Com y are iiititle to a Suite of Clouthes Yearly whilist in said
Service that they been in the Service allmost two years and
have not Receiv d but one Suite of Clouthes and being greate
Want of them, If Your Petitioner Humbly pray your Ex-
cellency and Honours will be Pleased to give Orders upon
M r Wales and Davis Cloathiers for this State for to Deliver
a Suite of Cloathes for Each Soldiers Agreable to the Inlist-
ing Orders upon my Making a Return to them of the Sol-
diers that is been in the Service above one year and in Duty
Bound Shall Ever Pray-
Amos Lincoln Cap 1
Boston March 18 1782
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 447
In Council March 20, 1782
Advised that Ebenezer Wales Esq r & Capt Amasa Davis
a Committee of Supplies be directed to supply the Company
of Matrosses in the Service of this Commonwealth under the
Command of Cap 1 Amos Lincoln with a Suit of Cloaths each
agreeably to the Establishment passed the General Court
April 27 th 1780 as by the List of said men hereto Annexed
Attest John Avery Sec y
Certificate in re Sloop Sparrow.
Boston March 27 1782
This Certifies
That the sum of Three hundred forty nine pounds, twelve
shillings & eleven pence, for the Loss & hire of the Sloop
Sparrow a Transport on the Expedition to Penobscot 1779
with the master of said Vessell and three Mens wages, with
forty eight pounds eighteen shillings & ten pence for Interest
thereon, amounts to Three hundred ninety eight pounds
eleven shillings & nine pence, is due to Cap 1 Samuel Drink-
water, which when paid to him will be in full.
Thomas Ivers j* Com te f or audit g the a/c ts of y e B d War
His Excellency the Governor & The Hon 1 The Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council March 27 th 1782
R d & advised that a W* be drawn on the Treas 7 for
398 .. 11 .. 9 in full of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
Memorial of Lewis Fred k DeLesdernier.
To His Excellency The Governor & The Hono ble Council
If The Memorial of Lew F. DeLesdernier in Behalf of
Col John Allan Continental Superintendent of Indians
- *
448 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Eastern Department Humbly Sheweth If That your
Memorialist being Appointed Agent to Col Allan and by
him Instructed to wait on Government to Solicite Immediate
Assistance to Enable the Superintendent to prosecute his Bus-
iness with the Indians as early as possible in the Spring
And finding it Highly Necessary to Fix his Head Quarters
Nearer to the Indians on the Boundrys of Nova Scotia,
About Sixty Miles to the Eastward of Mechias Therefore
your Memorialist is directed by Col Allan to Solicite and
Apply to your Excellency & Honors, to Be pleased to Grant
Leave to Remove part of the Artiliary & Ordnance Stores
Now at the Post of Mechias, to the River Scudeck in Pasa-
maquody, And to Grant Ten Small Arms to be Given certain
of the Indians that have the Strongest Attachment to the
America Cause If And Your Memorialist as in duty bound
shall every pray
Lew 18 Fred k DeLesdernier
Boston, March 28 th 1782
Memorial of DeLesdernier to Governor.
Boston Apr 1 1, 1782
Sir.
I take the Liberty of troubling our Excellency in Be-
half of Col Allan Superintend of Indian Affairs in the
Eastern Department, Who has Constituted me, his Agent
with directions and Instructions to Wait on Governm* to
Represent the Extreeme Indigent State of, And to Solicite
aid for, that Department If In its present Situation,
it is Impossible for it to Exist much Longer without Im-
mediate Assistance & Suport, which if not obtain'd early
this Spring Must be Attended with the worst Consequences
- The Public Credit there Exhausted not a peney of
Money, & not a Mouthfull of provisions by this Time, as
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 449
there was not more than three weeks Kations remaining
in the Stores at the time of my Departure The Court
not setting makes it verry difficult, and before it meets
snd decides on the Application presented, the Season will
be so far advanced that the Assistance Solicited for, will not
so Effectualy promote the Public Service in the Indian Busi-
ness, as at this Juncture
A Vessell Going for Mechias which in a few days will
sail, Urges me to Earnestly Intreat a Consideration of the
Applications of Col Allan, And Humbly Request a defeni-
tive Answer of what may be done, that I may Inform him
of the Determination of Government Respecting the Several
Matters in Question
I also presume On Your Excellency's Candid Sentiments
towards the distressed and Implore the favour of being Con-
siderd in the Petition in Behalf of my self presented here
with I am with Great Respect Your Excellency s Most
Obediant Hum 1 Servant
Lew Ered DeLesdernier
P. S. I beg Leave to Mention there is a Resolve of Feb-
ruary IT 81 Impowering Your Excellency to Grant Supply s
for the Troops Raisd by Order of Congress which Are those
now in Service
Report to Commissary General.
Sir, Agreeable to the resolve of the General Court of
Massachusetts, of March the Seventh, that the troops under
my Command, should have an early, constant and adequate
suply of provisions and warlike Stores, that on application
to your Excellency, for such suplies, they should be sent on
immediately, therefore I have done my self the pleasure, to
29
$
450 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
enclose your Excellency, a list of such necessary's, that is
wanted in the eastern Department, IfFrom Your Excel-
lency's Very Hum ble Ser vant
April y e 4 1782
His Excellency Commissary General, James Hunter Lieu 1
Col Comm dt Boston
An acount of warlike Stores and provisions, wanted for
the officers and men, under my Command, for the eastern
Department If Guns &cc &cc &cc f 10 tents 20 Camp
kittles dragg ropes bouls and Buckets Canteens Napsacks
Blankets intrenching tools, a few Carpenters tools axes and
tommehoaks Cartrige paper writeing paper ink Powder Seal-
ing wax, or wafers, Soap and Candles 2 Drums, and 2 fifes,
1 Doct rs Box, medicins, Likewise provisions, in order that I
may take post immediately,
April y e 4 1782
A T . B. some saile boat nails, Canvis and pitch for repair-
ing the Said boats.
Eben r Preble to Governor and Council.
To his Excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If This may Certify your Excellency and Honors that on my
arrival at Penobscot with my sister Oxnard, Commadore
Mo watt immediately took possession of my Vessell, and put
on Board a Number of Prisoners for Salem, not suffering me
to transact the Business of Nathaniel Coffin, agreeable to the
permit (Obtained by him) Dated August the sixteenth,
which now accompany's this Certificate
Falmouth 4 th April 1782 Eben r Preble
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 451
Memorial Selectmen of Berwick.
Berwick April 5 th 1782
John Hill Esq r
S r at this time of difficulty & distress with the people in
general in this Town constrains us to express our Sentiments
to You on their Respective making no doubt but You will do
every thing in Your power consistent with Justice for their
relief We wou'd not wish if it was in Your power to have
any exclusive right or favour granted by the General Court
to this Town but what We wou'd have You ask & Petition
for in your opinion is a mere matter of right & Justice not
only for this Town but for all other Towns & places in this
Eastern part of the Commonwealth Every Avenue is now
shut up where the people in this Town has at all times since
this unhappy contest been enabled to comply with every
requisition that has been made by the General Court for
Men & Money and We apprehend have succeeded as well as
most Towns have done 'tis true the requisition for filling
up the Continental Army the last Year by some fatality were
disappointed We had a number of Men deficient alth every
exertion was made for procuring the Men We are very certain
it was not for want a sufficient reward being offered as the
several deficient Clauses left it with the Men who they ap-
ply'd to to set their own price but nothing would induce
them to engage in the service at that time the last fall of
the Year there was a number of Men appeared willing to
engage in the service for three Years & the several deficient
Classes agreed with them at their own price which upon an
average was about ninety pounds p r Man but there being a
number of Quakers who refused to do any thing in the matter
& the peculiar circumstances of some other of the Classes
prevented the Quota of Men from being got by the 20 th of
December & Several that were procured about that time by
reason of the absence of the Muster Master & Superintend-
9
452 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
ant at the time of their engagements receits cou'd not be had
'till after the 20 th of Dec r which greatly retarded the busi-
ness & We understand that by a late resolve of the General
Court that the Collectors are di-rected not to Discharge any
more than 85 13 9 of the Tax committed to them to
collect for each Man that the Superintendant shall give his
receit for after the 20 th of Dec r & if that resolve should be
put in execution & the fines exacted from the Classes whose
receits bears date after the 20 th of Dec r will throw them into
such confusion & distress that We should dread the conse-
quence as what many of them has paid & promis'd to pay
will take almost all from them that they had to depend upon
to support themselves & Families & a great part of the Taxes
for the last Year remains unpaid & a new requisition is now
made upon us for Men & Money The scarcity of Money is
such that if some avenue is not opened for bringing Mony
into this & other Towns in this County it will be impossible
for the People to pay what is already laid upon them We
have nothing here to raise Mony upon but Lumber & no
Mony comes in for that & our Vessels are almost all taken by
the Enemy for want of Vessels We can't send our lumber to
market & none comes here to purchase these are some of
our peculiar difficulties the People labour under and unless
some Avenue opens upon us We apprehend however well
dispos'd People are in Supporting Government it will be out
of their power to pay their Taxes & to have this additional
fine paid there is not personal Estate in the Town sufficient
to do it We therefore hope you will Seperately or jointly
with the other members of this County lay these matters
before the General Court at the approaching session & use
Your influence that all the Classes who have got their Men
before this time & are march'd may be discharged as the
whole of the Assesment of 128 9 6 & likewise to repre-
sent the true state of our difficulties relating to the Scarcity
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 453
of Mony & that the People may not be burthened greater
than they can bare f We are S r With Esteem Your most
Ob^HServ 1
Joseph Fogg, Elijah Hayes Selectmen
Jedidiah Goodwin, Wm Happen of Berwick
Superscribed: To John Hill Esq r Representative of the
Town of Berwick
Petition of Nathaniel Coffin.
To his Excellency the Governor and the Hon 1 Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
, IT The Petition of Nathaniel Coffin of Falrn in the County
of Cumberland Humbly shews, That your Petitioner's
Brother Francis Coffin removed from said Falmouth in June
1773 to Great Britain, from whence he followed the Sea till
Decemb r 1777 when he died, leaving your Petitioner and a
Maiden Sister residing with him in Falmouth among his
Heirs : That your Petitioner has never had an opportunity
of any certain Intelligence what Effects his brother left, or
what probable Mode of obtaining them with safety, till with-
in a few Months when he was informed by an open Letter
from M r Robert Pagan at Penobscot, that sundry articles
part of said Effects are transmited to him to be delivered to
your Petitioner or order Wherefore as your Petitioner
humbly presumes your Excellency and Honors will not con-
sider the receiving said Effects as injurious, but on the con-
trary beneficial to the Commonwealth, of which your
Petitioner is an Inhabitant, so he humbly prays your Excel-
lency & Honors special Leave to go for the same to Penobscot
in the small Schooner calPd the Hum-Bird and your Peti-
tioner as in duty bound shall ever pray
Nathaniel Coffin
Falmouth April 8 th 1782
454 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Sam 1 and Abigail Sewall.
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Kepresentatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Humbly shew, If Samuel Sewall of Marblehead in the
County of Essex Esquire, and Abigail his wife, that your
Petitioners are seised and possessed in right of said Abigail
in fee of sundry Lots of land and a Proprietors Right in the
Township of Windham in the County of Cumberland that
your Petitioners have no means of improving said Lots and
are not likely to have any, and they remain totally unim-
proved, and by reason of the heavy taxes levied upon the
same, the Interest of your Petitioners in said Township has
become a burden and loss to them, and from the peculiar
circumstances of your Petitioners they cannot be relieved
therefrom without the aid of this Hoii ble Court the said Abi-
gail being under the age of twentyone years Wherefore
your Petitioners humbly pray this Hon ble Court that they
may be impowered to sell and dispose of the said Tracts of
land and Right in the Township aforesaid either in whole or
in part as they shall find most conducive to their mutual
interest and advantage, the legal disability of the said Abi-
gail notwithstanding that this hon ble Court would take such
Orders thereon as to their wisdom shall seem best and
your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray &c
Sam 1 Sewall
Marblehead April 9 th 1782. Abigail Sewall
Memorial Inhabitants of Falmouth.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court assembled
If The Inhabitants of the Town of Falmouth and the
vicinity, who suffered by the destruction of Property which
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 455
the Enemy made in said Town in the Year 1775, humbly ask
your Honors attention to the subject matter of the following
Petition
Before the present Contest with Great Britain commenced
most of us were in comfortable Circumstances a kind of
Providence had blest us with good Estates and smiled upon
our honest labours in the improvement of them From his
bountiful hand we were supplied with the necessaries of
Life Our Dwelling Places were Houses of our own With
the distresses of Poverty we were unacquainted and no pinch-
ing Want alloyed our Happiness We could pay our Taxes
without distressing our Families and afford a part of our
Income to Supply the wants of the poor and needy But
the wanton cruelty of our Enemies has interrupted us in
these Enjoyments and reversed the happy condition we were
in If Our Houses have been burnt Our Vessels & other
property have been destroyed by the Flames which they
enkindled In one day were we reduced from a flourishing
situation and made the subjects of Distress. Deprived of
our usual places of abode and reduced to want by the de-
struction of our Effects we were forced to flee for Shelter
and Relief to places in the Country where we found it diffi-
cult extremely difficult to procure subsistence But by the
Care of Providence and the assistance of our Friends we
were relieved from our first Distresses, and with persevering
patience have been carried through those which followed, to
this day ; and we have not only for near seven years struggled
through the hard fortune we were brought to, and with
peculiar difficulty provided for ourselves and families but
being zealously inclined to afford our Country all the Aid
we could, to maintain our invaded Rights and Liberties, and
buoyed up with the hopes of seeing them established upon a
fixed and permanent Basis we have cheerfully complied to
the extent of our Abilities with all the Requisitions made
456 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
upon us to support the War f But may it please your
Honours, our unhappy situation at length impels us to ask
relief Although the Flames of 1775 spread Devastation
through the Town, they did not bring upon us all the Evils
we now experience There were some whose property
escaped their Rage, and this property was employed soon
after in building and equipping Privateers to cruise against
the Enemy But as misfortunes seldom come alone, these
vessels were taken by the Enemy, and our hopes of better
fortune were disappointed We have now belonging to this
Town but three quarters of one ship half a Brig, three or four
Small Coasting Vessels, and a few fishing Boats although
at the beginning of the War we had forty Sail of Vessels in
the West India & other foreign Trade 1f We do not repent
of our exertions in the Public Cause, but from the great
proportion of Men we have furnished the Army with. For
our own Quota and that of other Towns, as well as the great
number of Seamen which have gone from us whereby our
numbers have been exceedingly diminished, our Burthens
have become extremely heavy The number of our Widows
in consequence thereof, is very greatly increased Our Poor
are multiplied among us and Poverty itself seems to be
coming upon us like an armed Man f As the Sea Ports
are the Barriers of the Country, it is not to be wondered at,
that (excepting some Places which have been successful in
Privateering) they should suffer more than other towns in
the Attacks and Depredations of the Enemy We in this
town have really suffered much. Our Trade is lost Our
Navigation and Fishery on which we principally depended
for support, have in a manner come to nothing From our
exposed situation our little Business is often interrupted by
Alarms of the Enemy's Approach and by being frequently
obliged to remove our effects are continually harrassed and
put to great expence. f Their Cruisers are almost daily
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 457
infesting our Coasts and scarce a fishing Boat goes out that
is not taken and carried to Baggaduce f Driven from
our former Habitations and obliged to hire places of abode
Thrown out of the Business by which we used to be main-
tained Depressed with losses after Losses and distressed
in the manner we have before related we flatter ourselves
your Honors will consider us as Objects worthy of favour &
Attention
Indeed we wish only to stand upon an equal footing with
our Brethren at large. Borne down with sufferings we ask
their helping hand to raise us up 1f We therefore humbly
pray that your Honors will take our Case into your serious
consideration, and for relief, grant us in such way and man-
ner as to your Honors shall seem just and reasonable a
Compensation of the Losses we sustained in 1775, an Ac-
count whereof we suppose will be immediately laid before
your Honors by the Selectmen of the Town IfThen will
our Spirits be revived our Hearts invigorated and our
Hands encouraged still to aid our Country in its important
Struggles and to pursue with Industry and Resolution the
Work they find to do But if your Honors should not
judge it proper or expedient fully to comply with this request,
we pray that we may have assurance that it shall be done
when the Blessings of Peace shall crown our united Efforts
and that so much may at present be afforded us as will be
sufficient to discharge the Public Taxes that may be laid
upon us until such compensation be obtained f And your
Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray in the name
and in behalf of the Sufferers
Joseph Noyes
Jno Fox
G Warren
John Thrasher
Moses Plujner
Falrn 10 th April 1782.
Committee
p
458 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
Action on Petition Town of Falmouth.
The Committee on the Petition of the Town of Falmouth
setting forth their great losses by reason of said town being
burnt by the Enemy in the year 1775 & other losses as set
forth in said petition f Your Committee considering the
present situation of this Commonwealth, & supposing that at
some future time said losses will be considered with other
towns in similar circumstances, they therefore report that
said petition may lay on the files of this House
Petition Selectmen of Wells.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in general Court as-
sembled the 10 th day of April 1782.
*[ The Petition of the Select Men of Wells humbly shews
in Behalf of said Town that they have exerted themselves
with the greatest Diligence & Activity for the purpose of pro-
curing the Quota of Soldiers assigned them by the Resolve
of Court of the 2 d day of December 1780 to serve in the
Continental Army three years or during the War but were
unable to procure them within the Time limited by the Re-
solves of Court They furnished & sent forward to the Army
Twenty one Soldiers being Three Quarters of their Propor-
tion before the Tenth day of June last at which Time paper
Money the only Currency amongst them failed, after which
they were absolutely unable to procure & send forward to the
Army any Soldiers till after the 20 th day of December last
the various Persons offered their Service on Condition of the
immediate payment of One Hundred Hard Dollars with
security for the Residue of the Bounty But it was impossible
to procure that Sum. However happily towards the Spring
OF THE STATE OF MAINJ3 459
a Number of Persons inclining to Enter the Service &
despairing of Receiving such large Sums of Money paid
down immediately, consented to Engage on Condition of the
immediate Payment of one Fourth part of the Sum demanded
in the Eall in Cash & the Value of the Residue in other
Articles in Consequence of which for Bounties Seventy Five
Pounds to Ninety Three Pounds lawful money which on an
Average was about one Third part higher than was given in
said Town in the year 1781 the Residue of the Quota of said
Soldiers have been procured & sent forward to the Army,
that the Lands in said Town Situated on the Sea Coast are
generally very poor & barren do not produce either Corn or
Meat for Exportation nor even a Sufficiency for themselves
the only Articles on which they depend for raising Money
for payment of Taxes & other purposes are Fish & Lumber
but principally Lumber which by Reason of the Capture of
so many of Merchant Vessels belonging to Boston Salem
Newbury Port & other trading Towns they have not in gen-
eral since the Failure of Paper Money been able to Vend for
cash, add to this the Difficulty of procuring Coasters for the
purpose of Transporting their Lumber to Market & the many
Losses they from Time to Time sustain by means of the
British Privateers who constantly infest their Coasts they
are Reduced to the most distressing Circumstances They are
sorry to say but are obliged to confess that Execution now lie
against said Town for a considerable part of their hard Money
Tax assessed in the year 1780 which they are unable to pay
for Want of Money for the purpose that they owe more than
Three Quarters of the Taxes of the Commonwealth assessed
on them in the year 1781 & about Eighteen Thousand Weight
of Beaf for which they collected the Money last Spring &
sent to the Agent but it was Refused being a few days too
late They will be obliged to remain in Debt to Government
unless Coasters can be procured for the Transportation of
460 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
their Lumber to Market & their Coasts better protected
Wherefore they pray that their unhappy Case & Circum-
stances may be taken into the serious Consideration of the
Legislature that a total Exemtion from all Penalties & For-
feitures which they have incurred for not procuring said
Soldiers sooner may be granted them & that the Treasurer
of this Commonwealth may be directed to Recall his Execu-
tions for the same Penalties & that such other Relief may
be granted to said Town as the Court in their great Wisdom
& Compassion may Judge their Circumstances to require &
your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray &c
BavakManell j Select Men
Joshua Bragdon of
Stephen Larvalege /
Memorial Li. Col. Ezra Badlam.
Boston April 10, 1782
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled
| The Memorial of Lieut Col Ezra Badlam of the 8 th Reg 1
Humbly Sheweth ^ That your Memorialist having been
appointed by the Honorable Secretary at War together with
one Commissioned Officer as an Assistant to muster and re-
ceive the Recruits delivered at the Post of Boston begs leave
to apply for such help & direction from your Honours as the
Importance of his Trust and the public Good requires
and humbly to represent to the General Court what aid and
assistance may be necessary to enable Your Memorialist to
discharge his duty with that Energy & Spirit in which the
service, and the public Good of this State are so particularly
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 461
Interested 1 Whereas in your Honor's resolve of the 1 st
of March last is appointed four places of Rendezvous at
which the Continental Muster Master shall reside Your
Memorialist prays your Honours to direct which of those
Counties Quotas are to be mustered and received at Boston,
and at the other places respectively
Whereas it is much to be lamented that Desertions has too
frequently prevailed in the Course of last Campaign, the
want of convenient Quarters for the Troops your Memorial-
ist thinks may have been of one Cause (amongst many
others) of the Defection The Barracks being in a ruinous
situation for want of repair and as your Memorialist is
desirous to Establish Guards and proper Discipline to pre-
vent the Troops from scattering after they are delivered and
untill they can be properly conducted to Head Quarters,
Your Memorialist entreats your Honours to make provision
that the Barracks may be put into proper repair
f And as pecuniary Rewards may be necessary for the
more speedy apprehending Recruits who have deserted the
Duty they owe to their respective Towns and the public at
large, prays your Honours to make some additional Clause
to the Resolve passed by the Honorable Court offering a Re-
ward for apprehending Deserters from the Continentall
Army, as it appears that the Bill refers only to such who
have actually joined a Regiment belonging to the Massa-
chusetts Line, who have since left their Corps. And that
the Honorable House will be pleased to direct one of the
Printers for this Commonwealth to print such blank Returns
and to publish such Advertisements as may be necessary in
the prosecution of your Memorialist's duty f Your
Memorialist ever attentive to the public Good is at the same
time conscious that the prosecution of his business will be
attended with some Additionall Expence more perhaps that
your Memorialist wou'd incur on any other stationary duty
p
462 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
-Your Memorialist having been obliged to be answerable
for Quarters and an Office for him and his Assistant There-
fore prays the Honorable house to make some reasonable al-
lowance to your Memorialist for the same as to the Wisdom
of your Honours shall seem meet
And Whereas it is necessary that the Recruits Enlisted in
Consequence of your Honour's resolve shou'd take the Oaths
of Fidelity and Allegiance to the states And your Memori-
alist having not received any directions to administer such
Oaths, prays the honorable house to give such directions in
the Premisses as to Your Honours shall seem proper
11 And as in duty bound Your Memorialist will ever pray
Ezra Badlam
Petition James Avery.
To The Hon'ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of James Avery If Humbly Sheweth If That
your Petitioner was appointed a Lieutenant in Colo Allans
Corps Stationed in the Eastern parts of this Commonwealth
in the Year 1777 in the Service of the United States & on
the same Establishment as other Continental Troops the
Hon'ble Court in November, 80. Directed the Committee for
Settling with the Army, to settle with the officers of Colo
Allans Corps in the same manner as the other Officers in
the Continental Service, said Committee Accordingly settled
with your Petitioner up to the 31 st December 1779 after
which your petitioner Drew his Cloathing as other Officers
Did, and Received on ace* of his pay 8 New Emission p r
Month the greatest part at the rate of one Dollar in Specia
for four of the New Emission your petitioner has made
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 463
Application to the Committee for settling with the Army,
to settle for the Cloathing he has received as well as his Pay,
but said Committee thinks they are not Authorized to do
it Therefore your petitioner Humbly Prays your Honors
wou'd be pleased to Direct the said Committee to settle with
him up to the Time he left the Service in the same manner
as other Officers in the Service are and your petitioner
as in Duty bound will ever pray
Ja s Avery
Boston April 10 1782
Memorial Ediv Grow in Behalf Joseph Trafton.
Common Welth of Massachusetts
Apr 1 15 th 1782
To the Hon ble Senate and House of Kepresentatives
the Memorall of Edw: Grow in behalf of Joseph Trafton
of York praying that he the said Trafton may be Indulged
with a Elagg to Proceed to Passamaquody and Bring to York
a Daughter by the name of Trafton a Widdow with Six or
Seven small Children in Distress 3 Circumstances at the above
Traf tons one Cost and in Behaf of s d Trafton your memori-
alist shall ever &c &c
Edw d Grow
Resolve on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 1782
on the Memorial of Col Edward Grow in behalf of Joseph
Trafton praying that said Trafton might be indulged with a
Flagg to proceed to Passamaquody to Bring away his Daugh-
'
464 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
^
ter that is a widow and Six or Seven Small children who are
in Distress* Circumstances f Eesolved that the prayer of
the petition be so far granted as that Joseph Trafton be and
he is hereby permitted to provide a Elagg at his owne Ex-
pence and proceed to Passamaquody and fetch away his
Daughter and her Children and that the said Trafton have
permission to carry such Necessary Stores for the Crew in
Said Vessel as the Selectmen of the town of York may judg
Expedient f and it is further Eesolved that Said Vessel
with her effects have permission of this Court to proceed to
said Passamaquody free from any molestation.
Petition Town of Falmouth.
To the Honourable the Senate and house of Kcpresentatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
assembled.
If The Petition of the inhabitants of the Town of Falmouth,
humbly sheweth, that your petitioners having laboured under
extreme difficulty & hardships ever since the destruction
made among them by the enemy in the year 1775 are by
increasing distresses at length constrained to sue for some
relief. We have exerted our selves to comply with every
requisition and demand of Government to raise men for the
Continental Army. In the year 1777, instead of one seventh
part of the inhabitants as required of us by the then General
Court and which amounted to 103 men, the Town raised
their full proportion on their own account, & furnished 45
more for the public service, which amounted to 148 in the
whole. In the year 1778, wishing to exert our selves to the
utmost, to put a speedy end to the war they sent into the
army fifty volunteers ; and ever since have not only strained
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 465
every nerve to comply with the several demands of Govern-
ment, but have also furnished men for their own defence in
addition to what has heen required of them to reinforce the
Continental Army; this your honours are sensible has been
attended with an expense greatly distressing to your peti-
tioners in their present circumstances, which, instead of
growing easier, are continually becoming more unhappy.
Navigation & fishery were the principal means of our sup-
port before the war of these means we are now deprived.
Of forty odd sail of vessels employed in foreign trade, not
one remains, others built by our strenuous exertions to re-
place them, are also gone, and we have now remaining
only three quarters of a small Ship, & one half of a Brigan-
tine; of vessels concerned in fishery we have only a few
small boats remaining, and even those few rendered almost
useless by reason of the enemy who are constantly cruising in
this bay. Your petitioners have also been obliged to furnish
a guard for the public magazine on this neck ever since the
last fall, & still furnish it: and this adds further to our dis-
tresses Your petitioners therefore pray the honourable
Court to take their distressed situation into their wise con-
sideration, & remit to them the seven men apportioned on
this Town as their quota of fifteen hundred men to be raised
in this Commonwealth, for the army of the United States.
And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Falm* April 15 th 1Y82
In the name & by order of the Town, in Town meeting this
day assembled ;
Daniel Dole
John Frothingham,
Daniel Ilsley
Benj Titcomb
John Waite
Committee
1
466 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve in Favor Town of Falmouth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
H of Representatives June 1782
On the petition of the Town of Falmouth setting forth
their distressed situation and praying that the seven men
apportioned on them as their Quota of the fifteen hundred
men; Ordered to be raised in this Commonwealth, by a Re-
solve of this Court of the 1 st March last, f Resolved that
the prayers of the petition be so far granted that if said
Town of Falmouth comply with said Resolve of the first of
March last. Then the Treasurer of this Commonwealth be,
& he hereby is directed to Credit said Town of Falmouth out
of the next tax that shall be issued from this Court the full
sum that five men ammount to at the average price of said
men.
Petition of John Hill for Town of Berwick.
To the Hon ble Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Generall Court as-
sembled this 15 th day of April 1782
The Petition of John Hill in Behalf of the Selectmen of
the town of Berwick in the County of York Humbly Shews
that the said town and the several Classes therein have exerted
themselves to their utmost for the purpose of procuring the
Continentell Soldiers assigned them by the Resolve of Court
of the 2 nd day of December 1780 but were so unfortunate
as to be unable to procure them within the time Limited by
the Resolves of Court which Deficiency arose in a consider-
able degree from the Scarcity of hard money the only Cur-
rency of the Common wealth Since last September How-
ever in the month of January last and Since that time the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 467
Said town has procured the full Quota assigned said town
by Said Resolves for Bounties of ninety pounds and upwards
except one Class Consisting Intirely of Quaquers who have
not procured a Soldier which will appear By the Return of
the Superintendant of Said County and Rects given by Col 1
Crane and maj r Pettingill Continental officers for Re-
ceiving the Recruits that Said town are generally in arrears
in Regard to taxes for want of mony to pay them and are
in the most distressing Circumstances for want of a Circu-
lating Currency amoung them and Labour under many other
hardships and Inconveniences unless prevented by the In-
terposition of the Grace and Compassion of the Legislatives
as will appear by a Representation from the Selectmen
of said town herewith to be presented Wherefore your peti-
tioner Intreats that the Case and Circumstances of Said
town may be Duly attended to by the General Court and
that ane Exemtion from all Penalties which they may have
incurred for not procuring their Soldiers except the Quaker
Case aforesaid may be granted to them with Such other Re-
lief as the Court may think their Circumstances Require and
your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray
John Hill.
Memorial of Robert Foster.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
f Gentlemen The Memorial of Robert Foster Most
Humbly Sheweth f That your memorialist about six years
past by Reason of his Attachment to the American Interest
& the Imposition of the Tyrannical Government of Nova
Scotia was obliged to leave his Family & property in that
provence traviling through the Wilderness to take shelter in
$
468 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the United States & hath had the Honour of Being in the
service of the States upwards of Four Years, part of the time
as Quartermaster for the Troops at Machias and part of the
time as assistant to the Deputy Q r Master Gen 1 and for upwards
of two years past your memorialist has not Received any pay
or subsistence money nor any Money to procure the least
supply for the Department and finding it absolutely necessary
for the good of the publick he advanced to a considerable
Amount and Rendered his Account to Deputy Q r Master
General and Applyed for payment, but has not been able to
get any as yet And as your Memorialist hath a large
Family to Support which he hath of late Removed from Nova
Scotia to Machias, after being strip'd of what property they
had in that provence, and at present are allmost Destitute of
the Necessarys of Life Your Memorialist begs leave
further to observe that in the year Seventy Eight he was
directed by Col Allen to come to this place to settle some
publick Accounts, and during his absence from Machias did
not Receive any Rations or Subsistance as will appear by
the Commissarys Certificate here with, and the scarcity of
provision at Machias hath prevented his Receiving it since;
Therefore your memorialist prays your honours will be
pleased to permitt him to Receive his two Rations during
that time, and likewise the two Rations formaly allowed to
persons in his Station in the Quartermaster Generals De-
partment in lue of the Subsistance Money since Allowed
them, which cannot at present be obtained, which provision
he is desireous of shipping for the Releaf of his Family
which may be some support to them, untill some way may be
provided for the payment of his Accountts or grant him such
Other Releaf as your Honours in your wisdom may think
fit your Memorialist as in duty bound Shall ever pray
Robert Foster
Boston 15 th April 1782
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 469
Petition of Daniel Lane.
To the Honor 16 the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled this 16 th of April A. D. 1782
The Petition of Daniel Lane of Buxton in the County of
York Late Commander of A Company in the Continental
Army Humbly Sheweth. That Your Petitioner Being De-
sirous To Serve his Country in the Late Glorious Strugle
for Liberty Did Enter in to its Service and did Inlist A
Company of men to Serve in Said Service and in Venturing
my Life almost on a forlorn Hope was Taken Prisoner and
being in the Hands of the Salvages was Striped of all my
Clothes and Effects and remained in that State Almost Two
Years in Which Time the hardships I underwent Destroyed
my health which occasioned me a Large Bill of Cost to Phisi-
cians all which your Petitioner has paid out of his own
money as well as been hitherto kept out off the most part of
his Wages During Said Term which cannot but be Injurious
to your Petitioner and his Suffering Family and must render
them very unhappy unless your Honors in your great Wisdom
and Goodness Shall Devise A Way for our Relief which
your Petitioner as in Duty Bound Will Ever Pray
Daniel Lane
Resolve to Levy in County of York.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives the 16 th day of April 1782
Whereas it appears from an Estimate of the Justices of
the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County
of York, that the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds will be
necessary for defraying the Charges of said County for one
year next ensuing f Therefore Resolved that there be &
hereby is granted a Tax of Two Hundred Pounds to be
'
470 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
apportioned & assessed on the Inhabitants of said County &
Estates laying within the same & Collected paid & applied for
the Use of said County accordingly to the Laws of the Com-
monwealth. Sent up for concurrence
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
In Senate April 16 1782
Eead & Concurred S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Report Committee to Estimate Expense County York.
The Committee Appoint by the Justices of the Court of
General Sessions of the Peace for the County of York to
make an Estimate of the Expence of Said County for One
Year to commence at July 1782, have attended that Service
and ask leave to Report the following
Dominicus Goodwin p r order
York April 9 th 1782
Hon ble Justices of Said Court for their Attend-
ance at said Court at the several Sessions 30 -
The Grand jurors for Travil & attendance 45 -
The Petit Jurors for Travil 15 -
The Sheriff for keeping the Goal Distributing
Proclamations, Tax acts Warrents &c 15 -
Repairing for the County Goal & County house 20 -
The Amount of Sums which may Probably be
paid to Coroners 15 -
The Sums which will be necessary to make up the
Deficiency arising from the Failure of paper
Money & Paying for Laying out Highways
& other Contingent Charges 60 -
The Amount of Sums which may Probably be
paid in cases of Acquittal &c 30 -
230
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 471
An acct of Sums which may probably come into
the Treasury exclusive of the County Tax
By Licenses, Inholders &c 24
By fines Probably 6
30
York ss at a Court of General Sessions of the peace begun
and held at York within and for said County of York Upon
the Second Tuesday of April Anno Domini 1782 Read and
Approved and Order to be Transmitted to the General Court
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Law directs
Tim Frost Cler
Copy Exam d p
To the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Certificate Thos Chase in Favor Rob* Foster.
Braintree April 16, 1782
This Certifies Whom it may Concern, that the Gen : Court
of this Common Wealth, Ordered me to Appoint an ast. D.
Q. M. G. at Machias the 5 day of May 1780, I accordingly
Appointed Rob 4 Foster Esq. to that department the 5 th of
the same month May 1780, who was continued in Office un-
till the last Jan y 1781, dureing which time I have not paid
him any pay nor subsistance which according to a Resolve
of Congress of the 7 May 1777, is the Rank, pay and Sub-
sistance of a Captain in the Continental Army
Thos Chase late D Q M G
P. S. the Accounts of his disburstments for the depart-
ment, was paid out of his own pocket, and all which he could
obtain from me, was Continental Certificates, which he has
been Obliged to take Consolodted States Notes for
Thos Chase late D Q. M. G.
N. B. his disburstments had nothing to do with his
wages and subsistance.
. *
472 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
A
Petition of Jedidiah Preble.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston April 19 1782
To the Honorable Sennet & House of Representatives, in
general Court assembled.
If The petition of Jedidiah Preble, in behalf of the Town
of Falmouth, Humbly sheweth, that the Town of Falmouth
are at Present in a very defenceless Cituation, the Forts and
Magazine, are exposed to the Ravages of the Enemy, there is
not A Man in the Pay of the Commonwealth in that Town,
nor is there any guard at any of the Forts or Magazine,
except what the Town furnishes. Tf Therefore your Peti-
tioner Prays, your Hon rs to take the Distressed Circum-
stances of Said Town, into your wise Consideration & make
such Provition for the defence of that Town as you in your
wisdom shall see needfull & your Petition as in Duty Bound
Shall Pray
Jedidiah Preble
Action on Foregoing.
In Senate April 19 th 1782
*! Read & thereupon Orderd that Joseph Dorr & Israel
Nichols Esq r with such as the Hon ble House Shall join be a
Committee to take this Petition into consideration & make
report what is proper to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
Court General Session to Jedidiah Preble.
At a Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County
of Cumberland, begun & held at Falmouth for said County
011 the last Tuesday of March A. D. 1782 1 The Court
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 473
requests the Honorable Jedidiah Preble Esq. to apply to the
General Court to pass an Act for establishing an Inferior
Court of Common Pleas and Court of General Sessions of the
Peace for this County to be holden at Falmouth within said
County on the last Tuesday of May annually, the first Term
of said Courts to be on the last Tuesday of May next and
to have the Act for holding such Courts on the last Tuesday
of March annually repeated
Att Sam 1 Freeman Clerk
In Senate April 16 th 1782
Read & thereupon Order'd that the Hon ble Jed h Preble
Esq r have leave to bring in a Bill accordingly
Resolve in Favor County of York.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 19 th 1782
Whereas it appears by A a Representation from the Repre-
sentatives from the County of York that B County have raised
nearly the whole Number of Men assigned them by a resolve
of this Court of December 2 d 1780, but that part of them
were not procured untill after the 20 th day of December
last, and whereas it also Appears c that the delay in not
raising a part of their Men until after the said 20 th day of
December; did not Arise from any Wilfull or Careless
neglect, D but from the peculiar difficulties that County is
under for want of Money as their Only Resours was fish
and Lumber: which is now almost intirely Obstructed E
If Therefore Resolved that those Classes in the County of
York who have procured their Men sence the 20 th day of
December last, Shall not be liable to any fine for not raising
them before that time, and the Treasurer is hereby Directed
to stay his Execution and if any is Issued to recall such Exe-
I 9
474 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
j^
cution against any Constable or Collector in said County to
whome any Assessment has been Committed in consequence
of a deficiency of not raising said men on the said 20 th day
of December last, in all Instances where it shall Appear by
a Receipt from the Superintendent that a good and Effective
Man has ben procured any Resolve to the Contrary notwith-
standing.
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate April 19 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendments at A C & D
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 4
at A dele from A to B & insert the Returns of the Superin-
tendent of the County of York that the said If at C insert
to this Court *[ at D Dele from D to E & insert, Circum-
stances to which the said County has been reduced by the
Capture of their Vessels & the Loss of their fish & Lumber
Trade
In the House of Representatives April 20 th 1782
Read and concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve Requesting Colonel Badlam to Muster Troops Into
Service.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 19 th 1782
Whereas by a resolve of the General Court of 1 st March last
four places of Rendezvous w r ere appointed for the 1500 men
recruits for our quota of the Continental army but no officers
appointed at the respective posts to muster said men
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 475
Kesolved that Col Badlam be requested to appoint three
deputy Muster Masters from amongst the officers of the Con-
tinental army, viz. one to reside at Springfield, one at Wor-
cester & one at Wells in the County of York for the con-
venience of those Classes & who may not chuse to come to
his post at Boston to be mustered and the respective Towns
& Classes are hereby authorized & permitted to repair with
their men to such post as is most convenient & the rects of
such deputies shall discharge the Classes &c as fully as if
mustered at Boston; and Col Badlam is also requested to
empower his deputies to certify upon application the Towns
that may have furnished their quotas, in order that any
deficient Class &c may have opp y of inlisting from the Town
that may have compleated its own quota ; and ^ the contractor
for the Continental Army is requested to supply the several
posts with sufficient rations upon Continental ace* for said
recruits. 1f And it is farther resolved that the Selectmen
of Wells & Worcester be & hereby are empowered & directed
to provide proper barracks for the reception of Twenty re-
cruits each & lay their acc ts before the General Court.
If And whereas the Barracks at Springfield are adequate to
the reception of such recruits as may be mustered in that
quarter but no provision is made for those immediately to be
mustered at Boston by Col Badlam It is farther resolved that
part of the Barracks at Castle William be & hereby are as-
signed for that purpose, & His Excellency the Governor is
hereby requested to give Orders for their reception & accom-
modation therein as also for the necessary means of trans-
portation for said recruits & their provisions f And it is
farther resolved that Col Badlam be requested to administer
the oath of allegiance to such recruits as he shall personally
muster & also to direct his deputies to make applications to
some magistrate in their vicinity to administer in like manner
said oath of allegiance to such recruits as they shall muster
p
476 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
%
f and it is farther resolved that Col Badlam be provided
with a suitable office, & the Selectmen of the Towns where
his deputies may reside (except Springfield where are public
offices proper for the purpose) are directed to supply them
with proper offices at the expence of this State If and it
is also resolved that M r John Gill be requested to supply Col
Badlam with the necessary blanks for himself & deputies, &
print the necessary advertisements, & exhibit his acct to the
General Court
And whereas the resolve of 1 st March last makes provision
that if one or more persons in any Class or Classes shall pro-
cure a man or men such person shall have remedy against
delinquents in their respective Classes until 10 th day of April
& no longer, But it may so happen that a person or persons
may produce a man or men for their respective Classes be-
fore the return of Execution altho after the said 10 th day of
April If It is farther resolved that any persons so hiring
their man & liaveing them mustered according to law previous
to the return of execution, he or they shall have like remedy to
all intents & purposes against delinquents in their respective
classes, as is provided in Case of delinquency before the said
10 th day of April, any law or resolve to the contrary not-
withstanding
Sent up for concurrence
ISFath Gorham Speaker
In Senate April 24 th 1782
Read & Concurred as taken into a New Draft
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives April 26, 1782
Read & concurred with amendments at A B C D
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 477
At A Dele "first" & insert, "tenth"
At B dele "fifth" and insert fifteenth
at C dele "tenth Day of May" and insert, "first Day of
June.
at D dele, "twenty fifth Day of May" & insert, Sixteenth
Day of June.
In Senate April 26 th 1782
Eead & concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approved John Hancock
Resolve That Gen 1 Glover Appoint Muster Masters.
Whereas by a Resolve of this Court of the 7 th of March,
the towns of Boston Worcester Springfield & Wells were
designated as the places of rendezvous at which the Con-
tinental Muster Master should reside, to receive the men
which by said Resolve were ordered to be raised for the Con-
tinental Army, pursuant to a Resolution of Congress of the
18 th of Dec r last, and it is represented to this Court that only
one such Muster Master has yet been appointed who is di-
rected to reside at Boston; And Whereas it is absolutely
necessary that the other appointments be immediately made,
Resolved that it be recommended to General Glover to
immediately appoint a judicious faithful Officer to reside at
each of the towns of Worcester Springfield & Wells to muster
the recruits which shall be sent to those towns respectively, &
to perform the duties which by the aforesaid Resolution of
Congress of the 18 th of December are required of such Offi-
cers ; and to give the earliest notice of such appointments to
his Excellency the Governor, who is hereby requested im-
mediately thereupon to give information to the Commander
in chief of the muster masters who are acting in this Com-
I
478 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
monwealth, of the manner of their appointment, & the reason
therefore, with a Request that such appointment may as soon
as possible be approved or superseeded as he shall judge best.
Resolve Relating to Muster Masters.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 19 1782
Resolved further, That the Selectmen of the Towns of
Worcester & Wells procure sufficient Provisions and quarters
(if not otherwise provided) for such men as shall be received
in their respective Towns by the Muster-Masters aforesaid,
and exhibit their Accounts of the Charges arising therefor
with proper Vouchers, to the General Court, in order for al-
lowance And that his Excellency the Governor be requested
to give orders that the men mustered at Boston may be trans-
ported & received into the Barracks at Castle William
1" Resolved further, that the oath of Allegiance be admin-
istered to each Recruit, by the respective Muster Masters
aforesaid who are hereby impowered to administer the same,
or by some Magistrate in the vicinity of the place of
Rendezvous, where such Recruit shall be mustered. If Where-
as on account of delay in the appointment of Muster Masters
as aforementioned, it is requisite that the time, allowed by
the Resolutions aforesaid for procuring the men, should be
prolonged: Therefore ^ Resolved, That the time for pro-
curing men agreeable to the Resolutions aforesaid be, and
hereby is, lengthened and prolonged to the first A day of May
next; after the expiration of which time, every Class, which
shall have neglected to procure and deliver a man to the Mus-
ter Master to serve for the term of three years, or during
the War, shall be subjected to the same penalty and proceeded
with in the same manner, as Classes, which were deficient
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 479
after the tenth day of April would have been subjected to;
and proceeded with, in case this Resolution had not passed.
Provided, that the time for making Returns into the Secre-
tary's office, of deficient Classes shall be extended to the fifth
B day of May next the time for committing the assessments
upon deficient Classes to the Collectors shall be extended to
the tenth c day of May next and the time for issuing Execu-
tions against delinquent Collectors shall be extended to the
twenty D fifth day of May next And it is further Resolved
That any Person or Persons who shall procure their men and
have them mustered previous to the Return of Execution,
he or they shall have like Remedy against Delinquents in
their respective Classes to all Intents & Purposes, as is pro-
vided in the said Resolve of the 7 th of March last in case of
Delinquency before the 10 th day of April Instant
Selectmen of Coxhall to General Court.
Coxhall Aprill y e 20 th 1782
to the Honourable Grate and general Court for the Com-
monwealth of the Massachusetts
. these few Lines Comes to your Honours to inform you of
a few of y e many Difficulties this Town Labours under 1 st
it is New and the People Very Pore 2 nd Providence by the
Drouth Cut off our Crops of Corn and Grain so that the more
then one half of the People are out of Corn and the others
all most out So that we Cannot help one another and nothing
but money will Purchis Corn abrod and None we Can git
for Lumber will Not fetch money at Present and we are all-
most Ready to Cry out under the burden of our taxes as the
Children of Israel did in Egypt when they were Required to
make Brick without Straw If your Honours or the treasury
can make Any turne of such Lumber as we Can git which is
I
480 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
9
Cheeftly white Oak Eeft Lumber and take it for our taxes
we are willing to Pay them and otherwise we beg the favour
of Execution being Stayed till such times as Lumber will
fetch money that we may pay them for we cannot find that
there is money enough in y e town to pay y e Charge for one
Execution if it Comes to no more at Present we ly at your
masey under y e Protection of y e Grate Creation of all things
in behalf of the town of Coxhall we Remain your Humble
Servant
Joshua Kicker
James Lord / Selectmen
Ezra Kimball )
INDEX
Acadians, the, 356.
Adams, Capt. , 90.
Jedidiah, 378.
S., 279, 280, 288, 291, 293,
296, 298, 301, 301, 303, 304,
324, 327, 330, 335, 341, 345,
346, 347, 349, 350, 353, 354,
356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 364,
367, 368, 382, 392, 396, 397,
399, 406, 407, 411.
Samuel, 283, 326.
Albany, 329, 343.
Albee, Lieut. William, 19, 40.
Alden, Austin, 307.
John, 71.
Alexander, John, 378.
John, 2nd, 378.
Allan, Col. John, 18, 23, 24, 32,
40, 41, 50, 51, 52, 53, 59, 60,
61, 65, 66, 67, 68, 88, 100,
103, 105, 112, 122, 124, 128,
129, 136, 152, 153, 154, 167,
183, 186, 189, 209, 220, 234,
247, 252, 256, 257, 258, 267,
274, 283, 288, 298, 299, 302,
307, 320, 325, 326, 341, 342,
355, 356, 367, 368, 369, 370,
372, 376, 388, 397, 436, 439,
440, 447, 448, 449, 462, 468.
Allen, James, 86.
John, 283.
Alley, John, 5.
Ambroise, see St. Aubin, Am-
broise.
Ammidown, Mr. , 90, 91.
Anderson, Edward, 364, 366.
Andrews, Capt. , 65, 66, 106.
Androscoggin River, 230, 310.
Army, American, see Continen-
tal Army.
Arnold, Col. Benedict, 121.
Ashley, Mr. , 92.
John, Jr., 428.
Col. John, 90.
Atteor, 8.
Atwood, Stephen, 386.
Audebert, )
Audibert, J Phillip, 38, 104, 142.
Austin, Jon a Loring, Jr., 403.
Avery, Mr. , 112.
Edward, 85.
Edward, Jr., 387.
Avery, continued.
Lieut. James, 31, 39, 52, 53, 59,
61, 66, 67, 129, 153, 167, 208,
256, 268, 270, 274, 287, 302,
341, 342, 367, 368, 369, 370,
371, 372, 388, 397, 462, 463.
John, 2, 12, 17, 18, 63, 133, 167,
186, 192, 209, 223, 294, 307,
308, 309, 315, 316, 320, 321,
341, 343, 369, 405, 445, 446,
447.
Babbidge, William, 224.
see also Bubbage.
Bacon, Mr. , 47, 91, 92.
George, 207, 208.
Badlam, Lt. Col. Ezra, 460, 462,
474, 475, 476.
Bagaduce, see Magabigwaduce.
Baker, Mr. , 182.
Balltown, 432.
Bane, ) Lieut. John, 187, 248,
Bean, (266, 267, 268, 269, 270,
274, 275, 288, 289, 441, 442.
John, Jr., 270.
Barker, James, 91.
Barnes, Benjamin, 410.
Barnstable County, 33, 35, 90.
Barrett, Mr. , 8, 52.
Samuel, 90.
Bartlett, Jonathan, 229.
Barton, Jedediah, 380, 401.
Stephen, 379, 380, 401.
Bath, 432.
Battle, Ebenezer, 428.
Isaac, 86.
Bayley, Nathaniel, 90.
Bean, see Bane.
Belfast, 73, 74, 75, 76.
Bell, Capt. , 255.
Benjamin, Jon a , 312.
Berkshire County, 90, 92, 133,
329, 358.
Berry, Joseph, 72.
Thomas, 378.
Berthiaume, Juniper, 36, 43, 291,
292, 303, 304, 372, 374.
Berwick, 48, 144, 289, 290, 413,
414, 451, 453, 466.
Beverly, 354, 427.
Bickford, Henry, 11.
Bill of Rights, 12.
31
4-82
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Bishop, Capt. , 72.
Bitter, Peter, 386.
Blanchard, Edward, 402, 403.
Bliss, John, 91, 218.
Blount, )
Blunt, j Lieut. John, 360, 361.
Boa, George, 386.
Bogs, William, 379.
Bond, George, 233.
Bonney, Capt. , 47.
Boothbay, 4, 5, 6, 148, 149, 150,
151, 160, 161, 196, 198, 211,
212, 282, 283, 311, 317, 318,
322, 323, 330, 331, 337, 345,
346, 347, 408, 409, 432.
Boston, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 17, 23, 31,
36, 39, 46, 49, 53, 57, 60, 63,
64, 67, 69, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76,
94, 98, 112, 114, 117, 120, 121,
128, 129, 131, 137, 138, 142,
143, 145, 151, 155, 156, 159,
167, 188, 208, 210, 216, 220,
234, 235, 236, 242, 243, 246,
254, 255, 256, 261, 262, 267,
280, 288, 293, 295, 296, 297,
304, 308, 315, 320, 326, 330,
331, 334, 336, 337, 338, 341,
342, 343, 351, 352, 353, 361,
366, 369, 370, 371, 372, 382,
383, 384, 388, 389, 390, 399,
405, 406, 411, 417, 428, 436,
443, 445, 446, 447, 448, 450,
459, 460, 461, 463, 468, 472,
475, 477, 478.
Board of War, ) 23, 24, 40, 53,
War Office, C 60, 62, 67,
117, 124, 127, 129, 205, 206,
250, 395, 396, 402, 403, 405,
445, 446, 447.
Castle Island, 341, 350.
Council Chamber, 1, 17, 48,
182, 208, 223, 294, 295, 316,
343.
Goal, 258.
Hall's Wharf, 75.
Harbor, 3, 75, 105, 142, 303,
321.
Marine,
Navy Board,
Newspapers,
Pension Office, 38, 141, 142,
143, 210, 361.
Port, 171, 327.
Prison Ship, 255.
State Hospital, 104, 105.
Bowdoin, James, 5.
Bowdoinham, 432.
Bowland, John Lendell, 427.
1, (143,210,279.
5, 170.
Bowman, Jon a ., 363, 419, 421.
Boyinton, William, 14.
Bracket, Abraham, 344, 345.
James, 344.
Bradbury, Jacob, 278, 279, 319.
Moses, 46.
Theophilus, 389, 391.
Bradford, Joseph, 208.
Bragdon, Joseph, Jr., 321.
Joshua, 460.
Capt. Thomas, 406, 407.
Braintree, 471.
Bramhall, Cornelius, 224.
Bray, Nathaniel, 224.
Brewer,
Col. Josiah, ) 1,2,7,8,9,15,
Col. Joseph, j 16, 36, 37, 43,
44, 63, 64, 114, 292, 293, 297,
299, 301, 302, 312, 319, 320,
338.
Brick, John, 142.
Joseph, 142.
Bridge, Edmund, 417.
Bridgton, 364.
Bristol, 277, 432.
County, 90.
Britain, 257, 267.
sTf? also Great Britain.
Britanic Majesty, his, 200.
Britains, the, } 21, 25, 26, 28, 29,
British, the, 100, 106, 107,
Britons, the, I 109, 112, 122,
English, the, | 129, 188, 247,
257, 262, 272, 273, 299, 373,
439.
British Cruisers, 27, 365.
Fleet, 187.
Privateers, 459.
Broad Bay, 222, 223.
Brooks, E., 39.
Eleazer, 90, 91, 358.
Thomas, 90.
Broome, Samuel, 412.
Brown, }
Browne, ] Capt. , 317.
Mr. , Commissary, 318.
Mr. , of Concord, 349, 350.
Maj. Andrew, 231, 232, 233.
Col. Ephraim, 403.
N. Y., 310, 311.
James, 379.
Samuel, 14, 402.
Brownfield, 310, 317.
Brunswick, 10, 280, 281, 282.
Bryant, Abraham, Jr., 86, 387.
John, 86, 387.
Bubbage, Stephen, 224.
see also Babbidge.
INDEX
483
Bucknam, Capt. John, 269, 275,
443, 444.
Burke, Capt. John, 116, 124.
Richard, 81.
Burns, Capt. , 287.
Sergt., 351.
Burrill, Mr. , 52.
Burt, Gideon, 428.
Burton, Maj. , 152, 254, 255,
256.
Butler, Moses, 104, 266.
Moses, Jr., 266.
Nathaniel, 266.
Peter, 266.
Buxton, 277, 278, 279, 469.
Call, Obadiah, Jr., 11.
Cambridge, 246.
Camden, 46, 73, 79, 88, 190, 219,
261, 262, 263, 376, 402.
Campbell, General , 277.
Col. Alexander, 26, 32, 33, 40,
42, 186, 187, 188, 191, 267,
268, 269, 288, 441, 442.
John, 199, 200, 204, 205.
Mary, 199, 202, 204, 205.
Campbell Town, 276.
Canada, 29, 106, 107, 123, 310,
329, 373, 437, 439.
Cape Elizabeth, 82, 85, 87, 354,
380, 381, 382, 384, 385, 386,
387, 414, 415.
Cape Porpoise River, 33, 35.
Cape Sable, 32, 356.
Cargill, Col. , 72, 73, 74.
James, 2, 3, 13, 14, 76, 77, 93,
99.
Carlton, 340.
Games, Thomas Jeners, 97.
Cartland, John, 14.
Casco Bay, 117, 148, 326.
Cash, Francis, 86, 386.
John, 386.
Samuel, 86.
Stephen, 86, 386.
Castle Island, see under Boston.
Chadbourn, Benjamin, 48, 50,
144, 145.
Humphrey, 33, 35.
Chanders, 236.
Chandler's River, 445.
Charlestown, 81.
Chase, Thomas, 471.
Cheesebrook, Elisha, 222.
Chershind, Tho s . Nich ., 85.
Child, Tho s ., 36.
Choate, Stephen, 33, 113.
Clancy, David, 11.
Clark, {
Clerk, C , 310.
Lieut. , 328, 441, 442.
Abraham, 290.
Benjamin, 266.
Stephen, 266.
Cleaves, Robert, 378.
Clements, Jeremiah, 410.
Clinton, Gen. , 31.
Cluff, Samuel, 410.
Coasters, see under Vessels.
Cobb, James, 85.
James Noble, 387.
Jedidiah, 386.
Joseph, 86.
Joseph, Jr., 387.
Gobbet, Aron, 142.
Codman, John, Jr., 315.
Coffin, Col. , 15, 196, 257,
324.
Francis, 277, 315, 316, 453.
Dr. Nathaniel, 276, 277, 315,
316, 450, 453.
Mrs. Nathaniel, 277.
Richard, 269, 275.
Colburn, Lieut. Jeremiah, 261,
262, 263.
Colby, Joseph, 224.
Cole, Benjamin, 76, 224.
Collins, Capt. , 385.
Cornell, Ezek, 361.
Conant, Nathaniel, 410.
Concord, 349.
Cone, John, 378.
Congress, see United States Con-
gress.
Connecticut River, 329.
Continental Army, 59, 80, 97,
116, 133, 134, 135, 142, 156,
157, 167, 178, 182, 184, 199,
207, 209, 213, 217, 218, 231,
233, 282, 290, 326, 332, 340,
342, 348, 351, 374, 375, 379,
381, 382, 385, 386, 387, 396,
397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 403,
415, 416, 423, 425, 429, 430,
434, 451, 456, 458, 459, 461,
462, 464, 465, 466, 469, 474,
475.
Certificates, 471.
Pensioners, 140, 141.
Village, Headquarters, 329.
Conway, 310.
Cooks, James, 401.
Coos, 310.
Cooper, S., 120.
484
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Cousins, Charles, 378.
Cowden, Capt. , 90.
Coxhall, 479, 480.
Crafts, Col. Thomas, 98.
Cramberry Island, 33.
Cranch, Richard, 121.
Crane, Col. , 467.
Crawford, Dr. , 323.
Mary, 323, 324.
Cressy, Charles, 224.
Crocker, , 352.
Capt. Peleg, 3, 73, 74, 75, 76,
77.
Crocket, }
Crockett, f Ephraim, 387.
Jame, 222.
Josiah, 193, 196, 198, 221, 223,
224.
Richard, 195, 198, 199, 224.
Crosby, Nicholas, 192.
Cruisers, see under Vessels.
Cumberland County, 10, 36, 46,
50, 74, 76, 81, 89, 90, 118,
130, 131, 132, 139, 162, 165,
171, 174, 185, 195, 198, 199,
200, 213. 215, 216, 224, 225,
251, 258, 259, 264, 275, 281,
290, 311, 315, 335, 345, 357,
358, 359, 366, 380, 384, 396,
426, 431, 434, 435, 436, 453,
454, 472.
Curate, John, 86, 385.
Curtis, Capt. , 90, 91.
Lot, 224.
James, 378.
dishing, , 9.
Charles, 416, 417, 428.
Brig. Gen. Charles, 62, 420.
John, 116, 117, 124.
Capt. Loring, 86, 387.
Capt. Perez, 429.
Seth, 428.
T., 8.
Thomas, 385.
Cutts, Thomas, 276.
Damariscotta, ]
Damascothy, ( River, 318.
Daniel, James M., 410.
Dartmouth, 310.
Davis, Capt. Amasa, 309, 446,
447.
Caleb, 8, 15, 16, 33, 38, 39, 41,
42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 51, 57, 61,
82, 87, 96, 99, 102, 105, 113,
119, 127, 129, 133, 134, 135,
Davis, continued.
139, 140, 141, 142, 144, 145,
147, 150, 151, 154, 155, 157,
158, 159, 161, 166, 172, 175,
176, 177, 180, 182, 184, 185,
196, 205, 206, 207, 209, 211,
212, 215, 217, 219, 220, 221,
222, 225, 229, 234, 252, 254,
257, 259, 261, 263, 264, 265,
302, 367.
Capt. Jonathan, 149, 151.
Davis, Joshua, 402.
Dawes, Col. , 15, 64, 65, 89,
91, 190.
Thomas, 90.
Dawson, Capt. , 72.
Day, Capt. , 386.
De Bourger, Father Frederick,
OOA
Deer Island, 193, 194, 195, 196,
198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 220,
221, 223, 224, 276.
De Lesdernier, Louis Frederick,
107, 108, 189, 284, 437, 439,
440, 447, 448, 449.
Dennis, John, 230.
Deserter, a Hessian, 419.
Devens, ) Richard, 208, 297, 320,
Devons, j 403.
Dillworth, Capt. , 386.
Dimple, James, 86.
Samuel, 86.
Dix, Mr. , 91.
Doggett, Capt. Samuel, 23, 24,
45, 405.
Dole, Daniel, 465.
Doo, Capt. Vincent, 382, 384,
389, 391, 392, 394, 395.
Dorchester, 436.
Dorr, Joseph, 33, 52, 341, 472.
Douglass, Barbara, 377.
Robert, 377.
Dow, John, 224.
Nathan, 224.
Downer, Dr. Eliphalet, 142, 208,
335, 361, 402.
Drinkwater, Capt. Daniel, 446.
Drumond, Alexander, 14, 376.
Dudley, Frances, 312.
Duglas, Andrew, 378.
Frank, 378.
Wilam, 378.
Dukes County, 90.
Dunbar, Mr. , 91.
Dunkan, Samuel, 280, 281, 378.
Dunlap, John, 378.
Dunn, Capt. Samuel, 116, 124.
Durfee, Thomas, 147, 425.
INDEX
485
Dyer, Capt. , 124.
Benjamin, 86, 386.
Daniel, 386.
Jabez, 85.
James, 385.
James, Jr., 85.
Judah, 86.
Peter, 86, 386.
Reuben, 386.
Samuel, 387.
Dyer's Rangers, 39, 123, 124.
E
Eastman, Jeremiah, 410.
William, 410.
Eaton, , 378.
Jonathan, 224.
Ahimaar, 134.
Edgecomb, 150, 432.
Egypt, 479.
Eldridg, Timothy, 86, 386.
Elkins, David, 344.
Mrs. David, 344.
Ellis, Mr. , 91.
Abner, 90.
Ely, Mr. , 90, 425.
England, 72, 102, 417, 418. -
King of, 72, 200, 267.
English, the, 373.
see also under Britains, the.
Essex County, 76, 77, 90, 147,
162, 165, 174, 230, 250, 454.
Esterbrook, Mr. , 52.
Evans, John, 311.
Fairbanks, David, 87.
Jonathan, 86.
Pales, Atwood, 379.
David, 94.
George, (?) 224.
Falmouth, 34,35,44,45,54,55,62,
63, 68, 69, 74, 75, 79, 81, 88,
89, 94, 95, 131, 132, 139, 146,
148, 149, 158, 159, 161, 162,
167, 185, 186, 188, 195, 196,
198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 213,
214, 216, 217, 254, 258, 264,
274, 277, 293, 294, 306, 310,
313, 315, 316, 326, 327, 354,
357, 377, 383, 384, 387, 390,
392, 436, 450, 453, 454, 457,
458, 464, 465, 466, 472, 473.
Bay, 45.
Goal, 10, 11, 42, 45, 50, 84, 222.
Falmouth, continued.
Harbor, 84, 161.
Headquarters, 46.
Mount Joy, 161.
Port of, 258, 259.
Port, 422, 423.
Soldiers, 357.
Farmer, Capt. Edward, 428.
Farnham, Joshua, 14.
Farnsworth, Capt. James, 241,
243, 444.
Farnum, , 31.
Felck, Abijah, 319.
Fessenden, Mr. , 91.
Ficket, Abner, 386.
John, 386.
Vincent, 386.
Fisher, Capt. , 343.
Fisher's Island, 412.
Fisk, David, 349.
Fling, James, 222.
Fogg, Joseph, 453.
Forts and Garrisons, 30, 31, 56,
217, 220.
Forts at Bagwaduce, 273.
at Castle Island, 341, 350.
at Falmouth, 54, 55, 88, 89,
139, 159, 161, 162, 163, 165,
174, 472.
at Halifax, 356.
at Machias, 22, 26, 52, 53, 59,
60, 68, 111, 152, 154, 252,
256, 284, 324, 325, 326, 341,
437, 438.
at Magabigwaduce, 295.
at Penobscot, 73, 323.
at Springfield, 475.
Castle William, 475, 478.
Cumberland, 287.
Gates, 285.
George, 177, 254, 255.
Halifax, 8, 9, 16, 36, 43, 113,
115, 292, 293, 298, 301, 319,
338, 373, 374.
Halifax Truck House, 7, 297,
319.
Howe, 106, 107, 287, 351, 352.
Washington, 403, 404.
Western, 43.
Foster, Col. Benjamin, 186, 270,
440, 441, 442, 443, 444.
Robert, 359, 467, 468, 471.
John, 386.
Fowler, William, 85.
Fox Island, 73.
Jn., 457.
France, 72, 403.
Frazier, Mr. , 90.
$
486
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Freeman, Enoch, 199.
Joshua, 293, 294, 295.
Pelatiah, 5, 17, 18, 42.
Samuel, 33, 34, 35, 36, 199,
290, 327, 329, 334, 343, 422,
423, 473.
Freetown, 218.
French, the, 106, 107, 117, 356.
Admiral, the, 371.
Consul, the, 2, 9, 15, 36, 43,
106.
Fleet, )the, 107, 170,
Man of War, ( 171, 178, 179,
180, 257, 283, 286.
Frigate, 356.
Port, a, 258, 259.
Priest, see under Recollect.
Frenchman's Bay, 23, 26, 32, 99,
102, 104, 110, 112, 183, 184,
185, 186, 189, 227, 237, 240,
248, 249, 266, 267, 269, 270,
273, 274, 275, 286, 288, 289,
295, 441.
Bay Township, No. Two, 104.
Frost, Brig. , 8.
John, 251, 276, 317.
Timothy, 471.
William, 44, 139, 140.
Frosts, John, 411.
Frothingham, John, 465.
Frye, Mr. , 113.
Capt. Joseph, 229.
Simeon, 94, 96, 229, 276.
Fryeburg, 94, 96, 157, 311.
Fuller, Jonathan, 14.
Fullers Town, 229, 230, 310, 328.
G
Gammons, John, 85, 386.
Samuel, 85, 386.
William, 222.
Gardner, Henry, 369.
Dr. Joseph, 15, 104, 143, 210,
378.
Georgetown, 148, 149, 150, 151,
160, 166, 330, 374, 376, 398,
432.
Gent, Thomas, 387.
Germany, 245.
Gerrish, Col. , 353.
Gerry, Mr. , 91.
Getchell, John, 14.
Gill, John, 476.
Gilman, Lieut. Andrew, 63, 64,
297, 298.
Gillpatrick, Joseph, 319.
Gin, Capt. , 373.
Gloucester, 354.
Glover, Gen. John, 477.
Jonathan, 403.
Goddard, Elias, 122.
Goldsborough,
see Gouldsborough.
Goodman, Col. , 90.
Goodridge, Joshua, 410.
Samuel, 421.
Goodwin, Col. , 317.
Dominicus, 470.
Jedidiah, 453.
Samuel, 11, 418.
Samuel, Jr., 11, 418.
Gordon, )
Gordin, j James, 343.
Joseph, 327, 343, 344.
Gorham, 278, 305, 306, 307, 364,
366.
Mr. , 92.
Nathaniel, 279, 280, 288, 291,
293, 296, 298, 301, 303, 304,
324, 326, 327, 330, 335, 336,
345, 346, 347, 349, 350, 351,
353, 354, 357, 358, 359, 360,
363, 367, 368, 382, 388, 392,
396, 397, 399, 407, 411, 414,
416, 422, 425, 426, 435, 470,
474, 476.
William, 307, 366.
Goud, George, 11.
Jacques, 11.
James, 362, 363.
Gouldsborough, ) 110, 193, 225,
Goldsborough, j 235, 236, 238,
240, 248, 269, 275, 308, 355.
Gow, Edward, 5.
Graffam, Caleb, 358, 359.
Grant, James, 344.
Samuel, 380, 401.
Graves, Admiral Samuel, 3.
Great Androscoggin River, 230,
310.
Great Britain, 83, 134, 148, 193,
194, 237, 244, 315, 342, 381,
453, 455; see also Britain,
the King of, 313.
Greeley, Mrs. Alice, Innholder,
35.
Green, Gen. , 232.
Greenleaf, Jonathan, 90, 150,
155, 168, 196, 211, 425.
Joseph, 122.
Gregory, Capt. , 73.
Grenlaw, William, 224.
Gressy, John, Jr., 224.
Gridley, Scarboro, 216, 217.
Grow, Col. , 82.
INDEX
487
Grow, continued.
Edward, 276, 393, 394, 406,
407, 463.
Guard Ship, see Prison Ship.
Guld, John, 386.
Gunn, Moses, 158.
Gurnet, 354.
H
Haldimand, Gen. Frederick, 28.
Haley, )
Haly, j John, 11.
Martin, 11.
Thomas, 11.
William, 11.
Halifax, 32, 75, 110, 213, 287,
321, 351, 352, 356, 418.
Hall, Mr. , of the Legisla-
ture, 182, 358, 423.
Mr. , messenger, 159.
Ebenezer, 410.
Samuel, 335, 336.
Stephen, 74, 75, 76, 77, 276,
293, 294, 338.
Hallowell, 401, 432.
Hambelton, Lieut. , 70.
Hampshire County, 90, 329, 340.
Hancock, John, 16, 17, 38, 39,
42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 51, 53,
57, 61, 68, 70, 87, 89, 96, 99,
105, 113, 119, 127, 134, 135,
136, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144,
145, 149, 152, 154, 155, 157,
158, 159, 161, 167, 172, 176,
178, 180, 182, 185, 189, 192,
205, 207, 208, 209, 212, 215,
217, 219, 221, 223, 225, 228,
229, 234, 241, 252, 256, 257,
259, 261, 263, 264, 265, 280,
288, 291, 293, 296, 298, 301,
303, 304, 316, 317, 326, 327,
329, 330, 335, 336, 340, 341,
345, 346, 347, 350, 351, 354,
357, 359, 360, 363, 367, 368,
369, 392, 396, 397, 399, 407,
411, 414, 416, 422, 426, 428,
430, 435, 443, 446, 470, 474,
477.
Handifon, Stephen, 266.
Happen, William, 453.
Hardison, Stephen, 104, 407, 408.
Harinton, Robert, 86.
Harpswell, 280, 281, 282.
Harrington, Mr.
Robert, 387.
Harris, James, 90.
Hartford, 232, 343.
Hartwell, John, 349.
349.
Haskell, Alig, 224.
Francis, 224.
Ignatius, 224.
Jacob, 46.
Mark, 224.
Hatch, Joseph, 86.
Hathaway, John, 218.
Hayes, Elijah, 453.
Hazard, Eben, 423.
Heald, Capt. Timothy, 136.
Heath, Gen. W., 329, 330.
Heddeau, George, 378.
Henshaw, Andrew, 93, 206.
Herinton, Mr. , 150.
Herrick, Henry, 403.
Hessian, Deserter, An, 419.
Higginson, Capt. , 90.
Mr. , 91.
Hill, | Alexander, 405, 445,
Hills, ) 446.
John, 90, 276, 289, 290, 411,
451, 453, 466, 467.
Thomas, 269, 275.
Hilton, William, 14.
Hinchborn, Col. , 443.
Hinkley, Capt. , 386.
Nathaniel, 378.
Theophilas, 378.
Hitchcock, Col. , 360, 361.
Hodge, Henry, 211, 212, 322,
400, 401.
Hodgkins, Moses, 378.
Phillip, 295, 296.
Holden, Mr. , 382.
Holt, Capt. , 90.
Hooper, David, 266.
John, 224.
Hopkins, Maj. John, 5, 256, 261,
263, 264.
Horton, James, 86.
Hosmer, Maj. , 90.
Joseph, 349.
Hospital Ship, the, 197, 211.
Hospital, the State, 104, 105.
Houdlette, Louis, 11.
Howard, Ezra, 224.
James, 420.
Howard, John, 224.
William, 401, 420, 421.
Col. William, 320.
Howardston, 432.
Hubbard, William, 209, 210.
Humbleton, Gabriel, 14.
Hunt, Stuart, 378.
Hunter, Arthur, 401.
Gen. James, 450.
Huntington, 330.
Samuel, 136.
488
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Huson, an Indian, 403.
Hussey, Stephen, 90.
Hutchings, Levi, 410.
Hutchinson, 404.
Col. Israel, 64, 65.
Gov. Thomas, 409, 410.
Illsley, I
Ilsley, { Col. , 381.
David, 465.
Impressing men for service, 142,
180.
Indians, 2, 9, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 37, 39,
40, 43, 45, 51, 52, 53, 59, 61,
63, 64, 65, 67, 105, 107, 108,
109, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115,
116, 122, 123, 124, 128, 129,
153, 188, 190, 209, 257, 283,
284, 285, 286, 288, 292, 293,
299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304,
310, 312, 319, 320, 325, 326,
328, 338, 339, 342, 355, 356,
373, 374, 403, 437, 438, 439,
440, 448.
see also under tribal names.
Indians, Eastern, 25, 28, 29, 371.
Ingalls, , son of Daniel, 310.
Ingalls, Daniel, 310.
Ingolls, William, 104.
Ipswich, 390.
Ivers, Thomas, 405, 445, 446, 447.
Jackson, Bartholomew, 344, 345.
Henry, 386.
Col. Henry, 403.
Joseph, 11.
Robert, 386.
Solomon, 85.
Solomon, Jr., 387.
Jakin, Christopher, 11.
Jameson, Paul, 379.
Jeleson, Jabe, 378.
Jemison, Robert, 86.
Jenks, David, 235.
Jent, Thomas, 87.
Jepson, Benjamin, 23, 24, 45,
405, 406.
Jersey, 178.
Jewett, Mr. , 89.
Johnson, John, 11.
Jones, Ephraim, 345.
John, 420.
John Coffin, 443.
Jones, continued.
Col. Nathan, 188, 193, 227, 228,
240, 241, 242.
Stephen, 226, 235, 236, 238,
243, 246, 410, 443.
Thomas, 86, 387.
William, 386.
Jordan, Andrew, 86, 386.
Benjamin, 386.
Clement, 90.
Clement, Jr., 386.
Ebenezer, 86, 386.
Edmund, 86, 387.
Ezra, 386.
Isaac, 85, 385.
Israel, 85, 386.
Jeremiah, 85, 386.
John, 387.
John, Jr., 85.
Richard, Jr., 85.
Robert, 86, 387.
Samuel, 86, 385.
Simon, 386.
Stilsman, 386.
Thomas, 386.
Thomas, 3rd, 85.
William, 85, 386.
K
Karcudbury, 343.
Rating, Richard, 79, 94.
Kemp, , 198.
Kennebec, 10, 68, 140, 358.
River, 10, 43, 58, 68, 115, 150,
185, 253, 374, 375, 398, 429.
Kent, Benjamin, 6, 311, 312, 317,
318, 337.
Kimball, Ezra, 480.
Thomas, 410.
Kingman, Capt. , 90.
Kittery, 33, 35, 317, 412, 413.
Knight, John, 410.
Kollock, Mr. , 92.
Laisdell, Matthew, 410.
Lakes back of Passamaquoddy,
29, 355, 356.
Landers, James, 378.
Lane, Daniel, 469.
Langdon, John, 330, 331, 409.
Timothy, 13, 14, 383, 391.
Langley, Richard, 86, 385.
Lapham, Joseph, 354, 355.
Larrabee, Nathaniel, 378.
Larvalege, Stephen, 460.
INDEX
489
Law, Martial, 69, 317.
Leake, Capt. Robert, 351, 352.
Leggate, Mr. , 196.
Leighton, Samuel, 412, 413,
414.
Lemon, Clement, 53.
Le Perouse, ) Capt. Charles,
Le Peruse, \ 256, 283.
Lermond, Alexander, 379.
William, 379.
Lewis, Mr. , 33, 150.
John, 155, 168, 380, 382, 387,
388, 396.
Morgan, 410.
Lewiston, 432.
Lexington, Battle of, 74.
Libby, Mr. , 423.
Hatevil, , 379.
Limerick, 319, 327, 344.
Lincoln, 348, 349, 350.
Capt. Amos, 352, 353, 429, 446,
447.
Maj. Gen. Benjamin, 130, 145,
147, 159, 160, 161, 167, 206,
207.
County, 10, 13, 28, 37, .58, 72,
73, 74, 76, 88. 89, 90, 102,
118, 130, 131, 132, 135, 136,
137, 138, 152, 160, 162, 164,
165, 170, 171, 172, 174, 176,
188, 193, 194, 198, 199, 202,
211, 212, 213, 215, 219, 223,
224, 225, 243, 247, 251, 252,
253, 265, 271, 275, 292, 293,
307, 308, 311, 312, 313, 332,
338, 357, 358, 362, 364, 378,
380, 407, 408, 416, 417, 419,
420, 421, 423, 430, 431, 434,
443.
Linnell, Stephen, 378.
Lithgow, William, 57, 90, 147,
150, 151, 155, 166, 175, 182,
206, 276, 312, 425.
Little, Col. , 175, 257.
James, 14.
Luther, 142.
River, 33, 34.
Littlefield, Capt. James, 128,
129, 152, 153.
Lombard, Mr. , 33, 147.
Solomon, 276, 335.
London, 418.
Long, Mr. , 255.
Long Island, 72, 73, 74, 75, 360,
361.
Capt. John, 84, 222, 242.
Lord, James, 480.
Lovell, , 353.
Lovell, continued.
Gen. Solomon, 6, 7, 197, 211,
317, 318, 322, 337, 361, 425.
Low, Capt. , 356.
Beniah, 198.
Lucas, John, 38, 140, 141, 142,
143, 207, 209, 210, 229, 233,
234, 360, 361, 402.
Lyon, Rev. James, 41.
M
McCallam, William, 85.
McCobb, Col. , 135, 364, 377.
James, 140.
William, 148, 409.
McCreight, Robert, 85.
McDaniel, John, 87.
McFarland, Joseph, 11.
Joseph, 2nd, 11.
McGoff, John, 142, 233, 234.
Mclntyre, Lieut. , 430.
John, 379.
McKechnie, John, 116.
McHenney, Humphery, 386.
McLallan, } Capt. , 10, 204,
McLellan, f 421.
Lieut., 69.
Capt. Arthur, 386.
John, 158, 159.
Joseph, 258, 259, 36'6, 367.
Thomas, 386.
William, 386.
Capt. William, 445.
McNabb, , 254.
Machias, 7, 24, 29, 39, 41, 52, 53,
55, 63, 65, 66, 67, 88, 100,
103, 105, 106, 108, 110, 124.
136, 152, 167, 183, 186, 187,
189, 193, 209, 218, 225, 236.
237, 238, 241, 243, 252, 257.
258, 269, 270, 273, 274, 275,
284, 285, 287, 290, 298, 300,
303, 324, 325, 326, 341, 342.
359, 367, 368, 369, 370, 372,
376, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440,
448, 449, 468, 471.
Harbor, 257, 283.
Indians, 7.
River, 256.
Truck House, 292, 293.
Magabigwaduce, 5, 6, 7, 17, 26.
31, 55, 56, 58, 73, 88, 99, 100.
101, 102, 103, 110, 112, 137,
141, 148, 152, 177, 186, 187.
193, 194, 199, 208, 209, 210,
219, 227, 228, 229, 235, 236.
240, 242, 247, 248, 249, 254.
490
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Magabigwaduce, continued.
255, 263, 267, 273, 286, 294,
295, 313, 320, 356, 360, 361,
373, 418, 419, 428, 430, 439.
Peninsular, 279, 280.
Magray, John, 279, 280.
Maine, District of, ) 13, 229, 230,
Maine, Province of, ( 438.
Majer, Phillip, 11.
Major Bagwaduce.
see Magabigwaduce.
Mallet, John, 378.
William, 378.
Managuagus, see Narraguagus.
Manell, Bavak, 460.
Marble, Philip, 266.
Marblehead, 74, 84, 280, 354,
454.
Maret, }
Marett, \ Capt. Philip, 98.
Th., 98.
Maritime Court, see under Pow-
nalborough and York.
Marsh, John, 1, 8.
Marshall, Ezekiel, 224.
Marshfield, 354.
Marston, Daniel, 198, 199.
Martial Law, 69, 317.
Mason, Abner, 11.
Sam., 11.
Stephen, 11.
Massachusetts, Commonwealth
and State of, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,
13, 14, 16, 17, 23, 25, 26, 33,
34, 36, 37, 39, 43, 45, 46, 47,
49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57,
59, 60, 62, 63, 64, 67, 70, 77,
79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 87, 89,
93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 100, 102,
105, 113, 116, 117, 119, 122,
124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129,
130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135,
136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141,
143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151,
153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158,
159, 160, 163, 164, 166, 167,
168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174,
175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 181,
182, 183, 184, 185, 189, 190,
192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 199,
200, 201, 202, 205, 206, 207,
208, 209, 210, 211, 213, 214,
216, 217, 218, 219, 221, 222,
223, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231,
233, 234, 240, 241, 243, 244,
245, 246, 248, 249, 250, 251,
252, 253, 254, 257, 258, 259,
260, 262, 263, 264, 265, 269,
Massachusetts, continued.
271, 272, 273, 275, 276, 277.
279, 280, 281, 282, 288, 289.
290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295,
296, 298, 299, 300, 302, 303,
304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309,
311, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317.
319, 320, 321, 323, 324, 325,
326, 327, 330, 331, 334, 335.
336, 337, 338, 340, 341, 345,
346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 352,
353, 354, 357, 358, 359, 360.
361, 362, 363, 364, 366, 367,
368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378.
379, 380, 382, 383, 388, 389.
391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396,
397, 398, 399, 401, 403, 405,
406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 413,
415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 421.
422, 423, 425, 426, 427, 428,
430, 431, 434, 435, 436, 439,
440, 445, 446, 447, 449, 450,
451, 453, 454, 458, 459, 460,
461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466,
469, 471, 472, 474, 476, 478,
479.
Eastern District, 13; see also
under Maine, District of.
Mather, Samuel, 15, 90, 91, 105.
Mattoon, Capt. Ebenezer, 428.
Maxwell, Capt. George, 386.
Joseph, 85, 386.
Thomas, 85, 386.
William, 86, 387.
May, Lieut.-Col. John, 428.
Mayer, George, 11.
Medumcook, 432.
Merit, Daniel, 191, 268, 269, 275.
Lieut. Daniel, Jr., 270.
Merrill, John, 378.
Meser, Trench, 8.
Methuen, 230, 310.
Micmacs, the, 29, 107, 123, 298,
300.
Middleboro, 70, 71.
Middlesex County, 90.
Miller, Charles, 155, 156, 157,
160.
Millican, Joseph, 222.
Mills, Mr. , 175.
Mitchell, David, 77.
Mohawks, The, 29.
Montague, 158.
Montreal, 329.
Moody, Nathaniel Green, 81, 82.
Moon, Thomas, 104.
Moore, Capt. Lieut. , 55.
Morey, Ezekiel 224.
INDEX
491
Morse, Daniel, 79, 94.
Morton, Capt. , 381.
Mosher, James, 305, 307.
Moulton, Johnson, 393.
Mount Desert, 33, 100, 110.
Mowatt, | Capt. , 188.
Mowet, { Commodore , 450.
Capt. Henry, 81.
Murray, John, 331, 334, 337, 338,
345, 346.
Mussey, Benjamin, 364, 366.
N
Nantucket County, 90.
Narraguagus, ] 110, 188, 193,
Narroguagus, } 240, 241, 249,
Managuagus, ] 269, 271, 275,
287.
Meet, 248.
Nash, Mr. , 91, 92.
Nelson, Thomas, 71.
Neutrals, 226, 235, 238, 239, 248.
Nevens, ) Capt. , 295, 296,
Nevins, j 356.
New Bristol, 187, 265, 295, 408.
New England, 13, 50, 113, 418.
Army, 178.
New Hampshire, 147, 155, 163,
166, 174, 175, 310, 390.
New Jersey, 178.
New York Army, 178.
City, 242, 243, 271, 279, 326,
327, 343, 386, 417, 418.
Prison Ship, 272, 386.
Newbit, Christopher, 140, 141,
142.
Newbury, 74, 286, 295, 386.
Newburyport, 383, 459.
Newcastle, 2, 13, 76, 432.
Newechewanaog, ) River, Little,
Newichwanock, ( 33, 35.
Newell, Ebenezer, 386.
Newport, 1, 8, 170, 171, 177.
Newton, 326.
Nicholls, )
Nickals, f Israel, 349, 382, 472.
Capt. William, 193, 227, 240,
242, 243, 269, 275, 287.
Niles, Samuel, 91, 92, 175, 258.
Nooman, )
Noonan, f James, 236, 269, 271.
Norridgwalk, 432.
North, Joseph, 136, 137, 138, 420.
North Yarmouth, 74, 76, 77, 306,
380.
Norton, Beriah, 402.
Nova Scotia, 27, 110, 228, 240,
247, 279, 280, 287, 356, 437.
439, 448, 467, 468.
Noyes, Capt. Joseph, 139, 264,
306, 402, 457.
Peter, 62.
Nye, Mr. , 90, 147.
Obrian, Capt. Jeremiah, 442.
Oliver, David, 376.
Orana, ] Joseph, 7, 8, 15, 298,
Orina, j- 299,300,301.
Orino, I
Osgood, Maj. Samuel, 264, 265.
Ossipee, 327, 328.
Oxnard, , 314.
Martha, 313, 314.
Thomas 313, 314.
Packard, Peter, 11.
Pagan, Mr. , 242.
Robert, 276, 277, 315, 316, 453.
Page, Maj. , 113.
Paine, Mr. , 90.
Parker, Capt. , 151.
Jordan, 402.
Joseph, 86, 385.
Solomon, 312.
Thomas, 312.
Parks, Brig.-Gen., Warrham, 428.
Parrot, Capt. Thomas, 270.
Parry, William, 222.
Parsons, Jonathan, 402.
Timothy, 140.
William, 410.
Passamaquoddy, 20, 26, 27, 28,
29, 30, 66, 105, 106, 108, 109.
128, 189, 257, 283, 288, 295.
296, 356, 440, 448, 463, 464.
Bay, 356.
Indians, 153, 257, 298, 300.
Lakes, back of, 29, 355, 356.
River, 284, 440.
Patch, Capt. , 113.
Pater, Henry, 378.
Paters, James, 378.
Pattee, David, 312.
Ezekiel, 299, 338, 339, 420, 421.
422.
Maj. Ezekiel, 312.
Pearsontown, 344, 345.
Peck, Col. , 90, 349.
Pedrick, William, 142.
Peele, Jonathan, Jr., 127.
492
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Pembleton, Stephen, 222, 223.
Pendleton, William, 72, 74.
Fennel, Samuel, 386.
Penney, Jonathan, 401.
Penobscot, 1, 5, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17,
23, 25, 53, 71, 72, 73, 104,
116, 120, 121, 125, 135, 136,
137, 142, 143, 192, 194, 200,
213, 223, 227, 240, 260, 285,
299, 300, 309, 313, 314, 315,
316, 321, 323, 337, 352, 355,
366, 396, 403, 425, 453.
Bay, 73, 75.
Campbell Town, 276.
Expedition, 6, 23, 62, 71, 97,
98, 120, 121, 125, 127, 135,
136, 141, 142, 143, 196, 205,
208, 210, 211, 250, 259, 260,
322, 323, 335, 355, 395, 401,
402, 411, 427, 430, 445, 447.
Indian, 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 29, 36,
43, 63, 64, 291, 292, 297, 298,
300, 303, 338, 372, 373, 421,
422.
River, 19, 192, 213, 226, 238,
243, 253, 262, 324, 338, 339,
428, 429, 430.
Sound, 222, 223, 253.
Pepbles, Patrick, 379.
Pepperelborough, 79, 80, 81, 134,
135 279
Perkins, Ebenezer, 143, 144, 229.
Perley, Enoch, 364, 366.
Person Town, 364.
Pesuniscut River, 364.
Pettegrew, , 150.
Pettingill, Maj. , 467.
Phelps, Oliver, 132.
Philadelphia, 72, 136, 422.
Phillips, Lieut. , 430.
Mr. , 93.
Asa, 312.
Bridget, 155.
Samuel, Jr., 341.
Maj. William, 155.
Phinny, Edward, 307, 366.
Pierce, Abijah, 349.
Pigwacket, 344.
Pike, Humphrey, 81.
Pinkham, Capt. Ichabod, 346,
347.
Piscataqua Harbor, 386.
Pitts, John, 63, 113, 153, 206, 234,
258.
Pittson, ) 10, 135, 136, 137, 138,
Pittstown, } 432.
Pleasant River, 110, 191, 236,
269, 270, 275, 443, 444.
Plum Island, 354.
Plumer, Moses, 457.
Plummer, William, 86.
Plymouth, 76.
County, 70, 77, 90, 354, 355.
Pochard, George, 11.
Pollock, Alexander, 85.
John Alexander, 386.
Pond, Tma, 11.
Poor, Peter, 310.
Pope, Col. , 90.
Porter, Elecksander, 377.
Portsmouth, 117, 295.
Port discontinued, 422.
Portugal, the King of, 382, 391.
Portuguese, the, 395.
Schooner, 383.
Port from Portsmouth to Fal-
mouth, 422.
Potter, Alexander, 378.
John, 378.
Joseph, 378.
Powell, Jeremiah, 15, 16, 33, 38,
39, 41, 44, 45, 47, 48, 51, 52,
57, 61, 79, 82, 87, 89, 96, 99,
102, 105, 112, 113, 119, 127,
129, 133, 134, 135, 139, 140,
141, 142, 144, 145, 147, 150,
151, 152, 154, 155, 157, 158,
159, 161, 163, 166, 171, 172,
175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 184,
185, 186, 205, 206, 207, 208,
209, 211, 212, 215, 216, 217,
219, 220, 221, 222, 225, 229,
234, 252, 254, 258, 259, 261,
263, 264, 265.
Pownalborough, 10, 11, 42, 50,
58, 70, 198, 202, 211, 311, 312,
318, 322, 323, 331, 362, 363,
399, 401, 417, 418, 419, 420,
421, 432.
Maritime Court, 384.
Meeting House, 13.
Pray, William, 11.
Preble, )
Pribble, } Capt.
105, 356.
Col.
32.
Ebenezer, 118, 119, 314, 315,
316, 450.
Jedidiah, 8, 9, 82, 139, 140, 147,
150, 155, 163, 168, 170, 172,
179, 211, 213, 353, 354, 358,
364, 382, 472, 473.
Zebulon, 378.
Prentice, Robinson, 86.
Pressey, John (?) 224.
Preston, John, 85.
Presumpscot River, 364.
INDEX
493
Pribble, see Preble.
Priest, see Recollect.
Prime, Col. Joseph, 55, 69.
Prison Ship, 272, 352, 386.
Procter, Col. Edward, 97.
Putnam, Batholomew, 250.
Q
Quakers, 467.
Quebec, 119, 329, 344.
Siege of, 121.
B
Rainsford Island, State Hospi-
tal, 104, 105.
Randal, )
Randall, | Ezra, 378.
Capt. George, 383.
Nathaniel, 386.
Stephen, 85, 87, 385, 387.
Raynes, John, 224.
Nathan, 224.
Read, Capt. , 90.
Recollect, a French priest, 36,
43, 291, 292, 303, 304, 339,
372, 374.
Reed, Col. , 276.
Andrew, Jr., 311, 312, 317, 318,
319.
Lieut. Andrew, 6, 196, 198,
211, 212, 318, 322, 323, 327.
William, 14.
Reed's Creek, (David), 14, 150.
Revere, Paul, 97, 98, 425, 427,
428, 429, 430.
Rhode Island, 2, 178, 231.
Rice, Thomas, 57, 139, 140, 423,
425, 430.
Richardson, Capt. Addison, 403,
404.
James, 155, 156, 157, 159, 160.
Richeson, Abiel, 378.
Henry, 378.
Ricker, Joshua, 480.
Rindgis, Capt. , 310.
Rittal, ) Francis, 10, 11, 46, 61,
Ridle, j 69, 419, 420, 421.
Francis, Jr., 10, 50.
James, 42.
Lucy, 10, 11, 16, 42, 43, 68, 88.
Samuel, 50.
Roach, Stephen, 378.
Robbins, Philip, 379.
Roberts, Joseph, 386.
William, 386.
Robbins,
Robins, J Oliver, 93.
Thomas, 224.
Robinson, Ebenezer, 86, 386.
Elijah, 11.
George, 386.
Jabez, 11.
Samuel, 85, 386.
William, 379.
Roes, Prine, 378.
Rogers, Col., )
Maj., J 31.
Roxbury, 119, 121.
Russell, Joseph, 412.
Saco, 94.
River, 144, 155.
St. Aubin, Ambroise, 30.
St. Croix, 438.
River, 226, 238, 243.
St. Georges, 73, 185, 190, 252,
432.
River, 69, 78, 79.
St. Johns, 20, 65, 107, 108, 189,
284, 329, 355, 356, 439.
Indians, 65, 105, 106, 107, 284,
298, 300.
River, 32, 437, 438.
St. Miguel e Almas, 383, 391.
Salem, 74, 76, 77, 192, 250, 354,
389, 450, 459.
Salser, Capt. , 135.
Saltonstall, Capt. Dudley, 143,
208.
Sanders, James, 224.
Thomas, 224.
Timothy, 224.
Sandwich, 90.
Sandy River, 230.
Sanford, 409, 410.
Saustout, Commander Dudley,
208; see also Saltonstall.
Savage, Daniel, 401.
Sawyer, , 142.
Asa, 86.
Barnabas, 86.
Barney, 386.
Benjamin, 5, 386.
Ebenezer, 86, 386.
Ephraim, 86, 386.
Hezekiah, 86.
Jonathan, 86.
Lemuel, 86, 387.
Nathaniel, 85, 387.
Sawyer, Reuben, 86.
William, 86, 387.
Sayer, Deacon, , 64, 65, 149,
150.
494
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Scammon, Daniel, 266.
Scarborough, 278.
Schenectady, 343.
Schoodic, |
Schudeck, ( River, 20, 448
Scituate, 76, 77.
Sebesticook, )
Sibestucook, J 373.
River, 115.
Sever, William, 90, 91.
Sewall, , a tanner, 419.
Abigail, 454.
David, 155, 168, 413.
Dummer, 65, 118, 119, 149,
151, 160, 330, 331, 409.
Jonathan, 81.
Samuel, 454.
Shaeffer, Dr. , 419.
Shannon, J. Noble, 236, 246.
Shapleigh, Maj. Nichols, 33, 34.
Heirs, 34.
Samuel, 412.
Sharpleigh Town, )
Sharpleighboro, ] 34, 36, 135.
Shattuck, Jonas, 142.
Shaw, Benjamin, 74, 76, 77.
Francis, 191, 193, 225, 226,
227, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240,
243, 246, 249, 307, 308.
Nathaniel, 412.
Thomas, 142.
Sheepscot, ) River, 13, 68, 148,
Shipscut, f 149, 150, 151, 318.
Shelburn, 310.
Shepard, Dr. , 46.
Silsbee, Nathaniel, 205, 250, 251.
Silvester, David, 400, 401.
Simons, Thomas, 378.
Simonton, John, 94, 386
Mathew, 386.
Walter, 86, 386.
Simpson, Jabez, 441.
Situate, see Scituate.
Skillings, , son of Josiah, 86.
Josiah, 86.
Reuben, 387.
Skinner, Thompson, Jr., 428.
Skuduck, see Schoodic.
Slader, Benjamin, 142.
Small, Mr. , 90.
Daniel, 386.
Francis, 33, 34, 35.
Francis, Jr., 34.
Jacob, 386.
Capt. John, 269, 275.
Samuel, 385.
Timothy, 386.
Small's Town, 319.
Smead, Mr. , 90.
Smith, Ami, 320, 321.
Benjamin, 386.
George, 86.
Ithiel, 386.
John, 278.
Manuel, 312.
Capt. Stephen, 41, 189, 193,
208, 228, 241, 247, 257, 269,
275, 359, 360.
Snow, Eiisha, 94.
Isaac, 280, 281.
Soal, Mr. , 222, 223.
Southack, Francis, 321.
Spanish Port, a, 258, 259.
Speakman, G. W., 402.
Sper, John, 379.
Spooner, Walter, 402.
Sprague, Joseph, 259, 260.
Terah, 269, 275.
Springer, David, 266.
John, 99, 102, 183, 266.
John, Jr., 266.
William, 266.
Springfield, 340, 475, 476, 477.
Stanford, James, 86.
Joseph, 86, 386.
Josiah, 387.
Josiah, Jr., 86.
Richard, 386.
Robert, 387.
Robert, Jr., 86, 385.
Thomas, 385.
Samuel, 378.
William, 86.
Staples, Nathaniel, 85, 87, 385,
387.
Nathaniel, Jr., 85.
Peter, 386.
Starkweather, Bphrairn, 91.
Starret, Col. Thomas, 357, 358,
364, 379.
States, the, sec United States.
Stephen, George, 11.
Sterlington, 432.
Stevens, Elizabeth, 326, 327.
John, 410.
Stewart, James, 222.
Stillman, Maj. George, 128, 189,
190, 284, 356.
Stinson, James, 286.
Thomas, 224.
William, 224.
Stocgdon, Mr. , 254.
Stone, Capt. , 386.
Archalus, 386.
Gideon, 410.
Jonathan, 386.
INDEX
495
Stone, continued.
Josiah, 91, 175.
Street, Lieut. , 257, 356.
T. D., 351, 352.
Strout, Christopher, 86, 386.
Daniel, 34, 35, 36, 386.
David, 85, 87, 382, 385, 387.
David, Jr., 86, 385.
Eleazer, Jr., 387.
Isaac, 386.
John, 86, 387.
Jonathan, 86, 387.
Joshua, Jr., 386.
Richard, 386.
Studholm, Maj.. , 287, 351.
Sturbridge, 340.
Suffolk County, 77, 90, 119, 121,
122, 128, 235, 436.
Sullivan, Gen. , 28.
Capt. Daniel, 187, 227, 240,
242, 243, 248, 271, 279.
James, 271, 272, 279.
Sumner, Increase, 91, 196.
Sundy River, 230.
Sutton, 340.
Swan, Joshua, 229, 230, 231.
Swanton, William, 149, 151.
Talbot, Capt. P., 442, 443, 445.
Taylor, Col. Ezra, 33, 42, 45, 46,
57, 58, 61, 276, 331, 324, 358,
362.
Temple, Richard, 377.
Templeton, 323, 324.
Tenney, Samuel, 386.
Teyly, John, 378.
Thacher, Col. , 89, 257.
Thair, Capt. , 121.
Theobald, Dr. , 419.
Thomas, Benjamin, 354, 355.
Ebenezer, 135, 136.
Joshua, 427, 428, 430.
Nathaniel, 198, 199.
Waterman, 65, 89, 160, 330,
331, 402, 403.
William, 86.
Thomaston, 37, 38, 53, 68, 69, 77,
93, 131, 160, 176, 190, 220, 222,
263, 330, 377, 432.
Headquarters, 5, 42, 152, 177.
Thompson, Benjamin, 378.
Ezekiel, 378.
Jonathan, 377.
Joseph, 410.
Nathaniel, 195, 198, 200, 202,
224.
Thomas, 378.
Thomson, 233.
Thorndike, Col. , 210.
Larkin, 426, 427.
Thrasher, John, 457.
Thwing, Nathaniel, 14, 64, 65,
160, 330, 331, 409.
Tilden, Elijah, 378.
Tinkham, Ebenezer, 70.
Titcumb, Benjamin, 465.
Gen. Jonathan, 196, 353.
Tiverton, 361.
Tobey, , 198.
Wm., 378.
Todd, William, 337.
Tolman, Jeremiah, 79, 94, 376,
377.
Tomson, Isaac, 71.
Topsham, 72, 401, 432.
Tories, 130, 187, 328, 358.
Torvey, Jonathan, 224.
Towns, ( Thomas, 10, 45, 46, 61.
Town, {
Townsend, 337.
Harbor, 148, 150
Headquarters, 318.
Township, No. Four, 249, 268,
269, 270, 271, 275.
No. Two, 104.
Tracy, Mr. , 91, 210.
John, 402.
Trafton, Mrs. , 463.
Joseph, 463, 464.
Treat, James Elbert, 378.
French, Meser, 8.
Tripe, Benjamin, 410.
Truen, William, 142.
Truro, 33, 35.
Tufts, Cotton, 324, 325.
Tupper, William, 41, 237.
Turner, Capt. , 151.
Jno., 355.
Twitchell, Capt. , 310, 311.
Twycross, Joseph Lee, 417, 419.
Lydia, 417, 418, 419.
Robard, Jr., 417, 418.
Rev. Robard, 417.
Robard Hercet, 417, 419.
Samuel Goodwin, 417, 418.
Stephen, 417, 419.
Tyler, John, 402.
U
Ulmer, Philip M., 140, 141.
Union River, 122, 228, 240, 269.
United Colonies of America.
United States, 2, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16,
51, 52, 56, 60, 80, 106, 107, 108,
131, 132, 136, 154, 156, 157,
'
496
DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
United States, continued.
158, 191, 194, 200, 201, 219,
222, 228, 234, 237, 241, 245,
257, 280, 300, 308, 316, 319,
320, 324, 327, 328, 367, 368,
375, 376, 382, 391, 397, 434,
438, 342, 462, 465, 468.
Congress, 25, 52, 59, 60, 62,
130, 136, 147, 162, 163, 175,
178, 186, 218, 232, 233, 265,
270, 271, 287, 307, 324, 325,
326, 342, 435, 438, 449, 477.
Upper Coos, the, 310.
Vasselborough, 379, 380, 401,
432.
Vaughan, William, 290.
Veeman, John, 386.
Vermont, 310.
Vernon, William, 143.
Vernum, Capt. J. B., 428.
Vessels, } 3, 6, 13, 18, 26,
Coasters, 27, 28, 31, 32,32,
Cruisers, 57, 58, 59, 62, 63,
Privateers, I 66, 73, 74, 78, 79,
Transports, 84, 88, 89, 107,
Whaleboats, J 112,117,125,126,
130, 137, 142, 148, 149, 150,
171, 176, 178, 180, 181, 187,
188, 196, 197, 198, 214, 222,
227, 233, 236, 240, 242, 247,
248, 250, 252, 256, 257, 258,
260, 262, 273, 274, 280, 283,
286, 294, 295, 302, 303, 308,
311, 316, 317, 318, 319, 322,
323, 329, 332, 337, 352, 355,
356, 365, 366, 375, 383, 384,
386, 389, 391, 392, 394, 395,
396, 399, 400, 403, 406, 412,
418, 423, 427, 428, 429, 434,
449, 450, 452, 455, 456, 459,
464, 465.
Albany, the, 235.
Allegence, the, 187.
Black Prince, the, 125, 127,
426.
Black Queen, the, 116, 124.
Centurian, the, 445.
Civil Usage, the, 386.
Continental Ship, the, 142, 143.
Cumberland, the, 385.
Defence, the, 356, 426.
Dileware, the, 148.
Estre, La, 256.
Fortune, the, 445.
Gen. Putnam, the, 402.
Vessels, continued.
Gen. Wadsworth, the, 386.
Guard Ship, the, 386.
liamden, the, 135.
Hattie Wheeler, the, 386.
Hazard, the, 38, 313, 314, 316.
Hector, the, 125, 127.
Hope, the, 72.
Hunter, the, 205, 250.
Industry, the, 255.
Lincoln Galley, the, 302.
Lively, the, 74.
Mars, the, 179, 180, 283, 284,
286, 296.
Miflen, the, 386.
Nearquowait, } the, 32, 33,
Neash quo woite, V53, 59, 60,
Neshquowoit, 67, 108,
256, 285, 302, 369.
Nancy, the, 2, 3, 13, 14, 74, 75,
76, 93, 99.
Nossa Senhora de Seledade,
the, 383, 391.
Orne, the, 403.
Pallas, the, 402.
Pidgeon, the, 23, 405.
Polly, the, 116, 124.
Preston, the, 72.
Prison Ship, the, 272, 352.
Protector, the, 104, 105.
Putnam, the, 141, 142, 411.
Queen Mary, the, 343.
Queen of France, the, 142.
Roebuck, the, 200.
Rover, the, 386.
Sally, the, 383.
Senigall, )
Sinigall, j the, 73, 75.
Sky Rocket, the, 98.
Sparrow, the, 447.
State Brigantine, the, 142.
Tartan, the, 179.
Townsend, the, 197, 211.
Tyranside, the, 142, 234.
Warren, Uhe, 70, 71, 120,
Warring, j 143, 207, 208, 209,
210, 229, 355, 412.
William, the, 403.
Vickery, David, 386.
W
Wadsworth, Gen. Peleg, 1, 5, 10,
12, 17, 42, 45, 46, 47, 53, 57,
58, 62, 63, 68, 70, 79, 87, 89,
114, 130, 152, 177, 190, 194,
199, 216, 217, 242, 254, 256,
261, 263, 264, 309, 336, 338,
357, 403, 420, 428, 429, 430.
INDEX
497
Wagg, James, Jr. 386.
Waite, John, 465.
Wakfield, )
Weakfield, j Samuel, 269, 275.
Waldoborough, 141, 432.
Wales, 432.
Wales and Davis, clothiers, 446,
447.
Ebenezer, 309, 446, 447.
Walker, Solomon, 14.
W T allis, ) Capt. Joseph, 188, 242,
Walice, j 269, 271, 275, 442.
Josiah, 386.
Walpole, 432.
Wampum, 28.
Ward, Capt. , 382.
Samuel, 259, 260.
Ware, Asa, 142.
Warren, 432.
Gen. , 91.
G., 457.
J., 210.
James, 90.
Washburn, Capt. Isaac, 79, 94,
190.
Seth, 428.
Washington, 47, 48, 133, 134.
George, 130, 132, 133, 177, 178,
206, 207, 217, 287, 340.
Waters, Col. , 412.
Capt. David, 142.
Josiah, 405.
Josiah, Jr., 405.
Watertown, 247.
Weakfield, see Wakfield.
Webb, Jacob, 87, 386.
Joseph, 428.
Webber, James, 86, 386.
Webster, Jonathan, 85.
Thomas, 85, 386.
Weeks, Lemuel, 53.
Welch, James, 121, 122.
Wells, 458, 460, 475, 477, 478.
Nathaniel, 57, 82, 90, 150, 182,
210, 276, 411.
West, Benjamin, 119, 120, 121,
122.
West Indies, the, 116, 117, 124,
146, 258, 456.
West Jonah, 340.
Westborough, 340.
Westcoat, Joshua, 386.
Weston, Edmund, 386.
Paul, 410.
Whaleboats, see Vessels.
Wheaton, Capt. , 73.
Maj. and Col. Mason, 152, 177,
190, 219, 220, 252, 263, 277,
279.
Wheeler, Joseph, 85.
Nathaniel, 85.
Whigs, the, 149, 150, 151.
Whipple, Joseph, 310.
White, Col. , 382.
R., 235.
Whitney, Lieut. Joel, 445.
Whittaker, William, 222.
Whitten, Humphrey, 410.
Williams, George, 127.
Willis's paper, 306.
Willson, James, 378.
Thomas, 377.
William, 378.
Windham, 358, 359, 364, 454.
Wingate, John, 319.
Winslow, 113, 114, 115, 116, 312,
338, 339, 374, 422, 432.
John, 72, 73, 75.
Winthrop, 432.
Wisacre, ) Andrew, 104, 141.
Woiseaker, j 142.
Wiscasset Point, 140.
Wiseman, Joseph, 386.
Wood, Aaron, 353, 406.
Edward, 71.
Woodbery, Peter, 34, 35, 36.
Woodbridge, Benjamin, 74.
Jahleel, 47.
Woodman, Benjamin, 294.
Jn., 278.
Woodson, David, 85.
Woolwich, 160, 330, 331, 432.
Worcester, 475, 477, 478.
Newspapers, 170.
County, 90, 340.
Wormsley, John, 116.
Wright, Daniel, 269, 275.
Wyllie, John, 379.
Yarmouth, 279, 280.
Yeaten, )
Yeaton, j John, 269, 275.
York, 5, 17, 18, 321, 406, 407,
463, 464, 470, 471.
County Home, 470.
Goal, 470.
Maritime Court, 383, 390, 391.
Port of, 383, 391.
County, 17, 18, 79, 80, 90, 130,
135, 144, 145, 147, 162, 165,
171, 174, 213, 224, 225, 251,
275, 289, 291, 311, 317, 321,
393, 394, 409, 410, 412, 413,
414, 431, 466, 469, 470, 471,
473, 474, 475.
Thomas, 86, 386.
, Mathew.
P Maine Historical Society
16 Documentary history of
M38 the state of Maine
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