COLLECTIONS
OF THE
MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SECOND SERIES
m
DOCUMENTARY
HISTOEY OF THE STATE OF MAINE
VOL. XX
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
PORT LAND
LEFAVOR-TOWER COMPANY
1914
Copyright 1914
BY THE MAINE HISTORIC A r, SOCIETY
T
.20
PRESS OF
LKFAVOH-TOWER COMPANY, POKTLAND
PREFACE
THIS volume brings us to the close of the American
Revolution, and we now are introduced to the difficul-
ties which faced our public men in their efforts to satisfy
the demands made upon them by the sufferers in the war,
and to preserve public order, a task which appalled some of
our best statesmen and excited the cynical curiosity of for-
eign nations, who ridiculed the idea of ignorant farmers,
fishermen and day laborers setting up and maintaining any-
thing like a stable government. We have seen the result,
an enduring monument to the cause of Popular Government.
JAMES PHINNEY BAXTER.
61 Deering Street,
November 3, 1914.
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1781 Nov. 10 Order to Pay John Stone and Wm. Grow, . 38
Deposition of Joseph Hibbert, ... 38
Nov. 15 Receipt of and Order in Favor of Geo. Randall, 37
1782 March 1 Memorial Selectmen of Fryeburg and Re-
solve on same, 107
April 20 Petition of William Taylor 1
April 22 William Grow to Edward Grow, ... 4
Committee of York to General Court, . . 4
Petition Inhabitants St. Georges to General
Court, 5
Resolve on Petition Robert Foster, . . 6
April 23 A Short Acct of the Destruction of the
Town of Falmouth in October 1775, . . 406
April 24 Directing Committee to Lay out Land, . . 7
April 29 Resolve on Petition of Colonel Allan, . . 8
Damages in & Near Camden in 1779, . . 408
Petition of Town of Cape Elizabeth, . . 11
May 3 Action on Petition of William Taylor, . . 9
Appointment of Excise Deputies, ... 10
May 6 Josiah Brewer to Richard Devens, ... 10
Petition of Selectmen of Newcastle, . . 22
May 7 Resolve on Petition of Town of Cape Elizabeth, 13
May 8 Deposition of John Linnekin, . . . . 13
Resolve to Continue Post Between Ports-
mouth and Falmouth 14
Resolve Relating to War Stores &c, . . 15
Petition of Inhabitants of Frenchman's Bay, 17
May 9 Resolve on Foregoing Petition, ... 18
May 18 Permission in Favor of Nathaniel Coffin, . 19
John Lane to the Governor 19
May 24 Petition of John Lane, 20
May 29 Petition of Jacob Ludwig, .... 20
Petition in Behalf of Town of Bristol, . . 21
Petition of Inhabitants of Sudbere, Canada, 24
Memorial of Lewis Fred* Delesdernier, . 25
' June 4 Certificate in favor Aaron Babcock, . . 27
Colonel Allan to the Governor, ... 28
June 8 Resolve on Petition of John Lane, . . 30
Petition of Elizabeth Hall, .... 32
Resolve on Petition of Elizabeth Hall, et al, 31
Vlll
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1782 June 13 Memorial and Petition of Simon Frye, . . 34
Certificate of Auditing Comtee Late Board of
War 35
Certificate in favor of Daniel Mitchell, . . 36
June 14 Resolve in favor John Stone and William
Grow, 36
June 15 Memorial of George Stillman, ... 39
Petition of Inhabts of Sterlingtown, . . 40
Petition of Inhabts of Fryeburg and Other
Towns, 41
June 17 Resolves on Petition of David Strout et als, 42
Petition David Strout et als Attached, . . 44
Memorial Simon Frye, 44
June 18 Petition of Saml Sewall and Wife, ... 45
June 20 Petition Juniper Barthiaume 46
June 21 Petition Selectmen of Warren, ... 47
Resolve on Above 48
June 22 Resolve on Petition of Juniper Barthiaume, 46
June 24 Memorial Isaac Snow 97
June 24 Certificate from J. Pettingell Majr, . . 49
June 26 Resolve in re Vincent, Indian Prisoner et als, 49
Resolve in Behalf of Town of Fryeburg, . 50
June 27 Resolve in favor Counties York, Cumber-
land and Lincoln, 51
Report of Committee on Claims, ... 51
Certificate and Resolve Relating to Claims, 52
July 1 Resolve on Petition James Avery, ... 52
John Allan to Governor 53
July 2 Resolve on Petition of Fryeburg and Other
Towns, 55
July 3 Resolve Relating to Beef, .... 56
July 4 Petition Nathl Bosworth, 56
July 6 Certificate and Resolve in favor William
McGlathry, 57
Proclamation of George Third, ... 58
Aug. 6 Joseph North to Governor, .... 59
Sentence of Robt Douglass 60
Remittance of Sentence of Robt Douglass, . 61
Aug. 7 Certificate and Award in favor Joseph Reed, 62
Aug. 10 George Washington to Governor, ... 63
George Washington to Gov. Hancock, . . 63
George Washington to Marquis De Van-
dreuil 64
Aug. 10 Ezekiel Pattee to Governor, .... 67
Aug. 13 William Lithgow to the Governor and
Certificates, 68
OF CONTENTS IX
PAGE
1782 Aug. 14 Certificate of Jeremiah Colburn, ... 68
Certificate of Auditors in favor Andrew
Reed et als, 72
Aug. 20 Report of Samuel Carr, Muster Master, . . 72
Col. Hunter to Governor, .... 73
Aug. 22 Memorial of Soldiers to Col. Allan, . . 73
Aug. 22 Col. Allan to Richard Devens Esqr, . . 74
Col. Hunter to Governor, .... 75
Col. Allan to Governor, 76
Aug. 26 Order of Court against Joseph McLellan, . 79
Aug. 27 Memorial of Eastern Indians, .... 81
Aug. 3 Letter of Fr. Juniper Berthiaume, ... 82
Aug. 29 Report of Peter Noyes 83
Petition Inhabts Massabeeseck, ... 84
Sept. 6 Memorial Inhabts First Parish, Scarborough, 85
Sept. 11 Certificate and Order in favor Thomas
Thomas 87
Sept. 18 Petition Selectmen Town Coxhall, ... 87
Petition Martha Oxnard, 89
Sept. 23 Resolve on Foregoing, 90
Sept. 23 Resolve on Petition Selectmen of Coxhall, 90
Sept. 24 Resolve in re Confiscation of Estates, . . 91
Sept. 27 Memorial Thomas Porter, .... 93
Sept. 30 Resolve on same, 93
Sept. 30 Resolve Additional to Foregoing, ... 94
Petition James Avery, 95
Sept. 30 Resolve in re Naval Officer at Machias, . . 96
Oct. 2 Resolve Relating to Harpswell, ... 97
Oct. 3 Certificate of Auditing Committee, . . 98
Petition John Preble and Accompanying
Papers 99
Deposition of Abiel Lovejoy, .... 124
Deposition of Thomas Sewall, . . . 125
Oct. 4 Action on Petition First Parish, Scarborough, 101
Certificates Accompanying Resolve, . . 103
Oct. 4 Memorial Justices Court Lincoln Co., . . 104
Josiah Brewer to Richard Devens, Esq., . 105
Memorial of Col. Hunter, .... 109
Oct. 12 Resolve on Foregoing, 109
Oct. 14 Resolve on Petition Jonathan Bowman, . 110
Oct. 23 Certificate in favor Schr. Unity, . . .111
Report and Resolve on Petition Col. Allen
et als, Ill
Oct. 21 Resolve on Petition James Avery, . . . 113
Resolve in favor William Albee, . . .113
Oct. 25 Memorial Nathaniel Wells et als, . . .114
X CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1782 Oct. 30 Action on Foregoing, . . . .116
Oct. 25 Memorial Selectmen of Boothbay, . . . 116
Memorial James Bowdoin et als, . . . 117
Oct. 30 Resolve on Foregoing, 121
Nov. 1 Petition James Howard Esq. & Resolve on
same 122
Petition James Howard Esq., .... 123
Resolve in favor Niles Greenwood, . . 126
Resolve in favor Joseph White, . . . 127
Report & Resolve on Memorial James Bow-
doin et als 128
Nov. 3 George Little to Governor 129
Nov. 7 Appointment Stephen Smith Naval Officer
at Machias 130
Nov. 11 Resolve in favor John Avery, . . . 130
Resolves Relating to Partition of Lands in
York County 130
Nov. 12 Representation in Behalf Inhabts Machias
Plantation, 133
Nov. 18 James Avery to Governor, .... 135
Dec. 6 Petition Elijah Ayer 136
Dec. 20 Petition of Timothy Hodgdon, -. . .137
Petition Town of Bristol, .... 138
Petition of George Smith, .... 140
1783 Jan. 1 Report of Committee in re Lands in Town
of Sanford, 141
Memorial of Proprietors of Land in York Co., 142
Jan. 6 Petition of Caleb Davis, .... 146
Jan. 8 Petition Samuel Cobb, With Certificate, . 146
Jan. 10 Petition of William McCobb, .... 148
Jan. 11 Resolve on Foregoing, 152
Jan. 15 Petition Settlers on Sandy River, . . .152
Jan. 20 Petition of Sarah Nason, 195
Jan. 22 Petition of Thomas Child, .... 154
Jan. 24 Memorial Selectmen Town of York, . . 156
Jan. 25 Wm Lithgow to Governor, .... 157
Jan. 27 Petition Elizabeth Wildridge, . . . .158
Jan. 28 Certificate in favor Adam Babcock, . . 160
Resolve in favor James Hunter, . . . 161
Jan. 30 Memorial Caleb Davis and Action Thereon, 161
Feb. 3 Representation of Inhabts of Falmouth &
Action on same, 162
Feb. 4 Resolve on Petition Thomas Childs, . . 165
Feb. 5 Petition Selectmen of Harpswell, . . . 166
Petition Sarah Nason, and Action Thereon, 167
Feb. 6 Petition Joseph McLellan, .... 168
OF CONTENTS XI
PAGE
1783 Feb. 7 Resolve to Tax County of Cumberland, . . 170
Allowance to Collectors of Excise, . . 171
Message of Governor 171
Feb. 8 Petition Inhabts Town of Arundel, . . . 172
Memorial Simeon Mayo and Resolve thereon, 174
Feb. 10 Resolve on Petition Timothy Hodgdon, . . 176
Feb. 11 Order Relating to Collectors of Excise, . . 177
Resolve in re Allowance of Collectors, . . 178
John Sewall Jr. to Governor, .... 179
Feb. 13 Resolve Relating to Indians, .... 180
Resolves in re Abatement and Assessments
of Taxes 181
Feb. 15 Resolve Relating to Trespassers, . . . 184
Feb. 17 Resolve on Petition of Samuel Cobb, . . 183
Feb. 19 Resolve in re Incorporation of Pearsontown, 185
Feb. 20 Resolve on Petition Elizabeth Wildridge, . 187
Feb. 21 Affidavit in Rittal Case, 186
Feb. 22 George Washington to General Court, . . 187
Feb. 24 Petition James Hunter, 189
Feb. 25 Notice to Selectmen Town of Windham, . 190
Representation of Selectmen Accompany-
ing Above 190
Feb. 28 David Sewall to Tristram Dalton, . . .191
Mar. 1 Resolve on Petition Capt. Henry Dyer, . . 193
Mar. 11 Resolve on Petition Benja Dunning et al, . 194
Resolve in re Execution of Martial Law, . 194
Mar. 12 Resolve Appointing Edward Grow, . . 196
Mar. 17 Resolve in re Land in Plantation Little Falls, 197
James Lunt to John Avery 198
Mar. 18 Resolve Relative to Land in Plantation
Little Falls, 199
Certificate of Indebtedness of Absentees, . 200
Mar. 19 Resolves in re Military Affairs, . . . 201
March Petition of General Heath, .... 203
Resolves on Petition of Richard Devens Esqr, 206
Appointment Richard Codman et als Ap-
praisers Waldo Estate, .... 208
Certificate in Favor John Bane, . . . 210
Mar. 24 Memorial and Petition John Hovey, . . 211
The Governor to General Court, . . . 213
Letter Enclosed, 213
Mar. 28 Receipts and Reports in re Absentees'
Estates, 214
April 7 Petition Jona Bean et al, Little Falls, . . 216
April 12 John Allan to Governor, 217
April 16 John Allan to Governor, 218
Xll
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1783 April 17 John Allan to Governor, . . . .219
John Allan to Governor 220
April 18 Advice of Governor Respecting John Allan, 221
April 25 John Allan to Governor, 221
May Petition of Daniel Small et als, . . .222
May 10 Petition Selectmen of Newcastle, . . . 224
May 12 Return of Votes 226
May 13 Petition Town of Waldoborough, . . .227
May 20 Memorial Grantees Townships No. One to
Six 229
May 26 Statement of Account, 231
Petition Joseph Bertheaume, .... 231
June 4 Resolve on Foregoing, 233
June 10 Petition John Bane, 234
June 11 Address of General Washington, . . . 234
June 16 Acceptance Treasurer's Accts. Town of
York, 250
June 16 Remonstrance of John Dillaway, . . . 327
June 19 Resolve in re Estate Francis Waldo, . . 250
June 23 Resolve in Favor John Bane, .... 251
June 30 Resolve on Petition of Benj. West, . . 252
Action on Petition John Hovey, . . . 252
June 29 Petition of John Bakman, .... 253
July 2 Report on Petition of Wm McCobb and
Action Thereon, 254
July 10 Address of General Court to George Wash-
ington 255
July 25 Receipt from William Howard, . . .256
State of the Several Accts. of Thomas Child, 257
Sept. 13 Petition Selectmen of Thomaston, . . 259
Sept. 15 Josiah Brewer to Governor, .... 261
Sept. 16 Petition and Remonstrance of Enoch Free-
man et al, 262
Sept. 22 Memorial Inhabts of Boothbay, . . .263
Sept. 23 Petition Town of Bristol, .... 264
Sept. 24 Petition Josiah Waters Jr 266
Action on Foregoing Petition, . . . 267
Certificate in Favor Joseph Marquand, . . 280
Sept. 25 Certificate in favor Ezekiel Tarbox, . . 281
Sept. 26 Certificate in favor Joseph Barrell, . . 286
Sept. 29 Petition William Lermond, . . . .268
Oct. 1 Certificate Tristram Dalton, .... 286
Certificate in favor Elias Haskell Derby, . 281
Certificate in favor Elias Haskell Derby, . 282
Certificate in favor Jona Gardner 3d, . . 283
Certificate in Favor Elias Haskell Derby, . 284
OF CONTENTS Xlll
PAGE
1783 Oct. 1 Certificate in Favor Elias Haskell Derby, . 284
Oct. 4 Petition Selectmen of Berwick, . . .271
Memorial Town of Bowdoinham, . . . 268
Oct. 6 Petition Settlers on Saco River, . . .271
Certificate in favor Elias H. Derby, . . 282
Oct. 9 Certificate in favor Stephen Higginson, . . 285
Certificate in favor Benj. Lovett Jr., . . 287
Certificate in favor George Cabot, . . .288
Certificate in Favor John Lovett, . . .288
Oct. 17 Petition Josiah Brewer, 273
Report of the Committee on the Petition
of Inhabitants of Machias and Resolve
Thereon, 305
Oct. 18 Action on Petition Wm. Lermond, . . .275
Oct. 21 Certificate in Favor Melzar Sampson, . . 307
Oct. 22 Petition of Josiah Brewer, .... 308
Petition Town of Bristol, .... 270
Oct. 24 An Act Relating to Titles 275
Oct. 27 Certificate in favor Thomas Stevens, . . 309
Oct. 28 Further Resolve Relating to Titles, . . 278
Oct. 31 Account Josiah Brewer, 274
Nov. 23 Thomas Mifflin to Governor in re Treaty of
Paris, 279
Dec. 8 Affidavits, 280
1784 Jan. 9 Land at Falmouth declared Forfeited to the
Commonwealth, 309
Jan. 23 Petition for a Township 310
Petition of Peleg Wadsworth and Others for
Purchase of a Township on Penobscot
River 311
Jan. 23 Govr's Message, 363
Petition for a Township Between Kenne-
beck and Penobscot 312
Petition of Francis Shaw 313
Feb. Petition of Town of Bridgeton, . . .365
Feb. 12 Resolve on Petition of Francis Shaw, . . 314
Feb. 19 Govr's Message, 366
'Feb. 20 Petition of John Peirce 314
Mar. 2 Resolve on the Petition of Josiah Brewer, . 315
March Remonstrance of Inhab. of Lower Town of
St. Georges, 323
Remonstrance of Inhab. of Thomaston and
Lower Town of St. Georges, . . . 324
Affidavit of John Mclntyre and William
Lermond, 326
Remonstrance of John Dillaway, . . . 327
XIV
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
PAGE
1784 March A Bill to prevent the Destruction of Alewives
in the Town of Warren 328
March Resolve for Laying Out Towns on the River
St. Croix 316
Mar. 5 Preservation of Lands in Eastern Counties, . 367
Mar. 10 Respecting Continental Money, . . . 370
Jedediah Treble's Claim, .... 371
Mar. 12 Petition of Inhabitants of Bridgetown, . . 372
Mar. 13 Re: Petition of Hugh Hill, . . . .373
Mar. 15 Resolve Empowering the Committee of York
& Cumberland Appointed on Eastern
Lands to Consider the Pejepscot Claims, 317
Bill Granting a Lottery to the Inhabitants
of Fryburgh 319
Mar. 18 Memorial and Objection of the Inhabitants
of Mount Desert 329
Mar. 19 Govr's Message, 375
Govr's Message 376
Mar. 20 Objections to fixing the Court at Machias, . 331
Mar. 22 Re: Georgetown & Bath 377
Mar. 23 Resolve Concerning the Artillery in the
Garrison at Penobscot, 334
Mar. 25 Govr's Message, 378
Petition of Thomastown 378
April 20 Memorial and Objections to the Petition of
Inhabitants of Machias, . . . .335
May 12 Answer to Remonstrants, .... 337
May 14 Petition of Town of Oxford, .... 379
May Account of the County of Cumberland
Against the Commonwealth, . . . 350
May 24 Inventory of Public Stores, .... 321
May 26 Petition of Pelatiah Warren and Others, . 342
May 28 James Lunt to John Avery Jr. Esq., . . 342
May 29 Proceedings of Delegates from Mt. Desert
and Other Places, 343
June Petition of Juniper Berthiaume, . . . 385
June 1 Petition of Thos Oxnard, 386
Act Regulating Proceedings of Proprietors
of Townships, 386
June 2 Petition of John Allan for Land in Passa-
maquody, 351
Annexation of St Georges Lower Town to
Warren, 381
Petition of Samuel Pendleton, . . .382
1784 June 2 Petition of a Number of Masters of Coast-
OF CONTENTS
XV
PAGE
ing Vessels 383
Petition of Juniper Berthiaume, . . . 384
10 Petition of the Court of Sessions of Cum-
berland County 349
12 Report of Committee, 344
Bill to Establish a Court at Machias, . . 345
21 Petition for Grant of Tract of Land on the
River Cobscook 389
30 House Journal, 390
Bill explaining the Laws Respecting the
Assessment of Taxes, 392
July 2 Petition of Pelatiah Warren & Others, and
action on same, 394
July 7 Report of Committee on Lands in the
County of Lincoln, 354
Act empowering the Govr to renew the
License of certain Absentees, . . . 356
Re: Eastern Boundary 396
Aug. 23 Selectmen of Harpswell Petition, . . .397
Aug. 25 Re: Light House Money From the Port of
York 397
Sept. 20 Resignation of Edw<i Grow, .... 357
Towns which have returned their valuation, 358
Nath Wyman's Petition, 358
Petition of William Jones of Bristol, . . 359
Petition of Plantation of Raymonton, . . 360
Petition of John Waite et al Light House, 361
Petition of Nicholas Crosby, .... 363
Oct. Petition of Inhabitants of Scarborough, . . 398
Oct. 8 Memorial of the Justices of the Lincoln
Court of Common Pleas, . 399
Oct. 12 Memorial and Petition of Samuel Goodwin
and Order on same, 400
Oct. 14 Petition of Ben. Jepson, 404
Oct. 18 Order on Report of Committee of Both
Houses on Arrival of Marquis de La
Fayette in Boston 405
- Oct. 20 Govr's Message, 405
Nov. Treasurer Not to Issue Soldiers Notes Un-
less on Attested Orders 406
Nov. 17 Petition of Inhabitants of Topsham and
Memorial of The Inhabitants of the Town
of Brunswick 464
1785 Jan. 12 Petition of Isaiah Cole and Colonel Henry
Jacksons Certificate of the Servitude of
Isaiah Cole 409
Jan. 13 Petition of Elian Royall, . . 410
XVI CHEONOLOGICA1, TABLE
PAGE
1785 Jan. 21 Order Appointing a Valuation Com. & their
Report, 412
Feb. Petition of Some of the Inhabitants of
Sheepscot River in the Town of Pownal-
boro, 416
Feb. 4 Petition of Silas Barnes & Answer to same, 434
Feb. 7 Petition First Parish in Falmouth, . . . 419
A Bill for Naturalization 422
Feb. 15 Clerk Court of Com. Pleas Lincoln County, . 417
Feb. 19 Lieut Governors Message, .... 418
Feb. 25 Extract of a Letter from the Hon Rufus
King to the President of Senate Taken by
Direction of the Senate Re: Eastern
Boundary, 432
Mar. 1 Petition of Sundry Soldiers of the Late Con-
tinental Army For Lands Near Otisfield, . 423
Mar. 2 Petition of Hector McNeil and Others re
Maps, 429
Mar. 5 Petition of the Officers of the Army, . . 426
Mar. 15 Petition of Lewiston Plantation & Answer
to Same, 436
Petition of John Curtis, 439
Order of Court, 441
Hodgldns vs. Curtis and Askins, . . . 443
Deposition of Moses Hodgkins, . . . 445
Deposition of Agreen Crabtree, . . . 447
Deposition of John Hamor 450
Deposition of John Hart, 452
Permission Granted to Philip Hodgkins, . 453
Sureties Furnished, 454
Deposition of John Tilley, .... 455
Deposition of Will" 1 Lithgow Junr, . . 456
Deposition of John Augusta Dunn, . . . 457
Deposition of William Downe, .... 459
Mar. 16 Order of Notice on Petition of John Curtis
of Falmouth, 463
Nov. 18 Petition of Elizabeth Goldthwait, . . .435
A Bill Conferring the Rights of Citizenship
to the Marquis De La Fayette, . . . 248
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
OP THE
STATE OK MAINE
Petition of William Taylor.
To the Honble Senate & the honble House of Representatives
for the Commonwealth of Massaclmsetts in General
Court assembled
f The Petition of William Taylor Esquire of Milton in
the county of Suffolk f Humbly shews f That on the
thirteenth day of November one thousand seven hundred and
sixty seven, your Petitioner being indebted to Thomas Lane
Esq r of London in the sum of one thousand nine hundred
and twenty one pounds eleven Shillings, lawful money, he
gave his bond for that sum upon interest, to said Lane, and
as a collateral security for the payment thereof he gave his
deed of mortgage of the following lotts of land, viz 1 a Lott
of land called No. 18 lying in Pownalborough containing
thirty two hundred acres, also two lotts of land call'd N 11,
& N 68. both lying in Hallowell containing four hundred
acres each, also one other lott of land marked N 15 lying in
Gardineston, containing five thousand acres
That M r Lane sued out the said Bond and at the Sup r
Court of Judicature held at Boston for the county of Suffolk
in February 1772 recovered judgment thereon against your
Petitioner for the sum of two thousand four hundred and
fourteen pounds fifteen shillings lawful money. And Rich-
ard Lechmore esquire as agent & attorney to said Lane was
very pressing upon your Petitioner for the money, but the
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
times being then difficult it was out of his power to discharge
the said Judgment, and he was oblidg'd in order to satisfy
the said Lechmere, on the second day of June 1772, as a
further security for s d debt to give his other mortgage to said
Lane of three other tracts of land viz 1 a Lott of land marked
A 1. lying in Winslow containing six thousand five hundred
and eighty acres, Also of a Lott of land marked B E 1. con-
taining seven thousand two hundred acres, and also of a lott
of land marked C C 2. containing seven thousand two hun-
"dred acres, both lying higher up Kennebeck River ^[ That
the first mentioned thirty two hundred acre lott of land as
your Petitioner then thought and still conceives was the full
value of his said debt. Notwithstanding which your Peti-
tioner to pacify Mr Lechmere & procure his further for-
bearance mortgaged all the other before mentioned tracts of
land ; But Mr. Lechemere not content therewith was so hard
and cruel as to insist upon having some further security,
whereupon to avoid an arrest the said Taylor made an addi-
tional mortgage to the said Lane of one twenty fourth part
of all the undivided lands belonging to the proprietors of the
Kenneck purchase being all his right therein.
The said William humbly begs leave to represent that a
great part of the land above described is charg'd with the
payment of taxes, and has in fact been sold at publick vendue
by the collector for that purpose, the time of redemption is
now almost expired, and unless some provision is made to
recover the said estate a total loss thereof must ensue as well
in regard to your petitioner as all others therein concern'd
f He has no disposition to defraud his creditors and for
three years past has been indefatigable in his endeavours to
make such an adjustment as will give satisfaction to them and
do justice to himself the said lands could be sold for a sum
far exceeding the debt, but in these circumstances it cannot
be accomplished Wherefore he prays that this Hon ble Court
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 3
would authorize some person or persons to discharge the said
mortgages upon payment of the said debt, and dispose of the
monies arising therefrom in such manner as may hereafter
be decreed he would observe that John Howe Esq r had a
general power of Attorney from Mes r Lane & Compy but he
is informed by Counsel in the law that the same is insuffi-
cient to discharge the said incumbrance, which still urges
the necessity of this application Your Petitioner is ready
to verify the facts alleged, and therefore flatters himself that
your Honors will comply with his reasonable request or
grant such other relief as Justice may require & if your
Honors should not think proper to proceed so far in the
matter as to grant the authority aforesaid, he prays that a
further time may be allowed for the redemption of said land,
as the estate of the purchaser within two months from this
period will be absolute & indefensible or that he may have
liberty to execute a perfect deed of such certain part thereof
as may be sufficient to discharge the taxes that already have
been or may hereafter be assessed f And as in duty
bound will ever pray
W m Taylor
Boston April 20 th 1782
Lands mortgaged
Lott containing 3200 acres in Pownalborough
Do 400 )
Do 400 \ Do in Hallowell
D 5000 Do in Gardneston
D 6580 D in Winslow
15580
D 7200 1
7200 j higher up the Kiver
400 in Pownalborough
Total 30380 acres
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
William Grow to Edward Grow,.
York April 22 d 1782
Brother Edw d Grow
Inclosed I beg leave to trouble you with Sundry Papers
to present to the House of assembly Relative to Provisions
the Committee of York Supply'd the Carteel Penobscot
(Cap* Joseph Hilbert) with Last November as you will
Se by the accounts & Deposition; they have been presented
to John Hopkins Esq r Commissary of Prisoners, on whom
they were Drawn, but he refuses to pay them, and says there
is a Resolve of Court that all Such Demands must be Laid
before the House of assembly for payment therefore we
have Sent a pettion to Lay before the House for that Purpose
and beg the favour you would present it and urge the Pay-
ment of it together with the Charge we have been at, which
you will See on the back of the Last accounts, you may In-
form the House that the Carteel Did not Sail from this
Harbour till the 15 th of November by Reason of Contrary
winds our famely & yours are well, this from your
Brother
William Grow
Committee of York to General Court.
To the Hon ble the Senate & house of Representatives of the
Commonwelth of Massachusetts now Setting,
Your Petitioners Humbly Shews f That on the tenth
of Nov r last a carteel came into York harbours in distress
haveing no provisions with upward of Forty men On board,
as by the Depositions of the Masters and two Passengers on
the Eleventh ult. put to sea after being Supplied with Neces-
saries, on the Fifteenth were drove back by contrary winds
and Appli'd for further Supplies which was granted as may
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 5
be seen by Reisepts with orders, Drawn on John Hopkins
Esq r for the payment, which he Refuses to pay, Therefore
your Petitioners pray, that payment may be made in such
way and manner as your Honours shall think best, As your
Petitioners in Duty bound Shall ever Pray
M Stone 1
William Grow ) Com. of York
York April 22 d 1782
Petition Inhabitants St. Georges to General Court.
St Georges April the 22 1782
To the Honorable Senate & the Hoii ble House of Representa-
tives in General Court Assembled, Sitting at Boston this
present year
f The humble petition of the Inhabitants of the Lower
Town of St Georges send greeting f Gentlemen, We the
Subscribers would beg leave to address your Hon rs in behalf
of the Town and set forth our present distressed situation by
Reason of the Enemy's Excursions among us, taking our
Coasting Vessels, destroying our Fishing Boats plundering
Houses and Commiting all manner of Hostilities we would
beg leave to Acquaint your Hon rfl that we have no Vent for
any Sort of Lumber, nor no possibility of Carrying on any
Trade among us Which renders us unable to support our
families, Much less to pay Taxes, We would also Acquaint
your honors that we believe there has been Some Misrepre-
sentation made at Court concerning this plantation, which is
manifest from the last Tax bill which is above three times
more than it used to be, in proportion to other Towns, we
would further acquaint your Hon rs that we would be Willing
to pay our Taxes with the greatest pleasure & support the
Common Cause to the best of our ability provided we had
O DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
protection by Sea, that we may get off our Lumber, there-
fore we flatter ourselves from your Honor's humanity
towards the distressed, that you will Consider our Case, and
either send some Armed Vessels to protect us, or Excuse us
from paying Eates, otherwise we must be Reduced to the
greatest Extremity. We Request that your Honor's will
Grant this our petition, for which your Honor's petitioners
will ever pray
William Young,
George Young,
George M'Cobb,
Moses Robinson
Committee in behalf of the lower
town of St Georges
Resolve on Petition Robert Foster.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Representatives April 22 d 1782
on the petition of Robert Foster Praying that he may Re-
ceive the Back Rations due to him as Quarter M r of the
Troops at Machias and his Retain 11 Rations while he acted as
as 1 D Q. M. G. at that p 1 1 Resolved that the prayer of
the Petition be granted and the Commis r is here by Directed
to Deliver to the said Robert Foster the Rations due to him
as Q. M. of the Troops at Machias from the 23 Day of Jan y
1778 to the 16 th Day of May following it being 112 Days,
and also his Retain* 1 rations while he acted as as* D. Q. M.
G. from May 5 th 1780 to the 31 Day of Jan y 1781 it being
271 Days A
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 7
In Senate April 23 d 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
-at A "the same to be charg'd to the United States in part of
the requisition for Money for the pres 1 year"
In the House of Representatives April 23 d 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Directing Committee to Lay Out Land.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 24, 1782
Whereas the General Court by a Resolution dated the 21 st
of Sept r 1780 granted to the Hon ble Arthur Lee Esq r Six
thousand Acres of unappropriated Lands in this State, lying
Eastward of Saco River, to be laid out either in one or two
Pieces adjoining to some other Grant or Grants, in full Com-
pensation for his Services as mentioned in the said Resolu-
tion. And the Hon ble Benjamin Chadbourne Esq r & Moses
Little Esq r were appointed a Committee to lay out the same
at the Expense of this State & return a Plan of the Same as
soon as may be f And whereas by the bodily Indisposition
of the said Moses Little which he still labours under the said
Land hath not yet been laid out agreeable to the said Reso-
lution | Therefore Resolved that Nath 1 Wells Esq r and
Capt Moses Greenleaf be & they are hereby added to the said
Committee and the said Committee or the Major part of them
are empowered & directed to lay out the said Land in pur-
suance of the Resolution of the 21 of Sept r aforesaid & re-
8 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
turn a Plan thereof by a Surveyor & Chainman under oath
to the general Court for Confirmation as soon as may be
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate April 24 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on Petition of Colonel Allan.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives April 29, 1782
On the petition of Col John Allan Continentall Agent, for
Indian Affairs in the Eastern department, praying for
Liberty to remove part of the Artillery and Ordinance Stores,
now at the post of Machias to the River Schoduck in Passa-
maquody, also a Quantity of Stores for the Use of the In-
dian Business for reason sett forth in his petition f Resolved
f That the Commissary Gen 1 of this Common Wealth be
directed to deliver to Lieut Fred k Delesdernier Agent for Col.
John Allan, for the Use of the Indian Business, two Months
Rations for twenty five persons, two Barrells of powder,
Eight hundred weight of shot & Ball, 500 flints, one Hh d of
Tobacco, one pipe of small wine, one Hh d of Rum, one Hh d of
molasses, ten Axes & 50 Bushells of Indian Corn And it is
further Resolved that there be paid out of Treasury of this
Common Wealth to Lieut Lewis DeLesdernier, for the use of
Col. John Allan one hundred pounds, for Contingencies and
other debts Contracted in Eastern department, and that the
said articles & money be charged to the United States in part
of the requisitions of the present year And his Excellency
the Gov r is desired to give such orders, with respect to moving
part of the Cannon and ordinance stores, from the post of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 9
Machias, to The River Schoduck in pasamaquody or any
other A part of the Eastern Country, B as he shall Judge most
for the Interest of this and the United States
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorhain Speaker
In Senate April 29 th 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
at A dele from A to B & insert, place within Col Aliens
Department
In the House of Representatives April 29, 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
W* drawn 24 th May, 1782
Action on Petition of William Taylor.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of representatives May 3, 1782
Upon the petition of William Taylor praying that the
time of redemption of certain lands in said petition men-
tioned may be extended further than by law is allready pro-
vided Resolved that the prayer of said petition be granted and
that the right of redeeming any lands situated in the County
of Lincoln, and mortgaged by William Taylor now of Milton
in the County of Suffolk Esq r to Thomas Lane late of London
merchant and which lands have been sold for the payment &
discharge of taxes assessed thereon, the equity of redeeming
which is in the said Williams be and hereby is continued and
extended to him the said Williams his heirs and assigns untill
the first day of December next the time limited for the re-
demption thereof expiring before notwithstanding, and be it
10 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
further resolved that all persons holding said lands be and
they hereby are holden and compellable to release said lands
to him the said Williams his heirs or assigns at any time
untill the said first day of December next in the same manner
as they by law are holden for the term of three years from
said sale the said Williams his heirs or assigns complying
with all prerequisites of law any law to the contrary not-
withstanding
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham, Speaker
In Senate May 4 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Appointment of Excise Deputies.
Sir f By a law of this Commonwealth, I am as a Collector
of Excise apply to your Excellency for your apperbation of
my Deputys I have appointed M r Jonas Farnsworth of
Machias a Deputy Collector of Excise for that part of the
County & Request your approbation of him I am with
Respect your Excel : mostd oblig d Humb. Serv 1
Tf To His Excel John Handcook
Hallowell May 3 d 1782
Josiah Brewer to Richard Devens.
Fort Hallifax May 6 th 1782
Sir
Yours of the 2 d of Octo r 1781 Nov r 8 th & 15 th I have re-
ceived, the Goods and Provisions ware all Delivered to Col
William Howard agreable to your Direction, it was so late
before the Sloop arrived in the River it was not possable to
git the goods up by water to Fort Hallifax last fall, some part
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 11
of which I got up by Land in the Winter the Remainder is
still at Fort Weston and Could not be got up till this time
by Reason that the water has been very high till this time.
Grate part of the Indians Remove* 1 back to there old hunting
ground last fall and have not got in with thare Springs hunt
which has lengthen* 1 out there provision so that I have more
then one half there Rations by me now. The French Pres 1
went over to Penobscot in march he was to Returne here in
three weeks with the Indians he is not Return* 1 which makes
me think he may be taken and carre d into the British Fort at
Penobscot, I have Ship* 1 on Board the Sloop hope Samuel
Howard Master Sixty Two moos: Skins two Carrebo Skins
Thirteen Bare Skins two Woolf Skins One Barrel of Furs
Containing Nineteen Bever Skins Sixty Seven Saples one
black Catt Forty Eight musquash two Otter two Raccoon
Skins and one otter Not in the Barrel which is all the Skins
and furs of Every Kind I have Received since I left Boston
1 I am Sir With the Gratest Respect your most Obed 1
Humble Servant
Josiah Brewer Truck Master
1 Richard Devens Esq.
f Rec d June 5 th 1782 from Col. Brewer at Fort Hallyfax.
Petition of Town of Cape Elizabeth.
To the Honourable Senate and the Honourable House of
Representatives in General Court Assembled
April A D 1782
t The Petition of the Town of Cape Elizabeth Humbly
Sheweth That your Petitioners have been over Taxed by
reason of a Mistake of one Hundred Polls in our Return
more than we had in the Town when the list of Polls and
Estates were called for in the year 1777 or 1778 and by the
Resolve of Court those Towns which appeared to have paid
12 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
too Great a proportion of Taxes should be abated in the Next
Tax for such sums and as the Mistake augmented our Valua-
tion 8 s /4 d on Every Thousand Pounds which we Humbly
conceive has caused us to pay since that valuation took place
to the Year 1781 part in Silver and part in paper curency
to the amount of 7869 14 3 /2 d and we humbly conceive our
Beaf Taxes and Cloathing is in the same proportion as allso
if any Tax has been Granted by Government Since 1782 in
the same Proportion all which added to our Distresses by
Reason of the war Extraordinary loss of Men and increase of
Widdows and Fatherless beyond any Town in the compass of
our knowledge we haveing but 265 Rateable Polls left in the
Town now which causes much of our lands to lie Dormant
our Navigation intirely lost, the Great Sums we have been
obliged to Give as Bounty for the men we have furnished
has Caused us for want of Money to Make over part of our
stocks to them which with all other Extraordinary Charges
has brought an inormus Debt on the Town wherefore pray
Your Honours to take the Distrest Surcumstances of the
Town into your wise consideration and Grant us such abate-
ment in our back Taxes as in Justice you shall find our Due
and further pray your Honours to take our Distrest Surcum-
stances into Consideration particularly our losses of Men and
Exposedness to the Enemy being only a Cape or Nick of land
the Enemys Cruzers allmost continualy in sight of us, our
Extream Poverty, and abate us of the six men we are want-
ing or stay the Execution for the Average Drill and fine till
we are able to pay the same for it is impossible for us to pay
it under our present Sircumstances and Your Petitioners as
in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray
By Order of the Town
Stephen Randall,
Barzillai Delano,
Benjamin Jordan
Selectmen of Said Town
OF T1IE STATE OF MAINE 13
Resolve on Above Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate May 7, 1782
On the Petition of Stephen Randall & others Selectmen of
the Town of Cape Elizabeth, praying that Execution may
not be issued against said Town for penalties incurred by
not compleating its' quota of men agreeable to the Order of
Government of the 2 d of December 1780 Resolved, 1 That
the Town of Cape Elizabeth be allowed sixty days, from the
date of this order, for procuring and compleating its quota
of Men agreeable to the Resolve of the General Court of the
2 d of Dec r 1780. And the Treasurer of this Commonwealth
is hereby directed to issue no Execution, against said Town
for any deficiency of said Men, in the mean Time, Or if Exe-
cution is already issued to recall the same, the said Town
paying all such Cost as hath arisen therefrom
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
Deposition of John Linnekin.
The deposition of John Linnekin of Lawful age testifyeth
& saith that some time of the faull of the Year 1781 I the
deponant was at Long Island at M r Pembertons where I
saw Thomas M c Guire of Bristol who said that he the s d
M c Guire came thether in a Canew from Camden, & that he
the s d M c Guire said he was going to headquarters meaning
Bageduce & that s d McGuire said that William McCobb
Esquire of Boothbay had had a lawsute with M c Guire and
further that the s d McCobb had had a Thousand hard Dol-
lar & that he the s d McGuire said to the Men of an Armed
Boat from Bageduce there was a fine opportunity for them
14 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
& likewise told them there was also valuable Cloaths & house
furneture and he the s d McGuire did perswade the Men of
s d Armed Boat, to go & rob s d McCobb, & further saith that
one of the Owners of said Boat asked me the deponant if I
could pilot him to s d McCobbs House & told me he had heard
s d McCobb had a thousand hard Dollars & other valluable
Good & if we would go we might make our fortune, & further
saith the boat was designed to go, but in a Stormmy Night
was cast a drift & finially lost, and further I the Deponant
heard my sister who was at Bageduce say about fourteen days
after she saw said McGuire at Bageduce, and further I the
Deponant in November 1782 saw said M c Guire at work at
the Taylor Trade at Bageduce and knew that he came there
of his own accord and further saith not
John Linnekin
Lincoln Ss May 8 th , 1782
Then personally appeared the afore named John Linniken
& made solemn Oath to the truth of the above Deposition by
him signed before me
Dum rs Sewall J. Peace
Resolve to Continue Post Between Portsmouth and Falmouth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 8, 1782
Whereas Ebenezer Hazard Esq r Post Master general of
the United States has by his Letter of the 25 th February to
Samuel Freeman Esq r Post Master at Falmouth, signified
the Discontinuation of the Post from Portsmouth to Fal-
mouth Aforesaid ; and Whereas the situation & Circumstances
of that part of the Common welth, having all certain Com-
munication by water cut off, & being contiguous to the Enemy,
which Renders Troops in that Quarter Necessary, with
whome Communication must be Kept up Therefore Re-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 15
solved that the Post from Portsmouth to Falmouth be still
Continued. And that Samuel Freeman Esq r be, and here-
by is Impoured & directed to Engage Joseph Barnard, the
Former Rider on that Route, (If he will Engage, & If not
sume Sutibal Person) to Continue riding till Further Orders
from this Court, or From Congress And it is Further Re-
solved, that the Governor be & he hereby is Requested to
write to Congress on the Subject Acquanting them with the
doings of this Court thereon and desiring that said Post
may be still continued, as Necessary to the publick Good
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate May 8 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolves Relating to War Stores &c.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives May 8 1782
On Application from Lieut: Col n James Hunter for pro-
vision & warlike stores, agreeably Jto a Resolve of the seventh
of March last, for the Troops under his Comand in the
County of Lincoln; \ Resolved, that Richard Devens Esq r
Commissary general for this Commonwealth be, & he hereby
is directed to forward to s d Hunter, by the first suitable Con-
veyance, for the use of the Troops under his Command, the
Articles contained in the schedule herewith, to be charged to
the United States, & to be accounted for by s d Hunter.
1 And it is further Resolved, that the s d Commissary be &
16 DOCUMENTARY HISTO11Y
he hereby is directed to call on Col n Sam 1 MCobb, who com-
manded in the eastern department the last year, to account
for what warlike stores, provisions, & Camp Utensils were
delivered the last year for the use of the Department. ^ And
it is further Resolved, that the s d Commissary be, & he here-
by is directed to call on the several persons, who have received
warlike stores, provision, & Camp utensils in the County of
Lincoln, immediately to account for the same. ^ Resolved,
that the above said Lieu* Col n Hunter be, & he hereby is im-
powered & directed receive what warlike stores, provisions &
Camp utensils of every kind may remain in the hands of
any person, who has received them in the County of Lincoln ;
the s d Hunter to become accountable for the same, & to give
duplicate Receits specifying the Article received, one of
which to be lodged in the Secretary's Office as soon as may
be. 1 And it is further Resolved, that the s d Lieu* Col n
Hunter be, & he hereby is directed & impowered from time
to time to detach from the men under his Command such
numbers as shall be consistent with the good of the service,
& as may be requisite to man any Vessel belonging to the
Commonwealth, & cruising as a guarda Costa on the eastern
shore; s d men to be detached but for a short & limited time,
& to be entitled to equal benefit from prizes taken, as the
men who belong to the s d Vessel, f And it is further Re-
solved, that the Agent for receiving Beef in the County of
Lincoln be & he hereby is impowered & directed to deliver
Beef for the use of the above Troops on application for that
purpose from Col n Hunter, to the amount of fifty Barrels.
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham, Speaker
In Senate May 9 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 17
Petition of Inhabitants of Frenchman's Bay.
To the Hon ble the General Court of Massachusetts
f The Petition of a Number of Inhabitancy in French-
mans Bay having through the Continuince of the Present
wars more Especialy since the Britans have taken Possession
at Bagaduce Been Reduced to the Greatest Difficulty Can
be exprest for want of the Necessarys of Life all Communi-
cations being Cut of from the westerly part of this Common
wealth, that your Petitioners are Deprest and nearly sunk
under Accumelated Distress and to add to these Troubles the
Severe Drouth and Violent fires which we have been
Exercisd with the Past Summer has nearly Compleated our
misary, our Hay and Crops being Chiefly Destroyd by which
means we have Lost many of our Cattle, and are now Unable
to Persue our Planting and other Calling for the support of
our Familey this being the Real State of our Case we beg
Leave to Lay the same before your Honours and Humbly
Pray the Honorable Court may take our Deplorable Situa-
tion Under your most serious Consideration and Grant us
some Releaf Under Such Restrictions and in that way you
in your known wisdom shall think Best the Bearers of this
are M r William Gascomb, Stephen Hardison & John Bane
who will wait on you & take a faithfull Care of what ever
you may Please to send for our Releaf Under these Present
Surcumstances as in Duty bound shall ever Pray
Stephen Hardison, Abraham Donnell, Thomas Frazier,
Nat Hardison, Stephen Clark, John -J- Hammond,
John Springer, David Hooper, John Johnson,
Moses Abbott, Moses Butler, Francis Dalton
Benjamin Clark, Tho s + Ash, Thos + Googin
Reuben Abbot, Judah West,
Daniel Seamon, Philip Martin,
18 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve on Foregoing Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Kepresentatives May 9 th 1782
On the Petition of Stephen Hardison & others, Inhabitants
of Frenchman's, who have perseveringly adhered to their
fidelity to the United States, & are now reduced to distress,
praying for some Assistance & Relief; 1 Resolved, that
there he granted for the Relief of s d Petitioners, being about
twenty in number ; & for the Relief of others of like fidelity,
& in distress at Frenchman's Bay, to be delivered in the Care
of Mes rs Stephen Hardison, John Bane, & William Gatcomb
by them to be forwarded & distributed among the distressed ;
one hundred Bushels of Indian Corn; one Hh d of Melasses,
& one Barrel of Coffee ; also one doz. of fishing lines, & half
a gross of hooks to enable s d Inhabitants to procure fish for
subsistance, those who receive any proportion of the above
Articles to be accountable for the same, & to pay therefor in
proportion as they receive them when A Reverse of fortune &
Circumstances shall enable them to do it B
And it is further Resolved, that the Commissary General
of this Commonwealth be, & he hereby is directed to furnish
the above Articles & deliver them to the aforesaid Hardison,
Bane & Gatcomb, taking duplicate Receipts for the same,
one of which to be lodged in the Secretary's Office :
Sent up for Concurrence Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate May 9 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A
At A dele from A to B & insert, their Circumstances shall
admit of it
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives May 9, 1782
Read & concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 19
Permission in Favor of Nathaniel Coffin.
Boston May 18, 1782
In pursuance of the above Advice of Council an Order
Issued from me authorizing Cap 1 Ebenezer Prebble to bring
the Effects above mentioned in said Schooner but it having
appeared by a Certificate of the said Cap 1 Prebble that he
was not suffered to transact the Business Therefore Per-
mission is hereby granted to Nathaniel Coffin to proceed to
Penobscot in a small Schooner called the Humbird for the
purpose of bringing the Effects of his deceased Brother now
in the Hands of M r Robert Pagan to Falmouth in the County
of Cumberland in said Commonwealth and for this purpose
only And all Commanders of Armed Vessels and others
belonging to this State are hereby directed and all Com-
manders 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 aforesaid.
John Lane to the Governor.
Fryburg May y e 2[] 1782.
To the Committes of Supplyes in this M S State 1" Gentle men
These ar to Certy that The Indians whose Names are
Jincen & Sawasen have been in y e Interest of this State
Ever since y e present war and are Now going to Boston on
Publick busines and will Stand in Nead of some asistans on
ther Journey I mak no dout you will aford them what you
Can as the Court has always alowed Such Expences no
doute you will be Leved for what you Suply them with your
humble Servent
John Lane Agent for y e Eastern Indians
20 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
To the Senate & House of Representatives of Massachusetts
f Your Petitioner humbly beg Leave to Shew that in y e
year 1775 he was apointed By y e Congres then Siting at
water town, agent for y e Eastern Indians and they ware di-
rected To me for to set forth their grevences to Government
Which with Submision I now do for y e Bu[ ]rers in behalf
of ther Compney which is about thirty two who Live at Am-
mascoggen They Say in truth they have been friends to The
Country Ever Sence the present War and are Now Sufers on
that a Count and therfore desire they might Have some help
for them selves and families in that way your Exclency Shal
think Proper as I have got y e Indian Sourley they tell me
they would be glad To have a Peace of Land to improve and
Leave ther families on wilest the go to hunting as the Can-
not go to gether in Safty for fear of y e Canada Indians who
will Kill them for being friends to this Countrey if they also
say they would be glad to have a small quantity of goods at
Ammascoging in some honest mans hands that They may
perches with their Skins & furs for Want of which they do
Realy Sufer therfor your petisiner humbley Pray that your
Excelency would take it in to your wise Consideration to
grant them some Releaf In that way your Honors wisdom
shall think best your Exelenys most obedient humble Servent
is in Duty bound to Pray John Lane
Fryburg may y e 24 1782
To his Exclency y e govener of y e Massachusetts State.
Petition of Jacob Ludwig.
To the Hon ble Senate and the Hon ble House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the
General Court Assembled
May 29, 1782
The Petition of Jacob Ludwig in behalf of the Town of
Waldoborough in the County of Lincoln Humbly Sheweth
Off THE STATE OB* MAINE 21
1 That the Inhabitants of said Town are by their Situation
greatly exposed to the incursions of the Enemy so that some
of the Inhabitants have been killed by the Enemy in their
own Houses, and the Cheif way said Inhabitants had to sup-
port themselves was by the carrying Lumber to Markett, this
is now entirely cutt off they having lost all their Vessells by
the Enemy, and thereby all their Trade destroyed ; Last year
The Drought affected them so that many of the Inhabitants
have not bread to eat. The cheif of said Inhabitants are
Germans who are but poor & unable to contribute any thing
for the Publick Expence
For the above Reasons Your Petitioner prays the Com-
passionate Regards of this Hon d Court that the Taxes levied
on said Inhabitants may be abated them or otherwise be re-
leived as in the Wisdom & Justice of this Hon'd Court shall
seem meet. 1 And your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall
ever pray &c
Jacob Ludwig
Petition in Behalf of Town of Bristol.
To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts
May 29, 1782
1 The Petition of Alexander Nichols in behalf of the
Town of Bristol in the County of Lincoln ^[ Humbly Sheweth
That the Inhabitants of said Town by their Situation being
bounded by the Rivers and Sea almost round the Town are
greatly exposed to the Enemy and have lost in the Course of
the War about one dozen sail of Vessells w ch is the only way
said Inhabitants have to support themselves by carrying
Lumber and the Fishery, and Last year the extreme Drought
22 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in the Eastern parts greatly affected the Husbandry that the
Crops of Corn and the Hay were cut so short as that many
of the Inhabitants had not Bread to eat ; and the Trade being
so distressed by Sea, that they could not send Lumber to
Markett to purchase any. f For the above Reasons and
many others that could be mentioned Your Petitioner would
recommend the Inhabitants of said Town to the tender Com-
passion and Consideration of this Honoured Court and
earnestly pray that under their distressed Circumstances, as
to remitt their Taxes laid on them for two years past, either
in Whole or Part or otherwise grant them such Relief as in
the Justice and Wisdom of this Honoured Court shall seem
meet they being in no Capacity able to pay the same, f And
as in Duty Bound your Petitioner shall ever pray &c
Alex: Nickels
Petition of Selectmen of Newcastle.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Hon ble Senate and the Hon ble House of Representatives
to be assembled in General Court
May 29 th 1782
f May it please your Honours *| The Petition of the
Select-Men of Newcastle in the County of Lincoln on behalf
of said Town Humbly Sheweth, That the Town of Newcastle
by a Concurrence of calamitous Circumstances is at present
in a most Deplorable Situation and under the necessity of
imploring Relief from your Honours That the Wood and
Lumber Trade of our Rivers was before the Commencement
of the War the chief means of the Subsistence of the In-
habitants and the only means of bringing any Money into
the place- That the War at first brought great Embarrass-
ments upon this Trade and thereby reduced the Inhabitants
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 23
to the last Extremities for the Necessaries of Life and that
altho' our attention has since been more turned to Agriculture
yet from the Barrenness of the Soil and the severe Droughts
that have been in these parts of the Country for six years
past (one year only excepted) Our Produce has never been
near equal to the necessary Consumption of the People
That this Deficiency could be made up only by importations
by water which are attended with such a Risque that the
Price is vastly enhanced to the purchaser that the pressing
necessities of the people (the painful Sense of Hunger) oblige
them to part with every vendible article of Property at the
Buyer's price in Order to procure necessary Bread for their
Families, That the Scarcity of Hay, Occasioned by the
Droughts, has diminished their Stocks of Cattle and that
these, and the many other Burdens and Disasters of the War
have greatly impoverished them. Your Petitioner would
further shew, That, Since the Enemy have been in pos-
session of the Harbour on the Mouth of Penobscot River, we
have severely suffered from the Encroachments and Depreda-
tions of these our hostile Neighbours, who, beside almost
entirely suppressing our Lumber Trade, incessantly infest
our Rivers, with their Armed Boats and prey upon every
Species of our Navigation from the Lumber Vessel to the
smallest Canoe that floats on the Tide That, hence, we are in
a manner deprived of the Privilege of the Fishery in and
about the Mouths of the Rivers, which, heretofore, was Con-
siderable and a great means of Support to Numbers of People.
1 Your Petitioners would also further shew, That all the
Measures of Government that have as yet been adopted to
protect us & Our Lumber Trade from the Encroachments of
the Enemy in our Neighbourhood have proved ineffectual for
that purpose. That last year, in particular, the Guards
Ordered By Government for the Defence of the Eastern parts
being stationed at Kennebec River, we were left defenceless
24 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
and exposed to the continual Depredations of the Enemy
That at this time there is not a Single Vessel belonging to the
Town & scarcely one to either of the Rivers on which the
Town lies, to Carry our Wood & Lumber to Market or bring
any Supplies of Provision or Money to the place ; and, that,
as Our Crops were almost wholly Cut off last year, this Town
now exhibits a most striking Scene of poverty & Distress.
From a sufficient acquaintance with the Circumstances of
Individuals, your Petitioners can aver that there are many
families in this Town that are now, & have been for some
time, destitute of Bread and have no means to obtain any;
and that there is not Money Eno' in the Bounds of the Town
to pay the smallest State Tax now laid upon us & that at
present there is no apparent possibility of procuring it.
U Your Petitioners would therefore humbly Recommend the
Town of Newcastle, under its present Circumstances, to your
Honour's most wise, serious and good Consideration, and
pray your Honours to Grant us that Relief which Necessity
compels us to ask, Viz A Remittance of the Taxes laid upon
us by Government the two Last Years and an Exemption
from State Taxes for the future, till an Alteration of Cir-
cumstances shall put it in our power (which now it is not)
to fulfil the Requisitions of Government from us. ^f And
your Humble Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray
&c
James Little
Sam 1 Kennedy
Benj Woodbridge Jun r
Newcastle May 6, 1782
Select Men
of
Newcastle
Petition of Inhabitants of Sudbere, Canada.
To the general Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If The humble petition of the subscribers Inhabitants of
Sudbere Canada In the County of Cumberland & the Com-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 2T>
monwealth of Massachusetts we renew our petitions Humbly
Shewing for that whereas your petitioners have Bin much
Distressed by the Injoyns coming to the Town last Summer
& killing & robing & leading off our Nabors which we
have Never heard of them sence We are much distressed In
our minds fearing least we Should faull a pray Into the
hands of those Saviges Whose mercys is cruelty We most
humbly Presume on your goodness being assured by sundry
Examples of your Compassions that you will Think of and
pity the Distressed therefore as an object Truly Deserving
Compassion we most humbly Implore And petition this
honored assembly To Consider many Difficulties we Labor
under and grant us a garde of about Forty men To Scout up
and down Androscoging river And Elsewhere : whare It shall
be thought most Necessary. If we cannot have redress. We
must Leave our Land on which we begin to raise our bread
corn And our families must suffer for Lack of bread: It is
an Excellent track of Land we are Loth to Leave it and That
we may have redress is what we pray for therefore This
honored assemblys Compliance will greatly oblige your
humble servants and they as in duty bound will Ever pray
Eleaz r Twitchell Josiah Bean Isaac Ilsley York
Eli Twitchel Daniel Bean Benjamin Russell
David Marshall John York James Swan
Sam 11 Ingulls Jonathan Clark Jesse Duston
Jonathan Bean Jun r Jonathan Bean
Sudbere Canada May ye 29 A. D. 1782.
Memorial of Lewis Fred k Delesdernier.
Hono ble Sir
Being appointed Agent to Colon 1 Allen, Superintendent of
Indian Affairs in the Eastern Department, who has In-
structed me to Come and Receive what Government may be
26 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
pleased to Grant him in Consiquence of his Memorails &
Representations for which purpose I have already waited
five Weeks.
The Several papers Respecting the said Department were
Immediately on my Arrival, Laid before his Excellency,
who judged it most Expedient to Lay them before the
Honob le General Assembly, the time of their meeting being
at hand, I was directed to wait
Since the Recommittment of Col Allans papers the Re-
port haveing been Returned & during several day past Coud
not be taken up, and, fearing that thro' the Multiplicity of
the Important Business now before the Honob le Hous, the
Session woud End before it coud be Call up, Impressed with
this Apprehension, as allso Colo 1 Allan Deplorable setuation,
not Only for want of necessary Assistance for Carrying on
his Superintending business, but even destitute of subsis-
tance his Store being Exhausted & himself as well as others
in the Employ is Starving, Also Alarmd at the withdrawing
of the Indians to S* Johns, where (Father Henley) an Irish
Priest is now Exerting himself to Retain them in the British
Interest, an Insinuating Genius as he is may Probably make
advantage of the Coolness of the Indians for the Americans
Viewing them selves neglected
These Several Considerations have Induced me to take the
Liberty in the manner of Informing Your Hono r of the
Anxiety I am in to know the ditermination of Government on
this Subject which Urges me earnestly to Intreat with all
Submission that Col Allans Papers may be Acted upon, that
a speedy & definitive Dicission may be Obtained, as soon as
possible 1 Having heard first the Report Red & finding
some Meterial flatters not Attended to I further take the
Liberty to Solicite those perticulars might be Reconsidered,
that is Leave of Absence for Col Allan to Come westward to
settle his accounts, several Applications have been but no
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 27
Answer coud yet be obtained Also Leave to Remove Ar-
tilary & Ordnance Store to Passamaquody. Likewise the
Supplys Solicited for Are Curtaild when the Whole are In-
adiquate for the purpose of Retaining the Indians in our
Interest at this Juncture ^[ My Solicitude to Answer the
Intentions of Col Allan in procuring Aid to Enable him to
pursue his Instructions from Congress I hope will not be
deemed Amiss by Your Honour, I am a Stranger & rather
unacquainted, in this Business, but seeing no Other prospect
of perfering it to the Hono bl House to which it is referd thro
You encouraged me to this presumption of troubling Your
Honour ^[ I am with all Respect Your Honours Most Obd*
Hum 1 Servant
Lewis Fred k Delesdernier
Agent & Secretary to Col Allan.
Certificate in Favor Aaron Babcock.
Boston June 4 1782
This Certifies
That the sum of Four hundred & sixty five pounds nine
shillings 9 pence became due from the late Board of War
for this Commonwealth the ninth day of July one thousand
seven hundred & seventy nine, to Aaron Babcock, Esq r for
the loss of one sixteenth part of the Ship General Putnam on
the Expedition to Penobscot, which when paid to him will be
in full for said sixteenth part and appurtenances.
Thorn" Ivers ) Com te for settling the
Pet. Roe Dalton ) a/c of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor & The Hon 1 Council of the Com-
monwealth Mass 18
28 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Council June 5 th 1782
R d & Advised that a W l be drawn on the Treas y in full of
the above Certificate agreeable to Resolve of 28 th Jan y 1782
John Avery Secy.
Certificates in favor of Aaron Babcock Esq r of his demand
on board of War
June 5 th 1782
Colonel Allan to the Governor.
Indian Eastern Department Machias June 4th 1782
Sir
My Last which I had the Honour of writing your Excel-
lency was of the 2G th March, wherein I mentioned my Inten-
tion of removing from hence, among the Indians On
preparing for my departure some difficultys Arising in this
place, which had a Tendency of giving advantage to the
Enemy in their pursuits for this Country, and not being able
to procure Common necessarys for Subsistence, I posponed
going untill I received Intelligence and supplys from the
Westward ; and Dispatched away my Two Eldest sons among
the Indians as a pledge between us for the present | A
few days ago Arrived an Express from the Indians on S l
Johns River, with Strings of Wampum, to know what is
Intended by the Americans & French with them, and to
Agree upon a Generll Conference somewhere between this
place, & S l Johns f By this received Intelligence that
about 200 Men with Ten pieces of Heavy Cannon, and Two
Mortars with large Supplys, were arriv'd at Fort How on
S 1 Johns, & there landed, allso Two Ships of War and Four
other Armed Vessells. ^ By the Information I have had
previous to this, with a further Confirmation of the News, I
amagine the Enemy Intends Fortifying different places on
29
S l Johns River to keep an Open Communication to Canada
that way, and allso to Extend to some of the Rivers on Passa-
maquody for other purposes t Twelve days ago an Express
Arrived from Quebec, Brings Intelligence they were Fortify-
ing the several posts on S l Lawrence daily, Gen 1 Haldiman
was gone from Quebec to Mountreal f Five Weeks since,
Arrived here from Halifax, One M r Lecour a Young Gentle-
man of the Netherlands Subject of the Emperour of Ger-
many, It appears he has been Traveling on Speculation
Came from England to Canada, by the papers I have in
possession he has the greatest Recommendation Has been
as farr as Detroit on Lake Erie was Employ'd in some matters
military under the patronage of Gen 1 Haldiman. But upon
His geting Acquanted with American affairs, and Detesting
the Horrid proceedings of the Britains in Massacreing the
Inhabitants in the Back Country, with some other very
Substantial reasons, he left Quebec Last fall and by Various
Methodes Gote thro by S* Johns to N ova Scotia ; from thence
bro 1 here by some Accadians of Cape Sables He Possesses
Every External Qualification of the Military and Gentleman,
and appears otherways Qualify'd as a man of Superior Sence
- Is well acquanted with Every Transaction in Canada dur-
ing His Residence He wants much to go Westward but
afraid of Capture. As no suitable Opp r Offers, and not In-
clining to Lett him proceed without some person going who
will see him safe to Boston I shall detain him here for
the present f I shall not Trouble further respecting our
situation here, your Excellency must fully know it Only
as my Duty ; would Acquant you, that for want of Necessarys
& Supplys, It is not in my Power to secure the Interest of the
Indians Nor to Prevent the Enemy from taking possession
of this place and other parts of the Country shoud they at-
tempt it with very small force That an Open & free Com-
munication & Correspondence is daily Increasing with the
30 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Enemy & Countenenced By Every Ranque thro the Country
-I have the Honour to be with respect Your Excellencys
most ob 1 Hb 1 Sv 1
J Allan
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
In Senate June 13 th 1782
Read & sent down
S Adams Presid 1
Resolve on Petition of John Lane.
Common Wealth Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 8 1782
On the Petition of John Lane in behalf of the Amascogin
Indians praying to be Suplied With a Number of articles
Resolved that the Commis y Gen 1 be & he is hereby directed
to procure the Following Articles (and Send them to Some
Suitable Person who Resides Near where Said Indians Live
to be disposed of to Said Indians at a Reasonable Price &
Receive the pay therefor in Skins or Furrs which the Corn-
miss 3 ' is Directed to Receive on Account of this Commonwealth)
Viz, Two Doz fish hooks 5 Guns Twenty Six pounds gun
powder one hundred pounds Buck Shott & Musket Ball
Thirty Three Blankets one hundred Sewing Needles Thirteen
Indian Knives: Cloth Sufecent for Thirteen pair Indian
Stockins Ten Doz Flints, Fourteen yards Stufs for Indian
Peticoats, Twenty pounds Tobaco Two pounds Vermilion,
Thirty Three Shirts & Shifts or Cloth Suficent to make them
and the Commissary Affores d is directed to deliver such of
the foregoing Articles as he Shall Judge Necessary to the
Two Indians who are now in Boston and, it is also, Re-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 31
solved that Such of the affores d articles as the Commissary
Gen 1 has not on hand the Agent for this Common Wealth
is directed to Suply provided he has them on hand
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 10 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on Petition of Elizabeth Hall, et al.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 10 th 1782
On the Petition of Elizabeth Hall and John Freeland pray-
ing for Licence to make Sale mentioned for reasons therein
set forth | Resolved that the prayor of the Petition be
Granted and that the Petitioners be & they are hereby fully
Impowered to make Sale of said Land & Building in their
petition mentioned for the most the same will Fetch and
make & Execute a good & Lawfull Deed or Deeds thereof to
the purchaser or purchasers they observing the Rules & Di-
rections of the Law for the Sale of Real Estates by Executors
& Adm rs first giving security to the Judge of Probate for the
County of Middlesex that the proceeds of said Sale Shall be
applied in maner following viz the whole be put on Interest
for the Benefitt of the widow & heirs of the Deceas d and the
Interest of One third part thereof paid annually to the De-
ceas d Widow as Dower the other two third both principal &
Interest to be paid to the several heirs in Legal proportion
as they respectively arive at Lawfull age and the principal
32 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of that part the Interest of which is assigned to said widow
as Dower at her Decease to be in Like maner & in Like pro-
portion to said heirs
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 18th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd
Petition of Elizabeth Hall.
To the Honorable Senate, and house of Representatives for
the Common Wealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled
1 The Petition of Elizabeth Hall Relict, & Administrix on
the Estate of Nathan Hall of Winthrop in the County Lincoln
in said State, House right Deceasd, Intestate; and John
Freelaiid of Hopkinton in the County of Middlesex, Guardian
of all the Children of Said Deceased f Humbly Sheweth
^1 That the Real Estate of the said Nathan Containing One
Hundred and Seventy acres of Land being Lott N Eleven
in said Town, with Poor Small Buildings, much out of Re-
pair; and there being Debts not Paid; the Personal Estate
having been Applied to that Purpose Proves greatly Insuffi-
cient, the Discharge of which, will Require the Sale of a
Considerable part of said Estate, and what will Remain, will
be Dayly falling into Decay, in addition to the Decay which
hath already Taken Place which is Very great, the Farm
Being New, a great part of the Improvements Newly Clear d
and the Bushes not Subdued, a great part thereof is growing
up, that in a Short Time the greatest Part of Said Improve-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 33
ments will be Esteemed as unimproved Land, there being no
fence but wooden which is greatly fallen into Decay already,
that unless better managements take Place than is in our
Power to Procure, Before the first male heir arives of age
(which is Fourteen years) the whole of said Farm must ly
unimproved : your Petitioners who have the Care of Said
Farm Reside Two Hundred miles Distant therefrom, which
Renders it Difficult and Expensive to Look after it; they
Humbly Conceive that said Estate cannot be Improv'd any
way so advantageous to the heirs as the Value thereof in
money at Interest might be; Debts Dayly Increasing by In-
terest, the Charges of Administration and Application to this
Court, being Considerable in the whole, it is therefore Neces-
sary that Sale Should be made as soon as may be f There-
fore your Petitioners Humbly Pray that they may be
Impowered to sell the whole of said Estate (the said Eliza-
beth Retaining to herself the Priviledge of Dower in the
Proceeds of Sale) under such Directions and Limitations as
this Court Shall Judge Necessary & Expedient, and your
Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray &c
John Freeland Guardian for the Children
Elizabeth Hall Administra x
Hopkinton April 10 th 1782
The Subscribers (according to their best Knowledge & In-
formation ) are of the Opinion that it is Expedient the Prayer
of the above Petition be granted
Henry Mellen
Walter M c Farland
John Freeland
Selectmen of
Hopkinton
Whereas Elizabeth Hall & John Freeland in their Capaci-
ties have Petitioned the General Court for the Sale of Land
being the Estate of Nathan Hall Late of Winthrop in the
County Lincoln Deceas'd, the Subscribers upon Consider-
84 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
ing all the Pressing Circumstances attending the Widow &
Children, is of the Opinion that it is Expedient, the Prayer
of Said Petition Should be granted.
) Grandfather to the
Ihomas .breeland r ^i MJ ,. . , ^. ,,
j Children 01 said Deceas d
Hopkinstown April 9 th 1782
To the Com tee for sale of Lands
Memorial and Petition of Simon Frye.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Hon. the Senate and
House of Representatives In General Court Assembled,
the Memorial and Petition of Simon Frye in behalf of the
Town of Fryeburg Humbly Sheweth that the Town of Frye-
burg was not called upon to make a Return of their Ratable
Property when the Valuation of 1778 was Settled for which
Reason the s d Town of Fryeburg was doomed double to what
it ought to have stood at, as appears by the Settlement of the
present Valuation. Your Memorialist begs leave further to
observe that the General Court did on or about the 16 th of
February 1781 Pass a Resolve directing the Treasurer to
Stay Executions from the Town of Fryeburg till the further
order of the General Court Provided the s d Town of Frye-
burg Should Pay (in Sutable Season) the one half of all the
Taxes Sett to s d Town Since the Setteling of the then Valua-
tion which was Directly Complyed with in the Paper money
taxes but Through the great Scarsety of hard money (and
not through aney unwillingness to bear their Proportion of
the Publick taxes) they Could not Pay in the one half of the
hard money tax (as it is Commonly called) Untill the
Treasurer Sent his Execution for s d tax which Execution
was for the whole Sum of the hard Money Tax Set to s d
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 35
Fryeburg, and whereas it appears by the Settlement of the
Present Valuation that the Town of Fryeburg did stand in
the former tax Book double to what it ought to have stood.
Your Petitioner Humbly Prays that this Court would take
the matter into their wise Consideration and Grant Such Re-
lief to the Town of Fryeburg as in Your Wisdom shall
Appear Just and reasonable, and your Petitioner as in Duty
bound shall Ever Pray.
Simon Frye
Boston June 13 th 1782
Certificate of Auditing Com tee Late Board of War.
This Certifies f That the sum of Three hundred & sixty
five pounds nine shillings & five pence, for the loss & hire of
the Sloop Brittania & appur. a Transport on the Penobscot
Expedition and Mas. Wages, also fifty four pounds, sixteen
shillings & three pence, for Interest thereon, amounting to
Four hundred & twenty pounds five shillings & eight pence
Specie is due to Robert Johnson; which when paid to his
Attorney John Southworth, will be in full for the same
420 .5.8
Thomas Ivers ) Com tee for Auditing the a/c ts of the
Peter Roe Dalton j Late Board of War
Boston June 13, 1782
His ExcelF the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council June 20 1782
R d & Advised That a W l be drawn on the Treas 7 for
420 .. 5 .. 8 in full of this Certificate agreeable to Resolve of
28 th January 1782
John Avery Sec y
36 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Certificate in Favor of Daniel Mitchell.
This Certifies f That the sum of three hundred & eighty
three Pounds, ten shillings, for the loss & hire of the Sloop
Defiance & appur. a Transport on the Penobscot Expedition,
and Masters Wages, also fifty seven pounds ten shillings &
five pence for Interest due thereon, amounting to Four hun-
dred & forty one pounds & five pence Specie is due to Daniel
Mitchell, which when paid to his Attorney John Southworth,
will be in full for the same 441 .0.5
Thomas Ivers ) Com tee for Auditing the a/c ts
Peter Koe Dalton ) of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon le the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston June 13, 1782
In Council June 20 th 1782
R d & Advised that a W* be drawn on the Treas y in full of
the above Certificate agreeable to Eesolve of 28 th Jan y 1782
Jn Avery See 7
Resolve in Favor John Stone and William Grow.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives June 14 th 1782
On the Petition of John Stone & William Grow of York
in the County of York praying to be paid for sundry Neces-
saries delivered a Cartel going from Boston to Penobscot
1 Resolv d That there be paid out of the Treasury of this
comon Wealth to John Hopkins Esq r Deputy Comissary gen-
eral for the use of the s d John Stone and William Grow the
Sum of Eight Pounds Seventeen Shillings and four pence
for sundry necessaries deliverd a Cartel Bound from Boston
to Penobscot as afores d A
Sent up for concurrence JSTath Gorham Speaker
OF THE STATE Off MAINE 37
In Senate June 21, 1782
Read & Concurred w th Amendment at A
at A insert the said Hopkins to be accountable for y e same
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives June 24 th 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
W'drawn 25 th June 1782
Receipt of and Order in Favor of George Rendall.
York, November the 15 th 1781
Recv' d of Cap* George Rendall one Barrell of Beef & 2
Bushell of Meel for the use of the Prisoners on Board the
Penopscot Carteel
by me Joseph Hibbert
Please to pay to Cap 1 George Rendall the Sum of four
Pound four Shillings Lawf ull Money for the undermentioned
artickells
s. d
To 1 Bai-rell of Beef of 220 wt 3 12
To 2 Bushell of Meel 12
4 .. 4 ..
To John Hopkins Esq r
D C G of Prisoners at
Boston
pr
Joseph Hibbert
George Rendall
Attest M r Stone \ Com*
William Grow \ of York
38 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Order to Pay John Stone and W" 1 Grow.
York Nov 1 10 th 1781
S r
Please to pay Cap 1 John Stone & Cap 1 W m Grow two of the
Committy of York the Sum of three pounds thirteen Shil-
lings & Six pence Lawf 1 Mony it being for Vallue Rec d in
the following articles for the use of the Prisoners on board
the Carteel Penobscot Viz 1
1 barrel Irish Beef 3 : 0.0
2 bushell Meal . 12 .
y 2 foot wood 3 . 13 . 6
You'l oblige S r your Hum 1 Serv 1
Joseph Hibbert
Master of the Carteal
John Hopkins Esq r Dept y Commissary of Prisoners at Boston
Deposition of Joseph Hibbert.
The Deposition of Joseph Hibbert master of the Schooner
Penobscot a Carteal bound from Boston to Penobscot with
forty odd British Prisoners on Board and Edward Prince
and Robert Perry Sailers on board saild from Boston the
28 th of Oc 1 last and the Wind heading them were Oblig'd
to put in to Cape Ann the 29 th where they by occasion of
the Contrary Winds lay till the 8 th of Nov r instant and then
came to Sale with the Wind at about West North West but
the Wind shifting the same Day were Oblig'd to put in to
York Harb r the same day at about 4 o' Clock afternoon
where by Contrary Winds they have been Obliged to lay
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 39
ever since and being out of Provisions applied to Cap 1 John
Stone one of the Com tee of Correspondence there, who ac-
cordingly supplied us.
York Nov r 10 th 1781
Joseph Hibbert
Robert Perry Lieut of the
Edw d Prince Master of the Packet Comet
York in New England Nov r 10 th 1781
Then the above named Joseph Hibbert Robert Perry &
Edw d Prince who sign d the above Deposition personally ap-
pearing and after due caution made oath to the truth of the
truth before me
Dan 1 Moulton
Jus Peace
Memorial of George Stillman.
To The Hon ble Senate & Hon ble House of Representatives
May it Please your Honors The Memorial of George
Stillman, in behalf of himself and several others Humbly
Sheweth, that your memorialist has on Board a Quantity of
Publick Stores for the Garison at Machias, which is at this
time Intirely distitute of any kind of Supplys, and having
had the Promise of being Conveyed by the States Sloop
Commanded by Captain Little In consequence of which
your memorialist has been waiting some Considerable time
for said Sloop, the like has been the Case with the Vessell
bound with Publick Stores to Kenebunk we likewise are
Inform'd the Said Sloop has been Some time Ready for Sea,
& By the best account from the eastward we are able to ob-
tain the Coast is Clear at the eastward except from Small
Cruisers, a number of other Vessell are now waiting to take
the Benefit of her Convoy. Your Memorialist humbly Prays
your Honors to take the matter under your Consideration &
40 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Point out such Steps as you in your Wisdom may think
Proper, & your Memorialist as in Duty Bounds, &c
George Stillman
Boston June 15 th 1782
Petition of Inhab ts of Sterlingtown.
June 1782
To the Hon ble Senate, and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of a Planta-
tion called Sterlingtown in the County of Lincoln Humbly
Sheweth That this Plantation is very new, began in the
year 1776 by one Family; in the year 1777 two more were
added ; and has since increased so that the whole number of
Families and Settlers (including several single men) are
now Fourteen the whole number of male Inhabitants above
the age of sixteen doth not exceed twenty f That we are
scituate in the Wilderness at a great Distance from any
other Settlements, tho' bordering on incorporated Towns,
through which we have not as yet been able to obtain any
Roads so as to get any of our Lumber or other Effects to
market but with the greatest Difficulty f That in De-
cember 1778 a large barn belonging to Philip Robbins was
consumed by Fire with almost all the grain raised that year
by all the Settlers in the Place, together with a large Quantity
of Hay, which flung the Inhabitants into great Distress, and
occasioned the loss of ten Head of Cattle in the Winter That
in the Year 1779 several of our Settlers turned out at the
Siege of Majorbagaduce as Volunteers without any Pay ; and
in the Summer following by Advice of Gen 1 Wadsworth we
kept a Watch & Scouting Party at our own Expence
That several Persons formerly Settlers here have left
their Habitations on account of the Difficulties in the East-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 41
ward, and several of those now here, have been drove from
their Farms on the Island, and other places by the Eenemy.
That in the year 1779 We were assessed by the Town of
Warren as adjacent Inhabitants, & their Constable took by
Distress some of our most necessary farming Tools. That
in the Year 1780 We petitioned the Hon ble the General Court
setting forth some of our Distresses and praying to be ex-
empted from paying Taxes; in Consequence whereof the
Hon ble Court in 1781 ordered that we should be exempted;
and that the articles taken by Warren should be returned;
which Order has never been comply'd with, though often
sought for and Requested, the same Reasons still Remain for
our being excused from paying Taxes, which were set forth
in that Petition, only that the Town of Waldoborough has
granted us a Road to be laid out to their Settlement, but is
not yet laid out nor opened
Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray your Excellency
and Honors, that we may be excused from paying Taxes
until we are in Circumstances of Ability equal with our
Brethren in the Commonwealth, and then we will most
readily pay our Proportion And your Petitioners as in Duty
bound shall ever pray &c
Phinehas Butler Joel Adams Jesse Robbins
Philip Robbins Richard Comings David Robbins
Moses Hawes John Butler Ezra Bowen
Jason Ware Ebenezer Robbins
Matthias Hawes Elisha Partridge
Petition of Inhab*" Fryeburg and Other Towns.
To The General Court of Massachusetts
The Memorial and Petition of the Committees of Frye-
burg, Bridgton and Sudbury, Cannada, in the County's of
York and Cumberland. Humbly Sheweth. that whereas
42 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Indians Did on the third and fourth days of august last
make an -assault on the Inhabitants of Sudbury cannada.
and Places adjoining on and near Androscoggin River, and
Did Kill Sculp Carry Captive and Plunder some of the
Inhabitants. The Season is now come, that the Fronteers
of the County of York and Cumberland are Exposed to the
Depredations of those Saveges. The Large Lakes and Rivers
that lay between Sudbury, Cannada and Qebeck. admits the
Indians to have an Easy access to that Place, and that being
almost the only avenue by which they can have access on the
back Settlements of the County of York and Cumberland,
and if Sudbury, Cannada is left by its Inhabitants to the
Fronteer from Fryeburg to Brunswick will be Exposed and
Sudbury, Cannada become a Lurking Place for the Savages,
to the great Distress of these back Settlements being thus
Exposed and momently Expecting those merciless Savages,
to fall on us or our neighbour. Our humble Petition and
Request, to the honorable Court, is that a Compeny of men
might be imeadeatly raised and stationed at Sudbury, can-
nada to gaurd and Scout on the fronteers of the Countys
aforesaid We as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray
Moses Ames
Nath 1 Merrill
Stephen Purington
Committee
of
Fryeburg
Fryeburg June 15 th 1782
Enoch Perley } Agent for Bridgton
Jonathan Clark j Committee of Sudberie
Eleaz r Twitchell Canada
Resolves on Petition of David Strout et als.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
House of Representatives June 17 th 1782
On the Petition of David Strout and others, Matrosses at
Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth under the Command of
43
Brigadier General Wadsworth, praying that they may be
allowed the same Wages as were allowed to other soldiers
under his Command 1 Resolved that the prayer of the
Petitioners be granted and that there be allowed and paid
out of the Treasury of this Commonwealth to the said peti-
tioners the same Wages as other Soldiers under General
Wadsworth's Command receive: and the Committee on pay
Rolls be and hereby are directed to allow the s d petitioners to
be made up in the pay Rolls accordingly ; which Sums are to
be charged to the account of the United States
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 17 th 1782
Read & Nonconcurred S Adams Presid 1
In Senate June 25 th 1782
Reconsidered & concurred as taken into a New Draft
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives June 27 th 1782
Read & Concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approvd John Hancock.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 17, 1782
On the Petition of David Strout & others, Matrosses of
Cape Elizabeth & Falmouth, under the Command of Briga-
dier General Wadsworth, praying that they may be allowed
the Same wages as were allowed to the Soldiers under his
Command Resolved that the prayer of the Petitioners be
granted, and that the Committee on pay Rolls be and they
hereby are directed to make addition to the pay Rolls Al
ready made out by said Petitioners, so as to make the same
Equal to the Continental Establishment for Men that did
duty in the Eastern parts of this Commonwealth under the
command of said General, Agreeable to a resolve of the Gen-
44 DOCUMENTAEY HISTORY
eral Court of June 20 th 1780 The same to be Charged to the
Account of the United States
Boston 21 June 1782
This may Certify that the party of Matrosses under Serg*
Strout & Brazier did Duty at Falmouth in 1780 in the same
Manner as the other Troops under my Command at that
Place Peleg Wadsworth
To all whom it Concerns.
Petition David Strout et als Attached.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honorable Senate
and Honorable House of Representatives, in General
Court Assembled, May 1782.
Your Petitioners Humbly Sheweth, that they was inlisted
as Matrosses at the Fort in Cape Elizabeth by a Resolve of
the Hon ble General Court, in the year 1780 and was put
under the Command of Brig r General Wadsworth, who had
the Command in the Eastern Department, We did equal Duty
with the other Soldiers under his Command We your Peti-
tioners Humbly pray that your Honors will allow us as much
Wages p r Month as was paid the other Soldiers under His
Command
David Strout [ Serjent in behalf of the Guard
Memorial Simon Frye.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston June 17 th 1782 -
Memorial f To the honorable the Senate the Hon ble the
house of Representatives Assembled
1 Your Memorialist begs leave to lay before your honors
the following facts f The Town of Fryeburg did Inlist
and muster four able body'd and Effective men and deliverd
them to the Superintendent for the County of York, agreable
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 45
to a resolve of the General Court, of the 2 d december 1780
but it unfortunately happen'd that one of the men by the
name of Daniel Gamage was afterwards Claimed by the
Town of Cambrige and finally Credited to said Town of
Cambrige your Memorialist finds an Execution against the
Town of Fryeburg for the fines of two delinquent men, which
must be a Mistake Therefore your Memorialist Prays that
your honors would be pleased to take the matter into Con-
sideration and grant a short time of Indulgence for the pur-
pose of percuring a man in lieu of Daniel Gamage and
your Mem further prays that the Treasurer of this Common-
wealth may be directed to recall the Execution for the other
Man in actual service.
And in duty bound will ever Pray
Simon Frye
Petition of Sam 1 Sewall and Wife.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate June 18 1782
On the Petition of Samuel Sewall and Abigail his Wife
praying for license to make Sale of sundry lots of land in
their Petition mentioned for reasons therein set forth
Resolved That the Prayer of said Petition be so far granted
as that the Petitioners be & hereby are impowered to sell One
Lott of said land viz N 124 containing about One hundred
Acres & lying on Presumsett River And that a Deed of
said Lotts executed in common form by said Samuel &
Abigail shall be valid & effectual to pass the same the homage
of said Abigail notwithstanding
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives June 18 1782
Read & Concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock.
46 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition Juniper Barthiaume.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
June 20 th 1782
To the Honorable Senate and to the Honorable House of
Representatives in General Court Assembled
The Petition of Juniper Barthiaume Recollect, Missionary
to the Penobscot Tribe of Indians f Humbly Sheweth
That Your Petitioner was Troubled with Some of the said
tribe to Let Some of their Chiefs Come on A Visit to Boston,
But Your petitioner being sensible of the Difficulties that
would attend them & the Charges that would Arrise, he pre-
vaild On them not to Come That Your Petitioner has Some
Necessary Business to Transact here for the Said Tribe.
He prays Your Honors he may have Some Convenient Place
Provided for him for Support while he Can perform his said
Business, and your petitioner as in Duty bound Shall ever
pray &c f Also That Your Hon rs Would Grant him his
Wages and Rations for the time past, or that if it be agree-
able to your Honors to grant him some Cloathing in Lieu of
his Wages And your Petitioner as in Duty &c
F Juniper Barthiaume Recollect
Resolve on Same.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Representatives June 22, 1782
on the petition of Juniper Barthiaume Missionary to the
penobscot Tribe of Indians ^[ Resolve that his Excellency
the governor and Council Be Requested To take the matter
under their wise Consideration and make such allowance As
they in their wisdom may think proper And it is further
Resolved that his Excellency the Governor with the advice
of Council Be Empowered to Draw Such sum or sums of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 47
money out of the treasury for the above purpose as may be
necessary
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 25 th 1782
Head & Concurred as taken into a New Draft
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives June 25 th 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 22, 1782
On the Petition of Juniper Earth iaume Recollect Mission-
ary to the Penobscott Tribe of Indians f Resolved, that his
Excellency the Governor be, and he is hereby requested, with
the Advice of Council, to provide for and accommodate the
said Juniper agreeably to his Petition in Such manner as
Shall by his Excellency be judged most proper, T[ And it is
further Resolved, that the Governor be impowered, with the
Advice of Council, to draw such Sum of money out of the
publick Treasury, as may be necessary for the purpose afore-
said: provided the sum thus drawn, do not amount to more
than the value of the Wages and Rations which are already
become due to the said Juniper, together with the additional
sum of thirty Shillings to defray the Said Junipers expences
during his present Stay in the Town of Boston.
Petition Selectmen of Warren.
To the Hon ble Senate and house of Representatives for the
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
f The Petition of the Selectmen of Warren in behalf of
said Town In the County of Lincoln humbly Sheweth that
48 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the InhabitantsWe in a peculiar manner Impoverished and
having no way to\ Convey our lumber to a Market which was
the way that we Suported our famelies and paid our taxes
and the Navigation being Cut of and Daly Exposed to the
revage of the Enemy and having no way to pay our taxes
renders it very Distressing to this town and as thare is an
Execution Essued from the treasurer of this State and is in
the high Sharivis hand Against this town for our Quota
for the Continental armey and as the Resolve of march
the Second Cleared this County of their three years men we
Perswad our Salves that their is Sum Mistake thus Circum-
stenced your petitioners bag your honores to take there De-
plorable Case into your wise Consideration and Grant Such
Relief as the good of the Common wealth and thair Sircum-
stances require and your petetiners as in Duty bound Shal
Ever pray
Hopestill Sunnier
William Bogs
Warren June 21, 1782 Patrick Pepbles
Resolve on Above.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 1782
On the petition of the Town of Warren in the County of
Lincoln Resolved, That the Treasury of this Commonwealth
be, & he is hereby directed to recal the Executions against
the Town of Warren in the County of Lincoln, as the said
Town being so contiguous to the Enemy at Penobscott make
it exceeding difficult for them at this Time to pay the arrears
due from them to Government. And that no Execution for
past arrearages be issued, until the further order of the
General Court. Any law or resolve to the Contrary not-
withstanding
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 49
Certificate from J. Pettingell Maj r .
Boston June 24 th 1782
This Certifies that John Fhi was delivered to me as a sol-
dier for the Town of Fryeburg and is now in actual service,
if living, and not deserted, the other two men were delivered
to Col Crane and I veryly believe they are now in service
J Pettingell Maf
Resolve in re Vincent, Indian Prisoner et ah.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate June 26, 1782
Whereas it appears to this Court that John Vincent an
Indian who is not a Subject of this Commonwealth & who
lately came hither with the said Commonwealth the publick
Affairs of the Nation to which he belongs is now confined in
the Goal in Boston at the Suit of a private Person in Viola-
tion of the Law of Nations f Resolved that the Sheriff of
the County of Suffolk be & he hereby is directed & required
forthwith to discharge the said John Vincent from his Con-
finement in the s d Goal ^[
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives June 26, 1782
Read & concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 26 th 1782
Ordered that M r Frye of Fryburg & M r Hill with such as
the Hon ble Senate shall join be a Committee to consider of
the proper measures to be taken respecting the Indians from
50 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Eastern Tribes who are now in the Goal in Boston &
report & that said Committee be directed to sit upon the
business of their commission immediately
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 26 th 1782
Read & Concurred & Nathaniel Wells Esq r is join'd
S. Adams Presid 1
Resolve in Behalf of Town of Fryeburg.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
in the House of Representatives June 26 th 1782
On the Petition and Memorial of Simon Frye in behalf
of the Town of Fryeburg Praying for releef, an execution
being sent against the Town of Fryeburg for the hard
money tax socalled, and also for the fines of two Delinquent
men both of which Executions appear to be double what they
ought to have been therefore If Resolved that the Treasurer
of this Commonwealth be and he hereby is Directed to Cause
the Execution against the Town of Fryeburg for the hard
money tax so called to be returned satisfied they Paying one
half the sum sett against said Town and the Caust of Execu-
tion and the Treasurer is also Directed to recall the Execu-
tion against said Town for the fines of two Delinquent men
Said Town of Fryeburg Procuring and Delivering to the
Continental officer one good effective man within forty Day
any Resolve to Contrary notwith Standing
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 28 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S. Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 51
Resolve in Favor Counties York, Cumberland and Lincoln.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
in the House of Representatives June 27 th 1782
Whereas it appears to this Court, that the Counties of
York, Cumberland & Lincoln, are greatly embarrass'd in
their lumber trade, & have suffer'd greatly in their fishery,
in consequence of the Enemy's retaining possession of Penob-
scot therefore resolved that the Treasurer of this Common-
wealth be & he hereby is directed to stay his Executions
against the Collectors in the afores'd Counties for the bal-
ance that may be due from them upon the first moiety of the
Tax of three hundred & three thousand pounds granted in
Oct r last, untill the first day of Sept. next; & for the last
moiety of the s d tax, untill the first day of Nov. next
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate June 29 th 1782
Read & Concurred S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Report of Committee on Claims.
To the Hon ble the Senate & House of Representatives in Gen-
eral Court Assembled
The Committee for settling the Accounts of the late Board
of War, Beg leave to represent That they were also ap-
pointed by the General Court to settle with the Persons who
lost Vessells, or had demands on the Expedition to Penobscot,
& directed to give Certificates for the Sums due to them, to
his Excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council, by w h
they received a Warrant on the Treasurer to be paid in a
Consolidated Note or Loan, which has been acceptable to
many of those who lost Vessells, & also to some of the Masters
52 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of the Vessells for their Wages, but there are many of the
Seamen whose demands are small & circumstances such that
they cannot consent to Loan the Money due to them for their
Wages We therefore hope your Honors will direct such a
mode of settling with them as in your Wisdom you may think
best for their Relief
Thomas Ivers Peter Roe Dalton } Committee
Boston June 27, 1782.
Certificate and Resolve Relating to Claims.
Boston June 27 th 1782
This Certifies,
That the sum of Fifty one pounds, fifteen shillings & ten
pence for the Hire of Sloop Industry a Transport on the
Penobscot Expedition & Eight Pounds eight shillings & four
pence for Interest thereon to the 1 st Ins* amounting to the
sum of Sixty Pounds, four shillings & two pence in specie, is
due to Samuel Howard, which when paid will be in full for
the same 60.4.2
Thomas Ivers | Com tee for Audit 5 the Acco tB of the
Peter Roe Dalton \ late Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Dec r 12 th 1782
R d & Advised that a W* be drawn on the Treas* in full of
this Certificate agreeable to Resolve of 28 th Jan y 1782-
John Avery Sec y
Resolve on Petition James Avery.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 1, 1782
On the petition of James Avery, Praying That the Com-
mittee for Settling with the Army, may be directed to settle
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 53
with him as are Officers in Col Allan's Corps in the Eastern
Department, in the same Manner, as Officers of his Rank in
the Continental Army are settled with: f Resolved, That
the Committee for settling with the Army be, and they are
hereby directed to settle with the Officers of Co 1 John Allan's
Corps, in the same manner as Officers in the Continental
Army are settled with : Provided, nevertheless, that the
said officers shall receive Treasurers Notes for the whole
amount of the Balance that shall be found due to them
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 2 d 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock.
John Allan to Governor.
Indian Eastern Department Machias July 1 st 1782
Sir
My Last to your Excellency was of the 4 th Ulto a Copy of
which I have the Honour to Inclose \ I am unacquainted
with the Intention of the Hon ble Congress Respecting this
Department. It appears by the manner of procuring sup-
plys. It is not such an object of Importance; as when I was
Honour'd with the Agency, I should be happy to know what
is Intended f Four months have Elapsed Since I did my-
self the Honour of requesting your Excellency for some
riecessarys to Carry on the Indian business, at that time we
had nothing to Subsist on but what was borrow'd The re-
quest being only for two months since which we have lived
by borrowing, Consequently will take the greatest part that
may Come of the whole to repay f It is not for me to pry
54 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
into the Secrets of Government, but Lett the Intent be what
it will, the want of timely supplys, will Cause the Indian as
well as in War will be severly felt by it The Enemy per-
mited in further securing the river S l Johns & Places Ad-
jacent to their great Advantage Masts Sparrs & other
Lumb r Sufficiant to Load 12 sail of Heavy vessels on that
river which might have been easily Demolished if the Least
Publick Assistence had arrived Inhabitants Daily moving
to the Enemy Young men several having gone from this
place | going to S* Johns for Employ where good Wages are
given Either for Sea or Land bussiness Correspondence &
Trade become Open & free with the Enemy f Lowdar &
Jere Preble of Penobscot Joined the Enemy, & the Indians
of that river in Consequence Encouraged to Correspond &
Trade, By which Including the whole Eastern Indians | are
not to be depended upon at present ^[ I have frequently
given Information of the Consequence of delaying matters
By this I may probably Appear to some Letegious or from
Lucretive Views or Idle Chimara's In drawing such Infer-
ences, but Lett the Suggestions of mankind be as they will,
or that however it may Effect reputation, I think it my Duty
& shall pursue such Conduct in making known, as in Con-
science I think may Effect the Savety or Honour of the State
I am Employ'd in f Duty, Honour & Zeal for the cause
I am Employ'd in has Compelled me hitherto to be passive
in my private situation. But I must take the Liberty to say
I Doubt Whether it woud be Credited By any Gentleman in
America, or Even in the Universe that are not on the Spot,
what it has been for near Two Years, perticular for some
Months Past Still all I want on request is to be Enabled to
do my Duty for the Service of the Country I have the
Honour to be with Great Duty & respect y r Excellency's
Most Obd 1 hble Sv l
J. Allan
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 55
Capt OBrien will Inform y r Excellency of Perticulars
Tf His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
In Senate Sep 1 24 th 1782 -
f Orderd, that this Letter with the Letter from Col
Lithgow be committed to John Pitts and Nath 1 Wells Esq r
with such as the Hon ble House shall join to consider & report
what may be proper to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Sept r 24 th 1782
K" Read & Concurred & M r Otis and Cap 1 Stearns are
joined
Resolve on Petition of Fryeburg and Other Towns.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 2 d 1782
On the Memorial of the Committee of Fryburg Bridgton
& Sudbury Canada praying for a Company of men to be
stationed at Sudbury Canada for the Protection of the
Frontier of the Countys of York & Cumberland There-
fore Resolved that there be raised in the Countys of York &
Cumberland Stationed on the Frontiers of said Countys a
Company of men to consist of one Lieutenant & thirty men A
and his Excellency the Governor is Requested to B Com-
mission the officer accordingly c and it is further Resolved
that there be allowed the same Wages & Rations as officers
and soldiers receive in the Continental Army & that the Com-
missary General Supply the afors d men with Provisions or
Money as he shall Agree for there Rations as atforesaid
Sent up for concurrence
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
56 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Senate July 5 th 1782
Read & Concurred w th the Amendments at A B & C
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
at A insert "to continue in service till the first day of De-
cember next, unless sooner discharged"
B. insert, "appoint and" f C. insert "and to give the
necessary orders for carrying this Resolve into execution"
In the House of Representatives July 5, 1782
Read & concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve Relating to Beef.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives July 3 d 1782
Resolved that the agent for receiving Beef in the County
of Cumberland be and he hereby is directed to deliver to
the Commissary General what beef he has in His Care in
said County and that the Commissary General be & he here-
by is directed to dispose of so much of the same at public or
private sale as he shall Judge Necessary
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate July 4 th 1782
Read & concurred S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock.
Petition Nath 1 Bosworth.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives
Boston 4 July 1782
The petition of Nathaniel Bosworth humbly sheweth, that
on the 27 th of May last, your petitioner agreed with Richard
Devens Esq r Commissary Gen 1 to carry a Quantity of Pro-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 57
visions & Military Stores to Kenebeck, & Received them on
bord his Sloop for that purpose, & was to go under Convoy
of the State Sloop Winthrop which was then ready to Sail
your petitioner expected to have proceeded Immediately
but has been detain'd at great expence ever since waiting
for said Convoy, on acco 1 of his having the public property
on Board he has applied to the Commissary Gen 1 for Lib-
erty to reland said Stores, but could not obtain it, he has also
applied to him for allowance for his detention, which the
Commiss 7 acknowledges he ought in Justice to have, but does
not think himself authorized to make any without your
honors directions. Your petitioner therefore relying on the
Justice of your honors, humbly requests that you will author-
ize the Commissary Gen 1 to make him a Reasonable allow-
ance for his being thus detained or otherwise relieve your
Injured petitioner in such a Manner as to your honors shall
seem Meet & Just 1 and as in duty bound shall ever pray
Nat: Bosworth
Certificate and Resolve in Favor William M c Olathry.
This Certifies f That the sum of sixty four Pounds,
eight shillings & four pence, for the Hire of Sloop Abigail,
a Transport, on the Penobscot Expedition and Masters
Wages & Nine Pounds, eighteen shillings & seven pence, for
Interest thereon to the 1 st Ins 1 amounting to the Sum of
Seventy four Pounds six shillings & seven pence in Specie,
is due to William M c Glathry, which when paid will be in
full for the same 74 . 6 . 11
Thomas Ivers ) Com tee for Audit 6 the a/c t8
Peter Roe Dalton \ of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston July 6, 1782
58
In Council July 31 1782
R d & Advised that a W* be drawn on the Treas y for
74. 6-11 in full of the Certificate agreeable to Resolve of
21 8t Jan y 1782
John Avery Secy
Proclamation of George Third.
George Rex.
George the 3 d by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France,
and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswic
& Lunenburg, Arch-Treasurer of the Holy Roman Empire,
Elector, &c. f To all and singular to whom these presents
shall come Greeting f The flames of war having already,
too long waged in the various parts of the world, we would
most earnestly endeavour rightly to settle and adjust all dis-
putes and controversies, and restore and establish the general
peace & tranquility For which purpose we have thought fit
to send to our good and most Christian Brother, a man equal
to that important Trust \ Know ye therefore that We re-
posing full Confidence in the integrity, industry, knowledge,
ability and experience of our trusty and well beloved Al-
liene Fitzherbert Esq r have named, made and constituted,
and by the presents, be it known, We do name, make and
constitute him our true, certain and undoubled Commission-
er, agent, and Plenipotentiary, giving and granting to him
all and every power, right, and authority; and also our Gen-
eral as well as special commission, (Provided however that
the General shall not abridge the special, nor the special the
general,) in the Court of our aforesaid good Brother, the most
Christian King, For us and in our name, with the Delegates,
Commissioners, Deputies & Plenipotentiaries, as well of their
High Mightiness the States General of the United Provinces,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 59
as of every other government whom it may concern, furnished
with sufficient authority, as well singularly and separately
as collectively and conjunctively, of meeting and conferring,
and with them of treating, consulting, agreeing and con-
cluding to restore, in every respect, a firm and lasting peace,
harmony and sincere friendship, and for us and in our name,
on the settlement of affairs, of signing everything, that shall
be so agreed and concluded on, of making and executing any
treaty or treaties or other necessary instruments of whatsoever
number or quality they may be, and of receiving any other,
which may happily tend to the concluding of the aforesaid
work, in as ample manner and form, force and effect, as we
ourselves could have done were we personally present; en-
gaging and promissing, on the word of a King, that we will,
in the best manner, approve, accept, and confirm and singu-
lar the things, which may be transacted & concluded by our
said Plenipotentiary; nor ever suffer the same, in whole, or
in part to be violated or perverted And for the greater
assurance & confirmation thereof we have caused our great
seal of Great Britain to be affixed to these presents, signed
by our royal hand which are given at S l James, this twenty
fourth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred & eighty two & in the twenty second year of
our Reign
Joseph North to Governor.
May it Pleas your Excellency f I have appointed Cap 1
Samuel Brown of Boothbay a Deputie Collector of Excise
und me, & Request your Excellency to approve of my Choice.
^1 I am with Great Respect your Excellency most obedient
Hum 1 Servan*
Joseph North
Hallowell Aug. 6 1782 To his Excell: John Hancock Esq r
60 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Sentence of Rob* Douglass.
Cumberland Ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
f At the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts begun & held at Falmouth in the County of
Cumberland and for the Counties of Cumberland & Lincoln
on Thursday the Fourth day of July A D 1782, by adjourn-
ment to that time from the Tuesday next following the fourth
Tuesday of June (being the second day of said July) A. D.
1782 by two of the Justices of the same Court by writs &
Proclamations according to Law 1 The Jurors for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts upon their oath Presented
that Eobert Douglass of Falmouth in the County of Cumber-
land Yeoman on the seventh day of February last past at
Pownalborough in the County of Lincoln with force and
Arms one Silver Watch of the Value of four Pounds of the
Goods and Chattels of one Ebenezer Whittier then and there
being found feloniously did take Steal and Carry away to
the damage of the said Ebenezer Whittier in Evil Example
to others to offend in like Case against the peace and dignity
of the Commonwealth aforesaid and their Laws in such Case
made & provided; and now in this present Term before the
Court here cometh the said Robert Douglass & is set to the
Bar & has this Indictment read to him he says that thereof
he is not guilty & for Trial puts &c; a Jury is immediately
impannelled viz Daniel Dole, Benjamin Parker, John Haize,
Joseph Sawyer, Ephraim Hunt, Samuel Whitmore, Jonathan
Osgood, James Cargill, James Johnson, John Tukey, Abra-
ham Tyler Jun r and Peter Libby who being Sworn to Try
the issue who after hearing all Matters and things concerning
the same, return their Verdict & upon their oath do say that
the said Robert Douglass is guilty And thereupon It is
Considered by the Court that the said Robert Douglass pay
Ebenezer Whittier the person Injured Eight Pounds which
with the goods Restored amount to three Times the Value of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 61
the Goods Stolen that he be Whipped on his Naked back
at the Public Whipping Post Twenty Stripes Pay Costs and
Stand Committed till this sentence be performed Cost
Taxed at Twelve Pounds fifteen Shillings & two pence. A
True Copy as on Record
Attest Cha" Gushing Clerk
Remittance of Sentence of Rob* Douglass.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts f To all the Sheriffs of
the several Counties within this Commonwealth afore-
said and all other Officers and faithful Subjects to
Whom these presents shall come f Greeting
1 Whereas Robert Douglass of Falmouth in the County of
Cumberland Yeoman was at the Supreme Judicial Court of
the Commonwealth aforesaid begun and held at Falmouth in
the County of Cumberland and for the Counties of Cumber-
land & Lincoln on Thursday the fourth day of July A. D.
1782 by adjournment to that time from the Tuesday next
following the fourth Tuesday of June (being the second day
of said July) A. D. 1782 by two of the justices of the same
Court by AVrits and proclamations according to Law, was con-
victed of theft, Whereupon the said Court Ordered that the
said Rob 1 Douglass be adjudged to pay Eb r Whittier the per-
son injured Eight pounds which with the Goods restored
Amount to three times the value of the Goods stolen ; that he
be Whipped on his naked back at the public Whipping post
twenty Stripes, pay Costs and stand Committed 'till this
sentence be Performed And Whereas the said Robert
Douglass has humbly supplicated the Grace & favor of this
Commonwealth for the remittance of the said Sentence so far
as it relates to the said Corporal punishment.
62 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
I do therefore by and with the Advice of Council remit to
the said Rob 1 Douglass that part of the said sentence above
mentioned
In testimony whereof I have caused the public Seal of this
Commonwealth of Mass" 8 to be hereunto Affixed Witness
this Eighth day of Aug 1 A D 1782, & in the 7 Year of the in-
depen ce of the United States of America | By his Excel-
lency's Cons 1 With the Advice & Consent of Council
Certificate and Award in Favor Joseph Reed.
This Certifies f That the sum of Five hundred & seventy
two pounds ten shillings & three pence, for the loss & hire of
the Sloop Sally John Reed Master, a Transport on the Penob-
scott Expedition taken into the service there by order of
General Lovell, & the sum of Ninety three pounds, four shil-
lings & four pence for Interest thereon to the first Instant,
amounting to Six hundred & sixty five pounds, fourteen shil-
lings & seven pence, in specie is due to Joseph Reed, which
when paid will be in full for the same 665-14.7
Thomas Ivers \ a/c ts of the late Board of War
Peter Roe Dalton { Com tee for Audit 5 the
His ExcelF the Governor & the Hon le the Council of the
Common" 1 of Massachusetts Boston August 7, 1782-
In Council Aug 1 15 th 1782
R d & Advised That a W 1 be drawn on the Treasury for
665 . 14 . 7 in full of the within Certificate agreeable to Re-
solve of 28 th Jan y 1782.
John Avery Sec 7
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 63
George Washington to Governor.
Head Quarters 10 th Aug 8t 1782
Sir
Your Excellency will permit me to introduce to jour par-
ticular Notice & Attention M Gen 1 D Choissey, who will have
Ihe Honor to present this Letter 1 As an officer old in
Command, & eminent for his Service, he has the Honor to be
placed at the head of the Troops destined for the Expedition
proposed by the Marquis de Vandreuil against Penobscot,
provided that Enterprise should be attempted 1 Any Civil-
ities which your Excellency shall be pleased to shew him,
will be no more than his Merits demand and will be most
gratefully accepted by f Your Excellencys 1 Most obedient
& Tf Most humble Servant
G : Washington
George Washington to Gov. Hancock.
Head Quarters 10 th Aug 8t 1782
Sir-
Your Excellency will be informed by B Gen 1 DeChoisey,
who does me the Honor to be the Bearer of this, that the Mar-
quis D e Vandreuil, with a fleet of his most Christian Majes-
ty's Ships of War, may be soon expected in the Harbour of
Boston. 1 By a Correspondence which has passed between
the Marquis & the Count de Rochambeau (a Copy of which
T have been favored with by the latter) I am informed that
the french Admiral has it in Contemplation to strike a Coup
de Maine upon the port of Penobscot, while his ships are to
continue in your neighbourhood; requesting the Opinion of
the Count upon the practicability of the Enterprise It ap-
pears also from the same Correspondence, that the french
General has given a partial, yet pretty plain disapprobation
of the Attempt ; and has referred him to my Opinion on the
64 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
subject; which the Count de Rochambeau, in his Letter to me,
particularly requests me to communicate to the Marquis on
his Arrival f However desirable the Object may be, to
dispossess the Enemy from that troublesome post, yet under
present Circumstances, & with present prospects, I have not
judged the Attempt to be desireable; and have given the
french Admiral my opinion decidedly against it. My par-
ticular Sentiments & Reasons on the Subject, will be con-
veyed to you in the Copy of my Letter to the Marquis, which
I do myself the Honor to inclose to your Excellency, for
your own Observation, & that of the Executive of your State.
f If notwithstanding my Sentiments & present Appear-
ance, other & more favorable Circumstances should turn up ;
or prospects should so alter, as to make the Attempt appear
practicable in the Judgment of the french Admiral and Gen-
eral de Choisey as also in the Opinion of your Excellency &
your Executive, I have no Doubt but that your State will
afford every Assistance in the most expeditious manner, in
Men, Artillery Military Stores & that may be found neces-
sary to carry the Operation into effect The Distance of the
Army from Boston, with other Circumstances, will render
it impossible to give any timely Aid from this Quarter
1 I have the Honor to be T Your Excellencys f Most
Obedient and f most hum ble Servant ^[
G: Washington
His Excellency Governor Hancock.
George Washington to Marquis De Vandreuil.
Head Quarters, Newburgh Aug* 10 th 1782
Sir
I have the honor to address you, at the particular request
and in consequence of a Letter, which I have just received
from His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, inclosing
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 65
to me the Copy of a Correspondence between him & you rela-
tive to the operations of the Fleet under your Command on
the Coasts of N. America; Wherein you mention to him,
a wish, that while your Fleet should remain in the Neigh-
bourhood of Boston, you might be enabled to make a stroke
at the Enemy's Post of Penobscot; and in the discussion
of which point, the Count de Rochambeau has referred you
to my opinion upon that Enterprise, f While I applaud
Sir! the generous disposition declared in your Excellency's
Intentions for our assistance ; Candor requires me to be very
explicit upon the subject, I am obliged therefore to say,
that it is my decided opinion, that considering the Hazards
that will attend the Enterprise, the object is by no means
equal to the Risque that will attend the attempt, f Among
many reasons, which influence my mind in forming this
Opinion, the great & very principal one, appears from Your
Excellency's Letter to Count de Rochambeau, where you men-
tion to him, that you expect immediately to be followed into
these Seas by a Superior British Fleet. Admitting this
event to take place, and that your Fleet Should have pro-
ceeded to Penobscot, (which is near One hundred Leagues
from Boston, the only secure Harbour which you will find
upon all those Eastern shores,) and Lies almost at the bottom
of a deep Bay; it appears to me that Your Excellency's
Fleet will be placed in the greatest Hazard of being totally
destroyed ; for in that situation they will be compleatly im-
bayed; and a brisk S Westerly Wind, which will be most
favorable for the British Fleet from N York, & which would
bring them into the Bay in a short time, would be directly
opposed to your Escape: so that was your Excellency to
receive the earliest Intelligence of the Enemy's Fleet leaving
N". York, under such circumstances, yet you could not avail
yourself of the Information, and at the same time, would
be placed in a position where no Harbour or Fortification
DO DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
could give your Excellency any protection or shelter, f Was
this argument of Danger to His Most Christian Majesty's
Ships, not sufficient to govern Your Excellency's mind, I
could mention, that the time that must be imployed on
this attempt, will probably be much greater than you
seem to apprehend; A Month is as short as I should
estimate, taking together all the necessary preparations &
little cross events that must probably interpose; for I have
not an idea of the object being attained by a Coup de Main,
as I am lately informed by good intelligences that the Fort
is the most regularly constructed & best finished of any in
America, is well situated, and Garrysoned by the 74 th Reg 1 ,
consisting of 800 Men ; which will require a regular Seige,
to be conducted by cautious approaches, with a considerable
addition of Men to the number of Troops which are on board
your Excellency's Fleet, with their necessary Cannon & Mor-
tars, Stores &c, the whole of which in all probability, was the
Seige to be undertaken, & the Fleet obliged to make a sudden
departure, must all be sacrificed; as their retreat by Land
(as has been heretofore experienced) would be almost totally
impossible and impracticable; to be effected thro' a Country
which is as yet, a mere Wilderness, of large extent & difficult
passage, f Even supposing the best, that the attempt should
succeed & the object be gained, I am much in doubt, whether
without a superior Naval Force to be maintained on these
Coasts, we should be able to retain the post, as it would
ever be subject to a renewed attempt from the Enemy, in
case we should keep up a Garrison there; or in case of
evacuation they might at any time, repossess the post, & con-
tinue the same annoyance, that they now give us. 1 Under
these considerations (without giving you any further trouble)
it is my decided opinion, that the object in contemplation is
not of importance, sufficient to justify the hazzards & risques,
which must probably be encountered in the attempt to obtain
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 67
it. f While I offer you this opinion Sir ! I beg your Excel-
lency will esteem it as coming from a Heart not only candid
in its Sentiments, but at the same time penetrated with a
sense of the highest gratitude to your Excellency for the
noble offer of your assistance, which it is our misfortune,
that under present circumstances, we are not able to avail
ourselves of. f After giving Your Excellency the foregoing
opinion, upon the present appearances, I have only to add,
that in case circumstances should turn up so differently to
our present Ideas, that you should, with the advice of Gen 1
de Choisey, think the attempt practicable, I can only refer
you to the State of Massachusetts, for such aid in Men, Can-
non, Mortars, & Stores, as you shall judge necessary ; it being
the only practicable mode in which I can cooperate with Your
Excellency's designs, and this Recommendation shall be
most cheerfully given. Tf The Cheval r de la Luzerne has re-
quested me to establish a regular Chain of communication
between my Head Quarters & Boston, for the purpose of
giving the earliest Intelligence of every minute circumstance
that may occur respecting the arrival or operations of the
British Fleet at New York ; and for the purpose of free in-
tercourse with you or any other circumstance that may turn
up. You may depend, Sir, that this establishment shall be
immediately formed, & that every service I can possibly
render Your Excellency, in this or any other way in my
power, shall be most cheerfully afforded. ^[1 have the Honor
to be &c If Signed 1 G Washington
Marquis De Vaudreuil
Ezekiel Pattee to Governor.
To his Excncly John Hancock Esqr and to the Hon bl the
Senet and the hous of Resepantves
1 I do hearby Sartify that the Behavear of Juneper
Baththevon the Franch Preast Sance his Rasadance with the
G8 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Endens hath Been that of an honest mans in Regard to the
Endens. and that I Never heard nor Dow I Beleve that he
Ever mad aney Deference Betwen the Inhabitents and the
Endens. But Sarten I am that the Endens has Been las
trublsom to the Satlement Sance his Rasadence among tham
than Before
Ezekiel Pattee Town Clark
Winslow August 10 th 1782.
Certificate of Jeremiah Colburn.
These may certify whom it may concern that I formerly
resided on Penobscot River & about seven months ago my
House was burned by Accident or the Negligence of the
person who lived in it & not by the Indians or the instigation
of the french Instructor
Jere ah Colburn
Winslow Aug 1 14 th 1782
William Lithgow to the Governor, and Certificates.
Georgetown, Kennebec Aug 13 th 1782.
Sir
As I have had the honor of but a very slight acquaintance
with your Excellency, I should not have ventured to address
you on the present occasion, was it not at the earnest & re-
peated solicitations of the Indians, who, from the circum-
stance of my having formerly resided among them at Fort
Halifax in quality of Truckmaster, think they may repose
some confidence in me, & that I am persuaded the public are
deeply interested in a proper attention to their views & in-
clinations at the present critical moment f It is needless
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 69
to inform your Excellency, who, I imagine was early ac-
quainted with the Measures as well as the Motives which led
to it, that soon after the establishment of the british Garrison
at Bagwaduce Supplies were voted by Government for the
eastern Indians, & ordered to be lodged at Fort Halifax, a
Truckmaster & Interpretter were appointed & a french In-
structor engaged, & sent down to reside among them, in order
I presume to conciliate the affections of the Indians towards
the Inhabitants of this Commonwealth.
However well adapted this measure was in itself, to the
attainment of the important end proposed, yet it is extreme-
ly obvious that without a judicious appointment of both
Instructor & Truckmaster no valuable consequences can be
expected to result from it to the public ^f That the Govern-
ment were fortunate in their Choice of Instructor I am
fully persuaded, both by the Indians themselves over whom
he has gained a peculiar ascendency & who discover an in-
violable attachment to his person, & also by the information
of some of the first Characters in this County, who give it as
their opinion, that ever since his residence among the In-
dians he has made it his invariable & earnest endeavour to
direct that ascendency so as but to answer the end of his
appointment, by cultivating a friendly intercourse between
the Inhabitants & Indians, & persuading the latter to think
favourably of our Government, in which he has hitherto been
Successful, f From this attachment to the person & Char-
acter of their Father (as they call him) it is owing, that the
Indians at this moment consider his late dismission by the
General Court, as a peculiar grievance & a certain indication
of an increasing unfavourable disposition in our Government
towards their Nation, which they imagine must have arisen
from the partial & injurious representations of some inter-
ested or designing person in this part of the Country, & have
therefore sent one of their Chiefs who is the bearer of this,
70 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
to make enquiry into the matter. 1 Whether it would be
true policy in the General Assembly to discharge him finally
I am not to determine, but I think it is a fact that cannot
admit of a doubt, that the retaining or reinstating him in his
former Office among the Indians, will be the most effectual
& perhaps the only means of preventing that disaffection in
their minds, which the artful & inimical, in various parts of
the Country will sedulously endeavour to improve to the
worst purposes, f As to the present Truckmaster at Fort
Halifax I have little or personal knowledge of him, but what-
ever may be his real Character it is very certain that the
Indians are greatly dissatisfied with his conduct, & directly
accuse him with various species of fraud in the course of his
trade with them, & with applying the public Stores intended
for the Indians to his own private purposes whether those
charges be true or false I am utterly ignorant, but it appears
to me to be a matter of very considerable importance to the
public, that the Truck master should not only be an honest
man, but one who is capable of conforming himself to the
particular humours of the Indians, without which, it will
be impossible to give them satisfaction; but perhaps it may
be a question with the Legislature whether, all circumstances
considered, it will be eligible to continue the Indian Trade
at Fort Halifax; for my own part I believe, (& I am very
far from being singular in my opinion) that the continuance
of that trade can answer no very beneficial purpose to the
public, as very few of the indians now visit that place for
that or any other purpose; at the same time that the Com-
monwealth is put to a considerable annual expense in trans-
porting provisions & Supporting two persons with pay &
rations; but if it should be the opinion of Government that
the discontinuance of the indian Trade at Fort Halifax would
be disadvantageous to the public, I beg leave to recommend
to your Excellency's notice a Major Pattee who lives near
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 71
the spot. ^[ This Gentleman is a person of integrity & re-
sponsibility & will probably give good satisfaction to the
Indians, & is willing to undertake the business for no other
consideration than the occupation of the Fort & the improve-
ment of ten Acres of land adjoining the same, which must
be a considerable saving to the public
If any thing contained in the foregoing representation can
be improved to public advantage I have obtained my end, if
not I have the consolation of having done my duty f With
sentiments of the most perfect respect, | Your Excellency's
Obedient Serv 1 William Lithgow
To whom it may concern 1 These may certify that we
have had some acquaintance with Juniper Barthiume Recol-
lect, since his residence among the eastern Indians 1[ As
to his private Character, we believe it to be that of an honest
Man, & are firmly persuaded of his friendly Attachments to
the American States & fully convinced that he has rendered
essential service to the public by his constant earnest, &
hitherto effectual endeavours, to cultivate & maintain a
friendly intercourse between the Indians & the Inhabitants
in this part of the Country f We therefore give it as our
Opinion that his further continuance among the Indians, in
quality of an Instructor, will probably be attended, with
happy & important consequences to the public.
James Howard Esq r
William Howard L Co 1
Hallowell Aug 13 th 1782 Joseph North Col
Sam 1 M c Cobbs Col
Fort Hallifax June 7 1782
This may Certifie that I saw a paper signed by Four of
the Penobscot Indians Certifies that Juniper Berthiaume
Recolect Did not advise the Indians to kill the Cow which
thay Did Kill belonging to the Inhabitants on penobscot
River. p r Josiah Brewer Justice Peace.
72 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Certificate of Auditors in Favor Andrew Reed et al.
This Certifies f That the sum of Five hundred & four
pounds one shilling & three pence for the loss & hire of the
Sloop Townsend taken into the Service at Townsend July
22, 1779 as a Transport on the Expedition to Penobscot, by
order of General Lovell also the Sum of Eighty two pounds,
one shilling & five pence, for Interest thereon to the first In-
stant, amounting to the sum of Five hundred & eighty six
pounds two shillings & eight pence in Specie, is due to Andrew
Reed & Jn Sevey which when paid to Henry Hodge their
attorney, will be in full for the same 586 .2.8
Thomas Ivers ) Com tee for Audit 6 the Acco u
Peter Roe Dal ton ( of the late Board of War.
His Excell y the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonw th of Massachus ts
Boston August 14, 1782-
In Council Aug 16 th 1782.
R d & Advised that a W l be drawn on the Treas y for
586.2.8 in full of the within Certificate agreeable to Re-
solve of 28 th January 1782.
John Avery Sec 7
Report of Sam 1 Carr, Muster Master.
Wells Aug 1 20 th 1782
Mustered and Received of Capt n John Low, for the Town
of Coxhall, A Certain Asa Lapell, John Foster & Ebenezar
Stimson Cousens; Recruits inlisted for the Term of three
Years, for the Quota Order'd to be Rais'd By a Resolve of
the General Court, December 2 d 1780)
Sam 1 Carr Muster-Master
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 73
Col. Hunter to Governor.
Broad Bayse Aug 81 20 th 1782
Sir
I wrot your Honor by Cap* Little Commander of the State
Sloop ; that Supplies were wanting for my Department as
soon as may be; and Desired by said Gentlemen, you would
send the Stores by Cap 1 Little or some other vessel as soon
as possible, by reason my provisions are almost expended;
therefore I Desire you to send an asortment by Cap 1 TJlmer
without fail in order that I may act Bennifishal to the public
Good and satisfactory, to the spirit inhabitance of this place
Cap 1 Ulmer will Give your Honor the perticulars of what
I want for this Command, f from your Honors Very
Hum bl Servant James Hunter Col Comd r
Memorial of Soldiers to Col. Allan.
Machias August 22 nd 1782
Sir
Your long Residence in this Department as an officer, has
given you such a thourough knowledge of our Circumstances,
that we looked upon you, to be the most sutiable person we
coud apply to, to represent our Situation to proper Authourity
for Redress of our grievances, and for that Purpose have in-
vested you with our full power f You are fully Sencible
that we have Served many years in the Department, and the
Commanding officer has repeatedly from year to year, on the
renewal of our engagements, promised us on behalf of Gov-
ernment that we should be Supplyed with a Suit of Cloth each
year, at the expence of Government. Tf In May 1781 we
engaged during the war & were assured of Receiving the
same Clothing, pay & Rations, the Established troops Re-
ceived, but we are again disappointed, for of Clothing we
Received but part of the last year, hatts, shirts stockens, &c.
74 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
we received none ; and for the present year have Received no
kind of Clothing on Governments ace 1 , a great part of the
time we have been kept upon half allowances & some part of
the time have not had any, there is so few of us that our
Duty has been Excessive hard, our Sufferings the last Winter
& Spring was so great that it is not in the power of words to
express it, both on ace 1 of provision and Clothing. We have
(after suffering every thing but Death) for a few weeks past
had some bread & meat Delivered to us by the Commanding
officer, but that we are again Deprived of the meat being all
gone, & only a scanty pittance of bread remains for us, and
that we expect soon to be deprived of. f We are ready and
willing to do our duty as good soldiers, if we can only obtain
what is stipulated to us on behalf of Government, winter is
fast approaching and excepting we can be furnished with our
proper clothing and Rations, we must perish, we therefore
Desire you to aply to Government on our behalf for what we
are justly intitled to from them, and that it may be put into
such hands that we Can be sure of haveing them, we expect
that you will pay your self for your trouble out of what you
may receive on our accompts, either money or other articles
We are Sir, Your most Respectfull Humble Servants
Samuel Russell Sarg 1 John X Briant
Doctor X Edwards Jonathan X Engserll
Jonathan Niles Sam Davis Bryant
Luther X Holmes
Vest W m Albee. Lieut of the said Company
Col. Allan to Richard D evens Esq r .
Indian Eastern Department, Machias August 22 nd 1782.
Sir
Agreeable to the Note of the General Court, I find there
is One Hh d Mollases, One d Rum. One d of Tobacco &
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 75
One Cask of wine, Deficiant. These Articles are of the
Greatest Consequence in the Indian business. The Indian
allways depending upon such matters when Assembled in
Conferences, and its of the greatest damage in pursuing the
business, the want of it, as well as the Appearance of Indig-
nity upon the United States of which there is to much talk
of, this way I must pray the favour Sir that you will be
kind enough to forward them, or what you Can by the first
Opp r Consigning them to me. I must again Earnestly re-
peat the favour. As allso the Back allowence of rum &c
which will do better in provision kind Cap 1 OBrien who
Carry's this, will have a Vessell at Newbury ready to return
in Four Weeks probably in a shorter time, Coud it be pos-
sible to have them procured at Newbury to Come with him,
it woud be Esteemed the greatest favour ^ I am more
solicitous to have them now sent, 011 Account of the very
Great business I have to go thro with the Indians, before I
go Westward, which I expect will be by the Last of Next
Month | With respect I am Sir Your Most H bl Svt
J. Allan
Eich d Devens Esq r
Col. Hunter to Governor.
Head Quarters Waldoborough Aug st 22 1782
Sir-
I wrote your Excellency, by Cap 1 Little the 30 th of July,
where I menchened the inducements of my leaveing Coxes
Head, and the Great necessity, of haveing supplies sent as
soon as may be ; I have takeing post at this place in order to
obstruct the Designs of our Enemy, but if I am Cut short of
said suplies it will Deprieve me of executing any plan I form
for the public Good ; the inhabbitance of these parts are dailey
tradeing to the enemy, I shall use every method to obstruct
them and shall put my men in the position of Scouting
76 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
partyes for that purpose; but being Deprievd of part of the
whale boats ordered by the General Court ; put it out of my
power to prevent their trade and Commerce; as I would wish
to do; the majority of the inhabitance of this are enemies
to the Cause of our Country, and have made attempts at sev-
eral different times to take of the Guards, and I Dailey expect
they will attempt to head a party of the enemy in order to
attack me ! therefore as the public Good in some measure de-
pends on your Excellency's ; Compliance with my proposal,
I should be Glad to have the remainder of the whail boats
together with the supplies sutible to make any excurtions that
may appear Bennefishal to the public Good Consistent with
my Command, your Excellency, orders to the Commisary
General for suplies no Doubt, will be answerd ameadetly, I
shall in a few days proseed to Georges and appoint a place
of randovoze, and should think my self happy to have your
Excellencys oppinion on this matter, and should you think of
any place preferable to Georges; I should be glad you will
write me as soon as possible in order that I may act satis-
factory to your Excellency and for the Public Good f From
your Excellencys Verry Hum ble Ser vaht
James Hunter Col
1ST. B. this will be handed to your Excellency, by Cap 1
Ulmer which Gentleman will give you further perticulars
J. H
Col. Allan to Governor.
Machias Aug* 22 d 1782
Sir
I do myself the Honour of Informing Your Excellency
that in consequence of my ditermination & Agreement with
the Indians, as soon as Supplys Arrived I proceeded East-
ward to pursue the Business of my Agency, I had a Confer-
ence with the Passamaquody & some of the S 1 John Tribe
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 77
Near the River S 1 Croix f In Answer to the Speach I
made them / perticularly the S l John / they signifyd much
surprise at the Difficulty which Arise in supporting the De-
partment. After they had Continued so long for the De-
fence of the Country It Appears they have from time to
time, been fully Informd of the Obstacles and obstructions in
procuring necessarys for the Subsistence of the persons in
the Imploy, & Indeed the Report has Extended thro Nova
Scotia & every transaction is as well known in Halifax as
Boston to Conclud with them, from the Indigent State of
Matters this way, the Horrid & Villainous conduct of Traders
towards them. The whole of the S* Johns Tribe have come
to a ditermination to Remove Imidatly to that River ; some
of the Passamaquodys : have gone to Canady & the rest Gone
on the Lakes, as I coud give them no other Encouragement I
was ditermind to continue myself as Near them as my safety
woud permit, to Advise & Consult during my stay in the Serv-
ice f On the 18 th Arrived at my Quarters, Michel Augus-
tine, Chief of the Villiage of Erecherbucts a Princapel Sa-
chem of the Micmac Tribe also a Chief of Cape Briton,
with other young men, the former well Known in Nova Scotia
for his sagacity as a Politition & Ability as a Warrior, the
bussiness they are Upon is to Know the certainty of News &
the State of matters between America & France As also to
make Complaint Against the Small Boats for Plundering, the
Traiders that Live Amoung them "They say they woud
Reather Chuse to Trade with the Americans then the English,
if Any Came Amoung them woud defend them against the
English to the Last, but necessity Compels them to trade with
Some Body, and before their Eyes, have seen property, them-
selves had a Right to, taken Away, but from a Principle of
Friendship to America has made no Opposition ;= the Con-
duct of this Chief, and the Villages Under his Immediate
Care is well Known to many besides my self, during the wars,
7S DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in Opposing & thwarting upon all Occation, the British Gov-
ernment when Attempting to Employ the Indians, & so much
in his Zeal, that even in that Country where the Britons have
the Preheminance, No Trader dares Go Amoung them, who
does not express Sentiments in Favour of America f I
Transmit this Acount to your Excellency at the Request of
the Chief, It lyes with Government to Judge & order what is
right ; I woud Only observe that had the Indians followed the
Example of these Plunderers & Illicit Traders / Many of
Whome takes turne alternately in pursuing both Methods as
Opportunity offers for Gain / The whole Eastern Country as
well as Nova Scotia, woud verry Probably be in a State of
Ruin & Desolation or Lost to the States If The Indians
being desirous of hearing & Seeing as Much as Possible, I
concluded to Accompany them to Machias which is the cause
of my being here at Present, shall Return tomorow towards
S'. Johns were I shall Continue untill Bussiness will permit
my going Westward If Your Excellency / your Letter of
the 8 th Ult which I had the Honour to Receive / Appears to
be Against my going Westward at this Juncture I trust at
the Same Time Your Excellency will be pleased to Consider
my setuation On my private Bussiness shall be silent
woud only observe as a Public Officer, the Great & Extensive
Bussiness I am Intrusted with, the Varrious Demands which
Necessarly attends it requires more supplys and more Regu-
lar, I am satisfyd with what Ever Government is Please to
Send & shall Use every Economy But your Excellency
must be sensible, that I have only received Bread & Meat for
25 men for two Months & 50 Bushels since Last March for
the Whole Bussiness I have daly Employ* 1 what Consuems
20 Rations besides Contingencys I have to attend at the
several Villiages of Indians to whome I am Obliged to Give
something. But not to trouble Your Excellency more, will
only take the liberty to say that its a Matter Impossible for
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 79
me to pursue the bussiness Agreeable to the Orders of Con-
gress in this setuation f I am verry Unhappy for the
TJneasyness Given Your Excellency in drawing two Orders
for some Supplys, Absolute Necessity to prevent fatal Conse-
quences was the Cause, I presum d for the Reasons Given that
it woud have been Comply d with, as it is not I submit and
Rest Contented & Shall Not Give further Trouble in such
Matters 1 Your Excellency by this may Know the setua-
tion of this Post, and How farr I am able to pursue the In-
dian Bussiness must therefore Request two Months Rations
for 25 Men. 2 Barrils Powder, 600 Whf. Ball & 500 Flints
as the Least I can demand for Immediate Use, A Vessel!
which this Goes by, will sail from Newberry in a short time
by Whome I wish to Receive these Artickles f Having no
Correspondent or Agent in Boston your Excellency will please
Excuse the Liberty I take in Requesting that Whoever may
have the direction of furnishing supplys may be Urged to
Send it Expeditiously
1 By this Opportunity Goes M r Lacour the Gentleman I
formerly Mentioned who Came from Nova Scotia during his
Stay here he has been verry Active & Serviceable in the Bussi-
ness of the Department No doubt Your Excellency will have
him Examind which I presume may be Necessary
Tf I have the Honour to Be with respect f Your Excel-
lency's Most Obd very hb 1 Sv l J Allan
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
Order of Court Against Joseph M c Lellan.
Lincoln Ss the Common Wealth of Massachusetts
^ To the Sheriff of our County of Cumberland his Under
Sheriff or Deputy, Greeting. We Command you to Attach
the Goods or Estate of Joseph M c Clallan of Falmouth in our
County of Cumberland Gentleman to the Value of One Thou-
SO DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
sand Pounds & for want thereof to take the Body of the Said
Joseph M'Clallan if he may be found in your Precinct and
him Safely keep so that you have him before Our justices
of Our Inferiour Court of Common Please, next to be holden
at Pownalborough within and for Our Said County of Lin-
coln on the Last Tuesday of September next than and their
in Our Said Court to Answer unto Francis Rittal of Pownal-
borough aforesaid Taylor, in a plea of Trespass for that the
said Joseph the twenty fifth Day of September in the Year
of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and Eighty
at Pownalborough aforesaid, with force and Arms viz 1 guns
bayonets & Swords upon the said Francis made an Assault,
and him the said Francis did than and there beat and Evelly
Treat and him the said Francis did Gary away at the Dis-
tance of Sixty miles and the said Francis in Prison without
any reasonable Cause against the Will of him the said Francis
Without any Legal Authority, & Contrary to the Law of the
Land & of this Common Wealth for a Long time Viz 1 for
the Space of Nine weeks and Tow days Contained & Kept by
means of which Confinement and Sufferings with Cold and
hunger the Francis became Sick & in great Pain and distress
so that his Life was dispaired of and the said Frances dureing
the Time of his Imprisonment aforesaid was Oblidged to
Expend for Necessarys to preserve his Life and to regain his
Liberty the sum of Nine hundred Pounds and Other Enor-
mities the said Joseph to the said Francis did than & their do
an Commit against the Pease and, To the Damage of the said
Francis Eittal as he Saith the Sum of One thousand Pounds
which shall then & their to made to appear with Other due
damages, And have you there this Writ with your Doings
therein Witness W m Lithgow Esq r at Pownalborough this
twenty sixth day of August in the year of Our Lord 1782
A true Coppy from Jon a Bowman Cler.
the Original Tim Cutler Dep Sheriff
OF THE STATE OP MAINE 81
Memorial of Eastern Indians.
To his Excellency Governor Hancock.
f We the subscribers having heared that Juniper Bar-
thiaume recolet wo has lived among us those two years past
to our greatest satisfaction had been dismissed of his Employ-
ment, and that on the false reportt of Col Brow belonging to
fort halifax in Quebec river, we here present and having full
power of the other Indians come here on purpose to render
justice to whom it belongs, and we can not hinder from say-
ing that our priest has always behaved as a man of honor,
and that on the contrary Co 1 Brow constantly imposses upon
us; and if he has shewn any certificates, they can not be
signed but by people who get often drunk, and consequently
that he has surprised the religion of the members of the
honorable Senate. We conclude please your Excellency, so
as to avoid any disturbance, that said Col 1 Brow should be
called again and that our recolet should continue his functions
f We will be under the greatest obligation to your Excellency
if you would be so good as to procure some Cloaths and few
other things we want, besides as lodging and boarding for six
of us and our recolet during the time we shall remain in
town, which may not be long, if the honourable cenate will
pronounce quickly on this matter, It would be of a great ad-
vantage to us and to the States if it was so, the same sloop
in which we came sailing in four day's hence. |" We have
as much to complain of one Guillermain Interpreter to Col 1
Brow as well as of himself, so beg he should be dismissed
f We have one last favor to beg, which is to procure us eight
fusils and some gun powder for the village. / t As we have
been obliged to take a french Interpreter to do all our busi-
nesses here, we hope that the state will allow him what is
customary /
Boston 27 August 1782 Mark of J. horns Chief
[Five other marks of Indians] \~\
82 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Endorsed : Resolve discharging Col Brewer Truckmaster
at Fort Halifax & the Interpreter and reinstating Juniper
Barthiaume in the office of Instructor & granting 1000 to
supply the Eastern Department and requesting to Gov* to
issue orders to the Commissary General to supply the In-
dians with necessaries and for the election of a Naval officer
at Machias
Oct 17, 1782
Letter of Fr. Juniper Berthiaume.
To his Excellency Governor Hancock
Tf Co 1 Brow who inhabits fort halifax in Quenebec River
having said that the states of Massachuset had dismissed me
of my employment, I come here on purpose with six of the
chiefs of the Indians of that river to justify of my conduct,
and to prove that the certificates I have in my possession are
of men of honor, and that on the contrary, those of Col 1 Brow
were signed but by people who most of the time are drunk,
besides your Excellency has certainly received letters to con-
vince you that what I advance is true. I can not represent
too much to your Excellency what a revolution would hapen if
Col 1 Brow and his Interpreter were not dismissed and if I
was not to continue my functions. It is not necessary I
should say any more about this the chiefs of the nation will
say enough
F r Juniper Berthiaume Recollet
In Senate Sept r 30 th 1782
f Read & thereupon Ordered that this Letter with the
papers accompanying the same be committed to the Com-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 83
mittee appointed by both Houses on the Letters from Col
Allan & Col Lithgow
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Kepresentatives Sept r 30 th 1782
Read & concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Report of Peter Noyes.
Cumberland Ss
Falmouth Aug 1 29 th 1782
Whereas a Dispute arising between the Town of Topsfield
in the County of Essex & the Town of Gorham in the County
of Cumberland both s d Towns claiming Timothy Bacon as a
Soldier inlisted by s d Topsfield upon the Resolve of the 2 d of
Dec r 1780 & Application being made to me by s d Town of
Gorham to determine to which Town s d Man belong d agree-
able to s d Resolve Whereupon I notified the Parties to
appear at my House in Falrn this Day who appear'd & after
a full Hearing of the Parties it was fully prov d that s d Tim
Bacon was at the Time of his Inlistment & long before an In-
habitant of the s d Town of Gorham & that he was inlisted
muster'd & Rec'd for the s d Town of Topsfield Whereupon
I do hereby determine agreeable to s d Resolve that s d Tim
Bacon properly belongs to said Gorham
Peter Noyes \ Muster Master for the County of
Cumberland for the Men that were rais'd upon the Resolve
for the 2 d of Dec r 1780
This to Certify that timothy Bacon and Beniamin Libbey
was Received as Continental Soldiers for the town of topsfield
for three years to Compleat there Quota of men July 1 9 :
1781
Israel Hutchinson Superintendant for
the County of Essex
Danvers August 13 : 1782
84 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition Inhab ts Massabeeseck.
To the Honourable Senate & House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled
We the Petitioners Inhabitants of a Place known by the
Name of Massabeeseck in the County of York and State of
Massachusetts Bay Humbly Sheweth f that we are Settled
here and not incorporated and there Lays a Number of tax
Bills against us likewise an Execution from the Treasurer
for Soldiers which is not in our power to Pay at present by
Reasons that we are Greatly Deminished in our Number
taken into Coxhall Incorporation ; Littel falls ; and Huberts
town ; which takes away a Very Considerable part of the
Estates formerly called Massabeeseck Likewise that there has
been hired out of this place a Number of Soldgers into other
towns against the Laws of this State & not in our power to
hinder for which Reasons we Pray your Honours to Con-
sider our Sircumstances and Put us into Som Method Either
by Incorporation or any way that your Honours think fitt and
we will Send a Valuation Bill of our Estates Submiting our
Selves to the mercy of the Court and begg your Patience and
we Shall willingly put to our Sholders to the utmost of our
ability Relying on your mercy & Wisdom and we as in Duty
bound Shall Ever pray for your honours and the Wellfair of
the United States f 1ST B. we Like wise Inform your
Honours that it is Generaly thought that all the Inhabitants
Posesses would not pay the taxes that lays against us.
Joseph Swett, Joshua Webster, Samuel Scribner,
Clement Moody, Nath 1 Hawes, Isaac Johnson,
David Kimball, Joseph Carter, Coffin Fling
Israel Smith, Jeremiah Smith, John Smith,
James Harvey, David Carter, Jonathan Smith
And w Burley, Daniel Scribner,
John Smith, Simeon Tebbets,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 85
1 At the Request of several of the Inhabitants of Masse-
beseck being well Acquainted With that Settlement knowing
that there is not more than one Quarter of the Inhabitants
Posses a Sufficianse of Provitians to Last them and there
Families the Year about and one half of them Seavs any-
thing or Very in Considerable Towards There Surport by
Reason of Extreem Poverty Haveing Large Families and no
oxen to help them Towards Cultivating and bringing tue
Those Lands which are Very Hard to Subdue and but few
oxen in the Settlement: which obliges them to seek there
Supplys of Provitions at a great Distance and at a Great Dis-
advantage and to Pay for them in Small manuf acturies which
still has an attendancy to keep them under such circumstances
as above mentioned
David Gile, \
Morgan Lewis, ! Inhabitants of Sanford
Nathe' C onant
Memorial Inhab* 8 First Parish, Scarborough.
To the Hon ble General Court of the comon Wealth of Massa-
chusetts
| The Memorial of the Inhabitants of the first Parish in
Scarborough in the County of Cumberland Thomas Lancaster
Minister of said Parish & Nehemiah Libby of s d Scarborough
Yeoman humbly shews that a Tract of Parsonage Land in s d
Scarborough belonging to s d Parish containing Eighteen
Acres & one Hundred & forty one square Rods and lying on
the Southeast Side of the high Way over Beach Ridge so
called in s d Scarborough and Bounded as follows viz 1 Begin-
ning at a White Maple marked four sides and the Letter P
and runs Southwest Seventy three Rods to the s d High way
then North four Degrees west 104 rods by the High Way
86 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
then 1ST. E. five Rods then S. E. Eighty Rods to the maple
Tree first mentioned Lies at such a Distance from where the
Minister of s d first Parish now liveth and in all Probability
from where any future Minister of s d Parish must hereafter
live that it is not nor ever will be of much use or Service to
the Minister of s d Parish yet it is in such a Situation & the
Bounds thereof so interferes with Lands belonging to s d
Nehimiah Libby as to be exceedingly profitable to him, and
the s d Inhabitants of s d first Parish and their present Minister
the s d Thomas Lancaster of the one part and the s d Nehimiah
Libby on the other are very desirous of making an exchange
of s d Parsonage Land for sundry pieces of Salt Marsh &
thatch Bed in s d Scarborough containing in the whole about
fourteen Acres and the property of the s d Nehemiah Libby
and which is handy & convenient to the present Minister of
said Parish & must probably be so to any future one, Which
Exchange if it could be effected would be of very great Serv-
ice to s d Parish to their s d Minister & the s d Nehemiah Libby
and not the least Damage to any Person in the World as no
other Person have any Interest or concern therein Where-
fore they humbly Pray that the Inhabitants of said parish by
their Committee and the s d Thomas Lancaster may be im-
powred to make said Exchange with the s d JsTehemiah Libby
& they and he authorised to make and execute a good & suffi-
cient Deed in Law of s d Parsonage Land to the s d Nehemiah
Libby his Heirs & Assigns for ever on his the s d Nehemiah
Libbee's making a like Deed to them of s d Salt Marsh and
Thatch Bed for the use of the Ministry in s d Parish in Scar-
borough for ever, and as in duty Bound will ever pray
Com tee of the
Wm Tompson
first Parish in s d
W Vaughan m . ,
Town of Scarborough
Thos Lancaster } Minister of s d Parish
Scarborough Sep 1 6 th 1782
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 87
Certificate and Order in Favor Thomas Thomas.
This Certifies f That the sum of Eighteen hundred & six
pounds, seventeen shillings & six pence, for seven thirty
second parts of the Arm'd Ship Vengeance, appurtenances &
six pair of six pound Cannon lost on the Penobscot Expedi-
tion 1779 and Interest thereon, also thirty six pounds for
Wages as Commander of said Ship, the whole amounting to
the sum of One thousand, eight hundred & forty two pounds,
seventeen shillings & six pence in specie, became due to Cap 1
Thomas Thomas, the 5 th Instant, which when paid will be in
full for the same 1842 . 17 . 6
Thomas Ivers 1 Com tee for Audit g the Acc t8
Peter Roe Dalton \ of the late Board of War
His Excell y the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonw th of Massachusetts Boston 11 th Sep 1 1782
In Council Sept r 14 th 1782
R d & Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas 7 in
full of the above Certificate agreeable to Resolve of 28 th Jan 7
1782
John Avery Sec 7
Petition Selectmen Town Coxhall.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in general Court as-
sembled
September 18 th 1782
The Petition of the Select Men of the Town of Coxhall in
the County of York Humbly shew, that they never received
the Resolve of Court passed the 2 nd day of December 1780
for procuring Soldiers for the Continental Army that on or
88
about the 10 th day of May 1781 Three Men Belonging to said
Town were Inlisted into the Continental Army to serve
Three years by the Inhabitants of other Towns & being a
New Town not having been Incorporated more than one year
they thought it would be sufficient without any further or
other procedure to return the Names &c of said Men to the
Superintendant of the County which was accordingly done
However some Time ago the Treasurer of the Commonwealth
Issued his Execution against the Select Men of said Town
for the year 1781 for the Amount of the Fines of the said
Three Men to pay which woud totally ruin them It was
impossible for the Town to raise the Money to pay the Fines
there not being a Tenth of a Sum Sufficient for that purpose
in Town & at the same Time other Taxes were to be paid
Therefore being in perplexity your Petitioner applied to some
Gentlemen in a Neighbouring Town for Advice who recom-
mended to us to procure the Three Soldiers & Send them
forward to the Army which was done accordingly as will ap-
pear by a Certificate from Cap 1 Sam 1 Carr a continental
Muster Master herewith to be presented The Expence of pro-
curing said Three Men amounted to Two Hundred & Seventy
Nine Pounds, the greater part of which is Still owed Where-
fore as the said Town is poor & small as well as New your
Petitioners humbly beg that their case & circumstances may
be taken into the Consideration of the Legislature that the
whole of the said Fines may be remitted & that the Sheriff
of the said County may be directed to return the said Execu-
tion fully Satisfied & your Petitioners, as in duty bound will
ever pray &c
Joshua Ricker \ Selectmen
EzraKimball \ of Coxhall
In Senate Sep 1 20 th 1782
Read & thereupon Orderd, that Nathaniel Wells Esq r w th
such as the Hon ble House shall join be a Committee to take the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 89
Petition into consideration & report what is proper to be done
thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Sept r 20 th 1782.
Read & concurred & Col Grow & M r Barrett of Concord
are joined.
Nath Gorham Speaker
Petition Martha Oxnard.
To the Honorable Sennet and the Hon ble House of Represen-
tatives of the State of Massachusetts Bay in General
Court Assembled
The Petition of Martha Oxnard of Falmouth in the County
of Cumberland & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, humbly
sheweth, that your Petitioner's Husband is one of the Ab-
sentees, and now resident at Penobscot that he has never
taken up Arms against his Country nor has he in The least
degree been concerned in any Armed Vessell to Cruize against
the United States of America that your Petitioner is now in
Falmouth with three small Children neither of which is seven
years Old, it is not from any attachment to the British Gov-
ernment that I ever had any inclination to leave my Native
Country, but the tender connections that should always Sub-
sist between Man and Wife, and the many inconveniences
that attend liveing seperate is my only motive, and hope will
plead an excuse for my troubling your Honor at this time
as there is no prospect of your Petitioners Husband having
liberty to return to this Commonwealth She therefore most
Humbly prays that she may have Liberty granted Her to
proceed to Penobscot with Her three Children two Servant
Maids and only a part of her Household Furniture f and
that she may have leave to Hire a small Schooner about
90 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
twenty tons Named the Hazzard John Thurlo Master and
that a Flag may be granted Accordingly and your Petitioner
as in Duty bound Shall ever pray
Martha Oxnard
Resolve on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Sep r 23 d 1782.
On the petition of Martha Oxnard praying for leave to go
to her Husband at Penobscot f Resolved that the prayer of
the Petition be granted and that the said Martha Oxnard be
& she is hereby permitted to go to Penobscot, by the way of a
Flag as prayed for in the petition and that she have leave
to take with her two servant Maids, and such part of her
Household Goods as the Selectmen of Falmouth shall admit
of not to remove from the said Penobscot to any other part
of this Commonwealth without leave from the General
Court
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Sep 1 23 d 1782.
Read & concurred Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on Petition Selectmen of Coxhall.
The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider of
the Petition of the Select Men of the Town of Coxhall & Re-
port have attended that Service and ask leave to Report the
following Resolve
Nath 1 Wells p r Order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Septem r 23 rd 1782
Whereas it appears that the Resolve of the general Court
passed the 2 nd day of December, 1780 for raising Soldiers for
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 91
the Continental Service was not Received in the Town of
Coxhall previous to the Issuing an Execution against the
Select Men of said Town on Account of a Neglect of Duty
required by said Resolve ; since which they have at great ex-
pence procured Three good & effective Men to serve Three
years & delivered the same to one of the Continental Muster
Masters being the Quota required of said Town by said Re-
solve & have by their Petition for reasons therein set forth
prayed for an Exemption from any Fine or Penalty for not
furnishing said Soldiers sooner. Therefore 1[ Resolved that
the prayer of said Petition be granted & that the said Town
& the Selectmen thereof be & hereby are excused & exempted
from any Fine or Penalty which they may have incurred for
not procuring their said Soldiers sooner & that the Sheriff of
the County of York be & hereby is directed to Return the said
Execution Issued in Consequence of a Deficiency of said Sol-
diers in said Towns to the Treasurer of the Commonwealth as
satisfied in full any Law or Resolve to the contrary notwith-
standing
Read & accepted.
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Sept r 23 d 1782
Read & concurred Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
Resolve in re Confiscation of Estates.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives September 24 th 1782
Whereas. In pursuance of the Law of this Commonwealth
intituled "an Act for Confiscating the Estates of certain per-
sons commonly called Absentees" Complaints were Exhibited
to the Justices of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for
the County of Lincoln on the last Tuesday of September
92 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Anno Domini 1781 against Sylvester Gardiner, Charles
Callahaii, John Lee William Vassal David Phips & Charles
Ward Apthorp alledging that the Land lately owned by them
respectively, lying within the same County were forfeited &
escheated, which complaints were duly Continued to the then
next Inferiour Court of Common Pleas to be holden for said
County on the first Tuesday of June A. D. 1782 and noti-
fications of the same were duly published according to Law
at which last named Town the same Complaints ought to
have been continued to the last Tuesday of September then
next, but by mistake Judgment was then rendered against
them by Default, whereby some Persons may be deprived of
an opportunity of claiming the same, therefore A Resolved
that the Justices of the Inferiour Court of Common Pleas
for the County of Lincoln be and they hereby are impowered
and directed to erase the Record of the Default of the said
Complaints and to enter the same Continued B and that to the
next term, being the last Tuesday of September A. D. 1782
the Same Complaints be brought forward as Continued and
that any Claim to the same be received as tho' the same Com-
plaints had not been defaulted, & that then the same Proceed-
ings shall be had on the same Complaints as tho the same
had been regularly continued to the said last Tuesday of
September & from thence to the said first Tuesday of June
next & that Notice of this Continuance be published in the
public Newspapers & for the same Length of Time as by Law
the first Notice of the Libels against such Estates is by Law
to be published
Sent up for concurrence
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker.
In Senate October 2 d 1782
Read & Concurred as taken into a New Draft
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 93
In the House of Representatives Nov r 11 th 1782
Read and Concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock.
Memorial Thomas Porter.
To the Hon ble Senate & Hon ble House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled
Sep 1 27 th 1782.
1 The Memorial of Thomas Porter of Topsfield in the
County of Essex & Stephen Longfellow Jun r of Gorham in
the County of Cumberland Humbly shews That the s d Thomas
Porter being Head of a Class in s d Town of Topsfield, pro-
cured Timothy Bacon as a Soldier for the Continental Army
agreeable to a Resolve of the general Court the 2 d of Dec r
1780 which Soldier has since been determined agreeable to
s d Resolve properly to belong to s d Town of Gorham, where-
fore your Memorialists humbly pray that s d Town of Gorham
may be discharged from the deficiency of one Man they stand
charg'd with & the s d Tho" Porter be allow'd some proper
Time to procure another Man Y r Memorialists as in Duty
bound will ever pray
Thomas Porter
Stephen Longfellow Jun r in behalf of the
Town of Gorham
Resolve on Same.
Comon Wealth Massachusetts
House of Representatives Sepf 30 th 1782
On the Petition of Thomas Porter & Stephen Longfellow
1 Resolv'd that the Treasurer of this comon Wealth be &
hereby is directed to discharge the Town of Gorham from
94 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the deficiency of one Man they stand Charg'd with upon the
resolve of the 2 d of Dec r 1780 & that Thomas Porter of Tops-
field be allow'd forty Days to procure a Man in lieu thereof -
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Oct r 24 th 1782
Tf Read & Concurred as taken into a New Draft.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Nov r 1 st 1782
Read and concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve Additional to Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Sepf 30, 1782
On the Petition of Thomas Porter & Stephen Longfellow
f Resolved that the Treasurer of this Commonwealth be &
hereby is directed to discharge the town of Gorham from the
deficiency of one man they stand charged with upon the Re-
solve of the 2 d of Dec r 1780 And in order to Prevent a
deficiency in the Quota of men Sett on the town of Topsfield
by the aforesaid Resolve 1 It is further Resolved, that
Thomas Porter of Topsfield one of said Petitioners, be and
hereby is directed and Required to procure one able bodied
man to serve in the Continental Army for three years or
dureing the War (in Lue of the man taken from the Town
of Topsfield and carried to the credit of the town of Gorham
by the determination of the Muster-master) And to the Ac-
ceptance of the Continental Muster-master at Boston and
Take his receipt for said Soldiers; Which Receipt shall be
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 95
Lodged in the Treasurers office on or before the tenth day of
Dec r next. And in case of neglect or refusal he the said
Porter shall Forfitt and pay a fine of Eighty five pounds
thirteen shillings; equal to the average price of the men
raised agreable to a Resolve of the Gen 1 Court Passed the
Second of Dec r 1780 And in case of neglect or refusal as
aforesaid, the Treasurer of this Commonwealth is hereby di-
rected to isue his execution against the said Thomas Porter
for the said fine Without delay
Petition James Avery.
To the Hon'ble the Senate & Honble House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1 The Petition of James Avery of Boston Humbly Sheweth,
If That your Petitioner is most earnestly requested by Lieu*
William Albee, Commanding the Artillery Company at
Machias, to inform the Hon'ble Court that the indigent State
of the Stores there has prevented his receiving from the Com-
pany his Rations, which appears by the Certificates herewith
presented. Therefore requests the Hon'ble Court would per-
mit him to receive them from the Company's Store at this
place as he has a large family who are in the utmost distress
for want of the necessaries of Life, and there remains no
possibility of procuring such necessaries in that part of the
Country where he is stationed. 1 Your Petitioner wou'd
be insensible to the calls of humanity if he did not comply
with the request of the Men lately under his Command, in
laying before the Hon'ble Court their truly piteous Situa-
tion for want of Cloathing they have not received any for
above Eighteen Months and are now entirely destitute; the
Winter Season now approaching and they Stationed in part
of the Country very Severe, must prevent their doing any
96
kind of duty and Suffer for the want of which as will appear
by their Representation herewith presented, f Your Peti-
tioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray
Jas Avery
In Senate Sep 1 30 th 1782.
f Read & thereupon Orderd that this Petition be committed
to the Committee of both Houses appointed on the petition of
John Preble; to consider the same with the papers accom-
panying & report what is proper to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Oct 7 th 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker.
Resolve in re Naval Officer at Machias.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Sept* 30 th 1782
Ordered that M r Lewis, M r Frazier and Cap* Bench with
such as the Hon Senate may join be a Committee to consider
of the propriety of appointing a Naval Officer at the Port of
Machias
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate October 1 st 1782
Read & Nonconcurred & thereupon Ordered that the Sub-
ject Matter of the above order be referrd to the Committee
of both Houses appointed on the Letters from Col Allan &
Col Lithgow
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Oct 2 d 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 97
Memorial Isaac Snow.
To the Honorable Senate, & the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Mass Bay
f The Memorial of Isaac Snow in behalf of the Town of
Harpswell in the County of Cumberland, humbly shews, That
in the last Valuation, the said Town was assessed in an undue
Proportion with the other Towns in s d County, he there
fore prays a Committee may be appointed to inquire into the
Premises, and relieve the said Town in such way and man-
ner as may appear to be just and equitable, and your Memo-
rialist as in duty bound will ever pray.
Boston 24 June 1782 Isaac Snow
Resolve Relating to Harpswell.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Oct r 2 d 1782
On the Memorial of Isaac Snow, Resolved that the Town
of Harpswell; be abated Five Shillings in the Thousand
Pounds of the last Valuation, and that the same be laid on a
Plantation called West Boidenham, in the County of Lincoln.
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate October 9 th 1782
Read & Concurred S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
This Certifies that We the subscribers Representatives of
a number of Towns in the County of Lincoln think it reason-
able that five Shillings in the Thousand Pound be abated to
the Town of Harpswell in the County of Cumberland in the
last Valuation & that the same be laid on a plantation in the
s d County of Lincoln called West Bowdoinham because a
great number of the Inhabitants of s d Bowdoinham belong'd
98 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
to s d Harpswell when the Valuation was setled & were not
given in for any Town in the County of Lincoln
Sam 1 M c Cobb Mason Wheaton
Jacob Ludwig Alex r Nickels
Boston Oct r 9 th 1782.
Certificate of Auditing Committee.
This Certifies, ^ That the sum of Four hundred & eighty
six pounds twelve shillings & six pence, for one sixteenth part
of the armed Ship Hunter, appur & ca lost at Penobscott 1779,
& ninety four pounds seventeen shillings & eight pence, for
Interest thereon amounting to Five hundred & eighty one
pounds ten shillings & two pence in specie, is due to Barth
Putnam also that the sum of Four hundred & eighty six
pounds twelve shillings six pence, for another sixteenth part
of the loss of s d Ship Hunter app r & and ninety four pounds,
seventeen shillings & eight pence for Int r thereon, amo tg to
Five hundred & Eighty one pounds, ten shillings & two pence
in Specie, is due to Jacob Ashton also that the sum of three
hundred & eighty one pounds, two shill gs & five pence, in part
of loss of s d ship Hunter, & seventy four pounds six shillings,
four pence for Interest thereon, amo tg to the sum of Four
hundred & fifty five pounds, eight shillings & nine pence in
specie, is due to Simon Forrester amounting in the whole
to the Sum of One Thousand, six hundred & eighteen pounds,
nine Shillings & one penny in Specie, which when paid to
Cap 1 Benjamin Goodhue Jun r will be in full for the same
1618.9.1
Com tee for
Peter Roe Dalton
Thomas Ivers
Audit g the
Acc ts of the late
Board of War
His ExcelP the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of Com-
monw th of Massach 18 Boston Octo 3 d 1782.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 99
In Council Oct r 4 1782
R d & Advised That Warrants be drawn on the Treas 7 in
favor of each of the persons mentioned in this Certificate
agreeable to Resolve of 28 th Jan y 1782
John Avery Sec y
Petition John Preble and Accompanying Papers.
To the Honble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of John Preble Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioner has been in the Service of his Coun-
try ever since the Commencement of the Present War & for
these five years past a Captin in the Continental Service in
Colo Allan's Department being Stationed in that Destitute
part of the Country, were nearly half the Time without any
Supplys whatever from the Public, by which means your
Petitioner has a Considerable Quantity of Back Rations due
to him, as will appear by the Commissarys Certificates here-
with presented and such Articles not being had there your
Petitioner Humbly Prays your Honors will be pleased to
permit him to Receive from the Commissarys Store here such
Rations as is his Due
Your Petitioner woud by leave further to inform the
Hon'ble Court that on the 22 d of May 1781, he rec d an order
from his Comd g Officer go as a Pilot on board the State Ship
Marrs Cruizing on the Eastern Coast, and some time after
had permission from his Exc y the Governor to go as Pilot in
the State Sloop Commanded by Cap 1 Nevens Cruizing on
said Coast for which he rec'd 5 p r Mo 8 during the time he
was on board, which he Considered as a Gratuety for his Extra
Services, but your Petitioner finds that on making up of the
Pay Roll for the Past year his Continental pay was Retain'd
100 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
during the whole time he was aboard said Vessells, altho' what
he rec'd was not more than one third of his Pay allowed by
Congress and he was aboard Doing Duty by Order of his
Comd g Officer Therefore your Petitioner Humbly Prays
your Honors wou d be pleased to Direct the Committee on
Rolls to make him up for the Time that his Pay was Retain'd,
and as in Duty Bound will ever pray
John Preble.
In Senate Sep r 27 th 1782
Read & thereupon Orderd that John Bliss Esq r with such
as the Hon ble House shall join be a Committee to take this
Petition into consideration, together with the papers accom-
panying the same, & make report thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives Sept r 28, 1782
Read and concurred & Col Grow & M r Longfellow are
joined
Nath Gorham Speaker
These Certifey that Capt John Preble of the Indian De-
part hath Received from this store but fourteen Rations of
Meat & thirty eight Rations of Bread from the Last day of
March unto this date
p r Stephen Smith Com 7
Com y Store Machias August 16, 1782
These Certifey that Capt John Preble of the Indian De-
partment hath received from this Store since the Last day of
January last past unto this date But thirty five Rations of
Bread & meat in all he has Received unto this Date and Never
Received More than a Singel Ration when he did Receive
his Provisions
p r Stephen Smith Comisary
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 101
Com y Store Machias, March 31, 1781
These Certify that Cap 1 John Preble of the Indian Depart-
ment hath Received But only a Singel Ration of Provision
from this Store at any time Since the twentyeth day of Jan-
nary last past and that there Remains Due to him thirty
Rations of Bread to Make up his Singel Ration to this Date
p r Stephen Smith Comisary
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
1 The Committee appointed to consider the Petition of
John Preble & papers accompanying the same beg leave to
report the following Resolve f John Bliss p r Order Re-
solved that the Comissary general, of this comon Wealth be
directed to pay John Preble Captain of a Company of In-
dians in the Eastern department under Col John Allen 49
in Money or Provisions being for 1470 back Rations due to
him from the 20 th of Jan y 1781 to the 16 th of August 1782
at Eight pence p r Ration, & Charge the same to the United
States-
In Senate Oct r 3, 1782,
Read & Accepted
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Oct 4 th 1782
Read and concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Com y Store Machias Septem r 30, 1781
Action on Petition First Parish, Scarborough.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In House of Representatives Oct r 4 th 1782
On the Petition of the first Parish in Scarborough in the
County of Cumberland, Thomas Lancaster Minister of s d
102 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Parish & Nehemiah Libby of s d Scarborough, Yeoman, pray-
ing that the Committee of s d Parish & the said Thomas Lan-
caster may be impowered to make & execute a good & suffi-
cient Deed in Law of a certain Tract of parsonage Land in s d
Scarborough upon his the s d Nehemiah Libby's making a like
Deed of s d Parish of Sundry pieces of Salt Marsh & Thatch
Bed for the use of the Ministry in s d Parish in exchange
therefor
Resolv d That William Tompson Esq r and M r William
Vaughn Committee of the first Parish in s d Scarborough &
Thomas Lancaster Minis= of s d Parish be and hereby are
impowred to make & execute a good & sufficient Deed in Law
to the s d Nehemiah Libby his Heirs and assigns forever of a
certain Tract of parsonage Land in s d Scarborough containing
Eighteen Acres & One Hundred & forty one square Rods
lying on the Southeast Side of the high Way over Beach
Ridge so call d in s d Scarborough, the Bounds whereof men-
tioned in s d Petition are as follows viz 1 Beginning at a
white maple mark'd four Sides and the letter P & runs South-
west Seventy three Rods to the s d high way then North four
Degrees West One Hundred & four Rods by the high way
then Northeast five Rods then Southeast Eighty rods to the
Maple Tree first mentioned upon his the s d Nehemiah
Libby's making a like Deed to them of s d Salt Marsh &
Thatch Bed for the use of the Ministry in s d Parish in Scar-
borough for ever
Sent up for concurrence
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
In Senate October 19 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 103
Certificates Accompanying Resolve.
This may Certify that I fully concur that the desired Ex-
change of Parsonage Lands for Salt Marsh should be made
between y e said M r Lancaster & Nehem h Libbee both of Scar-
borough from me
Benj n Chadwick
Scarboro August 16, 1782.
This may Testify that W m Tompson Esq r & M r W m
Vaughn are a Committee Chosen by the First Parish in Scar-
borough at a leagal parish Meeting To join with M r Th
Lancaster to petition the General Court For the Exchange
'of a peice of the parsonage for Marsh Tract.
Ebenz r Libby p r Clerk
Five Acres & Seventeen Square rods of Salt marsh Scituate
in Scarborough Near none Such River So call d Bounded as
follows, beginning by the up land at y e head of a Ditch, thence
running by sd Ditch South 25 Degrees east, 16 Rods thence
South one degree west 4 Rods & one Quarter thence west 43
Rods to the up land thence by s d up land North nine Degrees
east 16 Rods, thence north 72 Degrees East 18 Rods thence
South 80 Degrees east 21 Rods to y e first mentioned bounds
A certain Tract of Salt marsh Situate in Scarborough con-
taining two Acres be y e Same more or less bounded As fol-
lows Adjoining on y e western corner by Marsh of Forgus
Flagins deceasd now in Possession of Joseph Boothby Thence
running Southwest to a Six acre or Meserves Island & so to
continue round by S d Island from thence to a ditch cutt in
the marsh or however otherwise the same may be bounded or
described.
The Thatch bed Lying on the great Thatch bed (so Cal d
Begins at a stake Standing at the Southwest Cornor of Ebenz r
Libby 8 thatch bead adjoining Cap 1 Tylers Thatch bead and
104 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
runs east 15 dg South 6 rods werst Forty five rods Containing
one acor & 143 Square rods.
the Parsonage Land That Lieth on the East Side of the
high way over beach ridg in Scarborough is Bounded as
Follows Viz 1 Beginning at a white Mapel Tree Marked Four
Sids & the P and runs South Werst 73 rods To the s d high
way then 1ST 40 dg w one hundred & Four rods By the high way
then N-E 5 rods Then South East eighty rods To the First
Bounds the Mapel Tree afors d Containing Eighteen acors &
one hundred & Forty one Square rods
The peice of high Marsh which Lieth Near Mill Crick)
So Cold (is bounded as Folers Viz Beginning at a Stake
Standing at Richard Libbys South werst Corner and runs
South Eighteen d g W 40 rods then East 11 dg South 6 rods &
20 Links then N 26 dg E 40 rods To S d Libbys Marsh then by
S d Marsh w 11 dg N to the First Bounds Containing two
acors & 62 Square rods
the Low Marsh That Lies a joining to Mill Crick is
Bounded as Foloweth Viz Beginning at the South East Cor-
nor of the Widow Hannah Libbys Marsh & runs S 54 dg E
I7y 2 rods to said Crick then N 15 dg E 12 rods by s d Crick
then N 36 dg E 10 rods then N 17 dg w 4 rods to the Mouth
of a Small Crick then South westerly By S d Crick as S d
Crick runs to the s d Widow Libby 8 Marsh afores then S d 32
dg w to the First Bounds Containing two acors & a half
Memorial Justices Court Lincoln County.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honorable the
Senate, and the Honorable House of Representatives, in
General Court assembled
October 4, 1782
The Memorial of the Justices of the Court of General Ses-
sions of the peace, within the County of Lincoln, humbly
sheweth,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 105
That in the year 1778, there was a small Tax assessed upon
the Inhabitants of this County, which was insufficient to dis-
charge the Debts then against the County, since which there
has been no Tax assessed, except One in the Year 1780, which
was chiefly collected and paid into the Treasury in Money
of the old Emission, which is now in the Hands of the Treas-
urer, by Reason whereof, the County is now greatly in
Debt; a proper and particular Estimate of which, it is im-
possible to lay before your Honors in Season, so that an As-
sessment may be made at the said Court of General Sessions
of the Peace which now stands adjourned to the third Tues-
day in November next; and unless they can then make an
Assessment, it must necessarily be delayed till next June,
and will be more than a Year before any Money can be collected
and paid into the Treasury, which would be very detrimental
to the country and involve them in many Difficulties They
therefore pray that they may, at said Court to be held on the
third Tuesday of November next, be impowered to assess the
Sum of five hundred pounds upon the several Towns and
plantations within said County towards discharging the Debts
and necessary Expences of said County, which Sum, upon the
best Computation they are at present able to make, will be
wanted (and indeed will be insufficient) to discharge the De-
mands now against the County, exclusive of what may arise
before another Assessment can be made, And as in Duty
bound &c
Signed by Order of Court Jon a Bowman Cler
Josiah Brewer to Richard Devens Esq.
Fort Halifax Oct r 4 th 1782
Sir
I have ship d on board the Schooner Policy Capt Samuell
Oakesman master fifty eight mooshides Eleven Bair Skins
106 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
one barrel of Furs Containing 103 Musk quash 26 Sables
5 minks 5 Catts 1 otter 4 Small Rackoons 18 bever Skins,
which is all the Skins and furs of every kind that I have
Received Should be Glad if you Could Send by the barrer or
by Cap 1 Samuell Howard, three monthes provision for the
thirty Indians of Orinos Tribe of Penobscott which are now
Dayli Coming in after there provision I send you the per-
ticulars of what is still Remaining in the Truck House viz.
Fare
G barrels of Flour 2 10 25
Rec'd in Octo r 1779 1 3 17 20
2 24
5 3 27 69
100 pounds Shott
100 d Powder
100 d Musket Ball
4 barrels pork 215 Each
40 Tin Measures
10 Ruggs
1 firkin Butter 2 20 13 Fare
45 Grose pipes
2 peices Sheeting
1 Dozen Handkerchiefs
4 D Steels
15 Tin Kittles
What Remaines in the Truck which was Rec'd in Novem r
28, 1780 Viz. 40 y ds Dowles 10 do Linnen 40 Cotton 600
Flints 54 y d Towe Cloath 100 pounds powder 16 Blankets
40 y d Baize 295^ Goose Shott 72 Hatchits 100 pounds
Musket Balls 250 pound Tobaco 15 Dozen Gun Worms 10
peices wide binding 15 y d Yallow Baize
What was Rec'd in 1781 Now Remaining 20 y ds Strip"
Woolen 50 do. blew Batten 31 Gal molasses 6 pounds Ver-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 107
milion 25 yds blew Broad Cloath 20 doz n french Knifes
I have Trusted the Indians to the Value of one Hundred
Pounds
I am with the Greatest Respect Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Josiah Brewer Truck Master.
Superscribed : Richard Devens Esq r Comm y General Boston
Memorial Selectmen of Fryeburg.
To the general Court of Massachusetts
The Memorial and Petition of the Select men of the Town
of Fryeburg in the County of York, humbly sheweth, that on
the fourth Day of august, 1781, this and the Neighbouring
Towns were greatly alarmed on Receiving Intelligence that
a boddy of Indians had made an assault on the Township of
Sudbury Cannada, (so called) and Places adjoining on and
near Amorescoggin River, killing and Carrying Captive the
Inhabitants and Destroying their Property, and soon after
Receiving a Letter from a Number of the Inhabitants of those
Townships, Setting forth their Distress and Craving Speedy
Relief. We as Select-men (being destitute of Militia officers
by Reason of our not haveing received orders for the Choice
of such officers agreeable to the Constitution) Imediately
assembled the Inhabitants of this Town, and Detached Twenty
three Men to their Relief who went in Persute of the Enemy,
but Returned five Days after without being able to overtake
them, after the Return of this Party, Further application
was made to us, by Letter from the aforesaid Distressed In-
habitants, for further assistance, as they were under appre-
hentions of a Returne of the Savages, and being an Infant
Plantation, unable to Defend themselves. Whereupon we
Sent a Party of men as a guard to the Inhabitants and Con-
108 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
tinned that till the 24 th of Sepf when they were Releived by
a Detachment of the militia orderd by Brig dr Gen r11 Frost for
their Protection under the Command of Cap* John Evans,
and agreeable to the Direction of Brig dr Frost in a Letter to
us. We have Supplied the Detachment with Rations to the
fourth of December, 1781 : as Likewise the other Parties Sent
from this Town (Except the first) including Six men Sent
from Bridgeton, who joined the Party Sent by us, as may
appear by a pay Role herewith transmitted to the General
Court haveing Represented these facts
Our Humble Petition to the Honorable Court is that they
would be Pleased to allow Pay and Subsistance, for the party
of twenty three men first sent, as Likewise Pay for the second
Party sent by us, as a guard, and for the Rations, Supplied
Dureing the Continuance of that guard, and also, for the
Rations Supplied the Militia order'd by Brig dr Gen 11 Frost,
and also for ammunition Supplied out of our Town Stock to
Cap 1 Evans, for said Militia
We as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Moses Ames
Richard Kimball
Samuel Walker
Fryeburg 1 st March 1782
Selectmen
of
Fryeburg
Resolve on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Oct r 7 th 1782
On the Petition of the Select Men of the Town of Frye-
burgh for Services & disburstments for the defence of the
Commonwealth
Resolv'd that the Comittee on Muster Roles & Accounts be
& hereby are directed to examine the Roles & Accounts men-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 109
tioned in s d Petition & allow what may be found Justly due
thereon
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Oct r 10 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Memorial of Col. Hunter.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts To the Hon'ble the Senate
& the Hon'ble the House of Representatives in General
Court assembled
The Memorial of Coll James Huntter Commander of a
Regiment stationed at Broad Bay in the Service of this
Common Wealth
Humbly Shews
That said Regiment is wholly destitute of necessary sup-
plies of Provisions of all kinds that for the purpose of
Obtaining fresh supplies of Provision he has sent forward
to Boston Lieu 1 Samuel Hussey of said Regiment, he there-
fore intreats that this Hon'ble Court will be pleased to pass
a Resolve permitting him to draw from the Commissary Gen-
eral Store of this Commonwealth what provision he may
think needfull for the supply of said Regiment and he as in
duty Bound will pray
James Huntter Com r
Resolve on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Representatives Oct r 12 th 1782
Resolved that Col James Hunter with the Officers and
Soldiers under his Command and Stationed in the County of
110 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Lincoln be Discharged from the Service for which they were
Respectively engaged from and after the 20 th A Day of this
present Month B and that their Roles be made up and paid to
that time and no longer
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov r 2 d 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A dele from A to
B & insert the twentieth Day of November next
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Nov r 2 d 1782
Read and concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on Petition Jonathan Bowman.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Oct r 14 th 1782
On the Petition of Jonathan Bowman Esq r Clerk of the
Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County of
Lincoln on Behalf of the said Court Resolved,
That the Prayer of the said Petition be granted & that the
Justices of the said Court be & they hereby are empowered to
assess upon the Polls & Estates of the Inhabitants of the said
County the Sum of five hundred Pounds for defraying the
Charges therein mentioned
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate October 14 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 111
Certificate in Favor Schr. Unity.
This Certifies
That the Sum of Eighteen pounds sixteen shillings & six
pence, for one sixteenth part of the loss & hire of the Schooner
Unity & appurtenances on the Penobscot Expedition July
1779, and three pounds four shillings for Interest thereon to
the 1 st Instant, amounting to Twenty two pounds & six pence,
in specie, is due to M r John Symmes, which when paid will
be in full for the same 22 . . 6
Thomas Ivers, Peter Roe Dalton \ Com tee for Audit 8 Acc ts
of the late Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Boston 16 th October 1782.
Commonw th of Massachusetts
In Council Oct r 23 d 1782
R d & Advised that a W l be drawn on the Treas y in full of
this Certificate agreeable to Resolve of 28 th January 1782
John Avery See 7
Report and Resolve on Petition Col. Allen et als.
The Committee of both Houses appointed on the letters
from Col Allen & Col Lithgow, & the petitions of Juniper
Berthiaume & the Indian Chiefs, & also to consider the pro-
priety of appointing a Naval officer at the Port of Machias
report by way of resolve
John Pitts p r order
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
Resolved that the Governor with advice of Council be and
hereby is requested to issue orders on the Commissary Gen-
eral to supply the Eastern Department under the Command
of Col John Allen, according to the recommendations of
112 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Congress, with such provisions & Military stores, not exceed-
ing the Sum of one thousand pounds, as he shall from time
to time think necessary, the United States to be charged there-
for, & the Commissary General is directed to furnish them
accordingly.
And Whereas it is not necessary to continue the Indian
trade at Fort Hallifax, Resolved that Col Josiah Brewer
the Truck master, & also the Interpreter be & they are hereby
dischargd from that service.
And as it appears by the application of a Number of y e
Indian Chiefs & Juniper Berthiaume that they are desirous
he may be reinstated in the office of Instructor to the Indians,
which may have a tendency to promote & retain their Friend-
ship to the Inhabitants of this Common Wealth, resolved that
the said Juniper Berthiaume be and hereby is reinstated in
the office of Instructor to the said Indians any resolve or
order of the General Court for his discharge from that serv-
ice notwithstanding. It is also resolved that the Governor
with advice of Council be and hereby is requested to issue
orders on the Commissary General to supply said Indians
with such cloaths and other things requested in their petition
as he shall think necessa^, and the Commissary General is
hereby directed to furnish them accordingly.
It is further resolved that a Naval officer for the Port
of Machias be elected as soon as may be.
In Senate October 17 th 1782
Read & Accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
t
In the House of Representatives Nov r 6 th 1782
Read and concurred
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 113
Resolve on Petition James A very.
In the House of Representatives Octo r 21 st 1782
On the Petition of James Avery Esq Agent for the Town
of Machias Praying that the Acct 8 between said Town and
this Commonwealth might be Adjusted and settled, and that
said Town might be Allowed in the Settlement of said Ac-
compts, hire for the Schooner Dilligent for the time she was
employed by the Public, also that as the Money granted by
this Court on February 7 th 1776 for the Relief of the Eastern
Settlements, several Towns received together and gave joint
Bonds to the Treasurer for the same, that said Town of
Machias after settling for the proportion they received might
be discharged from the Bonds given therefor.
Resolred that the Committee for Methodizing and Settling
the public Accompts be and they are hereby empowered and
directed to Adjust and Settle the Accompts between this
Commonwealth and the Town of Machias, & allow therein to
the said Town the hire of the Schooner Dilligent during the
time she was employ'd by the public, and to charge y e said
Town with only the Real Sum they received of the Money
granted by this Court on the 7 th Feb y 1777, for the Relief of
the Eastern Settlements.
Sent up for concurrence ISfath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov r 4 th 1782 Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in Favor William Albee.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider the
petition of James Avery & papers accompanying them, beg
leave to Report by way of Resolve:
John Bliss p r order
114 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Senate October 22 d 1782
Read & thereupon
Resolved, that the Commissary General of this Common-
Avealth be & hereby is directed to pay to James Avery thirty
four pounds three shillings & four pence in money or pro-
visions for the use of William Albee Lieu* of the Artillery
Company at Machias being for ten hundred & twenty five
back rations due to said William Albee from the 7 to of Dec r
1779 to the 16 th of August 1782, at eight pence p r Ration; &
that the Agent of this Commonwealth be directed to deliver to
the said James Avery Seven Suits of Cloaths for the Soldiers
at said Machias & Charge the same to the United States
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives Nov r 4 th 1782.
Read and concurred
Nathaniel Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
Memorial Nathaniel Wells et als.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled
the 25 th day of Ocf 1782
The Memorial of Nathaniel Wells, Edward Grow & Simon
Fry Esq r in Behalf of the several Towns in the County of
York humbly shews that the said Towns Exerted themselves
to the utmost of their Abilities for complying with the Re-
solve of Court passed the 30 th day of June 1781 requiring
them to furnish a Number of Soldiers to serve Three Months
in the continental Army & actually Inlisted a Number of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 115
Men for that purpose but such were their unhappy Circum-
stances at that Time by Reason of the intire failure of the
old continental Currency & the State of the New Emission
Money that they were absolutely unable to furnish the Sol-
diers by them engaged with sufficient Sums of hard Money
to defrey their Expences from thence to the continental Army
tho the greatest Exertions were made for the purpose The
Reason of their Failure was the Want of hard Money, there
not being at that Time within the County a sufficient Sum of
that Money to defrey the said Expences and such was the
Embarisment of Trade their Coasts being at that Time un-
usually infested with British Privateers as rendred them
utterly unable to procure hard Money from the places where
it circulated which continued nearly Six Months without
much Alteration in Consequence of which said Towns also
fell & still remain greatly in the Arrear in payment of their
Taxes Your Mem beg leave to mention their service to the Com-
monwealth of the present War at all other Times said County
has been among the foremost in furnishing Soldiers for the
Continental Army notwithstanding the Difficulties they have
laboured under & that the Circumstances of said County are
distressing at present on various Accounts. Your Mem are
of Opinion that the Exaction of Penalties from a People in
Distress for not doing what was not in their power to perform
would greatly tend to discourage them & so operate to the
Disadvantage of the Commonwealth Wherefore your Mem
pray that the peculiar Case & Circumstances of said Towns
may be duly considered & that they may be exempted from
any Penalties which they may have incurred for not furnish-
ing the Soldiers required of them by said Resolve or that Re-
lief may be granted them in such other Way as the Court in
their Wisdom & Goodness may think proper & your Mem as
in Duty bound will ever pray &c
Nath 1 Wells, Edw d Grow, Simon Frye
116 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Action on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives October 30 th 1782.
On the petition of Nathaniel Wells Esq r and others in be-
half of the County of York setting forth that, for the want of
a Circulating medium and from other peculiar Difficulties
attending them it was not in their power to raise the three
months men called for, to serve in the Continental Army
July A. D. 1TS1 : tho they used their utmost Exertions to
effect the same & praying that the penalty for not raising a
part of said men may be remitted to them Resolved that the
prayer of said petition be so far granted that a fifth part of
said penalty be remitted to the several towns in said County
and that the present towns in said County be fined & pay
sixteen pounds per man for every man not raised according
to the resolve for raising said men and assessed accordingly in
the tax next to be issued
Memorial Selectmen of Boothbay.
To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives for
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
We the Selectmen of the Township of Boothbay beg leave
to represent to your Honors the confus'd and irregular man-
ner in which the Town papers ly at present on account of the
shift of Officers last March meeting in particular the Treas-
urer we cannot find any regularity in the Treasurers Books
no proper Settlement from the beginning to end of it & the
former Treasurer after a lawful Demand of him to Deliver
up the receipts & other papers in his hands belonging to the
Town has absolutely refus'd, which occasions great incon-
veniences for which reason we wou'd beg your honors to take
the matter into your wise consideration & if your Honors
should think proper we would beg that you would grant or
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 117
appoint a Committee in Sum of the Neighbouring Towns to
inquire into this matter & see that there is a proper Settle-
ment of our Towns Accounts We wou'd likewise represent
to your honors the Obstinacy of your Militia Officers in this
Town, they have taken several Fines from men that they
Draughted & cou'd not go into the service & have never ac-
counted 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 honors shou'd appoint a Committee as above that
they may be empowered & directed to call the Militia Officers
to account Respecting the fines & see that a proper settlement
is made. We would likewise represent to your Honors the
great inconvenience of having two Companies of Militia in
this little poor Town where there is not more than one Com-
pany of able bodied Men, having so many Officers screen'd
from Draughts comes very heavy on the remainder. We
would therefore beg if your Honors think proper to bring the
Militia in this Town into one Company
Hoping your Honors will grant this our most ernest
petition
We are your Honors Most Obedient Humble Serv ts
Benj a Sawyer ]
John Alley \ Major part of the Select men of Boothbay
Boothbay Oct r 25 th 1782
Memorial James Bowdoin et als.
To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable the House
of Eepresentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts in General Court Assembled at Boston
The Memorial of James Bowdoin, David Jeffries and
James Bowdoin jun r for themselves and others, humbly
sheweth,
118 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
That your Memorialists have just been accidentally in-
formed, that in consequence of a Petition from M r Isaac Snow
in behalf of the Town of Harpswell in the County of Cum-
berland, your Honors have been pleased to pass a Resolve,
"that the Town of Harpswell be abated five shillings in the
thousand pounds of the last valuation, and that the same be
laid on a Plantation called West Bowdoinham in the County
of Lincoln."
On your Memorialists being thus informed, they procured
a Copy of M r Snow's said Petition, and the Courts doings
thereon, and beg leave to observe, that in the said Petition M r
Snow represents "That in the last valuation, the said Town
of Harpswell was assessed in an undue proportion with the
other Towns in the said County of Cumberland, and there-
fore prays a Committee may be appointed to inquire into the
Premises, and relieve the said Town." Whereupon a Com-
mittee of the honorable House was appointed, and on the
Second Instant the Resolve aforesaid passed in the House:
which appears to be essentially different from what it was as
first offered to the honorable house, and probably as first past
by them, for it then stood that the same five shillings be laid
on a Plantation called Otisfield in the said County of Cum-
berland. This corresponded with the idea held up in M r
Snow's petition, grounding the prayer for relief on the undue
proportion assessed on Harpswell compared with the other
Towns in Cumberland. But Otisfield (and doubtless other
Towns in Cumberland) not choosing to take any part of
Harpswell tax, so lately setled by the last general valuation,
and having friends in the General Court, was not subjected to
said Tax. This therefore probably induced M r Snow to wish
for some other object of taxation in any other County, and it
happened very fortunate for him, that a Number of People
living adjoining to the West of Bowdoinham in the County
of Lincoln, and from that circumstance called West Bowdoin-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 119
ham, prepared a Petition to the General Court, and employed
M r Snow (as we are informed) to present the same at the
last Sitting : but there not being a sufficient number of Signers,
or for some other reason, it was deferred: and a Petition at
the present session of the Court has appeared with the names
of Thirty two Individuals thereto, including Sons with their
Fathers, being the Petition of Benjamin Jaques and others,
praying that a certain Tract therein described may be Incor-
porated; of which petition, and also of M r Snow's Proceed-
ings in the General Court relative to the Transfer of said
Tax, your Memorialists humbly conceive, they ought to have
been notified : for your Honours are fully Sensible, that in all
Petitions to the General Court, where the Prayer can any
way aifect the Property or Privilidges of other persons than
the Petitioners, it has been the Established Practice of the
General Court, founded on the Constitution, and in the high-
est reason and fitness of things, to order a notification of the
adverse party that the Court being duly informed in all Cir-
cumstances, might do what would be just between the
Parties.
But the said M r Snow, who is the Representative from
Harpswell, have found means of conducting this business in
such a covered manner, that we have but just come to the
knowledge of it; By which means, in the present case, only
one of the Parties has been heard ! And the Resolve afore-
said has Subjected your Memorialists property to be taken
away on the exparte representation aforesaid; for which
Purpose, there is a Clause inserted in the Tax Bill, now un-
der the Consideration of your Honors, laying a Tax of fifty
pounds on what is called Herein the New Plantation of West
Bowdoinham, and relieving Harpswell of the same Sum.
This having been obtained in such a covered, underhand,
and extraordinary manner, the bare mentioning of it, your
Memorialists humbly conceive, will induce your Honors to
120 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
order the same to be struck out of the said Tax bill : which
with the said Kesolve, and the intended Act of Incorporation
(the whole so happily contrived to Answer M r Snow's pur-
pose) were all intended to be compleated without your Memo-
rialists knowing any thing of the matter. With regard to the
Petition of said Jaques and others for Incorporating the
aforesaid Tract, we beg leave to observe, that the Kennebeck
Company, of which your Memorialists are a part, have with
very great expence been Setling their Lands, and from a
Wilderness, have Setled the Towns of Pownalborough, Bow-
doinham, Pittston, Hallowell, Vasselborough, Winslow, Win-
throp, and other places, in all of which a considerable part,
and in some of them two thirds of the land have been given
away to settlers; That the said Towns are incorporated, and
pay Taxes to the Government, of which Taxes your Memo-
rialists and others of said Company pay a considerable part.
That the said Company built Fort Western, and a Fort at
Pownalborough, and furnished both of them with Cannon and
Small Arms for the Use of the Government, And Also built a
large Commodious House at Pownallborough to Accommodate
the County as a Court House, with the needfull conveniences,
and appropriated one of the Block Houses of the last men-
tioned fort for a Goal, and by these and other exertions, which
cost them a great deal of Money, they have brought that part
of the Country from a Wilderness State, to a State of Habita-
tion and Improvement.
That they were prosecuting other Settlements & improve-
ments when the War with Britain commenced ; That the said
War, which by means of the Enemies Cruisers and Armed
boats, and by small parties of them harrassing and threaten-
ing the Inhabitants has operated greatly to the detriment of
the said County, put a Stop to those Settlements & Improve-
ments : and at the same time necessarilv called our Attention
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 121
to other objects nearer home and more interesting and essen-
tial to the general safety.
That in the confused State of things occasioned by the
War, and when Law could have no effect, many people im-
proved so favorable an opportunity, and set themselves down
on Kennebeck lands, taking the best they could find, without
liberty from the Proprietors, and in defiance of Law.
That although the said Jaques and some of the Petitioners
have settled with consent of the Proprietors, there is notwith-
standing, of the Land petitioned to be Incorporated, a Tract
ten miles long, and more than Six Miles broad, which is either
wholly a Wilderness, or if there are any persons setled on it,
there is not one of them but is a Trespasser, and has setled in
defiance of all Law.
That your Memorialists humbly conceive your Honors will
do nothing to encourage such lawless Proceedings, and that
the regular plan of Settlement, which they have been carrying
on & mean to continue to execute, will not be interrupted and
broke in upon by granting the prayer of the said Petition
for Incorporation Your Memorialists, therefore humbly
pray Your Honors that the said petition may be dismissed;
and also that your Honors will please to reconsider and re-
peal the Resolve aforesaid for Transferring a part of the Tax
of Harpswell to the Land described in the said petition, and
also discontinue the clause in the Tax bill for that purpose:
all which is humbly submitted.
James Bowdoin
David Jeffries
Ja: Bowdoin Jun r
Resolve on Foregoing.
In Senate October 30 th 1782
Read & thereupon Ordered that Samuel Baker Esq r with
122 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
such as the Hon 1 House shall join be a Committee to take
this Memorial into consideration and make report thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Nov r 1 st 1782
Head & concurred, & M r Frye of Fryeburg & Cap 1 Wash-
burn are joined Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov b 1 st 1782
Ordered that Eleazer Brooks Esq r be of this Committee in
the Room of Sam 1 Baker Esq r who has leave of absence
Petition James Howard Esq.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
in the House of Representatives Nov r 1 st 1782
on the petition of James Howard Esq r in behalf of him-
self Susanna his wife and Hartson Coney setting forth that
one Nathaniel Hersey of Hallowell in the County of Lincoln,
blacksmith, brought an action of trespass against them A for
taking one hundred & fifty quarts of his milk B triable before
Joseph North Esq r a Justice of the peace in that County on
the twenty fourth day of September A. D. 1781. and that
they, not of their neglect, but being necessarily prevented
from appearing timely to answer to said action, were de-
faulted, lost their appeal, and Judgment was given by said
Justice for very large damages; and praying for an appeal
from the Judgment of said Justice to the Court of Common
Pleas to be holden at Pownalborough within and for said
County on the first Tuesday of June next
Resolve on Foregoing.
Resolved that the prayer of said Petition be granted ; and
that the said James, Susanna, and Hartson have leave to ap-
peal from the Judgment of said Justice to said Court of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 123
Common Pleas, and said Justice is hereby directed to grant
them the same and a copy of all such proceedings as may
have been had before him in said action accordingly provided
said Howard notify said Hersey of said appeal at least twenty
days before the sitting of said Court
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov r 2 d 1782
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A
at A dele, from A to B
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Eepresentatives Nov 1 2 d 1782
Read and concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approved John Hancock
Petition James Howard Esq.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Hon. Senate &
House of Representatives of said Commonwealth in Gen-
eral Court assembled,
The Petition of James Howard Esquire in behalf of him-
self, Susanna his Wife & Hartson Coney, Son of the s d
Susanna by a former Husband. Humbly Sheweth,
That one Nathaniel Hersey of Hallowell, in the County of
Lincoln, Blacksmith, maliciously contriving to ruin the Char-
acter of the s d Hartson Coney, who was but an Infant of
about eight years of age, preferred a Prosecution against him
for stealing 150 quarts of his Milk, but failing in that prosecu-
tion his restless & malevolent disposition prompt him to com-
mence an Action of Trespass against the said James, Susanna
& Hartson for the same supposed fact of taking said Milk,
which same action was triable before Joseph North Esq r a
124 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Justice of the peace within and for the Same County on the
24 th day of September 1781 at two OClock in the afternoon
that your Petitioner early on June 24 th day of September,
left his own house which was about 51 Miles from the said
Justice's, with an intention to answer to the same Suit ; but
as he was obliged to go by Water & the Wind blowing violently
against him he did not arrive at the said Justice's untill some
little time after the hour appointed for s d Tryal, & when he
did arrive he was informed by said Justice that he was de-
faulted ; surprized at a procedure so contrary to Justice & the
practice of Courts, your Petitioner then demanded an appeal,
but was told it was too late, for the Court was adjourned, by
means of which your petitioner has been wrongfully put to
great expence & trouble as he was fully prepared to disprove
the facts alledged by the plaintiff, could he have had an Op-
portunity & the Reputation of the said Hartson has been
greatly injured as the generality of People do not know the
distinction between an Action for Trespass and a prosecution
for Theft & therefore still suppose that he has been convicted
of that Crime your Petitioner therefore prays that your
Honours would take the matter into your wise consideration
& grant, in tenderness to the Character of a helpless & in-
offensive Infant, that the said James Howard, Susanna his
Wife & Hartson Coney may have leave to appeal from the
Judgment of the said Justice to the next Inf eriour Court of
Common pleas to be holden at Pownalbor within & for the
same County on the first Tuesday of June next & your Peti-
tioner will pray &c
James Howard
Deposition of Abiel Love joy.
I Abiel Lovejoy of Lawful age testify & declare that on
the twenty-fourth day of September 1781 I was at the house
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 125
of James Howard Esq in Hallowell, who then told me he
was going before Justice North to defend an action brought
by Nathaniel Hearsey against the said Howard, Susannah
his wife & Hartson Coney & the said Howard desired your
deponant to attend at Justice Norths upon the tryal, Just
before I got to Justice Norths house I saw a number of per-
sons who told me that Justice Howard was called out by de-
fault presently after I went in to the house of Justice
North, & I there saw Justice Howard tender to Justice North
five or six dollars to pay the costs & he also prayed that the
default might be taken off & that he might re enter the action
& come to tryal & the said Justice North refused to grant the
same also to grant the said Howard an appeal I fur-
ther declare to the best of my knowledge that I arrived at
Justice Norths about three O'Clock & the time of tryal was
appointed to be at two
Abiel Love joy
Lincoln Ss Oct r 3 d 1782
personally appear'd the above named Abiel Lovejoy Esq r
& after being carefully examined & cautioned to testify the
truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth in the cause in
which this deposition is to be used made oath to the truth of
the above deposition by him subscribed Taken at the re-
quest of James Howard Esq r to be used before the General
Court on the Petition of the said James Howard Nathaniel
Hearsey the adverse party was notified and present at the
taking of this deposition before me
Wm Langdon Justice of peace
Deposition of Thomas SewalL
I Thomas Sewall of lawful age testify & say that on Mon-
day the twenty fourth day of September 1781 I was at the
dwelling house of Justice North in Pittstown and I there saw
126 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Justice Howard tender to the said North five or six dollars to
pay the costs of an action in which Nathaniel Hearsey was
Plaintiff & the said Howard & al deft in which action the
said Howard was called out by default
The said Howard also prayed the said North to take off
the default & give him the said Howard leave to re-enter the
action & come to tryal & the said North refused to grant it
I further declare that at the time Justice Howard tendered
the money it was to the best of my knowledge about three
OClock I also heard Justice Howard demand an appeal of
Justice North & Justice North refused to grant one
Thomas Sewall
Lincoln Ss October 3 d 1782
Personally appeared the above named Thomas Sewall &
after being carefully examined & cautioned to testify the
truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth in the cause in
which this deposition is to be used made oath to the truth of
the above deposition by him subscribed taken at the request
of James Howard Esq r to be used before the general Court
on the petition of the said James Howard. The adverse
party Nathaniel Hearsey was notified and present at the
taking the foregoing deposition before me
Wm Langdon Justice of peace
Resolve in Favor Niles Greenwood.
This Certifies,
That the Sum of One Hundred & sixty two Pounds, four
Shillings & two pence, for one forty eighth part of the Arm'd
Ship Hunter & appurtenances, lost on the Expedition to
Penobscot 1779, and thirty two Pounds, eight shillings &
nine pence for Interest thereon, amounting to the Sum of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 127
One Hundred & Ninety four Pounds, twelve shillings &
eleven pence, in Specie is due to M r Niles Greenwood, which
when paid will be in full for the same 194 . 12 . 11
Thomas Ivers ) Com tee for Audit 8 the Acco tB
Peter Roe Dalton \ of the late Board of War
Boston November 1, 1782.
His Excell y the Governor & the H ble the Council, of the Com-
monw th of Massachusetts.
In Council Nov r 15 th 1782
R d & Advised That a W l be drawn on the Treas y in full of
this Certificate agreeable to Resolve of 28 th Jan y 1782 -
John Avery Sec y
Resolve in Favor Joseph White.
This Certifies,
That the Sum of Eight Hundred & Eleven Pounds one
shilling, for one sixteenth & one twenty fourth parts of the
Arm'd Ship Hunter & appurtenances lost on the Expedition
to Penobscot in 1779, and One hundred & sixty two pounds,
four shillings & two pence for Interest thereon Amounting
to the Sum of Nine hundred & seventy three pounds, five
shillings & two pence, in Specie is due to Joseph White,
which when paid to M r Miles Greenwood, will be in full for
the same 973.5.2
Thomas Ivers ) Com tee for Audit 8 the Acco ts
Peter Roe Dalton \ of the State Board of War.
Boston November 1, 1782.
His Excel 1 / the Governor & the H ble the Council of the Com-
monw th of Massachusetts
In Council Nov r 15 th 1782
R d & Advised That a W l be drawn on the Treas y in full of
this Certificate agreeable to Resolve of 28 th January 1782
John Avery Sec 7
128 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Report and Resolve on Memorial James Bowdoin et als.
Report of y c Com tee of both Houses upon the Mem 1 of
James Bowdoin & others by way of Resolve
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Whereas a number of People have lately setled on a Tract
of land adjoining to, and lying West of Bowdoinham, many
of whom have removed from Harpswell, and have been and
are taxable by Bowdoinham, therefore Resolved that Harps-
well be abated five shillings in the Thousand of the last valua-
tion ; and that the same be added to Bowdoinham and it being
reasonable that Bowdoinham Should have the benefit of the
taxes on the Polls A of y e said Setters until a new valuation
Shall take place, therefore Resolved, that the Assessors of
Bowdoinham or the major part of them, be and hereby are
empowered to lay a tax from time to time on the Male Polls
of the Setlers on the land aforesaid B in the same manner, at
the same time c and for the same sum D and to collect the
same, as they shall be from time to time authorized to do on
the Polls E within the Town of Bowdoinham, by virtue of any
Tax Act of the General Court, until a new ^ 7 aluation shall
take place, or until the further order of the said Court : and
for that Purpose, and that there may be no doubt concerning
the Bounds of the said land, it shall be, and hereby is bounded,
Southerly by the Northerly line of Topsham, and by the same
line continued to the Westerly line of the Kenebeck Purchase
from the late Colony of New Plymouth ; westerly by the said
Westerly line of y e said Purchase; Northerly by a line run-
ning West North West from the North Easterly Corner of
Bowdoinham to the aforesaid Westerly line ; and Easterly by
Bowdoinham aforesaid. Provided nevertheless, that in case
any of the Setlers on the said described land are trespassers,
this Resolve shall not be understood to encourage or support
them in such trespass. And it is further Resolved, that the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 129
Resolve of this Court passed in the present Session thereof,
for making an Abatement in the tax on Harpswell aforesaid
shall be, and hereby is declared void: the present Resolve
being substituted instead thereof. And the Secretary is here-
by directed to send to the Assessors of Bowdoinham an at-
tested Copy of this Resolve as soon as may be.
In Senate Nov r 2 d 1782
Read & Accepted w tu the Amendment at A B C & E
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives Nov r 2 d 1782.
Read and concurred
at A insert and Estates at B insert & their Estates at C
dele from C to D at E insert & Estates
Nath Gorham Speaker
Approv'd John Hancock
George Little to Governor.
Penobscot Bay NW 3 d 1782
I Would Inform your Excellency, On the thirty first Octo-
ber we run on Shore A Small privateer Commanded By
Richard Pomeroy from Penobscot he had taken this Privateer
A few days before From Cap 1 Coburn of Salem Cap* Pomeroy
Sunk The Schooner And made his Escape through the Woods,
with Much Difficulty we Weigh d the Schooner she Mounted
four Swivels, Muskets &c and was going to Cruize on Our
Coasts I Shall keep this Small thing, with me till I return
to Boston
I have the honour to Be Your Excellency's Most hum ble
Ser 1
George Little
10
130 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Appointment Stephen Smith Naval Officer at Machias.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Nov r 7 th 1782
Ordered, that the Secretary be directed to notify Stephen
Smith Esq r that he was chosen Naval Officer for the port of
Machias, this day, by joint ballot of the Senate & House of
Representatives
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Nov 17 th 1782
Read and concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Resolve in Favor John Avery.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov r 11 th 1782
Resolved That there be allowed & paid out of the Treasury
of this Commonwealth to John Avery jun r Esq r the sum of
Three hundred pounds in full of his Service as Secretary for
One Year from June 1 st 1781 to June 1 st 1782-
Sent up for concurrence Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov r 11 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
W l drawn 12 th Nov r 1782
Resolves Relating to Partition of Lands in York County.
CommonWealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov 11 th 1782
Whereas certain persons called Conspirators and absentees
are A tenants in Common of certain undivided lands lying in
the County of York, with certain other persons claiming the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 131
same under William Phillips and Bridget Phillips which s d
lands by an act of this Commonwealth have been confirmed to
the said Persons claiming under the s d W m & Bridget Phillips,
saving to the s d Commonwealth their right and claim in & to
said lands accruing by virtue of the forfeiture of the estates
of the said Conspirators and Absentees, and Whereas the said
Proprietors under W m & Bridget Phillips aforesaid are de-
sirous that partition should be made of said lands (and to
hold their respective proportions and parts of said land in
several ty and seperate from that part of s d land that has or
may be vested in this Commonwealth by virtue of the Claims
of the s d Conspirators and Absentees Resolved that the
Hon ble Benj a Chadbourne B Hon ble David Sewall Esq r and
Nathaniel Wells Esq r be and hereby are on the part of this
commonwealth appointed a Committee to join with such Com-
mittee as are or may be appointed by the residue c of s d Pro-
prietors on their part and duly authorized in making parti-
tion of the Lands confirmed by said Act and lying within the
following limits viz begining at the North Corner of Sanford,
which Corner may be ascertained by a line running South
West & North East through a certain Small pond, called
Beaver hill pond and from the said North Corner of Sanford
thus ascertained to run North West about eight miles to
little Ossipee River, then by said River including half of
the same as the s d River runs to Saco River then by s d Saco
River to the head line of Biddeford, then by the head line of
the Townships of Biddeford and Arundel to the East Corner
of s d Sanford as it was originally laid out by the name of
Phillipstown to the North Corner thereof being the boundary
first mentioned and the said Commitee appointed on the part
of the Common wealth are hereby impowered in conjunction
with the said Commitee on the part of the D Residue of said
Proprietors to set E off by Metes & Bounds their respective
rights and shares in the premises to hold in severalty
132 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
And whereas in order to render the said partition compleat
and effectual in Law it may be necessary to make and execute
a deed or deeds of Partition, division, release or Quit claim
Therefore resolved that the said Committee on the part of
the Commonwealth or any two of them be and hereby are
fully impowered in the name and behalf of the said Common-
wealth to join with the s d Committee on the part of the residue
F of s d proprietors in making and duly executing according to
Law a deed or deeds of Partition and division of the premises
or in case the said Committee G should judge it most con-
venient to make partition of the premises by making and
executing a deed or deeds of Release and Quit Claims then the
said Committee on the part of this Commonwealth are here-
by in the Name and behalf of this Commonwealth fully
Authorized and impowered to make and duly execute accord-
ing to Law a deed or deeds of release and Quit Claims to such
part or parts of the premises as they shall agree to be set off
to the said Residue H of said proprietors to hold in severalty
and to receive singular l deeds from the said Committee of
the said Proprietors, and it is further Resolved that all deeds
of Partition division release or Quit claim which shall be
made and duly executed by virtue of this resolve and award-
ing to the true Intent and meaning thereof shall be considered
as valid and effectual in law to all Intents and purposes as
any deeds of Partition division release or quit claim made
and duly executed according to Law by or between any parties
whomsoever And it is further resolved that the said Com-
mittee on the part of this Commonwealth be and hereby are
directed to cause all deeds in favor thereof relating to the
premises to be recorded by the register of the County of York,
with the records of said County and then filed in the Secre-
tary's Office and the said Committee after having compleated
the business of their Commission are hereby directed to lay
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 133
their Accounts of Time and expence before the General Court
for examination, allowance & payment.
Sent up for concurrence
Nath Gorham Speaker
In Senate Nov r 12, 1782.
Read & Concurred with Amendments as on the annexed
paper.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
In the House of Representatives Nov 11 1782
Read & concurred
Nath Gorham Speaker
Com ttee for making partition of Lands at s d Eastward
Amendments
At A Dele are & insert were. At B Dele the Hon ble
At C Dele Residue of At D Dele Residue of At E In-
sert to said Parties At F Dele Residue of At G Dele
Committee & Insert Committees At H Dele Residue of said.
At I Dele Singular & Insert Similar
Representation in Behalf Inhab*' Machias Plantation.
To his excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Representation of the Subscribers being a Committee
appointed by & on behalf of the Inhabitants of the Plantation
of Machias
Humbly Sheweth
That notwithstanding the large & repeated supplies sent
here The Garrison of this place now is & has been for some
months past, in a most deplorable situation upon almost every
account. Col Allan has removed himself and Family, to
134 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Passamaquoddy, at which place it is said he will continue,
one Commissioned officer five non commissioned officers and
privates, only, belonging to the Garrison: five Small arms,
only, fit for use & about 20 unfit; about thirty pounds of
Powder, only exclusive of a few Cannon & musquet cartridges ;
Not one flint : provisions none of any kind, we want words to
express our surprise at the deficiencies of Ammunition & war-
like stores of every kind : what has become of them we know
not ; and to add to our calamities, the Powder & Balls which
was sent here for the sole use of the Militia in cases of
emergency gone, Col Allan took them for the use of the Gar-
rison; being Lodged in the Magazine as a place of Safety:
when he had it in his power to replace them, he refused ; now
he has not got them he cannot return them, if this place were
to be attacked before we could be supply* 1 we know not what
would be the consequence, the Inhabitants are determined
to hold out to the last, but what can we do without Ammuni-
tion: a return of the ammunition & warlike stores now on
hand, belonging to the Garrison, we herewith inclose. An-
other matter of importance, which we beg leave to observe to
your Excellency & Honors, is, the Command of the Troops
at this Post and the agency of the Indians for the eastern
Department, being united in the same person ; it is most cer-
tain it has been attended with exceeding bad Consequences,
when the Indians come in, they must be Supplyed with what-
ever they want, if to be had, and the Soldiers must go with-
out ; which has many times been the Case, and in our oppinion
ought to be prevented in future ; this is one instance among
many which might be mentioned.
We beg leave to Submit to your Excellency & honors
wheather it will not be expedient to put this post in a more
respectable Situation very speedily ; which may be done with-
out such an amazing / to us amazing as well as to your excel-
lency & honors / expence to the publick : Should a Captains
OF THE STATE OF MAINE
135
Command be Stationed here, to keep the post &c, this with the
Militia will be sufficient defence for the place ; and if a priest
could be obtained, that would be a means of keeping the In-
dians your Friends.
M r James A very is imployed to act as agent in behalf of
the Inhabitants of this place & should your excellency &
honors need any Further information in this affair, he has
it in his power to Furnish you therewith
We are with the utmost deference & respect your Excel-
lencys & Honors most Humble Serv*
In behalf of the Inhabitants
Stephen Smith
Morris Obrian
Joseph Libbe
Benj a Porter
I Noble Shannon Committee
Stephen Jones
George Stillman
Nathan Longfellow
Amos Boynton
In Senate Nov r 12 th 1782
Read & sent down
Nov r 12 th 1782
Ref'd to next Session
S Adams Presid 1
James A very to Governor.
Boston Nov 18 1782
Sir
I beg leave to inform your Excellency that there is a Vessell
now here belonging to Machias, which Returns in the Course
of this Week Which will carry any Stores your Excellency
136 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
may think proper to send, for the Troops there, who have
been entirely Destitute for Two Months Past
I have the Honor to be With the Utmost Respect
Your Excellencys most Obedient Hble Serv 1
Ja s Avery Agent for Machias
His Excellency the Governor
Petition Elijah Ayer.
To His Excellency John Hancock Esq r Governor & Com-
mander in Chief in & over the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts
The Petition of Elijah Ayer Senior Humbly Sheweth
That in the Year 1776 Colo Jonathan Eddy with a party
of Men from this State made an attack on the Enemys Garri-
son of Fort Cumberland in the Province of Nova Scotia most
of the Inhabitants of which County took up Arms & Join'd
said Eddy among the Rest was your Petitioner, some time
After the Enemy Receiving a Large Reinforcement said Eddy
was obliged to leave that County & a great Number of the
Inhabitants who had been most Active and whos lives were
In danger was Compell'd to do the same, & abandon their
Family, & Estates to the Mercy of an Enraged Enemy
Your Petitioner among the Rest Abandoned his Estate &
a Large family leaving only one Son to take care & provide
for them the other came with him & Resided in this State
ever since
A few Weeks since the Son whom your Petitioner left to
provide for his family was taken on his Passage from Cum-
berland to S l John River by a Privateer & bro't into this
Port, by which your Petitioners Family is left Destitute of
any person to provide & take care of them & Unless he coud
be permitted to Return will Inevitably Suffer,
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 137
Therefore your Petitioner Humbly Implores your Excel-
lency to take his distressed Case into your Serious Consid-
eration & be pleased to permit his Son (Mariner Ayer) to
Keturn to Cumberland via Penobscott on Parole, and he will
engage a Prisoner of Equal Rank shall be returned in his
stead, which will Relieve his helpless & Distressed Family,
and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray
Elijah Ayer Sr l
Boston, Dec 6, 1782
In Council Dec b 7 th 1782-
Advised that John Hopkins Esq r Commissary of Prisoners
be directed to permit Mariner Ayer, lately captured on his
Passage from Cumberland to s l Johns River and bro't into
this Port, to take Passage on Board the first Cartel that shall
sail from hence to Penobscot & said Commissary be further
directed to see that said Ayre is exchanged
Attest John Avery Sec y
Petition of Timothy Hodgdon.
To the Hon ble Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Gen 1 Court as-
sembled
Jan y 1783
The petition of Timothy Hodgdon of Arundel in the County
of York Humbly Shews that your petitioner in the year 1774
did Bargain with John Sparhawk Esq agent to Sir William
Pepperall for twenty one acres and two thirds of an acre of
Land Lying in Arundel aforesaid for twelve shillings p r
acre and did pay for the aforesaid Land fourteen pounds and
whereas Sir William Pepperrell being one of the absentees
your petitioner Cannot obtain a Deed for the aforesaid Lands
138 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Neither has or Can obtain the mony he paid for the aforesaid
Land therefore your petitioner Humbly prays that your
Honours in your Great wisdom would Direct some person to
Convey the Land aforesaid or that your petitioner may Re-
ceive his money that he paid out of the Sales of Sir William's
Estate which has been Sold by order of Government or Re-
lieve your petitioner in some other way that your honours may
Direct and as in Duty bound will ever pray
Timothy Hodgdon
Arundel, Decem r 20 1782
Petition Town of Bristol.
To the Honourable the Senate Council & House of Represen-
tatives in General Court Assembled
The Petition of the Town of Bristol in the County of Lin-
coln humbly sheweth that by reason of the late War this Town
has been reduc d to great distress & tho now by the Blessings
of Providence peace be restor d unto us yet we still sorely feel
the Effects of the War By our Enemies taking Post at
Penobscut & continually infesting this Coast with their priva-
teers & small Boats our lumber & fishing Trade in which
alone we had any Concern has been almost totally Suppress"
Almost every Vessel we own d in the Beginning of the War
fell into their hands & tho from time to time Vessels have
been purchas d w h money borrow d for this purpose whereby
a debt has been contracted as the Inhabitants could not pos-
sibly subsist without some to convey their lumber to Market
yet of this we have been stript with our lumber & Fish on
Board or the returns of it in Provision for the Support of our
families So that by a late Computation our losses by Water
amount to 4240 besides the Arms Ammunition provisions
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 139
& Apparel that have been taken out of our Houses by plund-
ering Refugees The Seasons for a Number of Years past
have been very unfavourable & the Drought So Severe that
tho people's Attention have been more than ever turn d to the
Cultivation of their Farms yet they have not been able to
raise above half enough of Bread for their Consumption &
the risque of Importation being so great & many dispos d to
take Advantage of the Necessities of others thereby the Price
of the Necessaries of life has been rais d so high that people
were involv d in the greatest difficulties & oblig d to part with
every Commodity they had to dispose of at the Buyers Price
So that Corn has been sold for four Dollars or more & other
Articles in Proportion Our Hay has also been cut of with
the Drought for several years so that our Stocks are greatly
diminish 4 by what they were at the Beginning of the War & at
present there is such a Scarcity of Bread that hardly all the
Lumber we have on hand can procure us bread for the Season
a Cord of Wood not fetching above half a Bushel Corn Be-
sides the debt contracted by Individuals thro the distresses
occasion* 1 by the War the most part of the State Taxes for
some Years have not been discharg d We acknowledge that a
few Individuals could at the proper time have paid their
proportion & were willing to do so, but the majority however
dispos d to pay their part were utterly unable & numbers among
us inimically inclin'd to these States who carried on a
clandestine Trade with the Enemy greatly to the detriment
of the Town threaten* 1 the Collectors with utter destruction
so that they durst not discharge the duties of their Office
If your Honours should now exact from us these Taxes it
would utterly ruin Individuals & give such a crush to the
whole Town as it could not for many Years recover of & put
it out of its power for the future to pay such a proportion of
Taxes for defraying the Expenses of Government as other-
wise it might We would therefore beg your Honours would
140 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
take our distressing Situation under your Serious Considera-
tion & discharge us of these Taxes that were due before Peace
was made & your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
Sign d in name & by Appointment of the Town by
Henter Hunter, 1 Selectmen of
Thomas Johnston \ Bristol
Petition of George Smith.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Hon'ble the Senate
and House of Representatives in General Court assembled.
The petition of George Smith, late an Inhabitant of Ire-
land, humbly sheweth that in the year 1779 having been
informed that great encouragement was given to those who
should emigrate from other countries, and undertake the Cul-
tivation of the American Wilderness, he with his wife
removed from their native country, hoping to approve them-
selves useful Inhabitants in some parts of the United States ;
During the continuance of the war, your petitioner did not
pursue the object which he had immediately in view, but
engaged in the manufacture of Gunpowder in this Common-
wealth, and pursued that hazardous business in such manner
as he presumes has proved advantageous to the Community ;
The return of Peace renders his continuance in that busi-
ness longer unnecessary; and he now wishes to prosecute
the original design of his coming to America, and to put
himself in a capacity to exercise the employment of a Malster
and Brewer in which he served an apprenticeship & being
informed of a small gore of land | in the County of Cumber-
land | laying between the Towns Bakerstown & Raymondtown
& supposed to contain about six hundred acres, he humbly
offers himself as a purchaser thereof, & hopes he shall meet
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 141
with such encouragement as that he may invite over to this
Country, some of his Relations who are waiting to hear of his
success.
And your petitioner as in duty bound shall pray
George Smith
Report, of Committee in re Lands in Town of Sanford.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Jan y 1 st 1783
The Committee appointed by the general Court by a Re-
solve passed the 9 th of Feb y 1782 to make Enquiry into the
Circumstances of the Settlement of certain Lands laying in
the Town of Sanford in the County of York by Ebenezer Hall
& others which according to their Representation in their
Petition did belong to the late Governor Hutchinson &c have
attended that Service & find that the said Lands were Settled
under the Circumstances represented by the Petitioners &
have Viewed said Lands containing Three Thousand Six
Hundred & Fifty Acres including Ponds & heaths Bounded
as follows Viz beginning at the Western Corner of a Tract
of Land called Coxhall at a pitch pine Tree marked on four
Sides thence running North East Eight Hundred & Eighty
Rods to a white oak Tree marked on four Sides thence North
West Six Hundred & Sixty Three Rods Ten feet & an half
to a small white oak Tree marked on four Sides thence South
West Eight Hundred & Eighty Rods to a white Oak Tree
marked on four Sides & thence South East Six Hundred &
Sixty Three Rods Ten Feet & an half to the place begun at
Your Committee are of Opinion that within the Limits afore-
said are contained about Five Hundred Acres of Heaths &
Ponds which being allowed as such & deducted Your Com-
142 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
inittee Estimate the Residue considered as in a State of
Nature at the Rate of Three Shillings an Acre amounting in
the whole to Four Hundred Seventy Two pounds Ten Shil-
lings
Your Committee beg leave to mention that from the best
Information which they have been able to obtain that the Fee
of the said Lands was never vested in the said Governor
Hutchinson & that he only held a part thereof as a Tenant
by Courtesy but the Fee of the said Lands was Vested in one
Grizzel Sanford, the Heirs of the Wife of the said Hutchin-
son & the Heirs of the last Wife of the late L l Governor Oliver
dec d therefore can not in the Opinion of your Committee be
regularly granted to the Petitioners untill it shall appear that
the said Lands are the property of this Commonwealth from
a Confiscation thereof in due Course of Law
John Hill p r order
Memorial of Proprietors of Land in York County.
To the Honourable the Senate and House of Representatives
in General Court assembled
The Memorial of the Proprietors of Certain lands in the
County of York under Hartaken Symonds humbly sheweth
that your Memorialists are informed that Jeremiah Eastman
and others have petitioned your honours to grant them cer-
tain lands said by them to have formerly belonged to Thomas
Hutchinson Esq & situate in Sandford in said County Now
your Memorialists beg leave to represent to your honours that
said lands are their property, that they never were said
Hutchinson's & are situated in Coxhall in said County
That the determination of the Question depends upon settling
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 143
the line between Sandford & Coxhall judicially That your
memorialists and persons under them are in actual possession
of part of those lands; that a law suit is now pending the
determination of which will probably settle the dispute
Wherefore your memorialists humbly pray that your honours
vvoiild not pass upon the said petition but will dismiss the
same, & make no order touching said lands until the title to
them is determined in due course of law And your peti-
tioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
by Sam 1 Baker } their Agent
York Ss | June 22 d 1768.
Mess rs Joseph Simpson Jun r Benjamin Harmon and Jona-
than Johnson aforenamed personally appearing solemnly made
Oath that in making partition and Division of the Lands
within mentioned they would do it Justly and Impartially
according to their best skill and Judgment before me
Nath 1 Wells Jus 4 Peace
York Ss |
Pursuant to the foregoing appointment and power to us
given by the Hon ble the Justices of the Sup r Court after
having given due Notice to all concerned & being Sworn have
made Partition and Division of the remainder of the Tract
of Land of Eight Miles square within mention* 1 which we find
to be fourteen thousand and six hundred Acres & have so far
proceeded to set off to the Heirs of the within named Peleg
Sanford his Interest therein being one fourth part thereof
containing three thousand six hundred and fifty acres by the
meets and bounds following viz 1 beginning at the Western
Corner of Coxhall so called at a Pitch Pine Tree marked on
four Sides and thence running North East by Coxhall afore-
said Eight Hundred and Eighty Rods to a White Oak Tree
mark d on four Sides thence North West six hundred & sixty
144 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
three Rods ten feet and an half to a small White Oak Tree
marked on four sides thence South West Eight Hundred and
Eighty Rods to a White Oak Tree mark'd on four sides thence
South East one hundred & thirty four rods ten feet and an
half to a pitch pine Tree standing at the North Corner of the
within mentioned Nineteen thousand Acres then South East
Five hundred and twenty nine Rods by the said Nineteen
Thousand Acres to the place began at To hold to the said
Heirs of the said Peleg Sanford as Witness our Hands at
Sanford June 22 d 1768
York Ss | July 5 th 1768.
Jos Simpson Jun r
Benj a Harmon
Jon a Johnson
In the Sup r Court then setting the aforewritten Division
was read and accepted
Att Sam 1 Winthrop Cler
Recorded according to the Orig 1 rec d July 6 th 1768-
Att Dan 1 Moulton Reg r
Lib 41 fol 49.
Note this Partition was made In pursuance of a Warrant
granted by the Court in Answer to the Petition of Andrew
Oliver Esq r & Mary his Wife Tho 8 Hutchinson Esq r as he
is Tenant by the Curtesy & in the behalf of the Children of
his late Wife Margaret dec d And Grizell Sanford Gentlem"
The s d Mary Margaret & Grizell being Daught" & Coheirs
of William Sanford late of Newport Gent. Dec d
And is Record d next before the s d Division
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In the House of Representatives Feb^ 9 th 1782
Whereas it appears from the Representation of Eben Hall
and other Petitioners Inhabitants of the Town of Sanford in
the County of York that some years ago they settled upon
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 145
certain Lands in said Town, which belonged to the late Gov-
ernor Hutchinson and have made considerable Improvements
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, and the Committee for sell-
ing confiscated Estates in said County are impowered to dis-
pose of those Lands as well as other Lands confiscated to any
Person or Persons indiscriminately. And Whereas the Peti-
tioners have applied to the Gen Court for an exclusive Right
of purchasing said Lands for a reasonable consideration.
Therefore Resolved that Jn Hill Nath Wells and John
Frost Esq r be and hereby are appointed a Comittee to make
full Enquiry into the Circumstances of the Settlement of
said Lands, who are hereby directed at the Request and Ex-
pence of the Petitioners to view and 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 and
prepare such Descriptions thereof as may be requisite as
Preparatories to a Grant of the same to the said Petitioners
and make report of their Doing in Consequence of this Re-
solve to the Gen 1 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 Prosecution against
the present Possession thereof till the further Order of the
General Court any Law or Resolve to the contrary notwith-
standing
Sent up for Concurrence
Nath 1 Gorham Spk r
In Senate March 8 th 1782
Read & Concurred
S Adams Pres 1
Approved John Hancock
True Copy Attest
John Avery Sec 7
11
146 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Caleb Davis.
To His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Councill
Boston Jan y 6 th 1782
Caleb Davis begs Leave to Represent to your Excellency &
Honors that by a Resolve of the Gen 1 Court passed the 7 th
of March Last he was directed to procure five Whale Boats
for the Use of the Troops Raised in The County of Lincoln, in
Conformity to which he Impowered Maj r Lithgo to Contract
for Said Boats in Said County Two of which Boats only
have been procured the Ammount of which as Certified by
Maj r Lithgo is Forty Two pounds Twelve shillings and as
your Petitioner presumes there will not be occasion for Any
More Boats, The time for which said Troops were Raised
being Expired, he prays your Excellency & Honors to grant
him a Warrant for the above sum agreeable to the Resolve
affores d and as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray
Caleb Davis.
In Council January 7 th 1783
R d & Advised that a W n be drawn on the Treas 7 agreeable
to the above Representation
Petition Samuel Cobb, With Certificate.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in
General Court assembled
The Petition of Samuel Cobb of Falmouth in the County
of Cumberland Agent to the Estate of William Tyng late of
said Falmouth an absentee, humbly shews
That Commissioners have been duly appointed to receive
and examine the Claims upon said Estate; who have per-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 147
formed the said Service, and have made report to the Judge
of Probate, of the Sums, due from said Estate to the Creditors
of the same
That he has advanced divers Sums of Money and spent
much of his time in attending to the settlement of said Claims
& conducting the Business of an Agent to said Estate
That he has settled his Account of Agency with the Hon ble
William Gorham Esq r Judge of Probate for the County afore-
said That the List of Claims & his Account of Agency as
allowed by said Judge amount in the Avhole to the Sum of
Five hundred and thirty five Pounds two shillings lawful
money and
That there is no Personal Estate of said Tyng (except a
Tankard & a large Silver Cup which is in the Treasury of
this Commonwealth) to enable him to discharge said Claims
& satisfy said Account He therefore humbly prays that
your Honors wou'd pass some Order for the Sale of the Real
Estate of said W m Tyng, that the Creditors may be paid &
himself reimbursed the said Charges of his Agency He
some time ago petitioned your Honors to order the aforesaid
Cup and Tankard to be put into his hands that they might
be appropriated to the aforesaid purposes, but as no order has
been passed upon his Petition he begs leave to renew his Re-
quest, and to pray that he may have an order for the same,
that they may be disposed of for the Benefit of the said
Creditors
And as in Duty bound will pray
Sam 11 Cobb
Falrn Jan y 8, 1783
Cumberland Ss January 8 th 1783
This certifies that the List of Claims upon the Estate of
William Tyng an Absentee, as returned into the Probate
Office & allowed by the Judge of Probate for said County,
together with the Agents Account as allowed by the said
148 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Judge amount in the whole to the Sum of Five hundred &
thirty five Pounds two shillings as represented in the fore-
going Petition and that there is no Personal Estate men-
tioned in the Inventory of said Tyng's Estate except a
Silver Cup & Tankard said to be in the Treasury of the
Commonwealth
Att Sam Freeman Reg Prob.
Petition of William MCobb.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To the Hon ble Senate &
the Hon ble House of Representatives of s d Commonwealth
in General Court Assembled
The Petition of William M c Cobb of Boothbay in the
County of Lincoln humbly sheweth.
That on the 3 d day of Feb y 1780 a Complaint was pre-
ferred to your Petitioner as a justice of the peace within &
for s d County of Lincoln, by L 1 Col Andrew Reed and Cap 1
Ichabod Pinkam, both militia Officers and resident within s d
Town of Boothbay, against Patrick M c Guyer, Thomas M c -
Guyer & Ebenezer Fullerton all Inhabitants of the same
Town upon an Act of the State for taking up and securing
inimical persons &c and thereupon your Petitioner issued
his warrant for apprehending said persons, by virtue of which,
they were all convened before your Petitioner on the fifth
day of the same Month, & the Oath of fidelity and alleigance
was severally tendered to them by your Petitioner agreable
to said Act, which, s d Oath they then and there obstinately
refused to take whereupon your Petitioner issued his war-
rant of committment according to said act against s d Persons
and directed the same to a constable of the same Town by
force of which they were conveyed to Pownalborough where
the County Goal is kept ; but in a few days the said Constable
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 149
without having committed said Persons to Goal, returned to
your Petitioner with an application from them signifying
their penitence & a desire of being then admitted to take said
Oath, which application was accompanied by a Letter from
Charles Gushing Esq r & another from Jonathan Bowman
Esq r two principal Gentlemen of the County, who gave it as
their opinion that your Petitioner would be justifyable in
admitting said persons to said Oath, even in the then ad-
vanced Stage of the proceedings ; but though your Petitioner
placed great confidence in the opinion of said Gentlemen, &
felt himself disposed to adopt every legal Measure for the
liberation of said Persons, as it appeared they were then in a
state of humiliating contrition and ready to do anything
rather than go to Goal, yet a superior regard to the Laws of
this Country, which he invariably considered, as the rule of
his conduct joined to the exclamations of the people against
said Persons whom they viewed as dangerous enemies, in-
duced your Petitioner to consult the Committee of said Town
before he took a step of so much importance as the Manu-
mission of said Persons; accordingly the said Committee
were convened, & after great consultation & debate a Majority
advised that said Persons might be admitted to take said
Oath upon the following Conditions Viz* 1 that they should
give Bonds for the due observance of the Laws that they
should not depart without the limits of Boothbay and Bristol
without pel-mission from the Militia Officers of either of said
Towns & that they should pay all Costs that had then arisen
this determination of the Committee was no sooner com-
municated to said Persons by your Petitioner than they
readily acquiesced therein gave Bonds for the performance
of said Conditions, and their Notes of hand for the payment
of said Costs amounting in the whole to the sum of 121 . 10
each the same being equal to specie, which same Notes
they sometime afterwards severally took up and discharged,
150 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
& thus matters rested, until through the prevailing influence
of the British Garrison at Bagwaduce, upon the opinions &
practice of many people in this County who might form the
Jury said Persons thought a favourable opportunity now of-
fered of compelling your petitioner under colour of Law to
refund the Money they paid on said Notes; accordingly the
said Thomas McGuire brought his action for money had &
received to his use against your Petitioner at September Term
1781, by way of experiment, whose example in case of suc-
cess, was to be followed by the said Patrick M c Guire &
Fullerton but on trial of the cause the same Term, your Peti-
tioner recovered Costs against the said Thomas M c Guire, who
appealed to the next Supreme Court for said County; but
in the mean time, while the said appeal was depending your
Petitioner & the said Thomas M c Guire, Patrick M c Guire &
Ebenezer Fullerton left all said matters in dispute between
them to Arbitration & at the same time agreed that no Attor-
ney should be employed on either side before the arbitrators,
but afterwards when the Arbitrators met to decide upon the
matters submitted to them an Attorney appeared on the part
of said Persons, at which your Petitioner was much sur-
prized and immediately represented the injustice of the pro-
ceedure to the Arbitrators, but as the said Attorney insisted
notwithstanding the s d agreement on arguing the matter be-
fore the Arbitrators, your Petitioner was obliged to employ
a person to go near 20 miles in quest of another Attorney who
happened to be previously engag'd and could not therefore
attend the arbitration; upon this the said Arbitrators used
many persuations to induce your Petitioner to come to a
hearing without an Attorney on his part to which he at length
consented upon this condition that they would not suffer the
said Attorney to have an undue influence over their judg-
ments the Parties then went to a hearing during which the
said Attorney debated the matter very fully & expatiated
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 151
largely on the injustice of the said Act 8 while your Petitioner
unaided by Counsel & unskilled in the science of pleading did
nothing more than barely produce the Law upon which said
persons were committed & mentioned some of the leading
facts relative to the transaction & then submitted his defence
to the arbitrators, who on the 30 th day of August last pub-
lished their several awards by which they ordered that your
Petitioner should pay to the said Thomas M'Guire the sum
of 37 .. 13 .. 7, to the said Patrick M c Guire 10 .. 1 .. & to
the said Ebenezer Fullerton 10 .. 1 .. amounting in the
whole to the Sum of 57 .. 15 .. 7 lawful Money in specie at
which your Petitioner could not but be greatly shocked &
asked the Arbitrators how it was possible for him to avoid
committing said Persons as the Law was so clear & explicit
to which the Chairman after hesitating some time ansv/ered
that said Act was a very loose one, that there were several
Acts of the General Court which he thought did more hurt
than good & that for his part he would be always very
cautious of them from this explanation, your Petitioner
conceives it must be apparent to every impartial observer that
said Awards were founded principally on the supposed in-
justice of said Act with which if true, it is evident that your
Petitioner as an Executive Officer, whose business it is to
obey the Laws of the state without inquiring into the justice
or injustice of them, had nothing to do, and of this the Arbi-
trators must have been sensible if they had not suffered them
selves to be strangely & unaccountably led away by the Arts
of the said Attorney
As your Petitioner acted intirely in obedience to the
Laws in committing said Persons, and as the determination
of the Arbitrators in the present instance is therefore pal-
pably erroneous unjust & cruell your Petitioner humbly prays
that your Honours would be pleased to vacate said Awards
& revive the said Thomas MGuire's action against him
152 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
so that he may have a fair & impartial Tryal at the next
Supreme judicial Court by a Jury of his unbiased fellow
Citizens, which is all he wishes or aspires to & your Peti-
tioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c
W m M c Cobb
Boothbay Jan y 10 th 1783
Resolve on Foregoing.
In Senate June 11 th 1783-
Read again and no answer appearing thereupon Orderd,
that Charles Turner Esq r with such as the Hon ble House shall
join be a Committee to take this Petition together with the
papers accompanying the same into consideration & report
that may be proper to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives June 16 th 1783
Read & concurred & Mr Childs of Pittsfield & Mr Lovell
are joined
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Petition Settlers on Sandy River.
To the Hon ble Senate and The Hon ble House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Petition of a Number of Settlers on a Tract of Land
lying on Sandy River (so called) in the County of Lincoln
Humbly Sheweth,
That your Petitioners, drove by Personal and Family
wants and invited by the Goodness of the Soil, have adven-
tured into the Wilderness and made Settlements on a Tract
OF THE STATE OP MAINE 153
of Land Lying on Sandy River, next above a Township on
the same River, at present, known by the name of Colburn's
Town; That it is forty miles and upwards from the nearest
water-Carriage to the said Tract of Land ; That hence we
have encountered and gone through many Difficulties, Hard-
ships and Fatigues in making this Beginning and been at
considerable Cost in clearing a Road from the Inhabitants
in Colburn's Town to our Settlements, That what we have
already done would be a great Encouragement to the speedy
Settlement of the Lands thereabout provided, a valid Title
was obtainable and That the uncertain and precarious Tenure
by which we, at present, hold Our Possessions is a great Dis-
couragement to us and hindrance to the Growth of the Settle-
ment : Your Petitioners therefore pray your Honors to take
Our present Situation under your wise and serious Considera-
tion, and (if in your great Wisdom you should think fit) To
Order a Town-ship to be laid out on Sandy River Six miles
square that is to say to begin and be Bounded on the upper
Line of Colburn's Town (so Called) and, extending three
Miles on each Side of the River, to run up said River Six
Miles; and, with said Order, to Grant and Confirm unto us
your Honors Humble Petitioners (now dwelling on Lands
within said Bounds) the Lots (containing Two Hundred
Acres each) which we have severally laid out and began im-
provements upon, On some Conditions which your Honors
shall think fit to prescribe: And we pray your Honors, in
adjusting the Terms on which we are to hold our Possessions,
to take into your wise Consideration the many Difficulties and
Hardships, which unavoidably attend Beginning a Settle-
ment, so far into the Wilderness and at so great a Remove
from Navigation. Further, to urge Our Request, we beg
Leave to represent to your Honors, that as the Soil of the
proposed Township is very Good, if it was laid out in Lots,
and to be sold, it may reasonably be presumed, that the Sale
154 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
would be quick and that the Settlements already made would
Considerably enhance the Price of all the Rest of the Land,
to the Emolument of the Commonwealth, And your Petition-
ers Beg Leave also to suggest, that they are Ready, if re-
quired as a Condition of Holding their Possessions, to be at
the Expence of Running the proposed Town Lines and laying
out an equal Number of Lots with those they have Laid out
and Settled, & to do as much more for the Encouragement and
Benefit of the future Settlers in said Township, as Your
Honors shall think Reasonable to exact.
And your Humble Petitioners as in Duty bound shall Ever
Pray &c
Thomas Flint, Jacob Sawyer, Thomas Paine,
Jesse Flint, Paul Dodge, Samuel Baker,
Benjamin Day Benjamin Flint, Benjamin Adams,
John Day, Thomas Humphreys Samuel Fairfield,
Thomas Hiscock, David Humphreys, Thomas Caldwell,
John Hiscock Mickel Weathren, Francis Peusty,
Benjamin Day jun r John Rollings, Samuel Rollings
William Read, Joseph Rust, Briggs Furman
Sandy River Jan y 15, 1783
Petition of Thomas Child.
To the Hon ble Senate & the Hon ble House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled,
Tho: Child of Falmouth in the County of Cumberland
humbly shews
That so long ago as the 18 th July 1778 he took out Letters
of Agency on the Estate of Trea 8 Waldo late of said Fal-
mouth an Absentee That at the same time Commissioners
were appointed to receive & examine the Claims of the Credi-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE If) 5
tors to said Estate according to Law That the Commiss 1 " 8
duly attended that Service and made report to the Judge of
Probate on the 13 th October 1779: That your Petitioner
having first settled his Account of Agency, soon after made
Application to this Hon ble Court, for liberty to sell so much
of the said Absentees Real Estate as wou'd be sufficient to
pay the aforesaid Creditors & the Ballance of said Account,
But he was informed that the application was improperly
made & that he must apply to the Judicial Court for such
Licence. He accordingly applied to the next Court that was
then afterwards holden in this County, and was there told
that the General Court had superceeded their Power in this
respect by the appointment of a Special Committee to make
sale of Absentees Estates your Petitioner then applied to
said Committee but they told him they cou'd do nothing for
him as they considered it was not in their Commission to sell
any such Estates until they were confiscated your Peti-
tioner thus disappointed in his endeavour to obtain the pay-
ment of said Demands and being under the disagreeable
Necessity of supporting all this while in his own family and
out of his own Pocket, an old helpless Negro belonging to
said Estate who has such an offensive sore Leg, that he can
get no body else to take him was obliged to apply again to
your Honors for relief His last Petition was presented to
your Honors in June last But this was in like manner
unfortunately rejected; for this reason (as he was informed)
that sufficient provision was already made in the Laws for
the purpose mentioned, your Petitioner again applied to the
before mentioned Committee, and as said Estate was con-
fiscated at the last Court which was holden in said County
he supposed the former difficulties were all remov'd. and he
should obtain the justice he had so long ineffectually sought
for but the Committee infomi'd him they cou'd afford him
no Relief, as they had received an Order from your Hon
156 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
not to sell any of the Absentees Estates in this County until
the further Order of the General Court Your Petitioner is
therefore constrained to renew his application to your Honors
& to pray that your Honors Order last mentioned may be so
far reconsider'd as that said Committee may be at liberty to
sell so much of said Estate as will be sufficient to reimburse
the sums he has been at and pay the Creditors of said Estate,
which in the whole amounts to the Sum of 254.17.8 or
that your Honors would take such other measures for his &
their Relief as in your Honors Wisdom shall be Judged
expedient
And as in Duty bound will pray
Tho: Child
Falmouth 22 d Jan y 1783-
Cumberland Ss Jan y 22 1783
These certify that the List of Claims upon the Estate of
Francis Waldo Esq an Absentee, together with the Ballance
of the Agents Account as allowed by the Hon ble William Gor-
ham Esq r Judge of Probate for said County, amount to the
Sum of Two hundred & fifty four Pounds seventeen shillings
& eight pence as set forth in the foregoing Petition
Att Sam 1 Freeman Reg. Prob.
Memorial Selectmen Town of York.
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled Humbly Shew
The Subscribers Selectmen of the Town of York That
agreable to the Resolve of June 30 th 1781 great Pains was
taken by the Town to Comply therewith But the failure of
the Paper Currency, and the great exertions the Town made
to procure their Quota of the Continental Army for three
Years renders them unable to Comply with the Requisition
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 157
The Memorialist would observe that they have procured and
now have in the Army their Quota that has been assigned,
that they have done from Time to time every thing for the
Support of the Warr, that they could, in procuring Clothing,
Beef &c -
That by the loss of all their Vessells by the Enemy at an
early period of the War they are much reduced in their
circumstances That the Soil they Inhabit is poor and Barren
and they really apprehend such a time of Scarcity before
the Month of April next as they never Saw before, probably
one half the Inhabitants without Bread That under this
Situation they humbly hope the General Court will not assess
the Fine of 20 a man on the said Town for not raising the
Three Months men in the said Resolution mentioned, for
that in your memorialists opinion all the money in the Town
will not be adequate to discharge one Quarter part of the
Continental Taxes already ordered for 1782
Joseph Simpson
John Kingsbury
Nicholas Sewall
Selectmen of
the town
of York.
York Jan y 24 th 1783
Wm Lithgow to Governor.
Sir / May it Please Your Excelency
Cap 1 John Neptune the bearer hereof has Importun'd me
to Inform you of the poverty of the Penobscot Indians as to
their wants of the following articles. Viz 1 powder, balls,
Shot, guns, flints, knives, Hatchets, kettles, Thread, Needles,
Wormers to Draw guns, steels to strike fire, Tobacco, the
above articles to be placed with Colonal Pattee, for him to
sell to the Indians up kennebeck River, in behalfe of the
state, the Indians he sayes are averse to Colonel Brewer,
158 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
being Truck master aney longer by Keason as this Indian
sayes Brewer Cheats the Indians.
if I may be alowed to Speak my sentiments on the matter,
I think it may do well to send the above articles in a Scanty
manner to see if they Can purchis the whole or part of them
by which the State Can Judge whether to send aney more or
not, the above Indian earnestly solicites that the general
Court would please to bestow som necessaryes for him selfe
his Father and f amiely, in Consideration of his being a Stanch
Friend to the Cause of the united States of America, I
hope your Excelency will excuse me for trubling you with
this Letter as it is Wrote at the Ernest Request of y e Indian
I Remain your Excelencyes humble Serv 1
William Lithgow
Jan 25, 1783.
Petition Elizabeth Wildridge.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court assembled
The Petition of Elizabeth Wildridge of Falmouth in the
County of Cumberland in said Commonwealth Widow of
James Wildridge late of said Falmouth mariner. Deceased,
humbly shews
That at the last Court of Common Pleas for the County
aforesaid which was begun & holden at Falmouth in said
County on the last Tuesday of October last. A small Lot of
Land about twenty square Rods with a Dwelling House there-
on, belonging to the said Deceased, was declared forfeited to
the Use of the Commonwealth aforesaid as your Petitioner
has since been informed She apprehends the confiscation
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 150
of said House and Land is grounded upon some misinforma-
tion made to the authority of this Commonwealth & there-
fore ought not in justice to take effect That your Petition-
ers Husband did not withdraw from this Government to join
the Enemy, and that he did not voluntarily put himself under
their protection or in manner aid and assist them against the
United States or any of them she humbly thinks she can make
your Honors fully satisfied
In May A. D. 1777 he sailed from this Place in a Sloop
commanded by Capt Thomas Ross, laden with Lumber and
bound to the West Indies Upon their Passage thither they
were taken by the Enemy who orderd the Sloop to Hallifax
and carried your Petitioners Husband a Prisoner to New
York After he had been a few Weeks in Captivity, he died,
and left your Petitioner with seven young Children to sup-
port From what cause it was that he was considered as an
Absentee your Petitioner is not able to determine But
whatever it might be she is conscious that no Act of the De-
ceased could ever justly incur the forfeiture of his Estate,
and thereby involve his Family in deep Distress
Some False Report, or some unhappy mistake must have
produced the Charge which placed him in the List of the
proscribed but your Petitioner humbly hopes that although
he is numbered with them, your Honors will not suffer such
an Error to be confirmed but in the exercise of Justice
order the proceedings against the said Estate to be annulled
Your Petitioner did not know this matter was pending in
the Court abovementioned & if she had she does not suppose
she could there obtain relief She considers this Honorable
Court the only power to which she can appeal, and without
moving your Honors tender feelings toward a Widow with
a numerous family under her care she relies on the Equity
of her Case & therefore humbly prays that the small Estate
aforesaid may be restored to her and their Use whereby
160 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
their place of habitation will be continued to them and
themselves saved from that distress which must otherwise
attend them
And as in duty bound will ever pray
Elizabeth Willdrage
Falmouth 27, 1783.
This may Certify that I believe the facts set forth in the
petition are Strictly true and that if the Estate referd to in
the Petition is taken from the Petitioner she with her Chil-
dren will become a Charge to the Town or Publick
Joseph Noyes
one of the Selectmen of the Town of Falmouth
Certificate in Favor Adam Babcock.
This Certifies
That the Sum of Eighty three pounds, four shillings in
Specie, became due to Adam Babcock Esq the first Instant,
for Interest omitted on former Certificate 4 th June 1782 on
his One sixteenth part of the Arm'd Ship General Putnam,
lost on the Penobscot Expedition, which when paid will be
in full for the same
Com tee for Auditing
Thomas Ivers, Peter Roe Dalton
the a/c ts of the late
Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston July 18, 1782
In Council January 28 th 1783
R d & Advised That a W be drawn on the Treas y in full
of the above Certificate
John Avery Sec 7
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 161
Resolve in Favor James Hunter.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives 28 th 1783
on the representation of James Hunter setting forth that
he Served Two months & 21 days in the capacity of Major of
the Reg 1 of Militia under the Command of Col Sam 1 M c Cobb,
in the Expedition against the British Garrison at Penobscut
in the year 1779 and that his pay (which is now due to him)
for s d Service & Nations amounting to one Hundred & Sixty
six pounds 9/ at the rate at which money then passed on
being Liquidated by the Scale of depreciation amounteth to
but 9 .. 6 4, being a sum much less than he would be intitled
unto by the Continental Establishment in specie
Resolved that there be allowed & paid out of the publick
Treasury of this Com Wealth the sum of Forty Eight pounds
unto James Hunter in full for his Services & Rations as
Major of a Regiment on the Expedition against Penobscut
in the year 1779 any resolve to the Contrary notwithstanding.
Memorial Caleb Davis and Action Thereon.
Boston January 30 1783
The Hon'ble Senate & the Hon'ble House of Representatives
Caleb Davis (late Agent for the Common Wealth) begs
leave to represent to Your Honors, that his Agency expired
the 1st Ins* & that he is very desirous to have his Accounts
closed as soon as possible ; but no person being authorized to
receive from him the Articles he has on hand belonging to the
Common Wealth, prevents his laying his Accounts before
Your Honors for examination & final adjustment he there-
fore prays Your Honors direction what disposition he shall
make of said Articles & as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Caleb Davis
12
162 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Common Wealth Massachusetts
In Senate Jan y 31 1783
On the Representation of the Hon ble Caleb Davis Esq r late
Agent of the Common Wealth praying for direction Respect-
ing the Stores in his possession belonging to this Common
Wealth -
Resolved that Richard Devens Esq r Commissary General
be & he is hereby Authorized and directed to Receive from
the said Caleb Davis Esq r all such Stores as he has on hand
belonging to this Common Wealth and give the said Davis
Duplicate Receipts Therefor One of which to be returnd to
the Committee for stating and methodizing Accounts for their
Use and by them to be lodged in the Secretaries office
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives Jan y 31 8t 1783
Read & concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
Representation of Inhab ts of Falmouth.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court assembled
The Subscribers in the name & behalf of a Convention of
Selectmen & Committees from most of the Principal Towns
in the County of Cumberland in said Commonwealth beg
leave to represent
That from undoubted Intelligence lately received from
Baggaduce We understand the Enemy there are strongly re-
inforced They have not only an accession of Strength by
the arrival of Regular Forces, but with a view no doubt to
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 163
assist them in their depredatory Operations and enlarge the
extent of their possessions in that quarter, Numbers of
Refugees from New York have joined them We further
learn that they are now building a large Block-house for
transportation & are also making such other military Prepara-
tions as gives us the greatest reason to believe that they are
meditating a Design of advancing into this County & we know
not but Falmouth may be their Object Whatever their inten-
tions may be Prudence dictates that we be upon our Guard
& in readiness to oppose them wherever their Views may be
directed
At present we are in a Defenceless State and although
it might otherwise be thought incautious to declare it is a
Truth too well known to the Enemy that we are so The
County of Lincoln are also so defenceless & exposed that we
cannot forbear saying we fear they will be soon too much
discouraged to attempt making any further Resistance
Your Honors will not therefore judge it inexpedient or im-
proper that in regard to the safety of the whole Eastern
County and in behalf of this County in particular, we apply
to your Honors for Relief for it is from your Honors only
we can expect it And as through the Smiles of Divine
Providence the Southern States are freed from their late
merciless oppressors we cannot but hope that a part of the
Continental Forces may be spared to defend this northern
State to which the attention of the Enemy now seems to be
directed.
And considering of what importance these two lower Coun-
ties may be to the United States & would be to the Enemy
were they to be lost we apprehend your Honors will not think
our conjectures are ill grounded.
We therefore pray that your Honors would take our situa-
tion into your wise consideration & determine on " such
measures for our Protection as your Honors shall judge best
164 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
And as the Militia of this Brigade have found it impossible
to procure A supply of Arms & Ammunition we beg leave to
propose that your Honors would order a quantity from the
Public Stores to be sent to some Person or Persons in Fal-
mouth to be sold out to such as are destitute at such Rates as
your Honors shall judge reasonable
We would further observe to your Honors, that a very
great part of our Vessels have been captured by the Enemy
& it is probable the remainder of them will be lost the ensuing
Spring or Summer unless some Naval vessel is sent to
cruise upon our Coasts We therefore humbly pray that your
Honors would take this matter likewise into your considera-
tion & order such Provision to be made to secure our Coasting
Vessels & protect our Coasts as your Honors shall judge ade-
quate to the danger to which they will be exposed
Edw d Phinney
Isaac Parsons
Benj Titcomb Committee
Joshua Fabyan
Samuel Whitmore
Falmouth Feb y 3, 1783
Action on Foregoing.
In the House of Representatives March 17 th 1783
Ordered that Gen 1 Ward, M r Dwight & Col Thacher with
such as the Hon. Senate may join be a Committee to consider
the aforegoing representation, A & also what measures are
proper to be taken to discharge Col Mason Wheaton from
his receipts to the Board of War for public Stores delivered
him agreeable to the Resolve of Nov r 19, 1779. B & report
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 165
In Senate March 17 th 1783
Read & Concurred with Amendments at A and Jedediah
Preble & Jon a Warner Esq r are joined
at A dele from A to B
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid*
In the House of Eepresentatives March 18 th 1783
Read and concurred Tristram Dalton Spk r
Resolve on Petition Thomas Childs.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb y 4, 1783
On the Petition of Thomas Childs, Agent on the Estate of
Francis Waldo late of Falmouth in the County of Cumber-
land Esq, an Absentee, in behalf of himself & others, Credi-
tors of said Estate, praying that the Committee for Selling
Absentees Estates in said County may be impowered to sell
so much of said Absentees Estate as shall be sufficient to pay
the Demands upon the same
Resolved, that the Prayer of said Petition be so far granted
as that said Committee be & they are hereby impowered to
Cause such Parts or Parcels of said Waldo's Real Estate as
they shall judge most advantageous to the Commonwealth to
be apprised by three good & sufficient Freeholders on Oath as
shall be sufficient to satisfy said Demands & said Committee
are hereby impowered to give & Execute a good & sufficient
Deed or Deeds of the same any Law or Resolve to the con-
trary Notwithstanding
Sent down for Concurrence
S. Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Feb y 6 th 1783
Read and concurred Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock.
166 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition Selectmen of Harpswell.
To the Honourable Senate and Hon bl House of Represente-
tives at Boston in General Court assembled
We Your Humble Petitioners Humbly Sheweth
That whereas there was three men Requir d of us of the
Last Demands for men for the Continantal Service and we
according to the Resolve of Court Divided the Inhabitance
into Clases for getting said men but Cou d by no means that
we Cou d Use Get but one with all the offers we Cou d make
Neither Cou d we find any that wou d say they wou d Ingage for
any sum as we Remember and we Always have been and
[still] are Ready and willing to Obey all Requests from the
Legislative Authority that Lays in our Power; But as we
were too High in the Valluation which Increas d our Number
of men in the former Demands for men for the Continantal
Services and by Reason of too High Valluation our Taxes has
been Too High Since the Valluation was Taken Therefore
we Pray Your Honours to take these things into Considera-
tion and Relinquish our fines for the Deficiency of the Two
men above mentioned on account of what we have Over Paid
in the former Taxes which were too Great by Reason of Too
High Valluation and we advise Your Honours of the Diffi-
culty of our Situation which Exceeds that of any Place
we know off where they Pretend to make any Resistance
which is such that we have Muster d on the Lords day and
every man Oblig d to Run for his Arms; and have at some
Times been Call d out of our Beds, but being in Expectation
of these things we have been Muster d some times through
mistakes ; and some time in July Last our fishing Boats were
Chas d into the Harbour by one Liniken who was Drove of by
the Melitia who were Muster d with utmost Haste and Persu d
with all Resolution y e s d Linniken in a fishing Schooner Re-
took one of their Prizes & still Pursu d with her till they over-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 167
took s d Linikin in a Coasting Vessell where they had got them-
selves fortif d Boarded & Took him and kill d one of his men ;
since that time a Party of the Melitia headed by Cap 1 Nehe-
miah Curtis Took one Hammond on an Island and Retook one
of his Prizes; and a Party of the Melitia headed by Cap 1
Jotham Doyle have Taken y e s d Hammond again near the
same Place Since and kill d one man whose name was Caltron ;
Now if such an Expos' 1 People with such Resolution anni-
mated with a Spirit of Liberty ant Deserving of Pity we
know of None that is Therefore we Pray Your Honours to
Take into Consideration those Two men beforementioned and
Relinquish our fines ; and we in Duty Bound shall ever Pray.
Benj tt Duning 1
John Rodick ( Selectmen
Harpswell Febru a y e 5 th 1783
Petition Sarah Nason, and Action Thereon.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of Representatives Feb ry 5 th 1783
on the Petition of Sarah Nason praying to be impowered
to Exchange about twenty five acres of land of the Estate of
her late Husband Shubal Nason late of York in the County
of York Dec d , intestate, for about thirty acres of land in the
same town owned by Joshua Bridges & Jasper grant, and it
appearing to this Court that to make such Exchange may be
beneficial to said Dec d Estate
Resolved that the said Sarah Nason be and she hereby is
fully impowered to make such Exchange and to make and
Execute good and lawfull Deed or Deeds, of the aforesaid
twenty five acres of land to the purchaser or purchasers there-
of, Provided She Procure a good and lawfull Deed well Exe-
cuted of the afore said thirty acres of land to run to the Heirs
168 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
at law of the said Deed in such Proportion as they would
have been intitled to had not the same been Exchanged
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 12 th 1783
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Petition Joseph MLellan.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Hon ble the Senate
& the Hon ble House of Representatives of said Com-
monwealth in General Court assembled
The Petition of Joseph McLellan of Falmouth in the
County of Cumberland humbly sheweth
That your Petitioner was appointed to a Lieutenancy, &
served in that capacity under Brigadier General Wadsworth
at the eastward in 1780 : that during the General's command
there, Charles Cushing Esq r Brigadier of the County of Lin-
coln was taken out of his bed, from the tender partner of his
bosom, in the Silent hour of the Night, by a party of Refugees
& carried prisoner to Bagwaduce, where he remained several
Weeks, & at the same time many others who discovered a
friendly attachment to the cause of their Country, were
threatned by the Tories with a similar fate this alarmed
the fears & apprehensions of the virtuous & well disposed In-
habitants, & every one became anxious for the security of
himself his family & property in this situation of danger
and distress, the General received well attested information
that Francis Rittal, Thomas Town & others, inhabitants of
Kennebec River, had been guilty of treasonable & inimical
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 1C9
Practices against the United States, & Town was strongly
suspected of being privy to & connected in the Capture of
Brigadier Gushing; in consequence of this Information the
General, from an apprehension that the limits prescribed for
the opperation of the Martial Law, then established in part of
the County of Lincoln, included the residence of said Persons,
issued an Order dated the 25 th of September 1780 for the ap-
prehending said Rittal, Town & others, & directed the same
to your Petitioner, by virtue of which he took said Rittal &
Town who were soon after committed to Falmouth Goal by
the General's particular order here they continued some
time & were then liberated on their giving security for their
future good behaviour; & thus matters rested untill the 26 th
of August last, when the said Rittal, too sensible of a growing
disaffection among many of the Inhabitants of said County,
occasioned by an uninterupted intercourse with the British
Garrison at Bagwaduce, & hoping to avail himself of that
circumstance in order to wreak his vengeance against your
Petitioner by a tryal at Law, brought his action of assault,
battery & false imprisonment against him, at the Court of
Common Pleas held within & for said County of Lincoln last
September, which action is now depending & stands continued
to next Jane Term your Petitioner is therefore compelled
though reluctantly to address the Justice & benevolence of this
Honourable Court to prevent the ruinous consequences that
must result to himself & family by a prosecution of said
Action, & others which will shortly be commenced against
him, & for which, he is well assured Rittal's action is in-
tended to pave the way, & he is the rather incouraged to hope
for the favourable interposition of the Honourable Court in
this instance, as his conduct throughout the whole transaction
was influenced by the purest principles of duty to his Country
& obedience to the Command of his General, & as he can at
once produce the most ample attestations of the inimical prin-
170 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
ciples & practice of said Persons & of the extensive beneficial
consequences that evidently resulted to the public from their
apprehension & committment & your Petitioner as in duty
bound will ever pray
Joseph Mclellan
Feb y 6 th 1783
Resolve to Tax County of Cumberland.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb r 7 th 1783
on the Representation of the Justices of the Court of Gen-
eral Sessions of the Peace for the County of Cumberland that
the sum of three Hundred and Sixty pounds will be neces-
sary for Defraying the Charges of said County for one year
next Ensuing
Resolved that there be and hereby is granted a tax of three
hundred and Sixty pounds to be apportioned and assessed on
the Rateable Polls and Estates in said County and the Same
be Colected and paid into the treasury thereof and applied
for the use of said County agreeable to the Laws of this
Commonwealth
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate Feb y 7 th 1783-
Read & Concurred with Amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
at A insert, "by the Clerk of the peace for the County of
Cumberland upon the several Towns within the same."
In the House of Representatives February 7 th 1783
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Speaker.
Approv'd John Hancock.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 171
At a Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County
of Cumberland begun and holden at Falmouth in said County
on the last Tuesday of October A. D. 1782
Ordered that the Clerk transmit to the General Court the
following
Estimate of the Sums necessary to be raised to defrey the
Charges of said County the year ensuing viz
For paying the Charges that may attend the holding said
Court the present Term 80. Ditto next May Term 130.
Ditto next October Term 80 Ditto for the Supream Judicial
Court next June 30 For repairing the Goal 20 For lay-
ing out Roads 20 amounting in the whole to 360
Att Sam Freeman Cler.
Allowance to Collectors of Excise.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb y 6 th 1783
Ordered that Aaron Wood & Caleb Davis Esq rs with such
as the Hon ble House may be a Committee to take into con-
sideration and report the proper Allowance to be made to
the Collectors of Excise in this Commonwealth
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Feb y 7 th 1783
Read and concurred and Cap 1 Wales M r Frazier & D r Hall
are joined Tristram Dalton Spk r
Message of Governor.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
I have this moment receiv'd a Letter from Col Lithgow
by two Indians of the Penobscot Tribe, these Indians are
172 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
come to make application for Sundry Articles for the use of
the Tribe. The Letter with a Commission given one of these
Indians by Brig Gen 1 Lovell, I have directed the Secretary
to lay before you I have given Orders that these Indians
should be taken Care of this Night & have become responsible
for their Expences I cannot but recommend these Papers
& the Case of these Indians to your Consideration, & your
Determination Shall be communicated to them immediately
upon my receiving it,
John Hancock
Council Chamber Boston 7 th Feb y 1783
In Senate February 7 th 1783
Read and thereupon Orderd that Jedidiah Preble Esq r with
such as the Hon ble House shall join be a Committee to take
this Message together with the papers accompanying the same
into Consideration and make report what may be proper to
be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives February 8 th 1783
Read and concurred and Col M c Cobb & Col Grow are
joined
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Petition Inhab ta Town of Arundel.
To the honorable Senate ; and the honorable House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court assembled.
May it please your Honors.
We your Petitioners Inhabitants of the Town of Arundel
beg Leave to represent our Situation to you and intreat your
Attention to it. The Calamities of War have spread Diffi-
culties and Scattered various Distresses thro' the County in
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 173
general, but more especially in several Towns in the eastern
part of it situated on the Sea Coast which have been deprived
of the Profits of Navigation for several Years past in a very
considerable Degree. The Scarcity of Provisions by the Ob-
struction of Navigation and the Loss of our \ r essells on one
Side and the Severity of the Drought last Summer on the
other have made it so extremely difficult to procure them by
any Means that many of our Poor People have been reduced
to very grievous Straits, and have suffered very much for the
Want of them, not having wherewith to pay their Proportion
of the public Taxes and provide the Necessaries of Life for
their Families.
The very considerable Numbers of Men at various Times
gone from us into various Parts of the World some of which
have perished at Sea, others in the public Service on the Land
have died and left Families in the Depth of Wretchedness in
continual Want of the Necessaries of Life and unable to pro-
cure any of them; many more have been and are yet in
Captivity; besides those who are already in the continental
Army, by which Means our Men who are able to go into the
Army are reduced to a very small Number scarcely sufficient
for our own defence from the Ravages of the Enemy to which
we have been and are continually exposed ; so that it is ex-
tremely Difficult to procure Men among us at any Rate; and
impossible without hiring them at a very extravagant Price.
These are some of the many Difficulties and Distresses the
Inhabitants of this County and we in this Town in particular
have labored under for some time past, and are yet heavy
upon us. And for these Reasons we have been deficient in
procuring our Quota of the three Months Men for the Service
of the Army, and not for Want of a zealous Attachment to
the Interests of our Country.
Wherefore we the Selectmen of the Town of Arundel in
behalf of said Town do humbly and earnestly intreat the
174 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
General Assembly to take our Situation with the grievous
Burdens and Distresses we labor under into Consideration,
and lay not upon us the Penalty we are liable to by not send-
ing our Proportion of the three months Men when it has not
been in our Power to raise them by hiring or any other Way,
while sinking under so many grievous Burdens.
That the General Assembly may be directed into the most
wise and Salutary Measures is the earnest Wish of your
Petitioners.
Benj a Dunill \
w n Select
ihomas Wiswall l
William Smith
Arundel Feb ry 8 th 1783
\
( Men
Memorial Simeon Mayo.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the honorable the Senate & the honorable the House of
Representatives in General Court assembled at Boston
Feb y 1783-
Simeon Mayo most respectfully sheweth
That in the Year 1774 being indebted on Bond to Francis
Waldo late of Falmouth in the County of Cumberland, now
an Absentee, in the Sum of One thousand Pounds L. M. as a
collateral Security for the Payment of that Sum, he by Deed,
mortgaged to said Waldo half an Acre of Land with a dwell-
ing House, two Stores & a large Distill House thereon, of
the Value of twenty five hundred Pounds, That said Waldo on
with drawing himself within the Enemies Lines carried with
him said Bond & Mortgage, which still remain with him un-
discharged & uncancelled : That in the Year 1775 in the Con-
flagration of that unfortunate Town, all the Buildings without
Exception mortgaged as aforesaid were totally destroyed, &
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 175
the Estate thereby reduced to the inconsiderable Value of
three hundred Pounds at the highest computation: That a
Libel in behalf of the Government was filed against the
Premisses at the Inferior Court at Falmouth in March 1782
& from that Court continued untill the next Court in October
last at which Time Judgment was given on said Libel by
Default ; That your Petitioner had engaged Council to appear
in his behalf & claim said Estate, but the Gentleman he had
requested to attend in his behalf was disappointed in not being
at said Court, & thereby the Default was suffered: Your
Petitioner therefore prays the honorable Court, under the
singularly difficult Circumstances of your Petitioners Case,
to direct that the Default aforesaid be taken off & your Peti-
tioner be admitted to defend his Claim to said Estate; or
that your Honors would direct a Reversal of the Judgment
aforesaid & a Dismission of said Libel, as the Commonwealth
cannot eventually be benefited by the Sale of said half Acre of
Land while the Bond & Mortgage remain undischarged in the
hands of said Waldo or his Heirs, And your Petitioner as in
Duty bound shall ever pray
Simeon Mayo
Boston 8 th Feb y 1783
The committee to whom this petition was committed ask
leave to report the annexed resolve
E H Robbins p r order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house of representatives February 11 th 1783
On the petition of Simeon Mayo praying that the default
suffered at the court of Common pleas last holden at Fal-
mouth within and for the County of Cumberland upon a libel
filed against a certain Estate as the property of Francis Waldo
an absentee mentioned in the said petition may be taken off
and the said Mayo admitted to defend the same Resolved
176 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
that the justices of the court of Common pleas within and for
the County of Cumberland be and they hereby are empowered
and directed to take off the default mentioned in the said
petition, and that such trial of the said libel upon the merits
thereof may be had before the same court at any future Term
of its setting as if the same had been regularly continued
from the last term of the said courts setting to the next and
the default aforementioned had never happened
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate February 12 th 1783
Read & ISTonconcurred,
S Adams Presid 1
In Senate March 5 th 1783
Reconsidered & Concurred
S. Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve on Petition Timothy Hodgdon.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives February 10 th 1783
On the Petition of Timothy Hodgdon, setting forth, "That
in the year 1774 he did bargain with John Sparhawk Esq r
Agent to Sir William Pepperrell for 21 2/3 Acres of Land
lying in Arundel in the County of York and paid for the
game, but never had a Deed of it, and that it is now out of
his power to obtain one therefore
Resolved that the Committee on the Sale of confiscated
Estates for the said County of York (or any one of them) be,
and they are hereby impowered and directed, in behalf of this
Commonwealth to make and execute a Deed of Release to the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 177
said Timothy Hodgdon of the beforementioned twenty one
Acres and two thirds of an Acre of Land
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate Feb ry 1783
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Wells Oct r 10 th 1782
These may Certify whom it doth concern, that in the year
1774 I the Subscriber having full power from Sir William
Pepperrell then of Roxbury in this Commonwealth (but now
an Absentee) did bargain with & Sell to M r Timothy Hodg-
don of Arundel 212/3 Acres of Land or thereabouts lying
in said Arundel at 12/ p r Acre for a considerable part of
which said Hodgdon actually paid in his labor before the
present War began. Witness my hand
John Sparhawk
Mr Hodgdon's Acco* of Labour which he says he is ready
to make Oath to Amounts to Lawf 1 Money 11.. 8..
Also paid Abiel Mirrell the Rates for the place in 1767-
2 .. 12 Total 14 :
John Sparhawk
Order Relating to Collectors of Excise.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb ry 11 th 1783
Whereas this Court have made Choice of Samuel Henshaw
Esq r to be Collector of Excise for the County of Suffolk
Samuel Ward Esq r for the County of Essex, Elijah Hunt
Esq r for the County of Hampshire, William Drew Esq r for
18
178 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
the County of Plimouth, Joseph Nye Esq r for the County of
Barnstable, Samuel Fales Esq r for the County of Bristol,
Jonathan Chesley Chadbourn Esq r for the County of York,
M r Caleb Ammidown for the County of Worcester, Joseph
North Esq r for the County of Lincoln, Cap* William Bacon
for the County of Berkshire
Ordered, that the Secretary be and he hereby is directed
forthwith to notify the aforenamed Gentlemen of their Elec-
tions, and request their Answers respectively
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives February 11 th 1783.
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in re Allowance of Collectors.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The committee of Both Houses appointed to take into Con-
sideration the proper allowance to be made to the Collectors
cf Excise in this Commonwealth have considered that Matter :
and report the Following Resolve
Aaron Wood p r Order
Resolved, that the following allowance be made to the Sev-
eral Colectors of Excise for the present year which shall be
in full for their Respective Services and Necessary assistance.
Viz To the Collectors for the Counties of Suffolk & Essex
Two p r cent on the sums they shall respectively Collect.
To the Collector for the County of Middlesex three p cent,
on the sum he shall Collect
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 179
To the Collectors for the Counties of York Cumberland
Lincoln & Berkshier, Five p r Cent and to the Collectors of the
other counties in this Commonwealth Four p r Cent
In Senate Feb y 10 th 1782
Read & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid't
In the House of Representatives Feb y 11 th 1783
Read and concurred with amendment at A
Viz at A insert "Nantucket Dukes Conty
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate Feb y 11 th , 1783
Read & Concurred S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock.
John Sewall Jr. to Governor.
York Feb y 11 th 1783
Your Excellency
Having been pleased with the advice of Council in the
year 1781 to nominate and appoint me Register of Probate
for the County of York I would beg leave to observe, that,
the fees and perquisites thereof are too inconsiderable to
enable me to give that attention to it that such an office re-
quires As I am meditating a remove to a distant part of
the County, where it will be inconvenient to have the office
kept ; I ask leave to resign ; and, that your Excellency would
be pleased to nominate some other person to that office in my
stead.
I am respectfully your Excellency's most obedient humble
servant Jn Sewall jun r
Daniel Sewall of York
180 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve directing the Justices of the Supreme Judicial
Court to proceed to regulate the Principal & Interest on
Depreciation Rates from the returns made in the Secretaries
Office returns made
Lieut Aaron Skinner
Resolve Relating to Indians.
Common Welth of Massachusetts
in Senate February 13 1783
the Committee of both Houses appointed to consider the
governors message of the 7 February instant have attended
that service & ask Leave to Report the following Resolve
Jedidiah Preble p r order
Whereas there are now in this Town two Indians of the
Penobscot Tribe, Capt Neptune & a young Indian Lad and
whereas the situation of our Publick affairs in the Eastern
parts of this Common welth makes it necessary to keep up a
Friendly intercorse with Said Tribe
Therefore Resolved that the Commissary general be and he
hereby is directed forth with to procure one uniform Coat,
Two Hats, two Shirts, two Pare of Indian Stockins one
Blanket & two pare of Shoes & two pares of Breeches & deliver
the Same to Said Indians & Charge the Same to this Common
welth
Read & Accepted
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid'
In the House of Representatives Feb ry 14 th 1783
Read and concurred Tristram Dal ton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
A Two Hundred Powder one Hundred & Fifty of Balls
B three Hundred Shot Two Hundred Flints Knives Sixty
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 181
Hatchets fifty Tin Kittles Twenty Thred Twenty Large
Xeedles one Thousand wormers sixty Steels to strike Fire
sixty one Hundred th of Tobacco Ten small Arms
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Resolves in re Abatement and Assessments of Taxes.
In the House of Representatives Feb y 13 th 1783.
Resolved that the selectmen & assessors of the several
Towns & districts within this Commonwealth, shall meet to-
gether at some place within their respective Towns or dis-
tricts, on the day of next, of which meeting
they shall give previous notice seven days at least before the
said time of meeting, by posting the same up in two or more
public places, within their respective towns or districts, at
which meeting they shall abate and discharge one fifteenth
part of the quota, of their said towns or districts of the
second moiety of the continental Tax, granted in the last
session of the general court, & that the said abatement shall
be credited and allowed on the taxes of those persons who in
the Judgment of said selectmen & assessors, would be most
distressed by the Collection thereof. And the said Selectmen
shall forthwith make out fair & legible duplicate lists of the
names of the persons whose Taxes they may abate as aforesaid
& the sums to be to them respectively credited in the said Tax,
one whereof they shall deliver to the constable or Collector
in whose hands the assignments of the said Tax are & the
other to the town Clerk where any such officer is, and where
there is not, shall be retained in the hands of the said select-
men or assessors,
And it is further resolved that the Treasurer of this Com-
monwealth be & he hereby is directed to credit to the several
Towns, who now stand charged their respective Quota, of
182 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the tax aforesaid, one fifteenth part of their said Quotas and
that he likewise give the same proportion of credit to the
constables & collectors to whom the said Tax hath been com-
mitted.
And whereas there will be a deficiency occationed by means
of the said Abatement prescribed & directed by this resolution,
It is further resolved that the said Deficiency occationed
by means of the premises shall be allowed & granted in the
next continental Tax.
And it is further resolved that the said selectmen & as-
sessors before they enter on the Execution of the trust hereby
committed unto them shall take an oath before some Justice
of the peace or the Town Clerk of their respective Towns or
districts, (who are impowered to administer the same) faith-
fully & impartially to execute the business hereby committed
unto them. And if any Selectman or assessor shall neglect
or refuse to do & perform the duty hereby devolved on him or
them he or they so neglecting shall severally forfeit & pay
the sum of pounds to be recovered by action of debt, by
any person who will sue for the same before the court of com-
mon pleas in the county where the said forfeitures shall be
incurred & the said selectmen & assessors shall be intitled to
receive from their respective towns the sum of
shillings by the day for their service in the performance of
their Trusts herein (if they shall demand the same)
And it is further resolved that the Constables & Collectors
of the several Towns & Districts in this Commonwealth to
whom the assessments of the said tax hath been or may be
committed shall by the selectmen & assessors of the towns to
which they severally belong be notified to attend & shall ac-
cordingly attend the s d meetings of the Selectmen & assessors
& if any Constable or Collector shall neglect or refuse to at-
tend as aforesaid, being duly certified thereof, the Constable
or collector so neglecting or refusing shall forfeit & pay the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 183
sum of - - pounds, to be recovered by action of Debt
in the Court of common pleas in the County where said de-
linquent Constable or collector lives, by any person who will
sue & prosecute for the same.
Resolve on Petition of Samuel Cobb.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb r 17 1783
On the petition of Samuel Cobb
Resolved that Samuel Cobb be and he hereby is Impowered
to receive from the Treasurer of this Commonwealth a Silver
Tankard and a large Silver Cup belonging to the Estate of
William Tyng an Absentee giving his receipt therefor and
it is further Resolved that the Said Samuel Cobb be Im-
powered to make Sale of A so much of the Real Estate of the
Said William Tyngs as B will be sufficient with the said
Tankard and Cup D to pay the Creditors of the said Williams
and to reimburse the said Cobb the Charges of his Agency,
he to be accountable for the same
Sent down for Concurrence
% S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Feb ry 17 th 1783
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Read and concurred w th amendments from A to C
at A insert "the s d Tankard & cup & at B insert "with the
proceeds of the s d Tankard & cup at C dele from C to D.
In Senate Feb 17 21 st 1783
Read & concurred
S Adams Presid'
Approved John Hancock
184 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve Relating to Trespassers.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb 15 1783
Whereas there is a Tract of Land adjoining the Town of
Sanford & between the Town of Lebanon and the lands lately
Confirmed to the Proprietors claiming under Nicholas
Shapleigh, containing about Two thousand Acres, without
the bounds of any Incorporated Town the Property of this
Common Wealth, upon which Land there are many Valuable
masts, and as it is said that some Persons have made Strip
and Waste thereon and are preparing to Carry off the Mast
Trees aforesaid by cutting them into Loggs and for other
uses
Therefore to prevent any further destruction of the said
Timber, and also that such as have heretofore trespassed on
the said Land may be called upon to make speedy satisfaction
therefor.
It is Resolved that Dominicus Goodwine Esq r and William
Frost Jun r Gent, both of Berwick in the County of York, Be
& hereby are appointed Agents to Commence and prosecute
to final Judgment and Execution, in the name and behalf of
this Commonwealth any Person or Persons, that hath or have
Committed any Trespass on the said Land since the 25 th day
of October one thousand seven hundred and Eighty ; or that
hereafter may Commit Trespass thereon, And the said Agents
may Submit to reference any Action or suit, or supposed
Cause of Action, in the same way and manner they can Sub-
mit their private Suits, and to Account with the Judge of
Probate for the County of York for all Sums of money that
may recover and Receive in Consequence of this Resolve,
and to pay into the Treasury of this Commonwealth, Such
Sum or Sums as may on their ace 1 so examined and allowed
appear to be due to the State, and the Treasurers Receipt
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 185
shall be a full discharge, for all such Sums as they may pay.
And to prevent any Alteration respecting the manner of
bringing Actions; The State shall be, "To Answer to the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who sue by Dominions
Goodwine Esq r and William Frost Jun r Gent, both of Ber-
wick in the County of York, Agents in that behalf specially
appointed." and the personal appearance of either of the said
Agents in Court or such Council learned in the Law as they
may Appoint shall be sufficient to sustain any action
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives Febr y 18 th 1783
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock.
Resolve in re Incorporation of Pearsontown.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
House Representatives Feb y 19 th 1783
Whereas it has been Represented to this Court that the
Plantation called Pearsontown in the County of Cumberland
is every way sufficiently qualified to be incorporated into a
Town but neglect to Apply for Incorporation only to avoid
paying Taxes
Therefore Resolv'd that the Inhabitants of the said Plan-
tation be notified to appear on the first Wednesday of June
next to shew cause (if any they have) why they should not
be incorporated & that A M r Stephen Longfellow Esq r be
directed to notify the said Inhabitants by leaving 13 a Copy
186 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
of this Resolve with one of the principal Inhabitants of this
Plantation
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 25, 1783
Sent down for concurrence
Read & concurred with amendments at A & B
at A dele Stephen Longfellow & insert Simon Frye Esq r
at B dele a & insert an attested
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 26, 1783
Read & concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
Affidavit in Rittal Case.
We Mathew Chase and Robert Cochran both of lawful Age
testify & say that we were present with Mr. Hugh Mclellan
at the dwelling house of M r Francis Rittal in Pownalborough,
this twenty first day of February A. D. 1783, when the said
Hugh Mclelan read a Copy of a Petition from Cap 1 Joseph
Mclelan to the General Court relating to an Action com-
menced by said Rittal against the said Joseph Mclelan to-
gether with the order of the General Court thereon, which
Copy was attested by the Jury, and after the said Hugh had
read the Petition & order to the said Rittal he delivered the
same into his hands & left it with him
Robert Cochran Mathew Chase
Lincoln Ss. February 21. 1783
Then the said Robert & Mathew made oath to the Truth of
the aforewritten Deposition by them subscribed
Before Jon a Bowman Just Peace
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 187
Resolve on Petition Elizabeth Wildridge.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate Feb. 20 th 1783
On the Petition of Elizabeth Wildridge of Falmouth in
the County of Cumberland, praying (for Reasons set forth
in said Petition) that a small Real Estate, lately belonging
to James Wildridge late of said Falmouth dec d which Estate
agreeable to the Laws of this Commonwealth hath been con-
fiscated to the Use of the said Commonwealth, may be restored
to her the said Elizabeth and her Children,
Resolved, That the Committee for making Sale of the
Estates of Absentees in the County of Cumberland be and
hereby are directed not to proceed to sell the Estate above
mentioned, nor to disturb the said Elizabeth in the quiet
Possession of the same, till the further Order of the General
Court
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Feb ry 22 d 1783
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
George Washington to General Court.
Head Quarters Newburgh 22 d Feb y 1783
Gentlemen
I have been honord by the hands of Maj. General Lincoln
and M r Higginson with the joint address of the Honorable
the Senate, and House of Representatives of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts dated the 8 th day of this Month, con-
taining a representation respecting the British Post at Penob-
188 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
scot, and the dangerous situation of the Eastern frontiers of
the Commonwealth together with some proposals for the de-
fence or entire liberation thereof from danger
Ever disposed to give the utmost succour to every part of
the United States (which the means intrusted to my care will
enable me to do when invaded or menaced by the Enemy I
can never fail to pay a due consideration to the calls of a State,
whose exertions have been so great & meritorious as those of
Massachusetts There are however two things in expectation
which do at this time prevent my giving any positive Answer
to the proposition, and which may, in case either of them
should take place eventually supersede the necessity of talcing
any further measures on the subject ; the first is the most
desireable of all events | a general Pacification the second |
should the first mentioned event not happen, is a project for
attacking the garrison of New York with an intention to re-
duce or exterminate the Enemy by a single decisive Effort;
should this be resolved on as the most elligible measure after
the maturest deliberation, it will doubtless be conceded on
all hands that while our resources ought to be opend for the
attainment of this object every subordinate consideration
must of course give place to one of almost infinitely greater
Magnitude
But as these matters are now before Congress to whom I
have had the honor of submitting them, and whose decision
respecting offensive or defensive operations. I shall await
for the government of my future conduct; I can only add
that altho I do not conceive how a serious Expedition could
with any prospect of success be attempted against the Enemy
at Penobscot without a Naval co-operation on account of the
heavy expence and consequent impractability of land trans-
portation for the Artillery, Stores, &c; I beg it may never-
theless be understood I shall always be ready to give my con-
currence to any judicious plans which will contribute to the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 189
security of the exposed extremities of your Commonwealth
whenever the circumstances will admit & whenever an object
of confessedly higher consideration & importance shall not
occur to prevent it In the mean time should the War be
protracted and only defensive measures adopted, the pro-
tection & safety of the eastern frontiers of your State (a
Territory whose Utility is very deeply impressed upon me)
will claim & receive my particular attention
With perfect respect I have the Honor to be Gentlemen
Your most humble and Most Obedient Servant
G Washington
The Honorable Sam 1 Adams Esq President of the Senate
and Tristram Dalton Esq r Speaker of the House of
Representatives
In Senate March 6 th 1783
Read & Sent down S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 6 th 1783
Read and sent up
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Petition James Hunter.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Hon. Senate & the
House of Representatives in General Court assembled.
The Petition of James Hunter humbly Sheweth That in
the year 1779 your Petitioner served 2 Months & 21 days as
a Major in Col Sam 1 M c Cobbs Regiment of Militia which
was employ'd against the British Garison at Penobscut as
may appear by s d Col MCobb's Roll, now in the Office of the
Committee for liquidating accounts ; but by the establishment
made for said Regiment & others employ'd on that expedition,
your Petitioner's pay & Rations does not amount to more than
one third part of what he would have been intitled to receive
190 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
according to the continental Establishment, which, as your
Petitioner conceives, is evidently unjust & unequal & he there-
fore humbly prays that your Honors will be pleased to take
the matter into consideration & grant that he may be allowed
continental pay Rations during his being in Service as afore-
said & your Petitioner will pray &c
James Hunter
Boston Feb y 24 th 1783
Notice to Selectmen Town of Windham.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
House of Representatives Feb y 25 th 1783
On the petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Windham,
in the County of Cumberland setting forth that the legality
of a meeting held in said Town on the 25 th of March 1773
is called in Question for reasons set forth in said petition
therefore Ordered that the petitioners notify all persons con-
cerned by publishing the prayer of their petition with the
order thereon three weeks successively in Willis's Independ-
ant Cronicle twenty days at least before the second Wednesday
of the next sitting of this Gen 1 Court where they are hereby
ordered to appear and shew cause (if any they have) why
the prayer of said petition should not be granted
Representation of Selectmen Accompanying Above.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court Assembled Humbly shew
The Selectmen of the Town of Windham in the County of
Cumberland in said Commonwealth
That agreeably to an Act of the General Court pass'd A D
1773 the hundred Acre Lots in said Windham described in
said Act were assessed one penny half pr Acre by the As-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 191
sessors chosen at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of said Town
held on the 25 th March the same year That the Owners
of several of said Lots neglected to pay the said Tax and
thereupon so much of their s d Lands were sold as was suffi-
cient to pay the same
That the purchasers received Deed of the said Assessors &
some of them have improved and disposed of the Lands they
so purchased
That the legality of the said March Meeting hath lately
been called in question on pretence that some of the In-
habitants were not Voters That although some Disputes
arose when the said Assessors were chosen, it was determined
by the Moderator of s d Meeting that they were fairly chosen
and a Record was made at the Time thereof That much
confusion would arise in said Town and great Injury
accrue to the Purchasers of Said Lands if the assessments &
Sales aforesaid should be judged illegal
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray your Honors to
pass some Act whereby the Record aforesaid should be estab-
lished, and adjudged in Law sufficient evidence of the legality
of the Choice of Assessors as aforesaid, notwithstanding any
disputes that may arise with respect to the qualifications of
Voters at said March Meeting
And your Petitioners as in duty bound will pray
_ Selectmen
Edward Anderson .
David Bowker
Wmdham
Windham Sep 1 12 1782
David Sewall to Tristram Dalton Esq.
Boston Feb y 28 1783
Sir,
On Casting my Eye over Willis Cronicle Yesterday I
found an Advertisement Respecting the Unimproved Lands
192 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in the Plantation called Littlef alls, in York County ; of Lady
Mary PepperrelPs being assessed at 14 .. 19 .. 7 and the last
Monday in March next, fixed for the Sale of so much of them
as would pay it I am so much Acquainted Wifh the Real
Estate of Lady Pepperrell, that I am fully persuaded She
has none there, but such as were given her in the Will of Sir
W m Pepperrell, and those were during her Life only and after
her Decease, AVere devised over to his Grandson William
Pepperrell Sparhawk the late Mandamus Counceller Now
Known by the Name of Sir William Pepperrell As Lady
Pepperrell has only her Life in these Lands tis very unlikely
she will pay the Taxes and they may be sold for a 1/10
or perhaps 1/20 of their Value As all the Interest Sir
AVilliam Deceased Claimed under William or Bridget Philips,
(Which by the by was Considera 16 ) I take it was devised to
his Lady and Daughter during their lives only, and, after
their Decease to his Grandson aforesaid Now if Govern-
ment expect to be Benefitted hereafter by these Lands as
accrueing to them by the confiscation of Sir William Pep-
perrell's Estate Would it not be adviseable to take Some
order to prevent the Sale of any part of them for the Non
paiment of Taxes and as all the Landed Interest the dec d Sir
William left in the County of York may be devised to the
Lady Pepperrell & her Daughter Mrs. Sparhawk in the same
Manner Query if Some Person might not be authorized to
Confer with them on the Subject of their Interest in the
Unimproved Lands, and to make some agreement or Com-
position with them about these Unimproved Lands I find
that the general Court in the last Sessions, appointed Benj a
Chadbourn Esq r Nathan Wells Esq r & myself to make Par-
tition on the part of the Commonwealth, With the Heirs &
assigns of Will 1 " Philips This appointment has Induced
me amid the Hurry of other Business, in View of the Ad-
vertisement aforesaid to Suggest these Hints as they may be
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 193
improved to the Advantage of Government Whether the
Plantation of Littlefalls or any other Plantation unincor-
porated has a Right to Tax unimproved Lands may be a
Question ? at least in all future assessments it might be well
to Express it plainly one way or the other
I am Sir Your most Humble Serv 1
David Sewall
Hon. Tristram Dalton Esq r
Resolve on Petition Capt. Henry Dyer.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 1, 1783
On the Petition of Capt Henry Dyer Praying that he with
the officers & men Belonging to his Company of Rangers so
called in the year 1780 may be allowed their Rations whilst
in the service of this State agreable to a Resolve of the gen-
eral Court of the fifteenth of Nov r 1780-
Resolved that the Commissary General be & he is hereby
directed to Deliver to Cap* Henry Dyer two thousand three
hundred & Eighty Pounds of beef with an equal quantity of
flour in full for the said Dyers & his companys Rations
whilst in the service of this State to be by him delivered to
each Person Respectively to whom it is due, Takeing dupli-
cate Receipts for the same one of which to be Returned in
to the Secretarys office otherwise to accompt with the said
Commissary General therefor
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 8 th 1783
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock.
14
194 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve on Petition Benj a Dunning et al.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the house Representatives March 11 th 1783
On the petition of Benj n Dunning and John Rodick Select
men of the town of harpswell Praying for an abatment of
two of the three Soldiers Which the Said town of harpswell
were ordred to raise By a Resolve of the General Court
passed March 7 th 1Y82 -
Resolved that the said town of harpswell Be abated Two
men any Resolve to the Contrary notwithstanding and It is
further Resolved that the said town of harpswell Be im-
powered to assess the inhabitants of said town for the one
man that they procured in the same manner as tho' Said
town had But one man to Raise
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 12 th 1Y83
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 4
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in re Execution of Martial Law.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 11 1783
Whereas Brigadier General Wadsworth was by a Resolve
of the General Court passed the 15 th day of March 1780
impowered to Execute Martial Law within certain Limits in
the County of Lincoln, and Whereas Doubts have arisen &
may hereafter arise respecting the true Intent & Meaning of
the said Resolve so far as it relates to the Limits within
which Martial Law might be executed which have been &
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 195
may hereafter probably be the Foundation of divers Disputes
& vexatious Law Suits unless prevented by an Explanatory
Resolve of the Legislature therefore
Resolved that according to the true Intent & Meaning of
the said Resolve the Limits for exercising martial Law in the
said County not only extended to & included all places within
the said County being within Ten Miles of the main Ocean
but also to all places in the said County within Ten Miles
of any Navigable Inlet Harbour or River which might be
considered as part of the Sea or so communicating therewith
as to be navigable by Armed Ships or Vessels & the said Re-
solve always ought to have been so understood; & shall be
construed & practised upon accordingly
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 4
In the House of Representatives March 12 th 1783
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock.
Petition of Sarah Nason.
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives of
the Common Wealth of Massachusetts in general Court
assembled
Humbly Shews
Sarah Nason of York in the same County Widow relict of
Shubal Nason late of the same York, yeoman deceased
Intestate That the said Shubal Nason, who at the Time of
his Death was a private Soldier in the Service of the United
States, died Siezed in Fee of Twenty five Acres of land in
said York under a small Incumbrance by Way of Mortgage
to one Josiah Parsons of Whom the same was purchas d That at
the Time of his Death he left two small children, and your
196 DOCUMENTAEY HISTORY
Petitioner pregnant with a Third Which since his Death
has been born, and is still liveing That She finds it very
difficult to support herself and the three Children by the in-
come of the said Twenty five Acres of Land and she has
now an opportunity of disposing the same by Way of ex-
change with Joshua Bridges and Jasper Grant for about
Thirty Acres of other Land in the same Town, much to the
advantage of herself and minor Children, as she apprehends,
had she legal authority thus to do, Wherefore she prays this
Hon ble Court to authorize her to Exchange the same Lands
her late Husband purchased of the said Jos Parsons with
Joshua Bridges & Jasper Grant or to sell and dispose of
the same in Fee to other Persons & the proceeds of the Sale
to Vest in other Lands for the use of the Petitioner and the
minor children in the same way and manner the same Lands
purchas d of s d Jos Parsons, by Law described, and your Peti-
tioner as in duty bound shall ever pray &c
Sarah -f- Nason
York Jan y 20 th 1783
Witness Nicolas Sewall
We the Subscribers are satisfied of the Truth of the Facts
within mentioned are of Opinion that the Proposed exchange
of Lands will, all Circumstances taken in Consideration be
advantageous to the Widow and for the benefit of the Minor
Children
Joseph Simpson
Nicolas Sewall
Joseph Weare
Selectmen
of the Town
of York.
Resolve Appointing Edward Grow.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 12 th 1783
Resolved that Edward Grow Esq r be & hereby is appointed
Agent in & for the County of York to receive the price of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 197
corn, Beef, Sheep, Wool & Sole Leather, in order to ascer-
tain the value of the notes given to the officers & Soldiers of
this Commonwealth's quota of the Continental Army for the
depreciation of their wages, in the room of M r Joseph Sewall
deceased
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 13 th 1783
Read & concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Approved John Hancock
Resolve in re Land in Plantation Little Falls.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House Representatives March 17 th 1783
On the Representation of the Honorable David Sewall Esq
Whereas the Land Lying in the plantation of Little Falls
Advertised in Willises Chronicle to be sold for the payment
of Taxes Assessed on the Same in 1781 Appears not to be the
Estate of Lady Mary Pepperrell but appears to belong to this
Common Wealth
Therefore Resolved that Joseph Chadbourne Collector of
Taxes for the plantation of Little falls is hereby Directed
not to Sell the said Land but to apply To Thomas Ivers Esq
Treasurer of this Common Wealth to allow him the Same on
the Tax of October 1781 & the Said Thomas Ivers Esq is
hereby Directed to Discompt with the said Joseph Chad-
bourne the Sum of Fourteen pounds Nineteen Shillings &
Seven pence being the Sum assessed on the said Land with
198 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Fifteen Shillings, it being the Cost of Advertising the Said
Land & it is hereby further Resolved That the Hon ble Benj a
Chadbourne & David Sewall & Nathaniel Wells Esq r be a
Committee to Confer with Lady Mary Pepperrell & his
Daughter M rs Sparhawk on the Subject of their Interest in
the said unimproved Lands, or any other Lands which they
hold in the same Manner and to make some Agreement or
Composition with them for the same in Behalf of this Com-
monwealth and to make Report of their Doings thereon To
the General Court for their Approbation
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 18, 1783
Read & Concurred as taken into a New Draft
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 19 th 1783
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
James Lunt to John Avery.
Falrn March 17 th 1783
Sir
I this day rec d yours of the 25 th past, informing me of my
Appointment as a Collector of Excise for the County of Cum-
berland. (I had rec d previous information & wrote to a Gentle-
man of the House respecting the matter but have rec d no re-
turns) Sir I gladly accept the appointment, and think my-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 199
self under the Highest Obligations, therefor, hoping to answer
every expectation Sir, I am with much Esteem
Your faithfull Humb 1 Serv 1
John A very Esq r James Lunt
Resolve Relative to Land in Plantation Little Falls.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 18 th 1783
On the Representation of the Honorable David Sewall
Esq r that certain Unimproved Lands called Lady Pepperrell's,
in the plantation of Little Falls in York County app'd
14.. 19 . 7, & advertised for Sale in order to pay the same,
are in his opinion the Property of Sir William Pepperrell
an Absentee & may accrue to this Commonwealth by a Con-
fiscation of the said Absentee's Estate
Resolved that Joseph Chadbourne Collector of Taxes for
the Plantation of Little falls, be & He hereby is prohibited
selling the said Land, and the Treasurer of this Common-
wealth is hereby directed to stay his Execution against the
said Collector for the said Tax of 14 : 19 .. 7 untill the fur-
ther Order of this General Court; & the said Treasurer is
further directed to allow the said Collector Fifteen Shillings
for Costs of advertising the said Land
And it is further Resolved That the Honorable Benjamin
Chadbourne David Sewall & Nathaniel Wells Esquires be &
they hereby are constituted a Committee to examine & ascer-
tain the State of the Property, of the unimproved Lands
above mentioned, & also any other unimproved Lands in the
said County of York in a like Predicament; and the said
Committee are authorized & impower'd, in the Cases that
may appear to them necessary, to treat with Lady Mary
Pepperrell & her Daughter on the Subject of their Right or
Interest in any of the said Lands, to propose Terms of Agree-
200 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
ment & Composition for their Relinquishment of the said
Rights & Interests, to be presented to the General Court for
their approbation
Certificate of Indebtedness of Absentees.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cumberland Ss
To John Lewis, Samuel Small and Samuel Freeman Esq
a Committee appointed and impowered by the General Court
of the said Commonwealth to sell the Real Estate of Absentees
in the said County of Cumberland
These certify That there is due from the Estate of Francis
Waldo Esq. late of Falmouth in said County an Absentee, to
the following Persons, the Sums set against there respective
names, as the same has been liquidated and allowed by the
Commissioners appointed to receive and examine the Claims
on said Estate viz
To Enoch Freeman Esq the sum of 25 10 8
To Thomas Child- 61 35
To Jabez Jones, Collector 976
To Benjamin Bayley Coll r 12 10 6
To the Rev d Thomas Brown 10
118 12 1
And also to Thomas Child Esq. as Agent to
said Estate as p r his Accounts settled and al-
lowed the sum of 136 5 7
Total 254178
Amounting in y e whole to the Sum of Two hundred & fifty
four Pounds 17/8 lawful money
County of Cumberland
Wm Gorham
Judge of Probate
of Wills &c for said
Dated the eighteenth day of March A D 1783
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 201
Resolves in re Military Affairs.
The Committee of both Houses to whom was referred the
Consideration of the Memorial of joynt Selectmen & Com-
mittees in the County of Cumberland, have attended the serv-
ice assigned them, & ask leave to report the following
Resolves
Jedidiah Preble p r Order
In Senate Mar 19 1783
Read & accepted
Sent down for concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 19 th 1783-
On the Representation of Joynt Selectmen and Com-
mittees in the County of Cumberland
Resolved, that the Governor be requested to issue Orders
to the Commanding Officers of the Counties of York and
Cumberland, to Detach from the aforesaid Counties, Five
hundred Men, with proper Officers to Command the same,
for the term of Four months from the time of their Arrival
at the place of Rendezvous unless sooner discharged, the said
Officers and Privates to be on the same Establishment as
those are in the Continental Army to rendezvous at Falmouth
or such other place as the Officers Commanding shall direct,
and be under the Command of such Officers as the Governor
shall appoint ; to be employed for the Defence of the Counties
of Cumberland and Lincoln as Occasion shall require .
Be it further Resolved, That the Governor be requested to
give such Orders as he shall judge necessary to the Commis-
sary General, to supply the said Men with Military Stores
and provisions the issuing Commissary of the said Stores
and provisions to be accountable to the Commissary General
for the Expenditure of the same
202 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolved, that the Governor be requested to give Orders
to the Commissary General to send to Falmouth, two hun-
dred and fifty Stands of Fire Arms, three hundred weight
of Powder, nine hundred weight of Musquet Ball, and One
Thousand Flints to be delivered to Samuel Freeman Esq r at
the said Falmouth, to be by him disposed of to the Inhabitants
of the Eastern Counties at the Current price they are now
sold for the said Samuel Freeman to be accountable to the
Commissary General for the proceeds of the same
And it is further Resolved that the Governor be and he
hereby is requested to appoint Brigadier Wadsworth to Com-
mand the aforesaid Men and such of the Militia of the Coun-
ties as may be called forth for the Defence thereof.
Resolved, that the Governor be further requested to give
Orders that the Militia in the said Eastern Counties hold
themselves in Readiness to march for the Defence of the same
upon the first Notice given to the Brigadier of the said Coun-
ties respectively, by the Officer to be appointed as aforesaid
of the Necessity thereof
Sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 22 d 1783
Read and concurred as taken into a new Draft
Sent up for concurrence Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 24 th 1783
Read & Non Concurred & the Senate adhere to their own
Vote
Sent down S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 24 th 1783
Read and Non-concurred & the House adhere to their own
vote Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate March 26 1783
Read again & the Senate reconsider their Vote of the 24 th
of March and propose to the Honorable House a further Con-
OF TH10 STATE OF MAINE 203
sideration of the foregoing Resolves connected with others or
Papers.
Sent down
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 26, 1783
Read again & the House adhere to their own Vote
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spkr.
In Senate March 26 1783
Read and reconsidered & the Senate Concurr with the Hon
House in their new Draft
S Adams Presid 1
Approv'd John Hancock
Petition of General Heath.
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in General
Court Assembled, March 1783
The Petition of William Heath, Major General in the
Army of the United States of America Humbly sheweth,
That in the Year 1778, your petitioner then having the
honor to Command the Eastern department, from the ex-
hausted state of the Continental pay office and Quarter Master
department, and the pressing exigencies of the Public service
at that time particularly requiring the forwarding of clothing
&c to the Main Army supplying the Convention Troops with
fuel and the building of Temporary barracks at Rutland, was
constrained to apply to the Honorable Council for an aid of
money, which they had the goodness to grant in three several
instances, viz* January 23 rd , February 16 th and April 10 th
That as your petitioner then Commanded the department, and
applied to Council in his Official capacity, he conceives that
204 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the monies so applied for, and lent, should have been charged
to the account of the United States, and that his application
with the receipt of the Public Officer (who received the
money) on the warrants, would be ample vouchers for the
Commonwealth to support the Charges. But your petitioner
to his surprise finds that the monies so lent, are charged to
him on the Books lodged in the hands of the Committee of
accounts, which he presumes will not be thought reasonable
as the monies never came into his hands, but were received
by the Public Officer, and immediately applied to the public
service, and he has reason to apprehend that one of the ac-
counts at least has been for several Years Settled by a Com-
mittee, or some Gentleman appointed by the Honorable
Council for the purpose.
Wherefore your petitioner humbly Prays, that your Honors
would be pleased to take the case into consideration, and
cause the charges to be made against the United States, and
not allow them to stand as at present against him, which he
cannot but consider as unreasonable and injurious or other-
wise order as to your Honors in your great wisdom may ap-
pear fit.
And your petitioner as in Duty bound will pray & c
W Heath M General
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
March 19 th 1783
On the Petition of Maj r Gen 1 Heath setting forth that when
he had Command in the Eastern Department in the year
1778 he made application to this State for Money for the use
of the United States and Expected the Sums of Money so
advanced would have been Charged to the same but finds
that he personaly is charged with the sum of Five Thousand
seven hundred pounds, Received on three warrants dated
Jan y 23 d Feb y 16 th and April 10 th all in the year 1778 and
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 205
Praying that he may be discharged from the aforesaid Sum
and the United States Charged with the Same
Resolved that the Committee for Methodizing and Stateing
the Public Accounts be & they hereby are directed to dis-
charge Maj r Gen 1 Heath from the sum of Five Thousand
seven hundred pounds Charged to him on three Warrants
dated Jan y 23 d Feb y 16 th and April 10 th in the year 1778,
and the Same be Charged to the United States provided he
Shall Produce Sufficient vouchers, to the Committee afore-
said, to Support the Charge
Resolves on Petition of Richard Devens Esq r .
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 19 th 1783.
On the Petition of the Joint Committees & Select Men of
the County of Cumberland
Resolved that Richard Devens Esq r the Commissary Gen-
eral be & he hereby is Impower'd & directed to procure by
Hire or Purchase a small Vessel not exceeding thirty Tuns &
one Whale boat & Equip them for the purpose of Cruizing
against the Enemies of the United States in Casco Bay &
the Eastern Shore and that the s d Commissary General be
& he hereby is Impowr'd & Directed to Collect the Fire Arms
& any other property that belongs to this Common Wealth in
the Hands of any Person or Persons in the County of Cum-
berland and dispose of the same with the barrack that is at
Falmouth for the most it will fetch either at Publick or
private sale and appropriate the same for fixing the said
Vessel & boat
And be it further Resolved that his Excellency the Gover-
nor be requested to Commision some suitable Person to Com-
mand the s d Vessel & boat & give Order for maning the same
206 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
with such a number of men and for so long a time as the
Governor with advice of Council shall Judge for the Ad-
vantage of the Common Wealth
And it is further Resolved that his Excellency the Governor
be requested to give orders for continuing the Guards at Fal-
mouth & Cape Elizabeth on the same establishment as last
year for so long a time as the Governor with the advice of
Council shall Judge for the Advantage and safety of this
Common Wealth.
And it is further Resolved that the Commissary General
be & he is hereby directed to supply the officers and men be-
longing to the s d Vessel & Boats with the same rations as the
officers & men on board the Sloop Winthrop are Intitled to
receive and the Guards with the same rations as last year
And it is further resolved that there be allowed and paid
to each officer and mariner on board y e s d Vessel & boat such
Sums as the Governor with Advice of Council shall think
proper, & not exceeding the same wages as the officers & men
receive on bord sloop Winthrop and it is further Resolved that
there be paid to each non-commissioned officer & Private,
detached pursuant to the foregoing Resolve, & who shall well
& truly serve, the full Term for which He shall have been
so detach'd, or imtill He shall be otherwise regularly dis-
charged by the Commanding officer, the Sum of three pounds
which Sum together with the Pay of the said Non-com-
missioned officers & Privates shall be paid out of the monies
arising from the Tax granted this present March
And it is further Resolved that there be paid, out of the
Monies arising on the Continental Taxes granted March 5 th
and Nov r 9 th 1782, by the Treasurer of this Commonwealth to
Richard Devens Esq r Commissary General a Sum not exceed-
ing three Thousand pounds, for the purpose of purchasing
Provisions & other necessary Stores for the Supply of the
Men to be raised agreably to the foregoing Resolves
OF THE STATE OF IfAINE 207
And it is further Resolved that the said Commissary Gen-
eral be & He is hereby impowered & directed, to procure by
Hire or Purchase a small Vessel not exceeding thirty Tons &
a Whale Boat, & to equip them for the purpose of cruising
along the Eastern Coasts of the State in defence of the same,
and to collect the Fire Alias & any other Property of the
Commonwealth, from such Person or Persons in the County
of Cumberland as may be in possession of the same, & dispose
thereof with the Barrack at Falmouth for the most that can
be obtain'd, & appropriate the proceeds to the equipment of
the said Vessel & Boat
And it is further Resolved that his Excellency the Gover-
nor be requested to commission some suitable Person to com-
mand the said Vessel & Boat, & to order that the same be
properly mann'd for so long a time as in his judgment the
public good may require.
And it is further Resolved that the Commissary General
be & he hereby is directed to supply the officers & Men be-
longing to the said Vessel & Boat, with the same Rations as
the Officers & Men of the Sloop Winthrop are entitled to
receive.
And it is further Resolved that there be allowed & paid to
the said officers & men such Wages for their Services as the
Governor with advice of Council shall order & direct, not
exceeding the Rate, at which officers & Men are paid on board
the Sloop Winthrop
And Whereas by a Resolve passed the 12 th of November
1782 it is, among other things, directed "that there be paid
out of the Public Treasury" to the Committee authorized &
directed to make Sale of the Ship Tartar, the sum of fifteen
Hundred pounds, out of the money arising from the Sale of
the said "Ship Tartar" to enable them to procure a suitable
Vessel to guard the Coast, & Whereas the said Committee
have requested a Discharge from their said appointment,
208 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Therefore Resolved, that so much and such part of the said
Resolve of November the 12 th 1782 as directs the said Com-
mittee to purchase the said Vessel, & also so much & such
other part of the said Resolve as empowers the said Committee
to receive the said fifteen Hundred pounds, be & the same
hereby are repealed & rendered null & void. And it is fur-
ther Resolved that the said Fifteen Hundred pounds be paid
to Richard Devens Esq r Commissary General who is hereby
directed to appropriate so much of the same, as may be neces-
sary, to the refitting the sloop Winthrop & the Purchase and
Equipment of the aforementioned Vessel & Boat ; the Residue
to be applied, as Occasion may require, to the purchasing &
transporting Provisions Stores or other Necessaries for the
Supply of the aforementioned Five Hundred Men
Provided Nevertheless, that in Case any Intelligence or
Event shall happen in the Recess of the General Court, which
in the Judgment of the Governor & Council, shall render the
foregoing Provision for the Defence of the Eastern Parts of
this Common Wealth unnecessary, the Governor be, and he
is hereby empowered & requested to suspend the carrying the
aforesaid Resolves into Execution.
Appointment Richard Codman et als Appraisers
Waldo Estate.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To Richard Codman and Ephraim Jones Esq rs and Mr.
Benjamin Titcomb Gentleman all of Falmouth in the County
of Cumberland, and sufficient Freeholders Greeting
The General Court of said Commonwealth having by their
Resolve of the fourth of February last impowered us the Sub-
scribers, a Committee for selling Absentees Estates in said
County of Cumberland, to cause such parts or parcels of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 209
Estate of Francis Waldo late of Falmouth in said County
Esq. an Absentee as should by us be judged most advantageous
to said Commonwealth to be appraised by three good and suffi-
cient Freeholders on Oath as should be sufficient to satisfy
the demands of the Creditors Estate
We do hereby nominate and appoint you to apprize upon
Oath the following Lots of Land late belonging to the said
Francis Waldo viz
Two thirds of three fifths of a Lot of Land in said Fal-
mouth late the Homestead of Brigadier Samuel Waldo De-
ceased bounded on Middle Street and beginning at the South-
easterly Corner of Enoch Freeman Esq rs Lot
A Lot or Piece of Land at Stroutwater containing about an
Acre an three quarters of an Acre lately improv'd by Mr
George Tate
Also
A Small Lot which said Waldo bought of M r Timothy
Cutler situated in King Street & containing four hundred
square feet
Together with such other Land belonging to said Waldo
Estate as shall be shewn to you by us And make return of
your doings to us, as soon as may be, that we may be able to
carry into Execution the Resolve aforesaid
Dated at Falmouth aforesaid the Nine-teenth day of March
A. D. 1783
N. B. The amount of the Debts is 254 .. 17 .. 8
John Lewis, Sam 1 Small, Sam 1 Freeman
Cumberland Ss, March 19 th 1783-
The' above named Richard Codman Ephraim Jones and
Benjamin Titcomb, appeared and made oath that in per-
forming the Service assigned them by the foregoing Com-
mission, they would act faithfully & impartially according
to their best Skill & Judgment
Coram John Lewis Just" Paces
15
210 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Cumberland Ss Falmouth March 27, 1783
We the Subscribers being appointed by the foregoing Com-
mission to appraise several pieces of Land therein mentioned,
have agreeably thereto upon oath appraised the same as fol-
lows viz
The two thirds of three fifth of the Home Stead of the late
Brigadier Samuel Waldo being the Lot of Land first men-
tioned at the Sum of Two hundred and eight pounds law-
ful money.
The Lot of Land at Stroutwater being the second described
piece of Land containing about one Acre & three quarters of
an Acre, at the Sum of Seventy five Pounds
The small Lot in King street, being the third mentioned
Lot in said Commission Containing about four hundred
square feet at the Sum of Thirty Pounds
Witness our hands
Richard Codman, Eph m Jones, Benj a Titcomb
Certificate in Favor John Bane.
Number four March 19 th 1783
These may Certifie to whom it may Concern that the sub-
scriber was Appointed Commanding Officer of a party Con-
tinantil and Militia Troops at Frenchmans Bay By Order
of Col John Allan in October 1780 and am Well knowing
that the following articles viz* thirty Hundred & twenty two
pounds of Beef Sixty Seven & 2^ Bushel of Corn Seventy
five & 1/2 Bushels Potatoes one Bu s pease ten pounds of fish
was advanc d By M r John Bane. Appointed Acting Com-
missary and other Inhabitants of Frenchman's bay for the
use of Said Troops under my Command and that M r Bane
Received my orders for the Dellivery of the Greater part of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 211
the said Provision to Said Troops, all which orders from my-
self and other Commanding officers for the time being. I
have No Doubt Was Burned in M r Beans house the winter
after which puts it out of M r Banes Power to Settle the
matter as he other wise would Do
A. V. Campbell
Col Militia
M r Bane informs me that the Common Wealth has paid
him for 1600 Ib Beef and 83 Bu 8 Corn Computing Corn and
Potatoes Together
AC.
Memorial and Petition John Hovey.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Hon 1 the Senate & House of Representatives in Gen-
eral Court Assembled
the Memorial and Petition of John Hovey of Arundel in
y e County of York, Humbly Sheweth that your memorial 81
on y e 22 d Day of June Last, Lost a Pocket Book with Several
Notes or Government Securities to the Vallue of Ninety-two
Pound thirteen Shillings which Pocket Book I have never
been able to obtain since. Wherefore your Petitioner Prays
that he may be allow d the Consilidated Vallue of said Notes
as your Petitioner Can Produce the minutes of the Several
Sums and Dates of said Notes, and Your Petitioner as in
Duty bound shall Ever Pray.
John Hovey
The Deposition or Representation of John Hovey of Arun-
del in y e County of York, Testifieth and Saith that in y e
Month of June Last he y e Deponent was Possessed of a num-
ber of State Notes of y e following Denomination 8 Viz one of
212 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
10 one years Interest Paid Dated Jan y first 1777 one Do
Jan'y 2 d 1777 10 one Do Jany 2 d 1777 10 Jany 15 th one
Do of 10 four pound ten Shillings Indors d on y e back one
Do December 1, 1777 of 24 13/ Payable to John Hovey
one Do Jany y e 15 th 1778 10 one Do Jany y e 1 1777 10,
one Do Jany 1 st 1777 of 12 10/ Payable to Charles Huff.
All Which Notes he Lost With his Pocket Book on y e 22 d
Day of said Month and hath Never found neither his Pocket-
book nor his notes. The Manner in which s d Notes were
Lost is as follow 8 Viz on y e 22 d of June Last y e Deponant
was Coming to Boston by Water they were Pursued by an
Enemy & out of hopes of Escapeing in the Vessel Bundeled
up their Cloathing & Beading in a hurry & threw them into
their Boat & Endeaver d to make their Escape in her & y e De-
ponent Puting his Pocket in a bundle Loosely not haveing
time to Secure his things well, and y e Enemy Pursuing them
in y e Boat brought them to and ordered y e Deponent on board
to take in his things which he Did and Missing his Pocket
Book Made Enquiry of his own People whither they had seen
it, and y e man that handed in the bundle said that it Dropt
out & fell in y e Boat and he took it up and Laid it upon the
Chain-wale of y e Brig and thought that I had taken it.
Upon Which I made it known to y e Master of y e Brig not
knowing but some of his People might have taken it and he
was so kind as to make Diligent Enquiry of all his hands
Whither any of them had got it or had seen it Which they
said they had not Upon Which your Deponent Concluded
that it fell overboard.
Jn Hovey
Boston March y e 24 th 1783
the above Named John Hovey Personaly appeared and
made oath to the truth of y e above Representation by him
Subscribed Before me
Jauez Fisher Jus 1 Peace
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 213
The Governor to General Court.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
Upon the arival of the armed Sloop Winthrop in this Port
from her Cruize, I gave early directions to the Commissary
General to fit as Quick as possible the said Sloop for the Sea,
that she might be employed for the protection of the Eastern
Coast; By a Letter I have this day received from the Com-
missary General, which I have directed the Secretary to lay
before you, I find the Commissary is not able to Compleat
the Business without further means, I am therefore under
the necesity of Requesting the attention of the General Court
to the situation of the Sloop, as with their aid the Sloop may
be at Sea in a Very few Days,
John Hancock
Council Chamber Boston March 24 th 1783
In Senate March 24 th 1783
Read & sent down
S Adams Presid 1
Letter Enclosed.
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r Governor & Commander
in Chief of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
May it please y r Excellency
Being sensible of the Importance of the Sloop Winthrop
being ready for the protection of the Eastern Coast as soon
as possible, I have lost no time since I received your Ex-
cellency's order of the 14 th Instant, and she is now in such
forwardness that she may be ready for sea in two or three
days, to proceed so far as I have ; I have borrow'd money and
contracted debts for Immediate pay. Supposing that by the
214 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY ,
Resolve of Octob r 21 st 1782 I should receive the money
brought by Cap 1 Little but Cap 1 Little informs me the money
is Otherwise disposed off: I must therefore beg your Excel-
lency to relieve me in some Other way or it will be Impossible
for me to compleat the business.
I am y r Excellencys most Obedient Hum 18 Serv 1
Rich d Devens Com y Gen
Receipts and Reports in re Absentees' Estates.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Rep-
resentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
May it please your Honors
In Pursuance of your Honors Resolve of the fourth of
February last for satisfying the demands of the Creditors of
Francis Waldo an absentee out of his Real Estate. We the
Committee for selling absentees Estates in the County of
Cumberland, have caused Two Lots or Parsels of said Waldo 8
Real Estate, which, after consideration & enquiry, we judged
most advantageous to the Commonwealth, to be appraized by
three good and sufficient Freeholders on Oath viz A Lot of
Land on Falmouth Neck in said County being two thirds of
three fifths of the Homestead of the late Brigadier Samuel
Waldo Deceased which was appraized at 208 and a Lot
of Land at a place called Stroutwater in said Falmouth ap-
praized at 75 as by the Return of said Appraisers accom-
panying this Report will appear
The Demand of one of the Creditors viz Thomas Child
Esq. was 197.. 9.. The amount of the other Demands
was 57.. 8.. 8. as from a Certificate of the Hon w William
Gorham Esq r , Judge of Probate of Wills &c for said County
of Cumberland appeared
Your Committee judged it would be injurious to the Com-
monwealth to divide the last mentioned Lot, as the Sum it
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 215
was appraised at, is as much, in all probability, as it would
ever fetch We have therefore given the Creditors whose
Demands amounted to 57.. 8.. 8 as above mentioned, a Deed
of the whole, and received of them security for the Ballance
being 17.11.4 We have likewise conveyed to M r Child,
the whole of the Lot first mentioned as the value of it ac-
cording to said appraizement, was so near the Sum due to
him, and have taken his security to pay the Ballance being
10. .11.. on demand for which Ballances your Com-
mittee will be accountable
We hope our doings will meet with your Honors Appro-
bation and that in confirmation of the Sales above men-
tioned, your Honors will be pleased to accept of this Report
which with all due deference & respect is humbly submitted by
Your Honors most obedient hum 1 Servants
John Lewis Sam 1 Small Sam 1 Freeman
The Receipts of the Creditors in satisfaction of their De-
mands upon the Estate above mentioned, accompany this
Receipt
Falmouth March 28 1783
Falmouth March 28 1783
Received of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by Deed
from the Committee for selling Absentees Estates in the
County of Cumberland, a Lot of Land in said Falmouth being
two thirds of three fifths of the Homestead of the late Briga-
dier Samuel Waldo Deceased in full satisfaction of all my
Demands upon the Estate of Francis Waldo an Absentee as
already settled with the Judge of Probate of Wills &c for
the County aforesaid. Said Demands being One hundred
& ninety seven Pounds nine shillings Tho Child
Falmouth March 28. 1783
Received of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Deed
from the Committee for selling Absentees Estates in the
216 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
County of Cumberland, A Lot of Land, at a place called
Stroudwater in said Falmouth, containing One Acre and
three quarters of an acre, late belonging to the Estate of
Francis Waldo Esq. an Absentee, in full satisfaction of our-
respective Demands upon said Estate Being the Sums
severally set against our names. viz
Enoch Freeman { Twenty five Pounds ten shillings &
eight pence
Benj a Bayley { Twelve Pounds ten shillings and six pence
Tho s Browne { Ten Pounds
Jabez Jones { Nine Pounds seven shillings & six pence
Petition Jon a Bean et al, Little Falls.
The Hon ble Sennate & house of Representatives in General
Court Assembled
The Petition of the Plantation of Little falls Humbly
Sheweth that we are Cappitally agrieved in our apportion of
the public taxes assigned us this three Years past from time
to time, The Ground of our Confidence in this Ascertion, is
founded on the following Particulars. As we are not es-
tablish'd by Law in any Particular Boundaries, nor Ascer-
tained what Particular Courses & Distances Comprehends
any Certain Body, or tract of Lands, the three Adjacent
towns to us have taken the Advantage of the Same and Renew* 1
their Bounds about the time of the Last General Valuations
taking place, and have taken off near one third part of the
polls and estates that we Included in our Valuation of which
we stand Charg'd with and taxed for, of which the said Ad-
jacents proceed to Recover taxes of each Particular so taken.
Another Particular Instance May Serve to Remove all Doubts
of this ascertion. The town of Cox Hall (adjacent to us)
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 217
have upwards of one hundred Rateable Polls, when we have
but fifty two and full one third more extensive in Lands than
we are, and are Assess* 1 but the Same with us, even to a
Penny, Many Simeler Instances might be Innumerated, but
this may Suffise to Discover an absolute uneaquality, as well
as establish our Confidence
Your Petitioners further Sheweth that we stand fined for
the Delinquency of a three Year Soldier when at the Same
time (Admitting our valuation to be Eaqual) our Apportion
According to the Schedule for that purpose Stands but two
thirds of the Same, this Instance though Small, in effect,
serves to augment our Distresses, and Whereas our Circum-
stances are such Considerable to bear up under the burden,
lo Particularize the many Instances would be Impractable,
therefore we willingly Submit our Cause to the Consideration
of the Hon ble Court Relying on the Virtue & Righteousness
of the event which we in duty bound shall ever pray
In behalf of the Plantation of Littlef alls
Plantation of Littlefalls April 7 th 1783
Jon a Bean \
Edward Smith ( Committee
John Allan to Governor.
Sir
I Do myself the Honour of Acquanting your Excellency of
my Arrival in this Town last Evening The Present Peace-
able State of the Indian Eastern Department; The Publick
business I have to Settle, with an Indisposition, I have been
for sometime Afflicted with, I flatter myself will so far Justi-
fy me in Coming at this time as not to meet with your Excel-
lencys Disapprobation
The Hurry of business which I presume, your Excellency
is daily Troubled with, Occations the Liberty I now take in
218 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Writing. Shall be ready to Give my attendence & obey, at
any time your Excellency thinks Proper to Call for me, or
may otherways Order
I have the Honour to Be with the most Profound Respect
Your Excellencys Most Ob 4 & most Hb 1 Serv 1
J. Allan
Boston April 12 th 1783.
Superscribed: His Excellency John Hancock Esq r Gov r
in & Over the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
John Allan to Governor.
Sir
Necessity compells me to trouble your Excellency at this
Juncture
My whole time during my continuing in the Service has
been devoted to the Business consiquently destitute of every
Other mean of Support then what arises from any Public
Imploy, Necessity has obliged me to come here at this time
I have a Famely in the Wilderness with the Indians, who are
& has been for sometime in the Greatest want for the Common
Support of Life having Not Received from the Public two
Months Rations since last Aug 1 I am Unacquainted in these
parts, destitute of Money or Friends Must therefore Im-
plore the favour that if there is any power Invested in your
Excellency to Supply the Department you woud so far In-
dulge me as to order some Little provisions
I presume your Excellency is Informd by the Commis 7
at Machias of the State of the Stores, woud Only Observe
that there has been but Sixteen Barrils of Beef Sent for the
Use of the Whole Business since last Aug 1 the Officers who
have been duly faithfull in their Attention, has greatly
suffered
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 219
The Happy & Important News of Peace which has Ar-
rived will no doupt direct your Excellency to give such
further directions, as may be Most proper for the Public
Service at the Post of Machias
I have the Honour to Be with Great Respect Your Excel-
lency, Most Obd* & most Hble Sv 1
J Allan
Boston April 16 th 1783
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
John Allan to Governor.
Sir
I have Honour of laying before your Excellency and the
Hon ble Council, a State of the persons, now in the service of
the Indian Eastern Department, having discharged Every
other person, as it Appeared needless, and an Unnecessary
Expence to keep any more then what is in the Return.
I have allso laid before your Excellency and the Hon ble
Council, as Accurate a State of the provisions as possible,
have put down to the full the Quantity of Beef last sent
down ; which have been Deliv d the Troops By this may be
seen the situation of the Department, it will lye with your
Excellency, what further may be done in respect of military
matters. In the Affairs of the Indians I shall have a further
Occation of the men, in Order to settle some Assential matters
with them
I woud Humbly request, that I may receive an Order on
the Commiss y for some supplys, the difficulty & distress, I
have Already Communicated to your Excellency, with the
addition of the want for the Publick use Urges me in being
so Anxious & Troublesome
220 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
I woud take the Liberty further to request. That Your Ex-
cellency woud not Grant any Order for supplys &c for the
use of the Depart* without my having an Opp r for Examina-
tion, as I find Considerable sums have been Advanced unbe-
known to me
By the meeting of the Gen 1 Court will have Every matter
of the Depart 1 properly Arranged for Examination.
I Submit the whole to you Excellency & the Hon ble Councils
Pleasure
With the Greatest respect y r Excellencys Most Hble Serv*
J Allan
Boston April 17 th 1783
His Excellency John Hancock Esq.
John Allan to Governor.
May it please Your Excellency
Upon Consulting the Commissary (Agreeable to your De-
sire) Find that there Can be procured in a short time, with
what at present Can be spared 2000 w l Flower Fifeteen Bar-
rells and Two Barrells Pork, which I would pray an Order
for
With Kespect, Your Excellencys Most Hble Sv 1
J Allan
Boston April 17 th 1783
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
List of Persons in the Indian Eastern Department
Col John Allan
Capt n John Preble Absent from the Department since
23 rd Aug 1 Last-
Lieu* Fred k Delesdernier
Lieu 1 William Albee
Jos B. Phillips Assistant
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 221
Jonath n Ingersoll.
Luther Homer
Josiah Flagg Courier
Sam 1 Runnels Sirg 1
Doctor Edwards
S Davis Briant
John Briant
Jonath n Niles
John Bohanon
John Camblenson
By Calculations there is due since the 1 st Ap 1 1782 to the
15 th Apl 1783 being 380 days j> 7976 Rations
Rec d in July last 1500 Rations \
DJan y inBeef 900 \ 2400
due 5576 Rations
J Allan
Advice of Governor Respecting John Allan.
In Council April 18 th 1783
Advised that the Commissary General be directed to de-
liver Col John Allen for the Use of the Indian Eastern De-
partment ten Barrels of Flour fifteen Barrels of Beef and two
Barrels of Pork the said Comissary to charge the same to
the Account of the United States
Attest John Avery Sec y
Superscribed: His Excellency John Hancock Esq Gov r
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
John Allan to Governor.
May it please Your Excellency
The Accounts which I mentioned to be settled, when I
Had the Honour of being before the> Hon ble Council ; were
222 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
those which immediately Came thro my Own hands As
the War is Bro 1 to a Conclusion a Generell Settlement may
be necessary The Commissary which has acted under this
Commonwealth, has received His Stores By different ways
tho under my direction as Commanding Officer. I imagine
he Views himself not Answerable to me ; for Settlement
As I wish & it is my Design to my utmost Endeavours to
give Satisfaction to Government respecting their Property
Expended, I Woud humbly request for fear of a refusal
should I demand & that no time should be lost to have
an order from your Excellency to Call upon every person
who have Conceivd for a settlement. With Every Posible
Respect Your Excellency Most Hble Sv l
J. Allan.
Boston April 25 th 1T83
Petition of Daniel Small et als.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in
General Court assembled
The Subscribers Settlers upon a Tract of Land Situated
between the Rivers of Great Ossipee & Little Ossipee, in the
County of York humbly shew
That some Years before the War, the Heirs of Daniel Small,
who supposed they had a just Title to a considerable part of
said Tract of Land, laid out a Township thereupon adjoining
to Saco River That your Petitioners have at different times
since settled within the bounds of said Township and made
considerable Improvements therein That from the best In-
formation they have since obtained, they find the said Tract
of Land belongs to this Commonwealth But the same is
now claimed by the Heirs of Samuel Small, who have lately
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 223
commenced Actions against some of your Petitioners, and
from what your Petitioners can learn, they are determined if
possible to drive them from their Inheritances, deprive
them of the fruits of their labour and industry, and bring
Poverty and Distress upon them and their Children
Thus situated, Your Petitioners humbly beg leave to look
up to your Honors for protection From your Honors alone
they expect that Belief which they humbly apprehend they
are justly intitled to and they hope the Government will
interfere in their behalf -
They judge they can make it appear to the satisfaction of
every impartial Person that the Interrupters of their Peace
have no right to the Land in question but that the Fee
thereof properly and justly belongs to the Commonwealth
and they flatter themselves your Honors will not disturb them
in their possessions, but for a reasonable consideration will
quiet them therein, and suffer them to enjoy the same in
tranquility
Your Petitioners apprehend their conduct in entring upon
these Lands will not be considered as an Offence against the
Government Although some of your Petitioners, when they
first settled on said Land might judge them to belong to the
Government, they had reason to hope they could make satis-
faction for the same
They have endured many hardships in subduing the Wilder-
ness they have with the sweat of their Brows and the hard
labour of their hands made it capable of producing the
Bread which now supports them and in this they humbly
think they have in some degree promoted the Public Inter-
est Some of your Petitioners have served three Years in
the War which through the favour of Heaven is brought to a
happy close and they have the vanity to think they shall
yet be useful subjects to the Commonwealth
224 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
They however ask for nothing beyond the bounds of Reason
and Justice They are willing to pay the Government for
their Lands on such Terms as (every circumstance con-
sidered) shall be judged just and equitable But they can-
not bear the thoughts of having their possessions wrested from
them by those whose Claims are not supported by Law or
Justice
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Honors
would take such measures to support the Claims of Govern-
ment, to the s d Tract of Land, and pass such order for quiet-
ing Your Petitioners in their possessions thereon as in
your Wisdom, Justice and Goodness your Honors shall judge
proper
And as in duty bound will ever pray
May, 1783
Daniel Small, Ezra Davis, Richard Strout,
Timothy Small, John McArthur, Peter Sawyer,
Jacob Small, James Miller Jun r John Weeman,
Ebenezer Sawyer, David Miller, James Rill,
Joseph Sawyer, Eliakim Tarbox, Ezekiel Rich,
James Small, Francis Small, Isaac Small,
Reuben Small, Daniel Dyer, Joseph Stevens.
Joshua Sawyer, Enoch Strout,
Nathaniel Sawyer, Peter Biter,
Petition Selectmen of Newcastle.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honorable Senate
and the Honorable House of Representatives in General
Court Assembled at Boston
May it please your Honors
The Petition of the Selectmen of Newcastle in the County
of Lincoln in behalf of said Town humbly Sheweth, That the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 225
Town of New Castle are under peculiar necessity at present
of imploring relief from your Honors: That the Wood and
Lumber Trade of our Rivers before the commencement of the
War were the chief means of bringing any money into the
place, That the War at first brought great embarrasments
upon this Trade, and reduced us to very Low circumstances ;
Yet being sperited in the Cause of our Cuntery, we always
paid our Taxes and Turned out our men when there was a
draft made upon us till the time when our Enemies took Post
at Penobscut River; since which time we have severly suf-
fered from the encrouchments of these our Hostile neigh-
bours; who beside taking all our Lumber Vessels which be-
longed to the Town and almost intirely suppressing our
Trade; insesantly infested our Rivers with their Armed
Boats and preyed on every speacies of our navigation, from
the Lumber vessel, to the smallest Cannoe that floats on the
Tide ; thus were we Deprived of the Fishing in and about the
mouths of our Rivers, which heretofore was a great means of
support to numbers of People, And altho our attention has
since been more turned to agriculture, yet from the barreness
of the Soil and the sever droughts which have been in this
part of the Country for a number of years past, our produce
have never been equal to the consumption of the People
That this deffecency could be made up only by importation
by water which has been attended with such a risque that the
prices have been vastly enhanced. That the pressing neces-
sities of the People, the painful sense of hunger, have obliged
them to part with every vendable article of Property at the
buyers price in order to procure Bread for their Famillies,
giving some times a thousand of Bords for a Bushel of Corn
and a Cow for four Bushils, and so in proportion for other
Articles which our necessity compelled us to purches; thus
have we draged along the Last three years till almost worn
out and discouraged; and now should your Hon r deal so
16
226 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
severly with us, as to require of us the Taxes laid on us when
we were in a State but little better then imprisonment (which
we hope and trust you will not) it would plunge us into such
wreached circumstances that it would be out of our power ever
to recover
Your Petitioners would therefore humbly recommend the
Town of Newcastle, under it present circumstances; to your
Honors most wise and serious consideration, and pray your
Honors to grant us that relief, which our necessity compells
us to aske, Viz 1 a remittance of the Taxes laid on us by Gov-
ernment for the Last three years or other ways as your Honors
see fit- and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever
pray
Sam 1 Kennedy
James Little
Benjamin Woodbridge
Selectmen
of
New Castle
New Castle May y e 10 th 1783
Return of Votes.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Governor & Council upon Examination of the Returns
of the several Towns in this Commonwealth found the Votes
for Counsellors and Senators in the several Counties of said
Commonwealth to stand as follows Viz 1 -
York
Number of Voters 177
make a choice 89
Hon'ble Benjamin Chadbourn 101 \
Nathaniel Wells Esq r 129 (
Chosen
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 227
Cumberland
Number of Voters 297
make a choice 149
Hon. John Lewis Esq r 155 Chosen
Lincoln
Number of Voters 155
make a Choice 78
IIon ble William Lithgow jun r 117 Chosen
In Council May 12 th 1783
Attest John Avery Sec y
Petition Town of Waldoborough.
To the Honourable the Senate & House of Representatives in
General Court assembled
The Petition of the Town of Waldoborough in the County
of Lincoln Hombly Sheweth, That by Reason of the Late war,
this town has been Reduced to Great Distress, and tho now by
the Blesing of Providence Peace be Restored into us : yet we
shall Sorely feele the Effects of the War By our Enemies
taking Post at Penobscut and Continually infesting this Coast
with their Privateers & small Boatts our Lumber & fishing
Trade in which alone we had any Concern Has been almost
totally Suppressed, almost Every Vesel we owned in the Be-
gining of the war, fell into their hands: & tho from time to
time Vesels have been purchased Money borrow* 1 for this pur-
pose, whereby a debt has been Contracted as the Inhabitants
Could not possebly subsist without Some to Convey their
lumber to Market, yet of this we have been Stript of our
Lumber & fish on Board, or the Returns of it in Provision for
the Support of our families So that by a Late Computation
our Losses by water amounts to 31GO Besides the Arms Am-
munition Provisions and Apparels that have been taken by
228 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Plundering Refugees, The Season for a Number of years
Past have been Verry unfavourable, and the Drought so
severe that the Peoples Attention has been more than Ever to
Coltivate their farms; yet they have not been able to Raise
above half enough of Bread for their Consumption, and the
resque of Importation being so Great, & many Dispos'd to
take advantage of the necessities of others, there by the Price
of the Necessities of Life has been raised So high that People
were in the Greatest Difficultys & oblig d to part with Evry
Commodity they had to Dispose at the Buyers Price, So
that Corn has been sold for four Dollars and more and other
articles in Proportion Our hay has also been Cut of with
the Drought for several years So that our Stoks ar Greatly
Diminished by what they were at the Begining of the War,
& at Present there is Such a Scarcity of Bread that hardly all
the Lumber we have on hand Can procure us bread for the
Season, A Cord of wood not fetching above half a Bushel
Corn Besides the Debt Contracted by Individuals thro the
occasions by the war, The most part of the State Taxes, for
some years have not been Discharged, & the Town is utterly
unable to Discharg the Same, & if your Honours should now
exact from us these Taxes it would utterly Ruin the Town
and Give Such a Crush to the town, as it Could not for many
years Recover of & Put it out of its Power for the future to
pay Such a Proportion of Taxes for Defraying the Expences
of Government as otherwise it might, we would therefore beg
your Honours would take our Distressing Situation under
your Serious Consideration and Discharge us of these Taxes
that were Due before Peace was made & your Petitioners as
in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Philip M : Ulmer
Joshuah Howerd ,
Waldoborough
J acob Ludwig
Selectmen of
Waldoborough May: 13: 1783
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 229
Memorial Grantees Townships No. One to Six.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court Assembled
The Memorial of the Grantees of the Townships N One
Four Five & Six lying to the Eastward of Mount Desert
or Union River in said Commonwealth by their Committees,
the Subscribers thereof -
Humbly sheweth
That the said Townships were granted to your Memorial-
ists by the Honorable General Court of the Province of Massa-
chusetts Bay, now Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the
27 th January A. D. 1764; upon this condition viz That
your Memorialists should within a limited time, obtain a
confirmation of said Grants from his Majesty the then King
of Great Britain &c : The said General Court not having then
authority to make an effectual Grant of any Land between
the River Sagadahock and the Province of Nova Scotia
(within which bounds the Townships aforesaid are included)
until his Majesty should signify his approbation of the same
-But thanks to an over-ruling Providence, it is, by a suc-
cessful termination of the late War with Britain, become
unnecessary to apply to Britains King to ratify the Acts and
Doings of our General Assemblies Your Memorialists
therefore, with heartfelt satisfaction turn their backs upon
his Authority and address your Honors as the rightful
Sovereign of the Commonwealth
Your Memorialists now consider this provisional Clause of
their Grants as nul and of no force or effect, and doubt not
your Honors will so determine it and that therefore ac-
cording to the true intent and meaning of our Honorable
Grantors the said Townships are the proper Right in Fee of
230 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
your Memorialists subject only to the Terms of Settlement
as expressed in said Grants,
These Terms have in some Degree been complied with but
the unwillingness of the said King to confirm the Grants has
discouraged many of your Memorialists from settling their
Eights.
They have nevertheless had their Towns surveyed and part-
ly laid out in Lots In doing which as well as in Prosecu-
tion of other measures for promoting their settlement and
their application to the s d King for his approbation of their
Grants, they have been at great Expence Your Memorial-
ists therefore humbly pray That your Honors would renew
the Grant of said Townships and give them a further time
to fulfil the Conditions of the same
And your Petitioners as in duty bound will pray
Eben r Thorndike, Committee for Township N One
Peter Woodbery, Committee for Township N four
Sam 1 Freeman, Committee for Township N five
John Armstrong, Committee for Township N six
Cape Elizabeth May 20, 1783
At a Meeting of the Committees of the Townships N" 1 N
4 & 5 & 6 at M Mary Parkers in Cape Elizabeth the 20 May
1783
Voted Cap 4 Eben Thorndike Chairman for N 1
Voted M r Jn Armstrong D for N 6
Voted Sam 1 Freeman Esq r D for N 5
Voted M r Peter Woodbary D for N 4
Voted the above Chairmen Sign the Petition for Confirma-
tion of the above Towns in Behalf of the whole
Attest George Deake Clerk Prob 1
In Senate June 10 th 1783
Read & thereupon Order' d that this Memorial & paper ac-
companying the same be Committed to the Committee of both
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 231
Houses appointed the 4 th inst upon the Petition of Enoch
Kartlett & ors. to consider the same and make report thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
Statement of Account.
State of the Account of Joshua Stone Agent to the Estate
of Thomas Wyer late of Falmouth in the County of Cumber-
land Mariner an Absentee
Allowance for his Services including his time &
Expences after a small Schooner belonging
to said Estate - - 3 .. 18
Time & Expences of the Commissioners 3 .. 9
Sundry Probate Fees 1 .. 6 .. 6
8.. 13.. 6
Cumberland Ss Allowed by y e Judge of Probate for said
County May 26, 1783 and recorded by
Sam 1 Freeman Reg
Boston May 28 th 1783
Petition Joseph Bertheaume.
To the Honorable The Senate and The House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in General
Court assembled.
The Petition of Juniper Bertheaume Recollect, Instructor
of the Penobscot Tribe of Indians, Humbly Shew,
That by a Resolve of the Honorable the General Court of
this State dated November 11 th 1780, Your Petitioner was
granted, a Sum of five pounds new Emission per month, and
232 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
two rations per day, for his service in establishing the said
Tribe, until their further order. That in consequence of that
resolve, your Petitioner was paid his monthly Salary and
daily rations to the I 8t July 1781. That last year Your Peti-
tioner came down again in expectation of receiving his salary
and rations, then due agreeable to the above mentioned Re-
solve, but rations were not to be had, and your Petitioner was
paid the Estimated value with a note of this State, which
your Petitioner was oblidged to sell at a very low rate, to
provide part of a few necessary supplies. That deprived of
sufficient means to maintain himself Your Petitioner has
lived a most wretched life last winter, and undergone many
and many hardships, too long and too painful to mention.
That your Petitioner's wants being most urgent, your Peti-
tioner is again come down, in hopes of receiving a more ef-
fectual relief, and has accordingly the honor of Petitioning
the Honorable the General Court, that the Honorable the Gen-
eral Court may be pleased to issue proper orders, that Your
Petitioner may be paid of his Salary and rations, or the same
may be made good to him, in a manner adequate to his main-
tenance, and agreeable to your Justice, and as your Petitioner
is entirely destitute of means, order that a certain sum be
appropriated to pay your Petitioner's board and lodging dur-
ing his stay in Boston, and your Petitioner impressed with a
sense of gratitude will for ever pray
F r Juniper Berthiaume Recollect
CommonWealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 4 th 1783
On the Petition of Juniper Barthiaume Recolet, Instructor
to the Penobscot Tribe of Indians
Resolved that his Excelency the Govourner with the advice
of Council be and he is hereby requested to Draw on the
Treasurer in Favour of the Petitioner for seventy four
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 233
Pounds six Shillings and four Pence which sum is the full
of his Wages & Rations up to the first day of this instant
June & forty eight shillings to Defray the said Juniper 8
Board and that he be Discharged from any farther service at
the expence of this State
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate June 5 th 1783
Read & Concurred as taken into a New Draft
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives June 5, 1783
Read & concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock
Warrant drawn 7 th June 1783
Resolve on Foregoing.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 4 th 1783
On the Petition of Juniper Barthiaume Recollect In-
structor to the Penobscot Tribe of Indians
Resolved that there be allowed and paid out of the public
Treasury of this Commonwealth to Juniper Barthiaume
Recollect Instructor to the Penobscot Tribe of Indians seventy
four pounds six shillings & four pence which Sum shall be in
full for his wages and Rations to the first day of this instant
June also the Sum of Forty eight shillings to defrey the
said Juniper's Board, the said Sums to be charged to the
United States; and that he be discharged from any further
service.
234 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition John Bane.
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled
Humbly Shews John Bane of a place called No. 2 in the
County of Lincoln yeoman, that in the months of October,
November and December in the year 1780 he was acting
Commissary for the Continental and State Troops Stationed
at a place called, Frenchmans Bay, in the eastern parts of this
Commonwealth that in Compliance with the orders of Col.
Alexander Campbell and other Officers commanding the same
Troops he procured and delivered out to them, the Provisions
mentioned in the Schedule annexed, and hath received pay
only for 1600 weight of Beef and 83 bushels of Corn and that
in the beginning of the year 1781 the Dwelling House of your
Petitioner was consumed by fire, whereby he lost all the orders
and directions of the same officers for the delivery of the
articles aforesaid, and is now unable to settle his accompts in
the manner prescribed by the Laws of this Commonwealth
Wherefore he prays your Honors to take his Case into your
wise consideration, and pass such a Resolve, as may enable
your Petitioner to receive out of the Treasury of this Com-
monwealth, what is justly due to him for the provisions afore-
said
And as in duty bound will ever pray.
John Bane
June 10 th 1783
Address of General Washington.
Head Quarters Newburgh June 11 th 1783
Sir
The great object for which I had the honor to hold an ap-
pointment in the Service of my Country being accomplished,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 235
I am now preparing to resign it into the hands of Congress,
and to return to that domestic retirement, which, it is well
known, I left with the greatest reluctance ; A Retirement for
which I have never ceased to sigh through a long and painful
absence, and in which (remote from the noise and trouble of
the world) I meditate to pass the remainder of life in a state of
undisturbed repose. But before I carry this resolution into
effect, I think it a duty encumbent on me to make this my
last official communication; to congratulate you on the glor-
ious events which Heaven has been pleased to produce in our
favor, to offer my sentiments respecting some important sub-
jects which appear to me to be intimately connected with the
tranquility of the United States, to take my leave of your
Excellency as a public Character, and to give my final bless-
ing to that Country in whose service I have spent the prime
of my life, for whose sake I have consumed so many anxious
days and watchful nights, and whose happiness being ex-
tremely dear to me, will always constitute no inconsiderable
part of my own.
Impressed with the liveliest sensibility on this pleasing
occasion, I will claim the indulgence of dilating the more
copiously on the subject of our mutual felicitation. When
we consider the magnitude of the prize we contended for, the
doubtfull nature of the contest, and the favorable manner in
which it has terminated, we shall find the greatest possible
reason for gratitude and rejoicing; this is a theme that will
afford infinite delight to every benevolent and liberal mind,
whether the event in contemplation be considered as the source
of present enjoyment, or the parent of future happiness;
and we shall have equal reason to felicitate ourselves on the
lot which Providence has assigned us, whether we view it in
a Natural, a political, or a moral point of light.
The Citizens of America, placed in the most enviable con-
dition, as the sole Lords and Proprietors of a vast tract of
236 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Continent, comprehending all the various soils and climatc.r
of the world, and abounding with all the necessaries and con-
veniences of life, are now, by the late satisfactory pacification,
acknowledged to be possessed of absolute Freedom and Inde-
pendency ; They are from this period to be considered as the
Actors on a most conspicuous Theatre, which seems to be
peculiarly designated by Providence, for the display of
human greatness and felicity, Here they are not only sur-
rounded with every thing which can contribute to the com-
pletion of private and domestic enjoyment, but Heaven has
crowned all its other blessings, by giving a fairer opportunity
for political happiness than any other Nation has ever been
favored with. Nothing can illustrate these observations
more forcibly, than a recollection of the happy conjuncture
of times and circumstances under which our Republic as-
sumed its rank among the Nations. The foundation of our
Empire was not laid in the gloomy age of Ignorance and
Superstition, but at an Epocha when the rights of Mankind
were better understood and more clearly defined, than at any
former period, the researches of the human mind after
social happiness have been carried to a great extent, the
Treasures of knowledge, acquired by the labours of Philoso-
phers, Sages, and Legislators, through a long succession of
years, are laid open for our use, and their collected wisdom
may be happily applied in the Establishment of our Forms of
Government, the free cultivation of Letters, the unbounded
extension of Commerce, the progressive refinement of Man-
ners the growing liberality of sentiment, and above all the
pure and benign light of Revelation, have had a meliorating
influence on Mankind and increased the blessings of Society ;
At this auspicious period, the United States came into
existence as a Nation, and if their Citizens should not be
compleatly Free and Happy ; the fault will be entirely their
own.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 237
Such is our situation, and such are our prospects; but
notwithstanding the Cup of blessing is thus reached out to
us, notwithstanding happiness is ours, if we have a disposi-
tion to seize the occasion and make it our own ; yet it appears
to me, there is an option still left to the United States of
America, that it is in their choice, and depends upon their
conduct, whether they will be respectable and prosperous or
contemptable and miserable as a Nation; This is the time
of their political probation, this is the moment when the
eyes of the whole World are turned upon them, this is the
moment to establish or ruin their National Character for-
ever, this is the favorable moment to give such a tone to our
Federal Government as will enable it to answer the ends of
its institution, or this may be the ill-fated moment for re-
laxing the powers of the Union, annihilating the cement of
the Confederation, and exposing us to become the sport of
European politicks, which may play one State against another
to prevent their growing importance, and to serve their own
interested purposes ; For according to the System of Policy
the States shall adopt at this moment, they will stand or fall,
and by their confirmation or lapse, it is yet to be decided,
whether the Revolution must ultimately be considered as a
blessing or a Curse a blessing or a Curse, not to the present
age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn mil-
lions be involved.
With this conviction of the importance of the present Crisis,
silence in me would be a crime, I will therefore speak to
your Excellency the language of freedom and of sincerity
without disguise ; I am aware however, that those who differ
from me in political sentiment may perhaps remark, I am
stepping out of the proper line of my duty, and they may pos-
sibly ascribe to arrogance or ostentation, what I know is alone
the result of the purest intention, but the rectitude of my
own heart, which disdains such unworthy motives, the part
238
I have hitherto acted in life, the determination I have
formed of not taking any share in public business hereafter,
the ardent desire I feel and shall continue to manifest, of
quietly enjoying in private life, after all the toils of War,
the benefits of a wise and liberal Government, will, I flatter
myself sooner or later, convince my Countrymen, that I could
have no sinister views in delivering with so little reserve, the
opinions contained in this address.
There are four things, which I humbly conceive are essen-
tial to the well being, I may even venture to say, to the exist-
ence of the United States, as an Independent Power
I 8t An indissoluble Union of the States under one Federal
Head.
2 dly A Sacred regard to public Justice.
3 dly The adoption of a proper Peace Establishment, and
4_thiy rpj ie p reva l ence O f that pacific and friendly disposition
among the People of the United States, which will induce
them to forgit their local prejudices and politics, to make
those mutual concessions which are requisite to the general
prosperity, and in some instances, to sacrifice their individual
advantages to the interest of the Community.
These are the Pillars on which the glorious Fabrick of our
Independency and National Character must be supported
Liberty is the Basis, and whoever should dare to sap the
foundation or overturn the Structure, under -whatever specious
pretexts he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest execration,
and the severest punishment which can be inflicted by his
injured Country.
On the three first Articles I will make a few observations,
leaving the last to the good sense and serious consideration of
those immediately concerned.
Under the first head, altho it may not be necessary or
proper for me in this place to enter into a particular dis-
quisition of the principles of the Union, and to take up the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 239
great Question which has been frequently agitated, whether it
be expedient and requisite for the States to delegate a larger
proportion of Power to Congress, or not, Yet it will be a
part of my duty and that of every true Patriot to assert with-
out reserve, and to insist upon the following positions, That
unless the States will suffer Congress to exercise those Pre-
rogatives, they are undoubtedly invested with by the Constitu-
tion, every thing must very rapidly tend to anarchy and
confusion, That it is indispensible to the happiness of the
individual States, that there should be lodged some where a
Supreme Power, to regulate and govern the General Concerns
of the Confederated Republic, without which the Union can-
not be of long duration, That there must be a faithful and
pointed compliance on the part of every State, with the late
proposals and demands of Congress, or the most fatal con-
sequences will ensue, That whatever measures have a ten-
dency to dissolve the Union, or contribute to violate or lessen
the Sovereign Authority, ought to be considered as hostile to
the Liberty and Independency of America, and the Authors
of them treated accordingly, and lastly, That unless we can
be enabled by the concurrence of the States, to participate
of the fruits of the Revolution and enjoy the essential bene-
fits of Civil Society, under a form of Government so free and
uncorrupted, so happily guarded against the danger of op-
pression, as has been devised and adopted by the Articles of
the Confederation, that it will be a subject of regret that so
much blood and Treasure have been lavished for no purpose,
that so many sufferings have been encountered without a
compensation, and that so many sacrifices have been made in
vain. Many other considerations might here be adduced to
prove, that without an entire conformity to the spirit of the
Union, we cannot exist as an Independent Power; It will
be sufficient for my purpose to mention but one or two which
seem to me of the greatest importance: It is only in our
240 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
United Character as an Empire, that our Independence is
acknowledged, that our Power can be regarded, or our Credit
supported among Foreign Nations. The Treaties of the
European Powers with the United States of America, will
have no validity on a dissolution of the Union We shall be
left nearly in a state of Nature, or we may find by our own
unhappy experience that there is a natural and necessary pro-
gression from the extreme of anarchy to the extreme of
Tyranny, and that arbitrary power is most easily established
on the ruins of Liberty abused to licentiousness.
As to the second Article which respects the performance of
Public Justice, Congress have, in their late Address to the
United States, almost exhausted the subject, they have ex-
plained their Idea so fully, and have enforced the obligations
the States are under to render compleat justice to all the
Public Creditors, with so much dignity and energy, that in
my opinion no real Friend to the honor and Independency of
America, can hesitate a single moment respecting the pro-
priety of complying with the just and honorable measures
proposed ; if their Arguments do not produce conviction, I.
know of nothing that will have greater influence ; especially
when we recollect that the System referred to, being the result
of the collected Wisdom of the Continent, must be esteemed,
if not perfect, certainly the least objectionable of any that
could be devised ; and that if it shall not be carried into im-
mediate execution, a National Bankrupcy with all its de-
plorable consequences will take place, before any different
Plan can possibly be proposed and adopted So pressing are
the present circumstances! and such is the alternative now
offered to the States !
The ability of the Country to discharge the debts which
have been incurred in its defence, is not to be doubted an
inclination, I flatter myself, will not be wanting. the path
of our duty is plain before us; honesty will be found, on
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 241
every experiment, to be the best and only true policy; let
us then as a Nation be just; let us fulfil the public Con-
tracts which Congress had undoubtedly a right to make for
the purpose of carrying on the War, with the same good faith
we suppose ourselves bound to perform our private engage-
ments; in the mean time, let an attention to the chearful
performance of their proper business as Individuals and as
Members of Society, be earnestly inculcated on the Citizens
of America, then will they strengthen the hands of Govern-
ment and be happy under its protection, every one will
reap the fruits of his labours, every one will enjoy his own
acquisitions, without molestation and without danger.
In this state of absolute Freedom and perfect security, who
will grudge to yield a very little of his property to support
the common interest of Society, and ensure the protection
of Government ? Who does not remember the frequent
declarations at the commencement of the War, that we should
be compleatly satisfied, if at the expence of one half we could
defend the remainder of our possessions ? Where is the Man
to be found who wishes to remain indebted for the defence of
his own person and property, to the exertions, the bravery,
and the blood of others, without making one generous effort
to repay the debt of honor and of gratitude? In what part
of the Continent shall we find any Man, or body of Men, who
would not blush to stand up and propose measures purposely
calculated to rob the Soldier of his stipend and the Public
Creditor of his due ? and were it possible that such a flagrant
instance of injustice could ever happen, would it not excite
the general indignation and tend to bring down upon the
Author of such Measures, the aggravated vengence of Heaven ?
If after all, a spirit of disunion or a temper of obstinacy
and perverseness, should manifest itself in any of the States,
if such an ungracious disposition should attempt to frustrate
all the happy effects that might be expected to flow from the
17
242 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Union, if there should be a refusal to comply with the requisi-
tions for Funds to discharge the Annual interest of the Public
debts, and if that refusal should revive again all those
jealousies and produce all those evils which are now happily
removed, Congress, who have in all their transactions
shewn a great degree of magninimity and justice, will stand
justified in the sight of God & Man; and the State alone
which puts itself in opposition to the aggregate Wisdom
of the Continent, and follows such mistaken and pernicious
Councils, will be responsable for all the consequences.
For my own part, conscious of having acted while a Ser-
vant of the Public in a manner I conceived best suited to
promote the real interests of my Country, having in con-
sequence of my fixed belief in some measure pledged myself
to the Army, that their Country would finally do them corn-
pleat and ample justice, and not wishing to conceal any in-
stance of my official conduct from the eyes of the World,
I have thought proper to transmit to your Excellency the
enclosed collection of Papers, relative to the half Pay and
commutation, granted by Congress to the officers of the Army,
From these communications my decided sentiment will be
clearly comprehended, together with the conclusive reasons
which induced me, at an early period, to recommend the
adoption of this measure in the most earnest and serious man-
ner ; As the proceedings of Congress, the Army, and myself
are open to all, and contain in my opinion sufficient informa-
tion to remove the prejudices and errors which may have been
entertained by any, I think it unnecessary to say any thing
more, than just to observe, that the Resolutions of Congress
now alluded to, are undoubtedly as absolutely binding upon
the United States, as the most solemn Acts of Confederation
or Legislation : As to the Idea, which I am informed has in
some instances prevailed, that the half pay and commutation
are to be regarded merely in the odious light of a Pension, it
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 243
ought to be exploded forever, that Provision should be
viewed, as it really was, a reasonable compensation offered by
Congress, at a time when they had nothing else to give, to the
Officers of the Army for Services then to be performed, It
was the only means to prevent a total dereliction of the Serv-
ice, It was a part of their hire, I may be allowed to say,
it was the price of their blood and of your Independency, it
is therefore more than a common debt, it is a debt of honor,
it can never be considered a pension or gratuity, nor be
cancelled untill it is fairly discharged.
With regard to a distinction between Officers and Soldiers,
it is sufficient that the uniform experience of every Nation of
the World, combined with our own, proves the utility and
propriety of the discrimination. Rewards in proportion to
the aids the public derives from them, are unquestionably due
to all its Servants, In some Lines, the Soldiers have perhaps
generally had as ample a compensation for their Services,
by the large Bounties which have been paid to them, as their
Officers will receive in the proposed commutation, In others,
if besides the donation of Lands, the payment of arreareges
of Cloathing and Wages (in which Articles all the component
parts of the Army must be put upon the same footing) we
take into the estimate the Bounties many of the Soldiers have
received, and the gratuity of one years full pay, which is
promised to all, possibly their situation (every circumstance
being duly considered) will not be deemed less eligible than
that of the officers; should a further reward however, be
judged equitable, I will venture to assert no one will enjoy
greater satisfaction than myself, on seeing an exemption from
Taxes for a limited time, (which has been petitioned for in
some instances) or any other adequate immunity or compen-
sation granted, to the brave defenders of their Country's
Cause; but neither the adoption or rejection of this proposi-
tion, will in any manner affect, much less militate against,
244 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the Act of Congress by which they have offered five years
full pay, in lieu of the half pay for life, which had been be-
fore promised to the Officers of the Army.
Before I conclude the subject of Public Justice, I cannot
omit to mention the obligation this Country is under, to that
meritorious Class of veteran Non-Commissioned Officers and
Privates who have been discharged for inability, in conse-
quence of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 d of April
1782, on an annual pension for life, their peculiar suffer-
ings, their singular Merits and claims to that provision, need
only be known, to interest all the feelings of humanity in
their behalf; nothing but a punctual payment of their an-
nual allowance, can rescue them from the most complicated
misery, and nothing could be a more melancholy and dis-
tressing sight, than to behold those who have shed their blood
or lost their limbs in the service of their Country, without a
shelter, without a Friend, and without the means of obtaining
any of the necessaries or comforts of life, compelled to beg
their daily bread from door to door! suffer me to recom-
mend those of this discription, belonging to your State, to the
warmest patronage of your Excellency and your Legislature.
It is necessary to say but a few words on the third topic which
was proposed, and which regards particularly the defence of
the Republic, As there can be little doubt but Congress
will recommend a proper Peace Establishment for the United
States, in which a due attention will be paid to the import-
ance of placing the Militia of the Union upon a regular and
respectable footing, if this should be the case, I would beg
leave to urge the great advantage of it in the strongest terms.
The Militia of this Country must be considered as the
Palladium of our security, and the first effectual -resort in
case of hostility ; it is essential therefore, that the same Sys-
tem should pervade the whole, that the formation and
dicipline of the Militia of the Continent should be absolutely
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 245
uniform, and that the same species of Arms, Accoutrements,
and Military Apparatus, should be introduced in every part
of the United States ; No one, who has not learned it from
experience, can conceive the difficulty, expence and confusion
which result from a contrary System, or the vague Arrange-
ments which have hitherto prevailed.
If in treating of political points, a greater latitude than
usual has been taken in the course of this Address, the im-
portance of the Crisis, and the magnitude of the objects in
discussion, must be my apology, It is however, neither my
wish or expectation that the preceding observations should
claim any regard, except so far as they shall appear to be
dictated by a good intention, consonant to the immutable
rules of justice, calculated to produce a liberal system of
policy, and founded on whatever experience may have been
acquired by a long and close attention to public business;
Here I might speak with the most confidence from my actual
observations, and if it would not swell this Letter (already
too prolix) beyond the bounds I had prescribed myself, I
could demonstrate to every mind open to conviction, that in
less time, and with much less expence than has been incurred,
the War might have been brought to the same happy conclu-
sion, if the resources of the Continent could have been prop-
erly brought forth, that the distresses and disappointments
which have very often occurred, have in too many instances,
resulted more from a want of energy in the Continental Gov-
ernment, than a deficiency of means in the particular States,
that the inefficacy of measures arising from the want of an
adequate authority in the Supreme Power, from a partial
compliance with the Requisitions of Congress in some of the
States, and from a failure of punctuality in others, while it
tended to damp the zeal of those which were more willing to
exert themselves, served also to accumulate the expences of
the War, and to frustrate the best concerted plans; and
246 DOCUMENTAEY HISTORY .
that the discouragement occasioned by the complicated diffi-
culties and embarasments, in which our affairs were by this
means involved, would have long ago produced the dissolution
of any Army, less patient, less virtuous, and less persevering,
than that which I have had the honor to Command. But
while I mention these things, which are notorious facts, as
the defects of our Federal Government, particularly in the
persecution of a War, I beg it may be understood, that as I
have ever taken a pleasure in gratefully acknowledging the
assistance and support I have derived from every Class of
Citizens, so shall I always be happy to do justice to the un-
parallelled exertions of the individual States, on many in-
teresting occasions.
I have thus freely disclosed what I wished to make known,
before I surrendered up my Public trust to those who com-
mitted it to me the task is now accomplished. I now
bid adieu to your Excellency as the Chief Magistrate of your
State, at the same time, I bid a last farewell to the cares of
office and all the employments of public life.
It remains then to be my final and only request, that your
Excellency will communicate these sentiments to your Legis-
lature at their next meeting, and that they may be considered
as the Legacy of one who has ardently wished on all occasions
to be usefull to his Country, and who, even in the shade of
Retirement, will not fail to implore the divine benediction
upon it.
I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you
and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection,
that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate
a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government to
entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for
their fellow Citizens of the tnited States at large, and par-
ticularly for their Brethren who have served in the Eield,
and finally that he would most graciously be pleased to dis-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 247
pose us, all to do Justice, to love Mercy, and to demean our-
selves with that Charity, Humility and Pacific temper of
mind which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author
of your blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of
whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a
Happy Nation.
I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem & respect
Sir Your Excellency's Most Obedient and very Humble
Servant
G. Washington
In Senate June 26 th 1783
Read and Sent down
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives June 26 th 1783.
Read & thereupon Ordered that M r Phillips, M r Sedgwick,
M r Bacon, M r Rows & M r Hosmer with such as the Hon Senate
may join be a Committee to consider this Letter & communi-
cations accompanying & report. And that said Committee
report particularly a draft of a Letter to Gen 1 Washington
expressing the gratitude of this Commonwealth for the ex-
ertions of his zeal, firmness & patriotism & for his attention
to the rights of the citizens & the honor of civil government
during the course of the war & to congratulate him on the
glorious terms of peace.
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Speaker
In Senate June 27 th 1783
Read & Concurred & Eleazer Brooks, Sam 1 Phillips jun r ,
Charles Turner and Nath 1 Wells Esq re are joined
S Adams Presid 1
248 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
A Bill Conferring the Rights of Citizenship to the Marquis
De La Fayette.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts In the Year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and eighty five
An Act for Granting to the Right Honourable the Marquis
De La Fayette & to his Heirs the rights of Citizenship in
this Commonwealth
Whereas this Country has derived A the greatest B benefits
from the Efforts of the Right Hon ble The Marquis De La
Fayette in the cause of America, Efforts c doubly Brilliant
from the Period of real danger in which they commenced,
as well as from the unremitted ardour with which they were
continued 'till the Glorious completion of those original
Views of the opposition in this Country, D the happy & per-
manent Establishment of our Peace Liberty & Safety In
order therefore to give this Testimony to the World, and as
far as possible to transmit the Hon ble remembrance of those E
Virtues & Exertions to Posterity which could only have been
inspired by a Thirst of true Glory, & the deepest reverence
for the Rights of Human nature F
Be it therefore enacted by the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court Assembled & by the Authority
of the same That the Right Hon ble the Marquis De La
Fayette late Major General of the Armies of the United
States of America G together with his Heirs be and Here-
by are intitled to all the Rights, Liberties, Immunities, and
Privileges of a free Citizen of this Commonwealth H -
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
the Secretary of this Commonwealth be & he hereby is
directed to transmit a true Copy of the foregoing Act under
the great Seal of this Commonwealth to the Right Hon ble
The Marquis De La Fayette late Major General of the
Armies of the United States of America
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 249
In the House of Representatives Feb rjr 25 th 1785
This Bill having had three several Readings passed to be
Engrossed
Sent up for concurrence Sam A Otis Spkr
In Senate Feb y 28, 1785
Read the first time
dele from A to B & insert "essential"
dele from C to D & insert "brilliant from the real Danger
at the Period when they commenced & the unremitted Ardor
with which they were continued untill"
dele from E to F and insert virtuous Exertions to Posterity
dele from G to H & insert & his Heirs be and hereby are
entitled to all the Rights Liberties & Immunities of free
Citizens of this Commonwealth they conforming to the Re-
quirements of Laws of the Commonwealth in the Exercise &
Enjoyment of such Rights Liberties & Immunities
[To Lafayette America owes a great debt. Arriving in
this country at the age of nineteen he at once sought the side
of Washington and from that moment devoted all his
energies to the American cause. After a horseback ride of
nearly nine hundred miles he was met with coldness by
Congress; but not disconcerted by the manner of his recep-
tion he thus addressed them:
"After the sacrifices I have made, I have the right to exact
two favours ; one is, to serve at my own expense, the other
is, to serve at first as volunteer."
Sentiments of this character to which they were so little
accustomed, awakened their attention; the despatches from
the envoys were read over, and, in a very flattering resolu-
tion, the rank of major-general was granted to M. de
Lafayette. His modesty, courage and ability gained him
the friendship and admiration of those with whom he was
associated.]
250 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY .
Acceptance Treasurer's Accounts Town of York.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 16 1783
Whereas it Appears Upon Examination of the Treasurer's
Accounts for the County of York that All the moneys granted
& allowed by the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for
the said County from June 26, 1781, to January 1783, in-
cluding Jan ry Term, was for such purposes & Appropriations
as by Law the said Court were impowered to grant. There-
fore Resolved that the said Accounts be Accepted & Allowed.
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate June 17 th 1783
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in re Estate Francis Waldo Esq.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate June 19 th 1783
Whereas it appears to this Court by the Representation
of John Lewis Esq r & others a Committee for the Sale of part
of the real Estate of Francis Waldo Esq r an Absentee, with
the papers accompanying the same, that the said Committee
have disposed of part of the said real Estate amounting to
Two hundred & eighty three pounds and have paid the de-
mands on the said Estate amounting to Two hundred fif ty
four pounds seventeen shillings & eight pence & that there
remains in the hands of the said Committee twenty eight
pounds two shillings & four pence Therefore Resolved,
that this Court do approve & Confirm the doings of the said
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 251
Committee & they are hereby directed to pay the aforesaid
Sum of twenty eight pounds 2/4 into the Treasury of this
Commonwealth taking duplicate Receipts therefor one of
which to be lodged in the Secretary's office
In the House of Representatives June 30 th 1783
Sent down for Concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Read & concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd John Hancock
Resolve in Favor John Bane.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 23 d IT 8 3
On the Petition of John Bane praying for Payment for
Sundry Provisions supply'd the Troops on the Eastern De-
partment
Resolved that the Commissary Gen 1 be and he is hereby di-
rected to pay to John Bane fourteen Hundred & twenty two
pounds of Beef Twenty one Bushels of Corn one Peas and ten
pounds of Beef Twenty one Bushels of Corn one bushel of
Peas and ten pound of fish balance of his Ace* with four
Hundred Weight of beef for his time & Expence transporting
the same and the whole be charged to the United States.
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate June 24 th 1783
Read and Concurred
S Adams Presid*
Approv'd . John Hancock.
The Governor Approves of the above Resolve & directs the
Secretary to give a Copy thereof with his Approbation, being
unable to Sign by reason of the Gout in his hand.
252 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve on Petition of Benj. West.
Common Wealth of Massachusets
In the House of Representatives June 30 th 1783
On the Petition of Benjamin West praying for allowance
for the loss of his Cloathing Firelock and Accoutrements at
Quebeck in the year 1775 ^[ Resolved that the Prayer of the
Petition be Granted and that there be allowed and paid out
of the Treasury of this Commonwealth to the said Benjamin
West the Sum of Eight pound twelve Shillings in full Com-
pensation for losses sustained as above.
Action on Petition John Hovey.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives June 30 th , 1783
On the memorial and petition of John Hovey of Arundel
in the County of York Setting forth that on the 22 d day of
June Last he was coming to Boston by water and was pursued
by the Enemy and in Escaping from the Vessel into a Bote
he Lost bis pocket Book in which where Several State Notes
of the following Value Viz one of ten pounds one year In-
terest paid thereon Dated January 1 1777 one D of ten
pounds Dated January 2 d 1777 one D of ten pounds Dated
January 2 d 1777 one D of ten pounds Dated January 15
1777 Indorsed thereon four pounds ten shillings one D of
twenty four pounds thirteen shillings Dated December 1 1777
payable to John Hovey one D of ten pounds Dated January 5
1778 one D of ten pounds Dated January 5 1777 one D of
twelve pounds ten Shillings Dated January 1 1777 payable
to Charles Huff praying that he may be allowed a Consola-
dated Note for the value of the aforesaid Notes
Resolved that the treasurer of this Commonwealth be and
he is hereby Directed to give the aforesaid John Hovey a
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 253
Consolidated note to the Value of the aforesaid Notes he first
Entering into Bonds to the Treas r aforesaid that he will
Repay the notes afores d or Either of them if they Should
be offered for Consolidation.
Petition of John Bdkman.
To the Honorable the Senate, and the House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled
Humbly shews
John Bateman of Cape in the County of Lin-
coln that in the Month of August, Anno Domini 1779, he
was possessed of a large real and personal estate at the said
Cape that on the fourteenth day of the same month, he
was driven from his estate by the British Soldiers, and
American Refugees, that they are still in possession of the
land, and have disposed his personal Estate among them-
selves inhabiting at the said Cape, and refuse to deliver any
part thereof or the possession of his real estate to your peti-
tioner whereby he, with a numerous family of Children
are entirely deprived of the means of subsistance, and for
want of money he is unable to commence the legal process
requisite in the ordinary Course of Law for the recovery of
his property aforesaid.
Wherefore he prays your Honors to take his Case into your
wise Consideration and grant him such relief as may be
agreeable to equity and Justice and consistent with the Law
of this Commonwealth
And he will ever pray
John Bakman
July 29 1783
254 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
Report on Petition of Wm MCobb and Action Thereon.
The Committee of both Houses, appointed to consider
the Petition of William M c Cobb, ask leave to report the
following
Charles Turner P r Order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate July 2 1783
On the Petition of William McCobb, praying that three
certain Awards made against him, on behalf of Ebenezer
Fullerton, Thomas McGuyer, and Patrick McGuire, might
be Set aside. A
Resolved, for the reasons Set forth in the Same Petition,
and Supported by evidence, B that the Award made by John
Stenson, Nathaniel Thwing, and Edward Young, dated the
thirtieth Day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand
Seven hundred and eighty two, and in the Seventh year of
the American Independence, wherein they awarded that the
said McCobb should pay Patrick McGuyer Ten Pounds one
Shilling, and one other Sum of four Pounds two Shillings
and also one other award made by the said Nathaniel John
and Edward, on the thirtieth Day of August, in the year last
above mentioned, wherein they awarded, that the said M c Cobb
Should pay Ebenezer Eullerton, fourteen Pounds three Shil-
lings and one other Award made the twenty ninth Day of
August last above mentioned, by the same Arbitrators, where-
in they awarded, that the Said William Should pay Thomas
McGuyer the Sum of thirty Seven Pounds thirteen Shillings
and Seven pence, be, and they hereby are Set aside, and de-
clared null and void; and that no action Shall be had or
maintained, in any manner whatever, for the non perform-
ance of the same awards, or either of them; and that an
Action brought by the said Thomas McGuyer, against the
said McCobb, and pending by appeal at the Supreem Judicial
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 255
Court, held at Falmouth in the County of Cumberland, and
for the Counties of Cumberland and Lincoln in July 1782,
be and hereby is revived, and either Party shall have the
same right to prosecute, and proceed on the Same Action, at
the Supreem Judicial Court to be holden at Falmouth in the
County of Cumberland, and for the Counties of Cumberland
and Lincoln, on the Tuesday next after the fourth Tuesday
in June, in the year one thousand Seven Hundred and eighty
four, as they would have had regularly continued to that
Term; and the Court aforesaid shall take Cognizance of the
same accordingly.
Read and Accepted with Amendment at A
Sent down for Concurrence
S. Adams Presid*
At A dele from A to B. and insert "Whereas the County
of Lincoln at the time of making the said Awards were under
peculiar Circumstances by reason of the Establishment of a
British Garrison in that County, and it appears to this Court,
that the Arbitrators as well Inhabitants in General of the
said County were in a great degree under the Influence of
the Enemy and their Adherents Therefore Resolved."
In the House of Representatives July 2 d 1783
Read & Non-concurred
Tristram Dalton Speaker
Address of General Court to George Washington.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston July 10 th 1783
Sir,
The Senate and House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts in General Court Assembled,
take this Opportunity of congratulating you, on the happy
Return of Peace
Your Excellency, we are assured, will join with us, in the
256 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Warmest Expressions of Gratitude to the Supreme Kuler of
the Universe, under whose Influence & Direction the Struggles
of a virtuous and free People have terminated in a Revolu-
tion which excites the Admiration of the World
Guided by His alwise Providence, your Country early
fix'd her Eyes upon you ! And confiding in those eminent
Qualities which you possess'd, appointed you to the Com-
mand of her Armies.
The Wisdom of your Conduct in the Discharge of that
important Trust, has given a compleat Sanction to the Ap-
pointment, and crown'd the most heightend Expectations.
In every Stage of the arduous Conflict, what trying
Scenes have you not passed through ! What Hardships have
you not endured ! What Dangers have you not encountered !
May Heaven reward your unremitted Exertions ! May you
long live, beloved by a grateful Country, & partaking largely
in the Enjoyment of those inestimable Blessings, which you
have been so eminently instrumental in securing for us !
While Patriots shall not cease to applaud, that sacred Attach-
ment which you have constantly manifested to the Eights of
Citizens too often violated by Men in Arms, your Military
Virtues and Achievements will be deeply recorded in the
Breasts of your Countrymen & their Posterity, and make the
brightest Pages in the History of Mankind"
We are with every sentiment of respect & Esteem, in the
Name & Behalf of the General Court
Y r Excellency's most Obedient & very hble Serv ts
His Exc y Gen 1 Washington
Receipt from William Howard.
Hallowell y e 25 of July 1783
Sir
I have Received of Co 1 Josiah Brewar fourteen moose skins
ten beaver skins w* 14^ Ib thirty two sable skins three minks
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 257
one otter one fishar three musquoshs the above skins I have
Shiped on board Sloop hope Tobias Oakman mastar which
he will Deliver to you on his arrival in Boston Sir the above
mentioned Skins with what I sent to you in the Spring by
my brother Sam 1 Howard is all that I have Keceived of Co 1
Brewar
from your Verey Humble Sarvant
William Howard
Richard Devens Esq r
State of the Several Accounts of Thomas Child Esq.
State of the several Accounts of Thomas Child Esq. Agent
to the Estate of Francis Waldo late of Falmouth in the
County of Cumberland Esq r an Absentee viz 1
First Account
Paid for the Board of an old lame offensive Negro Man
named Scipio, from y e 16 th April 1779 to October 21,
1780 79 Weeks at 12/ 47.. 8..
D Previous to the 12 Febr y 1779 4 . 16
Sundry Articles of Cloathing for the said Negro
- at different Times 7 .. 16 .. 6
Expences attending y e Sale of Good 12
Postage of Letters 8
Commissioners & Appraisers Accounts 5 8
Paid for Extracts for the County Records 3
Probate Fees in divers Instances 2
Allowance for Time Trouble & Expence Horse)
Hire venduing Goods &c \ 20
Deduct y e Personal Estate 16 . 16 . 3 )
Cash Rec d of Geo Tate 4 . 15 \ 21 . 11 . 3
91 . 8 . 6
Ballance due to T Child 69 . 17 . 3
18
258 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Cumberland Ss Allowed by y e Judge of Probate for s d
County Oct. 12, 1780 & recorded
p r Sam 1 Freeman Reg r
Second Account
Cloathing for Scipio 7 .. 4 .. 1
Commissions and Storage on Lime in Boston 17 . 11
Writ & Service against Thomas Cummings for
Trespass 14 .
Scipios Board from Oct 21, 1780 to April
6, 178276 Weeks 12/
45 .12
Allowance for Services as Agent 5 -
Ballance of first Account 69 . 17
Probate Fees 6
129 .11
Deduct Cash received for Lime 19 . 17
D of George Tate 2 . 16
22 :13 22 .13
Balance due to T. Child 106 . 18 . 3
Cumberland Ss Allowed by y e Judge of Probate for s d
County April 6, 1782 & recorded.
p r Sam 1 Freeman Reg.
Third Account
Ballance of the second 106 . 18 . 3
Cloathing for Scipio 1 . 12 . 4
Scipio's Board from April 6, 1782 to Jan y 4,
1783 26 . 2 .
Allowance for Services as Agent 1 . 16 .
Probate Fees 7
136 .5.7
Cumberland Ss. Allowed by y e Judge of Probate for said
County Jan y 7, 1783 and recorded
p r Sam 1 Freeman Reg.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 259
Fourth Account
Cloathing for Scipio 3 .. 15 .. 4
Scipios Board from Jan 4, 1783 to Aug 30,
1783 12/Week 20.. 8
Ballance of third Account 136 .. 5 .. 7
The said Agents Claim on said Estate as settled
by the Commissioners 61 . 3 . 5
His Note to the Courts Committee 10 . 11 ..
Probate Fees 6
232 . 9
The said Agent in this account Charges himself with
Cash Received for Lime 4.7.6
A Lot of Land conveyed to him by
ye Courts Committee 208
212 : 7 . 6
Cumberland Ss. Allowed by the Judge of Probate for said
County & recorded by
Sam 1 Freeman Reg.
Petition Selectmen of Thomaston.
To the Honourable Senate and house of Representatives
We your petitioners humbly sheweth that whereas we are
Inhabitants of the Town of Thomaston being a frontier
Town upon the Enemy for four years past which were in
possession of the Eastern side of Ponobscot Bay and we
fronting on the western side of the same Which has greatly
Distressed us for virtually we have been Prisoners at their
wills & have suffered greatly by them some of our buildings
Burnt our cattle killed & our substance greatly wasted and
destroyed Likewise our small Navigation & fisheries all taken
260 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
from us and Many More difficulties too numerous to Relate
likewise that our Town is mainly a very new Settlement
mainly settled by those who Were put to straits by the late
publick Calamity by reason of Other Callings failing were
obliged to settle upon the wild lands where We could not
get any proper Security of for to Cultivate in hopes to Get
bread for our family's & likewise in hopes in some future
time we might have the Justice done us not to lose our labor
but Either That we might have our lands at what it was
reasonably worth When we took it or that we might have the
Value of what we made it better by our labor but further
more we hope your honors will Consider that by proper In-
dulgence we may be able to help ourselves And be of Service
to the Community in General & therefore We pray that your
honors would take it into your wise Consideration Our dis-
tresses that we have been in & still Are under and Consider
Our heavy taxes that we have not been Able to pay & still are
not (not that we are Complaining of any Injustice done us
by our Authority but we plead our Distresses & distress for
altho' our Enemy has of late been at Peace with us yet we
are left strip d & wounded and likewise the Disaffected that a
few months past had no respect In Appearance to our laws
are now Distressing and harrissing Our best Friends Who
had their Country's good at heart With their Own laws
which still make our Case More difficult That we can see no
way that unless your honor's can find out a way for our Relief
but our Infant Town will be depopulated so we leave Our
Case with you putting our Confidence in your wisdom & we
your Petitioners are ever Bound in duty to Pray.
Sam 1 Brown,
Select men
Oliver Robins J un r
-r , . 01 ihomaston
John ISimonton,
September 13, 1783
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 261
Josiah Brewer to Governor.
Fort Halifax 15 th Sept' 1783
Sir
I inclosed you in my last of y e 21 st April two Receipts one
from Col n William Howard for the skins and furs the other
from Ezekiel Pattee Esq r for goods he has Received from me
belonging to Government Which I hope came safe to hand,
and I now Inclose you two more one from Col : Howard for
skins and furs Received from the Indians for Debts that
was due to Government there is still more skins and furs due
which I shall Colect and forward as soon as possible the
other Receipt is from Ezekiel Pattee Esq r for the Remainder
of the Goods I had on hand belonging to Government I
still remain in a bad state of health, but Expects if possible
to be in Boston in a short time I am
Sir With the greatest Respect your most Obed 1 & very
hum 16 serv 4
Josiah Brewer
Winslow Sept r 15 1783
Received of Josiah Brewer Truck master for the use of
the Common welth of Massachusetts the following articals
viz 1 Eighty two pound of gun powder Sixty four pound 8
Goos shott five yard & half Blue Ratten and five Hatchetts
all which I promis to Deliver to Richard Devens Esq r Com y
General or his sucsesur in said office I have signed Two
Recpts of the same tenor and Date
Ezekiel Pattee
Hallowell y e 8 of July 1783
Received of Col Josiah Brewar for the use of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts the following articals Viz four-
teen mooce Skins twelve pounds of spring beaver two and a
half pounds of fall beaver three musquoshes three mink one
262 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY .
otter one fisher thirty two Sables all which I promise to De-
liver to Richard Devens Esq r Commiserry General the
Dainger of the seas & fire Excepted.
William Howard
Petition and Remonstrance of Enoch Freeman et al.
The Honourable the Senate and the Honourable the House
of Representatives in General Court Assembled.
The Petition & Remonstrance of the Proprietors of a
neck of Land in the Town of Falmouth in the County of
Cumberland, by their Committee,
Humbly Shews
1 That at the beginning of the late War, a large Forti-
fication was built on the heighth of Said ISTeck, by order of
Government, for the common safety of the Publick ; that the
Persons Employed to build said Fortification, did dig up
vast Quantities of Sods from the Land of Your Petitioners
for the use of said Works, which almost ruined a number of
Acres of Land, & a long House for Barracks was built within
said Fortification, for the use of the Soldiers in opposing
the common Enemey: by all which your Petitioners have
lost the Benefit of Improving said neck, which contains 300
Acres, & the Same has laid open (untill the Summer past)
& in common to the use of the Publick ever since, to the
Damage of your Petitioners, in their Estimation, not less
than six hundred pounds.
2 That contrary to the Expectation of your Petitioner,
the said Barracks were hall'd off (it is said by order of
Government, without notifying or consulting your Petition-
ers, or proposing any Compensation to them for said
Damages, which was very unexpected to your Petitioners,
Since Government did on the 7 th Day of May 1777 pass a
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 263
Resolve that all Damages which have been or may be done to
private property, by erecting such Fortifications Shall be
fully compensated to the Proprietors.
3 That many of your Petitioners, by the Town being
burnt by the Enemy are reduced to great Straits & Diffi-
culties, Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray Your
Honours, will please to take the Premises into Consideration
& grant them Adequate Compensation for said Damages, &
your Petitioner, as in Duty bound will ever pray, &c
Falmouth Sep 1 16 th 1783.
Enoch Freeman
Jedidiah Preble
Memorial Inhab ts of Boothbay.
To the Honorable Senate & Hous of Representatives for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Inhabitants of the town of Boothbay beg leave to rep-
resent to your Honours, that we have been ready and willing
at all times during the late War with Grate Brittain, to
contribute in behalf of Amarica Eaqual to any town in this
Commonwealth in proportion to our ability and circum-
stances, and have answered all the demands of the Legislative
Body in that respect to the Year of our Lord 1779 at which
time the Enemy took post at Majabagaduce, but a little dis-
tance East of this Town; and this town being almost an
Island or a neck, as we may say Sheepsgut River makeing
the west Side Damascotty River the East, and the Atlantic
Ocion the South, so that we ware annoyed almost in every
part of the town by the Enemies privateers & Boats, our
Vessals have been cheafly taken which was the main Suport
of the town, and our young men that was imployed in those
vessals, by that means were dispersed, sum a privateering and
sum in the Continental Army which left the town in low
264 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
circumstances, cut of from any commerce, or geting any
Supplies, Abliged to keep sentries on our own Expence for
the preservation of our lives & Estates; which has reduced
this town to almost Extreme poverty; And now since peace,
we remain in low circumstances, as we have not vessals of
our own, nor Lumber to supply foring vessals as they have
in other parts of this County up the Rivers. These cir-
cumstances has rendered this town incapable & unable to
pay the public taxes since the year 1779. And for these
reasons the Select men has posponded the Assessing Several
Taxes knowing the Town unable to pay it
Therefore we pray the Honorable Court to take our de-
plorable case into your wise Consideration, And if it is con-
sistant to Your Honours wise Council, we wou d pray for an
abatement of our rereage taxes til news of peace & your peti-
tioners as in Duty bound shall Ever pray
Boothbay 22 d Sept r 1783.
Edward Emerson
W m M c Cobb
Ichabod PinkhaiL
Tho 8 Boyd Jun r
Committee ap-
pointed by the
town for this
purpose.
Petition Town of Bristol.
To the Senate, Counsel, and House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled
The humble petition of the Town of Bristol in the County
of Lincoln & Common Welth of Massachusetts, most humbly
sheweth that we ware assest in a Beef tax, by a Resolve
of the General Court, of Septf 25. 1780. of four thousand
Weight of Beef which we paid to General Wadsworth at
S 1 Georges and have a Recp 1 for the Same which we Inclose,
and also was Taxt by another Resolve of Dec 1 4. 1780. and
one other Tax in June 1781 for which tax we did Collect
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 265
part of s d Beef but no superintendent ever called upon us
for s d Beef until Jan y at which time our Beef was Kil d we
not being able to Stall feed, it being a Terry scarce year for
Hay, after which the Superintendent Could not Receive
Salt Beef but ordered our proportion to be Drove alive to
Barth, where they Should be Kill'd & he would give the town
O r for Beef, Hides & Tallow which Distance is thirty od
miles & a Defucalt Season to cross the Rivers, they being
frozen, & not strong Enuff to Bare, for which Reason we
Could not Drive what few cattle we had left to the s d town
of Barth & have not been Called upon Since, until now.
Therefore we your petitioners humbly pray your Honours,
to be pleased to take into your Consideration, the many
Difficultys we have Labourd under, which we sett forth
to your Honours in a purticular manner in our Last peti-
tion, & finely abate us the Whole or such part of s d taxes as
your Honours shall see meet, as it is wholey out of our
power to pay any part of it at present as an Instance an
Execution is now served on the Collector of this town for a
State Tax, which Collector Cannot collect near Half the
money to pay it of with, money being Exceeding Scarce in
this town, but for further purticulars Ref ur you to Will" 1
Jones Esq. our Representative who will give you a trew
Representation of our present Inability, after which, we pray
your Honours to take our Situation into your Consideration
once more and be pleased to Ease us of as Large a part of the
above tax, as to your Honours shall seem meet, and your
petitioners as in Duty Bound shall Ever pray &c
In Behalf of s d Town
John Boy d o r Clerk
Bristol Sept r 23. 1783.
William M c lntyer ] Selectmen
Henry Hunter j of Bristol
266 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition Josidh Waters Jr.
To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable the House
of Kepresentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts in General Court Assembled in Boston
Humbly Shews, the Petition of Josiah Waters jun r in
Behalf of the Owners of the Private Ship of war the General
Putnam.
The Ship of War General Putnam was built in 1777 at
New London by Nathaniel Shaw Esq r for the Sole purpose
of a Cruizing Ship, and no cost or pains was wanting to
compleat her for the Business, and by means of unfavorable
Winds the said Ship put into the Harbour of Boston on the
26 th June 1779 at which time an Expedition was forming
against Penobscot and your Petitioner who was Agent for
the Owners (seven eighths of whom were Inhabitants of the
State of Connecticutt) was applied to for the said Ship to
proceed with others on the said expedition, and as he did
not conceive it to be his duty to consent, without first ob-
taining leave from the Owners ; the said Ship was seized by
the Sheriff of the County of Suffolk who was fully authorized
for the purpose, to proceed on the said Expedition, and al-
though your petitioner was requested to join with the then
Board of War in nameing the Persons for the appraising
the said Ship, on his refusal for the reasons before mentioned,
they the said Board of War did appoint Captains Prince
Fleet, and Waldo to appraise the said Ship who accepted the
appointment and did approve the said Ship at Ten Thousand
Pounds Sterling but in as much as their was no Specie cir-
culating at that time they named the sum of One hundred and
Ten Thousand Pounds in the then paper Money supposing
it to be equal to the above mentioned sum of Ten thousand
Pounds Sterling but sometime after a Scale of depreciation
being fix'd the aforementioned sum of One hundred & Ten
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 267
thousand Pounds in paper money at which the said ship
was appraised Amounted to no more by the said Scale than
about Seven Thousand Pounds Lawful money In conse-
quence of which several Petitions from your Petitioner and
the Owners of the said Ship have been before the former
The Honorable General Court, and through the multiplicity
of Business nothing has yet been finally determined upon.
Your petitioner therefore now prays this Honorable Court,
to take the matter into their wise consideration and appoint
a Committee to enquire into the truth of the above rep-
resentation in order to the owners receiving the Sum that
the said Ship was intended to be appraised at with Interest
from the time it became due.
Confiding in the Justice and Integrity of the Honorable
Legislature, and not doubting of a speedy completion of this
Business, will as in duty bound ever pray.
Josiah Waters Jun r
Boston September 24. 1783
Action on Foregoing Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives October 18, 1783
On the petition of Josiah Waters J r in behalf of the owners
of the ship Putnam.
Resolved that the Prayer of the Petition be granted and
the Treasurer is hereby Directed and Impowered to give to
the owners of the said Ship Putnam; his Securities in be-
half of this Commonwealth for the sum of their ten thousand
three hundred thirty three Pounds Six Shillings and Eight
pence (Including what may have been Paid if any) together
with Interest from the time it was due : as full Compensation
for said ship Appurtenances and stores.
268 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition William Lermond,
To the Honorable Senante and house of Representatives of
the Comon wealth of masachusetts
The petion of William Lermond of the town of warran in
the County of Lincoln Humbly Sheweth that whereas apart
of my Land is Divided By thomas town Line to the Great
Disadvantage of your petioner : and your pettioner Begs your
Honours would anex that part of my Land which Lieth in
Thomastown to the town of Warren Being twenty one Rods
in width the Line Runing from S l Georges River North,
thirty two Degrees East two miles and a half to a Stake and
Stones from thence Runing West thirty two Degrees North
to town Line twenty one Rods And your petioner as in Duty
Bound Shall Ever pray
William Lermond
Warren Septem br 29 th 1783
Memorial Town of Bowdoinham.
To the Hon. Senate & house of Representatives in General
Cort Assembled ;
The Memorial of y e town of Bowdoinham Humbly Sheweth ;
that by an Act passed the present year 1783 for Apportion-
ing & Assessing a tax of two hundred thousand pounds To
defray y e Expences of y e Government; as sett forth in s
Act, & Whereas by s d act the town of Bowdoinham is taxed y e
Sum of 200 pounds for their proportion of s d Sum afores d
which Sum is Within 9 : 3 : 4 of what is assessed on y e town
of Topsham a Circumstance which appears very Extraordi-
nary to yo r memorialist Especially when they have been here-
tofore taxed but about one Third y e Amount of s d town &
their Comparative Ability to pay Not in y e least Increased
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 269
than when they stood in that proportion It is true there is a
considerable quantity of wild land together with A Number
off Scattered Inhabitants lately Join d to y e town But y e
Miserable Situation of y e Inhabitants being distitute of even
y e Common Necessaries of life renders it next to Impossible
that they can pay any Taxes, & even if any thing could be
obtained of them, y e expences & Difficulty of Collecting it
would be more than y e Value of y e Sum they could well pay
But Such has been y e wrong Information that Yo r Hon rs have
receiv d Concerning these settlers that yo r Honr 8 have in Con-
sequence of them thought proper to near Thribble Our pro-
portion of tax this present year which we humbly presume
your Honr 8 will rectifye; as to y e Inhabitants of that large
quantity of land Yo r Honr 8 have Anext to Bowdoinham;
their is not above three or four Excepting those few that have
bought of Esq r Bowdoin that owns one foot of land. It is
true there is a larg number of polls But we beg you Would
Consider Candedly what Value to put Upon them; What
we desire is that they may be taken again from us; or at
least not to be a burden to us. Which we leav to your Wisdom
And as to yo r Honr 8 Takeing that Sum of Money off from y e
town of Harpswell & Laying on us; we Conclude You were
Some way Misled for we cant think that y e town of Harps-
well was in y e least y e poorer for the few familys mooveing
out off y e town ; as they left their farms to Others which is
common in all towns Nor do we think y e town of Bowdoin-
ham in y e least y e Better As they did not Come into y c town
of Bowdoinham; But only Into y e Adjacent parts were we
had never tax 1 a foot of land, When that money was laid on
us. We shall take it as a favour If yo u Hon rs wou'd Inquire
more particularly in to that affair & then do as in your Wis-
dom you Shall think meet. Your memorialists Beg leave
further to Represent that by the proportions for y e three
years & the three & five months men laid upon y e town we
270 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
apprehend ther must be a mistake as the town of Topsham &
y e town of Bowdoinham are Apportioned near Alike. When
y e town of Bowdoinham Agreable to y e Order of Cort Rais d
two men, & y e town of Topsham agreable to y e same Requisi-
tions Raised Seven & Both towns gave alike price to their
men. We therefore Humbly Beg Yo r Hon rs to Rectifye it.
There is another article we would be glad to mention to
yo r Hon rs If we knew how. We hear by y e bye that some
orders are Isued to y e several towns that did not Send in or
Diliver their proportion of Beaf Called for some time since
But we have not heard what y e orders are & as we did not
deliver y e Beaf we Would acquaint you with y e reason which
is this We did not Receive any orders to Raise any Beaf til
y e time of y e year for killing of Beaf was near over, How-
ever we Collected it But Could Not git any Body to receive
it; though Several days were spent on that account. We
leave all With yo r Honour to do as You think meet, & as in
Duty Bound Shall ever pray.
By order of y e town
Abr m Preble town Clerk.
Bowdoinham October y e 4: 1783
Petition Town of Bristol.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts }
In the House of Representatives Ocf 22 d 1783
On the Petition of the town of Bristol and other towns to
the Eastward of Sheepscutt in the County of Lincoln Pray-
ing for abatement of Taxes
Resolved that the Prayers of the Petitioners be so far
Granted that Solomon Lovell & Edward Russell Esq r with
such as the Hon 1 Senate may joyn Be a Committee to Repair
to the Several towns to the Eastward of Sheepscut and Veiw
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 2Y1
thier Circumstances and Report at the Next Sitting of the
General Court, at the Expence of the Petitioners, and the
treasurer be Directed to stay Execution for their Beef tax
the mean time.
Petition Selectmen of Berwick.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honourable Senate
& House of Representatives in Gen 1 Court Assembled.
The Petition of the Select Men of Berwick in the County
of York Humbly Sheweth that their is in this Town an
aged woman by the name of Elizabeth Hart that has become
a Town Charge notwithstanding she has a right to the thirds
of her late Husbands Joseph Harts Estate dec d which is
about 16 Acres of poor land, that lies waste, and she is be-
come helpless, her Children & Grand Children refuse to sup-
port her, x (some of which are minors) We therefore pray your
Honours to Grant Liberty, that the Land aforesaid may be
sold so that she may be supported out of the proceeds, which
we conceive to be the best way she can be supported or Re-
leiv'd in her advanced age & helpless state as your Honours
in your Wisdom may think best and as in Duty bound will
ever pray
Rich d Fox
u Cutts
Thomas Downs
William Hall
Berwick Oct r 4 th 1783
Select Men
of Berwick
Petition Settlers on Saco River.
To the Honorable, the General Court of Massachusetts
The Petition of the Subscribers, Settlers on Saco River
humbly sheweth. That there is a Jam of Timber & other
272 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
drift Stuff across Saco River in Fryeburg one Hundred
Rods in Length, which obstructs the Passage of the Water &
occasions it to lay so long on the Intival Land in the Spring
as to prevent many of the Inhabitants from putting their
Seed in the Ground in proper Season ; That it has extended
up the River Sixty -Rods within Ten Years last past;
That all the drift Stuff which comes down the River for more
than Sixty Miles above, stops there which must (if not re-
moved) in Time prove the Destruction of a considerable part
of the Property of the Town; that the Upland in general is
very poor, consequently the Inhabitants will be unable to pay
his Taxes, & if prevented from being so useful to the Publick
as might be expected ; That there is a great Quantity of
Timber in the State of Newhampshire, as well as this Com-
monwealth which might be turned into the River if the jam
was removed, to the Advantage of the Inhabitants, and as it
would go to the Mills at Biddeford & Pepperellborough would
advance the Trade of this Commonwealth; That the Great
Falls damages the Timber & often detains a great part of it
from going down the River for a Year or Two, which might
be prevented by blowing the Rocks & digging of them, That
the Inhabitants are unable to accomplish those Purposes, &
as the Publick would receive considerable Advantages from
a Removal of those Obstructions, your Petitioners flatter
themselves, that your Honors will be ready to afford some as-
sistance for this Purpose, by way of Lottery ; Therefore they
humbly pray that your Honors would take the Matter into
your wise Consideration & grant Liberty for a Lottery, to
raise a Sum of Money to be appropriated for the Purposes
above mentioned & as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Richard Eastman, Samuel Murry, George Bean,
Daniel Farington, Moses Ames, Simeon Hutchinge,
Ezra Carter, Aaron Abbot, Wright + Allen,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE
273
Ezekiel Walker,
Noar Eastman,
Richard Kimball,
Joseph Emery,
Nath 1 Merrill,
John Walker,
John Farington,
Moses Day,
Abraham Bradley,
John Walker Jun r
Brownfield October
Ebenez r Day,
Stephen Knight,
James Parker,
Benj n Killgore,
Isaac Abbot,
H. Y. Brown,
Pearson Huntriss,
Josh B. Osgood,
John Haley,
Daniel Emerson Cross
6 th 1783.
Yere Boyse,
Isac Walker,
Sam 1 Walker,
James Osgood,
Benj Osgood,
Joseph G Swan,
John Dollif,
Josiah Dollif,
John Barker.
The Committee appointed upon the Petition of a Number
of the Inhabitants of Brownfield praying for a Lottery for
the purpose of removing a jam of Timber &c across Saco
River, Report that a Bill be brought in for the purpose of
raising a sum of Money by way of a Lottery for the purpose
asked for
Petition Josiah Brewer.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honorable the
Senate & the Hon ble House of Representatives for said
Commonwealth in General Court Assembled
October 17, 1783.
The Petition of Josiah Brewer of Winslow, in the County
of Lincoln, Esq. humbly sheweth, That on the twenty seventh
day of September N. O. one thousand seven hundred and
seventy nine, your Petitioner was appointed Truck-Master at
Fort Hallifax on Kennebeck River, and has continued in that
office and to trade with and supply the Indians in Behalf of
the Commonwealth till the Eighteenth Day of March last
That your Petitioner during the whole Time aforesaid was
constantly engaged and spent his whole Time in that Busi-
19
274 DOCUMENTARY HISTOBY
ness and in delivering out Rations to the Indians, and was
often oblidged to hire Assistance, & to procure Sentrys at his
own Expence to keep the Indians in Subjection & to prevent
their rushing into the Store And has been at great Trouble
and expence in conducting & managing the Business afores d
notwithstanding which, your Petitioner has never yet re-
ceived any Compensation for his Services aforesaid Where-
fore he prays that his Account (hereto annexed) for his said
Services, as also the Sum of Twenty one pounds which he
paid one Timothy Hudson for taking Care of the Truck
House and trading with the Indians, while your Petitioner
was gone to Rhode-Island with five Indian Chiefs to see the
French Army & to have a Conference with the French Gen-
eral by Order of the Council, may be allowed him ; and your
Petitioner as in Duty bound &c
Josiah Brewer
Account Josiah Brewer.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To Josiah Brewer D r
To My Service as Truckmaster at Fort Hallifax from the
27 th day of Sept r 1779. To the 18 day of March 1783 being
45 Months and 7 days @ 12- p r Month Is 540
1780 To Cash paid Timothy Hudson by Receipt for
Taking Care of the Truck house, and doing the Business
thereof While I was gone to Rhoad Island With five Indian
Chiefs To View the French Army, and to have a Conference
with the French General as p r Order of Council 70 days @
6/- Total 561..-
Errors Excepted
Mem Josiah Brewer
Boston Octo r 31 st 1783-
RTever hearing of any Dismission from y e 17 th Oct by
resolve but Continued till the 18 th day of March following
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 275
doing duty as usual untill there was an Order from the
Comissary General to deliver up what stores there was re-
maining On hand. Which I did to the Amount of Two Hun-
dred pounds Lawful money which he did on said 18 th day
of March w ch he has a right to be allowed for as pay
Josiah Brewer
Action on Petition William Lermond.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Oct r 18, 1783
On the petition of William Lermond praying that his land
(which is divided by the line running between Thomas Town
and Warren) may be so far altered as that the whole of his
land may be annex'd to the Town of Warren Ordered that
the petitioner William Lermond notify the Inhabitants of
the town of Thomas Town to appear and shew cause if any
they have why the prayer of said petition should not be
granted on the second tuesday of the next sitting of this
Court, by serving the Town clerk of the said Thomas Town
with a copy of his petition and this order of court thereon,
thirty days at least before the said second tuesday
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate Oct r 18 th 1783
Read and Concurred
S Adams Presid*
An Act Relating to Titles.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
eighty three
276 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
An Act for inquiring into the Title and taking care of
the Land of the Commonwealth within the late Province of
Main
Whereas there is a Vast tract of Territory Extending from
the mouth of the River Piscataqua on the Sea Shore to the
River Saint Croix and from the sea extending back Norther-
ly & North-Westerly to the Line of the British Province of
Canada or quebec and bounded Easterly on the Province of
Nova Scotia, and Westerly & Southwesterly on the State of
New Hampshire which Territory excepting such small parts
thereof as before the Year one Thousand six hundred and
ninety two were granted to other Persons than to this Gov-
ernment by the Crown of great Britain or since that Time
by this Government under the Title of the Province of Massa-
chusetts Bay is now the real property of this Commonwealth
and it being necessary that proper attention should be paid to
the same that it may be a source for raising money to be
employed in discharge of the Debts' accumulated by the late
war
Be it therefore Enacted by the Senate and house of Repre-
sentatives in general Court assembled and by the authority
of the same that if any person shall Cut down fell destroy or
carry any tree within the Limits aforesaid standing or grow-
ing on the land of this Commonwealth such person shall for-
feit and pay to the Use of the said Commonwealth the sum
of Forty Shillings for every tree of the bigness of one foot
diameter and half that Sum for every tree of Lesser dimen-
sions and that any person who shall carry off any wood or
underwood from the Land of the Commonwealth within the
Limits aforesaid shall forfeit and pay to the use of the Com-
monwealth three times the value of such wood or under wood
Provided that nothing in this Act Shall Extend to Lessen
the penalty for Cutting pine trees as provided by an Act
passed this present Session
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 277
and be it further enacted that Three Commissioners be
appointed by joint ballot of both Houses to Superintend the
Same Lands belonging to the State within the Limits afore-
said, and they are also impowered to bring an action or
Actions against any person or persons for Cutting any tree
or trees or carrying off any wood or underwood as aforesaid
on the Land of the Commonwealth before described and by
an Action of Trespass brought in their names as agents to
the Commonwealth & to the use of the same to recover the
penalty provided by this Act against any person or persons
who shall Trespass the same Lands as aforesaid
and the said Commissioners are also hereby empowered to
bring any Action of Ejectment or other real action in their
Capacity aforesaid to recover for the use of the said Common-
wealth any Tract of Land within the Limits aforesaid not
granted to private persons as aforesaid
And it is also Enacted that if either of the agents afore-
said shall resign or shall die the right of prosecuting any
Action then pending in their names shall Survive to the
others, and those persons who shall be from time to time ap-
pointed by the General Court on the said Committee shall
have the same powers as those named in this Act.
Provided nevertheless that if the said Agents shall bring
any Action for the Recovery of Land without the orders of
the Legislature they shall bear the expence thereof themselves
And it is also Enacted that the said Committee shall have
authority to appear by an Attorney appointed in the same
manner as other persons may appear by Attorney, and shall
as soon as may be procure and lay before the General Court
a Plan of the Territory aforesaid from some of the best plans
now Extant of the same and shall delineate thereon from
Time to time the real Property of Private persons within the
said Territory,
And the Said Committee shall also have full power to
278 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Enter in behalf of the Commonwealth upon any Land within
the Limits afores d belonging to the same, and to lease the
same for any Term not exceeding three years
Provided that no lease by them made Shall Justify the
Cutting of any Trees on the Land Leased or to be abar to the
penalty provided in this Act for Trespassing on the Land
of the Government
And the said Committee Shall as soon as may be State to
the General Court the Several Claims of Individuals within
the Territory aforesaid, the proper Extent of such Claims,
the quantity Claimed distinguishing the Legal Claims from
those to which the persons claiming Pretend
In the House of Eepresentatives Oct 23 d 1783
This Bill having had three several Readings passed to be
Engrossed
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate Oct 24, 1783
Read the first time
Further Resolve Relating to Foregoing.
Oct r 28 th 1783
Whereas the Committee who were appointed by a Resolve
of the General Court of May first 1781 for examining into
all Trespasses and illegal entries on the unappropriated
Lands belonging to this Commonwealth cannot execute the
business that may arise in all the Eastern Countries with
necessary dispatch It is the opinion of your Committee
that the last mentioned Committee be excused from attending
to any concerns that may fall within their Commission in
the County of Lincoln and that a Committee be appointed
specially for the said County of Lincoln to do and execute
all that in the said County which the Committee appointed
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 279
by the Resolve aforesaid were impowered to do and execute
in the said County of Lincoln
Resolved that the Committee appointed by a Resolve of
the General Court of May the first 1781 for examining into
all Trespasses and illegal Entries on the unappropriated
Lands belonging to this Commonwealth be enjoined to com-
pleat without delay in the Counties of York and Cumberland
the business assigned them by said Resolve and one other Re-
solve of June the eleventh 1783 and the said Committee
be and they are hereby directed to lay out one or more Town-
ships in the County of Cumberland if they shall judge it
expedient and make Report of the same at the next sessions
of the General Court
Resolved that the aforesaid Committee be and they are
hereby discharged of any further execution of their Com-
mission in the said County of Lincoln and no further
Resolved that a Committee to consist of three Persons be
appointed for the purpose of doing and executing all that in
the said County
Thomas Mifflin to Governor in re Treaty of Paris.
Philadelphia November 23 rd 1783
Sir
I have the honor to inform you, that M r Thaxter, private
Secretary to M r Adams, arrived last night from France;
being dispatched by our Ministers at paris, with the defini-
tive Treaty between America and Great Britain; which was
signed on the third day of September
I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on this great
event & remain with much respect & Esteem
Your Excellency's ob 1 hble Serv*
Thomas Mifflin
His Excellency The Governor of Massachusetts
280 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Affidavits.
Warren December 8 th 1783
We John Willie and John Watson of Lawful age Testify
And say that on this Eight Day of December We Saw Wil-
liam Lermond of Warren Serve the acting town Clerk (the
Regular Chosen Clerk being at Sea) with a Copy a pettion
and order of Court for having his Land Lying in Thomas
town Annext to Warren
John Willie, John Watson
Warren December the 8 1783
Then the above Named John Willie and John Watson per-
sonally appeard and mad oath to above Deposition by taken
and subscribed Before me
Patrick Pepble Just, of Pease
Certificate in Favor Joseph Marquand.
Boston Septem. 24, 1783
This Certifies,
That the sum of One thousand five hundred & thirty eight
Pounds, five shillings & seven pence, including Interest, is
due to Mr. Joseph Marquand, for the Balance of his three
sixteenth parts of the armed Ship Monmouth lost on the Ex-
pedition to Penobscott in the year 1779 which Sum when
paid will be in full for the same 1538 .5.7
Thomas Ivers \ Com tee for Audit 8 the Acc ts
Peter Roe Dalton \ of the late Board of War
In Council Sept* 25 th 1783.
R d & Advised that a W* be drawn on the Treasury in full
of the above Certificate agreeable to Resolve of 28 th Jan y
1782.
John Avery Sec 7
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 281
Certificate in Favor Ezelciel Tarbox.
Boston Sept r 25. 1783
This Certifies
That the Sum of Fifteen Pounds, seven shillings & two
pence, including Interest, is due to Ezekiel Tarbox, for his
service as Master of the Schooner Nancy, a Transport lost
on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779 which sum
when paid will be in full 15 .7.2
Thomas Ivers \ Com tee for Audit 8 the Acc ts
Peter Eoe Dalton \ of the late Board of War
In Council Sept 27 th 1783
Advised that a W* be drawn on the Treasury to Discharge
this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Certificate in Favor Elias Haskell Derby.
Boston October 1 st 1783
This Certifies
That the Sum of Five hundred & fifty Six pounds, Nine
Shillings, for - - part of the Armed Ship Black
prince, lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the Year
1779. and One hundred & forty One pounds, Six Shillings,
for Interest thereon Amounting to the Sum of Six Hundred
& Ninety Seven pounds, fifteen shillings, is due to Elias
Haskell Derby which when paid to Benj a Goodhue Esq r will
be for the same 697 .. 15 ..
Thomas Ivers } Commitee for Auditing
Peter Roe Dalton \ the Accounts of the late Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor, and the Hon ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
282 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Council Oct r 9 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas 7 in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Secy
Certificate in Favor Elias H. Derby.
Boston Oct 6, 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of seven hundred & forty eight Pounds, six-
teen shillings & four pence, for one fourteenth & one hun-
dredth & thirty second parts of the arm'd ship Hector, lost
on the Exped" to Penobscott in the year 1779, and one hun-
dred & ninety pounds, six shillings & four pence for Interest
thereon to the first Ins 1 amounting to the sum of Nine hun-
dred & thirty nine pounds two shillings & eight pence, is due
to Elias H. Derby, which when paid to Benj a Goodhue Esq r
will be in full for the same 939 .2.8
Thomas Ivers | Com tee for Aud s the Acc ts of
Peter Roe Dalton \ the late Board of War
His Excell y the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the Com-
monw tb of Mass ts
In Council Oct 9 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
of this Certificate
John Avery Sec 7
Certificate in Favor Elias Haskell Derby.
Boston October 1 st 1783
This Certifies
That the Sum of Two thousand and Thirty One pounds
three Shillings for - part of the Armed Brig r Defence
Lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 283
and Five hundred and Sixteen pounds, five Shillings for
Interest thereon Amounting to the sum of Two thousand,
Five hundred & Forty seven pounds, Eight shillings is due
to Elias Haskell Derby which when paid to Benj a Goodue
Esq. will be in full for the same. 2547 .. 8 ..
Commitee for Auditing
Ihomas Ivers
_. _ _ , the Accounts of the late
Peter Koe Dalton
Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Oct r 9, 1783.
Advised That a Warrant be drawn on the Treas 7 in full
of this Certificate
John Avery Secy.
Certificate in Favor Jon a Gardner 3 rd .
Boston October 1 st 1783
This Certifies
That the Sum of One hundred, & sixty three pounds, four
shillings, for - part of the Armed Ship Black Prince,
lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779. &
Forty One pounds Nine shillings and Two pence, for Inter-
est thereon Amounting to the Sum of Two hundred, and
four pounds, thirteen shillings, and Two pence, is due to
Jon a Gardner 3 d which when paid to Benj a Goodhue Esq.
will be in full for the same 204 .. 13 .. 2
Committee for Auditing
Peter Roe Dalton . .. , ,
_. the Accounts of the late
Ihomas ivers ~. , , _,.
Board 01 War.
His Excellency the Governor, and the Hon ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
284 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Council Oct r 9 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
Certificate in Favor Elias Haskell Derby.
Boston Oct r 1 st 1783
This Certifies
That the Sum of Three thousand, Five hundred, and thirty
three pounds, Six shillings, and three pence for -
part of the Armed Ship Hunter lost on the Expedition to
Penobscott in the Year 1779, and Eight hundred & Ninety
Eight pounds, and Eleven pence, for Interest thereon
Amounting to the Sum of Four thousand, Four hundred, &
thirty One pounds, Seven Shillings and Two pence, is due
to Elias Haskell Derby which when paid to Benj a Goodhue
will be in full for the same. 4431 .. 7 .. 2
Thomas Ivers \ Commitee for Auditing
Peter Roe Dalton \ Accounts of the Late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor, and the Hon'ble the Council
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Oct r 9 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery See 7
Certificate in Favor Elias H. Derby.
Boston October 1 st 1783
This Certifies
That the Sum of Four hundred, & thirty four pounds,
Nineteen Shillings, for - - part of the Armed Ship
Black Prince, lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 285
Year 1779, and One hundred & Ten pounds, Eleven Shillings
& Ten pence, for Interest thereon Amounting to the sum
Five hundred, and forty five pounds, Ten shillings, and Ten
pence, is due to Elias H Derby which when paid to Benj a
Goodhue Esq. will be in full for the same. 545 .. 10 .. 10
rri Commitee for Auditing
Thomas Ivers
Peter Roe Dalton
His Excellency the Governor, and Hon ble the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Oct r 9 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
of the above Certificate
John Avery Secy
Certificate in Favor Stephen Higginson.
Boston Octo 9. 1783.
This Certifies
That the sum of Three hundred & twenty six pounds, four
shillings, for part of the arm'd ship Black prince lost on the
Expedition to Penobscot in the year 1779 and eighty two
pounds, eighteen shillings & two pence for Interest due there-
on to the first Instant, both sums amounting to Four hun-
dred & nine pounds, two shillings & two pence, is due Stephen
Higginson Esq. which when paid to George Williams Esq
will be in full for the same 409 .2.2
Thomas Ivers ] Com tee for Audit 8 the Acc u
Peter Roe Dalton ( of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor, the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Oct r 13 th 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery See 7
286 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Certificate Tristram Dalton.
Boston 1 st October 1783-
This Certifies,
That the sum of Eight hundred & forty six Pounds, six
shillings & two pence, for one eighth part of the Arm'd Ship
Monmouth, lost on the Expedition to Penobscot in the year
1779 and two hundred & fifteen Pounds, two shillings &
one penny for Interest thereon amounting to the sum of
One thousand & sixty one Pounds, eight shillings & three
pence is due to the Hon. Tristram Dalton Esq r which when
paid will be in full for the same 1061 .8.3
Thomas Ivers ] Com tee for Auditing the A/c ts
Peter Eoe Dalton ( of the late Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Oct r 13. 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
Certificate in Favor Joseph Barrell.
Boston Septem. 26. 1783.
This Certifies,
That the sum of Six hundred & thirty four Pounds, four-
teen shillings & nine pence, for three thirty-second parts of
the Arm'd ship Vengeance, lost on the Expedition to Penob-
scott in the year 1779. & one hundred & fifty eight Pounds,
thirteen shillings & three pence, for Interest thereon
amounting to Seven hundred & ninety three Pounds eight
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 287
shillings is due to Joseph Barrell, which sum when paid
will be in full for the same 793.8
Thomas Ivers 1 Com tee for auditing the
Peter Roe Dalton \ Acc t8 of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Oct r 13 th 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec 7
Certificate in Favor Benjamin Lovett Jr.
Boston Octo 9. 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of Three hundred & twenty six pounds, four
shillings, for part of the Arm'd ship Black-prince, lost on
the Expedition to Penobscot in the year 1779 and eighty
two pounds, eighteen shillings & two pence, for Interest due
thereon to the first Instant both sums amounting to four
hundred & nine pounds, two shillings & two pence, is due to
Benjamin Lovett Jun r which when paid to George Williams
Esq r will be in full for the same 409 .2.2
Thomas Ivers \ Com tee for Audit 8 the Acc ts
Peter Roe Dalton ( of the late Board of War
His Excell 7 the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonw th of Massachusetts
In Council Oct r 13 th 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
288 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
Certificate in Favor George Cabot.
Boston Octo. 9. 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of One hundred & sixty three Pounds, two
shillings, for part of the Arm'd ship Black Prince lost on the
Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779. and forty one
pounds, nine shillings & one penny for Interest thereon to
the first Instant, both sums amounting to Two hundred &
four pounds eleven shillings & two pence, is due to George
Cabot which when paid to George Williams Esq r will be in
full for the same 204.. 11 . 12
Thomas Ivers \ Com tee for Audit 8 the Acco ts of
Peter Roe Dalton \ the late Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Ocf 13 th 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas y in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec 7
Certificate in Favor John Lovett.
Boston Octo 9, 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of Two hundred & seventeen pounds, nine
shillings & four pence, for part of the Ship Black prince,
lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779. and
Fifty-five pounds, five shillings & five pence for Interest due
thereon to the first Instant, both sums amounting to Two
hundred & seventy two pounds, fourteen shillings & nine
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 289
pence, is due to John Lovett, which when paid to George
Williams Esq r will be in full for the same 272 . 14. 9
Thomas Ivers 1 Acc ts of the late Board of War.
Peter Roe Dalton \ Com tee for auditing the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon. the Council of the
In Council Oct r 13 th 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
Certificate in Favor John Gardner Jr.
Boston Octo. 9. 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of One hundred & twenty seven Pounds, one
shilling & seven pence half penny, for part of the Arm'd
ship Black prince, lost on Expedition to Penobscott in the
year 1779, and thirty two Pounds, nine Shillings & eight
pence half penny, for Interest thereon to the first Instant,
both sums amounting to One hundred & fifty nine pounds,
eleven shillings & four pence, is due to John Gardner Jun r
which when paid to George Williams Esq r will be in full
for the same 159 . 11 . 4
Thomas Ivers \ Com tee for Audit 5 the Acc ts of the
Peter Roe Dalton \ late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Oct r 14 th 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas y in full
of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
20
290 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
Certificate in Favor Andrew Cabot.
Boston 6 th Octo. 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of Three thousand, three hundred & eighty
five Pounds, four shillings & nine pence, for one half of the
Arm'd Brig 1 Defence, appurt 8 & c lost on the Expedition to
Penobscott in the year 1779 and the sum of eight hun-
dred & sixty Pounds, eight shillings & two pence, for Interest
thereon to the first Instant, both sums amounting to Four
thousand two hundred & forty five Pounds, twelve shillings
& eleven pence, is due to Andrew Cabot Esq. which when
paid will be in full for the same 4245 . 12 . 11
Thomas Ivers \ Com tee for auditing the Acco u
Peter Koe Dalton \ of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Oct r 14 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate. John Avery Sec y
Certificate in Favor Jonathan Peele.
Boston 14 Octo. 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of Five hundred & thirty one Pounds eleven
shillings & five pence, is due to Joseph Sprague, for the
Balance due to him, for his eleventh part of the arm'd Ship
Hector, lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year
1779. which sum when paid to Jonathan Peele will be in full
for the same 531 . 11 . 5
Thomas Ivers ) the A/c ts of the late Board of War.
Peter Roe Dalton \ Com tee for Audit 8
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 291
In Council 21 8t October 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec 7
Observations on Public Men.
General Washington.
Soon the Protector of America. A deep endless ambition,
too thinly veiled to escape the penetration of some of those
who saw him constantly in the various scenes of this Revo-
lution, who saw him behind the Couliese, as well as upon
the Stage, makes the basis of the character of this man, who
has forever inscribed his name in the annals of the world;
great, not by shining talents, but by a happy concurrence of
circumstances, a good useful understanding, an unwearied
passive perseverance, the mediocrity of all his competitors,
& the ... or ... of his antagonists. Genius it seems
is not the growth of this western world, & even when imported
droops and dies under this unfavorable Sky: May this be
as it will, Genius it seems was not the lot of Washington.
Without a spark of imagination, enthusiasm or that torrent
of talent that carries everything before it, cold, deliberate,
slow, patient, persevering, he now finds himself elevated to
a pitch of grandeur he never dream'd of, and would not even
now grasp at the supreme power, if, to obtain it, he must as
Cromwell, surround the State House and tell them, "begone,
the Lord you seek has left this place." But no such exertion
will be requir'd. The nation is sick of Congress, they speak
of them with the utmost contempt: Congress themselves
are tired of their situation, the unpopularity of which they
feel even in the Streets of Princeton, & which is neither
lucrative, nor honorable, nor durable enough to attach them.
292 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
I know that they all expect, and that most of them wish a
revolution.
This revolution is near at hand, but I do not venture to af-
firm that it will affect all America ; there is an opposition to
it in Congress (a weak one I believe in numbers and power,
though not in abilities for I think Thompson is not at the
head of it) besides, all the Eastern provinces oppose it, but
their joint endeavours cannot entirely prevent it. The junto
of Washington, Witherspoon, Marbois & the Cincinnati, be-
sides the clear majority in Congress, & I am confident a
majority of the people at large, will certainly carry the point.
Congress.
Never was this Areopagus of America composed of men so
little respectable either by their abilities, family, or fortune;
they are so conscious of it themselves, that they retire from
the Eye of the Traveller, to hide their weakness and poverty ;
but none of them seems more fearful to expose the mock
Majesty of his public Character by a knowledge of his private
one, than their President, Mr. Wilson it is generally thought
will be nominated his Successor, but will not accept of it.
His ostensible reason for declining this office is his business ;
but his real one perhaps, that he would lose his influence by
becoming the Speaker of this Senate, that is to say the only
man in it that never speaks at all. He is generally thought
a French Pensioner, and Man of abilities.
Maryland is most likely to become the residence of Congress,
as that State has made the largest offers. This certainly
must be an object with men, half a dozen of whom used, even
at Philadelphia, to live together with their Families, in a
paltry boarding house. At Princeton they certainly will not
remain. I heard the objection stated that Baltimore was too
warm, but the answer was, "by the time the weather grows
warm Congress will sit nowhere. The scene of this con-
versation was a Tavern.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 293
Their High Mightinesses themselves acknowledge that they
have no power at all, and that their situation is hard indeed,
for being hated on account of their impotence. But they
deny that the persecution of the loyalists springs from this
fountain: The majority of Congress is for this cruel
measure.
Dr. Witherspoon
An account of the present face of things in America, would
be very defective indeed, if no mention was made of this
political firebrand, who perhaps had not a less share in the
revolution than Washington himself. He poisons the minds
of his young Students, and through them the Continent. He
is the intimate friend of the General, and had I no other
arguments to support my ideas of Washington's designs, I
think his intimacy with a man of so different a character
from his own, (for Washington's private one is perfectly
amiable) would justify my suspicions. The commencement
was a favorable opportunity of conveying certain sentiments
to the public at large (for even women were present) which
it now becomes important to make them familiar with. This
farce was evidently introductory of the Drama that is to
follow.
The great maxim which this commencement was to estab-
lish, was the following, "A time may come in every Re-
public, and that may be the case with America, when Anarchy
makes it the duty of the man who has the majority of the
people with him, to take the helm into his own hands, in
order to save his Country, and the person who opposes him
deserves the utmost revenge of his nation, deserves -
to be sent to Nova Scotia. Vox populi, vox dei."
These were the very words of the Moderator, who decided
on the question, was Brutus justifiable in killing Csesar?
either they thought us all that heard them blockheads, or
they were not afraid of avowing their designs. This was
294 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
plainer English still than the pactum confederationis of the
Cincinati.
When the young man, who with a great deal of passionate
eloquence defended his favorite Brutus, extolled the virtue
ef the man who could stab even his Father when attempting
the liberties of his Country, I thought I saw Washington's
face clouded, he did not dare to look the Orator in the face,
who stood just before him, but with downcast look seemed
wishing to hide the impression, which a subject that touched
him so near, had I thought very visibly made in his counte-
nance. But we are so apt to read in the face what we sup-
poses passes in the heart, may be that this was the case with
me. But if ever what I suspect should happen, I shall think
that moment one of the most interesting ones of my life.
The orations of the younger boys were full of the coarsest
invectives against British tyranny. I will do Mr. Wither-
spoon the justice to think, he was not the author of them, for
they were too poor indeed; besides, they evidently conveyed
different sentiments ; there was one of them not unfavorable
to liberal sentiments even towards Britons. But upon the
whole it is but just to suppose that Witherspoon had read
them all.
The Minister of France was not present tho' expected, but
I have a right to think that all, or almost all the Members of
Congress, and all the Cincinnati then in the neighbourhood
assisted at this entertainment. The Cincinnati sat together
en Corps.
The French Minister & French Gold.
Of all the men France could have chosen the most im-
proper. One would think the Court of London had had the
appointment of this French Minister, and that of Versailles
the nomination of some of our . . . Even if Mr. de la
Luzerne was possessed of all the abilities he wants (and then
he would be a most able man indeed) his petty, national, and
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 295
nobility pride, and his former residence at the pragmatical
Court of Miimicken, would have entirely disqualified him
for his present Station. What do you think of the scavoir
faire of a French Ambassador at Philadelphia, who remains
an entire Stranger to many and has affronted all the members
of Congress on account of a punctilio of etiquette; who in-
vites the Americans to his house to entertain them there with
the condescendance of a French Lord of the Manor who gives
a feast to his tenants, who leaves the Supper table when the
company are just seated to pay a visit at half after ten at
Night, to the charming . . . and who by every look,
word or action, tells the Inhabitants of America, Vous ete
de la Canaille, et moi je suis Baron Francois.
This picture is not too high coloured, had you patience and
I leisure I might finish it still higher; but this I think is
sufficient.
Marbois, the soul of that Embassy, possesses every talent
the other wants ; that of pleasing excepted. You plainly see,
the moment he enters the room that he passed his life at the
Bar of Colmar; stiff, formal, cold, polite, grave, he puts
everybody upon his guard, without being upon his own. A
Frenchman is indiscreet because he is a Frenchman, but
never more so than when the honor of his Nation is at Stake.
Their grand aim was to prove that they had done all, and
the Americans nothing. These they represented as an in-
dolent, apathie, stupid, happy set of beings. If we believe
them, the Sun spent all his genial influence in the East to
form the fiery frenchman, before he reached this western
Hemisphere. Incredible as this open contempt of the Nation
they protect, seems to be, and impolitic as it is, to make it the
common subject of their conversation at table yet I heard
myself the maxim laid down there once, leurs femes sont
des anges, et les hommes des betes.
All this the Americans know full well and gratefully re-
296 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
turn the Compliment. The French interest extends not an
inch further than their Gold, who is not paid to speak well
of them, detests them. The Father trembles for his daugh-
ter, and the Husband for his Wife ; for such is the influence
of French manners already, that both have some reason to
tremble. Some say they dread French atheism, and it is
their Religion they fear for. But the fact is they do not,
for Religion they have none. But a more just and general
complaint is, that French luxury, which begins to pervade
all ranks of people, will ruin a poor Republic, whose exports
are not one half of its imports ; but this field is too wide, and
I have already trespassed too long on your patience. Give
me leave only to add one word more, & that is, that I am per-
fectly convinced that it would be very easy for a British Am-
bassador to ruin the French interest in this Country. I do
not mean only . . . Send a man of a social turn who can
stoop to conquer, but let this man be a man of rank, for pride
is after all the bosom passion of the Americans. French
stiffness and formality will be no match for British Hos-
pitality, nor French Gold for good old Madeira Wine. If
a Minister of this turn had an intelligent Secretary, Mons r
de la Luzerne would be undone.
In Sir Guy Carleton's
No. 114 of the 13th Octo r 1783.
Certificate in Favor John Fisk.
Boston October 14 th 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of One hundred & sixty two pounds three
Shillings, for my 48 th part of the Armed Ship Hunter, lost
on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779. and Forty
One pounds, four shillings & three pence for Interest thereon
to y e 1 st Ins* Amounting to the Sum of Two hundred & three
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 297
pounds, Seven shillings & three pence, is due to John Fisk
which when paid will be in full for the same 203 .. 7 .. 3
Thomas Ivers \ Commetee for Auditing the
Peter Roe Dalton \ Acco ts of the late Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon'ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Oct r 21. 1783
Eead & Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury
for 203 .. 7 .. 3 in full of this Certificate
Attest John Avery See 7
Certificate in Favor Jonathan Peele.
Boston October 14 th 1783 -
This Certifies
That the sum of One hundred & sixty two pounds, three
shillings, for 48 th part of the Armed Ship Hunter, lost on
the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779. and Forty
One pounds, four shillings & three pence for Interest thereon
to the 1 st Instant, Amounting to the Sum of Two hundred &
three pounds, seven shillings & three pence, is due to Jona-
than Peele, which when paid will be in full for the same.
203.. 7.. 3
Thomas Ivers ) Commetee for Audit g the
Peter Roe Dalton \ Acco tB of the late Board of War.
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon'ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Ocf 21. 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas y in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec 7
298 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Certificate in Favor John Fisk.
Boston Ocf 14 th 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of One hundred & Eighty four pounds,
Twelve shillings & seven pence for my part of the Armed
Ship Hector, lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year
1779, and Forty Six pounds, Eighteen Shillings and five
pence for Interest thereon to y e 1 st Instant. Amounting to the
sum of Two hundred & thirty One pounds, Eleven shillings,
is due to John Fisk, which when paid will be in full for the
same. 231. 11 ..0
Thomas Ivers \ Commetee for Auditing the
Peter Roe Dalton ( Accounts of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon ble the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council October 21 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas y for
231 .. 11 .. in full of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
Certificate in Favor John Gardner Jr.
Boston October 14 th 1783
This Certifies,
That the sum of Eight hundred & Sixty One pounds, thir-
teen shillings & seven pence for my 1/11 part of the Armed
Ship Hector, lost on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year
1779. and Two hundred & Nineteen pounds One shilling &
Two pence for Interest thereon to 1 st Instant, Amounting to
the sum of One thousand & Eighty pounds, fourteen shillings
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 299
& Nine pence, is due to John Gardner Jun r which when paid
will be in full for the same 1080 .. 14.. 9
Thomas Ivers ) Commetee for Auditing the
Peter Roe, Dal ton ( Accounts of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon'ble the Council of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Oct r 21. 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas* in full
Discharge of this Certificate
John Avery Sec y
Certificate in Favor ^William Nichols et al.
Boston October 15. 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of One thousand, six hundred & ninety two
Pounds, twelve shillings & four pence, for one quarter part
of the arm'd ship Monmouth lost on the Expedition to
Penobscott in the year 1779. and Four hundred & thirty
pounds four shillings & four pence for Interest due thereon
to the first Instant, both sums amounting to Two thousand,
one hundred & twenty two Pounds, sixteen Shillings & six
pence, is due to Mess rs William Nichols & Samuel Batcheldor,
which when paid will be in full for the same 2212 . 16 . 6
Thomas Ivers \ Com tee for Audit g the Acc ts
Peter Roe Dalton ( of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council Oct r 21. 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of the within Certificate
John Avery Sec y
300 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY '
Petition from Inhabitants of Gouldsborough and Other Places.
To the IIon ble the Senate and the Hon ble the House of Kepre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in
General Court assembled.
The Petition of the Inhabitants of Machias, & others be-
longing to the Eastern part of the County of Lincoln.
Humbly Sheweth.
That by reason of the extensiveness of this County, we
have a long time labour'd under many and great difficulties,
which no other part of this State at present undergoes, &
which, we presume, your honors have no Idea of; we there-
fore crave leave to make known our grievances, in hopes of
obtaining relief.
We would in the first place inform your honors, that from
Pownalborough, the Shire Town of this County, it is about
270 miles, as near as we can calculate, to the Eiver S l Croix
at Passamaquaddy, the most extreme part of this County and
Commonwealth ; by reason of which great distance, we labor
under the greatest difficulties upon many accounts; and in
addition to those we formerly experienced, we have now to
pass by a British Post, (viz* Bagwaduce) which your honors
may reasonably suppose, is attended with inconveniences not
a few. Of the difficulties we experience we would mention
the following. 1 st By reason of the distance aforesaid many
estates lay unsettled; Creditors are kept out of their just
dues : Minors & orphans are unprovided of Guardians ; and
the heirs cannot obtain a just division of their shares, as it
would take a small Estate to pay for Administration &c, if
we must go to Pownalborough therefor.
2 d By reason of the distance aforesaid, delinquents have
gone unpunished, as it would in many cases ruin individuals
to prosecute or to appear as witnesses, if they must attend at
the established Courts.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 301
3 d By reason of the distance aforesaid, in sueing to Pownal-
borough Court, the bills of cost many times surmount the
debt: To mention one instance within our knowledge, the
debt was forty two shillings and the Cost amounted to up-
wards of Ten pounds.
4 th We are at great charge and trouble even to get a Deed
recorded, besides running the risque of being taken in pass-
ing Bagwaduce & losing the deeds, which has been the case.
Wherefore we humbly pray, for the reasons aforesaid, that
your honors would establish a special Judge of Probate of
Wills & for granting Letters of Administration &c, & for ap-
pointing Guardians for Minors & Orphans; to have Juris-
diction to the Eastward of Pcnobscot River : Also to appoint
a Register of Probate. That a Court of Special Sessions of
the peace be established, to have Cognizance to the eastward
of Penobscot River as aforesaid.
That two or more Justices be appointed to try causes to
the amount of twenty pounds and under, with liberty of ap-
peal ; or, that a Court of Common pleas be established ; to
have jurisdiction as aforementioned.
That a Register of Deeds be appointed for said Eastern
part of said County. And lastly, That one or more of the
present Justices may be appointed of the Quorum; because
there are divers cases wherein a single Justice alone, will
not answer, as in taking Depositions in Perpetuam, & trying
causes of forcible entry.
Should your Honors think proper to indulge us in our re-
quests, we would beg leave to say further, that the Plantation
of Machias, is the best situated on many accounts, for the
holding said Courts &c ; and we pray that they may be estab-
lished at said place as aforesaid : All which would have the
utmost tendency to promote peace, harmony & good order;
Justice would be duly administered, and the oppressed find
relief.
302 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
And your petitioners as in duty bound, will ever pray &c
October 22 d 1782
David Gardner Daniel Stone, Solomon Stone, Aaron Hans-
corn, Stephen Jones, Joel Whitney Nathan Longfellow, W m
Albee, J Noble Shannon Morris O'Brien George Stillman
Amos Boynton George Luey David Longfellow, Joseph
Walles, Jonas Farnsworth Stephen Smith W m Tupper, David
Gardner Jun r Peter Talbot, Benj a Foster John Foster, Levi
Foster, Woorden Foster, Stephen Munson Samuel Rich,
Joseph Manson.
Petition from Inhabitants of Machias.
To the Hon ble the Senate, and the Hon ble the House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A number of the Inhabitants of Machias, and others be-
longing to the Eastern part of the County of Lincoln, Humbly
Sheweth,
That whereas we are informed, a Petition from a number
of the Inhabitants of this place and the vicinity, has lately
been preferred to your Honors, praying, (for reasons therein
mentioned) that a Court of Probate, a Register of Deeds, a
Court of Common pleas & Sessions may be established at
Machias ; to have Jurisdiction to the Eastward of Penobscot
River. As we had not opportunity of seeing said Petition
before it was sent away, and being now fully acquainted with
the contents thereof, and having for a long time suffered
many and great inconveniences from the want of such ar-
rangements higher than Pownalborough ; we pray your honors
that the prayer of said Petition may be granted, with this
addition, that appeals may be had from the Court of Com-
mon pleas, to the Supreme Judicial Court in Boston, (as was
usual, from the County of Nantucket) instead of Falmouth ;
as we could attend at the former place with greater ease and
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 303
convenience than at the latter And as in duty bound your
petitioners will Ever pray &c
Machias December 18 th 1782
Joseph Libbee, Eph ra Chase, M r Howe Alpheus Policy,
Jonathan Pineo, John Berry, William Elwell, William Ray,
Joseph Waller J r , Ja 8 Campbell, Benj a Pettigrow, Edmund
Stevens.
In Senate June 12 th 1783
Read & thereupon Order'd, that this Petition be com-
mitted to the Committee of both Houses appointed the 30 th
May Ult : ; to take into consideration the Petition of David
Gardner & others, Inhabitants of Machias, to consider and
report what is proper to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In House of Representatives June 13 th 1783
Read & concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Memorial of the Machias Committee.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Memorial of the Committee Corrispd Inspection &
Safety of Machias for & in behalf of said Plantation
Humbly Sheweth
That some time past a number of the Inhabitants of this
District & the others adjacent, Petitioned the Hon ble Court
Seting fourth the Distresses the Inhabitants were under by
reason of the distance they were from the Shiere Town in
this County and expence & dificulty attending thereon & re-
questing a Court of Common pleas, a Judge of Probate &
Register of Deeds might be appointed to be held in this
place the Hon ble Court at that time thought it best to refer
304 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
it over to the present session, at the same time Gave in-
couragement that relief should be Granted, The Inhabitants
of this district had a legal & full meeting the 23 d of May
last at which time the matter was again taken into Considera-
tion, when the Town Unanimously Voted To Memorialize the
Honble General Court on the Subject Requesting in the most
earnest manner To Grant them Relief & directed the Com-
mittee of Corrispondence Inspection & Safety to do it, Your
memorialist therefore Humbly prays the Hon ble Court will be
pleased To take the foregoing with their former petition into
their wise Consideration & Grant them such Relief as they
in their wisdom may think Fit. Your Memorialist for a
more full State of these matters beg leave to Refer your
Honors to James Avery Esq r agent for this plantation and
your memorialist as in duty Bound &c
Stephen Smith, Joseph Libbee |
Benj Foster, Morris O'Brien ( Comm ttee
Machias June 2 d 1783
In Senate Sept 27 th 1783
Read & thereupon Order'd that Cotton Tufts Esq r with
such as the Hon ble House shall join be a Committee to take
this Memorial into consideration, together with the Petition
of the Inhabitants of Machias, and others belonging to the
Eastern part of the County of Lincoln and Report what
may be proper to be done thereon
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams, Presid 1
In the House of Representatives same day
Read & concurred & M r Eddy & M r Hosmer are joined
Tristram Dalton Spk r
To James Avery Esq r
Sir
You being appointed by the Inhabitants of Machias to
Appear at the General Court of this Commonwealth to sup-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 305
port the petitions from the Inhabitants of that and other
Plantations respecting the Establishing Courts of Law & a
Register of Deeds &c in this part of the County so that we
may have a more easey & less expences in access to Justice,
we whose names are hereunto Subscribed Inhabitants of the
different Plantations Sett against our Respective Names do
Request you to appear in our behalf & use your influence that
the said Petitions may be granted
Robert Ash ) of Cobscook
Daniel Lee \ pasmequady
henry Bowen of Moose Island Passamaquaday
Josiah Weston } of Chandlors River
Reuben Libbee \
Joel Whitnay ] of Chandlors River
Stephen Hall (
Report of the Committee on the Petition of Inhabitants of
Machias and Resolve Thereon.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Committee of both Houses to whom was referrd the
Consideration of several Petitions from the Inhabitants of
Machias & others in the Eastern part of the County of Lin-
coln, praying that a Register of Deeds & of Probate of Wills
may be Established at Machias and that a Court of Probate
of Wills, a Court of General Sessions of the peace & Court of
Common pleas may be held at Machias with a right of appeal
from the Court of General sessions of the peace & Court of
Common pleas to the Supreme Judicial Court held at Boston,
beg leave to report
That in the Opinion of your Committee the peculiar dif-
ficulties under which the Petitioners labour for want of an
easier and less expensive access to the Court of Law and
21
306 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Justice render it highly reasonable that their request be so
far granted that a Register of Probate of Wills & of Deeds
be Established at Machias to exercise their respective Officers
in that part of the County of Lincoln which is to the East-
ward of Union River, That the Judges of Probate of
Wills for the County of Lincoln be directed to hold his Court
twice every year at Machias and that the Court of General
Sessions of the Peace and Court of Common pleas for the said
County should hold one Term every Year at said Machias
and that Jurors for the two last mentioned Courts be sum-
moned from the Freeholders and other Inhabitants' by Law
qualified for that service w ch are to the Eastward of said
Union River, and that the Petitioners have leave to bring in
a Bill for the purposes afore-mentiond
Cotton Tufts p r Order
In Senate October 17 th 1783
Read and accepted
And Whereas several Petitions from the Inhabitants of
Machias & others have been presented to the General Court,
being in substance as follows Viz,
That the Legislature of this Commonwealth would em-
power two or more Justices of the Peace to try Causes to the
Amount of Twenty Pounds & under, and establish at Machias
in the County of Lincoln, a Court of Probate of Wills, a
Register of Probate, a Register of Deeds, a Court of General
Sessions of the Peace, a Court of Common Pleas with a
right of Appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court held at Bos-
ton, the said Officers to exercise their respective Offices and
the said Courts to have jurisdiction, to the Eastward of
Penobscot River, Orderd,
That, the Substance of the said Petition as aforementioned
be published in three of the Boston Newspapers for three
Weeks successively, which shall be considered as a Notifica-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 307
tion to the several Towns in the said County of Lincoln, to
shew Cause, if any they have, on the second Wednesday of
the first Sessions of the next General Court, why the prayer
of the said Petition should not be granted
And the Secretary is hereby directed to publish the same
accordingly
Sent down for Concurrence
S. Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Oct 20 th 1783
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Approv'd John Hancock.
Certificate in Favor Melzar Sampson.
Boston Octo 21. 1783
This Certifies
That the sum of Five hundred & six pounds, fifteen shil-
lings & five pence, for loss & hire of the Sloop Hannah a
Transport on the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779.
and One hundred & twenty Pounds, seven shillings & one
penny for Interest thereon to the first Instant & also
Twenty three pounds, one shilling & nine pence for the Mas-
ters Wages & his Bill of Disbursements after loss of the
Vessell, the whole of which amounting to the sum of Six
hundred & fifty Pounds, four shillings & three pence, is due
to Melzar Sampson, which when paid will be in full for the
same 650.4.3
Thomas Ivers ) Com tee for Audit 8 the
Peter Roe Dalton \ Acco ts of the late Board of War
His Excellency the Governor, & the Hon a the Council of the
Commonw th of Massachusetts
308 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Council Oct r 21. 1783
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
Discharge of the within Certificate
Jno A very See 7
Petition of Josiah Brewer.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable House of
Representatives in General Court assembled
Octob r 22. 1783
The Petition of Josiah Brewer residing at Fort Hallifax
on Kennebeck River within the County of Lincoln, Esq r
humbly sheweth, That in the Year 1779, when the Enemy
took Possession of Majabaggaduce your Petitioner was driven
from his Habitation on Penobscott River, leaving behind
him all his Effects, (excepting a very few trifling Articles)
which have been plunder'd by the Enemy & his dwelling
house entirely destroyed ; by Reason whereof, your Petitioner
has been greatly reduced in his Circumstances That your
Petitioner has, for two or three years, resided at said Fort
Hallifax, in the Service of this Commonwealth ; but in March
last was discharged from said Service, and being destitute of
House or Home of his own, he prays that he may be per-
mitted to remain in, and occupy the Fort House where he
now resides, together with about ten Acres of Land adjoining
which your Petitioner fenced in at his own proper Costs &
Charge, for the Term of one or two years, free of any Rent,
as it is probable that it will be of no Use or Service to the
Commonwealth at Present, and that if your Petitioner re-
moves therefrom, it will be improved by the first person that
can get the Possession thereof, without ever paying any Rent
to the Commonwealth therefor
And your Petitioner as in Duty bound &c
Josiah Brewer
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 309
Certificate in Favor Thomas Stevens.
Boston Octo. 27. 1783 -
This Certifies
That the sum of Three hundred & twenty six pounds, four
shillings, for part of the Arm'd Ship Black Prince, lost on
the Expedition to Penobscott in the year 1779. and eighty
two Pounds eighteen shillings & two pence for Interest there-
on to the first Instant, both sums amounting to Four hundred
& nine pounds, two shillings & two pence, is due to Thomas
Stevens, which when paid to Jonathan Peele, will be in full
for the same 409 .2.2
Thomas Ivers ] Com tee for Audit g the Acco ts
Peter Roe Dalton ( of the late Board of War
His Excel! 7 the Governor & the Hon. the Council of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Council Oct r 28. 1783.
Advised that a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full
discharge of the within Certificate
John Avery Sec y
Land at Falmouth Declared Forfeited to the Commonwealth.
Cumberland Ss January 9 th 1784-
These certify That at a Court of Common Pleas for said
County which was begun and holden at Falmouth within the
same, on the last Tuesday of October A. D. 1782 Certain
Lands and Buildings mentioned in a Complaint of the Attor-
ney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which
was exhibited to the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for
said County begun and holden at said Falmouth on the last
Tuesday of October A. D. 1781 viz One Moiety of a
certain Lot of Land lying in Falmouth aforesaid in that part
thereof called the Neck containing twenty eight Square
310 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Rods with one half the House thereon Also ano = Lot
of Land there containing twenty four square Rods with
the Buildings thereon And the hundred Acre number
seventy eight in the third Division of Lotts in Pearsontown
in said County, all bounded and described as by the said
Complaint &c Records of said Court will appear were by
s d Court declared forfeited And by Law to escheat, enure and
accrue to the Sole Use and Benefit of the Commonwealth
aforesaid
Att Sam 1 Freeman Cle r
Petition for a Township.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honourable the
Senate and the House of Representatives in General
Court Assembled
the Petition of Ebenezer Lovell of Worcester in the County
of Worcester and Commonwealth afors d with Sixty of his
Associates Humbly Sheweth that whereas your Petitioners
are desirous of settling a Township of unappropriated land
in the Province of Main under such rules and regulations as
Your Honours Shall direct Prays, that your Honours
would Grant to him and his Associates a Township of un-
appropriated land Six miles Square in said Province
between Penobscott River and Kennebeck River near the
line between a place known by Sour Dabscotts Mills and fort
Halifax and Your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever
pray-
for himself and
Ebenezer Lovele -\ . ,
I associates.
Worcester June 25 : 1783
In Senate Jan y 23 d 1784-
Read & thereupon Orderd that this Petition be Committed
to the Committee appointed by a Resolve of the 28 th Oct
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 311
last, to execute certain business therein mention'd in the
County of Lincoln
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid'
In the House of Representatives Same day
Read and concurred Tristram Dalton Spk r
Petition of Peleg Wadsworth and Others for Purchase of a
Township on Penobscot River.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable the House
of Representatives,
The Petition of Peleg Wadsworth, Joseph Ward and
Eliphalet Downer, Humbly Sheweth,
That there being large Tracts of unlocated land in the
eastern parts of this Commonwealth, your Petitioners humbly
pray that the General Court would be pleased to grant them
a Township seven miles square in the unlocated lands adjoin-
ing to Penobscot River, near to the head of the Tide ; and in
the said grant, fix the price which your Petitioners shall give
for the said Township, and the terms of payment.
The advantages that may accrue to the Commonwealth in
consequence of granting the said Township, we humbly con-
ceive, may be great; it will increase the value of all the
other unlocated lands by extending settlements and cultiva-
tion, bring in some of the public Securities, thereby reduce
the debt, and increase public credit, and by these combined
operations in various ways promote the general interest of the
Commonwealth, and accelerate the annihilation of the public
debt. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, &c
Peleg Wadsworth
Joseph Ward
Eliphalet Downer
312 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In Senate Jan y 23 d 1784
Read & thereupon Orderd, that this Petition be Com-
mitted to the Committee appointed by a Resolve of the 28 th
of October last, to execute certain business therein mentioned
in the County of Lincoln
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives same day
Read & concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Petition for a Township Between Kennebeck and Penobscot.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Honourable the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives in General Court Assembled
the Petition of Thomas Denny of Leicester in the County
of Worcester and Commonwealth aforesaid with Sixty of his
Associates humbly Sheweth
That whereas your Petitioners are very desirous of
settleing a Township of unappropriated land in the Province
of Main, under such rules and Regulations as your Honours
shall Direct Prays that your Honours would Grant to him
and his Associates a Township of unappropriated land Six
Miles Square in said Province between Penobscott River
and Kenebeck River near the Line between a place Called
Sour Dabscotts Mills and Fort Halifax
and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray
j for himself
Thomas Denny | and Associateg
Leicester July 3 d 1783
In Senate Jan y 23 d 1784
Read & thereupon Orderd that this Petition be Committed
to the Committee appointed by a Resolve of the 28 th of Oct b
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 313
last, to execute certain business therein mentioned in the
County of Lincoln
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives same day
Read & concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Petition of Francis Shaw.
To The Honorable Senate and Hon ble House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of Francis Shaw in behalf of Himself and
others, Inhabitants and Proprietors of Lands Eastward of
Penobscott River Humbly Sheweth
That at the Last session of the General Court a Petition
was presented by some Inhabitants of Machias to have a
Court of Sessions and Common Pleas Established in that
place, and a Resolve passed to Warn all persons Conserned
to Appear and Shew Cause, why such a thing should not be
Allowed
Your Petitioner would beg leave to Acquaint your Honours,
that Machias lyes near a hundred Miles Eastward of Penob-
scot, the former of which with the settlements adjacent has
not near the Number of Inhabitants, as the more Westerly
part of this district, who have never been Consulted on this
Important Affair, nor does it Appear many others Excep"
the Inhabitants of Machias
Therefore your Petitioner Humbly Prays, that your
Honours, would take the premisses, under Consideration,
That no such Courts may be Established, till the whole of
the Inhabitants Concerned may have an Opportunity of Con-
sulting on the subject, And your Petitioner in behalf of him-
self and others as in Duty bound will ever pray.
Francis Shaw
314 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve on Petition of Francis Shaw.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
house of Representa. 12 Feb y 1784
On the Petition of Francis Shaw
Resolved That the Petition from the inhabitants of
Machias requesting the Establishment of a Court of Common
Pleas, be Suspended untill the inhabitants of Goulds-
bourough Penobscot &c, have opportunity to represent their
Situation and that the Petitioner Francis Shaw Esq r be
requested to furnish the Gen 1 Court of this commonwealth
with a just account of the Number of Inhabitants, & their
Places of abode, Between Belfast & Passamaquoda
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Petition of John Peirce.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth aforesaid, in
General Court assembled
The Petition of Elisha Gurney and John Peirce of Wor-
cester; in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth afore-
said on their own accounts, and in behalf of sixty other
persons, inhabitants of the Same County
that your Petitioners at the desire of their associates, have
been into the late Province of Main to view part of the un-
appropriated land there, in order for an immediate Settle-
ment of a Township, if a Grant could be obtained from your
Honors, for that purpose, and that their report has been Sat-
isfactory to their Employers
Your Petitioner therefore in behalf of said associates and
themselves Humbly pray your Honors that a tract of land
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 315
in the said late Province of Main of sufficient quality to
form a Township may be Granted them, under Such limita-
tions, restrictions and Conditions as to your Honors Shall
Seem meet
And as in duty bound shall ever pray
John Peirce
Elisha Gurney
Worcester Sept r 26th. 1783
In Senate Feb ry 20 th 1784
Read & thereupon Orderd that this Petition be Committed
to the Committee appointed by a Resolve of the 28 th October
last, to execute certain business therein mentioned in the
County of Lincoln
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Feb ry 20 th 1784
Read and concurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Resolve on the Petition of Josiah Brewer.
Common Wealth Massachusetts
In The House of Representatives March 2 nd 1784
On The petition of Josiah Brewer praying for the Liberty.
To dwell in the House at Fort Hallifax and to Improve Ten
Acres of Land Round Said House which the said Josiah
Brewer Fenced in at his own Cost
Resolved. That the Prayer of the Petitioner be so far
Granted, That the Said Josiah Brewer to make him Satisfac-
tion for what he has fenced and done thereon, Have Liberty
to Improve said House and Land. The Term of One Year
from the date hereof he Leaving it with A good Fence and
in As good order as it Now stands
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
316 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolve for Laying Out Towns on the River S* Croix.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 1784-
Whereas it is expedient that a Number of Towns Should
with all convenient dispatch be laid out upon the western
side of and adjoining the River S l Croix; the eastern bound-
ary of this Commonwealth & of the United States of Amer-
ica; therefore
Resolved that six Townships each to contain a Number of
Acres equal to six Miles square shall be laid out upon and
adjoining the western side of the said River, to begin as
near the mouth or entrance of the same as may be con-
venient and so to extend in succession and if practicable
adjoining each other up the said River
And it is further Resolv'd that each of the said Townships
shall be laid out into lots of.
fronting upon and towards the said River and extending
back in succession in an equal width
each as near as may be; the whole of the said Townships
to be bounded on the back parts thereof by a direct Line
drawn from the western termination of the northern bound-
ary of the uppermost of the s d Townships.
And it is further Resolv'd that be a Committee
to lay out the said Townships & to employ in behalf of this
Commonwealth a Surveyor or Surveyors & Chainmen suffi-
cient to lay out and take an actual Survey & plan of the said
Townships
And it is further Resolved that when the said Committee
have effected the business herein assigned them they are here-
by directed to make return of their doings together with a
plan of the s d Townships to the General Court and to report
whether it may be expedient in their opinion to lay out any
greater Number of Townships upon the said River or in
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 317
any other part of the unappropriated Lands within the
County of Lincoln
And it is further Resolved that the sum of
be allowed & paid out of the public Treasury of this Com-
monwealth to the said Committee in order to enable them to
pay the Surveyor or Surveyors & Chainmen and others that
may be employed by them as aforesaid the said Committee
to be accountable for the sum aforesaid, and the said Com-
mittee are also directed to lay an Account of their own par-
ticular time & expenditures while engaged in the business
aforesaid before the General Court for examination &
allowance.
Resolve Empowering the Committee of York & Cumberland
Appointed on Eastern Lands to Consider the
Pejepscot Claims.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 15 1784
A resolve Relative to the Unappropriated Lands belong-
ing to this Common Wealth in the Eastern Counties.
Whereas the Committee Appointed by a Resolve of the
General Court of May 1, 1781, for examining into all tres-
passes & illegal entries on the unappropriated lands belonging
to this Commonwealth, & to whom further or other powers
or orders were given by a Resolve of July 11, 1783 the
transacting of which business was on the twenty eighth of
October following considered to be so extensive as to require
the Attention of two Committes, at which time therefore the
said Committee was excused from attending to any concerns
that might fall within their Commission in the County of
Lincoln. And Another Committee was Appointed to con-
duct the Affairs therein, by which division A difficulty arises
318 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
from the Pejepscot Claim (so called) laying on each Side
of Androscoggin River, which River for a considerable length
of way is the Boundary line between the counties of Cum-
berland & Lincoln Therefore Resolved that the Committee
Appointed May the 1, 1781 who have the Settlement of the
lands in the Counties of York & Cumberland According to
the two before mentioned Resolves, be & they hereby Are
Authorised & directed to settle the Pejepscot claim (so called)
on the Easterly or NorthEasterly Side of Androscoggin
River, as far as the said Claim may Appear to them to be
well founded, in the same manner as they might or ought
to do, if the said Claim layed wholly in the County of Cum-
berland, agreable to the two Aforesaid Resolves, And the
Committee Appointed to Settle & Ascertain the bounds of
the lands in the County of Lincoln Are hereby excused from
Attending on Any Settlement on the Aforesaid Claim, Any
thing in the Resolve of October the 28. 1783. to the contrary
notwithstanding. And it is further Resolved, that Either of
the Above named Committees be & they are hereby Author-
ised & impowered to summons such Evidence before them in
behalf of this Commonwealth, in the prosecution of their
respective Commission, as they may think necessary, & have
the same sworn Accordingly
In the House of Representatives March 16 th 1784
Read and Accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
Read & Nonconcurred
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 16 th 1784
Ordered that Cotton Tufts & Nathaniel Wells Esq rs be
appointed a Committee on the part of the Senate with such
as the Hon ble House may join, to confer upon the Subject
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 319
matter of a Resolve of the Senate relative to the Pejepscot
Claim (so called)
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives same day
Read & concurred & M r Sullivan & M r Hosmer are
appointed on the part of the House.
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Bill Granting a Lottery to the Inhabitants of Fryburgh.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred & eighty four
An Act, granting a Lottery, for the purpose of removing a
Jam of Timber in the Town of Fryburgh on Saco River in
the County of York.
Whereas it appears of great Utility, that said Jam of
Timber should be removed, and whereas a number of inhabi-
tants in Said town, and the towns adjacent, have in their
petition, represented their inability to remove the same, &
praying that a Lottery may be granted them for that purpose,
Be it therefore enacted by the Senate & house of Representa-
tives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of
the same, that a sum not exceeding three hundred pounds,
be raised by a Lottery or Lotteries, for the purpose aforesaid,
and that Joshua B Osgood Esq r M r Richard Kimball, Cap*
Benjamin Hooper, Benj a Meads Lord Esq r & Mr Josiah
Thatcher or any three of them, be managers thereof, who
Shall be Sworn to the faithful discharge of their trust, and
shall, as Soon as may be, publish a Scheme of such Lottery or
Lotteries, in such public newspaper as they may think most
proper; and the said managers shall keep just and regular
accounts of their proceedings, and of the monies they may
320 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
receive in their Said Capacity, which Shall at all times be
open to the inspection of the Treasurer of the said town of
Fryburgh for the time being; and within one month after
they Shall be requested thereto by vote of the Said town,
Shall compleat drawing any Such Lottery or Lotteries, and
Shall pay the net proceeds thereof in Such manner as Shall
be ordered by the Said town, or their Committee, for Such
purpose to be chosen; and if the said managers, or any of
them, Shall neglect payment as afore Said, for the Space of
fourteen days after receipt of such order, the said Treasurer
is hereby authorized and impowered, to sue for and recover,
for the use of said town, Such monies neglected to have been
paid as afore said, by action, in any Court proper to try the
Same; and furthermore, the said managers, within three
months after the last drawing of said Lottery or Lotteries,
Shall settle & finish their accounts of the Said Lottery or
Lotteries, and in case they, or either of them, Shall neglect
or refuse so to do, or shall refuse or neglect to finish draw-
ing Such Lottery or Lotteries, in manner as afore said, they
Shall severally forfeit the Sum of six hundred pounds, for
the use of the said town, and to be recovered by the Said
Treasurer in manner afore said,
And be it further enacted by the authority afore said, that
the Said Town of Fryburgh, Shall, in the most prudent and
expeditious way and manner, apply all the net proceeds of
the Said Lottery or Lotteries to the purpose of removing
said Jam, and in case the Said town Shall convert the said
proceeds to any other use or purpose, or shall unreasonably
delay to apply the Same as is herein before directed, the said
town Shall forfeit and pay, to the use of the Commonwealth,
the sum of six hundred pounds, to be recovered by the
Treasurer of the said Commonwealth, by action, in any Court
proper to try the same.
And be it further enacted, that all prizes drawn in the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 321
Said Lottery Shall be published in some One of the Boston
newsPapers within thirty days after drawing the same, and
be paid without deduction, if demanded within twelve months
after drawing, otherwise be deemed as generously given for
the purpose afore said
And be it also further enacted ; That if any person or per-
sons Shall forge, counterfeit, or alter any ticket issued by
virtue of this act, or shall pass or utter any such forged,
counterfeited or altered ticket, knowingly, or that shall coun-
sel, advise or assist in forging, counterfeiting or altering the
same, every such person or persons so offending, and being
thereof convicted in the Supreme Judicial Court of this
Commonwealth, Shall be set on the Gallows for the space of
one hour, with a rope about his neck, or Shall pay a fine not
exceeding one hundred pounds, to the use of this Common-
wealth, or be imprisoned not exceeding twelve months, or be
publicly whiped not exceeding thirty nine Stripes, at the dis-
cretion of the Justices of the Same Court, who are also here-
by impowered to inflict one or more of the said punishments
on such offenders, if they see fit.
In the House of Representatives March 15 th 1Y84
This bill having had three several Readings passed to be
Engrossed
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Inventory of Public Stores.
Georgetown May 24 th 1784
Sir
Agreeable to your Excelency 8 Orders to me I Repaired to
Penobscot and took an Inventory of all the Public Stores and
buildings that I could find at that place which I have the
Honour of Transmiting to Your Excellensy after which
322 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
took a Tour up the River and made the Strictest Inquiry of
the Inhabtants for the names of those which Still Remain
among them which had taken an Active part with the British
Army and Fleet a list of which names I have Sent to the
Hon 1 James Sullavan Esq r with a Complaint against them
in Order that it may be laid before Your Excellency and
the Hon 1 Councel
I have the Hon r to be with Respect
Your Excellency 8 Most Obed 1 Ser*
Sam 1 M. Cobb
In Senate June 3 d 1784
Read & sent down
S Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives June 3 d 1784
Read & sent up
Sam A Otis Spkr
His Excellency John Hancock Esq r
An Account of Public Stores Buildings & found on the
Peninsula of Majabigwaduce
1 9 P d Cannon without Carriage
Wharf 8 2 Stores on Wharf 8 2
The whole of the Buildings is Said to be built by British
Subjects and Refugees
The whole of the Barrack 8 and Kings Store House 8 are
burnt
Stories
Feet
feet
Stories
Feet
feet
Houses
high
long
wideHouses
high
long
wide
1
1
30
18
1
2
34
20
1
2
36
27
1
1
36
18
1
1
22
14
1
1
20
18
1
1
24
It
1
1
30
17
1
1
28
24
1
1
28
16
1
1
30
18
1
1
30
17
1
1
50
18
1
1
28
16
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 323
1
1
28
16
1
2
36
20
1
1
20
16
1
1
2T
17
1
1
32
20
1
1
28
12
1
2
36
24
1
1
24
16
1
1
26
16
1
1
28
16
1
1
30
18
1
1
20
15
1
1
32
20
1
1
20
15
1
1
20
14
1
1
20
14
1
1
32
20
1
1
50
14
1
1
30
18
1
1
20
14
1
1
22
18
1
1
20
14
The Above is the best Ace* I could get of Buildings & c
Sam 1 M Cobb
Remonstrance of Inhab. of Lower Town of S* Georges.
To the Hono ble the Gen al Court and house of Representatives
now held in boston In and for said State of the Massa-
chusetts Bay
hum ly Sheweth that we your honours Patitioners the An-
habitence of a Plantation Cal d the Lower Town of S l Georges
in the County of Lincoln
We your Honours Petitioners Do understand That the
Town of Warren has Petition 3 to your Honour For to have
they Alewives fishery in their Town might be Granted to
them as a Town Privilege and that all other Enhabitance
that Did not belong to their Town should be Exempted from
aney benifit or Privilige in said fishery without Paying for
them to their Town.
Where as the Houn ble Brigadere Samuel Waldow in they
first setling of said Towns Resarv d all such Priviliges for the
good of the Enhabitance of said River
And as their is a Great Many Poor Enhabitance In This
Town who Depends on said Alewives for the Suport of Their
324 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
families wich if they are Deprived of must Suffer for Wont
of them
Therefore we your Humble Petitioners Pray That you would
not Grant to the Town of Warren all the Privilege of Said
fishery but would Resarve so much as may Suply Each
family with a Sufficient Quantity as may sarve For their
suport from year to year which in Duty Bound Shall Ever
Pray Sign d by order and in behalf of said Town at our
anuel meeting in March
St Georges March 6 th 1780
Benjamin Burton Chareman
Remonstrance of Inhab: of Thomaston and Lower Town of
S* Georges.
To the Hon ble the Council and House of Representatives of
the State of Massachusetts Bay in General Court as-
sembled
June 5, 1780
The Inhabitants of the Town of Thomaston in the County
of Lincoln, having understood that the Inhabitants of the
Town of Warren had petitioned the Great and General Court
for an Act or Law respecting the Alewives Fishery in said
Warren, did, at their meeting in may legally assembled, make
choice of a Committee to enquire into the matter, and to
act thereupon what might be proper and necessary; the In-
habitants of the Plantation called the lower Town of S*
Georges had also chosen a Committee for the same Purpose:
The said Committee of Thomaston on the twenty sixth of
May last obtained a Copy of an Act that had been Read a
first time, with the Order of the late House of Representa-
tives of the first of Jan y thereupon; being the first regular
Account that we could obtain of the Matter
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 325
We the Subscribers in behalf of the Town, and Plantation
for which we are chosen respectively, Beg leave to represent
to your Honors, That the Falls on the Kiver S l Georges in
the Town of Warren is the only Place in either of the said
Towns or Plantation where the Fish called Alewives can be
catched in any considerable plenty.
That the Lands adjoining the Falls were never disposed
of by the late Brigadier Waldo, or any other Proprietors, but
hath been reserved for the use of the Fishery.
That many poor Persons with large Families have been, and
still are necessitated to subsist all most entirely on said Fish.
That the Inhabitants of said Town and Plantation from
their Settlement on said River, and from the Deeds of their
Lands given them by said Brigadier Waldo, which amongst
other Things, mention & convey in particular, "all Rivers,
Waters and Fishings" ever supposed that they had an equal
Right in Common with the Town of Warren to the Fishery
there: and
We are of Opinion that the said Inhabitants of Warren
under the spacious (though very proper and necessary) Title
of "An Act for preventing the Destruction of Alewives,"
intended an Act to monopolize the whole Fishery to them-
selves, and to establish a large Fund to said Town thereupon
We are also humbly of Opinion That the proposed Act so
intirely includes the Alewive Fishery to said Warren, and
so fully puts the Disposal thereof into their Power, that they
may set what Premium they please on the Fishery, and
thereby make Alewives as costly, as any other Provision
whatever, to the very great Oppression and Distress of those
Poor who depend on them for their Support; and Infringe-
ment of the Rights & Property of the Inhabitants of this
Town & Plantation ;
Wherefore in behalf of said Town and Plantation, we
Your Memorialists humbly pray, That, if said proposed Act
326 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
hath not passed alreaday it may not pass, according to the
present Form ; and if it hath passed ; that it may be repealed
and altered in such a manner as that the Inhabitants of said
Thomaston and said Plantation in their respective Town
and Plantation Meetings, or by their respective Committees
for that purpose to be chosen, together with the Town of
Warren, or their Committee, may have equal Authority in
determining the Time, Place, and manner of catching the
said Fish ; and that all monies, Profits, & Advantages in any
Ways arising from said Fishery, may in an equitable Manner
be divided and established to each of said Towns and Planta-
tion: Or, at least, that the Inhabitants of said Thomaston &
s d Plantation of St Georges, may have Liberty of taking and
catching so many of said Fish as may be necessary for their
own Use and Consumption, without molestation or Obstruc-
tion, or paying any such enormous Prices as the Town of
Warren may be disposed to set upon them, and your me-
morialists as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c
David Fales ~| Committee for
Jeremiah Tolman J Thomaston
Florence Kobinson [
Committee for the Plantation
called the lower Town of St George
Affidavit of John MIntyre and William Lermond.
Warren Septemb r 17 th 1781
We John M c lntyre & William Lermond of Lawful age,
Testify & say that we Notified the Selectmen of Thomaston
to Shew Cause if any they have Why the prayers of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 327
petition from the town of Warren Should Not Be Heard on
Regulating their fishery in S d Town
John M c lntyre
William Lermond
Lincoln Ss Thomaston Sepf 17 1781
there Personally Appeared the Above named John M c -
Intyer and William Lamond and made oath to the truth of
the above Deposition by them Subscribed Before me
Mason Wheaton Just 8 Peace.
Remonstrance of John Dillaway.
To the honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts held at Boston 16 th
June 1783
Humbly sheweth John Dillaway as he is representative of
the Town of Thomastown in the county of Lincoln
That the Town of Warren which is a town bordering upon
the one which your petitioner represents, has without any
previous advice given to Thomastown petitioned to your
honors that certain Falls called Georgia's falls should be
annexed as a priviledge peculiar to said Town of Warren
and that said Town should have the exclusive benefit of fish-
ing in said falls notwithstanding, almost time out of mind
that benefit has been extended to the inhabitants of all the
Towns in said river which general benefit was first granted
by brigadier Waldo & other proprietors of the Eastern lands
on both sides said river
As the subject of said Petition of the town of Warren is
very important to the neighboring towns especially to Thomas-
town & as Thomastown has never been notified thereof & is
now totally uninformed thereof Your Petitioner in behalf as
aforesaid humbly prays your honors that said Petition may
328 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
be on your honors table until the next session that so said
Thomastown may have time to shew cause why said Petition
should not be granted.
John Dillaway
A Bill to Prevent the Destruction of Alewives in the Town
of Warren.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred &
eighty four
An Act for preventing the destruction of alewives in the
Town of Warren
Whereas the laws already made against the destruction of
Alewives are found insufficient for that purpose within the
Town of Warren & great waste is made of them by ill dis-
posed persons to the great damage of the public
Be it therefore enacted by the Senate & House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court assembled & by the authority of
the same that no person or persons whom power be allowed
from & after the first day of April next to catch or take
any of the fish called alewives in any part of the river S l
Georges within the town of Warren either with scoop nets
or in any other way without first obtaining special license
therefor by a vote of the Inhabitants of the said Town legal-
ly assembled at their anniversary meeting in the month of
March or at any time or place but such as shall be determined
upon & appointed at such meeting; and if any person or
persons shall presume on any pretence whatever to catch or
take any of the said Fish in any manner or at any time or
place within the s d Town other than such as shall be assigned
by the Inhabitants thereof as aforesaid, each & every person
so offending shall for each offence forfeit & pay the sum of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 329
thirty shillings together with all the fish so taken & the in-
struments used in taking the same
Provided nevertheless that nothing in this act shall extend
or be construed to extend to the preventing of the Inhabitants
of the plantation called the lower town of S l Georges from
catching & taking such quantities of the said Fish in the
river aforesaid within the s d Town of Warren as may be
sufficient for their own internal use & consumption in manner
& at the times & places as has heretofore been customary
And be it further Enacted by the authority afores d that all
fines & forfeitures that may be incurred by any breach of
this Act shall be recovered by action on debt in any of the
courts of record proper to try the same within the county
where such offence shall be committed, one moiety thereof
to be appropriated to for the use of the poor of the said Town
of Warren ; the other moiety to him or them who shall prose-
cute the same.
In the House of Representatives March 4 th 1784
This Bill having had three several Readings passed to be
Engrossed
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
Memorial and Objection of the Inhabitants of Mount Desert.
Commonwealth Massachusetts
To the Honnorable Senate & House of Representatives the
Pitition of the Inhabantants of Mountdesar Humbly
Sheweth
that finding a News paper of the tinth of November Last
wherein was an order of the Legis-lature of this Common-
wealth of October the twentyeth which informed us to our
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Great Surprise that their had been Several Petitions from
the Inhabitants of Machias and others to the General Court
for Erecting a Court of Common Pleas &c &c to be held at
Machias with appeals to the Supreme Judicial Court to be
held at Boston=and s d officesers to have Jurisdiction to the
Eastward of Penobscot River=all which was Intirly new to
all of us nor can we find any in any of the Plantations neer
us that had been aprised their of but finding by the afore
s d order Leve Given and a time Set to obgect against s d Peti-
tions we fear it will be two Late to prevent their Pro-
sedings But as it is a thing that so newly Consarns us and
the Community in General we bege Leve to offer our Ob-
gection against s d Petitions and Imbrace the first opertunity
that a Court at Machias is very Improper as being at one
Corner of the s d Jurisdiction & we think that near nine tenths
of the Inhabitants Lieth to the westward of Machias and
many of them one Hundred miles Distance and we think
that traveling Expence & tendence of Court will be much
Cheeper at Pownalborough then at Machias
that appeals to the Supreme Judicial Court held at Boston
is very in Convenent for the Inhabitants as it is so fur to
travel by Land and but Very fue that have any Convenence
to Go by watter and if they had So much Depends on wind
and weather which makes it Very Dificult if not Imposable
at Sume times for People to attend Court
that as we are not yet Recovered from the Dificulty of a
Long and tedeous war whereby all our Lumber trade was
Stoped on which our Living much Depended and not yet
much Recovered ther from=we think our selves not able as
yet to Suport the Charges of a County in this Jurisdiction
and we think it a little Strang that People that the other
Day was Petitioning for help from the Commonwealth should
so Sune Petition for Courts to be Erected here in this Juris-
diction
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 331
And we further think that a Court held at Machias will
Sarve to ogment and Incres Lawsuts and Charges that other-
wise would Easily be Settled which will tend much to the
Damage of the Inhabitants in perticler and to the Publick
in General their are many more obgections which we think
might be offered but these we submit to your wise Considera-
tion
If these be not two Late a Coming to your View We Pray
your Hounors to take the afores d Objection into your wise
Consideration and Consider the waight as we aprehend=
thereof = and stop Ganting the Prayr of the Petitions from
Machias and we the faithfull Inhabetants of Moundesart as
Bound in Duty Shall Eever Pray
Mountdesart March y e 18 th 1784
James Richardson, Abraham Somes Jesse Higgins, Stephen
Richardson, Joshua Norwood, Peter Gott, Stephen Nor-
wood, John Tinker, Thomas Richardson, Thomas Richardson
Jun r , John Gott Richardson, Joseph Mayo, Daniel Richard-
son, James Richardson Jun r , Andrew Tarr, John Thomas,
Ezra Young, Josiah Black, Elisha Cousins, Israel Higgens,
Levi Higgins Timothy Smith, John Hamon, Daniel Rodick,
David Damon, Ezra Leland, Robert Yong, Ebenezer Salsby,
Edward Hodgkins, Edward Black, John Cousins, Daniel
Hamon, Elkanah Young.
Objections to fixing the Court at Machias.
To the Honerarbel House of Representatives of the Common
Wealth of the Massachusets Bay In Generall Court
Asambled
Humbly Begg
That if there is to be a Court of Justice held in this Easter-
ly part it may Be in a more Centrical part then Machias
Witch Is In the Most Easterly part of this Common Wealth
332 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
to the Grate Damedge of your petitioners and as In Duty
Bound We Shall Ever pray
Union River March the twentieth one Thousand Seven Hun-
dred and Eighty four
John Smith, Benjamin Joy, Joshua Maddocks, John Me-
rah, George Haslam, John Joy, Hanry Maddocks, Ichabod
Maddocks, Josiah Graling, Benjamin Jellson, Will 1 " Hop-'
kins, James Smith, Thomas Me fording, Solomon Jordan,
Joseph Morrison, Samuel Joy, Samuel Davis, Nathaniel
Jordan, James treworgy Sen r , Edward Beal, dominicus Beal,
Isaac Lord.
Petition of Sudbury Canada Bridgeton & Fryeburg.
To the honorable Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
assembled.
We the underwritten, your Petitioners, having been ap-
pointed a Committee from the Townships of Sudbury Canada
Bridgeton, and Fryeburg lying on and near Androscoggin
River, in behalf of the Inhabitants of said Townships and
Places adjoining, to represent to the honorable Court their
Exposedness, from their frontier Situation, to the barbarous
Incursions and Ravages of the Indians, whose Cruelties have
been already felt in one of said Towns; and as said Town-
ships are but new Settlements, incapable of protecting them-
selves, while they are necessarily employed in the Cultivation
of the Ground, for the support of themselves and Families;
beg permission to return their acknowledgements to the honor-
able Court for their Compassion and care in relieving them
from their Anxieties, the Summer past, by stationing a party
of men at Sudbury Canada, and likewise beg leave humbly
to petition the honorable Court that they would be pleased to
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 333
afford us some further Assistance which we request may be
sent for our protection 'by the first of June next, if it shall
seem convenient to the honorable Court, as we are not without
apprehensions of further mischief from the Savages, who
may be induced to make their attempts as early as the travell-
ing will admit, which we hope will be our Excuse for pre-
ferring our petition at this Time. We presume it unnecessary
to mention the Situation of Sudbury Canada, as an excellent
Frontier for covering the Counties of York and Cumberland
from the Inroads of the Enemy, it being the only avenue
thro' which they may enter and where thirty Men might be
sufficient to protect both those Counties from the Incursions
they are exposed to from small bodies of Indians. Relying
therefore on the Humanity and Wisdom of the honorable
Court, for such Assistance as they in their wisdom shall think
conducive to our safety Your Petitioners as in Duty bound
shall ever Pray &c
Committee
Elea r Twitchell ,
men 01
Jona n Clark on /-t
Sudbury Can
Richard Eastman Committee
Ezek Walker of
Isaac Abbott Fryeburg
\ Agent
Enoch Perley > for
I Bridgton
Resolve.
Commonwealth )
of Massachusetts (
In the House of Representatives March 22 d 1783.
On the Petition of the Town of Fryeburg, Bridgton &
Sudbury=canada Praying for a guard to be Stationed at
334 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Sudbury=canada for the Protection of the frontiers of the
Counties of York and Cumberland.
Resolved that their be raised in the Counties of York and
Cumberland by voluntary Inlistment and Stationed on the
frontiers of said Counties a Company of men to Consist of
One Lieu* and thirty men to Continue in Service till the first
day of December next unless sooner discharged: and his
Excellency the Governor is requested to Appoint and Com-
mission the Officer Accordingly And to give the Necessary
orders for Carrying this Resolve into Execution.
And it is further Resolved, that there be allowed the same
wages and rations as officers and Soldiers received in the
Continental Army ; and that the Commissary General Supply
the aforesaid men with Provision or money, as he shall
Agree, for their rations as aforesaid.
Resolve Concerning the Artillery in the Garrison at Penobscot.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 23 1784
Whereas the British Troops in the Garrison on Penopscot
River, will soon Evacuate the same, and it being necessary
that measures should be immediatly taken to secure the
American Artilery that may be left there-in
It is therefore Resolved that the Governor with advice of
Council appoint a Suitable person to repair without delay
to that place and to take into his Custody all Artilery and
also all such Stores and materials as are not the property of
private persons and which may be left in and about the same
Garrison when the same shall be evacuated, and that the
person so appointed shall take an Exact List of all such
Artilery Stores and materials as shall be found there as
aforesaid and shall deliver the same to the order of the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 335
Commissary General taking a Receipt for the same and such
person so appointed shall have power to require of one of
the next Commissioned Militia officers to detach so many of
the militia as may be necessary to secure the said Artilery
stores &c and shall return an account of Such Assistance to
the General Court with an Account of his own time and Ex-
pences that the same may be paid out of the public treasury.
Resolved that the Commissary General deputize some per-
son to procure the Artilery and Articles above mentioned
and that he procure the same to be brought and delivered to
the Captain of the Garrison on Castle Island to be there
kept for the public benefit.
Memorial and Objections to the Petition of Inhabitants of
Machias.
Gouldsborough 20 April 1Y84
Hon. Senate & house of Representatives of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts
The Deligates legally appointed by the Inhabitants of the
Several Townships laying between the River Penobscot and
Machias in the County of Lincoln & Commonwealth afore-
said beg leave to represent to your Honors that in Conse-
quence of an order from your Legislature dated the Twen-
tieth of October last where in it is represented that a Peti-
tion signed by a number of Inhabitants of Machias and
others had requested of the said Hon ble Legislature that Cer-
tain Courts Registers Office &c should be Established at that
place and have Jurisdiction East of Penobscot with Liberty
of Appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court at Boston in Con-
sequence of the Said order the Inhabitants ever happy in
the Indulgence of your Honors have directed that at this
meeting a proper representation of the Situation of this part
of the County by the Joint Voice Should be made and that
336 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
any thing that they should think would be of Advantage to
the County in General should be propos'd to your Honors
in whose Great Wisdom they Altogether Depend Equally-
acquainted with the Sentiments of the Inhabitants as well
as the Situation of the County. We beg your Indulgence
while we relate a few facts this new County that is proposed
will Extend the distance of One hundred and twenty Mile::.
Interspersed with a number of Islands those as well as the
Main have but few Inhabitants and they through the oppera-
tion of the late War very Unable to Support the Charges that
would Attend the Establishing a New County but were the
Inhabitants in a Capacity to Errect the Necessary Buildings
& we think it almost the Unanimous Oppinon that the Shire
Town should be as near the Center as possible not at either
of the Extreem parts as it would be; Should the Petition
from Machias be Granted as the Roads are so bad that it
would be Impractable for to pass, and few have Boats or
Craft and if they had it depends so much on Winds &
Weather, that in many Instances they would not attend
Court in Season we would further observe that there is not
one place Incorporated between the river Penobscot and the
Extreem Eastern bounds of this Commonwealth and let us
be ever so sufficient for the Business it would be very Diffi-
cult to Collect a proper Jury There is no men we think
that have been or are now readier in this Commonwealth at
all Times to bear their proportion of the public Expences but
for the reasons before mentioned the Devastation by the Late
War We doubt not your honors will readily give the Country
opportunity to be enabled before you will request it all
which is Humbly Submitted by James Richardson, Delegate
from Mount Desert John Bane Delegate from Frenchmans
Bay Era : Shaw Delegate from Gouldsborough Johnathan
Stevens Delegate from Number Four William Nickels
Delegate from Number Six
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 337
The Deligate from Pleasent River is of Opinion that it
is not for the Benifit of this part of the County to have a
Court of Common Pleas or the Court of General Sessions
sett in this part of the County, and is Directed by his Con-
stituents to oppose it But is fully persuaded that it wou'd
be for the benefit of the whole to have a Court of Probates and
a Register of Deeds appointed in this part near the Center.
Joseph Wilson Delegate from Pleasent River Dissent,
Because the State of Facts pointed out in the Petitions
from Machias (for which the Report of the Committee of
both Houses was founded) were Just & True, and the Diffi-
cultys they therein mentioned still Continues, and there is
not any Reasons advanced (in my opinion) either in the
foregoing Representation or in the Arguments made use of
by any of the Delegates in the Meeting, sufficient in the least
Respect to shew, why the Report of the Committee of both
Houses of the General Court, should not be carried into effect
Ja 8 Avery. Delegate from Machias
In the House of Representatives June 12 th 1784
Read & thereupon Ordered that this answer together with
another from certain Inhabitants on Union River be com-
mitted to the Committee of both Houses on the petition of
Machias herein referred to.
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
Answer to Remonstrants.
Whereas the Delegates of a Number of the Plantations to
the Westward of this place have sent a Remonstrance or
Memorial to the Legislature of this Commonwealth, shewing
why Courts &c should not be established at Machias.
To which reasons we purpose to reply & endeavour to ob-
viate the objections as follows :
23
338 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
1 st The Memorial sets out with a declaration that they are
legally appointed by the Inhabitants of the several Town-
ships between Penobscot & Machias.
To this we would observe, that the Inhabitants on the
Eastern side of the River Penobscot, Bagwaduce, Blue Hill,
Deer Island, Naskeeg, Union River and Chandlers River,
did not send any Delegates. And if the Delegates of those
places that did attend, were appointed by the Inhabitants of
the several places they represented, or if they conveyed the
true Sentiments of their Constituents; no doubt they can
produce their Authority and Instructions. 2 dly They say
it is proposed to sett off a New County !
Answer. It is not so; we never asked it, nor does the
report of the Committee of both Houses imply any such
thing.
3 dly They say the Shire Town should be as nigh the Centre
as possible.
Answ r For that very reason, Machias ought to be the place.
4 th The next difficulty mentioned, is, The badness of the
Roads, scarcity of Boats & Craft, and dependence on wind &
weather.
Answ r This reason operates entirely in our favour: If
it is tedious to travel ten miles of bad road, it must be more
so to travel fifty miles of the same kind of travelling, whither
by land or water; and if wind and weather makes it pre-
carious to go a small distance, the difficulty will increase in
proportion as the distance increases. 5 th The next reason is,
That there is not one Incorporated Town between Penobscot
and the extreme Eastern bounds of this Commonwealth,
which will make it difficult to collect a Jury.
Answ r Admitting that could prevent a Jury from being
returned ; is it not in the power of the Legislature to remove
that obstacle ? It is but for them to order that Jurors Shall
be chose in each Plantation, in the same manner as they are
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 339
in Towns incorporated, and appointing proper persons to
call meetings of the Inhabitants for choosing the same and
making return thereof. Perhaps some of the settlements are
in a Condition to support Town charges, and ought for their
own Interest to be Incorporated, and desire it: Sure we are,
Machias is of that number, and have actually petitioned to
be Incorporated.
6 th The last reason mentioned, is, The total inability of
the Country to support the charges that may arise &c
Answ r This reason is given on Supposition of our being
set off as a County which is not in contemplation, and the
ability of the Inhabitants for that purpose doth not come
under consideration; but poverty may be pleaded as a Sub-
stantial reason why Law & justice should be brought as nigh
home as possible: But we are fully convinced that it is not
the true reason: In our opinion, they imagine it will bring
on Continental and State Taxes, which many would desire
to avoid, whither able or not able; and they suppose if not
incorporated & they can prevent a Court being held in this
part of the County, they never will be taxed by Government,
let them be ever so able. But we say it will not bring on
Taxes the sooner, for if we are able to pay Taxes, we ought
to do so, and must if called upon, whether Incorporated or
not ; But if we can make it appear that we are not able to pay
Taxes, Government will have the justice & lenity to remit it.
Further, we dare assert, if Gouldsborough could be made the
shire Town, and this Country wholly exempt from taxes, the
reasons given against it would not have been aledged: It
must be from some latent motive that it is opposed, being
conscious, that if facts are known, Machias will and ought
to be the place established for holding Court &c. A Planta-
tion that has taken the Oath of Allegiance to Britain, and
those that petitioned for Neutrality, may be expected to
oppose it.
340 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Thus we think we have fully answered all their objections,
and now desire to offer some further Reasons in support of
the measure; After having just observ'd that in the report of
the Committee of both Houses, it was stated that the district
should be from Union River (not Penobscot,) to the Eastern
boundary of the State, being about One hundred Miles on a
Strait line.
And
1 st Machias is very nigh the centre, of said District, it
being about forty five miles from the River S l Croix, (the
eastern boundary) and about fifty six miles from Machias
to Union River, the proposed western boundary.
2 dly Machias is the first settlement to the westward of
Passamaquoddy, and there being many Refugees lately settled
there; in case there should be any dispute between British
Subjects and the Citizens of America, Machias would then
be an Asylum for the distressed Americans, where they could
find immediate assistance and support: And as many of
the Refugees that are settled at Passamaquaddy and other
parts of Nova Scotia, will find it difficult to get employ in
that Province, they will naturally seek it this way, and
perhaps many of them having led vicious lives, may be
guilty of Theft, house-breaking and other enormities which
deserve exemplary punishment but must escape with im-
punity if no relief is granted ; for to prosecute any crime at
Pownalborough (distant more than 200 Miles) would almost
ruin the prosecutor if he is in comfortable circumstances;
and in case of a commitment, it must first fall very heavy
upon the Civil Officers, and finally on the County; for per-
sons who are guilty of crimes of that nature, are seldom able
to pay small charges, much less such an enormous sum as
must arise in that case.
3 dly The shire Town should be as near the Centre of the
District as may be, & where entertainment may be had. To
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 341
this Article our opponents have subscribed. But Machias
is the nighest the centre, the Inhabitants are numerous and
very compact. A Court could be better accommodated there,
than at any other settlement in the propos'd district; and
Hundreds of strangers could be there entertained. Our
Meeting-house could be converted into a Court-house and
the Block-house to a Goal. Let it be taken in any view,
Machias is the most suitable place, best situated, most in-
habited, and nighest the centre.
4 th As the Delegates in their Representation, have not
given any reason or objected against having a Court of Pro-
bate and Register of Deeds, we must infer they acquiesce
therein.
5 th The exertion of Machias (with the assistance rec'd from
the hon ble Legislature) was the means of preserving to this
State, all the Country east of Penobscot; for had we not
held out against the enemy, or had we come into M r Shaw's
propos'd plan of Neutrality, all the other settlements as far
west as Penobscot, (at least,) would have fell to Britain;
and the British Ministry would have had foundation for a
demand to the right of Territory aforesaid and the American
Ministers at Paris, could have made no Plea against it.
The Inhabitants of Machias, mean not to boast of their
firm and unanimous affection for their Country, their numer-
ous exertions in its cause or the success which has crowned
their faithful efforts : Nor do they plead these as meritorious
of some signal favor They have only done their duty. And
as they were firm and determined in War, so they mean and
wish to support the Character of good Citizens in Peace, and
desire nothing more, than that the honest & industrious should
be protected, and the vicious punished.
Stephen Smith, Joseph Libbee
Morris O'Brien, J Noble Shannon
Benj Foster
Committee
of
Correspondence
Stephen Jones Jus 8 Peces
Machias May 12 th 1784
342 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Pelatiah Warren and Others.
To the Honourable Senate, & the Honourable, House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
in General Court Assembled At their May Session, 1784.
The Petition of the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth that
Your petitioners were cheifly brought up, & Accustomed to
Husbandry business, and having but small fortunes to set
out in the world with, cannot purchase farms Already Sub-
dued & under Cultivation, & being willing to labour, & do
all we can in Clearing, & Cultivating the wilderness.
Therefore pray the Honourable Court would Grant us a
Gore, or tract of Land in the County of Cumberland, between
the plantations of Bakerstown & Silvester Northwesterly &
Southeasterly, & Shepherdsfield, & Androscoggin River
Northeasterly & Southwesterly, for what the Same is worth
in the present wilderness State it lays in, & such other Re-
strictions as shall be thought proper. And your petitioners
as in duty bound shall ever pray
May 26, 1784
Pelatiah Warren, Benjamin Parker Jun, Lemuel Megray,
Elias Davis, Micah Dyer, James Wagg Jun r Tristram War-
ren, Daniel Cooper, Tobias Ricker, Benjamin King, John
Cutting, Joshua Strout, Nat Gavist, John Winslow William
Gerish, Nathaniel Garish, George Garish Jun r Ichabod War-
ren, Ebenezer Warren, Jacob Lord Jun r , Amos Goodwin,
John Warren, Andrew Ellet, Edmund Warren, Edmund
Neall, Nathaniel Walker, Silas Goodwin, Dominicus Good-
win, Thomas Bragdon 3 d , Elisha Hill 3 d , John Plaisted
James Lunt to John Avery Jr. Esq.
Falmouth Mar h 12 th 1784
Sir
I this day rec d yours of y e 1 st Inst. informing me of my
being Elected Coll r of Excise for y e County of Cumberland,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 343
for the ensuing year; Tis with pleasure Sir, I Accept the
Office ; And shall endeavour impartially to Execute the Trust
reposed in me.
I am, sir, your most Obliged, Humb 1 Servant,
James Lunt
John A very jun r Esq r
In Senate May 28 th 1784
Read and sent down
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives May 28. 1784
Read & sent up
Sam A Otis Speak 1 "
Proceedings of Delegates from ML Desert and Other Places.
Att a Meeting of the Delegates legally appointed by the
Inhabitants of the Several Townships laying between the
river Penobscot and Machias in the County of Lincoln and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts at Goulds bourough 20
April 1784 to Consider of a petition from a Number of
Inhabitants of Machias and others as is more fully sett forth
in an order of the Honb le Legislature of Said Commonwealth
bearing date the 17 th October 1783 Present
James Avery Esq r from Machias, John Bean from french-
man bay, Cap* Jos Willson from pleasent River, Cap 1 Will
Nickells from Narraguagus, James Richardson from Mount
Desert Jonathan Stevens from N 4 Francis Shaw Esq r Col
Nathan Jones Doctor Benj m Allen M r Thomas Hill [ from
Gouldsbourough
Made Choice of Cap 1 William Nickles Chairman and
James Avery Clerk
Moved, by M r Avery that the present Justices of the In-
feriour Court and Justices of the Sessions hold one Term
344 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
in the year at ~N 4 in Eastern Six Townships, pass'd in
Negative Moved, by M r Avery that a register or Deputy
register of Deeds be appointed for this County, pass'd in
Negative Moved, that the present Judge of Probate hold
two Courts in the Year in this part of the County, pass'd in
Negative Voted that Francis Shaw Esq r Doctor Allin and
M r Richardson be a Committee to draw up the Sentiments
of this meeting and report the Same.
The Committee Reported a letter to His Excellency the
Governor & Hon' ble Lageslative of this Commonwealth
which was read & accepted, and Signed
W Nickles Ch r J Avery Clerk (Copy)
Voted that Francis Shaw Esq r & Doctor Allen present said
Letter to the Gov r & Gen 1 Court, both or either of which
be empowered to attend that Service
Attest Ja 8 Avery, Clerk
Gouldsborough 29 May 1784
By Virtue of the Authority in Us Vessted by the Deligates
of the several Towns, laying between the said Rivers Penob-
scot & Machias, We do hereby Constitute & appoint Henry
Alline Esq r of Boston & W m Shaw Esq r of Gouldsborough, or
either of them, to Present the Proceedings of this Conven-
tion, To His Excell 7 and their Honors, and to Act in our
Behalf -
Fra: Shaw Benj n Alline
Report of Committee.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
The Committee of both Houses on the Petition of the In-
habitants of Machias & others, a Resolve of the General
Court thereon, and the Papers accompanying the same, find-
ing that some further Light is necessary in order to deter-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 345
mine the minds of the Committee, beg leave to report that the
whole be referred to the next Sessions of the General Court,
that the Parties concerned may have an opportunity of fur-
nishing such further evidence as may be necessary
Cotton Tufts p r order
In Senate June 12, 1784
Read & accepted & orderd that the said Petition and papers
be referrd accordingly
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives June 15, 1784
Read and concurred
Sam A Otis Spk r
Bill to Establish a Court at Machias.
In the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred &
Eighty four
Whereas the Inhabitants of that part of the County of
Lincoln Eastward of Union River labour under peculiar
difficulties, (when obliged to attend the Courts of Common
pleas and General Sessions of the peace for said County
which are now holden at Pownalborough only ; And Whereas)
for the security of their purchases of Real Estate, and the dis-
tribution and settlement of the Estates of any deceased among
them and for the doing and transacting of many matters
and things relative thereto they are obliged with great ex-
pence and trouble frequently to repair to Pownalborough
in which place alone the Court of the Judge of Probate and
for granting Letters of Administration & ca for said County,
and the Office of Register of Deeds is now held and kept;
And Whereas every subject of a good Government ought to
obtain Right and Justice with the least possible trouble and
346 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
expence; And whereas Publick Justice and Public Institu-
tions ought to be equally and in due proportion supported
and maintained by, and the Benefits arising therefrom as
far as the Nature of things will admit equally diffused among,
Subjects of the same Government.
Thereupon Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the
Authority of the same, That from and after the passing of
this Act, the Court of Common Pleas and Court of General
Sessions of the Peace for said County of Lincoln be, and
they are hereby directed to be, held once a Year at Machias
in said County; and that the Jurors summoned to hear and
determine the matters and things triable by said Courts at
their Sessions at Machias aforesaid, or that may hear and
determine the same be summoned and chosen from among the
Freeholders of said Eastern part of said County and that
the said courts be held at Machias aforesaid on the first
Tuesday of September annually, any Law, Usage or Custom
to the Contrary notwithstanding
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid that
a Register of Deeds be appointed by the said Eastern part of
said County, and they the said Eastern part are hereby
authorized and empowered to choose, have and Appoint a
Register of Deeds in the same manner, at the same times
and for the same terms as Register of Deeds are chosen by
the respective Counties of this Commonwealth, and the sev-
eral Towns, Townships and plantations within said part of
said County are hereby vested with the same powers for the
purpose of choosing said Register as the several Towns in the
respective Counties of this Commonwealth are by Law in-
vested with, and the several Justices within said Eastern
part of said County are hereby authorized and empowered,
by summons for that purpose to call a Meeting of the In-
habitants of the several Towns, Townships and plantations
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 347
aforesaid for the purpose aforesaid, and the said Justices are
hereby further empowered to receive the Votes of the said
Inhabitants of the several Towns, Townships and planta-
tions aforesaid, to seal up the same and them to return to
the Court of General Sessions of the Peace then next to be
holden within said County of Lincoln, and said Court at
such Sessions shall declare the choice of said Register and do
in and about the same as the several Courts of General Ses-
sions of the Peace within this Commonwealth are by Law
authorized and empowered to do in the Choice of Registers
of Deeds for any County within said Commonwealth, the
said Register to be sworn, give Bond and comply with the
Requisites by law made and provided for all Registers of
Deeds within said Commonwealth. And the said Register
of Deeds shall keep his office in Machias aforesaid and shall
register and record all such Conveyances and Purchases of
Real Estates lying within said Eastern part of said County
of Lincoln as are directed and pointed out by law to be regis-
tered and recorded, and all deeds and conveyances of Land
lying in said Eastern part registered and recorded in said
Register's Office at Machias aforesaid shall be good and ef-
fectual in Law and enure to the same purposes as those
registered in any County Register's Office within this Com-
monwealth, any law, usage or custom to the contrary not-
withstanding
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that
the Judge of Probate of Wills and for granting Letters of
Administration & c be hereby ordered and directed to hold
his Court of Probate & c twice in a Year, to wit, on the First
Tuesday of May and on the first Tuesday of September at
Penobscott, (and that a Register of probate be forthwith ap-
pointed who shall reside at said Machias and whose Attesta-
tions to, and Certificates of, any Records in said Judge's
Court, and whose Acts, and any Writing under whose hand
348 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
as Register aforesaid shall be as good and Effectual in Law
to all intents and purposes as the Acts, Writings, Attestations
and Certificates of any Register of probate within this Com-
monwealth, any law, usage or custom to the contrary not-
withstanding
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that
in convenient time before the sitting of the Courts of Com-
mon pleas and General Sessions of the peace at Machias
aforesaid the Clerk for said Courts shall issue out Warrants
directed to the respective Justices of the Peace living in said
Eastern part of said County of Lincoln, which Justices re-
spectively authorized, empowered and directed upon receiving
the same to assemble the Freeholders of the said Townships
& Plantations within the said Eastern Part of said County
of Lincoln for the purpose of electing and choosing so many
good & lawful Men of the said Townships and plantations as
the Warrant to the aforesaid Justices shall direct, and the
several Townships and plantations by each of said Justices
to be assembled as aforesaid, for the purpose aforesaid shall
be specified in each Warrant, and the respective Justices sh.'v
summon the persons so chosen in the respective Townships
and plantations, which in the Warrants to them by the Clerk
aforesaid they and each of them are directed to assemble;
to attend accordingly at the time and place in such Warrants
specified, and shall make timely return of their Warrants
unto the said Clerk and the Jurors chosen as aforesaid
that shall make default shall be liable to the same fines that
Jurors for the Courts of Common pleas and General Sessions
of the peace throughout the Commonwealth are by Law liable
to, which fines shall be inflicted, levied and disposed of as is
by Law provided for the Default of other Jurors who are in
the ordinary method summoned to attend any Courts of
Common Pleas or General Sessions of the peace throughout
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 349
the Commonwealth, any law, usage or custom to the contrary
notwithstanding.
Petition of the Court of Sessions of Cumberland County.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court assembled
The Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County
of Cumberland, humbly pray that your Honors would order
the Treasurer of the said Commonwealth to pay to the Treas-
urer of said County, through the hands of the Honorable
John Lewis Esq r the amount of the Accounts accompanying
this Petition, viz The Account of Sam 1 Freeman Esq r
3 . 14 . The Account of John Waite Esq r 2 . 13 . 4 & The
Account of Thomas Motley 3 . 10 - in y e whole 9 .. 17 .. 4.
the two first being for the Charges of carrying into effect
the Request of the Treasurer of the Commonwealth respecting
the delinquent Towns & Plantations in this County & the
other for supporting in the Goal of said County one Thomas
Oxnard a State, Prisoner who was liberated by order of his
Excellency the Governor
Which Accounts have been allowed by said Court of Ses-
sions & orderd to be paid out of the Treasury of said County
And as in duty bound will pray
By Order of said Court of Sessions
Sam 1 Freeman Cler
Falm h June 10, 1784
In Senate June 24 th 1784
Read & thereupon Ordered that this Petition & Accounts
accompanying be committed to the Committee on Accounts
for Examination and allowance
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
350 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In the House of Representatives June 24, 1784
Read & Non-concurred
Sam A Otis Spk r
Account of the County of Cumberland Against the Common-
wealth.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the County of Cum-
berland I) r 1784 May
To Sam 1 Freeman Esq r Account for his Service as Clerk
of the Court Sessions to carry into Effect the Request of the
Treasurer of said Commonwealth in respect to delinquent
Towns & Plantations 3 . 14
To John Waite Esq r Sheriff for serving the Orders of said
Court 2 ..13. .4
To Thomas Motley Goal Keeper for boarding Thomas
Oxnard 7 Weeks p r his Acct s herewith 3.. 10- Total
9:17:4
The above Accounts were allowed by the Court of General
Sessions for said County of Cumberland which was begun
& holden at Falmouth in said County in the last Tuesday of
May A D 1784 and Order'd to be charged to the said
Commonwealth, The Said Court pray that the above ac-
count may be allowed
Att. Sam 1 Freeman Clerk
The County of Cumberland to Sam 1 Freeman D r 1784 May
To making out & recording the Orders of y e Court of
Sessions last Octob r Term upon Certificate of the State
Treasurer including the Order to the Sheriff & Copy of the
Same .. 18-
To making out 8 Commissions to Persons appointed to the
Officers & making Returns on said Certificates 2.16
Total 3 ..14-
Received an Order on the County Treasurer for the above
Sam 1 Freeman
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 351
The County of Cumberland to Tho" Motley D r 1784 May.
To Boarding Thomas Oxnard 7 Weeks a 10/ 3 .. 10 .. -
N. The said Oxnard was committed for returning from
Banishment & liberated by Order of his Excellency y e Gover-
nor Rec d an Order on y e County Treasurer for y e above
Thomas Motley Goal Keeper
The County of Cumberland to John Waite D r May 1784
To serving several Towns & Plantations with an Order of
Court for choosing Officers to collect Taxes 2 .. 13 .. 4
Receiv'd an Order on the County Treasurer for the
above
John Waite Sheriff
Petition of John Allan for Land in Pasamaquody.
To The Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Memorial of John Allan Late Superintendent of In-
dian Affairs in the Eastern Department in behalf of Him-
self & others
Humbly Sheweth
That your Memorialist in the Month of October 1766 was
oblidged, in Consequence of the Contest between the United
States & Britain to retire from Nova Scotia, leaving His
family and a Valuable property, the former after much diffi-
culty and Expence removed into this Country, and a great
Part of the latter was destroyed by the Britains
That in the Month of January following, Your Memorial-
ist was appointed by the Hon ble Congress Superintendent of
Indian Affairs in Eastern Department, and soon after Com-
manding Officer of the Troops station'd at Machias, that to
the End of the War His whole time was devoted to the said
business, as well His family what Concem'd the Indians
852 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
At the Conclusion of the War your Memorialist made re-
port to His Excellency the Governor of this Commonwealth
and the Hon ble Congress, the State of the department and
situation of the Eastern Country as it stood disputable re-
specting the boundarys with Britain, and altho' not dis-
charged by this Government, View'd himself no further in
a Military Capacity. The Hon ble Congress were pleased
in June last to renew His Commission as Superintendent in
Order to make a final settlement with the Indians, during
the time of prosecuting this business, Your Memorialist En-
deavour 'd all in His Power to prevent the Subjects of the
British King, settling on those Valuable Lands situated in
the Bay of Passamaquody, known to be the Indubitable Right
of this Commonwealth But Peace being now Settled it ap-
pears His Service is no more Necessary
Your Memorialist has not received any Perquisite or
Ammolument arising from His Situation & ranque in the
Service, Except Pay and Eations a great part of which is
still due, nor would he have given Your Honours this
Trouble, had Nova Scotia, as was Expected, fell into the
United States
Your Memorialist at an Early Period, was Averse to the
form of the British Government, it was the principle Reason
of Coming into the United States, to become a Citizen, nor
does He ever intend to return under the Jurisdiction of the
former Your Memorialist is without any Personal Prop-
erty within the United States, Except what is due for His
Publick Services, Having at the sametime a large family to
Provide for
Your Memorialist woud further beg leave, to Solicite in
behalf of Three Officers and Fifeteen Soldiars who have
Continued in the department during the War, as allso for
Eighteen other persons, formerly Inhabitants of Nova Scotia
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 353
now in the States, for some lands in Consequence of their
Services & Sufferings
Therefore your Memorialist Humbly Prays, that your
Honours woud be Pleased to take this under Consideration,
and allow for a Settlement, to the several persons before
mention'd, a Sufficiancy of Lands in the Bay of Passama-
quody, Agreeable to what in Your Honours Wisdom they
may Marret and Deserve.
And Your Memorialist as in Duty bound will Ever Pray
J Allan
Boston June 2 nd 1784
In Senate June 29 th 1784
Read and thereupon Orderd, that the Petitioner have leave
to withdraw his Petition agreable to his request.
Attest Will" 1 Baker Jun r Clk to the Senate
Order on the Petition of Pelatiah Warren & Others.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate July 2 d 1784
Order'd, that the petition of Pelatiah Warren & others, be
committed to the Committee for examining into the claims to
the unappropriated Lands in the County of York & Cumber-
land, appointed by a resolve of the General Court of May
the first 1781 ; & that the said Committee be & they are
hereby directed as soon as may be, to ascertain the just
boundary lines of the several Plantations, mentioned in the
said Petition, and to take a plan of the Gore or Tracts of
Lands that may belong to this Commonwealth, situate be-
tween them or any of them, and make report thereof together
with the quality & value of the same to the General Court
at their next Session
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
24
354 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
In the House of Representatives July 2 d 1784
Read and concurred
Sam A Otis Spk r
Report of Committee on Lands in the County of Lincoln.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
July 7, 1784
The Committee appointed, by a Resolve of the 28 th of
October last, to examine the Claims to the unappropriated
lands in the County of Lincoln, &c, take leave to report.
that agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court of the
22 d of March last, they have contracted with a surveyor to
lay out three townships, & lot the same, on the Northeast
side of Penobscot river, between the lands claimed by the
Indians & the upermost of the twelve townships, so called,
which said three townships will soon be ready for sale.
the Committee report that, though, by their report of the
third instant, they have described the extent, and boundaries
of the patent made to Beauchamp & Leverett, yet as the ex-
tent and boundaries of the said patent are not agreed on or
settled by Government, and the persons interested therein;
and therefore it cannot be determined, what lands belong to
Government, between the said patent, and the lands claimed
by the Indians, till the said boundaries are settled, they have
not sent a surveyor to locate the townships mentioned in last
recited Resolve, between the river Penobscot and Kennebeck,
finding, on further enquiry, that Government might incur a
considerable expence, in laying out the said townships on
lands, the property & title whereof, are not yet ascertained,
& which no person, probably, would purchase at the full
value, until the same be determined
The Committee being persuaded, that Government are de-
sirous of ascertaining with certainty the eastern boundary of
JF THE STATE OF MAINE 355
this Commonwealth, before they would incur the expence of
laying out townships on the river St Croix; they have hither-
to omitted to locate any lands on that river
the Committee have particularly attended to the Circum-
stances of many of the twelve townships, so called, the con-
ditions of the Grants thereof, the number of proprietors, &
others settled thereon, with their settlements, & Improve-
ments, and find that in the year 1762 the General Court of
this then province granted twelve townships to a number of
persons, upon condition, that they should, in eighteen months
from the date of the grant, procure the approbation of the
King of Great Britain, to said grants, and upon certain other
conditions mentioned therein,; that said term of eighteen
months was several times lengthened for some of the
grantees to procure the approbation of the King, but which
however never was obtained by any of them; and that some
of the other conditions of said grants have been performed
by a part of the said grantees; that a number of the said
grantees and others have settled upon said lands, principally,
between the years 1764 & 1774, about five hundred heads of
families who have erected buildings, & made considerable
improvements; whence, the Committee are of opinion that
the said grantees & settlers have, in strict law, no legal title
to said lands, yet that it will be equity and good policy, in
the Government, to quiet them, (making some few excep-
tions) in their possessions, on mild &. favorable terms, and
the Committee hope by the next Session of the General Court
to compleat their enquiries rispecting said twelve townships ;
& the circumstances of the said grantees, settlers & others
concerned therein, and to be able to report to the General
Court.
And the Committee find that there are a great number of
settlers, who have entered upon the lands of the Common-
wealth elsewhere erected buildings thereon, & made some im-
356 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
provements ; many of whom have applied for a confirmation
of their possessions to them, upon reasonable terms re-
specting these settlers, the Committee are of opinion that
those, who have applied or shall, personally apply to the
General Court, for that purpose, have granted & confirmed
to them said lands by them possessed, upon condition, they
pay therefor, the value thereof, were they in a State of
Nature.
As to the other claims of individuals, or private Com-
panies, to the said unappropriated lands which have been
laid before the Committee, they will use all reasonable dili-
gence to be in readiness to report at the next Sessions of the
General Court
Sam 1 Phillips jun r
Nathan Dane
In Senate July 9 th 1784
Read & accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives July 9 th 1784
Read and concurred
Sam A Otis Spk r
Act empowering the Gov r to renew the Licence of certain
Absentees
Commonwealth of Massachusetts In the Year of our LORD
one thousand seven hundred & eighty four.
An Act empowering the Governor, with the Advice of
Council, to renew the Licences of certain Persons therein
mentioned to reside within this Commonwealth.
Whereas in Pursuance of an Act, intitled "An Act for
repealing two Laws of this State, & for asserting the free &
sovereign Right of this Commonwealth, to expell such Aliens
as may be dangerous to the Peace & Good Order of Govern-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 357
ment ;" the Governor, with the Advice of Council, did, since
the last Sessions of the General Court, grant Licences to
George Spooner, John Amory, Thomas Oxnard, Nathaniel
Chandler, Thomas Brattle, David Greene, & Isaac Winslow,
to reside within this Commonwealth. And whereas, the said
Licences will expire with the present Sessions of the General
Court, & the Persons aforesaid be exposed to be sent out of
this State, agreeable to the Provision made in the Act afore-
said. And whereas there will not be sufficient time & Op-
portunity for the General Court, in their present sessions, to
inquire into the Characters & Conduct of the said Persons;
Be it therefore enacted by the Senate & House of Representa-
tives in General Court Assembled, & by the Authority of the
same, that the Governor with the Advice of Council be, he
is hereby authorized & empowered to renew the said Licences,
which Licences, being thus renewed, shall be, & continue in
Force untill the third Wednesday of the next sitting of the
General Court.
Resignation of Edw d Grow.
York Sepf 20 th 1784
Sir,
As the Town of York was pleased to chuse me at their
Annual Meeting in May last to represent them at the General
Court I am under the necessity to resign my Office as Col-
lector of Import & Excise for the County of York You
will please to communicate this to General Court that some
person may be appointed in my Room
I am, Sir, With great Esteem Your most Obed 1 hble Serv 1
Edw d Grow
In Senate Oct 15 1784
Read & sent down
S Adams Presid 1
John Avery jun r Esq r
358 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Towns which have returned their valuation.
Marlboro, South Brimfield, Royalston, Weymouth, Chil-
mark, Lebanon, Milford, Westford, Greenfield, Truro,
Chelsea, Douglas, Grafton, Hingham, Southampton, Palmer,
Southboro, Shrewsbury, Stowe, Orange, Salem, Sylvester,
Oakham, Lynn, Windham, Colerain, Sudbury, Bridgtown,
Warwick, Wells, Pepperelboro, Greenwich, Gorham, Fram-
ingham, Stoneham, Templeton, Pepperel, Sutton.
Mr. Wymaris Petition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Hon Senate & the Hon House of Representatives of
s d Commonwealth in General Court Assembled
The Petition of Nathaniel Wyman in behalf of the town
of Georgetown and Bath, the former of which he has the
Honor to represent.
humbly sheweth
That the s d Town being situated on the Sea Coast at the
mouth of the Kennebec River have (during the war) been
exposed to the depredation of the enemy in an uncommon
manner
That from the dangers to which they were exposed they
have frequently been obliged to support Guards at the en-
trance of the s d River at their own expence, while the many
alarms with which they were harrassed prevented their at-
tending to the necessary support of their families.
That notwithstanding those distressing circumstances they
readily complied with every requisition of Government untill
the enemy got possession of Penobscut
That since that period their Coasting Vessells & fishing
Boats have been all captured by the numerous british
Cruisers which for a Series of four years past have con-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 359
tinually infested the eastern Shores and their communica-
tion with the Western ports so far cut off that a Cord of
Wood has been often sold by the inhabitants of those Towns
to traders from the Westward for a pound of Coffee; a
thousand of boards for a gallon of New England Rum &
other things in proportion
That taking these their distressed circumstances into con-
sideration the Legislature repeatedly excused them from
raising their quota of three years men for the army untill
the further Order of that august Body, though they were at
the same time required to raise their proportion of men for
the defence of the County of Lincoln which they punctually
and cheerfully performed besides being at the extra expence
of supporting Guards for their own particular security &
were often obliged to give private incouragement to the
Troops raised in those Towns besides the wages allowed them
by the General Court, for which extra expences They have
never asked for any compensation for Government that
they have always borne their full proportion in raising the
men aforesaid for the defence of said County but as they
have lost all their Vessells, and been prevented from any fish
or Lumber for four years past an enormous weight of back
taxes now rests upon them & which they can never discharge
without the aid of the Legislature your petitioner therefore
humbly prays that the said Town may be exempted from
paying the taxes assessed upon them for not procuring their
three year three and five months men as in duty bound will
ever pray
Nath Wyman
Petition of William Jones of Bristol.
To the Honorb 1 Sennit and Hous of Representves in General
Court Essembled
360 DOCUMENTARY HISTOEY
The Petition of William Jones of Bristol in the County of
Lincoln in Behalfe of said town whereas it appears to your
Petitioner that said town was over Rated in the Last taxt
your petitioner Prayes that a Committee may be Chosen to
acrtaine the Reasons How that town Could be taxd higher
then any in that County and two towns stands much higher
in the State bill or velowation that said town may be re-
leved in such Way as you in Your Wisdom Shall think Best
and Your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall Ever Praye
William Jones
Petition of Plantation of Raymonton.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Rep-
resentatives
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Plantation called
Raymontown humbly sheweth
That your Petitioners Find themselves at a very great
Difficulty indeed
The Honorable Legislature has ordered a Tax on this In-
fant Plantation by what mistaken Information we cannot
undertake to say An Execution has been ordered and the
sheriff of the County has been among us which induced
your Petitioners to send a Petition to the Honorable Court
setting forth our Poverty and Inability to bear Publick
Burdens or even as yet by our utmost Industry in this Cold
Wilderness to Supply our Selves and Families with neces-
saries of Life
But to our Mortification we cannot Learn that the Hon-
orable Court has taken any Notice of our Petition and Rep-
resentation Your Petitioners have therefore reason to
conclude themselves under the most Disagreeable Imputation
of Disobedience to Civil Government & of an Indisposition
to that publick Duty ought to perform.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 361
When the order of Court came for a valuation we were
Determined to do everything in our Power to make the Hon-
orable Court acquainted with the true State of this Planta-
tion But on Enquiery we cannot find that there are more
than five who are Quallified to vote in any Legal meeting
according to the constitution notwithstanding we have thirty
seven Poles ratable and not ratable and one hundred and
seventy Women and Children
We therefore humbly conceive that it is not possible for
the Inhabitants of this Plantation to act in any Legal Meet-
ing in the Choice of Assessors to conduct either publick or
Private affairs however they may suffer on account of their
condition not being properly Represented and Known
Your Petitioners Beg leave to say that they cannot sup-
pose it to be the Intention of the Legislature when Justly
Informed to order publick taxes on Plantations in their
Present Circumstances As they conceive it to be expect-
ing the Harvest as soon as the corn is planted
Your Petitioners therefore Pray that the Honorable Court
would not Disregard their humble Petition but grant them
such Direction and Relief as in their Wisdom Justice &
Humanity Shall appear Suitable and Equitable and your
Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray
T i T-K- i Committee of the
Joseph Dmgley __
mi n . Plantation of
Ihomas Crisp
Raymontown.
Petition of John Waite et al Light House.
To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives of
the Common Wealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled
The petition of the Owners & Masters of Vessells within
the County of Cumberland in behalf of themselves and Others
concern d in Navagation Humbly Shew that a Light House is
362 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
much wanted near the Harbor of Falmouth which will render
the Navigation much safer especially to Foreigners coming
from Europe in the winter season it will also be an exceeding
good guide to the Coasters as well as Fishermen and Con-
sequently be a great benefit not only to this Common Wealth
but also to the United States and what is most of all will be
a means of preserving the lives of many of our sea faring
Brethren Your petitioners relying on the Wisdom of their
Rulers fully convinced that nothing will be wanting on their
part to encourage the Navigation and Fishery of the United
States of America Humbly pray your Honors would grant
that a Light House may be erected near the aforesaid Har-
bor of Falmouth in such place as to your Honors may seem
meet and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray
John Waite, John Fox, John Kent, Tho : Robinson, Joseph
M c Lellan, Hugh M c Lellan, Peleg Wadsworth, Richard Cod-
man, Joshua Stone, David Smith, Seth Storer, W. Vaughan,
Woodb y Storer, James T. Noyes, Stephen Harding, Pearson
Huntriss, Joseph Titcomb, James Phinney, Richard Cod-
man Jun r , Somers Shattuck, John Thorlo, Henry Webb, A.
Lowell, Nath Moody, James Simonton, Stephen Codman,
W m Jolly, Benj a Woodman, Rob 1 Hilborn, Josiah Tucker,
Daniel Riggs, Jack Randel, Will 1 " Harper, Edward Ander-
son, William White, James Lunt jun r , Thomas Reed, John
Bagley, Edward Watts, James Purrinton, Moses Noyes, Dan 1
Murphy, John Scott, Tho 8 Sandfofd William Hobby, Jn
Archer, Dan 1 Davis, Enoch Ilsley, Amos Greenleaf, Asa
Stevens, William Green, Moses Plumer, Jonathan Morss,
Lemuel Weeks, David Noyes, Hosea Ilsley, Enoch Freed-
man Jun r , Jn Lowthor, Abijah Pool, John Kinney, John
Tukey J r , Benj a Poland, David Brasdish, Benj a Titcomb
Jun r , Nathaniel F. Fosdick, James Fosdick James Jewett,
George Peirce, Thos Motley, Joseph Barnard, G Warren,
Joseph Jackman, Enoch Moody, Joseph Greenleaf
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 363
The Petition of Nicholas Crosby.
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of Nicholas Crosby Humbly Sheweth that
he was an Inhabitant of Penobscot before and at the time
the British took Possession there, and in the year 1778 was
appointed by the Hon ble General Court Naval Officer for that
port, but when the Enemy took Possession there your Peti-
tinor Rather than become Subject to British government left
his Interest and Came to Salem in this Common Wealth
and has Resided there ever since your Petitionar Now
Concludes to Return back to Penobscot to his littil Interest
left there and Humbly prays your Honours that he may be
Reinstated in his former office and your petitioner as in
Duty bound Shall ever pray
Nicholas Crosby
Govr's Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
Being prevented by indisposition from attending the Gen-
eral Court in person, I have directed the Secretary to lay
before you several Letters and Papers which I have received
during the Recess, among which is one from His Excellency
the Governor of South Carolina respecting the detention of
some Negroes here belonging to the Subjects of that State.
I have communicated it to the Judges of the Supreme Judi-
cial Court, their observations upon it is with the Papers, I
have made no reply to the Letter, judging it best to have your
Decision upon it
364 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
The Secretary will also lay before you the Account of past
Expenditures, & an Estimate of what Monies will be wanted
to discharge the expenditures of the year 1784
I have called upon the Treasurer for the State of the
Treasury, his observations thereon is with the Papers.
While I was preparing to carry into effect your Resolu-
tion respecting the repossession of Penobscot, such a Variety
of Circumstances occur'd, which I was not Authoriz'd to de-
cide upon, that I found it impossible for me to take any
steps relative to it with ease to my own mind or Satisfaction
to the Public, I was therefore under the necessity of suspend-
ing the matter, & leave it to be conducted according to the
first Determination which was by giving Information to the
nearest Magistrate, since which I have heard nothing, I am
obliged therefore to refer it back to you for your final
Decision.
I have the Satisfaction to inform you that the Light House
at the Entrance of Boston Harbor has been some time
Lighted, & has been of great Utility in the late Tempestuous
& inclement Season, the accomplishing this is entirely owing
to the very great Attention & Assiduity of the Commissary
General, & from my own Observations of his earnest en-
deavors to compleat your Wishes, I cannot omit recommend-
ing to your Notice so Merritorious an Offer of Government.
The two Letters from Colonel Allen will give all the In-
formation I have been able to collect respecting the Encroach-
ments at the Eastern Parts of this Commonwealth, that
Gentleman is now in Town, & Will be ready to attend if
call'd upon
I hope soon to have the Pleasure officially to lay before
you the Definitive Treaty, as I shall every other matter of
moment that may take place during your Session
John Hancock.
Boston January 23 d 1784-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 365
Petition of Town of Bridgeton.
Common Welth of Massachusetts
Feb r 1784
To the Hon ble the Senate and the House of Representatives
of the Common Welth aforesaid in General Court
assembled.
The Petition of Reuben Burnam Enoch Perley John
Peabody Jesse Knap and Benjamin Kimball A Committee
in behalf of the Inhabitants of the Plantation of Bridgeton
Humbly shews.
That by Virtue of an Act or Lav/ of the General Court
pass d the first of November 1782 ; the Court General Sessions
of the Peace for the County of Cumberland are proceeding
agreeable to the meathods Prescrib d in s d Law to Collect a
Tax from the Inhabitants of s d Plantation
That the Sherriff of s d County hath level d an Execution on
the Estate of the s d Perley in consequence of their not fur-
nishing their Quota of Beef for the Army in times past
That your Petitioners are sensible of the Call there now is to
every Individual to mannifest all possible Exertions towards
Supporting the creadit of the most Noble cause that we have
lately been Ingag d in and heartily wish it was in their power
to bear some part of the heavy Debt which the Common
Welth Labours under but their circumstances are such that
it is Impracticable for them to answer the above s d Demands.
That there is in s d Plantation but 32 Families 40 Rateable
Poles and 179 Souls Ninety of which by Reason of Infancy
and Old age are unable to Earn their own Support
That there is not a Sufficiency of Bread Raisd in s d planta-
tion for the use of its inhabitants That s d plantation is
Forty Miles from any Seaport Twenty miles of which s d
Petitioners have opend the Road at their Own Cost Twelve
or fifteen of the Same is Still so Rough that no wheel Car-
366 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
riage has ever past That the Greatest part of your peti-
tioners were Possest of but Triffleing intrests when they first
adventured into this Wilderness that it has been and Still
is with the Greatest difficulty that they obtain a Bare Sup-
port for their Own families, and not having any article of
Commerce which they can Export are not able to make them-
selves the possessors of one single Doller in the Course of
twelve months That in Consequence of the above mentiond
Tax being imposd your petitioners will be Obligd to dispose
of all the Stock they now possess (which will not sattisfy s d
demands) and leaving their habitations Fly to such parts of
the Common Welth where there is a Sirculation of Money;
That the numerous difficulties with which your Petitioners
are surrounded gives the Strongest hopes that they may be
Viewd with tenderness and Compassion, Their most Earnest
prayer therefore is that this Honourable Court would Free
them from paying a publick Tax for the preasent, and give
orders that s d Execution be with drawn or that they may be
Reliev d in Such other manner as your Honours Wisdom may
Sugest, and as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray
Reuben Burnam Jesse Knap.
Enoch Perley Benj a Kimball
John Peabody
Govrs Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
The Secretary has laid before me your several Resolutions
relative to the final Establishment of Peace By one of the
Resolves "I am requested to order the discharge of Cannon,
& such other Demonstrations of Joy on the 24 th ins 1 as I may
judge suitable to the Occasion This Resolve is so very
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 367
inexplicit that I am really at a loss to determine what the
two branches of the General Court intend by such other
Demonstrations of Joy If you intend, Gentlemen, that they
should be such as heretofore have been practiced upon such
important Events, I must order a public Dinner to be pre-
pared upon this Occasion ; This was the Case upon the
Proclamation of the very last Peace; or perhaps you may
design that only such Provision should be made in the State
House, for the Accommodations of such Gentlemen as shall
please to attend as has been usual upon Public days ; I return
you the Resolve by the Secretary, & as I wish to Conduct this
matter both through the day & Evening in such a manner as
to meet your Approbation, I must request you would be
pleased to be more explicit respecting it, & I doubt not you
will enable me to exhibit such Demonstrations of Joy as shall
be fully answerabel to an Event so important & Interesting
to this & the other United States
John Hancock
Boston Feb y 19 th 1784.
Preservation of Lands in Eastern Counties.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March the 5 th 1784
Whereas on the 28 th Day of Oct r Last a Resolve was passed
by the General Court appointing a Committee to repair to'
the County of Lincoln and to take care of the Common-
wealth's Lands there and to settle with those persons who
have claims to Land within that County and whereas it ap-
pears to the General Court that the Claims of Individuals
to Lands in that County are very extensive and the Titles
pretended to the same are very intricate by means whereof
it would be unsuitable to place the power of the settlement
368 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of such Claims otherwise than by a due Course of Law, in the
arbitration of any other persons than the Legislature
It is therefore Resolved that so far as it respects the ap-
pointment and duty of the said Committee the Resolve afore-
said be and hereby is repealed
And it is also
Resolved that
be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to State
and Lay before the General Court at the next Session there-
of the extent of Lands Laying within the s d County of Lin-
coln the Extent description and boundaries of all Claims of
Properties Corporations or Companies of men to Land there,
the Charters Patents Deeds or Grants such Proprietors Cor-
porations or Company, the Real boundaries intended in the
said Conveyances, as well as the boundaries by which the
Claimers pretend to hold, and the quantities of Land in each
Claim over and above what is justly within their Title and
that the Committee hereby appointed procure authenticated
Copies of all Conveyances of Lands Claimed by Proprieties
Corporations or Companies within that County and lay the
same before the General Court and that there be a warrant
drawn upon the treasury in favor of the said Committee for
a sum not exceeding pounds to Enable them to pay
the Registers of Deeds and other Persons from whose offices
they may receive Copies in the perfecting of the business
aforesaid and for paying such Artist as shall be by them em-
ployed to make a plan if a plan shall be found necessary
the said Committee to be accountable for the same.
Resolved that
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to attend to all
Grants made by the Government of this state of Lands in
the County of Lincoln to inquire whether the Grantees have
possessed themselves of more Lands than really intended in
the Grants made and if any, how much, and to make a report
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 369
of the Kesult of their inquiry to the General Court as soon as
may be
and also Resolved that
be and they hereby are appointed severally and Jointly to
attend to the Commonwealth's Lands in the County of Lin-
coln to prevent the making strip and waste thereon and they
are severally hereby required from time to time to find in
writing to the Secretary's office the Name of each person who
shall be found cutting or carrying away any Trees Lumber
or Wood the place of abode and the addition of the person
trespassing, the day, as near as the same can be ascertained
when the trespass was Committed the number and bigness
of the Trees cut and the quantity of wood carried away in
order that the General Court may give proper directions for
the prosecution of such trespassers
Read and not accepted
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Jan y 31 st 1784
Ordered that M r Sullivan, M r King & M r Russell with such
as the Hon Senate may join be a Committee to consider what
further measures are necessary to be taken for the preserva-
tion of the public lands in the Eastern Counties & report
Sent up for concurrence
Tristram Dalton Spk r
In Senate February 2 d 1784
Read & Concurred & Charles Turner & William Lithgow
jun r Esq r are joind
S Adams Presid 1
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider what
further measures are necessary to be taken for the preserva-
tion of the Publick Lands in the Eastern Counties, ask leave
to report the Resolves accompanying
Charles Turner p r Order
25
370 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Respecting Continental Money.
The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider what
Measures are necessary to be adopted in Regard to the old
continental Money in the Treasury of this Commonwealth &
in the Hands of the Subjects thereof have attended that serv-
ice & ask leave to Report by way of Resolve
Nath Goodman p r Order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 10 th 1784
Resolved that the sum of old continental Money now in
the Treasury of this Commonwealth shall be charged to the
United States in part payment of the continental Tax as-
sessed in the year 1782 at the Rate of Seventy Five Dollars,
for one hard Dollar A & that the several sums of old con-
tinental Money now in the Hands of the Citizens of this
Commonwealth as soon as the sum shall be received into the
Treasury thereof shall be charged to the United States in
part payment of the said Tax & at the same Rate And in
Order that the Holders of old continental Money being citi-
zens of this Commonwealth may have Justice done them by
receiving Governmental Securities or payment for the same
in such other Way as the Legislature shall here-after deter-
mine & at the same Time to prevent the Reception into the
Treasury of this Commonwealth of any sums of old con-
tinental Money now in the hands of the Citizens of other
States. It is further Resolved that the Clerks of the several
Towns, Districts & Plantations within this Commonwealth
be & they hereby are directed & required to return into the
office of the Secretary of this Commonwealth on or before
the first day of June next true & exact Lists under Oath of
all the Names of the Owners of the sum Total of old Con-
tinental Money already by them respectively returned into
the said Office in pursuance of former Resolves for that pur-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 371
pose with the particular sums belonging to each of them &
affixed to their Names respectively
And it is further Resolved that the Secretary of this Com-
monwealth cause the Resolve to be immediately printed & as
soon as may be furnish each of the Clerks aforesaid with a
Copy thereof B
Read & Accepted with Amendment at A
at A, dele, from A to B
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
Jedediah Preble's Claim.
To the State of Massachusetts Bay to Jedidiah Preble D r
1779 for Supply's for the Guards Stationed on Penobscott
River by Order of Brig r General Charles Cushion, Com-
manded by Maj r William Lithgow
(Amount of itemized bill 98.. 15.. 11)
Errors Excepted
Jedidiah Preble Jun r
Penobscott Feb y 21, 1780
This may Certify that in the year 1779 when I had the
Command of a Party of Troops at Cambden and on Penob-
scot River M r Jeded h Preble was appointed Commissary to
Supply said Party with Provisions, and did Supply us dur-
ing our continuance at Penobscot and also came frequently
from his home which was near thirty miles from where said
Party was posted, to bring us Supplys, the exact quantity
Supply'd I am not able to ascertain but it appears to me that
the above Acco* is a just one.
William Lithgow Jun r
372 DOCUMENTAKY HISTORY
In Senate, March 11, 1784
Read & Committed to the Committee of Acct 8 to be ad-
justed upon the best Evidence they can Collect
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 12, 1784
Read & Concurred
Tristram Dalton Speaker.
March 15 th 1784
Examined and allowed Ninety Eight pound Fifteen Shil-
lings & Eleven pence in full of the within account
E Starkweather, Charles Turner, J B Varnum
M r Ivers please to pay the within Acco 1 -
E Starkweather.
Received payment of Thomas Ivers Treasurer
p r Joseph Boyd
A true Copy from the Original Lodg d in this office and
Filed against the United States
John Deming, Peter Boyer [ Committee
This is to impower Cap 1 Joseph Boyd to Settle an Acco 1
against the State of the Massach 13 Bay for Supplys to the
Guard Posted on Penobscot River under the Command of
Maj r William Lithgow agreeable to Brig r General Charles
Cushings Warrant to me for that purpose
Jedidiah Preble Jun r
Penobscott Sepf 19, 1780
Test Jacob Tebbets Elisabeth Shute
A true Copy John Deming, Peter Boyer.
Petition of Inhabitants of Bridgetown.
The Committee of both Houses to Whome was committed
the petition of the inhabitants of Bridgetown praying for
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 373
abatement of taxes, have attended the Service and ask
Leave to Report the following Resolve
Stephen Choate p r order
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 12 th 1784
Whereas it appears to this Court; that the inhabitants of
the plantation called Bridgetown by reason of their local
Situation, and the uncultivated State of their Lands, are
unable to bear a full proportion of the public burthen. Re-
solved, that the Prayer of the said petition be So far granted,
as that the Whole of the Sum Sett on the said plantation in
the tax granted in March Last, to defray the charge of raising
three years, three & five months men, ammounting to one
hundred fifty four pounds three shillings & six pence be
abated And the Whole of the beef tax required of the Said
inhabetants And also one third part of all other taxes
Granted to be assessed on the Said plantation Since the year
Seaventeen Hundred eighty one And it is further Re-
solved that the treasurer be and he is hereby directed to
credit the aforesaid plantation accordingly and recall the
execution issued against the Said Inhabetants for their de-
ficiencies in their beef tax any Law or Resolve to the con-
terary notwithstanding
Read and Accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 12, 1784
Read & Non Concurred Tristram Dalton Spk r
Re: Petition of Hugh Hill.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court Assembled
Humbly Shews
374 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Hugh Hill that in the year 1777 Col John Allen was
commissioned and empowered by the Government of this
State to purchase certain Vessels for the use of the State and
to contract therefor in their name & behalf that in April
in the same year he purchased of your petitioner a schooner
for the sum of 133 .. 6 .. 8 for which he gave his note of
hand payable on demand with interest that on 29 th of Octo-
ber last the principal of said note was paid in a due bill so
called of that amount but that no interest hath been paid on
said note which in the long absence of your petitioner hath
been mislaid but that such a note was given & that the interest
hath not been will appear by the papers herewith exhibited &
other evidence
Wherefore your petitioner prays that he may be paid the
interest that became due on said note from the date thereof
to the time the principal sum thereof was paid and as in duty
bound will ever pray Hugh Hill
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 13 th 1784
On the petition of Hugh Hill setting forth that in April
A. D. 1777 Col John Allen purchased of him a Schooner for
one hundred & thirty three pounds six shillings & eight pence
for the public use & gave his note of hand therefor, payable
on demand, with interest, that the principal was paid in
October last; but that no interest hath been paid; & that
said note is mislaid ; & praying that the interest due on said
note may be paid
Resolved there be paid out of the Treasury of this Com-
monwealth to the said Hugh Hill the sum of fifty two pounds
in full of the interest due on said note and in full of all de-
mands the said Hill hath or may have against this Common-
wealth or said Allen for said schooner
Sent up for concurrence Tristram Davis Spk r
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 375
Newburyport June 29 1785
this May Certify Whom it may Concern that we Agree d
with Stephen Hooper Esq r some time about the month of
February or March 1777 in behalf of Col John Allan for A
small Schooner for said Allan to Carry on the Publick Busi-
ness Committed to him
that Coll Allan Inform us he had Given M r Hooper his
Not for the same payable half in hard Money the other in
paper
that some time after Coll Allen Inform d us we had order* 3
Money into our hands which Should it prove more than suf-
ficient to pay our Selves the Remainder to be Paid M r Hooper
but as that Money did not come into our hands to our Best
Remembrance we never Paid M r Hooper any part
Step n Cross Ralph Cross Jun r
These may Certify that in April 1777, The Subscriber
purchased a schooner from Cap 1 Hugh Hill for the sum of
133 6 8, Giving a note of hand for the same on In-
terest which schooner was for the use of the United States
in the service of the Indian Eastern Department, and the
Interest not yet paid Cap 1 Hill
J Allan Superind 1
Indian Eastern Dep 1
Boston January 30 th 1782
Govr's Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
Whenever a doubt arises in my own mind with respect to
any Law, the Execution of which is committed to me, I feel
a great Satisfaction in having it in my power to make Appli-
cation where I am confident of finding relief ; & for that pur-
376 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
pose, I beg leave for a moment to draw the Attention of the
two branches of the General Court to a Law pass'd July 2 a
1783 intitled "an Act to carry into Execution an Act made
in the Year 1778, intitled An Act to prevent the return of
certain Persons" &c By which Act I am obliged upon the
Certificate of the Justices having committed to Goal any
person or Persons the Objects of that Law immediately, or as
soon as may be, at the expence of the Commonwealth, to
cause such persons so committed to be transported to some
part or place within the Dominion of the King of Great
Britain &c under this predicament I have now in Custody
Several persons, two in the Goal in this Town, two in the Goal
in Worcester, & one in the Goal in Falmouth, County of
Cumberland ; I am ever ready to carry into effect the Laws
of the Commonwealth, & as I am to presume it is the De-
sign of the two Branches of the Gen Court that the Law
above recited should be executed without any reserve, I am
to request they will furnish me with the means of providing
for the Transportation of those persons who may come within
the said Law, by Authorizing a Warrant upon the Treasurer
for such a sum as you shall judge competent
John Hancock
Council Chamber Boston March 19 th 1784
Govr's Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
I have directed the Secretary to lay before you for your
perusal a Letter with its inclosures from the President of
Congress respecting the Encroachments that are represented
to them to have been made by British Subjects, at the East-
ern parts of this Commonwealth, I have heretofore received
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 377
a Letter from the Governor of Halifax upon the subject, &
from the Disposition discover'd in that Letter I have no
doubt but he will be ready to accommodate the matter to the
Satisfaction of both States. I have also directed the Secre-
tary to lay before you the Eesult of the doings of the Gov-
ernor & Council heretofore upon the same Subject. I shall
take the earliest Opportunity to open a Correspondence with
Governor Parr at Halifax, & use my best Endeavors to bring
this matter to as Speedy & happy an issue as possible agree-
able to a request of Congress To effect which I request
you will be pleased to return me the papers transmitted me
by Congress when most agreeable to you
John Hancock
Council Chamber Boston March 19 th 1784
Re: Georgetown & Bath.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Represent 8 March 22 nd 1784
On the Petition of Nathaniel Wyman, in behalf of the
Towns of Georgetown & Bath, praying the said Towns may
be exempted from the payment of the Taxes assessed on them
for not procuring their proportion of Three years, three &
five months men for the Reasons sett forth in said
Petition
Resolved, that the Treasurer be, and he hereby is Ordered
and directed to Credit the Town of Georgetown the sum of
seven hundred & forty one pounds 11/3 and the Town of
Bath the sum of four hundred & six pounds 16/0 being so
much assessed on them for not procuring their proportion of
Three years, three & five months men, any Resolve to the
contrary notwithstanding
378 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Govr's Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
Embarrass'd as I find myself to be for want of Time to
Consider the important Bills which were laid before me yes-
terday Afternoon, I however feel a Disposition to submit to
take upon my self a Burden plac'd upon me by one of them
which I had the greatest Claim to be Excus'd from rather
than the two Houses should be subjected to the inconvenience
of remaining Sitting, when their wishes are so urgent to re-
turn home I therefore will not make any Objections to the
Bill intitled "An Act for repealing two Laws of this State,
and for Asserting the rights of this free, sovereign Common-
wealth to Expell such Aliens as may be dangerous to the
Peace and good order of Government" And as the Import
and Excise Act which was yesterday laid before me to which
I have objections in its present mode, does not take place till
the 15 th of June next, and consequently no Prejudice can
arise by the delay of its passing 'till next Session ; I am under
that Circumstance now ready to Comply with the request of
the Two Branches of the General Court for a recess and will
direct the Secretary to proceed accordingly if the two Houses
Consent to the Suspension of that Bill
John Hancock
Boston March 25 th 1784.
Petition of Thomastown.
To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Whereas William Larmond of the town of Waren in the
County of Lincoln Having presented a petition To This
Honorable Court Requesting that a Carting Tract or pease
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 379
of Land of his Lying in Thomaston may be taken of from
the said Thomaston and Adjourned to the said town of
Warren
We your Petteioners in behalf of the said Thomaston
Humbly shew that whereas the town of Warren being the
oldest incorporated town included part of the Lands Which
is now the town of Thomaston by reason of the said Thomas-
ton being two Small for a town Ship the Honorable Court
Saw fit to take so much of the town of Warren as to make the
town of Thomaston Convenant Which Land the said Lar-
mond now Requests being part of the Land that has ben in
Waren heartofore but after the Incorporation of both the
Towns and the Division being run Sum years the said Lar-
mond Purchased the now Requested Land W T hich is in
Thomaston and therefore we hope your honours will take it
into your wise Consideration the unreasonableness of the
request and the Damige it must be to us as a town and we
your Petitioners are Ever bound in Duty to Pray
Oliver Robins Jun f Select men
John Simonton of
Sam 1 Brown Thomaston
Petition of Town of Oxford.
Common Welth Of Massachusetts To the Honourable the
Senate & house of Representatives of the Common Welth
Affore Said
The petition of the inhabitants of the Town of Oxford
humbly Sheweth
That altho the good people of this Common Welth have
by the kind hand of Divine providence been preserved
Through a Long Unatural & Cruel War and arived to the
Iiijoyment of the blessings of peace in Our borders. And
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
altho. in addition to the blessings affore said we are Favoured
with a good frame of Governments yet there are Certain
matters of grievance which this Common Welth Labour un-
der and this town as part of the same which We think may
and Ought to be Redressed of which we Shall mention to
your Honnours The following (Viz) l ly Giving the im-
post into the hands of the Hon ble The Continental Congress
to be under their Sole Controul Wee Conceive to be a
grievance and in Our Opinion Ought to be immediately
Repealed Not but that we Are free and willing that an
impost on all imported Articles Should immediately take
place but the proceeds thereof Ought to be paid into the
State treasury And in a Constitutional way Drawn Out by
a Warrant From the Governor of this Common Welth and
if Apropriated to Congress or any part thereof it Ought To
be set to the Credit of this State that we may Receive the
benefitt of the same, which we Conceive No State in the
Union has any Just Right To
2 ly Wee Conceive that the Expence of Days of publick
Rejoycing Ought not to be paid out of the publick Chest but
ought to be paid by those who partake of The Same, and not
by this Common Welth at Large
3 ly Making large Grants to the Officers of the late Con-
tinental Army or Officers of the publick
More than a reasonable pay for their services Wee Con-
ceive a greivance and under Our present Circumstances
ought not to Be And where Ever any have been made
theretofore the ace 1 To be reconsidered for in Our Opinion
the Grants Heretofore made Cannot be more binding bi
the good People of this Common Welth than that of the
Redemtion of the Old Continental money which in Our
Opinion most Earnestly Ought to be Urged By the General
Court and that No grants of Further Sums of Money be
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 381
made to the Congress until the Other States in the Union
Shall Comply with the Kedemtion of said money and that his
Excelency the Governor be Requested not to sign Any war-
rat on the Treasurer of this Common Welth for the remainder
of the four Hundred thousand pounds which now is Assessed
arid paid Or to be paid Into the treasury Untill a Redress
be Obtained
4 ly That the good people of this State are Greatly Op-
pressed & Distressed for want of a proper Ballance of a Cir-
culating Mediam and that the Credit of this State Greatly
Suffers from No Other Cause than the Necessities of the
people and by Reason Of the State holding the property of
Individuals and so bind one part of the people Whereby
the Other part make their Necessities Their Oppertunities
which much Agrieves the Good people of this State
And we pray that ways and means may be Found Out for
Our Relief
We your Humble petitioner pray your Honnour To take
these Matters into your wise Consideration And grant such
Relief in your wisdom May See Just and Reasonable
Your petitioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
John Mayo \
Samuel Davis / Selectmen of
Daniel Fisk the Town of
John Dana \ Oxford.
Ebenezer Learned J
Oxford May 14 th 1784 By a Vote of
this Town at a Meeting Legally Warned
Annexation of St Georges Lower Town to Warren.
To the Hon ble the Senate and House of Representative of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. June, 1784
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of a Tract of
382 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Land, being part of the Plantation called the lower Town of
St Georges in the County of Lincoln Humbly Sheweth, That,
we find ourselves greatly exposed to many Difficulties, & suf-
fering many Inconveniences which we apprehend might be
relieved by an Incorporation; but being small, & no other
Lands that we can conveniently (for us) be incorporated
with
Therefore your Petitioners humbly pray That our Lands,
Bounded as followeth viz. Beginning at the Southeasterly
Corner of the Town of Warren on the westerly Side of St
Georges River, thence running southwesterly down said
River about one Mile & three Quarters to the southeasterly
Corner of Lot Number Sixteen belonging to Andrew Mal-
com, thence west-northwest about four Miles to Waldoborough
Line, thence northerly by said Line, to the southwest Corner
of Warren, thence east &c. by said Warren to the Bound first
mentioned, may be annexed to the said Town of Warren,
and that we with the Inhabitants thereof may be invested
with the Powers, Priviledges & Immunities, that Towns in
this Commonwealth do enjoy; and your Petitioners as in
Duty bound shall ever pray &c.
Jonathan Nuttin, Seth Vose
Richard Young, Micah packard
Jacob Hiler, Andrew Malcom
Simon Hiler John Mcorber
Petition of Samuel Pendleton.
To the Hon ble the Senate and Hon ble House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court Assembled at Boston June 1784
The Petition of Samuel Pendleton for himself and in the
behalf of a Number of other Settlers on Long Island in
Penobscot Bay, Humbly Sheweth,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 383
That it is now about Thirteen Years since they Settled
upon said Long Island, where they have Built Houses and
been at considerable Cost and Expence in Settling especially
during the late War,
That lately one Winslow has wrote down informing that
he intends to come down and take care of his Lands there, on
caring among other Lands, the said Long Island, But your
pet rs have always understood that the said Long Island was
Government Lands, and not included in Brigadier Waldo's
patent, and your pet rs intended to Account with Government
for the same, and would now be glad if the said Lands are
to be Sold that they may have the refusal of the same.
Your pet therefore humbly pray that this Hon ble Court
would be pleased to Quiet them in their possessions, they
allowing a reasonable Price for said Lands
And as in duty bound shall pray &c
Samuel Pendleton
In the House of Representatives June 14 th 1784
Read & thereupon Ordered that this petition be committed
to the Committee appointed by the County of Lincoln
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
In Senate July 9 th 1784
Read & Concurred
S. Adams Presid 1
Petition of a Number of Masters of Coasting Vessels.
To the Hon ble the Senate and Hon ble House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled at Boston June 1784.
The Petition of the Subscribers Masters of Vessels that
follow the Business of Coasting to the Eastward Humbly
Sheweth,
384 DOCUMENTARY HISTQRY
That they meet with many discouragements in carrying on
their said Business by reason that they can't obtain Permits
to Sell Rum &c in less Quantities than Twenty five Gallons,
as many of the Poor People at the Eastward are not Able to
purchase but a few Gallons, and some not more than half a
Gallon, And besides they often trust the Inhabitants with
Hum and other Articles to be paid in Lumber at some future
day, when those People can't often obtain Credit from any
of the Retailers there.
Your petitioners therefore humbly pray for the more Easy
carrying on their said Business, and for the convenience of
the Inhabitants at the Eastward, that this Honorable Court
would be pleased to Authorise the Collector of Excise to
Grant them permits to Sell Rum to the Inhabitants at the
Eastward in small Quantities or by Retail they accounting
with the Collector for the Duty thereon.
And as in duty bound shall pray &c.
Nickels Millar, Robert millar, James Nickels,
Samuel Boyd, Thomas Meryman, Henrey Littel,
Arch d Rivers, Samuel Harris, Cornelius Bradford
Will 11 ' Harper, James M c Curdy,
The Petition of Juniper Berthiaume.
To the Hon ble the Senate and Hon ble House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court Assembled at Boston, June, 1Y84
The Petition of Juniper Bartheaune Humbly Sheweth,
That on the 11 th day of November 1780, the General Court
of this State, appointed your petitioner Instructor to the
Penobscot Tribe of Indians with an Allowance of Five
pounds p r month and two Rations per day till the further
order of the General Court.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 385
That he has continued in said Service ever since, and on
the first day of June Instant there was one years pay &
Rations due to him at the rate aforesaid for his said Services
He therefore humbly prays this Hon ble Court would be
pleased to make him a Grant of the Years Wages and Rations
now due to him, that he may still be enabled to live with the
said Indians in his aforesaid Capacity
And as in duty bound shall pray &c
f juniper Berthiaume, Recollet
Petition of Juniper Berthiaume.
To the Hon ble the Senate and Hon ble House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court Assembled at Boston June 1784
The Petition of Juniper Bartheaume Humbly Sheweth,
That on the Eleventh day of November 1780, the General
Court of this State appointed your petitioner Instructor to
the Penobscot Tribe of Indians, with an allowance of Five
pounds p r Month, and two Rations per day.
That since his Arrival in Boston he has been informed
"that he was dismissed from said Service." of such dis-
mission (if it be true) your petitioner never before had any
notice either by Writing or any other way, for had he known
it he would have retired from said Service, but thinking him-
self really in the Employ of this State he has continued
therein ever since, and on the first day of June Instant there
was one years pay and Rations due to him And as he was
never informed of his Dismission.
He humbly prays this Hon ble Court would be pleased to
take his case into their Wise and just consideration and
Grant that he may be allowed the pay and Rations due to
him for his Services aforesaid And as in duty bound
shall pray &c
f juniper Berthiaume Recollet
26
386 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Tho* Oxnard.
To the honorable the Senate, and House of Representatives
in General Court assembled
Thomas Oxnard humbly shews that he is the same person,
who hath been lisenced by his Excellency the Governor &
Council, to remain within this State, until the close of the
present session of this General Court your petitioner
humbly represents that he is not within either of the discrip-
tions of men, whose naturalization as citizens is prohibited
by the laws of the commonwealth that he was an inhabitant
of the Territory, now the state of Massachusetts, before the
late resolution, and prays to become again an inhabitant
thereof, and a free citizen of this commonwealth
Certificates of the character of your petitioner are lodged
in the Council Chamber, upon those certificates & such other
evidence as your petitioner can produce, under your honors
direction, in favor of his proving a good Citizen of the com-
monwealth, your Petitioner humbly supplicates your honors
for an act of naturalization of your Petitioner as a citizen
of this commonwealth; and as in duty bound shall ever
pray-
Tho 8 Oxnard
Falmouth 1 B June 1784
Act Regulating Proceedings of Proprietors of Townships.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts In the Year of our Lord
One Thousand Seven Hundred & eighty four
An Act Regulating y e Proceedings of Proprietors of Town-
ships or new Plantations, granted by the General Court,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives, in General Court Assembled, and by the Authority of
the same ; That the Proprietors of Townships or New Planta-
tions granted, or which may be granted by the General Court,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 387
be and hereby are and shall be vested with the same powers
and privileges as Proprietors of lands Wharves & other real
Estate undivided and lying in Common are by Law vested
with, so far as the same do relate to the calling and holding of
their Meetings, and choosing Needful Officers (who shall be
sworn as in the s d act directed, to the faithful discharge of
their Officers) and for granting taxes upon their lands in
such Townships & Plantations for the purpose of carrying
forward and promoting the Settlement of them Provided
that the first future Meeting shall be notified in one of the
Boston News Papers at least three Weeks before the day of
Meeting, and in such other paper as they shall judge most
likely to give the Proprietors in general due information
thereof.
And be it further enacted by the Authority Aforesaid that
when any Grantee or Proprietor of any such new Plantation
or Township, which hath been, or shall hereafter be so granted
(where the Conditions of the Grant are not fulfilled) shall
neglect or delay to pay to the Treasurer or Committee of
such Township or Plantation, such Sum or Sums of Money
as by the Proprietors thereof have been or shall be voted to
be raised by tax upon their said Lands or rights, for thirty
days after such tax shall be published by posting the same
in some public place in the shire Town of the County where-
in such lands lie, and in the Town wherein the Clerk of such
Proprietors shall dwell, as also in such other Town or Towns
as have been, or shall be by them appointed for that purpose
and by advertising the same in one of the Boston Newspapers,
the Share or right of such delinquent Grantee or Proprietor
may be sold ; And the Committee chosen by such Proprietors,
or the Major part of such Committee may, and hereby are
fully empowered at a public Vendue (Notice thereof being
publickly given in one of the s d News Papers and by posting
the same as aforesaid at least three weeks successively before
388 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
such Vendue) to sell such delinquents' lots and after-Eights
in such Plantation or Township, to such person or persons
as may appear to give most for the same, and will give Bond
to the Satisfaction of the Committee, or other persons ap-
pointed by the General Court to take Bond, for the perform-
ance of the Conditions of the original Grant ; and the original
Grantee shall have his former Bond given up and delivered
to him, if he desire the same ; the Money arising by such Sale
to be applied to the payment of such delinquent Proprietors
Rate or Tax; and the Overplus, if any there be (after all
Charges arising about the same are deducted) shall be paid,
to the said delinquent Proprietors, his heirs or Assigns.
Provis A Provided always, If any such delinquent Pro-
prietors are not Inhabitants of this Commonwealth, that then
there be reserved to them, their Heirs or Assigns, a Liberty of
Redemption of such Rights; they paying the Purchaser or
Purchasers, or his or their respective heirs, within Six
Months, such Sum as the Lands Sold for, with the Costs
arisen by Improvement made thereon, and double Interest,
untill the same be redeemed.
Proviso Provided Also, That where any delinquent Pro-
prietor or Grantee has brought forward a Settlement, and is
in the Actual Possession of his Right, that then and in such
case so much only, and no more, of his Right, shall be Sold
as may be Sufficient to defray such Proprietor's or Grantee's
Rate or Tax, and the charges arising on the sale And be it
further enacted by the Authority aforesaid that the said
Committee or the Major part of them shall be and hereby
are impowered to execute (agreeable to the intention of this
Act) a good deed or Deeds to the Purchaser or Purchasers
of the Land Sold as aforesaid.
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid that
at every meeting of the Proprietors the votes shall be col-
lected and numbered according to the Interests of such as
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 389
are present, where the same is known : and at any such Meet-
ing, they may agree upon and appoint any other way or
method than the one referred to in this Act, for calling and
notifying Meetings for the future, that shall be most suitable
and convenient to the Proprietors
In the House of Representatives June 23 d 1784
This Bill having had three several Readings passed to be
Engrossed with amendment at A
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
viz at A
Dele the Paragraph from A to B & insert
Provided always, That there be reserved unto such de-
linquent Proprietor or Proprietors, their Heirs or Assigns,
a liberty of Redemption of such Rights, they paying the
Purchaser, or Purchasers, or his or their respective Heirs,
within Two Years such sum as the Lands sold for with
the Costs arisen by Improvements made thereon, and double
Interest, untill the same be redeemed, except the Proprietor,
or Proprietors, shall happen to be beyond Sea at the time of
such Sale, in which case the said Proprietor or Proprietors,
shall be allowed Three Years for Redemption of such Lands
sold in manner aforesaid.
Petition for Grant of Tract of Land on the River Cobscook.
To The Hon ble the Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of the Subscribers in behalf of themselves
and others,
Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioners have been Employed, in the service
of their Country, in the Late Revolution, and flatter them-
390 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
selves to the Approbation of their fellow Citizens. The
happy Period of Peace having arrived, your Petitioners with
pleasure return to Civil Society & Employment, desireoua
and Anxious to sett down in such a situation as to help their
f amilys & be Serviceable to the Community.
Therefore your Petitioners, humbly prays, that your
Honours woud take it under Consideration, and Grant them
a Tract of Land on the River Cobscook in the Bay of Passa-
maquaddy, in such Quantity, & upon such Terms, as in
your Honours wisdom may think proper, And your Peti-
tioners as in duty bound will ever Pray
Boston June 21 st 1784
John Crane, Thos Vose, William Perkins, Lemuel Pres-
cott, George Ingersoll, Cettarshall, Aaron Pardee, Eben r
Brown, John R Stafford, W Tucker, A b Warren, David
Mason, Ezra Smith, David Jackson, John Tapkin, Edward
White, Thomas Wells, Jn Lillie, Paul D Sargent, Tho 8
Jackson, John Callender, Edward Blake, J Woodbridge, Jn
Peirce, W m Frothingham, Jno K. Smith.
In the House of Representatives June 29 th 1784
Read & thereupon Ordered that this petition be com-
mitted to the Committee appointed by a Resolve of the 20 th
of Oct last to do certain business in the County of Lincoln
Same day Read again & ordered that the Petitioners at
their own request have leave to withdraw their petition.
House Journal.
%
Wednesday, June 30 th 1784 Present in Senate.
Order of the house that M r Robbins & M r Sullivan with
such as the hon Senate may join be a Committee to consider
what further measures are necessary to be taken relative to
the British Encroachments in the Eastern parts of this
Commonwealth.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 391
Read & Concurred and Theodore Sedgwick Esq r is joined
Report of the Committee of both houses to whom was re-
fered the consideration of the Petition of Phillips White
Esq r & the Answer of Will m White thereto & the papers ac-
companying the same by way of Resolve Sent down for
Concurrence, Came up non-Concurred
The Secretary came into Senate & communicated a Message
from his Excellency the Gov r (Vide Message) Resolves of
Congress of the 3 d inst. accompanying Read & Sent down
Ordered that the Secretary be directed to lay upon the
Senate Table the register of Council
Ordered that the Treasurer be directed to attend this
board (to be enquired of whether he has one or more of
the reports of the Comittee on the late Treas Gardiners Acc ts
in his Office)
Order of the house on the Message of his Excellency the
Gov r that this Message be Comitted to the Comittee of both
houses appoint* 1 yesterday to consider what further measures
are necessary to be taken with respect to the British en-
croachments on the East n parts of this State to consider &
report & what may be proper to be done thereon Read &
Concurred
An Engrossed Bill entitled "An Act for Naturalizing
Tho 8 Robison"- -This Bill having had two several readings
passed to be Enacted
An Engrossed Bill entitled "An Act directing the pro-
ceedings against forcible entry & detainer" This Bill having
two several readings passed to be Enacted.
An Engrossed Bill entitled "An Act regulating Bail in Civil
Actions" This Bill having had two several readings passed
to be enacted
Resolve of the House on the representation of John Lucas
Com y of Pensioners in behalf of Cap 1 Sam 1 Clark entitling
392 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the said Clark to one 8 th part of pay as Captain Read &
Concurred
Report of the Comittee of both houses to whom was re-
ferred the Consideration of the Petition of David ~Nye of
Wareham that the further consideration of this Petition be
refered to the next sitting of the Gen 1 Court Read & Ac-
cepted & Ordered to be refer'd accordingly sent down for
Concurrence Came up Concurred.
Ordered that Caleb Strong & John Lowell Esq r with such
as the hon house may join be a Comittee to confer with the
hon M r Jefferson one of the Commissioners of the United
States for settling treaties of Commerce & give him such in-
formation relative to the Trade & Territory of this State as
he may wish to have & may be usefull to this & the United
States Sent down for Concurrence Came up Concurred &
M r Otis M r Phillips & M r Rowe are joined -
A Bill entitled "an Act for regulating the fees & forms
in the Naval Offices within this Commonwealth" - Read the
2 d time & passed a Concurrence to be engrossed with amend-
ments at A & X sent down for Concurrence Came up
Concurred
Bill explaining the Laws Respecting the Assessment of Taxes.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and
eighty four.
An Act for explaining the Laws respecting the Assessment
of Taxes.
Whereas Doubts have arisen whether Assessors can be jus-
tified in making their Assessments in any Case, for more than
the precise Sum committed to them to assess. Therefore,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 393
Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Kepresentatives
in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the
Same, That the Laws of this Commonwealth, now in force,
respecting Assessments of Taxes, on Towns, Districts Plan-
tations and Parishes, ought to be so construed, explained and
understood, as to render Assessors justifiable, in their having
assessed Such a Surplusage, over and above the Sums com-
mitted to them respectively to assess, as any fraction arising
in making the assessment may have amounted to, or Such as,
in their judgment was needful to make up for any deficiency,
which might probably arise from the abatements, of the
Taxes of particular persons, which it might be found neces-
sary to make; and that the assessors of any Town, District,
Plantation or Parish, shall not be liable to any Suit in Law,
for having assessed any Surplusage as afore Said, they
making Oath, before some Justice of the Peace, in the county
to which Such assessors belong, that they have assessed an
additional Sum as before mentioned, no greater than a frac-
tion arising in making the assessment rendered convenient,
or no greater than they really judged necessary for Supply-
ing the deficiency, which might be reasonably expected to
arise from the abatements, which must in the ordinary Course
of things be made.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
when the surplusage assessed as before mentioned, in any
Town, District, Plantation or Parish, Shall be found to be
more than adequate to the amount of the abatements, which
it has been found necessary to make, the overplus Shall be
paid into the Treasury of Such Town, District, Plantation or
Parish, to be at the Order and disposal of the Same
X In Senate July 2 d 1784
Read the first time
Read the Second Time & ordered that the further con-
394 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
sideration of the Bill be referrd to the next Sitting of the
General Court.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams, Presid 1
Petition of Pelatiah Warren & Others.
To the Hon ble Senate & the Hon ble House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
assembled at their May session 1784
The Petition of the Subscribers humbly sheweth that your
petitioners were chiefly brought up and accustomed to hus-
bandry business, and having but small fortunes to set out in
the World with, cannot purchase Farms already subdued and
under cultivation, and being willing to labour, and do our
share in clearing & cultivating the Wilderness.
Therefore pray the honorable Court would grant us a Gore
or Tract of Land in the County of Cumberland, between the
Plantations of Bakers-town & Silvester northwesterly &
Southeasterly, & Sheperdsfield and Androscoggin River
Northeasterly & South westerly, for what the same is worth
in the present wilderness state it lays in, and such other re-
strictions as shall be thought proper & Your petitioners as in
duty bound shall ever pray.
May 26 th 1784
Trustram Warren, Daniel Cooper, Tobias Ricker, Pelatiah
Warren, Benjamin Parker Jun r , Lemuel Megray Elias
Durlis Micale Dyer, James Wagg Jun r , Benjamin Finning,
John Gushing, Joshua Strout, Nat Garist John Winslow,
William Gerish, Nathaniel Garish, George Garish Jun r
Ichabod Warren, Jacob Lord Jun r , Amos Goodwin, Andrew
Eliot, Edmund Warren, Edmud Neal, Nathaniel Walker,
Silas Goodwin, Dominius Goodwin, Thomas Bragdon 3 d
Elisha Hill jun r , John Plaisted
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 395
Action on Petition of Pelatiah Warren.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate July 2 d 1784-
On the Petition of Pelatiah Warren and others
Ordered, That the Petition of Pelatiah Warren and others
be committed to the Committee for examining into the claims
to the unappropriated Lands in the County of York & Cum-
berland, appointed by a Resolve of the General Court of May
the first 1781, and that the said Committee be and they are
hereby directed, as soon as may be, to ascertain the just
boundary lines of the several Plantations mentioned in the
said Petition, and to take a Plan of the Gore or Tracts of
Land that may belong to this Commonwealth situate between
them or any of them, and make Report thereof, together with
the quality and value of the same, to the general Court at
their next Session
Sent down for concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives July 2 d 1784
Read & concurred
Sam 1 A Otis Spk r
A true Copy
Attest Will 1 " Baker Jun r
Clk to the Senate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
in the House of Representatives June 11 th 1784.
On the petition of Pelatiah Warren &c, praying for a
Grant of a Gore or Tract of land lying in the County of
Cumberland, between the plantations of Bakerstown & Sil-
vester, Northwesterly and Southeasterly, and Shepperdsfield
& Androscoggin River Northeasterly & Southwesterly for
What the same is worth in the present Wilderness State it
lyes in &c.
396 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Resolved that the Prayer of the said petitioners be So far
Granted that Nathan Dane John Hill Esq & M r Benjamin
Hooper be a Committee to Ascertain the Quantity and value
thereof, and Eeport as soon as may be, that the same may be
Granted to the said Petitioners, and Under Such Restrictions
as the General Court May then Order
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
In Senate July 2 d 1784.
Read & Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
Re: Eastern Boundary.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate July 9, 1784
Resolved that Col John Allen be added to the Agents ap-
pointed at the present setting of the General Court, to pursue
measures respecting the British encroachments on the eastern
boundary of this Commonwealth, & to transact certain busi-
ness with the Indians on Penobscot River and, that any
three of the said Agents be authorized to execute their
Commission.
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives July 9 th 1784
Read & concurred as taken into a new Draft.
Sent up for Concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
In Senate July 9 th 1784.
Read & Non concurred & the Senate adhere to their own
vote
S Adams Presid 1
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 397
Selectmen of Harpswell Petition.
State of Mass a The Hon ble Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court assembled.
The Petition of the Select men of Harpswell humbly
sheweth, That it has ever been the practice of this Town for
the Sake of Conveniency to chuse a Constable & Collector
for an Island called great Sebascodegin, & another for the
whole of the other Part of said Town ; That at the last An-
nuall March Meeting a Person was chosen Constable & Col-
lector for the whole Town excepting s d Island, who availing
himself of some Inadvertency which happened to take place
is exempted; that upon an Adjournment of s d Meeting an-
other was chosen, who also is cleared, upon which account
there is neither Constable nor Collector in the Town except-
ing one upon the aforesaid Island, in Consequence of which
a great Difficulty has arose, & still likely to increase The
March Meeting not being in Existence, yo.ur Petitioners
humbly pray that this Hon d Court would enable said Town
to chuse a Constable & Collector for that part of the Town as
usual which is destitute. And your Petitioners as in Duty
bound, shall ever pray.
John Rodick, Ezekiel Curtis \ Selectmen
Harpswell 23 Aug. 1784.
Re Light House Money From the Port of York.
York August 25 th 1784
Sir:
I take this opportunity by my Good Brother Judge Sewall
to present with the trifleing Sum of a Guinea for Lighthouse
Money from the Port of York, tho it is Something more
than I have as yet rec d which please to Carry to the Credit of
S r your Most Humb 1 Serv* 1 .. 8 ..
Rich d Trevett, Naval Officer
398 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
P. S. S r at the Close of the Year I Purpose, by the Leave
of Providence to render an ace 1 of my Proceedings
Thos Ives Esq r Treasurer
Petition of Inhabitants of Scarborough.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
To the Honb le the Senate and the Honb le the house of Repre-
sentatives in General Court assembled This 13 th Day of
October 1784-
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the first Parish in Scar-
borough humbly Sheweth that your Petitioners are very
much wronged by the Division of the Said Town of Scar-
borough into two parishes: the first parish not having more
than one third part of the whole Town which was never
Intended at the time of Division for when the Town first
agreed to Divide it was then Supposed that a bridge over
Harmons Mill Creek on the County road was the Center or
Midle of the Town without any Measureing or Survay which
in fact is not: by which means the first parish looses, more
than twelve hundred acres of the best of their lands and not
only so but a Committee appointed by the General Court to
settle lines between Scarborough Falmouth and Gorham
Since the Division of Scarb into two parishes have taken off
from the head of the Said first parish in Scarb near two
thousand acres of land which was at the time of Division
allowed to belong to the first Parish: and no Division line
ever run until lately between the two parishes Your Peti-
tioners find the first parish is in a manner ruined having a
Minister to Support with other heavey Charges which they
are not able to bare up under Your Petitioners have applied
to the Second Parish to Settle the line of Division as was
first intended but they refuse Giving any Satisfaction and
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 399
your petitioners have rested the matter for Redress untill
now on account of the late war which Required almost the
whole attention of the General Court
Now your petitioners humbly pray that your honors in
your Great wisdom will give us Releaf in Such way and
Manner as Shall Seem best So that the first parish have their
full part of the whole town as was meant and Intended | and
Should your Hon re think best to appoint a Committee to be
on the Spot and hear both Sides of the Dispute then if your
petitioners Complaint is found Causeless your petitioners
will pay the whole of the Committees Charges that may
arise thereon, or in Such other wise as your hon rs in your
known Wisdom Shall See Meet all which is humbly Sub-
mitted and your petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray
Sam 1 Small Benj a Larrabe
Reuben Fogg Abraham Tyler J r
Tim M c Daniell
Committee in
behalf of S d
parish
Memorial of the Justices of the Lincoln Court of Common
Pleas.
*
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Hon Senate & the Hon. House of Representatives of
s d Commonwealth in General Court assembled
The Memorial of the Subscribers Justices of the Court of
Common Pleas in the County of Lincoln Sheweth
That the new Settlements on Kennebec, and parts adjacent,
though greatly scattered have become considerably extensive
that, as the distance is great, their travelling to Pownal-
borough the present Seat of the Court of Common Pleas is
necessarily attended with much difficulty and expence
That for these Reasons your Memorialists conceive that the
appointment of another Session of the said Court, and of the
400 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY '
Court of General Sessions of the peace, to be holden at
Hallowell in the said County, on the third Tuesday of Jan-
uary Annually, will be of public Utility and contribute much
to the ease and convenience of the Inhabitants of the more
distant Plantations ; as the place above proposed is at a con-
venient distance from the said Plantations, and the Winter
a season of Leisure and tolerable travelling in this Country;
and as your Memorialists conceive that the measure proposed
is correspondent to the General wishes of the People, they
do therefore pray that your Honours would take the matter
into your wise consideration & Order that a session of the
said Courts may be holden at the time & place above-
mentioned. And your Memorialists will pray &c
Will Lithgow James Howard
Ja s M c Cobb
Pownalbor October 8 th 1784
Petition of Samuel Goodwin.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts To the Honourable the
Senate and House of Kepresentatives of Massachusetts
in General Court Assembled
The Memorale of Samuel Goodwin of Pownalborough in
the County of Lincoln in the State aforesaid Esq r -
Humbly Sheweth
That your Memorels Presented a Petition to your Honours
dated the 10 th of August 1782 which Petition was Read &
Supported, and three orders thereon, two having miscarried ;
the third Came to hand in time & the high Sheriff Served
attested Copies of the said Petition and order thereon on Assa
Smith one of those Named in said Petition and licke Wise
left attested Copies, with Thomas Gilpatrick & Jeremiah
Nelson being on the Land on the 15 th day of July 1783 as
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 401
appears from Edmund Bridges Esq r the high Sherriffs Re-
turn the day that the advers parties was to be heard: I
Never heard that any appeared yett nothing don with the
prayer of my Petition There fore I most Humbly pray
your Honours To take my memoreal into your most Serious
& Wise Consideration and Grant the Prayer of my Petition
to me my heirs &c and assigns With the Liberty of the Law,
So that I may Obtain my Just Right, Which Asa Smith and
Others is a Depriving me of & a Striping Everything of my
land : I Reffer your Honours to the Petition and papers that
was before your Honours for facts or other wise Releave
your petitioner as your Honours in your Great Wisdom shall
think proper and I as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Samuel Goodwin
Pownalborough Octob r 12 th 1784
CommonWealth of Massachusetts
To the Honourable the Senet and House of Representatives
in General Court Assembled
The Memoriel and Petition of Samuel Goodwin of Pownal-
borough in the County of Lincoln in the State aforeSaid
Esq r Humbly Sheweth unto this Great and Honourable
Court : that on the 10 th day of Augus 1782 your memorials,
sent a petition To the Said Honourable the Great and Gen-
eral Court in the following words viz 1 To the Great and
General Court of the Common Wealth of Massachusetts.
Humbly Sheweth That Doctor Silvester Gardiner Esq r
had a Grant of Land in Pownalborough on the 11 th of Feb-
ruary 1761 Livery & Leazen was Given & Delivered to Said
Gardiner on the 1 th of April 1761 butted and bounded as
follows viz* beginning at the South line of Lott (No 54) on
Sheeps Cut River Delineated on a plan made by Jonas Jones
Surveyor dated December (20 th 1759) and from Lott N
54 to run a west North west Course two miles and a halfe,
27
402 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
and from the Westerly Eand of the two miles & halfe To
run a Northeast Course until it meets Sheepscut River &
then running down Said Sheeps cut river as the river
runs, to the first mentioned bounds With the appurtenances
thereof; on the 25 th of March 1773 the Said Silvester Gardi-
ner Esq r Gave Samuel Goodwin Esq r A Dead of a Tract
of Land, within said Tract, (marked W. w N 22) that be-
fore Said Gardiners Deed to Said Goodwin one Assa Smith
House write & Joseph Prince Clerk: & John Hilton Went
& Sect down on Said Tract of land Conveyed To Said Good-
win Neare to Sheepscut River about the midle thereof, Said
Prince Went there about 1771 : and Said Smith & Hilton,
before, and Refuses to goe of ; or settle or pay A Reasonable
Price therefor, to Said Goodwin, but hath made Great Strip
and Wast, and Continues So to do ; I have often offered to
settle With Said Assa Smith &c &c on easy terms, but Re-
fused ; there was a Writ against Assa Smith & Said Joseph
Prince dated the 16 th June 1773 & Served August 9 th 1773
for September Court in Said Gardiners Name and by his
orders; he Said Prince went to Boston to Said Gardiners &
told him if he had any land Within my bounds he Would
Give it up to me as Said Gardiner in formed me, and pre-
swaded Said Gardiner to Drope Said action and accordingly
Said Gardiner wrote James Sullivan Esq r , then attorney for
said Prince &c to Discontinue said action as Will appear by
Said Sullivans Deposition, the unhappy times hath been
such I Could Geet no Redress, & they Say as Docter Gardi-
ner is Gon I never Can Geet them off &c and they have been
Striping & Carrying off my Timber & continues So to do,
the Memo Mr Joseph Prince has Sold & Gon Off & Seavrale
Deeds have been passed from one to another as James in-
formed & New people put on
Therefore I most humbly pray your Honours to Grant
a Power to me my heirs and assigns to bring an action or
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 403
actions of Ejectment and Tresspass A Gainst Assa Smith of
Pownalborough now on the Said Land and all others whom I
may find thereon my land, in. order that I may have my Just
Right: Or other wise Releave your Petitioners as your
Honours in your Great Wisdom Shall think Proper and as
in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Samuel Goodwin
Pownalborough August 10 th 1782
In Senat June 20 1783
Whereas upon the Petition of Samuel Goodwin an order
passed the General Court on the Second day of October last
that the Said Goodwin Cause the Adverse Parties, to be
notified by Serveing Assa Smith & Joseph Prince & others
mentioned in Said Petition With Attested Copies thereof &
the order thereon, To Show Cause if any they had, Why the
prayer of the Said Petition Should not be Granted, and
whereas by an other order of the General Court passed tho
11 th of February 1773 the Petitioner Was directed to
Notify the adverse parties in manner A fore Said, to Shew
Cause if any they had on the first fryday in June instant
Why the Prayer in the Said Petition Should not be Granted
And whereas it appears To this Court, that the former
Orders miscarried, and the Letter was not Seasonably Re-
ceiv d by the Petitioner
Therefore ordered that the Said Samuele Goodwin, the
Petitioner, Cause the adverse Parties Aforesaid to be notified
by Serveing the Said Smith : Prince & others : with attested
Copies of the Said Petition & this order thereon Twenty days
at least before the Second Wednesday of the Next Session
of the General Court that they or either of them may appear
on that day and Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer
of the same petition should not be Granted Provided Never
the less that in Case the Said Joseph Prince is Removed
from the land Refferred too in the Petition & is not to be
404 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
found within the Common Wealth, then this order of Notifi-
cation Shall not Extend to him any thing aforesaid not with
Standing
Sent down for Concurrance Sa : Adams Pres*
In the House of Representatives June 20 th 1783
Read and Concurred
Tristram Dalton Speaker
Attest Will" Barker Clerk to the Senat
6/ for three copies A Copy
Lincoln ss. July 15 th 1783
This may Certify that I have this day left an attested
Copy of the Written Petition & order with Assa Smith with-
in Named & likewise left attested Copies with Thomas Gil-
patrick & Jeremiah Nelson being on Said Land
Edw d Bridge Sherriff
Fees 30/ A Copy from the original before it went to the
General Court this is a Copy from that
Petition of Ben. Jepson.
To The Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives
The Petition of Benj a Jepson Humbly Sheweth that he
was half owner of the Sloop Pigeon which was Taken by
Governments and Imployd in the Unfortunate Expedition
to Penobscot whare Shee Was Lost. The owner of the oather
half of S d Sloop have Been paid Near two years ago, But
Your Petitioner has not Rec d any part of his Due of which
he is in grate want having Lost a grate Part of his property
During the Late War, he therefore begs Your honors to order
the payment of his part, which he Begs to observe is Not
More then one half the Reaul Value & as in Duty Bound
Shall Ever pray Benj a Jepson
Boston Oct r 14 th 1784
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 405
Order on Report of Committee of Both Houses on Arrival
of Marquis de La Fayette in Boston.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Committee of both houses appointed to consider what
measures may be necessary to be taken by the Legislature in
Consequence of the Arrival of the Marq 8 De La Fayette in
the Town of Boston Report That the President of the
Senate & Speaker of the House of Representatives invite the
Marquis De La Fayette to meet the two houses of the Legis-
lature in the Senate room on Tuesday the Nineteenth day
of October instant at Twelve of the Clock that they may con-
gratulate him on his safe arrival in America after the final
establishment of a Peace to which his friendly influence in
Europe & his distinguished exertions in a Military Character
in America have largely contributed & of which the Anni-
versary of the nineteenth of October a day always to be
marked in the Annals of America among other instances
happily reminds us And that his Excellency the Governor,
his Honor the Lieutenant Governor & the Honorable Coun-
cil, be also invited to join in the Congratulations) & that the
President of the Senate & the Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives take order accordingly
Sent down for Concurrence
Samuel Adams President.
In the House of Representatives Oct r 18 th 1784.
Read & Concurred Sam 1 A Otis Spk r
Oovr's Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
Yesterday the Commissioners appointed by the General
Court to enquire what Encroachments were made by British
406 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Subjects on the Eastern Territories of this Commonwealth,
deliver'd me their Report, which I take the earliest Oppor-
tunity to lay before you
John Hancock
Council Chamber 20 th Oct r 1784.
Treasurer Not to Issue Soldiers Notes Unless on Attested
Orders.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov. 1784.
Resolved that the Treasurer of this common wealth be and
he hereby is Directed to Deliver no more notes or other Pay
to any Soldier for their Service unless their orders are cer-
tified By the Select-men of the town to which such Soldier
Belongs. Nor shall he pay to any Soldier in person any
wages Except Such Soldier produce a certificate from the
Select-men of the Town to which he Belongs or did Belong
at the time of his Doing such Service: Certifying his name
place of abode and the Reason for which Such Soldier Re-
quests their certificate any Law or Resolve to the conterary
not with standing
A Short Acco* of the Destruction of the Town of Falmouth in
October 1775.
On monday the sixteenth of October 1775 Cap 1 Henry
Mowatt on the Canceaux, with another large Ship mounting
some Nine pounders, a large Schooner and a Bomb Sloop, all
armed Vessels, arrived in this Harbour and Anchored down
by the Islands the Inhabitants had no mistrust of his design
to burn the Town, but supposed him to be in quest of some
Cattle & Sheep ; the Committee immedeately sent part of the
Sea Coast Men down to the Guard the Islands.
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 407
The next Day the Wind being unfavourable the Enemy
Warped the little Fleet up and about four OClock P. M.
they Anchored in a Line close to the Town, Cap 1 Mowatt
then sent an Officer with a flagg on Shore to give the Inhabi-
tants Notice that he had it in his Orders to Destroy the
Town, & that he should accordingly in two Hours hoist a
red Pendant at the Main top gall 1 Mast head & begin to fire
upon the Town, which unexpected Message put the Town
into great confusion, as we had not at that time any Cannon
mounted, scarce any Ammunition, nor any Fort or Breast
Work thrown up ; and also a Number of Lying in Women &
Sick Persons that could not well be Moved in so short a
time, the Inhabitants choose a Committee to go on bord &
expostulate with Cap 1 Mowatt & to endeavour to procure a
longer time to move the Sick Persons & some of their Effects,
Mowatt agreed to wait the next Morning, upon the Towns
delivering up eight small Arms that Evening (which was
done) and that if the Town in the Morning by eight O Clock,
would deliver up to said Mowatt four pieces of Cannon and
the remainder of their small Arms in that Case he would wait
'till he had sent to Admiral Graves (then in Boston) to know
if he would spare the Town, the eighteenth in the Morning
the Town met and refused to give up the Cannon &c, which
Message being sent off to s d Mowatt, he with the other three
armed Vessels began a most furious fire upon the Town about
Nine OClock A. M. with Cannon & Grape Shott Bombs &
Live Shell, which in about 15 Minutes set one House on fire
& in a short time a number more, after a number of Buildings
were in flames they Landed in Several Parties & set fire to
the Ware Houses on the Wharves, & the Vessels, our People
went thro' a very hot fire & drove them off, but the Buildings
being exceeding dry at that time the flames soon Communi-
cated to almost all the Buildings in the lower part of the
Town, about Noon they Landed with a Number of Boats &
408 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
attempted to set fire to the upper part of the Town but were
again drove off by the exertions of the People, by which
Means the upper part of the Town was saved, at which time
one of our People was Wounded. they Continued a very hot
fire till sun Set, at which time they drew off their Ships &
left us.
Benj Titcomb
Joseph Noyes
Enoch Ilsley
Joshua Freeman
Falmouth April 23 d 1Y82
Damages in & Near Camden, in 1779.
Camden the 29 th April 1782 -
Made Enquiry concerning the Damages made by means of
the Enemy in & near Camden On the 15 th of March
1TY9 there came into Negunticook Harbour at Camden an
Enemy's Armed Schooner from Liverpool & drove the In-
habitants from their Houses by which means M r Abraham
Ogier lost a great Quantity of Silver Plate & goods to the
Value of One hundred & thirty pounds Lawfull Money.
About the 11 th of October following the Enemy came from
Bagaduce before Sunrise & landed about 30 Men who went
to the House of M r James Richards & set fire to his house &
a Stack of Hay His house and furniture valued Eighty
seven pounds 20 Bushels of Corn & 3 Tons of Hay burnt
-Value 10 pounds in all Ninety seven pounds to M r
James Richard.
Then they went & burnt the Saw Mill & Dwelling house
of M r Steph n Minot of Boston Saw Mill Value One hun-
dred Pounds Dwelling house, Furniture, & Tools to the
farther Value of Two Hundred & twenty Pounds, in all
Three hundred & Twenty pounds Lawfull Money Damage
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 409
to M r Stephen Minot by that time there was 2 Guns fired
as a Signal then they returned on board
On the 8 th of September 1780 there came a party of the
Enemy from Bagaduce by Land & drove away & carried to
Bagaduce Eight Milch Cows One Ox, Two Steers,
Value Forty five Pounds Lawfull Money belonging to M r
Nathan Knight
The above is the Damages done as above to the best of our
knowledge
Baruck Bucklin
David Nutt
Abraham Jones
A true Copy
Attest
John Avery Sec y
Petition of Isaiah Cole and Colonel Henry Jacksons Certifi-
cate of the Servitude of Isaiah Cole.
To the Honorable Senate the House of Representatives of the
Common Welth of y e Massachusetts
the Petition of Isaiah Cole of Waldoborough Humbly
Sheweth that your Petitioner Served in the army of y e United
States the terme of three years in Colonel Jacsons Regiment
for which servis there was 19-10-0 due but without
my order or Knowledge sum won hath made use of my Name
and draw d the money therefore your Petitioner Humbly
Desireth your Honnors would take the Same into Considera-
tion and alow your Petitioner to draw the s d mony and your
Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Isaiah Cole.
Lincoln Warran
Waldoborough Jan y y" 12 1785.
410 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
January 13 1785
the above Named Isaiah Cole Personely appeared and
Maid Oth to the Above Petition Before Me
Patrick Pepbles Just of Peace.
Boston Jan y 1, 1785
These may certify that Isaiah Cole Soldier in the late 16 th
Massachusetts Regiment was discharged the service of the
United States in June 1780 after serving in said Regi-
ment three years agreeably to his inlistment
Henry Jackson late Col of the late 16 th Mass 18 Reg 1
Petition of Eliah Royall.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives of the Common Wealth of the Massachusetts,
in General Court Assembled.
The Peticion of Eliah Royall Humbly Sheweth that your
Peticioner enlisted into the Continentall service for the last
three years for the Town of New Glocester in the County
of Cumberland and passed muster the first time And that
upon my passing Muster at Boston I was Rejected and then
was put into the Massachusetts Artillery Service under Cap-
tain M c Ferland, & from him I was turned over to Cap 1 Amos
Lincoln under whom I served untill the eighteenth of July
1783, when I received my regular Discharge; At which time
there was eight months & a fortnutes wagies due to me.
As soon as I understood the Muster-Roll was made up I
sent an order for Said Wagies on the back of my Discharge
by Abenezer Lane which order was returned & the said Lane
enformed me that the Treasurer of the Common Wealth told
him that the Money was not Collected ; I have since sent for
said waiges by Mr Peleg Chandler (u member of the Honor-
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 411
able House for this year) and upon his applying therefor the
Treasurer told him that, one Samuel Pain had Come with a
proper order & had received said Wagies ; Which order your
peticioner Avers was not given by your peticioner but was
Forged; Your Peticioner therefore Humbly Prays your
Honours to take his Injured Case into your Consideration
and Grant him such relief as you in your Wisdom shall see
fit; And your Peticioner as in Duty Bound shall Ever
Pray Eliah Royall
New Glocester January 13 th 1785.
Cumberland ss New Glocester January 13 th 1785.
The Within Named Eliah Royall Personally Appeared &
Made Solemn Oath that he Did not give the Order within
mentioned unto the within Named Samuel Pain; And that
he hath not given any order or orders unto any Person or
Persons to Draw the wagies that was Due to him the said
Royall at his said Discharge Excepting that Drawn on the
back of his Discharge; & sent by the said Ebenezer Lane &
the said Peleg Chandler. Before
Isaac Parsons Justice Peace
New Glocester May 28, 1785
This may Certify that we the Subscribers Dont Supose
that M r Eliah Royall of this town ever give any order for his
wages Due at his Discharge as mentioned in petition except
the one that is Drawn on the Back of his Discharge
William Harris, Nath 1 Eveleth, Moses Merrill }
Select men fors d N. Glo r
Springfield January 20 th 1784
Sir please to pay to Samuel Pain the whole of the wages
due to me from Capt Lincoln last Roll in so doing You will
oblige Your humble Servant Elisha Royall
Attest Joh n Tow W m Voce
Indors'd Samuel Pain
412 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Treasury Office June 21, 1785
A true Copy from the original Order in this Office
Attest Thomas Avery Treas r
15 . 4/ paid
Order Appointing a Valuation Com. & Their Report.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
January 21 st 1785
The Committee of both houses who were ordered to Sit in
the week proceeding this Sitting of the General Court, for
the purpose of Examining the returns of the rateable Polls
& Estates in the several Towns, Districts & Plantations in
this Commonwealth have attended that Service & report that
two hundred & Eighteen Towns Districts & Plantations in
this Commonwealth have made such returns ; and your Com-
mittee have examined a Considerable number of the said
returns & Entered them into Books
Your Committee further report, A as their Opinion that
there be a Committee chosen out of both houses to Consist
of twenty seven members the choice first to begin in the
Senate to determine and report what Each of the said Towns,
Districts & Plantations shall pay to a tax of a 1000
3 of said Committee belonging to the County of Suffolk 3
Ditto to the County of Essex 3 Ditto Middlesex 3 D Hamp-
shire 3 D Worcester 2 D Plymouth 2 D Bristol 2 D Berk-
shire 1 D York 1 D Barnstable 1 D Cumberland 1 D
Lincoln 1 D Dukes County 1 D Nantucket
c The Towns Districts & Plantations hereafter named have
not yet made any such returns, Viz* York \ York, Massa-
besec, Sanford, Buxton, Limerick, Little Falls, Cumber-
land \ New Gloucester, Gray, Pearsontown, Koyalsborough,
Raymondston Lincoln \ Pownalborough, Georgetown,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 413
Bath, Bowdoinham, Pittston, Vassalborough, Winslow,
Waldoborough, S' Georges, Warren, Thomastown, Norridge-
walk, Howardstown, Starlington, Machias.
' Which is humbly submitted
A Fuller p r order
In Senate Jan y 25 th 1785
Read & accepted with Amendments at A & C as on the
other side &, (reserving the right of appointing a greater
proportion on any future Committees) thereupon Ordered
that Cotton Tufts, Stephen Choate, Abra m Fuller, Israel
Nichols, Charles Turner, John Hastings & John Lewis with
such as the Hon ble house may join be a Committee for the
purposes mentioned in the said Report
Sent down for Concurrence
S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives Jan y 29 th 1785.
Read & concurred with amendment viz dele from O to M
& insert as on the annexed papers & the following Gentlemen
are joined viz M r Dawes, M r Ballard M r Dane, M r Thurston,
M r Hosmer, M r Varnum, M r Brewster, M r Smead, M r Tomp-
son of Middleborough M r ISTye, M r Trow, M r Richmond, M r
Hooper, M r Basset, M r Peleg Coffin, M r Sprague, M r Crafts,
M r Thwing, M r Bacon & M r Peirce
In Senate Jan y 29 th 1785 Sam A Otis Spk r
Read & Concurred S Adams Presid 1
At A dele from A to B & insert O that there be a Com-
mittee consisting of Twenty seven Members to be chosen from
both houses of the Legislature to determine & report a Valua-
tion of the Polls & rateable estates of each Town, District &
Plantation within this Commonwealth, & that in making the
said Valuation they shall arrange the Towns in Alphabetical
order, & that the Said Committee shall not determine the
414 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
proportion that the several Counties Shall bear to each other,
nor have any reference thereto in settling the Valuation
And the Committee recommend that the same rule be
adopted by the General Court for their own conduct previous-
ly to their Consideration of the report of the Committee
That the Committee having finally determined the several
articles which shall constitute the Valuation of any Town,
District or Plantation, & the several sums being added to-
gether & an aggregate sum produced they shall not add, or
take from such aggregate sum, tho they may be at liberty
at all times to alter the Estimate of the several articles by
which the aggregate sum is produced by any Rule which will
admit of a general application
At M C dele from C to D.
On the paper of Amendments proposed by the Senate dele
from O to M & insert That there be a Committee consist-
ing of twenty seven members to be chosen from both Houses
of the Legislature to determine and report a valuation of the
polls and rateable estates of each Town, District and Planta-
tion within this Commonwealth and that the said Committee
in making the said valuation shall have no respect to the
proportion the several Counties bear to each other or refer-
ence thereto ; but they shall arrange the Towns Districts and
Plantations in Alphabetical order; or otherwise begin with
the shire town in the County of Suffolk; and from thence
proceed to the next adjacent town in said County and so to
the several Towns and Districts in the said County; thence
to the shire town in the next county according to the arrange-
ment of Counties & Towns in the valuation made A. D. 1781 ;
thence proceed to the several Towns & Districts in that Coun-
ty according to the mode prescribed for the County of
Suffolk, and so to the several towns, Districts, and planta-
tions in the Commonwealth according to the said mode and
arrangement
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 415
And the Committee recommend that which ever of the
aforesaid Rules or modes be adopted by the Committee afore-
said on the valuation that the same be adopted by the General
Court for their own conduct previously to their consideration
of the report of the said Committee
That the Committee having in the progress of the business
determined the quantity and rate of value of the several
articles which shall constitute the valuation of any Town,
District, or plantation and the amount of the several articles
being added together and the aggregate sum thereof produced,
they shall not add to or deduct from such aggregate sum;
unless on a careful review they shall have Just reason to add
to or deduct from the quantity or rate, or both, of any of the
said articles, which additions and deductions they shall enter
under the article so added to or deducted from, and the
amount aforesaid, as increased or diminished by the afore-
said additions or Deductions, shall be the aggregate sum of
such Town, District or Plantation.
Suffolk 29531 .. 13 .. 4 N Polls 7991 Essex 30 . 600
- 999 Middlesex 25492 .. 10 .. 9063 Hampshire
21765 .. .. 9441 Plymouth 13312 .. 10 .. 6088 -
Barnstable 4762 .. 10 .. 2969 Bristol 12471 .. 13 .. 4
- 5831 York 7988 .. 6 .. 8 4122 Dukes County
1367 .. 10 .. 770 Nantuckett 2105 .. 16 .. 8 1001
Worcester 29,247 .. 10 .. 11,162 Cumberland 6046 .. 13
.. 4 3214 Lincoln 4675 .. 16 .. 8 2754 Berkshire
10632 .. 10 .. 5041 Total 200,000 .. ..- 79446
Upon an average of the four largest Counties It Amounts
to 9572.. .. & 3184 Polls for one member of the
Committee
And 7407 .. & 2942 Polls for one member of the
Committee on an Average of the whole State
N. B. the above Number of Polls is an Extract from the
Valuation A. D. 1781
416 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
The Sums is an an Extract from the Tax Act A. D. 1783
Attest A Fuller.
Petition of Some of the Inhabitants of Sheepscot River in
the Town of Pownalboro.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court
Assembled
Greeting
The Petition of a Number of Inhabitants Tradeing in the
Different Towns on Sheepscutt River Humbly Sheweth That
it is the Oppinion of your Petitioners that it is for the In-
terest of the Revenue of this Commonwealth as well as easing
your Petitioners and others Tradeing to this River of a great
burden that there Should be a Naval Office Establish'd on
the River Sheepscutt at Wiscassett point in the Town of
Pownalborough and further to Convince this Honorable Court
your Petitioners would offer the following Reasons which
they Conceive to be Facts
first As the Trade of this Country is Not so large as to
Admit of Deputy Naval Officers as in that case the Fees Al-
lowed must be Divided which is not a Sufficient Compensation
for Two Persons therefore your Petitioners think it would
be much for the Interest of the Revenue to have a Naval Office
at Wiscassett point. Secondly There is many Vessells comes
into this River on Tradeing Voyages and as there is No Naval
Office within Twelve Miles of the Most Capital Tradeing part
of the River the Traders in said Vessells Wrong the Publick
of their Revenues and hurt the Honest Trader who is willing
to pay them
Thirdly In the course of the year there is a Number of
Ships comes into this River to Load some Imediately from
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 417
Europe and as there is a Number of Vessells burned in this
River and your Petitioners are in hopes that the Trade is
still Increasing and there being No Naval office within
Twelve Miles your Petitioners think it a great Hardship that
they should be Compeld to go that Distance and the Roads
Excessive bad and at some seasons of the Year Almost Im-
passable And as it often happens a ship may have some
part of her Cargo Damaged and if She must be Detained
for want of Entering the Damage to the Owners must be
verry Great Your Petitioners flatter themselves after offer-
ing the foregoing Facts that this Honorable Court will take
the Matter into Consideration and Establish a Naval Office at
Wiscassett point and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall
ever pray
If this Honorable Court should think fitt to Establish a
Naval office as above your Petitioners would beg leave to
Recomend as a Suitable Person for Naval Officer Mr Orchard
Cook-
Henry Hodge, Joseph Christopher, Jn Langdon, Abiel
Wood, Joseph Decker, Rob* Hodge, William Patterson
Pownalboro : Feb y 1785
Clerk Court of Com. Pleas Lincoln County.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Feb y 15 th 1785
On the Memorial of the Justices of the Court of Common
Pleas in the County of Lincoln Notify the Inhabitants of said
County to shew cause (if any they have) on the second
Wednesday of the next session of the General Court, why
the Prayer of said Memorial should not be granted, by
serving the Town Clerk of Each Town in said County, with
a Coppy of the said Memorial and this order thereon, at least
28
418 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
thirty days before the said second Wednesday of the next
Session of the General Court
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
Lieut Governors Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives
It is with great Concern and Reluctance that I find myself
obliged to address you, at this Time, upon a subject, for
which I sincerely wish there had been no Occasion, It
must readily occur to you, that I refer to the late Resigna-
tion of the Governor A Gentleman well accomplished and
qualified for the high and important station, which he has
for years sustained. Of the early and decided part he gen-
erously took with his Country, the sacrifices he has made &
the services he has performed to promote its best interest, his
Country will ever retain a grateful remembrance. And you,
Gentlemen, have born an honorable Testimony to his Conduct
in Office, by assuring him of the general satisfaction which
it afforded to the Legislature: The good People of the Com-
monwealth have expressed their sense of his Administration
by his repeated Election to the Office of Chief Magistrate,
which must be acknowledged the highest Encomium upon his
virtues as a Patriot, and his qualifications as a Governor.
With you, Gentlemen, I heartily join in wishing that his
health may be restored and confirmed & he, thereby, be en-
abled still to exert himself for the service & benefit of his
Country.
By means of this Resignation, the Chair of Government
has become Vacant, and by the Constitution it falls to me,
during such Vacancy, to perform the duties incumbent on a
Governor. I am thoroughly sensible of the Importance of
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 419
these duties and sincerely wish I was better qualified to
execute them, however, it affords me great satisfaction, that
the Council, you have placed round the Chair of Govern-
ment, consists of Gentlemen, with whom I have for many
years been connected in Public Life, of whose Wisdom and
Integrity, of whose firm attachment to the Interest of their
Country and unwearied attention to its welfare, I have long
been a Witness, Aided by their Advice and assistance, &
firmly relying, Gentlemen, on your wisdom and Candor, I
shall endeavor, to the utmost of my ability, faithfully and
impartially to discharge the duties of the Office. I shall
from time to time, Gentlemen, communicate to you, any thing
which may occur that demands your Attention, and you
may depend upon my chearfull Concurrence with you in
every measure, tending to promote the Public Welfare, and
upon my giving every dispatch, in my power, to the Public
Business
Thomas Gushing
Council Chamber Boston Feb y 19 th 1785.
Petition First Parish in Falmouth.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Rep-
resentatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
General Court assembled
The Petition of the First Parish in the Town of Falmouth
in the County of Cumberland, by their Committee the Sub-
scribers thereof
humbly shews
That they have long laboured under many Difficulties in
respect to the raising Money for the payment of their Min-
isters Salaries and their present Situation is so peculiar
that unless some other mode than the usual one of taxing the
Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants, is adopted they appre-
420 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
hend their difficulties will be increased The Plan they
have in contemplation is the following viz
1 The Establishment of a Fund, the Interest whereof
shall amount to the Sum of One hundred Pounds p r Annum
To promote this part of said Plan, their Ministers have
consented to the Sale of the Parsonage Lands, on condition
that the deficiency be made up by Subscription, A Subscrip-
tion has therefore been set on foot. Some Inhabitants of
the Parish have generally encouraged the attempt and if
your Honors would grant them liberty to sell the Lands
aforesaid, they flatter themselves, a Sum will be raised suffi-
cient for the purpose.
Whatever may be deficient to make up the whole of both
Salaries, and other Parish Charges, they wish to have raised
by way of Tax upon the Pews
If this Plan should be compleated Your Petitioners ap-
prehend their Happiness as a Parish will be greatly pro-
moted.
They therefore humbly pray that your Honors would pass
an Act or Acts to enable them to carry it into Effect.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound will ever pray
Falmouth Feb y 7, 1785
Sam 1 Freeman, Timothy Pike [ Parish Committee
House of Representatives Febr* 21, 1785
Read & Ordered that the Petitioners have leave to bring
in a Bill for the purposes mentioned in their petition
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
To the hon ble the general Court of the Commonwealth of
Massa ts
The inhabitants of the first parish in Falmouth in the
County of Cumberland having applied to us for our comfort
to the selling of the parsonage lands belonging to said parish,
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 421
in order to raise a fund equal to the income of 100 per
annum: We the ministers of said parish do hereby freely
consent to the sale of the said lands, on condition that 450
pounds by subscription or otherwise be added to the sum
said lands shall sell for and be appropriated to the support
of the ministry of the Gospel in said Parish agreeable to
the original intention of the General Court in the Grant
made by them of said Lands
Tho s Smith, Samuel Deane.
Falin Dec r 27 th 1784
At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the first Parish in
Falrn pursuant to the foregoing notification, Deacon Ben-
jamin Titcomb was chosen Moderator.
1 st Art c Voted that the parish apply to the General Court
for liberty to dispose of the lands belonging to said Parish ;
and that the monies arising from the sale of such lands may
be a fund, and the annual interest thereof be appropriated
for the support of the Ministry in said Parish for ever as
far as the same will go
2 Voted That the Parish make application to the General
Court; that they may be impowered to tax the pews in the
Meetinghouse in said Parish to make up the deficiency that
may be requisite for the support of the Ministry in said
Parish ; and for other Parish charges :
3 Voted That the Parish Committee be requested to apply
to the Inhabitants of the Parish and others, to see if they are
disposed to give any sum of money to increase the fund pro-
posed to be made by the sale of lands ; & report their doings
at the adjournment.
Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to this day fort-
night, at two o'clock P. M then to meet at this place | viz the
Meeting house.
Falrn Jan y 10 th 1785 The Parish (if the three persons
the Clerk included may be so called) met as adjourned, and
422 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
further adjourned to Feb y 7 th at two o'clock P M. Feb y 7 th
1785. The Parish met according to adjournment Voted
That the Parish Comittee apply to the Ministers of the Parish
to know if they will consent to have the Parish lands sold for
the purpose of raising a fund agreeably to a vote of the Parish
of Dec r 27 th last past, and if they do consent that said Comitee
petition the General Court for leave to sell the same accord-
ingly: and also for an act to tax the pews agreeably to an-
other vote passed at the same time
Falrn Feb y 7 th 1785 Eecorded
by John Frothingham Par: Ck
A true Copy from said Parish's book of Records
Att st John Frothingham Par Clerk
A Bill for Naturalization.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the Year of our LORD One thousand seven hundred and
eighty five.
An Act making Provision for the Naturalization of such
Persons as may emigrate from forreign Countries, and be
disposed to become Citizens of this Commonwealth.
Whereas it hath pleased the Divine Being, who hath made,
of one Blood, all Nations to dwell on the Earth, after a long
and arduous War, to grant Peace and Tranquility to the
United States of America ; in Consequence whereof, the said
States are now in the quiet Possession of an extensive Terri-
tory of uncultivated Lands of the most luxuriant Quality, a
large Proportion of which Lands ly within this Common-
wealth. And, Whereas the Legislature, influenced, as well
by Motives of Interest and Good Policy, as by Principles of
Generosity and Benevolence, are ready to open their Arms
wide to the virtuous and well-disposed Inhabitants of forreign
Countries, and to give every Encouragement to such Inhabi-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 423
tants to settle amongst, and become Fellow Citizens with the
Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Be it therefore enacted by the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court assembled, and by the Authority
of the same, that any Person or Persons (Fugitives from
justice only, and such other Persons as are expressly named
in an Act intituled, "An Act to confiscate the Estate of cer-
tain Notorious Conspirators against the Government and
Liberties of the Inhabitants of the late Province, now State
of Massachusetts Bay," excepted) who may see fit to remove
from any foreign Country or Kingdom, and to settle within
this Commonwealth, and who are possessed, in their own
Eight, of any Estate of the Value of after having resided
within the said Commonwealth for the Term of one Year,
shall, before the Court of General Sessions of the Peace in
the County where they resided, be admitted to take an Oath
of Allegience to this Commonwealth (unless, for some special
Reason, the Justices of the said Court shall judge the said
Persons to be unworthy, or improper, subjects of Naturaliza-
tion) and on their taking the Oath of Allegience as afore-
said, they shall be admitted, together with their Children
(being Minors) to the Rights of Citizenship, in common
with the natural-born Citizens of this Commonwealth.
Petition of Sundry Soldiers of the Late Continental Army
For Lands Near Otisfield Mch. 1 st 1785.
To the Honorable Senate and the Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives.
The Petition of the Subscribers Soldiers in the late Army
of the United States of America Humbly Sheweth.
That your Petitioners have Served their Country in the
late War with the King of Great Brittain and some of them
424 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
the first Rupture of the time that American Liberty and
Independence was Acknowledged and Established.
As to the Merit of their Service they only Beg leave to
Say that they have received each his Discharge with an
Honorable testimony of faithful service Respecting any
Hardship suffered in the Camp or in the Field either from
Hunger or Cold or the Want of necessary supplies they will
say nothing as they are confident that the Honorable Court
has not been uninformed or Inattentive to those Matters
When the Glorious Contest was Ended and Peace Estab-
lished to the United States Your Petitioners Sensible
of the Expence of the War and the Difficulty of Procuring
Money to pay the Wages of the Army Readily Accepted of
State Securities and Continental Certificates instead of
Money With these Securities they Returned to their
Families and Friends hoping to enjoy tranquility and Hap-
piness in private Life.
But as their Necessities have compell'd them to transfer
a considerable Part of those Securities and as they have not
been able to obtain more than one third part of their Nominal
\^alue in Money or Produce, the State of your Petitioners
in many Instances is reduced to poverty Which usually
produces Contempt among their Fellow Citizens In the
Midst of a happy Country Tryumphing in a glorious Inde-
pendence Liberty and Peace In preference to their
present State and rather than be under the necessity of part-
ing with their Remaining publick Securities at so great a
loss Thay wou'd be happy to retire into the uncultivated
Wilderness and there begin the World anew
As your Petitioners have been lately certified that the
Honorable Court have determined to dispose of Lands in the
Neighbourhood of Penobscot and receive state securities for
the same They would gladly avail themselves of this pro-
posal and purchase were not the Distance of those Lands so
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 425
None of the land above mentioned has yet been sold, but
there are some who propose to purchase if they should ap-
prove of the Soil, & are waiting untill the removal of the snow
will admit of their forming a better Judgment of its quality.
On the 17 th of December last, an agreement was made by
your Committee to sell to Jonathan Eddy Esq r & his Asso-
ciates, a Township on the east side of Penobscot Kiver, above
the head of the tide, adjoyning on the lands lately surveyed
by Barnabas Dodge & on the said River, the same to con-
tain twenty five thousand acres, including (for a landing
place) three acres of land lying on the northwesterly corner
of the lands, lately surveyed by the said Dodge, & exclusive
of lakes, & the said Township to extend six miles back from
the said River, reserving two hundred acres of good land,
near the center of the said Township for the future disposi-
tion of Government.
And the said Eddy agreed to pay to your Committee the
sum of eight thousand dollars in the consolidated Securities
of the Commonwealth, as soon as a deed of the said land shall
be ready to be delivered, and the like sum of eight thousand
dollars in like manner, in one year from the delivery of the
said deed & to give satisfactory seceurity for the last men-
tioned sum; and the said Eddy further agreed to produce
evidence to the General Court that the Penobscot Indians
have relinquished their pretensions to the said Township, &
to settle thereon, thirty families in one year from the first
day of June next, & to appropriate two hundred acres to the
use of the ministry; two hundred acres to the use of the
first settled minister & two hundred & eighty acres to the use
of a grammar School in the said Township, near the center
thereof ; but it was nevertheless provided, that if the General
Court shall not approve of the said agreement, that the same
shall be null & void.
Your Committee on the 14 th of this instant February
426 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
agreed with Kobert Page of Winthrop to sell to him, or to
him & his Associates a gore of land adjoining to Livermore
town, containing about six thousand seven hundred acres,
including ponds & bogs, for the sum of five thousand dollars,
one half to be paid on or before the first Wednesday of June
next when a deed of the same is to be given, and the other
half to be paid in one year afterward.
Your Committee have lately received from Eufus Putnam
Esq r a letter on the subject of the eastern boundary of this
Commonwealth, which they apprehend contains matter that
merits the attention of the Legislature which is here with
presented.
In Senate March 8, 1785.
Sam 1 Phillips jun r Nath 1 Wells Nathan Dane }-Comm e
Read & sent down
S Adams Presid 1
Petition of the Officers of the Army.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate March 5 1785
On the petition of Benj a Lincoln Esq r & others, in behalf
of themselves & others, late Officers and Soldiers in the
Massachusetts Line of the late Army of the United States
praying "that the Certificates received by them from the
United States for their Services in the Field" may be
taken in payment for Lands which they may purchase, be-
longing to this Comonwealth,
Resolved
that, when any officer or Soldier of the late Massachusetts
Line may purchase any Lands in the County of Cumberland,
or in the County of Lincoln, the property of this Common-
wealth the Committee appointed and authorized to sell
the same, be and they hereby are empowered and directed to
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 427
receive of any of the said Officers or Soldiers, in payment
therefor, such Certificates as were paid them on the final
settlement of their Acco ts and at the same rate as they re-
ceive any other public securities, for Lands of like Quality
and Situation by them sold
Provided that no Officer or Soldier shall be entitled to the
benefit of this resolve any further than to the amount of
the Certificates he may have received as aforesaid and pro-
vided that each Officer or Soldier purchasing Land as afore-
said, shall make oath that the Certificates paid by him
therefor are his own property and not the property of ai!
other person
Resolved that any officer or Soldier, who may have
parted with the Certificate given him in the first instance,
shall have liberty to purchase other like Securities to the
same amount which shall be received by the said Com-
mittee in payment as aforesaid as freely as if the said
Certificates were in the name of the Officer or Soldier offer-
ing them
The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider of
& report upon, the petition of Benjamin Lincoln and others,
in behalf of themselves and others, officers & Soldiers in the
Massachusetts Line of the late Army of the United States
have attended that Service & ask leave to report the Resolves
accompanying Tristram Dalton p r order
In Senate March 8 th 1785
Read & not accepted & thereupon Ordered that the Con-
sideration of the said Petition be referred to the next sitting
of the Gen 1 Court
Sent down for concurrence S Adams Presid 1
In the House of Representatives March 11 th 1785
Read & concurred as taken into a new draught
Sent up for concurrence Sam A. Otis Spk r
428 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In Senate, March 5, 1785.
On the Petition of Benjamin Lincoln Esq. & others in be-
half of themselves & others late Officers & Soldiers in the
Massachusetts Line of the late Army, praying, that the Cer-
tificates received by them from the United States for their
Services in the Field, may be taken in Payment for Lands,
belonging to this Commonwealth,
Resolved that the Committee for making Sale of Lands
belonging to this Commonwealth in the County of Lincoln
be & they hereby are authorized & impowered to sell such a
Part or Proportion of the seven Eastern Townships, lately
surveyed & laid out by Rufus Putnam Esq, as they may
think fit, for the most the same will fetch, & to receive in
payment therefor, of any Person or Persons purchasing the
same, Securities, either of this Commonwealth, or Conti-
nental Securities, of any Denomination indiscriminately &
without Distinction; the said Securities (if required) to be
certified, as genuine, from the respective Officers from which
they were issued, & that the s d Committee oblige The grantees
to settle at least 30 Families in each Township (within 3
years from the date of their Deeds of Conveyance
great from your Petitioners and their Connections And
Apprehending that it might be of equal advantage to the
Common Wealth to dispose of Land much nearer to them do
therefore :
Pray That Lands may be granted to your Petitioners in
vicinity of Otisfield and Sylvester (Plantations so called)
on a River commonly known by the name of twenty Mile
River and on such terms and conditions as the honorable
Court in their Wisdom Shall Judge Suitable and Reasonable
and that State Securities and Continental Certificates
may be received in pament for the same
and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 429
Kichard Hine, Humphrey Alden, Seth Sladon, Moses
Pollard, Nathaniel Lombard, Bristo Mowen, Phebe Davis
Widow of Elijah Davis, John X Burrel, Step" Edwards,
Ezekiel Hatch, Bickford Dyer, Butler Lambord, Jese Brown,
Nathaniel Parker, Daniel Eldridge, William Weeks, Silas
Chadbourn, Asa Hatch, Enoch Frost, David Watts, Chris-
topher Dune Benj. Morgen
In the House of Representatives March 1 st 1785.
Read & committed to the Committee appointed to make
sale of the public unappropriated lands in the County of
Cumberland
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
Petition of Hector M c Neil and Others re Maps.
To the Hon ble the Senate, and the House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in General
Court Assembled
The Petition of Hector McNeil & others, Humbly sheweth,
That your Petitioners, ever willing and ready to Exert their
utmost ability to advance the Interest of the United States of
America, Convinced of the great necessity of a General &
thorough knowledge of the Geography of our Country, have
at their own expence, & Labour, made themselves Masters of
such a Collection of Materials as will enable them to publish
a Correct Set of Compleat Maps, of this Country from the
Straits of Bell Isle, to the Capes of Delaware, Coincident &
perfectly agreeing with the late Surveys, made at the Ex-
pence of the British Government which are held in such high
Estimation in England, that they are not permitted to Come
to the Hands of the People at large, but wholly reserved for
the use of their Army & Navy.
430 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
These Drafts will be published on different Scales, with a
view to promote their usefulness, and with Printed Direc-
tions and Observations, peculiarly Calculated, for the use of
Mariners, by which the Navigation of this Extensive Sea
Coast may be Carried on with infinitely less risque than it
has been hitherto.
Your Petitioners therefore Humbly Pray, they may have
some encouragement from the Great and General Court in
their proceeding to Engrave upon Copper Plate and publish
this useful work, as soon as may be, which will in the End
prove, not only the saving of a great Expence to Government,
as these Surveys are not likely to be amended, even at the
Expence of much Treasure, and many years labour, but will
bring forward a thing so immediately wanted by the publick
both by sea & Land, and upon which both the Lives &
Fortunes of many depend.
Your Petitioners being Consious of the many calls the
State have upon them at present for monies, do not presume
to ask for any Consideration in Specie, notwithstanding their
Expences have already been very Considerable, but would
only pray for such a Division of TJnlocated Lands, on some
part of our Extensive Eastern Country, as will have a Ten-
dency to promote and encourage this Great undertaking, and
serve the Public in a two fold manner, Viz. by Publishing
the above, and using their utmost endeavours to settle said
Lands without delay.
Your Petitioners Humbly Hope, that so great an attempt
to promote useful knowledge, will meet with your Honours
approbation and encouragement, and your petitioners as in
Duty bound will Ever pray.
Hector M c Neill, John Norman, John Coles, Benj a Gould
Boston March 2 d 1785.
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 431
In the House of Representatives March 4 th 1785
Read & committed to the Committee appointed by a Re-
solve of the 28 th Oct 1783 upon the subject of the unap-
propriated lands in the County of Lincoln, to consider &
report
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
In Senate March 9 th 1785
Read and Concurred
S Adams Presid*
In Senate March 12 th 1785
Read again & the Senate Reconsider their former vote &
concur with the Hon. House S. Adams Presid 1
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Hon ble Senate of
Said Commonwealth
For the information of the Honourable Senate, the Sub-
scribers beg leave to explain some parts of the Petition of
Hector MNeal & others Viz 1
That the intended Publication of Maps, has not been
opened by Subscription, the Map we have several Hundred
Subscribers for, is the four New England States only, and
for which we presume no further reward, than the price to
Subscribers, and in which M r M c Neal has no Interest, but
the publication proposed is a vastly greater undertaking, and
will cost the petitioners more Interest than they can support,
without the help of Government, they therefore pray the
Hon ble Senate would be pleased to Concur with the Hon ble
House in their Resolve, on the aforesaid Petition.
And as in Duty bound shall Ever pray
John Norman
John Coles
Commonwealth of Massachusetts [
In the House of Representatives 7 th Nov r 1785
On the Petition of Jn Norman and Jn Coles publishers
of a Map of the four Eastern States, praying an Inspection
432 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of the s d Map: it having been represented to be a very im-
perfect Performance, & an imposition on the Public Your
Committee have carefully examin'd and compared s d Map,
with a Collection of Maps call d the American Atlas, published
by the Brittish, in 1778, from which s d Map is chiefly taken,
and are of Opinion that it is in general well copy'd, with
many Amendments, and do recommend it as an improve-
ment on any Map of the kind hitherto published
The Committee appointed by a Resolve of the General Court
of the 28 th of Oct r 1783, on the subject of unappropriated
lands in the County of Lincoln, received from Rufus Putnam
Esq r on the 17 th of Nov r last, a plan of seven Townships on
the Passamaquoddy River & Bay & lying between the Rivers
Schoodie & Cobscook, together with Moose Island, Dudley's
Island & Trade Island, all surveyed by him, on which is
represented the mouth of the Maggaeadava, as taken from an
Ilallifax plan they have also received a return of the
quantity and quality of the land in each Township, and also
of the names of those who have entered thereon: The
Committee immediately proceeded to advertize in the Inde-
pendent Chronicle, and in the Essex, Springfield & Worcester
Newspapers, the Townships & Islands above mentioned,
giving a general description of the situation & quality of
the same, & notifying the times & places, where more par-
ticular Intelligence might be obtained concerning them.
Extract of a Letter from the Hon ble Rufus King to the Presi-
dent of Senate Taken By Direction of the Senate
Re: Eastern Boundary.
New York 25 th Feb y 1785.
In the earliest instructions to the Minister at the Court of
London I hope the individual interest of Massachusetts will
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 433
be attended to the objects of commerce, including the
carrying trade are the concern of many States, & will not be
omitted ; but you will excuse me in soliciting your attention
to a point of negotiation highly important to Massachusetts
-I mean, her Eastern boundary A resolve of Congress
of the 29 th day of January 1784 placed this business in
train & originated, the appointment of Commissioners by
Massachusetts to examine into the complaints of encroach-
ments by the british on her territory, the commissioners,
proceeded to make such examination
I think reported to the Legislature a state of facts & their
opinion on the same, & here the business appears to have
terminated
The resolve above referred to recommends that the pro-
ceedings had by Massachusetts, should be communicated to
Congress this communication has not been made, altho,
it is most clearly the policy of Massachusetts to do it, & to
procure an Act of Congress upon the subject, that shall make
it the concern of the Union
Congress in their present un-informed situation can do
nothing on the subject If a proper report comes forward
to Congress, it undoubtedly will become an instruction to
their Minister the application going to the Sovereign, in
the first instance, will be, not only more proper, but, more
efficacious, than to any of his Governors That the interest
of Massachusetts is concerned in this business, is, not only
my apology, but my inducement, to introduce it to your
attention
In Senate March 9 th 1785
Read & Sent down S. Adams Presid*
In the House of Representatives March 10 th 1785.
Read & committed to the Committee appointed on the
Letter of the 12 th ult from the Delegates of this Common-
wealth at Congress
Sent up for concurrence Sam A Otis Spk r
434 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Silas Barnes.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Honorable Senate,
& the Hon. House of Representatives of said Committee
in General Court assembled
The Petition of Silas Barnes, Agent of the Inhabitants of
the Plantation of Hancock on Kennebec River Humbly shews,
That the said Plantation is situated on both sides the said
River & extends into the Country five miles on each side
thereof and is bounded southerly on the Town of Winslow
and northerly on a Tract of land known by the Name of
Canaan and contains fifty families That the said Plan-
tation of Hancock has been hitherto taxed as an adjacent to
the Town of Winslow; from which circumstance the said
Plantation has experienced much inconvenience and great
hardship the said Barnes therefore humbly prays your
Honours that in all future assessments the said Inhabitants
may be properly authorized to tax themselves such sums as
the Hon Legislature may think proper to lay upon them in
their present state of Infancy & y r Petitioner as in duty
bound will ever pray Silas Barron
Feb y 4 th 1785
Answer to Above.
CommonWealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 11 th 1785
On the Petition of Silas Barron in behalf of himself and
others Residing on a Tract of Land in the County of Lincoln
on each side of Kennebeck River adjoining the town of
Winslow belonging to the Common Wealth praying that they
may be Impowered to Assess Taxes on themselves in like
Manner as Plantations granted by the Legislature
Resolved that the Prayer of the Petition be Granted
And the People that do or hereafter may Reside on the
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 435
Tract of Land called Hancock extending five Miles each
side from Kennebeck River Between the Towns of Winslow
and a tract of Land known by the Name of Canaan are
hereby Authorized Empowered and Required to assess on
themselves every species of Taxes which granted Plantations
are by Law Authorized and Required to Assess and the Said
People Residing on the said Tract of Land called Hancock
are also Empowered and Required to chuse and appoint
proper Officers for the purpose of assessing and Collecting
Taxes in the same Manner as Granted Plantations are Em-
powered and Required to do and such Officers when chosen
shall be and be considered under the same Obligations of
Law as such like Officers are holden to be in granted Towns
and Plantations in this Common Wealth.
And that Ezk 1 Pattie Esq r Justice of the Peace be & he
is hereby Directed and Required to Issue his Warrant Di-
rected to some suitable Person Residing on the said Tract
of Land called Hancock to Warn a Meeting of the Inhabi-
tants Quallified by Law to Vote for town officers on the third
Wednesday in May next to chuse the officers as afores d and
the said officers afterwards shall be chosen in March annual-
ly as the Law prescribes in that case made and Provided
And the People Residing on the Lands called Hancock
aforesaid Shall be holden to pay to the Town of Winslow
whatever Taxes have been heretofore Lawfully assessed on
them by said Town this Resolve notwithstanding
Sent up for concurrence Sam A Otis Spk r
Petition of Elizabeth Goldthwait.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives Nov 1 " 18 th 1785
On the Petition of Elizabeth Goldthwait Adm* on the
Estate of Ezekiel Goldthwait late of Boston dec d intestate,
436 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
setting forth that, at a Court of Common Pleas held at Bos-
ton on the first Tuesday of Oct r last, she did, in her said
Capacity, recover Judgment against Thomas Goldthwait of
Penobscot Esq Absentee, for the Sum of 969 .. 20 .. 8 damage
& 20 .. 12 .. 8 Cost of Suit that she afterwards levied Ex-
emtion for the Said Sums upon certain Lands in the County
of Lincoln, which Lands were held in common & equal Shares
between the said Thomas & the late Gov r Sir Francis Bernard
dec d whose part hath since inured to this Commonwealth,
that great Strip & Waste hath been made, & are still making
on the said Lands; And praying, that some Measures may
be adopted to effect a Division & Partition of the said Lands
between the Commonwealth & the said Elizabeth in her said
Capacity, that so legal & effectual Measures may be taken to
prosecute such Trespassers, & prevent the like Conduct for
the future,
Resolved, that with such other third Person as they may
agree on be a Committee with full Power, to make an equit-
able & just Division & Partition of the Lands aforesaid be-
tween this Commonwealth and the said Elizabeth in her
said Capacity Provided always that this resolve shall never
be so construed as to affect the title to the fee of the said
lands either on the part of the Commonwealth or said
petitioner
Petition of Lewiston Plantation.
To the Honorab 1 Senate & House of Representatives [ Com-
mon Wealth of Massachusetts
The Petition of the inhabitants of the Plantation of Lew-
iston so Called humbly Sheweth
That Whereas Several Warrants for Raising Taxes for
Government have Been Directed by the Treasurer of this
State to the Selectmen or Assessors of Lewiston While no
Such Officers Ever have Been In this Plantation and their
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 437
Being no officers In the town nor Any Direction from the
hon bl Court to Choose any it has Been Impracticable for us
to Assess and Gather Said Taxes had We Been Able and
Whereas We att the time of the first Warrant in 1781 to
Raise Ninty Pounds we Were quite unable to pay s d taxe
had we Been officer* 1 their Being But about forty families all
new beginers And as we have Considerably In Creas d In
number Since are Still In Low Circumstances therefore
should all the taxes Now be Called For it would Reduce near-
ly one half of us So Low that We Should Be unable to Sup-
port ouer families & a considerable number having moved
into Said Place Since, and has Payd their Taxes Else Where
And a Considerable many have Arrived to the Age of Six-
teen Since, The first Precept
That this is a true Representation of the State of the Case
as your Petitioners are Ready to make Appear if neadfull to
this hon bl Cort Whatsoever Representations may have Been
made to the Contrary Therefore We your Petitioners Pray
your honors to Compassionate our Case, and abate the
former taxes and Recall the former Warrants and your
Petitioners Will not only Exert themselves to Pay their
Proportion for the future to the Best of our Ability Being
Sensible that the Publick Necessities Call for all to assist in
sharing the Burden As far as they Can; But also as in
Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Sign'd by
Benj Merrill Daniel Davis, Thomas Rose }
Committee for s d Plantation
Dated Lewiston October the 25 th 1784
Answer to Above.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 15, 1785.
Whereas the Petition of the Inhabitants of the Plantation
438 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of Lewistown praying for reasons set forth in said Petition
that they might be exempted from the payment of certain
Taxes required of them since the year 1780, is referred for
consideration to the first session of the next General Court
therefore Resolved that the Treasurer be and hereby is di-
rected to stay execution against the said Plantation for said
Taxes until the first day of August next any Resolve to the
Contrary notwithstanding
Sent up for concurrence Sam A Otis Spk r
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives March 15 1785
On the Petition of the Inhabitants of the Plantation of
Lewistown setting forth that since the year 1780 they have
received several warrants from the Treasurer of this Com-
monwealth, to assess certain Taxes amounting to two hun-
dred and seventy pounds and that at the time of the reception
of these warrants, they were destitute of Officers, and not in
a Capacity by Law to choose them, and ignorant of any mode
by which they could legally assess the money required and
pleading their inability now to pay said Taxes
Resolved, that the said Plantation be abated One hundred
and thirty five pounds, being one half of the sum required
of them to assess and collect prior to the year 1784 when
they were by Law put into a Capacity to Asess and collect
Taxes and that the Treasurer be and hereby is directed
to withdraw the warrants by him issued against the said
Plantation prior to the Tax granted in the Year 1784 and
issue a new Warrant for the sum of one hundred and thirty
five pounds
Lewistown County of Lincoln D r
Assessment on Octo 1781 specie Tax 90.. .. , D-
Continental Tax N 1 - - 60.. .., D Conti-
nental Tax N 2 60.. .., D Common-
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 439
wealth Tax N 3 - - 60 .. .. , D ditto for Army Notes
N 4 _ 42 .. ..- Total 312 .. ..-
Treasury Office March 10, 1785
Thomas Ivers Treas r
Petition of John Curtis.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To the Hon. Senate &
the Hon. House of Kepresentatives of s d Commonwealth
in General Court Assembled
The petition of John Curtis of Falmouth in the County of
Cumberland
Humbly sheweth,
That at a Court of Common Pleas held at Pownalbor in
the County of Lincoln on the last Tuesday of September
Anno Dom. 1781 your Petitioner was sued in an Action of
Trespass by one Philip Hodskins of Frenchmans Bay for
entering & tortiously continuing in his house and for taking
away his property to a large amount as appears from the
Papers accompanying this Petition That the said cause
was continued to June Term 1782 when your Petitioners
Counsel suffered him to become default from a mistaken idea
that your Petitioner had abandoned his cause, when the case
in fact was that your Petitioner was then absent on a Voyage
at Sea and could not therefore personally attend in order to
take care of the said Cause but previous to his going from
home he wrote to his said Attorney respecting the conduct of
the said Suit; but the Latter by some unfortunate accident
miscarried and never reached the said Attorney That upon
the evidence offered to the Jury on the part of the Plaintiff
only the said Jury gave damages against your Petitioner for
the sum of 200 and also Costs of the same Suit though your
Petitioner can fully prove & could then if he had an op-
440 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
portunity that he never tortiously entered or continued in
the Plaintiff's House nor never took from him but a very
small part of the property mentioned in the said Hodskins's
declaration and even that small part your Petitioner could
then can now as fully prove he had a right by the Laws of
the said State to take as the said Hodskins was then engaged
as your Petitioner can make it appear in an illicit Trade with
the Enemies of the United States
That your Petitioner's Counsel finding the Jury had given
a Sum in damages that must completely ruin your Petitioner
should he be obliged to pay it appealed to the Supreme Judi-
cial Court held at Falm on the Tuesday next following the
4 th Tuesday of June 1782, but as your Petitioner had not
then returned from the Sea the said Supreme Court continued
the same cause to the next Term of the said Court to be held
in said County in the year 1784. though under the disagre-
able circumstance of the default which confessed a right of
Action in the plaintiff or appellee yet your Petitioner
prepared for such defence as circumstances would then per-
mit & procured the necessary Papers and Evidence in the
case; but by a fatality which seemed to pursue your Peti-
tioner in this matter he left the said Supreme Court before
the Tryal came on and Set out for Boston in a Vessell of
which he was then master as he was informed by his Counsel
at Falrn that his presence was not necessary : and by a mere
mistake carried the Copy of the case with him so that he could
have no hearing at all before the said Supreme Court & by
that unfortunate circumstance was again defaulted & the
former Judgment was affirmed with additional Costs by
which means your Petitioner is now unjustly Subjected to
an Execution for more than he is worth
Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Honours to
take his truly distressed circumstances into your mature con-
sideration & in tenderness to his unhappy family be pleased
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 441
to grant that he may have an Opportunity of a fair hearing
which is all he desires and your Petitioner as in duty bound
Shall ever pray John Curtis
Jan y 22 d 1785
Order of Court.
Lincoln ss. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To the Sheriffs of our Countys of Lincoln and Cumberland
respectively, their respective Under Sheriffs or Deputies
Greeting
We Command you to attach the Goods or Estate of John
Curtis of Falmouth in our said County of Cumberland,
Mariner, and Robert Askins of Bristol, in our said County
of Lincoln Yeoman, to the Value of three hundred pounds
and for want thereof to take the Bodies of the said John
and Robert, if they may be found in your Precinct, and them
safely keep, so that you have them before our Justices of our
Inferior Court of common pleas, next to be holden at Pownal-
borough, within and for our said County of Lincoln on the
last Tuesday of September next, then and there in our said
Court to answer unto Philip Hodgkins of a place called
Frenchman's Bay in our said County of Lincoln Yeoman,
in a plea of Trespass ; for that the said John and and Robert,
at said place called Frenchman's Bay, on this ninth day of
January, last with Force and Arms broke & entered the said
Phillips' dwelling house there, and took and carried away
therefrom the several Articles mentioned in the Schedule an-
nexed, numbered One, the property of the said Philip, and
of the respective Values therein mentioned, & put the said
Philip's Wife, Children & Family in said dwelling house
then & there being into great Fear and Terror, and the said
Philip disturbed & deprived in & of y e quiet & lawful En-
joyment of said dwelling house for the Space of twenty hours
and for that the said John & Robert afterwards, viz,
442 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
upon the same day at Frenchman's Bay afores d with force
and Arms as aforesaid broke and entered a certain two mast
Boat belonging to the said Philip, and took and carried
away therefrom the several Goods & Chattels mentioned in
the Schedule annexed numbered Two, the Property of the
said Philip and of the several and respective Values therein
mentioned being the said Philip's stock in Trade & Business
in and by trading upon which he got his living, by means
whereof he and his said Boat were put out of employ for a
long Time; viz, for the space of five months, and he was
deprived of the lawful Gains he could have made by law-
fully trading with the Goods and Chattels aforesaid; and
other Wrongs the s d John and Robert there did to the said
Philip at the several Times aforesaid, against our Peace,
and to the Damage of the said Philip as he says the Sum of
three hundred pounds which shall then and there be made
to appear with other due damages. And have you there this
Writ with your doings therein.
Witness William Lithgow Esq at Pownalborough this sixth
day of June Anno Domini 1782
Jon a Bowman Philip Hodgkins
Cumberland Ss June the 18, 1782.
In Obedience to the within Writ I have attached a Chair
of the within named John Curtis, value six Shillings and
left a Summons at his house according to Law
Benj n Bayley Deputy Sheriff
Fees, Service & Travel 16/4
Lincoln Ss. Septem r y e 6, 1782
By Virtue of this Writ I left a Summons at the last &
usual place of abode of the within named Robert Arskins
according to Law, but could find no Estate of said Robert
David Murray, Dep y Sheriff
Fees Travel 4/6 Service 1/4 ferriage 3/2 Total 9/0
Copy Examin d by J Bowman
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 443
N 1 Schedule of Goods taken from the house
1 pair new blue br d Cloth Breeches superfine 2-8-0,
1 Cott & Linnon Shirt 8/ 2 pair Worsted Stockings 18 ,
10 gal new England Kum 4 10- Total 7.. 16-
N 2 Goods taken from the Boat
3 bb 8 New Eng d Rum q l 101 gal a 9/ 45 9 0, 2
barr 18 Bug* [ ] C* w 1 a 10 16/ 19.4- , 1 bag Coffee
q l 50 lb a 2/ 5 - , 45 Ib Tobacco a 2/ 4-10 ,
4 new Bed Blankets a 24/ 4-16-0, iy 2 lb Powder 9/3
Ib. Shot 3/ -12, 2 Sides Shoe Leather 2 - 2 -
1 Tin Quart 3/ 1 Tin Tunnel 31- -6, 2 feather
Pillows with Cases - - 16 - Total 90 .. 11 .. -
A true Copy of the Schedule annexed to the Writ
Att J Bowman
Hodgkins vs. Curtis and A skins.
Lincoln Ss.
At a Court of common pleas held at Pownalborough within
and for the County of Lincoln, on the first Tuesday of June,
being the Day of said Month, Anno Domini 1783.
Philip Hodgkins of a place called Frenchman's Bay in
said County of Lincoln Yeoman ptt v 8 John Curtis of Fal-
mouth in the County of Cumberland, Mariner, and Eobert
Askins of Bristol in the County of Lincoln Yeoman, Def*
in a plea of Trespass; for that the said John and Robert at
said place called Frenchman's Bay on the ninth day of
January A. D. one thousand seven hundred & eighty two
with Force and Arms broke and entered the said Philip's
dwelling house there, and took and carried away therefrom
the several articles mentioned in the Schedule annexed to
the Writ, numbered One, the Property of the said Philip
and of the respective Values therein mentioned, and put the
444 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
said Philip's Wife, Children and Family in said dwelling
house then and there being into great Fear and Terror, and
the said Philip disturbed and deprived in and of the Quiet
and lawful Enjoyment of said dwelling house for the Space
of Twenty hours And for that the said John and Robert
afterwards, viz upon the same day, at Frenchman's Bay
aforesaid, with Force & Arms as aforesaid, broke and entered
a certain two Mast Boat, belonging to the said Philip, and
took and carried away therefrom the several Goods and
Chattels mentioned in the Schedule annexed to the Writ
numbered Two, the Property of the said Philip, and of the
several & respective Values therein mentioned, being the said
Philips Stock in Trade & Business, in and by trading upon
which he got his Living; by means whereof he and his said
Boat were put out of Employ for a long Time, viz for the
Space of five Months and he was deprived of the lawful
Gains he could have made by lawfully trading with the
Goods and Chattels aforesaid, and other Wrongs the said
John and Robert there did to the said Philip at the several
Times afores d against the Peace and to the Damage of the
said Philip as he says the Sum of three hundred pounds
This Case was commenced last Term and continued to this
And at this Term the Dep ts tho solemnly called to come
into Court did not appear but made default ; Whereupon the
Case (after a full hearing of the ptt as well as the Dept s by
their Council) was committed to a Jury sworn according to
Law to enquire of the Damages, who returned their Verdict
therein upon Oath that is to say, they assess for the pit two
hundred Pounds Damages It is therefore Considered by
said Court that the Pit recover against the Def ts the Sum of
Two hundred Pounds Damages & Costs. The Deft 8 appealed
from this Judgment to the next Supreme Judicial Court to
be holden at Falmouth in the County of Cumberland, and
for the Counties of Cumberland & Lincoln, & entered into
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 445
Recognizance with Sureties, as the Law directs, for prose-
cuting their Appeal with Effect
A true Copy as appears of Record
Exam d by J Bowman Cle r
Deposition of Moses Hodgkins.
Moses Hodskins of lawful Age testifies and declares that
sometime the last Winter in 1782 I being in my Father's
House viz Philip Hodskins a Number of Men came to my
Father's house and took me out of the house by force and and
carryed me to my Father's Boat which lay about half a mile
from the house one of the Party asked me if that was M r
Hodskins's Boat I told them it was they told me they
intended to carry the Boat off & tried to get her off, but she
was aground and they could not get her off they then asked
who the Goods belonged to that was on board of said Boat
I told them they belong* 1 to my Father Philip Hodskins
When they found they could not get the Boat off, they having
a Boat along side, they went to work & took the greatest part
of the Goods out of my Father's Boat and loaded their Boat
along side with said Goods, the Goods they took were in
Barrels and Baggs, which they said was Rum and Sugar
with a small Quantity of Leather After they had taken
the Things they ordered me on Board of their Boat and
brought me to the Landing Place, and sat me on Shore and
part of the Men came on Shore with me and came to my
Father's house, and the Remainder of the Men went off with
the Goods and Boat, and went down the Bay
The Party which came to the house with me brought a
Case Bottle of Rum with them which they drank and spilt
in the house In the Mean Time Cap 1 Crabtree came to
the house and desired of the person who called himself an
officer that the Room might be cleared out, that M rs Hodg-
kins and the Children might have the priviledge of the Fire
446 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
-The Koom was clear'd accordingly The Party stay*
at my Father's house all Night towards day another Party
came to the house one of the Party which came last told the
officer who was at the house all night that it was the Cap-
tain's orders that they might take the Remainder of the
Goods which was on Board of Hodskins Boat and bring them
off, the said officer / whose Name I do not remember to have
heard mentioned / with the whole of the Party which had
been on Shore, went to the Landing but as I did not go to
the Shore at that Time I do not know what happened ;
but a short Time after I went to the Landing, where I saw
M r Crabtree mending their Boat, which I understood was
stove with the Surff When the Boat was mended they
launched her off afloat, and I also saw them take off the
Beach a bb 1 which they said was Rum and carryed it off
And further this Deponent declares that I heard one of
the Men say that their Privateer lay at Mount Desert that
after they were gone, there was several Things mist out of
the house, viz a pair Breeches a Jacket a pair of Stockins
and a Shirt with a small piece of Bed Tick
And further this Deponent recollects, that the said Case
Bottle of Rum before mentioned he well remembers some
of the party drew it out of a Barrel which was in my Father's
Cellar and taken by them when they first came on Shore, to
my Father's house and further saith not
Moses Hodgkins
Lincoln Ss. Frenchmans Bay Septem r 16 .. 1Y82.
Then the above named Moses Hodgkins personally ap-
peared and after being carefully examined and duly
cautioned to testify the whole Truth relating to the Cause
in which his Deposition by him above subscribed is to be used,
made Oath to the Truth of the same, taken at the Request
of Philip Hodgskins of a place called Frenchman's Bay in
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 447
the County of Lincoln, Yeoman, and to be used in an Action
of Trespass to be heard and tried at the Inferior Court of
common pleas, to be held at Pownalborough in and for the
County of Lincoln the last Tuesday of this Instant Septem-
ber, wherein the said Philip is pit. & John Curtis of North
Yarmouth in the County of Cumberland Mariner & Robert
Askins of Bristol in the County of Lincoln Yeoman are
Deft 8 The Deponent living & being more than thirty Miles
from the Place of Trial The said adverse party living and
being more than twenty Miles from the Place of Caption
were not notified nor present taken and Sealed up according
to Law, by me Alex Campbell Just, pacis.
Witness attend 1 Day 3 0, Justices travel out &
home 50 Miles, 15 0, Writing Deposition 2 0,
Affidavit, 1 6 Total 1 1 6
Opened in Court, Att J Bowman Cler
Copy Examin d by Jno Bowman Cler.
Deposition of Agreen Crabtree.
Agreen Crabtree of lawful Age testifies & declares that
sometime in the Month of January 1782 two of my Neigh-
bours, viz. Weston & West came to my house in Frenchman's
Bay and told me there was Privateers Men at M r Philip
Hodgkins house and they believed would plunder the Family
and carry away the Schooner, and desired I would go to
Hodgkins I went with them to said Hodgkins where I
saw a Number of Men (strangers to me) in possession of
every room in the house M r Hodgkins not being at home,
M re Hodgkins & Family in the Utmost Confusion sitting in
the back parts of the Room, I asked them if they had any
Officer with them they told me they had I desired them
to call the Officer they did accordingly I desired he
448 DOCUMENTARY HISTOKY
might clear one Room, that the Woman and Family might
have the Benefit of the Fire, as the Weather was cold I
then asked the officer what his Name was he told me
Jenkins and that he belonged to Rhode Island I asked him
his Captains Name he told me his Name was Jenkins and
belonged to the same place. I spent the Night with them at
M r Hodgkins About break of Day in the Morning one Bartin
of Mount Desert, which belonged to the Privateer which
then lay at said Mount Desert, came to M r Hodgkins where
I then was and told the Officer that it was the Capt Orders,
that he must with the Men he had on Shore, go on board
Hodskins's Schooner, and take the Remainder of the Goods
out of her and come on board as soon as possible I went to
the landing with them, where we found said Bartins Boat
was stove with the Surff Then the said Officers ordered
said Bartin to take the above named Wosters Boat, which
lay at the Landing haul' d up, and go on board Hodskins
Schooner and take the Remainder of the Goods they should
find on board said Bartin went with a Number of Men in
said Westen's Boat according to orders I did not see them
on board said Hodgkins Schooner as I assisted them to re-
pair their Boat which had been stove and was at the Landing
when said Boat & Men returned they brought with them
two Bbls Malosses and one D Rum, and a Porringer and
some other small Matters which I well know did belong to
said Hodgkins's Boat, which small Articles I got from
them, having their promises before that they would not
strip said Boat, and further persuaded them to deliver
up the two Barrels of Mollases, as it was a very scarce
Article in this Country, to which they complied and left
the Molasses according to my Desire The said officer
asked me why M r Hodskins had not haul'd said Goods up to
his house before that Time I told him that M r Hodskins's
Business had carryed him from home, that the Ground was
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 449
hard froze and Slippery, and his Oxen not shod made it
very difficult to get the Goods up, and all which I now posi-
tively declare was the Case, and which they then allowed to
be a sufficient Reason And further this deponent declares
that after said Bartin came to M r Hodgkins's as aforesaid, I
asked him what the Captains Name was he told me it was
Curtis I also asked him what the said Officers Name was
| then present he told me his Name was Askins And this
Deponent further declares that after said Officer and Men
set out to go on board their Privateer, I returned to M r
Hodgkins I heard M r Hodgkins complain very much that
the Privateers Men had taken several Articles out of the
house, viz one Bed Blanket one Jacket one pair of Breeches,
a pair of Silk Stockings, and other Things, which I do not
recollect and further M r Hodgkins said that the Privateers
men had taken out of the Boat before I came there the Even-
ing before a Quantity of Tobacco, Coffee, Rum & Sugar, as
much as their Boat would carry, all which the said officer had
told me before he went away, and further this Deponent
saith not
Agreen Crabtree
%
Lincoln ss. Frenchmans Bay September 16. 1782
Then personally appeared the above named Agreen Crab-
tree, and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned
to testify the whole Truth relating to the Cause in which his
Deposition by him above subscribed is to be used made Oath
to the Truth of the same taken at the Request of Philip
Hodgkins of a place called Frenchman's Bay in the County
of Lincoln Yeoman and to be used in an Action of Trespass
to be heard and tried at the Superior Court of common pleas
to be held ta Pownalborough in and for the County of Lincoln
on the last Tuesday of September instant, wherein the said
Philip is pet and John Curtis of North Yarmouth in the
30
450 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
County of Cumberland Mariner and Kobert Askins of Bris-
tol in the County of Lincoln Yeoman are Def 1 The De-
ponent living & being more than thirty miles from the place
of Trial the said Adverse Parties living and being more than
twenty Miles from the place of Caption was not notified nor
present.
Taken and sealed up according to Law by me
Alex Campbell Justs Pacis
Witness 1 days Attendance 3 Justices Trav*
out & home 50 Miles 15 Affidavit 1 6
Writing Deposition 3 Total 1 .. 2 6
opened in Court Att J ^Bowman Cler.
Copy Exam" 1 by Jon a Bowman Cle r
Deposition of John Hamor.
The Deposition of John Hamor of lawful Age testifies and
declares that sometime in the Winter 1782 I was on Board of
Capt John Curtiss Privateer at Mount Desert in Frenchman's
Bay where I saw Capt Curtis mending a Boat on the Deck of
said Privateer, which Boat said Curtis told me had been
stove on the other Side of the Bay then said Curtis ask'd
me down into the Cabbin I went into the Cabbin with him
according to his desire when said Curtis told me he had
taken sundry Articles from M r Philip Hodskins Viz Rum
Sugar & many other things which I do not recollect I saw
two barrells of Rum which said Curtis Told he had taken
from said Hodskins. I drank some of the Rum therefore
am positive it was Rum said barrells contained and further
this Deponent declares that the Sailing Master, whose name
was downs shewed him a small bagg of Tobacco which said
Downs Told him he had taken from said Hodskins and fur-
ther this Deponent declares that the said Curtis told him that
the cause of his taking said Goods from the said Hodskins
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 451
was that he had seen said Hodskins with his Vessell at West
Passamaquaddy some days before and that he the said Curtis
had sent an Officer on board said Hodskins and by the Officers
information said Curtis expected said Hodskins was bound
into Passamaquadia with his said Vessell but that said Hods-
kins instead of putting into Passamaquadia as said Curtis
expected when the Tide suted had sailed for Frenchman's
Bay and that said Curtis had sent his boat after him for
three days but could not overtake him therefore he the said
Curtis said he was determined to have satisfaction of said
Hodskins for the trouble he had given him & further saith
not
John Hamor
Lincoln ss Frenchman's Bay September 16 th 1782 then the
above named John Hamor personally appeared and after
being carefully examined and duly cautioned to testify the
whole truth relating to the cause in which this Deposition
by him within subscribed is to be used made oath to the truth
of the same taken at the request of Philip Hodskins of a
place called Frenchman's Bay in the County of Lincoln
Yeoman and to be used in an action of Trespass to be heard
and tryed at the inferior Court of Common Pleas to be held
at Pownalborough in and for said County of Lincoln on the
last Tuesday of this instant September wherein the said
Philip Hodskins is Plaintiff and John Curtis of North Yar-
mouth in the County of Cumberland Mariner and Robert
Askins of Bristol in the County of Lincoln Yeoman are de-
fendants the Deponent living and being more than thirty
miles from the place of tryal is the cause of caption of this
Affidavit the said adverse party living and being more than
twenty miles from the plase of Caption was not notified nor
present. Taken and sealed up according to Law by me
Alex. Campbell Jus 1 pacis
452 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Witness travell 9 miles out & home .... 1 .. 6, attendance 1
day .. .. 3 .. .. , Justice travell out and home 50 miles
.. .. 15 .. .. , writing Depon .. .. 1 .. 4, Caption of d
.. .. 1 .. 6 Total 1 .. 2 .. 4,
1.. 1.. 6
10.. 6
1.. 2.. 6
3.. 16.. 10
opened in Court J Bowman Cler
Copy examin'd by J Bowman Cler.
Deposition of John Hart.
The Deposition of John Hart testifies & declares That as
it is given from under hand by one Asa Kimball & Moses
Coburn both Inhabitants of S l John's in the province of
Nova Scotia, that at the Time Cap* Curtis captur'd and took
sundry Articles from Capt Philip Hodgkins sometime in
the month of January 1T82 that the said Goods was the
Property and belonged to the Subscriber of this Deposition ;
wherefore this Deponent declares that he had no Goods on
Board of Cap 1 Hodskins of any Nature or kind at the Time
when said Curtis took the things from him the said Hodskins
& further saith not John Hartt
Lincoln ss. number four
Then the above named John Hart personally appeared &
after being carefully examined and duly cautioned to testify
the Whole Truth relating to the Cause in which his Deposition
by him above subscribed is to be used, made Oath to the Truth
of the same taken at the Request of Philip Hodskins of a
Place called Frenchman's bay in said County of Lincoln
Yeoman and to be used in an Action of Trespass to be heard
& tried at the Inferior Court of common pleas to be held at
Pownalborough in and for the County of Lincoln on the last
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 453
Tuesday of September next, wherein the said Philip is ptt
& John Curtis of North Yarmouth in the County of Cumber-
land Mariner, & Robert Askins of Bristol in the County of
Lincoln Yeoman are Deft 8 The Deponent living and being
more than thirty miles from the Place of Trial The said
Adverse Party living and being more than twenty miles from
the place of Caption was not notified nor present
Taken and sealed up according to Law by me
Alex r Campbell Just peace
Witness Travel 30 miles 5 his attendance 1 day
- 3 0, Justice his Writing Deposition 1 Affi-
davit 1 6, Total 10 6
Opened in Court Att J Bowman Cler.
Permit to Schooner Sally.
Permit the Schooner Sally, Philip Hodgkins Master to
pass the American Armed Vessels to Passamay Quady with
some small Articles to purchase some fish & to settle his ac-
counts and to return back again to this Port unmolested
Thomas Hill Chairm n Committee
Frenchman's Bay 17 th Dec r 1Y81
To all Masters of American Privateers and Letters of
Mark.
Copy Examin d by J Bowman Cler.
Permission Granted to Philip Hodglcins.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Port of Newbury Port
These certify all whom it doth concern that Philip Hodg-
kins Master of the Boat Sally, burthen ten Tons, or there-
abouts, navigated with two Men mounted with no Guns,
bound for Frenchman's bay has Permission to depart from
this Port, with the following Articles viz
Fifty Bushels of Corn four Barrels of Rum four barrels of
Sugar two bb 1 & half of Molasses Two barrels of Cyder
454 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
one dead hog, eighty w* of Coffee some small stores.
To be landed at Frenchman's Bay he having given Bond
for the due performance thereof.
Given under my hand & seal of Office at Newbury Port
aforesaid the Eighth day of December A. D. 1781
M Hodge N. Officer
A true Copy from the Original
Attest M Hodge
Copy Exam'd by Jon a Bowman Cler
We assess for the Plaintiff two hundred Pounds Damages
Daniel Savage foreman
Copy Exam d J Bowman Cler.
Sureties Furnished.
Lincoln ss. Memorandum
That on the eleventh Day of June Anno Domini 1783,
before the Justices of the Court of common pleas within the
County of Lincoln, personally appeared William Lithgow
Jun r of Georgetown in said County Esq. Roland Gushing
& Timothy Langdon both of Pownalborough in said County
and acknowledged themselves to be personally indebted unto
Philip Hodgkins of Frenchman's Bay in said County, Mari-
ner in the respective Sums following viz. the said William
Principal in the sum of ten Pounds and the said Roland &
Timothy as Sureties in the Sum of five Pounds each to be
levied upon their several Goods or Chattels Lands or Tene-
ments and in want thereof upon their Bodies to the use of
the said Philip if Default be made in the Performance of
the Condition here under written
The Condition of this Recognizance is Such that if John
Curtis of Falmouth in the County of Cumberland Mariner,
& Robert Askins of Bristol in the County of Lincoln Yeoman
shall & do prosecute an Appeal from a Judgment given
OP THE STATE OF MAINE 455
against them in the Court of common pleas held at Pownal-
borough within & for the County of Lincoln on the first
Tuesday of June inst for the Sum of Two hundred Pounds
Damages & Costs of Suit, at the next Supreme Judicial
Court to be holden at Falmouth in the County of Cumber-
land & for the Counties of Cumberland & Lincoln on the
Tuesday next after the fourth Tuesday of June inst. with
Effect Then this Recognizance to be void, other wise to
remain in full force Att J Bowman Cler.
Deposition of John Tilley.
I John Tilley of the Town of Boston Inholder of Lawful
Age Do Testify and Declare that Being 1 st Lieut of the
arm'd Sloop Lively Commanded by John Augusta Dunn, on
the 1 st Day of January In the year 1782 we fell In with
an Arm'd Schooner Commanded by Cap. John Curtis Being
then at Passamaquoddy In the Bay of fundy Said Curtis
Inform'd us a Certain Hodgkins he had taken Bound to S l
John In a Small Vessell with W. India Goods for the
Brittish and Likewise passingers for that Place and that
Hodgskins had sett his passengers on Shore and Run Back
with his Vessell to Mount Desert Contrary to the Rules
and Laws of Nations and that the s d Curtis was Deter-
mined to Call on him at Mount Desert on his Return we
then In Company Proceeded homewards towards Boston
and on the 9 th Day of Jan 17 In the year 1782 arriv d at Mount
Desert where Cap 1 Curtis Sent his officers & me In the Boat
to Hodgskins Place of Residence In Order to take what he
had Captured together with s d Hodgskins & Bring him to
Boston Not finding him we took from the Vessell as fol-
lows 3 B 18 N. E. Rum=2 B ls Brown Sugar 2 Sides of
Upper Leather 20 lb Coffee=& 12 lb Tobacco and Bro* on
Board and Made use of Said Articles, or Such a Proportion
456 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
of them as the Vessell's had then Need of=I Solemnly De-
clare that was the whole of the Articles taken from s d Hodgs-
kins Cap* John Prebble of Passamaquoddy Parold the s d
Passengers after Hodgskins his People had left them on
Shore the Particulars of which I Refur to Cap 1 Prebles
Deposition and further Saith Not
The Dates are as Near as I can Recollect
John Tilley
Boston May 28 th 1784-
Suffolk Ss.
Boston May 29 th 1784.
The above named John Tilley personally appearing and
being carefully examin'd & cautioned to testify the whole
truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the Forewritten
deposition by him subscribed, taken at the request of John
Curtis, to be used in an Action of trespass, to be heard &
tried at the Supreme judicial Court, next to be held at Fal-
inouth for the County of Cumberland & Lincoln, wherein
said Curtis is Appellant and Phillip Hotchkiss is Appellee
- The Deponent being bound to Sea is the cause of taking
this Deposition, & the adverse party living more than twenty
miles from the place of Caption, was not notified nor present
at the taking thereof,
Before me,
Edm. Quincy J s pacis.
June Term at Falmouth 1784
Opened in Court- A" Jn Tucker Cle r
Deposition of Will Lithgow Jun r .
This may certify that Cap 1 John Curtis employed me to
take care of a cause in which himself and another Person
were Defendents and one Philip Hodskins was Pit. this
was an Action of Trespass for breaking and entering the
Pit 8 house and taking his property that the said Curtis
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 457
being then in the State Service and obliged to go to sea I got
the cause continued one term That at the next term I
suffered the Deft 8 to be defaulted, which was occasioned by
my not hearing from the said Curtis after the cause was
continued as aforesaid; this circumstance happened as I
afterwards understood from M r Frothingham of Falmouth
by the miscarriage of a Letter which the said Curtis wrote
to me upon the subject of the suit aforesaid and which I
verily believe was in fact the case That finding the Jury
had given the enormous Sum of 200 damages and Costs
of Suit I thought it my duty to appeal the cause to the
supreme Court though by the default the facts alledged in the
Pit 8 declaration were confessed and though it was doubtful
whether the Deft 8 from the same circumstance could have
any day in the supreme Court to attempt even a mitigation
of damages That the said Curtis upon his return from sea
expressed great concern at what had happened by the mis-
carriage of his Letter, and came prepared to do the best that
might be done at the supreme Court under the Circum-
stances abovementioned that the said Curtis asked his
Council who were M r King and myself whether it would be
worth while for him to attend Court himself as he was then
bound to Boston in a Vessell which was ready to sail, and
was informed that he would not be wanted at Court, upon
which information he went off and unfortunately carried
with him the Copy of the case so that the cause was again
defaulted
Will Lithgow Jun r
Deposition of John Augusta Dunn.
I John Augusta Dunn of the Town of Boston Mariner of
Lawfull Age Do Testify and Declare that on the 3 rd Day of
January, In the year 1782 Being then Commander of the
Armed Sloop Lively we fell In with an Arm'd Schooner
458 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Comm d By Cap 1 Curtis Being then at Pasemaquoddy In the
Bay of fundy on a Cruize Against the Enemy's of the United
States S d Curtis Inform* 5 us he had taken a Certain Hodgs-
kins In a Small Vessell Bound to S 1 Johns who had Pas-
sengers on Board Bound to S 1 John 8 that he had Sett his
passengers on Shore and Run Back to Mount Desert with his
Vessell Contrary to the Law of Nations and that he was De-
termined to Call on him on his Going home and Carry him
to Boston he having on Board W I Goods &c for the Enemy
-We then Proceeded toward's Boston and on the 9 th Day
of Jan ry In the Year 1782 Arrived at Mount Desert where
Cap 1 Curtis Sent his Officers on Shore in his Boat to Bring
Hodgskins on Board with the Articles Before Captur d and
Carry him to Boston Not finding him they Bro 1 on Board
of Cap 1 Curtis's Schooner as follows 3 B 1 New Eng-
land Rum=2 B 1 Brown Sugar=2 Sides upper Leather
= About 20 lb Coffee=and about 12 w Tobacco a part of
which was Made use of on the Board the Vessell which
was then In Great want of I Solemnly Declare these were
all the Articles Bro 1 on Board of Cap 1 Curtis's Vessell to my
Knowledge. Cap 1 John Preble of Passamaquoddy Parol'd
Said Prisoners after Hodgskins or his People Sett them on
Shore the Particulars of their Information Concurning
Hodgskins I Refer to Cap 1 Prebles own Deposition and fur-
ther Saith Not The Dates as Near as I Can Recollect
Jn Aug a Dunn
Boston May 28 th 1784-
Suffolk Ss. Boston May 28 th 1784.
The above named Jn Aug 1 * Dunn personally appearing, &
being carefully examined & cautioned to testify the whole
truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the Forewritten
Deposition by him subscribed, taken at the request of Cap 1
John Curtis; to be used in an Action of Trespass, to be
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 459
beard & tried at the supreme judicial Court, next to be held
at Falmouth for y e County of Cumberland & Lincoln : where-
in s d John Curtis is Appellant & Phillip Hotchkiss is ap-
pellee The Deponent being bound to sea is the Cause of
taking this deposition; and the Adverse party living more
than twenty miles from y e place of Caption, was not notified,
nor present at the taking thereof -
Before me,
Edm. Quincy J s pacis.
Deposition of William Downe.
I William Downe of Boston, in the County of Suffolk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mariner, do hereby Testify
& declare that I was Master of the Schooner Privateer
Reprizal whereof John Curtis was Commander that on the
Twenty Eigth day of December: 1781 being at an Anchor
at a Place called the Narrows near Passamaquody we saw a
small schooner under sail standing toward us, to the East-
ward it being light winds & the tide almost spent Cap 1
Curtis orderd me, to take the Boat & a Crew & go on board
said Schooner & see who they were I took the Boat & pro-
ceeded on board, & upon enquiry, was told they were from
Frenchman's Bay & was commanded by one Hotchkiss, or
some such name & produced a certificate from a number of
Persons living at said Place, calling themselves, Selectmen,
or, Committee of Correspondence or some such office, per-
mitting him the said Master to go to Passamaquody to trade
-The Master of the Schooner seem'd very much confus'd
& upon my asking him, if those persons who signd his Pass,
were not some who had taken the Oath of Allegiance to the
King of Great Britain & had Acknowledged themselves to be
his Subjects ; he seem'd very much at a loss & said he could
not tell, tho it was well known they had as the Tide made
460 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
out, it was impossible for us to get the Schooner to wher the
Privateer lay, I order'd him to come to Anchor & when the
Tide made to get under way & anchor alongside the Privateer
for further Inspection, telling him that if he were bound no
further than Passamaquody, & could make it appear, Noth-
ing would be done to him or his Vessell I then went on
board and Acquainted Cap 1 Curtis, & receiv'd his orders to go
back, & bring the Schooner alongside, when just as I was
pushing of from alongside the Privateer, we observ'd the
Schooner to bear away before the Wind & stand to the west-
ward, I then row'd after them but was not able to overtake
them the Next day we got under way with the Privateer
& went to the Eastward, as far as Campo Bello Island, where
we Anchor'd, & Cap 1 Curtis & myself went on Shore to M r
Currie's, when I went into the house I saw some men sitting
by the fire, which I thought look'd like some of the men that
I saw on board of the little Schooner, upon which I told Cap 1
Curtis, & upon Interrogating them they said they were on
board I asked them where they belonged, they told me to
the River S 1 Johns one of them was call'd Kimball & the
other Cobin I asked them, where they came from & where
the schooner was bound, & where they left the said Schooner,
in Answer to these & some other Questions asked them, they
said, that M r Hotchkiss had been down to the River S 1 Johns,
trading (tho' it was an Enemys Country, & contrary to the
law of the Country) & that for a Certain Quantity of Beaver
the said Hotchkiss or Hodgkins (the Master of the Schooner)
agreed to Carry them to Newbury Port in Mass a Govern-
ment, & bring them back to the River S 1 Johns, that they had
been at Newbury & other Parts of the Country in a Private
manner without permission from the legislature & were then
upon there Return to S 1 Johns in said Schooner when I went
on board of her that after I went from the Schooner to go
on board the Privateer Hodgkins told them, that if they
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 461
stay'd, till I return'd with the Boat, the Schooner would be
Captur'd, for all Vessells were lawfull Prize that were
trading down there, & that Ilodgkins put them on shore &
they came to M r Currier & where he was gone with the
Schooner they could not tell, but that they were certain that
he would be back as he promis'd & carry them to the River
S l Johns agreeable to their Agreement We, by Cap 1
Curtis's Order carried them on board the Privateer as
Prisoners & soon after at the request of Capt Prebble, & M r
Currie, who were both, present at the time of their making
the aforesaid declarations, Cap Curtis, gave them a Parole,
which was deliverd to Cap 1 Prebble he being a States Officer
in that Department some days after, being in Company
with Cap 1 John Augustus Dunn, of the lively Privateer Sloop
from Salem, we were returning to the Westward & put into
Frenchmans Bay we heard there that the same schooner
was there, & that the same cargo was still on board & that
M r Hodgkins was going upon his Voyage as soon as he
thought we were gone to the Westward, upon which Cap 4
Curtis & Cap 1 Dunn agreed to man both their Boats & go
up & seize her, but as our boat was large & capable of carry-
ing twenty men, a party from both Vessells, went up in our
boat to the Place where the schooner was supposd to lay
went to Mr Hodgkins, house & enquired for him but he was
not at home, after staying some little time, without any dis-
turbance or Molestation we went to the Place where the
Schooner was and, when we went on board she was so fast
in the Ice that we could not get her out, we then took some
goods out her & sent on board the Privateer the goods taken
out were as follows Three barrells of New England Rum
about one hundred Gallons in the Whole, two barrells of
sugar, a small bag of Coffee about twenty or thirty pound;
a bag of ab 1 Twenty pounds tobacco, one side sole leather,
one Calf skin tannd & Curried a small bowl or some such
462 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
matter ; which was the whole that I saw on board except two
barrells Molasses, which we did not take away, these things
were afterwards divided as follows Capt Dunn had one
barrell Eum one barrell Sugar, some of the Coffee & Tobacco
the remainder two barrells Rum, one barrell Sugar
Coffee & Tobacco & leather &c we kept on board our
Privateer during the seizure I did not observe the least
Insult or Molestation offered to any person by our party
When we went ashore to M r Hodgkins house, I was the
first that went to the door, and upon knocking some person
came & opend the Door & desird Us to walk in & accordingly
we did & behaved while we were in the house with the utmost
civility & we were treated the same
William Downe,
Suffolk Ss Boston May 28 th 1784
The above named William Downe, personally appearing,
& being carefully examined & cautioned to testify the whole
truth, made solemn oath to the truth of forewritten deposi-
tion by him subscribed; taken at the request of Cap 1 John
Curtis, to be us'd in an Action of trespass, to be heard &
tried at the Supreme judicial Court, next to be held at Fal-
mouth, For the County of Cumberland & Lincoln: wherein
said John Curtis is Appellant & Philip Hotchkiss is Ap-
pellee: The Deponent being bound to Sea, is the Cause of
taking this deposition, & the adverse party living more than
twenty miles from the place of Caption, was not notified, nor
present at the taking thereof
Before me
Edm: Quincy J s pacis
June Term at Falmouth 1784
Opened in Court
Att 1 Jn Tucker Cler
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 463
Order of Notice on Petition of John Curtis of Falmouth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts [
In the house of Representatives March 11 th 1785
Whereas, it is represented to this Court, by the Petition
of John Curtis of Falmouth, in the County of Cumberland,
praying for a rehearing in a certain Action of Trespass, lately
depending against him in the supreme judicial Court, where-
in the said Curtis and one Robert Aikins were Defendants
and one Philip Hodgkins of Frenchmans Bay in the County
of Lincoln was Appellant; that at a session of the said
supreme Court holden at Falrn within and for the Counties
of Cumberland & Lincoln on the Tuesday next following
the fourth Tuesday of June 1784 the said Curtis & Ackins
were defaulted in the same Action, as they previously had
been at a Court of Common Pleas holden in the County of
Lincoln, on the first tuesday of June 1782 and whereas it
appears to this Court, by the testimonials accompanying the
said Petition, and other evidence that the facts stated in the
said Petition are probably true, therefore ordered that the
prayer of the Petitioner be so far granted as that he notify
the said Philip Hodskins the adverse Party to appear, if
he see fit, on the second Wednesday of the first session of the
next General Court, and shew cause, if he hath any, why
the prayer of the said Petition should not be granted by
leaving an Attested Copy of the said Petition, and this Order
thereon, at the dwelling House, or last usual place of abode
of the said Hodskins, twenty days at least before the said
second Wednesday of the first session of the next General
Court
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis
In Senate March 16 th 1785
Read and Concurred
S Adams Presid 1
464 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Petition of Inhabitants of Topsham.
State of the Massachusetts Bay
Nov r y e 17 th 1784
To the Honorable Senate and Honorable House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court Assembled
The petition of some of the Inhabitants of Topsham most
humbly sheweth that Bodingham was incorporated before
Topsham By reason of which Topsham is very narrow and
whereas there is a number of small Islands In Andrew
Cogen River and all owned by your Petitioners except eight
acres that are owned In Bromswick and the above said Is-
lands were in Bromswick Corporation and your petitioners
paid their Tax to Bromswick but Topsham demanded a Tax
of Bromswick for a Saw Mill which Bromswick refused to
pay which gave Occasion to Some of your petitioners to look
into the Law and finding that the Islands were in the County
of Lincoln Your petitioners refused to pay their Tax to
Bromswick Juding that Bromswick Cou'd not have the right
of Taxation over the County line which was the Occasion of
some Difficulty to some of your Petitioners for Bromswick
proceeded so far as to make distress
Lincoln County has labor'd under difficulty For they were
Tax'd to the building of Cumberland Goal, and then struck
off and had their own to Build and now at this very day Lin-
coln is under Difficulty by reason of their not having a
superior Court which carries their money out of the County
and likewise encreases the traveling fees of Jurors there-
fore your petitioners pray your Honors if you see fit in
your wisdom to annex the Aforesaid Islands to Topsham
which will very Much Oblidge Your petitioners and your
petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray but if your
Honors shou'd Judge it Best for the good of the state
to give the right of Taxation to Bromswick your petitioners
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 465
pray the County line may be alterd that there may be no
Cause of dispute in the Common Law and your petitioners
as above Shall over pray the number of Acres in the afore-
said Islands are about Hundred and ten or fifteen Acres
at the Most
Tho" Will son, James Willson, Arthur Hunter Selectmen
James Muslaid Steal Fosteal, Rob 1 Hunter, James Hunter
Nov r 1778
Mess rs William Stanwood John Dunlap & Nath Larrabee
Select men of Brunswick Notified John Merrill Esq r Mess 8
James Potter & James Fulton Select men of topsham to meet
to Renew the bounds of said towns they all met and all agreed
that all the Islands below y fall 8 Should be taxd in Bruns-
wick and the Islands above the fall 8 Should be tax d in tops-
ham that y e mill 8 on Brunswick Side should be taxd in
Brunswick and the mill 8 on topsham side Should be taxd in
topsham and that the main Channell Should be the Line
Between the two towns
Nath Larrabee, John Dunlap,
Then Select Men of Brunswick.
At a Legal town meeting held in Brunswick on Thursday
the 26. Day of May 1785 the town made Choice of M r Will 1 "
Owen as their agent to answer a petition of the town of tops-
ham, at the Great and General Court to be held in Boston
on the Last Wednesday of Said May
Nath Larrabee town Clerk.
To the Hon 1 Senate, and to the Hon 1 House of Representa-
tives In General Court Assembled the 7 th day of June
1785-
The Memorial of The Inhabitants of the Town of Bruns-
wick in the County of Cumberland
Humbly Sheweth
81
466 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
That your Memorialists Was Notified to make Answer To
A Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Topsham In
the County of Lincoln
That In Answer Your Memorialists, Would Set forth that
the Petitioners of Topsham Agreed That the Islands Men-
tioned in Their petition did belong to Brunswick Also say
that They Taxed A Saw Mill which Brunswick Refused to
pay but do not point out where that Mill Stands.
Your Memorialists would Inform Your Hon rs That said
Mill stands on Brunswick Shoar, Within A Cove On the
Falls Adjoyning A Rock On Said Falls Which they had no
Right to Tax.
That the Select Men of Each Town In Nov r 1778 Met by
Agreement, To Renew the Bounds, And agreed that all the
Islands Below The Falls Should be Tax'd in Brunswick
& the Islands Above The Falls Should be Tax'd in Tops-
ham & That the Mills on Brunswick Side Should be
Taxed In Brunswick and the Mills On Topsham Side Should
be Tax'd in Topsham And That The Main Channel Should
be the Line Between The two Towns as we are Ready to
make Appear
As to their paying part in Building Cumberland Goal
Could not be for Said Goal was built after the Division of the
County's
Your Memorialists Thinks That Topsham has not right to
the Westward of the Channel of The River Which was The
dividing Line. And Your Memorialists Prays that said
petition May be dismis'd or determind, as Your Honors in
Your Wisdom Shall See meet
And Your Memorialists as in Duty bound Shall Ever
Pray &c William Owen } Agent for Brunswick.
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
In the House of Representatives february 16 th 1785
OF THE STATE OF MAINE 467
On the Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants of the
town of topsham praying that the Islands mentioned in their
petition might be annexed to the town of Topsham
therefore ordered that the prayer of the petitioners be so
far Granted that the Petitioners sarve the town of Bruns-
wick with an attested Coppy of their petition and this order
twenty days before the second Wednesday of the Next sitting
of the General Court that they appear on the said day and
shew Cause (if any they have) why the prayer of the peti-
tion should not be Granted
Sent up for concurrence
Sam A Otis Spk r
In Senate March 18, 1Y85
Read & concurred
S. Adams Presid 1
INDEX
Abbot, Aaron, 272.
Isaac, 273, 333.
Moses, 17.
Reuben, 17.
Acadians, the, 29.
Ackins, see Askins.
Adams, Benjamin, 154.
Joel, 41.
John, 279.
S., 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18,
30, 32, 37, 43, 45, 47, 49, 50,
51, 53, 55, 56, 83, 89, 90, 91,
92, 94, 96, 97, 100, 101, 102,
109, 110, 112, 113, 114, 123,
129, 130, 133, 135, 145, 152,
162, 165, 168, 170, 171, 172,
176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 183,
185, 186, 187, 193, 194, 195,
197, 198, 201, 202, 203, 213,
231, 233, 247, 250, 251, 275,
303, 304, 307, 311, 312, 313,
315, 318, 319, 322, 345, 349,
356, 357, 369, 371, 372, 373,
383, 394, 395, 396, 404, 413,
426, 427, 431, 433, 463, 467.
Samuel, 189, 405.
Aikins, see Askins.
Albee, Lieut. William, 74, 95,
113, 114, 220, 320.
Alden, Humphrey, 429.
Allan, Col. John, 8, 25, 26, 27,
28, 30, 53, 54, 73, 74, 75, 76,
79, 83, 96, 99, 101, 111, 133,
134, 210, 217, 218, 219, 220,
221, 222, 351, 353, 364, 374,
375, 396.
Allen, Dr. Benjamin, 343, 344.
Wright, 272.
Alley, John, 117.
Allin, Henry, 344.
American Atlas, the, 432.
States, the, 71 : see also United
States.
Ames, Moses, 42, 108, 272.
Ammascoggin, see Androscoggin.
Ammidown, Caleb, 178.
Amoriscoggin, see Androscoggin.
Amory, John, 357.
Anderson, Edward, 191, 362.
Androscoggin,
Ammascoggin, } 20.
Amoriscoggin,
Indians, 20, 30.'
River, 25, 42, 107, 248, 318,
332, 342, 394, 395.
River Islands, 464, 465, 466,
467.
Apthorp, Charles Ward, 92.
Archer, Jno., 362.
Armstrong, John, 230.
Arundel, 131, 137, 138, 172, 173,
174, 176, 177, 211, 252.
Ash, Robert, 305.
Thomas, 17.
Ashton, Jacob, 98.
Askins, ] Robert, 441, 442, 443,
Ackins, i 444,447,449,450,451,
Aikins, J 453,454,463.
Atlas, the American, 432.
Augustine, Michael, 77.
Avery, James, 52, 95, 96, 113, 114,
135, 136, 304, 337, 343, 344.
John, 28, 35, 36, 52, 58, 62, 72,
87, 99, 111, 127, 137, 145, 160,
198, 199, 227, 280, 281, 282,
283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288,
289, 290, 291, 297, 298, 299,
304, 308, 309, 409.
John, Jr., 130, 342, 343, 357.
Thomas, 412.
Ayer, , mariner, 136, 137.
Elijah, 136, 137.
B
Babcock, Aaron, 27, 28.
Adam, 160.
Bacon, Mr. , 247, 413.
Bacon, Timothy, 83, 93.
Capt. William, 178.
Bageduce, see Megabigwaduce.
Bagley, John, 362.
Baker, Samuel, 121, 122, 143, 154.
William, Jr., 353, 395.
Bakerstown, 140, 342, 394, 395.
Bakman, John, 253.
Ballard, Mr. , 413.
Baltimore, 292.
Bane, John, 17, 18, 210, 211, 234,
251, 336.
470
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Barker, John, 273.
Barnard, Joseph, 15, 362.
Barnes, Silas, 434.
Barnstable County, 178, 412, 415.
Barracks, see under Forts and
Garrisons.
Barrell, Joseph, 286, 287.
Barrett, Mr. , 89.
Barron, Silas, 434.
Bartin, , 448.
Bartlett, Enoch, 231.
Basset, Mr. , 413.
Batcheldor, Samuel, 299.
Bateman, John, 253.
Bath, 265, 358, 377, 413.
Bathiaume, )
Baththevon, ] see Berthiaume.
Bay of Fundy, 458.
Bayley, Benjamin, 200, 216, 442.
Beal, Dominicus, 332.
Edward, 332.
Bean, Daniel, 25.
George, 272.
John, 343.
Jonathan, 25, 216, 217.
Jonathan, Jr., 25.
Josiah, 25.
Beauchamp and Leverett Patent
the, 354.
Beaver Hill Pond, 131.
Belfast, 314.
Berkshire County, 178, 179, 412,
415.
Bernard, Gov. Sir Francis, 436.
Berthiaume, ] Juniper, 11, 46,
Barthiaume, [ 47, 67, 71, 81, 82,
Baththevon, J 111,112,231,232,
233, 384, 385.
Berwick, 184, 185, 271.
Biddeford, 131, 272.
Biter, Peter, 224.
Black, Edward, 331.
Josiah, 331.
Blake, Edward, 390.
Bliss, John, 100, 101, 113.
Blue Hill, 338.
Bogs, William, 47.
Bohanon, John, 221.
Boothbay, 13, 59, 116, 117, 148,
149, 152, 263, 264.
Boothby, Joseph, 103.
Boston, 1, 3, 5, 11, 19, 27, 29, 30,
35, 36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 47, 49,
52, 56, 57, 62, 64, 65, 67, 72,
77, 79, 81, 87, 94, 95, 97, 98,
109, 111, 117, 127, 129, 135,
146, 160, 166, 174, 175, 190,
191, 212, 218, 220, 222, 224,
231, 232, 252, 255, 257, 258,
261, 266, 267, 274, 280, 281,
Boston, continued.
282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287,
288, 289, 290, 296, 297, 298,
299, 302, 305, 306, 307, 309,
330, 335, 344, 353, 364, 367,
378, 382, 383, 384, 385, 390,
402, 404, 405, 408, 410, 430,
435, 436, 440, 455, 456, 457,
458, 459, 462, 467.
Board of War, ) 27, 28, 35, 36,
War Office, J 51,52,57,62,
72, 87, 98, 111, 127, 160, 164,
266, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284,
285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290,
297, 298, 299, 307, 309.
Castle Island, 335.
Council Chamber, 172, 213, 376,
377, 386, 406, 419.
Goal, 49, 50.
Harbor, 63, 266, 364.
Independent Chronicle, the,
190, 191, 197, 432.
Newspapers, 306, 321, 387.
Port of, 136, 137.
State House, 367.
Bosworth, Nathaniel, 56, 57.
Boundary, the Eastern, 433.
Bowdoin, Esquire, 269.
James, 117, 121, 128.
James, Jr., 117, 121.
Bowdoinham, 120, 128, 129, 268,
269, 270, 413.
Bowen, Ezra, 41.
Bowker, David, 191.
Bowman, J., 442, 443, 445, 447,
450, 452, 453, 454, 455.
Jonathan, 80, 105, 110, 149, 186,
442, 447, 450, 454.
Boyd, John, 265.
Joseph, 372.
Samuel, 384.
Thomas, Jr., 264.
Boyer, Peter, 372.
Boynton, Amos, 135, 302.
Boyse, Vere, 273.
Bradford, Cornelius, 384.
Bradley, Abraham, 273.
Bragdon, Thomas, 3rd, 342, 394.
Brasdish, David, 362.
Brattle, Thomas, 357.
Brazier, Sergeant , 44.
Brewer, Col. Josiah, 10, 11, 71,
82, 105, 107, 112, 157, 158,
256, 257, 261, 273, 274, 275,
308, 315.
Brewster, Mr. , 413.
Briant, see Bryant.
Bridge, Edmund, \
Edward, J 401, 404.
Bridges, V-shua, 167, 196.
INDEX
471
Bridgetown, 41, 42, 65, 108, 332,
333, 358, 365, 372, 373.
Bristol, 13, 21, 138, 149, 264, 265,
270, 359, 360, 441, 443, 447,
450, 453, 454.
County, 178, 412, 415.
Britain, see Great Britain.
British, the, } 17, 29, 77, 78, 340,
Britains, the, 1351,363,376,390,
Britons, the, I 391, 396, 405, 432,
433, 455.
British Ambassador, the, 296.
Army, 322, 334.
Cruisers, 358.
Fleet, 65, 67, 322.
Government, 429.
King, see Great Britain, King of.
Ministry, 341.
Soldiers, 253.
Broad Bay, )
Broad Bayse, } 73, 109.
Bromswick, see Brunswick.
Brooks, Eleazer, 122, 247.
Brow, Col. , 81, 82.
Brown, Ebenezer, 390.
Brown, Henry, 305.
H. Y., 273.
Jesse, 429.
Samuel, 260, 379.
Capt. Samuel, 59.
Rev. Thomas, 200, 216.
Brownfleld, 273.
Brunswick, ) 42, 464, 465, 466,
Bromswick, j 467.
Duke of, 58.
Falls, 466, 467.
Brutus, 293, 294.
Bryant, )
Briant, } John, 74, 221.
Sam Davis, 74, 221.
Bucklin, Baruck, 409.
Burley, Andrew, 84.
Burnam, Reuben, 365, 366.
Burrel, John, 429.
Burton, Benjamin, 324.
Butler, John, 41.
Moses, 17.
Phinehas, 41.
Cabot, Andrew, 290.
George, 288.
Caesar, 293.
Caldwell, Thomas, 154.
Callahan, Charles, 92.
Callender, John, 390.
Caltron, , 167.
Camblenson, John, 221.
Cambridge, 45.
Camden, )
Cambden, } 13, 371, 408.
Negunticook Harbor, 408.
Campbell, Col. Alexander, 234,
447, 450, 451, 453.
A. V., 211.
James, 303.
Campo Bello Island, 460.
Canaan, 434, 435.
Canada, 24, 25, 29, 77, 276.
Canadian Indians, 20.
Cape Ann, 38.
Cape Breton, 77.
Cape Elizabeth, 11, 13, 42, 43,
206, 230.
Cape Sable, 29.
Cape , 253.
Capes of Delaware, the, 429.
Cargill, James, 60.
Carleton, Sir Guy, 296.
Carr, Capt. Samuel, 77, 88.
Carter, David, 84.
Ezra, 272.
Joseph, 84.
Casco Bay, 205.
Castle Island, see under Boston.
Cattarshall, , 390.
Chadbourne, Benjamin, 7, 131,
192, 198, 199, 226.
Jonathan Chesley, 178.
Joseph, 197, 199.
Silas, 429.
Chadwick, Benjamin, 103.
Chandler, Nathaniel, 357.
Peleg, 410, 411.
Chandler's River, 305, 338.
Chase, Ephm., 303.
Mathew, 186.
Chelsea, 358.
Child, )
Childs, C , of Pittsfield, 152.
Thomas, 154, 156, 165, 200, 214,
215, 257, 258.
Chilmark, 358.
Choate, Stephen, 373, 413.
Choissey, see DeChoisy.
Christopher, Joseph, 417.
Cincinnati, the, 292, 294.
Clark, Benjamin, 17.
Jonathan, 25, 42, 333.
Capt. Samuel, 391, 392.
Stephen, 17.
Cobb, Samuel, 146, 147, 183.
Cobb, Samuel M., 322, 323.
Cobin, ) Capt. Moses, 129, 452,
Coburn, j 460.
Cobscook, 305.
River, 389, 390, 432.
Cochran, Robert, 186.
472
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Codman, Richard, 208, 209, 210,
362.
Richard, Jr., 362.
Stephen, 362.
Coffin, Nathaniel, 19.
Peleg, 413.
Colburn, Jeremiah, 68.
Colburn's Town, 153.
Cole, Isaiah, 409, 410.
Colerain, 358.
Coles, John, 430, 431.
Colmar, 295.
Comings, Richard, 41.
Conant, Nathaniel, 85.
Concord. 81.
Coney, Hartson, 122, 123, 124.
Congress, see United States Con-
gress.
Connecticut, 266.
Continental Army, 52, 53, 55, 83,
87, 88, 91, 93, 94, 99, 115, 116,
156, 163, 166, 201, 203, 210,
234, 242, 263, 334, 365, 410,
423, 424, 426, 427, 428.
Money, 370, 380.
Cook, Orchard, 417.
Cooper, Daniel, 342, 394.
Cousins, Elisha, 331.
John. 331.
Coxhall, 72, 84, 87, 90, 91, 141,
142, 143, 216.
Coxes Head, 75.
Crabtree, Capt. Agreen, 445, 446,
447, 449.
Crafts, Mr. , 413.
Crane, Col. , 49.
John, V90.
Crisp, Thomas, 361.
Cromwell, Oliver, 291.
Crosby, Nicholas, 363.
Cross, Daniel Emerson, 273.
Ralph, Jr., 375.
Stephen, 375.
Cumberland, 136, 137.
County, 19, 24, 41, 42, 51, 55,
56, 60, 61, 79, 83, 85, 89, 93,
97, 101, 118, 140, 146, 147,
154, 155, 156, 158, 165, 170,
171, 174, 175, 176, 179, 185,
187, 190, 198, 200, 201, 205,
207, 208, 209, 210, 214, 215,
216, 227, 231, 255, 257, 258,
259, 262, 279, 317, 318, 333,
334, 335, 341, 342, 349, 350,
351, 353, 361, 365, 376, 394,
395, 410, 411, 412, 415, 420,
426, 429, 439, 441, 443, 444,
447, 450, 453, 454, 455, 456,
462, 463, 466.
Goal, 349, 466, 467.
Cummings, Thomas, 258.
Currie, )
Currier, ) Mr. , 460, 461.
Curtis, Ezekiel, 397.
John, 439, 441, 442, 443, 444,
447, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453,
454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459,
460, 461, 462, 463.
Capt. Nathan, 167.
Gushing, )
Cushion, j Caleb, 149.
Charles, 61.
Brig. Gen. Charles, 168, 169,
371, 372.
John, 394.
Roland, 454.
Thomas, 419.
Cutler, Timothy, 80, 209.
Cutting, John, 342.
Cutts, , 271.
Dalton, Francis, 17.
Peter Roe, 27, 35, 36, 52, 57,
62, 72, 87, 98, 111, 127, 160,
280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285,
286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 297,
298, 299, 307, 309.
Tristram, 152, 162, 164, 165,
168, 170, 171, 172, 176, 177,
178, 179, 180, 183, 185, 186,
187, 189, 191, 193, 194, 195,
197, 198, 202, 233, 247, 250,
251, 255, 275, 278, 286, 303,
304, 307, 311, 312, 313, 314,
315, 318, 319, 321, 329, 369,
372, 373, 374, 404, 427.
Damariscotta River, 263.
Damon, David, 331.
Dana, John, 381.
Dane, Mr. , 413.
Nathan, 356, 396, 426.
Danvers, 83.
Davis, Caleb, 146, 161, 162, 171.
Daniel, 362, 437.
Elias, 342.
Elijah, 429.
Ezra, 224.
Phebe, 429.
Samuel, 332, 381.
Dawes, Mr. , 413.
Day, Benjamin, 154.
Benjamin, Jr., 154.
Ebenezer, 273.
John, 154.
Moses, 273.
Deake, George, 230.
Deaue, Samuel, 421.
INDEX
473
De Choisey, ) MaJ. Gen. , 63, -5
Choissey, j 64, 67. 'f
Decker, Joseph, 417.
Deer Island, 338.
Delano, Barzillai, 12.
Delaware, the Capes of, 429.
De Lesdernier, Lieut. Louis
Frederick, 8, 25, 27, 220.
Deming, John, 372.
Dench, Capt. , 96.
Denny, Thomas, 312.
Derby, Elias Haskell, 281, 282,
283, 284, 285.
Detroit, 29.
Devens, Richard, 10, 11, 56, 74,
75, 105, 107, 162, 205, 206,
208, 214, 257, 262.
Dillaway, John, 327, 328.
Dingley, Joseph, 361.
Dodge, Barnabas, 425.
Paul, 154.
Dole, Daniel, 60.
Dollif, John, 273.
Josiah, 273.
Donnell, Abraham, 17.
Douglas, 358.
Robert, 60, 61, 62.
Downe, William, 459, 462.
Downer, Eliphalet, 311.
Downs, Thomas, 271.
Doyle, Capt. Jotham, 167.
Drew, William, 177.
Dudley's Island, 432.
Dukes County, 179, 412, 415.
Dune, Christopher, 429.
Dunhill, Benj., 174.
Dunlap, John, 466, 467.
Dunn, Capt. John Augusta, 455,
457, 461, 462.
Dunning, Benjamin, 167, 194.
Durlis, Elias, 394.
Duston, Jesse, 25.
Dwight, , 164.
Dyer, Bickford, 429.
Daniel, 224.
Capt. Henry, 193.
Micah, 342, 394.
Dyer's Rangers, 193.
E
Eastman, Jeremiah, 142.
Noar, 273.
Richard, 272, 333.
Eddy, Mr. , 304.
Jonathan, 425.
Col. Jonathan, 136.
Edwards, Dr. , 74, 221.
Stephen, 429.
Eldridge, Daniel, 429.
, Ellet, )
Eliot, j Andrew, 342, 394.
Elwell, William, 303.
Emerson, Daniel, 273.
Emery, Joseph, 273.
England, 29.
English, the, 77;
see also under British, the.
Engserll, Jonathan, 74.
Erecherbucts, Village of the, 77.
Essex, Newspapers, 432.
County, 83, 93, 412, 415.
Evans, Capt. John, 108.
Eveleth, Nathaniel, 411.
Fabyan, Joshua, 164.
Fairfield, Samuel, 156.
Fales, David, 326.
Samuel, 178.
Falmouth, 19, 42, 43, 44, 60, 61,
79, 83, 89, 90, 146, 147, 154,
156, 158, 160, 162, 163, 164,
168, 171, 174, 175, 187, 198,
200, 202, 205, 206, 207, 208,
209, 210, 215, 216, 231, 255,
257, 262, 263, 302, 309, 342,
349, 350, 386, 398, 406, 408,
419, 421, 422, 439, 440, 441,
443, 444, 456, 457, 462, 463.
First Parish, 420, 421, 422.
Goal, 169, 171, 376.
Harbor, 362.
King Street, 209, 210.
Meeting House, 421.
Middle Street, 209.
Neck, 214, 262, 309.
Parsonage Lands, the, 420, 421,
422.
Post, to be continued, 14, 15.
Whipping Post, 61.
Farington, Daniel, 272.
John, 273.
Farnsworth, Jonas, 10, 302.
Finning, Benjamin, 394.
Fisk, Daniel, 381.
John, 296, 297, 298.
Fhi, John, 49.
Fisher, Jabez, 212.
Fitzherbert, Allieune, 58.
Flagg, Josiah, 221.
Flagin, Fergus, 103.
Fleet, Capt. , 266.
Fling, Coffin, 84.
Flint, Benjamin, 154.
Jesse, 154.
Thomas, 154.
Fogg, Reuben, 399.
474
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Forts and Garrisons, 11, 28, 29,
207.
Forts at Cape Elizabeth, 44.
at Castle Island, 335.
at Falmouth, 207, 262.
at Lincoln County, 255.
at Machias, 39, 133, 134, 219,
341.
at Magabigwaduce, 69, 150,
163, 169, 322.
at New York, 188.
at Penobscot, 66, 161, 187, 188,
189, 334.
at Pownalborough, 120.
at Rutland, 203.
Fort Cumberland, 136.
Halifax, 10, 11, 68, 70, 71, 81,
82, 105, 112, 261, 273, 274,
308, 310, 312.
Fort House, 308, 315.
Truck House, 106, 274.
How, 28.
Western, 120.
Weston, 11.
Forrester, Simon, 98.
Fosdick, James, 362.
Nathaniel F., 362.
Fosteal, Steal, 466.
Foster, Benjamin, 302, 304, 341.
John, 72, 302.
Levi, 302.
Robert, 6.
Woorden, 302.
Fox, John, 362.
Richard, 271.
Framingham, 358.
France, 58, 77, 279.
Frazier, Mr. , 96, 171.
Thomas, 17.
Freedman, Enoch, Jr., 362.
Freeland, John, 31, 32, 33.
Thomas, 34.
Freeman, Ebenezer, 230.
Enoch, 200, 209, 216, 262, 263.
Joshua, 408.
Samuel, 14, 15, 148, 156, 171,
200, 202, 209, 215, 231, 258,
259, 349, 350, 420.
French, the, 28, 296.
Army, the, 274.
Fleet, the, 63, 65, 66.
General, the, 274.
Minister, the, 294, 295.
Priest, see Berthiaume, Juni-
per.
Frenchman's Bay, 17, 18, 210,
234, 336, 343, 439, 441, 442,
443, 444, 446, 447, 449, 450,
451, 452, 453, 454, 459, 463.
Frenchmen, 295.
Frost, Brig. Gen. , 108.
Enoch, 429.
John, 145.
William, Jr., 184, 185.
Frothingham, Mr. , 457.
John, 422.
William, 390.
Frye, Simon, 34, 35, 44, 45, 49,
50, 114, 115, 122, 186.
Fryeburg, 19, 20, 34, 35, 41, 42,
45, 49, 50, 55, 107, 108, 122,
272, 319, 320, 332, 333.
Fuller, A., 413, 416.
Abram, 413.
Fullerton, Ebenezer, 148, 150,
151, 254.
Fulton, James, 466.
Furman, Briggs, 154.
G
Gamage, Daniel, 45.
Gardner, ) Mr. , treasurer,
Gardiner, j 391.
David, 302, 303.
David, Jr., 302.
John, Jr., 289, 298, 299.
Jonathan, 3rd, 283.
Sylvester, 92.
Dr. Sylvester, 401, 402.
Gardinerstown, 1, 3.
Garish, George, Jr., 394.
Nathaniel, 394.
see also Garist.
Garist, Nat., 394.
Gascomb, 1
Gatcomb, J 17, 18.
Gavist, Nat., 342.
George III., 58.
Georges, see St. Georges.
Georgetown, 68, 321, 358, 377,
412, 454.
Gerish, George, Jr., 342.
Nathaniel, 342.
William, 342, 394.
see also Garish.
Germans, the, 21.
Gile, David, 85.
Gilpatrick, Thomas, 400, 404.
Goldthwait, Elizabeth, 435, 436.
Ezekiel, 435.
Thomas, 436.
Goodhue, Benj., 281, 282, 283, 284,
285.
Capt. Benj., Jr., 98.
Goodman, Nath., 370.
Goodwin, Amos, 342, 394.
Dominicus, 184, 185, 342, 394.
Samuel, 400, 401, 402, 403.
Silas, 342, 394.
INDEX
475
Googin, Thomas, 17.
Gorham, 83, 93, 358, 398.
Gorham, Nathaniel, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
15, 16, 18, 31, 32, 36, 37, 43,
45, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 56,
83, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96,
97, 100, 101, 102, 109, 110, 112,
113, 114, 120, 123, 129, 130,
133 145
William, 147, 156, 200, 214.
Gott, Peter, 331.
Gould, Benjamin, 430.
Gouldsborough, 300, 314, 335, 336,
339, 343, 344.
Grafton, 358.
Graling, Josiah, 332.
Grant, Jasper, 167, 196.
Graves, Admiral Samuel, 407.
Gray, 412.
Great Britain, 58, 59, 120, 229,
263, 276, 279, 339, 341, 351,
352
the King of, 229, 230, 352, 355,
376, 423, 459.
Great Ossipee River, 222.
Great Sebascodegin, 397.
Green, 1
Greene, j David, 357.
William, 362.
Greenfield, 358.
Greenleaf, Amos, 362.
Joseph, 362.
Capt. Moses, 7.
Greenwich, 358.
Greenwood, | Miles,
( Niles, 127.
Grow, Col. , 89, 100, 172.
Edward, 4, 114, 115, 196, 357.
Capt. William, 4, 5, 36, 37, 38.
Guillermain, , interpreter,
81.
Gurney, Elisha, 314.
H
Haize, John, 60.
Haldimand, Gen. Frederick, 29.
Haley, John, 273.
Halifax, 29, 77, 159.
Governor of, 377.
plan, 432.
Hall, Dr. , 171.
Ebenezer, 141, 144.
Elizabeth, 31, 32, 33.
Nathan, 32, 33.
Stephen, 305.
William, 271.
Hallowell, 1, 3, 10, 71, 120, 122,
256, 261, 400.
Hammond, , 167.
John, 17.
Hamon, Daniel, 331.
John, 331.
Hamor, John, 450, 451.
Hampshire County, 177, 412, 415.
Hancock, 434, 435.
John, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 18, 30, 31,
32, 37, 43, 45, 47, 49, 50, 51,
53, 55, 56, 59, 63, 64, 67, 79,
81, 82, 90, 91, 93, 94, 97, 101,
102, 109, 110, 112, 113, 114,
123, 129, 130, 133, 136, 145,
162, 165, 168, 170, 172, 176,
177, 178, 179, 180, 183, 185,
186, 187, 193, 194, 195, 197,
198, 203, 213, 218, 219, 220,
221, 233, 250, 251, 307, 322,
364, 367, 376, 377, 378, 406.
Hanscome, Aaron, 302.
Harding, Stephen, 362.
Hardison, Nathaniel, 17.
Stephen, 17, 18.
Harmon, Benjamin, 143, 144.
Harmon's Mill Creek, 398.
Harper, William, 3G2, 384.
Harpswell, 97, 98, 118, 119, 121,
128, 129, 166, 167, 194, 269,
397.
Harbor, 166.
Harris, Samuel, 384.
William, 411.
Hart, Elizabeth, 271.
John, 452.
Joseph, 271.
Harvey, James, 84.
Haslam, George, 332.
Hastings, John, 413.
Hatch, Asa, 429.
Ezekiel, 429.
Hawes, Matthias, 41.
Moses, 41.
Nathaniel, 84.
Hazard, Ebenezer, 14.
Heath, Gen. William, 203, 204,
205.
Henley, Father , 26.
Henshaw, Samuel, 177.
Hersey, ) Nathaniel, 122, 123,
Hearsey, J 125, 126.
Hibbert, Joseph, 37, 38, 39.
Higgins, )
Higgens, } Israel, 331.
Jesse, 331.
Levi, 331.
Higginson, Mr. , 187.
Stephen, 285.
Hilbert, Capt. Joseph, 4.
Hilborn, Robert, 362.
Hiler, Jacob, 382.
4T6
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Hiler, continued.
Simon, 382.
Hill, Mr. , 49.
Elisha, Jr., 394.
Elisha, 3rd, 342.
Hill, Hugh. 373, 374, 375.
John, 142, 145, 396.
Thomas, 343, 453.
Hilton, John, 402.
Hine, Richard, 429.
Hingham, 358.
Hiscock, John, 154.
Thomas, 154.
Hobby, William, 362.
Hodgdon, Timothy, 137, 138, 176,
177.
Hodge, Henry, 72, 417.
M., 454.
Robert, 417.
Hodgkins, )
Hodskins, (Edward, 331.
Moses, 445, 446.
Philip, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443,
444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449,
450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455,
456, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462,
463.
Mrs. Philip, 441, 444, 445, 447.
Holmes, Luther, 74.
Homer, Luther, 221.
Hooper, Mr. , 413.
Benjamin, 396.
Capt. Benjamin, 319.
David, 17.
Stephen, 375.
Hopkins, John, 4, 5, 36, 37, 38,
137.
William, 332.
Hopkinton, )
Hopkinstown, ] 32, 33, 34.
Horns, J., 81.
Hosmer, Mr. , 247, 304, 319,
413
Hovey, John, 211, 212, 252.
Howard, James, 71, 122, 123, 124,
125, 126, 400.
Joshua, 228.
Capt. Samuel, 11, 52, 106, 257.
Susanna, 122, 123, 124, 125.
Col. William, 10, 71, 256, 257,
261, 262.
Howardstown, 413.
Howe, Mr. , 303.
Hubertstown, 84.
Hudson, Timothy, 274.
Huff, Charles, 212, 252.
Humphreys, David, 154.
Thomas, 154.
Hunt, Elijah, 177.
Ephraiui, 60.
Hunter, Arthur, 465.
Henry, 265.
Henter, 140.
James, 465.
James, Jr., 465.
Col. James, 15, 16, 73, 75, 76,
109.
Hunter, Maj. James, 161, 189,
190.
Robert, 466.
Huntriss, Pearson, 273, 362.
Hussey, Lieut. Samuel, 109.
Hutinge, Simeon, 272.
Hutchinson, Israel, 83.
Margaret, 142, 144.
Gov. Thomas, 141, 142, 144,
145.
Ilsley, Enoch, 362, 408.
Hosea, 362.
Isaac, 25.
Independent Chronicle, The, 190,
191, 197, 432.
Indians, ) 11, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27,
Savages, j 28, 30, 42, 49, 54, 68,
69, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78, 81, 82, 106,
107, 111, 112, 134, 135, 157,
158, 171, 172, 180, 218, 219,
261, 273, 274, 332, 333, 352,
354, 396.
Eastern, 54, 69, 71, 81.
see also under tribal names.
Ingersoll, George, 390.
Jonathan, 221.
Ingulls, Samuel, 25.
Ireland, 58, 140.
Ivers, Thomas, 27, 36, 52, 57, 62,
72, 87, 98, 111, 127, 160, 197,
280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285,
286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 297,
298, 299, 307, 309, 372, 398,
439.
Jackman, Joseph, 362.
Jackson, David, 390.
Col. Henry, 409, 410.
Thomas, 390.
Jacques, Benjamin, 119, 120, 121.
Jefferson, Thomas, 392.
Jeffries, David, 117, 121.
Jellson, Benjamin, 332.
Jenkins, , 448.
Jepson, Benjamin, 404.
Jewett, James, 362.
Jincen, an Indian, 19.
Johnston, Thomas, 140.
INDEX
4YY
Johnson, Isaac, 84.
James, 60.
John, 17.
Jonathan, 143, 144.
Robert, 35.
Jolly, William, 362.
Jones, Abraham, 409.
Ephraim, 208, 209, 210.
Jabez, 200, 216.
Col. Nathan, 343.
Stephen, 135, 302, 341.
William, 265, 359, 360.
Jordan, Benjamin, 12.
Nathaniel, 332.
Solomon, 332.
Joy, Benjamin, 332.
John, 332.
Samuel, 332.
K
3 ' I
3, 5 57, 68,
121, 312.
Kennebec,
Quenebec,
Company, 120.
Purchase, the, 2, 128.
River, 2, 3, 23, 81, 82, 157, 168,
169, 273, 308, 310, 312, 354,
358, 399, 434, 435.
Kennebeck, 39.
Kennedy, Samuel, 24, 226.
Kent, John, 362.
Killgore, Benjamin, 273.
Kimball, Asa, 452, 460.
Benjamin, 365, 366.
David, 84.
Ezra, 88.
Richard, 108, 273, 319.
King, Mrs. , 369, 457.
Benjamin, 342.
Rufus, 432.
Kingsbury, John, 157.
Kinney, John, 362.
Knap, Jesse, 365, 366.
Knight, Nathan, 409.
Stephen, 273.
Lacour, )
Lecour, j Mr. , 29, 79.
LaFayette, Marquis de, 248, 405.
Lake Erie, 29.
Lambord, Butler, 429.
Lancaster, Rev. Thomas, 85, 86,
101, 102, 103.
Lane, Abenezer, )
Lane, Ebenezer, C 410, 411.
John, 19, 20, 30.
Thomas, 1, 3, 9.
Langdon, Jonathan, 417.
Timothy, 454.
William, 125, 126.
Lapell, Asa, 72.
Larmond, see Lermond.
Larrabe, Benjamin, 399.
Nathaniel, 465.
Learned, Ebenezer, 381.
Lebanon, 184, 358.
Lechmore, Richard, 1, 2.
Lecour, see Lacour.
Lee, Arthur, 7.
Daniel, 305.
John, 92.
Leicester, 312.
Leland, Ezra, 331.
Lermond, ) William, 268, 275,
Larmond, J 280, 326, 327, 378.
Lewis, Mr. , 96.
John, 200, 209, 215, 227, 250,
349, 413.
Morgan, 85.
Lewiston, 436, 437, 438.
Libbee, ]
Libbey, [ Benjamin, 83.
Libby, J
Ebenezer, 103.
Hannah, 104.
Joseph, 135, 303, 304, 341.
Nehemiah, 85, 86, 102, 103.
Peter, 60.
Reuben, 305.
Richard, 104.
Light House, Boston Harbor, 364.
Money for York, 397.
Wanted, 361, 362.
Lillie, Jonathan, 390.
Limerick, 412.
Lincoln, Capt. Amos, 410, 411.
Benjamin, 426, 427, 428.
Maj. Gen. Benjamin, 187.
County, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22,
32, 40, 47, 48, 51, 60, 61, 79,
80, 91, 92, 97, 98, 104, 105,
110, 118, 122, 123, 125, 126,
138, 146, 148, 149, 152, 163,
168, 169, 178, 179, 186, 194,
195, 201, 224, 227, 234, 255,
264, 268, 270, 278, 300, 302,
304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 311,
312, 313, 315, 317, 318, 323,
324, 327, 335, 343, 345, 346,
347, 348, 354, 359, 360, 367,
368, 369, 378, 382, 390, 399,
400, 401, 404, 412, 415, 517,
426, 428, 431, 432, 434, 436,
438, 439, 441, 442, 443, 446,
447, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453,
454, 455, 456, 462, 463, 465,
466.
4Y8
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Liniken, ) , a mariner,
Linnekin, } 166, 167.
John, 13, 14.
Lithgow, Col. and Maj. William,
55, 68, 71, 80, 83, 96, 111, 146,
157, 158, 171, 371, 372, 400,
442.
William, Jr., 227, 369, 371, 454,
456, 457.
Littel, Henry, 384.
Little, Capt. , 39, 73, 75, 214.
Falls, 84, 192, 193, 197, 199, 216,
217, 412.
George, 129.
James, 24, 226.
Moses, 7.
Ossipee River, 222.
Livermore, 426.
Liverpool, 408.
Lombard, Nathaniel, 429.
London, 1, 9.
Court of, the, 432.
St. James, 59.
Long Island, 13, 382, 383.
Longfellow, , 100.
David, 302.
Nathan, 135, 302.
Stephen, 185, 186.
Stephen, Jr., 93, 94.
Lord, Benjamin Meade, 319.
Lord, Isaac, 332.
Jacob, Jr., 342, 394.
Lotteries, 272, 273, 319, 320, 321.
Lovejoy, Abiel, 124, 125.
Lovell, Mr. , 152.
Ebenezer, 310.
Gen. Solomon, 62, 72, 172, 270.
Lovett, Benjamin, Jr., 287.
John, 288, 289.
Low, Capt. John, 72.
Lowdar, : , 54.
Lowell, A., 362.
John, 392.
Lowther, Jonathan, 362.
Lucas, John, 391.
Lucy, George, 302.
Ludwig, Jacob, 20, 21, 98, 228.
Lunenburg, Duke of, 58.
Lunt, James, 198, 199, 342, 343.
James, Jr., 362.
Luzerne, Chevalier de la, 67, 294,
296.
Lynn, 358.
M
McArthur, John, 224.
McCobb, George, 6.
James, 400.
McCobb, continued.
Samuel, 98.
Col. Samuel, 16, 71, 161, 172,
189.
William, 13, 14, 148, 152, 254,
264.
McCurdy, James, 384.
McDaniel, Timothy, 399.
McFarland, Capt. , 410.
Walter, 33.
McFording, Thomas, 332.
McGlathry, 57.
McGuire, ) Patrick, 148, 150,
McGuyer, f 151, 254.
Thomas, 13, 14, 148, 150, 151,
254.
Mclntyre, John, 326, 327.
William, 265.
McLellan, Hugh, 186, 362.
Joseph, 362.
Capt. Joseph, 79, 80, 168, 170,
186.
McNeil, Hector, 429, 430, 431.
Mcorber, John, 382.
Machias, 6, 8, 9, 10, 28, 39, 53,
73, 74, 76, 78, 82, 95, 96, 113,
114, 133, 135, 136, 218, 219,
300, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306,
313, 314, 330, 331, 337, 338,
339, 340, 341, 343, 344, 345,
346, 347, 348, 351, 413.
Block House, 341.
Company Store, 100, 101.
Meeting House, 341.
Port of, 96, 111, 112, 130.
River, 344.
Maddocks, Henry, 332.
Ichabod, 332.
Joshua, 332.
Magabigwaduce, 13, 14, 17, 40,
69, 150, 162, 168, 263, 300,
301, 308, 322, 338, 408, 409.
Barracks, etc., 322, 323.
Maggaeadava River, 432.
Mail, see Post.
Main, Province of, 276, 310, 314,
315.
Malcom, Andrew, 382.
Maps, of New England, 429, 431,
432.
Marbois, Francois de Barbe, 292,
295.
Marlboro, 358.
Marquand, Joseph, 280.
Marshall, David, 25.
Martial Law proclaimed, 194,
195.
Martin, Philip, 17.
Maryland, 292.
Mason, David, 390.
INDEX
479
Massabeeseck, 84, 85, 412.
Massachusetts, Commonwealth
and State of, 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9,
12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21,
22, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31, 32, 34,
35, 36, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,
46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55,
56, 57, 60, 61, 62, 67, 69, 70,
72, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 87, 88,
89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96,
97, 99, 100, 101, 104, 107, 108,
109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 116, 117, 122, 127, 128,
130, 131, 132, 133, 136, 137,
140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146,
147, 148, 152, 154, 158, 159,
160, 161, 162, 165, 167, 168,
170, 171, 174, 175, 176, 177,
178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183,
184, 185, 187, 188, 189, 190,
193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198,
199, 200, 201, 204, 205, 206,
208, 211, 213, 214, 215, 218,
221, 222, 223, 224, 226, 229,
232, 234, 247, 248, 250, 251,
252, 253, 254, 255, 261, 263,
264, 266, 267, 268, 270, 271,
272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277,
278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283,
284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289,
290, 297, 298, 299, 300, 302,
303, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310,
311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316,
317, 318, 319, 320, 323, 324,
327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332,
333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 342,
343, 344, 346, 347, 348, 349,
350, 351, 352, 354, 355, 356,
357, 358, 361, 362, 363, 364,
365, 366, 367, 369, 370, 371,
373, 374, 376, 377, 378, 379,
380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385,
386, 388, 390, 391, 392, 393,
394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399,
400, 401, 405, 406, 409, 410,
412, 413, 414, 416, 417, 419,
.422, 423, 426, 428, 429, 431,
432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437,
438, 439, 441, 453, 459, 460,
463, 464, 467.
Bay, Province of, 276, 423.
Mayo, John, 381.
Joseph, 331.
Simon, 174, 175.
Megray, Lemuel, 342, 394.
Mellen, Henry, 33.
Merah, John, 332.
Merril, )
Mirrel, j Abiel, 177.
Benjamin, 437.
Merril, continued.
John, 465.
Moses, 411.
Nathaniel, 42, 273.
Meryman, Thomas, 384.
Meserve's Island, 103.
Micmacs, the, 77.
Moose Island, 432.
Middlesex County, 31, 32, 178,
412, 415.
Mifflin, Thomas, 279.
Milford, 358.
Millar, |
Miller, } David, 224.
James, Jr., 224.
Nickels, 384.
Robert, 384.
Milton, 1, 9.
Minot, Stephen, 408, 409.
Mirrell, see Merril.
Mitchell, Daniel, 36.
Money, Continental, 370, 380.
Montreal, 29.
Moody, Clement, 84.
Enoch, 362.
Nathaniel, 362.
Moose Island, 305.
Morgen, Benjamin, 429.
Morrison, Joseph, 332.
Morss, Jonathan, 362.
Motley, Thomas, 349, 350, 351,
362.
Moulton, Daniel, 39, 144.
Mount Desert, 229, 329, 331, 336,
343, 446, 448, 450, 455, 458.
Mowatt, Capt. Henry, 406, 407.
Mowen, Bristo, 429.
Mumicken, the Court of, 295.
Munson, Joseph, 302.
Stephen, 302.
Murphy, Daniel, 362, 442.
Murray, Samuel, 272.
Muslaid, James, 465.
N
Nantucket County, 179, 302, 412,
415.
Narraguagus, 343.
Naskeeg, 338.
Nason, Sarah, 167, 195, 196.
Shubal, 167, 195.
Neal, Edmund, 342, 394.
Negunticook Harbor, 408.
Nelson, Jeremiah, 400, 404.
Neptune, Capt. John, 157, 180.
Netherlands, the, 29.
Nevens, Capt. , 99.
New England, 39.
Map of, 429, 431, 432.
480
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
New Gloucester, 410, 411, 412.
New Hampshire, 272, 276.
New London, 266.
New Plymouth, Colony of, 128.
New York City, 65, 67, 159, 188.
State, 163.
Newburgh, Headquarters, 63, 64,
187, 234.
Newbury, 75, 79.
Newburyport, 375, 453, 454, 460.
Newcastle, 22, 24, 224, 225, 226.
Newport, 144.
Nichols, )
Nickels, J Alexander, 21, 22, 98.
Israel, 413.
James, 384.
Capt. William, 299, 336, 343,
344
Niles, Jonathan, 74, 221.
Nonsuch River, 103.
Norman, John, 430, 431.
Norridgewalk, 413.
North, Joseph, 178.
Col. Joseph, 59, 71, 122, 123,
125, 126.
North Yarmouth, 447, 449, 451,
453.
Norwood, Joshua, 331.
Stephen, 331.
Nova Scotia, 29, 77, 78, 79, 136,
229, 276, 293, 340, 351, 352,
452.
Noyes, David, 362.
James T., 362.
Joseph, 160, 408.
Moses, 362.
Peter, 83.
Nutt, David, 409.
Nutter, Jonathan, 382.
Nye, David, 392.
Joseph, 178.
O
Oakesman, Capt. Samuel, 105.
Oakham, 358.
Capt. Tobias, 257.
O'Brian, )
O'Brien, ] Capt. , 55, 75.
Morris, 135, 302, 304, 341.
Ogier, Abraham, 408.
Oliver, Lieut. Gov. Andres, 142,
144.
Mary, 142, 144.
Orange, 358.
Orinos, the, 106.
Osgood, Benjamin, 273.
James, 273.
Jonathan, 60.
Joshua B., 273, 319.
Ossipee River, 131, 222.
Otis, Mr. , 55, 392.
Samuel A., 249, 322, 337, 343,
345, 350, 354, 356, 383, 389
395, 396, 405, 413, 418, 420,
427, 429, 431, 433, 435, 438,
463, 465, 467.
Otisfleld, 118, 423, 428.
Owen, William, 466, 467.
Oxford, 379.
Oxnard, Martha, 89, 90.
Thomas, 349, 350, 351, 357, 386.
Packard, Micah, 382.
Packets, see Vessels.
Page, Robert, 426.
Paine, Samuel, 411.
Thomas, 154.
Palmer, 358.
Pardee, Aaron, 390.
Paris, 279, 341.
Parker, Benjamin, 60, 342.
Benjamin, Jr., 394.
James, 273.
Mary, 230.
Nathaniel, 429.
Parr, John, Governor of Nova
Scotia, 377.
Parsons, Isaac, 164, 411.
Josiah, 196.
Partridge, Elisha, 41.
Passamaquoddy, 8, 27, 134, 300,
305, 314, 340, 351, 451, 453,
455, 456, 458, 460.
Bay, 352, 353, 432.
Indians, 76, 77.
Moose Island, 305.
Narrows, the, 459.
River, 29, 432.
Pattee, ) Col. and Maj. Ezekiel,
Pattie, | 67, 68, 70, 157, 261, 435.
Patterson, William, 417.
Peabody, John, 365, 366.
Pearsontown, 185, 310, 412.
Peele, Jonathan, 290, 297, 309.
Peirce, Mr. , 413.
George, 362.
John, 314, 315, 390.
Pejepscot Claims, the, 317, 318,
319.
Pemberton, Mr. , 13.
Pendleton, Samuel, 382, 383.
Penobscot, 11, 19, 36, 38, 48, 51,
54, 65, 89, 90, 98, 129, 137,
138, 187, 188, 189, 227, 312,
314, 321, 334, 338, 341, 358,
363, 364, 371, 424, 436.
Bay, 129, 259, 382, 390.
INDEX
481
Penobscot Cartel, the, 4, 37, 38.
Expedition, 27, 35, 36, 51, 52,
57, 62, 63, 65, 72, 87, 111,
126, 127, 160, 161, 266, 280,
281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286,
287, 288, 289, 290, 296, 297,
298, 299, 307, 309, 404.
Indians, 46, 47, 71, 106, 157,
171, 180, 231, 232, 233, 384,
385, 396, 425.
Port of, 63, 363.
River, 23, 54, 68, 71, 225, 301,
302, 306, 308, 310, 311, 312,
313, 322, 330, 335, 336, 338,
343, 344, 354, 371, 372, 396,
425.
Pepbles, )
Pepble, J Patrick, 48, 280, 410.
Pepperell, 358.
Lady Mary, 192, 197, 198, 199.
Sir William, 2nd, 192, 199.
192.
Sir William, 2nd., 192, 199.
Pepperelborough, 272, 358.
Perkins, William, 390.
Perley, Enoch, 42, 333, 365, 366.
Perry, John, 303.
Lieut. Robert, 38, 39.
Pettigrow, Benjamin, 303.
Pettingell, Maj. J., 49.
Peusty, Francis, 154.
Philadelphia, 279, 292, 295.
Phillips, Mr. , 247, 392.
Bridget, 131, 192.
Joseph B., 220.
Samuel, Jr., 247, 356, 426.
William, 131, 192.
Phillipstown, 131.
Phinney, Edward, 164.
James, 362.
Phips, David, 92.
Pike, Timothy, 420.
Pineo, Jonathan, 303.
Pinkham, Ichabod, 264.
Capt. Ichabod, 148.
Piscataqua River, 276.
Pitts, John, 55, 111.
Pittsfield, 152.
Pittstown, )
Pittston, ( 120, 125, 413.
Plaisted, John, 342, 394.
Pleasant River, 337, 343.
Plumer, Moses, 362.
Plymouth County, 178, 412, 415.
Poland, Benjamin, 362.
Pollard, Moses, 429.
Polley, Alpheus, 303.
Pomeroy, Capt. Richard, 129.
Ponobscot, see Penobscot.
Pool, Abijah, 362.
Porter, Benjamin, 135.
Thomas, 93, 94, 95.
Portsmouth, 14, 15.
Post to be continued, 14, 15.
Potter, James, 466.
Pownalborough, 1, 3, 60, 80, 120,
122, 124, 186, 300, 302, 331,
340, 345, 399, 400, 401, 403,
412, 416, 417, 439, 441, 442,
443, 447, 449, 454, 455.
Goal, 120, 148, 149.
Preble, Ab ra ., 270.
Col. Ebenezer, 19.
Jedediah, 165, 172, 201, 263.
Jedediah, Jr., 371, 372.
Jere., 54.
Capt. John, 96, 99, 100, 101,
220, 456, 458, 461.
Prescott, Lemuel, 390.
Presumpscot River, 45.
Priest, a French, see Berthiaume,
Juniper.
an Irish, 26.
Prince, Capt. , 266.
Capt. Edward, 38, 39.
Joseph, 402, 403.
Princeton, 291, 292.
Privateers, see Vessels.
Purrington, James, 362.
Stephen, 42.
Putnam, Bartholomew, 98.
Rufus, 426, 428, 432.
Q
Quebec, 29, 42, 252.
River, see Kennebec River.
Quenebec, see Kennebec.
Quincy, Edmund, 456, 459, 462.
B
Randal, Stephen, 12, 13.
Randel, Jack, 362.
Ray, William, 303.
Raymonton, )
Raymontown, C 140, 360, 361, 412.
Read, William, 154.
Recollect, a, see Berthiaume,
Juniper.
Reed, Andrew, 72.
Lieut.-Col. Andrew, 148.
Capt. Joseph, 62.
Thomas, 362.
Kendall, Capt. George, 37.
Rhode Island, 274, 448.
Rich, Ezekiel, 224.
Joseph, 302.
Richards, James, 408.
32
482
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Richardson, Daniel, 331.
James, 331, 336, 343, 344.
James, Jr., 331.
John Gott, 331.
Stephen, 331.
Thomas, 331.
Thomas, Jr., 331.
Richmond, Mr. , 413.
Ricker, Joshua, 88.
Tobias, 342, 394.
Riggs, Daniel, 362.
Rill, James, 224.
Rittal, Francis, 80, 168, 186.
River Cobscook, 389, 390, 432.
Rivers, Archibald, 384.
Robbins, }
Robins, J Mr. , 390.
David, 41.
Ebenezer, 41.
E. H., 175.
Jesse, 41.
Oliver, Jr., 260, 379.
Philip, 40, 41.
Robinson, Florence, 326.
Moses, 6.
Thomas, 362, 391.
Rochambeau, Count de, 63, 64, 65.
Rodic, )
Rodick, j Daniel, 331.
John, 167, 194, 397.
Rollings, John, 154.
Samuel, 154.
Rose, Thomas, 437.
Ross, Capt. Thomas, 159.
Rowe, Mr. , 392.
John, 3.
Rows, Mr. , 247.
Roxbury, 177.
Royall, Eliah, 410, 411.
Royalsborough, 412.
Royalston, 358.
Runnels, Sergt. Samuel, 221.
Russell, Benjamin, 25.
Edward, 270.
Sargt. Samuel, 74.
Rust, Joseph, 154.
Rutland, 203.
S
Saco River, 7, 131, 222, 271, 272,
273, 319.
Great Falls, 272.
Sedgwick, Mr. , 247.
Sagadahoc River, 229.
St. Croix River, 77, 276, 300, 316,
340 355
St. Georges, 76, 264, 324, 326, 413.
Lower Town, 5, 6, 323, 324, 326,
329, 381, 382.
St. Georges, continued.
River, 268, 323, 325, 327, 328,
382.
River Falls, 325, 337.
St. Johns, 28, 29, 54, 452, 458.
Indians, 26, 28, 76, 77.
River, 28, 29, 54, 77, 136, 137,
460, 461.
St. Lawrence River, 29.
Salem, 358, 363, 461.
Salsby, Ebenezer, 331.
Sampson, Melzar, 307.
Sandy River, 152, 153, 154.
Sanford, 85, 131, 141, 142, 143,
144, 184, 412.
Grizzel, 142, 144.
Peleg, 143, 144.
Thomas, 362.
William, 144.
Sargent, Paul D., 390.
Savage, Daniel, 454.
Savages, see Indians.
Sawasen, an Indian, 19.
Sawyer, Benjamin, 117.
Ebenezer, 224.
Jacob, 154.
Joseph, 60, 224.
Joshua, 224.
Nathaniel, 224.
Peter, 224.
Scarborough, 101, 102, 104, 398.
Beach Ridge, 85, 102.
County Road, 398.
First Parish, 85, 86, 101, 102,
103, 398, 399.
Harmons Mill Creek, JJ98.
Meserve's Island, 103.
Mill Creek, 104.
Nonsuch River, 103.
Second Parish, 398.
Schoduck, \
Schoodie, j River, 8, 9, 432.
Scipio, a negro, 257, 258, 259.
Scott, John, 362.
Scribner, Daniel, 84.
Samuel, 84.
Seamon, Daniel, 17.
Sebascodegin Island, 397.
Sedgewick, Theodore, 391.
Sevey, Jonathan, 72.
Sewall, Judge , 397.
Abigail, 45.
Daniel, 179.
David, 131, 191, 193, 197, 199.
Dummer, 14.
John, Jr., 179.
Joseph, 197.
Nicholas, 157, 196.
Samuel, 45.
Thomas, 125, 126.
ItfDEX
483
Shannon, I. Noble, 135.
J. Noble, 302, 341.
Shapleigh, Nicholas, 184.
Shattuck, Somers, 362.
Shaw, Francis, 313, 314, 341, 343,
344, 366.
Nathaniel, 266.
William, 344.
Sheepscott, 270.
River, 263, 401, 402, 416.
Shepherdsfield, 342, 394, 395.
Shrewsbury, 358.
Shute, Elizabeth, 372.
Silvester, see Sylvester.
Simonton, James, 362.
John, 260, 379.
Simpson, Joseph, 157, 196.
Simpson, Joseph, Jr., 143, 144.
Skinner, Lieut. Aaron, 180.
Sladon, Seth, 429.
Small, Daniel, 222, 224.
Francis, 224.
Isaac, 224.
Jacob, 224.
James, 224.
Reuben, 224.
Samuel, 200, 209, 215, 222, 399.
Timothy, 224.
Smead, Mr. , 413.
Smith, Asa, 401, 402, 403, 404.
David, 362.
Edward, 217.
Ezra, 390.
George, 140, 141.
Israel, 84.
James, 332.
Jeremiah, 84.
John, 84, 332.
Jonathan, 84.
Jno. K., 390.
Stephen, 100, 101, 130, 135, 302,
304, 341.
Thomas, 421.
Timothy, 331.
William, 174.
Snow, Isaac, 97, 118, 119, 120.
Somes, Abraham, 331.
Sour Dabscotts Mills, 310, 312.
South Brimfleld, 358.
South Carolina, the Governor of,
363.
Southampton, 358.
Southboro, 358.
Southworth, John, 35, 36.
Sparhawk, Mrs. , 192, 198,
199.
John, 137, 176, 177.
William Pepperell, 192.
Spooner, George, 357.
Sprague, Joseph, 290.
Springer, John, 17.
Springfield, 411.
Newspapers, 432.
Stafford, John R., 390.
Stanwood, William, 466.
Starkweather, E., 372.
Stearns, Capt. , 55.
Stenson, John, 254.
Starlington, 40, 413.
Stevens, Asa, 362.
Edmund, 303.
Jonathan, 336, 343.
Joseph, 224.
Thomas, 309.
Stillman, George, 39, 40, 135, 302.
Stimson, Ebenezer, 72.
Stone, Daniel, 302.
John, 36, 37, 38, 39.
Joshua, 231, 362.
M., 5.
Stoneham, 358.
Storer, Seth, 362.
Woodbury, 363.
Stowe, 358.
Straits of Bell Isle, 429.
Strong, Caleb, 392.
Strout, David, 42, 43, 44.
Enoch, 224.
Joshua, 342, 394.
Richard, 224.
Stroutwater, 209, 210, 214, 216.
Sudbury, 358.
Sudbury Canada, ) 24, 25, 41, 42,
Sudbere Canada, J 55, 107, 332,
333 334
Suffolk 'County, 1, 9, 49, 177, 178,
266, 412, 414, 415, 456, 458,
459, 462.
Sullivan, Mr. , 319, 369, 390.
James, 322, 402.
Sumner, Hopestill, 48.
Sutton, 358.
Swan, James, 25.
Joseph G., 273.
Swett, Joseph, 84.
Sylvester, ) 342, 358, 394, 395,
Silvester, } 428.
Symmes, John, 111.
Symons, Hartaken, 142.
T
Talbot, Peter, 302.
Tapkin, John, 390.
Tarbox, Eliakim, 224.
Capt. Ezekiel, 281.
Tarr, Andrew, 331.
Tate, George, 209, 258.
William, 1, 2, 3, 9, 10.
Tebbets, Jacob, 372.
484
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Templeton, 358.
Thacher, )
Thatcher, j Col. , 164.
Josiah, 319.
Thaxter, John, 279.
Thomas, John, 331.
Capt. Thomas, 87.
Thomaston, 259, 260, 268, 275,
280, 324, 326, 327, 328, 379,
413.
Thompson, Mr. , 292.
Thorle, John, 362.
Thorndike, Ebenezer, 230.
Thurlo, Capt. John, 90.
Thurston, Mr. , 413.
Thwing, Mr. , 413.
Nathaniel, 254.
Tibbets, Simeon, 84.
Tilley, John, 455, 456.
Tinker, John, 331.
Titcomb, Benjamin, 164, 208, 209,
210, 408, 421.
Benjamin, Jr., 362.
Joseph, 362.
Tolman, Jeremiah, 326.
Tompson, , 413.
William, 86, 102, 103.
Topsfleld, 83, 93, 94.
Topsham, 128, 268, 270, 464, 465,
466, 467.
Tow, Jonathan, 411.
Town, Thomas, 168, 169.
Townsend, 72.
Township, No. One, 229, 230.
No. Five, 229, 230.
No. Four, 210, 229, 230, 336,
343, 344.
No. Six, 229, 230, 336.
No. Two, 234.
Trade Island, 432.
Treaty of Paris, 279.
Trevett, Richard, 397.
Treworgy, James, 332.
Truro, 358.
Tucker, Jn., 456, 462.
Josiah, 362.
W., 390.
Tufts, Cotton, 304, 306, 318, 345,
413.
Tukey, John, 60.
John, Jr., 362.
Tupper, William, 302.
Turner, Charles, 152, 247, 254,
369, 372, 413.
Twenty-Mile River, 428.
Twitchel, Eleazer, 25, 42, 249,
333.
Eli, 25.
Tyler, Capt. , 103.
Abraham, Jr., 60, 399.
Tyng, William, 146, 147, 183.
U
Ulmer, Capt. , 73, 76.
Philip M., 228.
Union River, 229, 306, 332, 337,
340, 345.
United Provinces, the, 58.
United States, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17,
19, 43, 44, 62, 71, 75, 84, 89,
101, 112, 114, 140, 159, 163,
169, 188, 195, 203, 204, 205,
221, 233, 235, 236, 237, 238,
240, 242, 244, 245, 246, 248,
251, 316, 351, 352, 362, 367,
370, 372, 375, 381, 392, 410,
422, 424, 426, 427, 428, 429,
440.
Congress, 15, 20, 27, 53, 100,
112, 188, 235, 239, 240, 241,
242, 243, 244, 245, 291, 292,
293, 295, 376, 377, 380, 381,
433.
Varnum, Mr. , 413.
Vassel, William, 92.
Vasselborough, 120, 413.
Vaudreuil, ) Marquis de, 63, 64,
Vandreuil, \ 67.
Vaughan, William, 86, 102, 103,
362.
Vernun, J. B., 372.
Versailles, 294.
Vessels, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16,
19, 21, 23, 24, 28, 37, 51, 52,
57, 63, 65, 66, 73, 75, 79, 81,
89, 99, 100, 115, 129, 135, 136,
137, 138, 146, 156, 159, 164,
166, 167, 173, 195, 205, 206,
207, 208, 212, 225, 227, 231,
252, 263, 264, 322, 358, 359,
361, 374, 375, 383, 406, 407,
408, 416, 417, 440, 442, 443,
444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449,
450, 451, 453, 455, 456, 457,
458, 460, 461, 462.
Abigail, the, 57.
Black Prince, the, 281, 283, 284,
285, 287, 288, 289, 309.
Brittania, 35.
Canceaux, the, 406.
Comet, the, 39.
Defence, the, 282, 290.
Defiance, the, 36.
Dilligent, the, 113.
General Putnam, the, 160, 266,
267.
Hannah, the, 307.
INDEX
485
Vessels, continued.
Hazzard, the, 90.
Hector, the, 282, 290, 298.
Hope, the, 11, 257.
Humbird, the, 19.
Hunter, the, 98, 126, 127, 284,
296, 297.
Industry, the, 52.
Lively, the, 455, 457.
Marrs, the, 99.
Monmouth, the, 280, 286, 299.
Nancy, the, 281.
Penobscot, the, 38.
Pigeon, the, 404.
Policy, the, 105.
Putnam, the, 27.
Sally, the, 62, 453.
Tartar, the, 207, 208.
Townsend, the, 72.
Unity, the, 111.
Vengeance, the, 87, 286.
Winthrop, the, 57, 206, 207, 208,
213.
Vincent, John, 49.
Voce, William, 411.
Vose, Seth, 382.
Thomas, 390.
W
Wadsworth, Gen. Peleg, 40, 43,
44, 168, 194, 202, 264, 311,
362.
Wagg, James, Jr., 342, 394.
Waite, John, 349, 350, 351.
Waldo, Capt. , 266.
Estate, the, 208.
Francis, 154, 156, 165, 174, 175,
200, 209, 214, 215, 216, 257.
Patent, the, 383.
Brigadier, Samuel, 209, 210,
214, 215, 323, 325, 327.
Waldoborough, 20, 41, 227, 228,
382, 409, 413.
Headquarters, 75.
Wales, Capt. , 171.
Walker, Ezekiel, 209, 273, 333.
Isac, 273.
John, 273.
John, Jr., 273.
Nathaniel, 342, 394.
Samuel, 108, 273.
Waller, Joseph, Jr., 303.
Walles, Joseph, 302.
Wampum, 28.
Ward, Gen. , 164.
Joseph, 311.
Samuel, 177.
Ware, Jason, 41.
Wareham, 392.
Warner, Jon 8 ., 165.
Warren, 41, 47, 48, 268, 275, 280,
323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328,
329, 378, 379, 381, 382, 413.
Ab., 390.
Ebenezer, 342.
Edmund, 342, 394.
G., 362.
Ichabod, 342, 394.
John, 342.
Lincoln, 409.
Pelatiah, 342, 353, 394, 395.
Tristram, 342, 394.
Warwick, 358.
Washburn, Capt. , 122.
Washington, George, 63, 64, 67,
187, 189, 234, 247, 255, 256,
291, 292, 293, 294.
Waters, Josiah, Jr., 266, 267.
Watertown, 20.
Watson, John, 280.
Watts, David, 429.
Edward, 362.
Weare, Joseph, 196.
Weathren, Mickel, 154.
Webb, Henry, 362.
Webster, Joshua, 84.
Weeks, Lemuel, 362.
William, 429.
Weeman, John, 224.
Wells, 72, 177, 358.
Nathan, ( 7, 50, 55, 88, 90,
Nathaniel, ( 114,115,116,131,
143, 145, 192, 198, 199, 226,
247, 318, 426.
Thomas, 390.
West, , 447.
Benjamin, 252.
West Bowdoinham, 97, 118, 119,
128.
West Indies, 159.
Judah, 17.
West Passamaquoddy, 451.
Westford, 358.
Weston, 1
Westen, I , 447, 448.
Woster, J
Josiah, 305.
Weymouth, 358.
Wheaton, Col. Mason, 98, 164,
327.
White, Edward, 390.
John, 361, 362.
Phillips, 391.
Joseph, 127.
William, 362, 391.
Whitmore, Samuel, 60, 164.
Whitnay, Joel, 305.
Whitney, Joel, 302.
Whittier, Ebenezer, 60, 61.
486
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
Wildridge, Elizabeth, 158, 160,
187.
James, 158, 187.
Williams, George, 285, 288, 289.
Willie, John, 280.
Willis, Nathaniel, 190, 191, 197.
Wilson, )
Willson, J Mr. , 292.
James, 466.
Capt. Joseph, 337, 343.
Thomas, 466.
Windham, 190, 191, 358.
Winslow, 2, 3, 68, 120, 261, 273,
413, 434, 435.
Mr. , 383.
Isaac, 357.
John, 342, 394.
Winthrop, 32, 33, 120, 426.
Samuel, 144.
Wiscassett Point, 416, 417.
Wiswell, Thomas, 174.
Witherspoon, John, 292, 293, 294.
Wood, Aaron, 171, 178.
Abiel, 417.
Woodbery, Peter, 230.
Woodbridge, Benjamin, 226.
Benjamin, Jr., 24.
J., 390.
Woodman, Benjamin, 362.
Worcester, 310, 314, 315.
County, 178, 310, 312, 314, 412,
415.
Goal of, 376.
Newspapers, 432.
Woster, see Weston.
Wyer, Thomas, 231.
Wyman, Nathaniel, 358, 359, 377.
Yong, Robert, 331.
Young, Edward, 254.
Young, Elkanah, 331.
Ezra, 331.
George, 6.
Richard, 382.
William, 6.
York, 4, 5, 25, 36, 37, 38, 39, 156,
176, 179, 192, 195, 196, 357,
397, 412.
County, 36, 41, 43, 44, 51, 55,
84, 87, 91, 107, 115, 116, 130,
132, 137, 141, 142, 143, 144,
167, 178, 179, 184, 185, 195,
196, 199, 201, 211, 222, 226,
248, 252, 271, 279, 317, 318,
319, 333, 334, 353, 357, 395,
412, 415.
Harbor, 4, 38.
Isaac Ilsley, 25.
John, 25.
Port of, 397.
This Index was compiled by Mr. Edward Denham, New Bedford, Mass.,
as were the Indices to former Volumes.
16
M38
V.20
Maine Historical Society
Documentary history of
the state of Maine
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