Edward Hawes, the emigrant, and some of his descendants : address delivered before the Genealogical and Biographical Society of the City of New York, April 12, 1895

M.L.

929.2

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1825683

REYNOLD? HISTORICAL
GENEALO^ . - -LECTION

Go

, .,■ I B,

3 1833 01284 9839

ADDRESS

Delivered before the

Genealogical and Biographical Society
Of the City of New York

APRIL i2, 1895

Edward Hawes the Emigrant

And Some of His Descendants

Gilbert Ray Hawks, Esq.

Of the New York Bar

A 2 0 3 I

1825683
EDWARD HAWES THE EMIGRANT

AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS.

Gilbert Ray Hawes, Esq,

OF THE NEW YORK BAR.

In this fin de sicck age, and especially in the cosmopolitan City of
New York, the average citizen who is engrossed with professional duties
or business cares has little leisure to devote to historical or genealogical
research. The active interests of the present do not allow time for any
extended inquiry into the history of the past. Unfortunately, also, we
find now and then a Gradgrind, so intensely practical, or so absorbed in
the mere acquisition of wealth, as to declare with pompous self-assur-
ance that he cares not who his grandfather or great-grandfather may
have been. In fact, he rather prides himself on his blissful state of
ignorance, and seeks to impress on everyone that he is indebted to no
one but himself for his position and success in life. With the growth
of science and the spread of education, however, people are beginning
to stud)' and understand the laws of heredity and to appreciate the fact
that " blood will tell " in human beings as well as in other members of
the animal kingdom.

One of the encouraging signs of the times, also, is the constantly
increasing patriotism. Love of country is a true American characteris-
tic, and we look with pride upon our glorious history and the men who
helped to make it. As citizens of this broad and beautiful land, we are
becoming more interested every day in questions involving the national
life and honor. And what better inspiration could we have than by
going back to the early Colonial period and the Revolutionary days,
and recalling the simple but noble lives of those self-sacrificing patriots?

In luxurious Rome, the cynical advice of Horace, " Carpe diem,quam
minime credulo postero" was followed too literally, only to result in the
overthrow of that threat Empire. But to-day, with such Societies as our
own and the Sons of the Revolution, the Society of Colonial Wars, the
New England Society, the Loyal Legion, the Military and Naval Order,

and many others, the fires of patriotism will be kept burning brightly,
while we attempt to emulate the virtues of our sires. No government
can fall into decay or ruin when its citizens arc animated by such lofty
ideals and purposes.

It has been said that without monarchical institutions and without
a hereditary nobility, an aristocracy of wealth is alone possible. But
surely the aristocracy of brains and of blood is still left us, and it is our
highest duty to so guard this precious heritage that we may prove
worthy successors to the title, and command the attention and respect
which that title deserves.

To come directly, however, to the subject of this paper. Lineage
or ancestry is certainly one of the most interesting of studies as well as
one of the most difficult. The further back we go, the dimmer become
the outlines, until at last we are lost in tradition. In tracing the history
of the Hawes family in this country, we are obliged to go back some
260 years. So carefully have the records of Massachusetts, both as a
Colony and as a State, been preserved that the facts, which I am about
to state, are all capable of demonstration. The original muster rolls
are in the State House at Boston. I have also fully quoted from
Blake's History of Franklin, Worlhington's History of Dedham, the
History of Wrentham, the History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts,
and from such original manuscripts as I could find,0"d right here let
me say that when the reform instituted by this Society in respect to the
City Library in the City Hall of New York shall have been fully carried
into effect, we may then be able to have our New York records as well
protected and preserved as are those of Massachusetts.

The Hawes family is one of the oldest in the United States, and it
is the proud boast of its members that they can trace their descent
directly through the male line and are not compelled to depend upon
collateral lineage. Thus has the name "Hawes" been preserved for
hundreds of years, both in England and in this country. It is to be
hoped that the line will not now be allowed to lapse or die out through
any disinclination on the part of its present representatives to commit
matrimony. In strict justice to his audience, however, the reader of
this paper must confess his failure in this respect, and can only cry
" peccavi." But, "while the lamp holds nut to burn, the vilest sinner
may return." Can we not hope that, while the torch of Hymen flames,
the most unregenerate bachelor may be converted from the error of his
ways ?

1 have entitled my paper " Edward Hawes the Emigrant, and some
of his descendants." It would be impossible in the short time assigned
mc, to speak of 1/// his descendants. They are numbered by the thou-
sand, and are scattered from Maine to Florida, and from New York to

'

California. In the days of old the race was more prolific than in these
modern and degenerate times. Families of from ten to fifteen chil-
dren were not uncommon. A simple mathematical calculation will
demonstrate how man)- descendants Edward Ilawes could claim in 250
years, but I will not weary you with mere figures,

It will be interesting in the first place to trace the origin of the
surname " Mawes." It comes from a good old Saxon word " Hawe,"
meaning a hedge.

" The name is not of German born
Kut of the fragrant English Thorn."

A Hay was nothing but a hedge. In the Hundred Rolls we find
such names occurring as Margery de la Have, or Roger de la Hagh. Of
the simple root the forms now most common are Hay, Hayes, Haighs,
and Hawes. From the form Hawe, we have our Hawleys, Haworths,
and Hawton and Haughton. Hawthorne is litterally a thorn hedge.
Chaucer uses the term for a farmyard,

" And eke there was a polkal in his hawe
That, as he said, his capons did geslaiue."

This at least proves the antiquity of the word.

The coat-of-arms of the Ilawes family is thus described in Guillim's

" Display of Heraldry."

" He beareth Azure, a Fess wavy between 3 lions passant. Or,
armed and langued, Gules. This is the Coat Armour of John
Ilawes or Hawys of London, who draweth his descent from William
Hawys of YValsham of the Willows in Suffolk, which William was
seized of lands there in the time of Edward the Third."
Motto: NOSCE Tli IPSUM.

A copy of this coat-of arms, I have already presented to this Society.

I have been unable to ascertain the exact date when Edward Ilawes
emigrated to America. Many of the passenger lists of that time have
been lost. The following record is, however, authentic, taken from the
passenger lists of the year 1635.

" Theis underwritten names are to be transported to New Eng-
land, imbargued in the Truelove, J. O. Gibbs, Mr. The men have
taken the oath of Alleg. and Suprem.

Richard Ilawes, yeres 29.

Ann Hawes " 26.

Anna Ilawes " 2 '_•.

Obadiah Hawes " 6 mos."

It is supposed, with good reason, that Edward was a brother of
Richard, and emigrated in the same year, viz., 1635. He settled in the

Massachusetts Colony, about 25 miles out of Boston, in what was then a
wilderness, and known by the Indian name of WallomonopoagorWalla-
monopogue. On the 8th of September, 1636, the General Court "holden
at New Towne," ordered that the plantation to be settled above the Falls
of Charles River, shall have three years immunity from public charges,
and the name of said plantation to be Deddham. This was afterwards
written Dedham, and out of this large plantation, several miles square,
the other townships were carved, including Wrefltham, Franklin, Med-
w.iy, Walpole, Foxboro, Natick, &c.

We know little of Edward Hawes, other than that he was a success-
ful farmer, and like all the early settlers of Massachusetts, was a strict
Puritan and religiously orthodox. The Bible was his sole rule of faith
and conduct, and there was no Dr. Briggs, or school of Higher Criticism
to shake his belief in the good old Calvanistic doctrines. He cut down
the forest trees, built his log house, cleared and cultivated his lands,
fought off the savage Indians, and in a few years time had prospered
sufficiently to take unto himself a wife. We find, therefore, by the
Dedham Town Records, that on the 15th of April, 1648, Edward Hawes
was married to Eliony Lumber (or Lombard), whose family came over
about the lime of the landing 01' the Pilgrims in the Mayflower. Nine
children blessed this union, viz., Lydia, Mary, Daniel, Hannah, John,
Nathaniel, Abigail, Joseph, Deborah. His intensity of religious fervor
is showr. by the scriptural names bestowed.

The original manuscript Town Records of Dedham are still in a good
state of preservation, and have recently been printed. The earliest
mention I find of Edward Hawes after his marriage in 164X is in the
Dedham Bool; of Grants :

" 19 — 11 month, 1659. — Edward Hawes has granted 3 parcels of

land — 1 parcel near Watertown line — 1 parcel south of Sudbury

way — 1 parcel north of Natick path that leads from the herd yards."

After that date the Records contain entries too numeruus to men-
tion, concerning tax rates, grants of land, town meetings, the duties of
Woodreeves, Fenceviewers, etc, wherein the name of Edward Hawes
frequently appears.

But perhaps the most interesting relic of those " good old Colony
Days " is a petition signed by Edward Hawes and 46 others, the original
of which is among the Massachusetts Archives. The following is an ex-
act copy :

" To the much Honrd the Gouernr. the Dep' Gouernr. and the

Assistants and Deputies, assembled in Generall Courte at Boston.

7. of. 3. mo 1662 :

The petition of vs the Inhabitants of Dedham, whose names are

herevnto subscribed : Humbly sheweth :

That whereas there haue bene some controuersey depending be-
twixt our Towne. and seuerall Indians the Inhabitants of Naticke.

who without our consent, and contrary to our declared intent haue
entered vpon. empued. and possessed, some p1 . of our Lande
granted to vs by the Hono"1 General! Courte : in which case wc
nioned the General Courte Anno 1655 for aduice. whose counsell
(vpon debate of the Case) was that we should referre it for issue to
a due course of Lawe. wherevnto. at lcngtb we haue attended,
after the endeauors to settle the case in a more loueing and peacea-
ble wayc pued ineffectuall. and whereas vpon the bringing it to Legall
Tryall in the Countie Court at Boston, the Jurie findeingfor vs the
plainiifes the magistrats were pleased not to accept the verdict,
whercvpon the Case came by course to the Court of Assistants,
where the Jury againe findcing for vs, and the verdict being pre-
sentcd to the Magistrates owned by all the Jury, recorded, and de-
clared, the magistrates were pleased afterwarde to send the |urie
out agayne, and then some of the Jurie dissented from that verdict
formerly agreed vnto whercvpon the Magistrats adjourned that
Courte to the Twelt"1 of May instant, by reason of which adjourn-
men' we are vncapeably of haueing the said case issued. thispresent
Court, in case the bench & Jurie should not concurre. the time of
prescnting petitions, to this Court being before that time past, and
we not haueing optunitie to take Coppies of the Records of
Court, they being w" the Jurie vntil the Twelf'1' of this prsent
moneth. without which Records we cannot pduce the Case, which
Coppies without order from this Court, we cannot attayne.

The p'mises considered, we humbly praye this much IIonri1
Court, that we maye yet peaceably possesse and enjoye our Law-
fulle Rights in the case prmised and that by the Fa ( )

and Justice thereof, this controuersie may be issued, in Case it be
not settled to our Comfort by the Court and Jurie before mentioned
not doubting that we as subjects to this Gouerm' shall as freely en-
joye the benefit of Lawe. as we haue bene. are. & we hope shall con-
tinue free and ready to beare our pportion in supporting the same,
that so notwithstanding such discouragement as we haue borne in
this case, yet we may be free \ ready to serue our God in our gen-
eration, and not be disabled to pforme what might otherwise be ex-
pected from vs to that end. So we your petitioners shall still praye
that the ptection and good conduct of the Lord may euer remayne
w"1 you in all your weightic counsels. & conclusions.

Subscribed by vs. your humble petitioners."

(Here follow the original signatures of Edward Hawes and the other

petitioners.)

" The dcputyes hauing read this pet. Judge meet it be heard
by this Court if or hono,d magists consent liercto & they to appoynt
the time
12 (3d) 1662 William Torrey Cleric."

.(On back " Inhabitants of Dedhams pet. entred & 10s secured
166; ;" in pencil " 7 May Dedhame & Indians")

(Mass. Arch. XXX, 112.)

Another interesting relic also preserved in the Massachusetts Archives,
is a second petition to which the name of Edward llawes with others is
attached. The earnest religious failh and reliance on Providence are
nowhere better exemplified.

" From Dedliam

To the much honrd the Gour Dp' Gour Asistants and Depu as-
sembd in Gen: Court att Boston y* 3d May 65

The petition of vs whose names are heervnto subscribed (being
yet nonfreemen) most humbly sheweth :

That whereas the gracious pvedence of or good God hath
bene pleased to lay out yc bounds of many of or habitations for vs:
that we may and (we hope) shall say our portions are falne amongst
ye godly by whom wee are Incouraged to breath after God and
Christ: Allthough not yet past our Xoneage so as to attaine the
fullness of all mercies that itt doe please our God heere to tender
us the want whereof wee doe not. we cannot blame any for. but our
own selues: and desire to be more quickened vp to waitt vpon God
in the vse of the means tendered still to us in the holy Institutions
of Jesus Christ according to his owne dispensations.

And wee further (as wree acknowledg it to be our duty) from our
hearts) to blesse the Lord for that great blessing we Injoy vnder the
shaddow of yor wings in a Godly righteous and peaceable goverrQt for
which we Earnestly pray to him vpon whose shoulders ye gouern-
ment is laid, that he would long preserve blesse and pfect

And whereas we heare it is reported that many in our stat and

.un are dissatisfied with and disaffected to this prsent govern-
.eiit which through an orderly long Establishment have bene so
great a blessing to vs and many othes here: This being considered:
we thought it our duty to declare at this time that it is altogether
vntrue in ye respect of vs ye subscribers hereof: and whereas we are
not without fears: that some not only: not well wiilcrsto our peace
and pruelidges. but Enemyes to ye cause of Jesus Christ now man-
aged by yo' selves: whom we so loue and IIonnr, may possibly en-
deavour to make some disturbance in these our chiefest and dearest
enjoyments : wc are afrayd least our silence in this juncture of time

might lav vs vnder y curse pnounced against Meroz Judg. 5. for not
coming out to helpe >e Lord against ye mightie

The p'emises considered our Humble petition to yor selves: and
our Earnest prayers to ye Father of mercies is that you will be strong
onely be strong- and very couragious that neither for feare favour
threats or flatteryes: any y* least, p' of our prcious liberties and
prvelidges civil! or ecclesiasticali be enfrindged shaken or weakened.
Wherevnto we haue so vndoubted and true right in ye sight of God
and good men. so fully and amplv granted by Pattent and confeirmed
to vs that is to yc Gournor and Company of the Massachusets: and
whereof we hope in Gods due tyme to be more fully Interested :
and in this our request we entreat we may be beleeved to be very reall
and wherein (God asisting vs by his grace) we purpose and pmise to be
asisting to yor selves to ye vttermost with our psons lives and estates
when so ever need shall be. And shall ever pray "

Here follow original signatures of Edward llawes and the other
petitioners

(Mass. Arch., CVI, no.)

And so Edward llawes, the Emigrant and Puritan, lived his life and
became the founder of a family destined to large achievements in the
progress and development of New England and its Colonies. He died
June ;Sth, 16S6.

We now come to Daniel Hawes, son of Edward. He was born Feb-
ruary loth, 1652, and died March 161I1, 1739, in his SSth year. He mar-
ried Abiel Gay, January 23rd, 1678, and had seven children, named
respective!)-, Mary, Abigail, Daniel, Jr., Josiah, Hezekiah, Ruth, and
Benjamin.

What was known as King Philip's War (1675-77) was a series of
desperate and sanguinary conflicts with the Indians, in which Daniel
Hawes bore a conspicuous part.

Dedham had, through Capt. Willett, paid the Sagamore Philip in
the year 1662 for his right and title to the lands at Wollomonuppoag
^24. ■-- But Philip, in 1667, set up a claim to a tract said to be within
th .s of his former grant. He addressed the following letter to two

o' .lie principal men of Dedham :

" Philip Sachem to Major Lusher and Lieutenant Fisher.

Gentlemen : Sirs, thes are to desire you to send me a hi liar
shirt by this Indian the which at present I much want and in con
sideration whereof I shall and will assuredly satistie you too
between this .\\\d the next M 1. helmas for then 1 intend to meet with
you at Wollamanuppogue that we may treat about a tract of :
four or five miles square which I hereby promise and engage that you

•

shall have ye refusal I of and 1 make no dotibl but that we shall agree
about said tract of land which I shall sell ye for ye use of your town
of Dedham. I pray fail not to send me a good holland shirt by the
bearer hereof for I intend to be next week at plimoth Court and I
want a good shirt to goe in. I shall not further trouble you at
pre>ent but subscribe myself your friend,

Philip Sachem's (P) mark.
Mount Hop, Ye ?5 May, 1669."

History is silent as to whether or not Philip got his Holland shirt,
for which he expresses sucli great need. We do know, however, thai
the Indians finding themselves being gradually crowded out from
their former hunting grounds, began to ambush and kill the scattered
colonists. Finally several of the Tribes, including the fierce Narragan-
setts. went upon the war-path. The campaign terminated in that bloody
slaughter known as "The Great Swamp Fight," 1677, when the hostile
Indians were almost exterminated. Daniel Hawes was in the thick of
the fight, and served in the Company of Capt. Samuel Appleion, who
was also Major<n-«iuskatircfa»4' the expedition.

During this War the few houses in that portion of Dedham known
as Wrentham had been burned by the Indians. Daniel Hawes, who
seems to have been the leading spirit, gathered around him seventeen
other brave souls, and the following paper was drawn up and subscribed
by all of them:

" We whose names are beneath subscribed having formerly had
our recidance in Wollomonopouge, but by tho^e sad and sollame
dispensations of God's providences were Removed, yet desire a
Work for the Honnour of God and the Good and comfort of our-
selves and ours might be again Ingaged and Promotted att that
place: Therefore our purpose is to returne thither God willing — But
knowing our owne Inability for so Great and Waytie a work, both
in Respecte of our Insufficiency for the carrying cm of new planta-
tion worke. and the dangers that may yett be reanewed upon us bv
the heathen breaking out on us; thinke it not safe for us to returne
alone except other of the proprietors joyne to Go up along with us
or Send Inhabitants to ingat;e in that worke with us."

A sufficient number of the other proprietors joining, Wrentham was
again settled. In 16S5 a general meeting was held in their re-built meet-
ing house, and a lot of twenty to twenty live acres was granted for a
school and leave given to put a gallery in the meeting-house. We thus
sec how the New England idea was inculcated, that religion and educa-
tion should go hand in hand, the meeting-house and the school, as the
chief foundation of the new order of things. Two men were also chosen

to keep the boys from playing on the Sabbath " in time of exercise."
The meeting-house was still unplastered and unshingled, when John
Woodcock was given a bit of land close by to put up a small "refresh-
ment house for the Sabbath day." The record is silent as to whether
New England rum was dispensed with other refreshments, or whether a
harsh excise law forbade any such indulgence.

In the same year (1685) Daniel Hawes built anew his house which
had been destroyed by the "heathen." He built it in such a solid and
substantial manner that it is standing to this day in the outskirts of
Franklin, over 200 years old, one of the oleiest houses in the United
States. While writing this paper, I learn that it is to be torn down by
its present owner to make room for a more commodious dwelling, with
all the modern improvements. It is unfortunate that this ancient habita-
tion, which still shows the marks of Indian arrows in its sturdy oaken
timbers, and which sheltered Washington on his march from Boston,
cannot be preserved as an object lesson for coming generations.

We may picture to ourselves the life of that period when we read
that according to Colonial law, two watchmen were obliged to walk
every night each half a mile east and west from the meeting-house, to
challenge stragglers and bring them before the magistrate next morning
for explanation. Woe to the man who could not satisfactorily explain
why he was out of his house after ten o'clock. Lucky for him if he
escaped the pillory or stocks.

In 1695 a watch-house was built, and also a new school-house, "so
big as yt ye may be a room of sixteen feet, square, beside convenient
room for a chimney, where the selectmen will keep school in turn per
week, to teach children and youth to read English and wrightand cypher
gratis, and begin, God willing, next Monday." Thus was the system of
free public schools inaugurated.

The town meetings were called and held at six o'clock in the morn-
ing, winter as well as summer. Xo wonder these hardy ancestors of
ours were able to surmount all difficulties and overcome every obstacle.
One of my most cherished relics is a copy of certain grants of land
to Daniel Hawes in 1709 and 1716. It is certified by Jonathan Ware,
Town Clerk of VVrentham, in 171S. The paper is yellow with age, but
is still in a good state of preservation after the lapse of 177 years. The
following is a copy of the original :

"Wrentham, March ye 28, 1709.
Granted unto Daniel Haws senr , and to his heirs and assigns
for ever. On Samuel Patrdg rights in the hve acre devident ac-
count five acres of land with the choyce in said devident lying at
the south end of Ragged Plain, bounded by Dorchester line South,
and Joshua Fairbank North, and common west and east.

This is a true copy taken out of Wrentham Town Rook of Re-
cords, May y« 19, 171.x. Attested by Jonathan Ware,

Town Clerk."

" Wrentham, October 3, 1716.

Granted unto Daniel Haws sen1" , and to his heirs and assigns
forever, on tiie Four acre devident account, Four acres of land on
the account of Samuel Patredg's Rights in the four acre devi le it,
and four acres on his own rights in said Four acre devident, bounded
by his own land east, and Dorchester line southeast, and Pelatiah
Man's woodland west, and Joshua Fairbank North west, with allow-
ance for a way through said land where none shall be.

This is a true copy taken out of Wrentham Town Book of Re-
cords, May ye 19th, 1719. Attested by Jonathan Ware,

Town Clerk."

" Wrentham, October 3, 1716.
Granted unto Daniel Haws senr , and to his heirs and assigns
forever, ten acres of land on the four acre devident account, lying
at Spring Meadows, bounded on his own meadow North and North-
west, and upon the brook west and south in part, and upland in
part, and common land east.

This is a true copy taken out of Wrantham Town Book of Re-
cords, May ye 19th, 171s. Attested by Johathan Ware,

Town Clerk."

Daniel Hawes, Jr., was born amid these surroundings March 30,
1G84. He married, Dec. 20th, 17 10, Beriah Man, one of the eleven
children of the famous Rev. Samuel Man, the first minister of Wrentham.
They also had eleven children, Daniel, Samuel, Pelatiah, Moses, Aaion.
Ichabod, Timothy, Beriah and Josiah (twins), Mary and Joseph — nine
boys and two girls.

In the ''great divident " of zSth of March, 169S, " Lott 50 in Michael
Willson Sen.'s part, five acres are granted to Daniel Haws inn. on the
mine brook below Thomas Thurston & above the falls near Eleazer
Metcalf : bounded, by land laid out to the Wid. Fund in part northward,
and common on all other parts : the Brook running through it." Y ting
Daniel Hawes and his neighbor Metcalf associated with others to utilize
these falls in Mine Bn»>k for mill purposes, and they signed the fol-
lowing contract :

'• Wrentham, February the 7, 1713.
We hose names are hereunto subscribed doc agree to build a
sawmill at the place called the Minebrook : Daniel Haws none

»3

quarter, John Maccane none quarter, Elcazer Metcalf Jc Samuel
Metcalf none quarter, Robert Pond Sen. non quarter.
We doc covenant and agree as follows : —

1. We doe promis that we will each of us carry on & do our
equal proporchon throught in procuring of ironcs & hueing frming
of a dam & mill it all other labor throught so faire as the major
part shall see meat to doe till the mill be finished throught and made
fit for to doe then to com to a reckoning.

2. We do a gre that all of us shall have liberty for to work out
his proporsion of work & in case aney none of us neglect to carry on
his part of said mill the rest of the owners to carry on said work till
it be done & fit to saw & he that neglects to carry on his part of said
mill shall pay half a crown a day to the rest of the owners that did
said work.

3. We du agre that said land shall ly for a mill pond soe long
as the major part shall se fit. We du all so agre that no non shall
sell his part of said mill till he has first mad a tender to the rest of
the owners. We du al so agre that no non shal scl his part in the
land til he hes tendered it to the rest of the owners.

Signed sealed S: Delivered Robart Pond

in the presence of Daniel Haws

Ezra Pond . John Maccane

Jonathan Wright Elkaser Metcalf

his Samuel Metcalf
Robert x Pond
mark."

On the back is the still further agreement :

"to lay out each man's loot as they are drawn up — the first loot
is to be gin four foot from the upper sill of the streak sil and soe up
unto the ind of the sleapers, and to divid it equal into fower loots
& from the sleapers towards the road so as not to interrupt the road.
Robart Pond Daniel Haws

John Maccane Eleazer Metcalf

Samuel Metcalf Daniel Thurston

March the 7.
1717."

The first warrant to organize the new precinct was issued by Jona-
than Ware, Justice of the Peace, and is addressed to Robert Pond, Dan-
iel Haws, David lones, Daniel Thurston, and John Adams, five of the
freeholders. They are called to meet " at the house the inhabitants
usually meet in for public worship" on the r6th of January, 1737-8, at

1

>4

12 o'clock. When they came together they found everything to be done
anew. No church, no minister, no meeting house: They chose the nec-
essary officers and adjourned four days for meditation. At the next
meeting they go resolutely at their work. They vote ^80, for preach-
ing, and a committee to secure it ; another committee to provide mate-
rials for a meeting house in place of the small building heretofore pro-
vided and used, to be forty feet long, thirty-one feet wide and twenty
feet posts, towards which each may contribute his proportion.

The manner of conducting congregational singing had already lie-
come a grievance to the ministers who wished to make a melody in their
hearts unto the Lord, and strenuous efforts had been begun to bring the
people back to some harmony of voice, as well as of sentiment. Hence
we appreciate this emphatic vote of the precinct June 26th, 173S, imme-
diately after the gathering of the young church, viz: — "To sing no
" other tunes than are Pricked Down in our former Psalm Books which
" were Printed between Thirty and forty years Ago, and To Sing Them
" as They are Prickt down in them as Near as they can." This was a
Precinct blow at the old way of singing. The older people remon-
strated ; but t fie Precinct refused, in September, "to ease those who
were inclined to sing the old way." The church, March 8th, 1738-9,
voted not to sing in the old way, but by rule, i. e., according to note ;
and they chose Joseph Whiting to set the tune in the church. This ac-
tion of the church, so curiously put in the negative form, has a key to its
significance in the solemn query raised, the record says, " toward the
close " of the meeting. As it proved the seed of a large and slow har-
vest it claims mention. The query is, "to see what notice the church
will take of one of the brethren's striking into a pitch of the tune un-
duly raised February iSth." After considerable consultation, (and there
well might be, for it was like the spot of Paul's Shipwreck, the place
where two seas met), it was voted : —

" " Whereas, our brother David Pond, as several of our brethren,
viz. : David Jones, Ebenczer Hunting, Benjamin Rockwood, Jr.,
Aaron Haws, and Michael Metcalf apprehend, struck into a pitch
of tune February iSth, in the public worship in the forenoon,
raised above what was set ; after most of the congregation, as is
thought, kept the pitch for three lines, and after the pastor has
desired them that had raised it to fall to the pitch that was set to
be suitable, decent, or to that purpose : the question was put,
whether the church apprehends this our brother David Pond's SO
doing to be disorderly ; and it passed in the affirmative, and David
Pond is suspended until satisfaction is given."

The local historian states how David Pond was frozen over by this
cooling of his high musical ardor, nor would he be thawed into any

'

'5

melting confession. Though the church sent the tender of a reference,
lie would not meet them. They invited him to a special prayer meeting,
but he would not bend. They vote a solemn admonition. lie pro-
poses a council ; that declined, he calls an ex-parte council; which is
not acknowledged. Then he goes into the second church in Medway,
which asks questions about his case and gets a distinct letter in reply,
which is followed by a second and more emphatic letter about harbor-
ing malcontents, and a third, loo, with replies from Medway — all un-
satisfactory. At last, in September, 1751, over thirteen years after that
high pitching of the tune, the warmth of a continuous interest melts
the icy barriers, and this Pond flows forth in a confession (12th January,
1 751-2) and the Medway church joins in sundry acknowledgments
(14th February, 1752), and thus the discord is brought down to conceit
pitch again and the hymn (lows on.

When the French and Indian War broke out in 1755, Daniel Ilawcs
was nearly 70 years of age. But he had inherited true fighting qualities
from his father and grandfather, and he accordingly enlisted with all
nine of his sons, whose names are to be found in the various muster
rolls. This was the last opportunity he had to display his military
prowess, as he died in 1763, at the age of 77.

Joseph Hawes, son of the preceding, my great-grandfather, was the
Revolutionary hero of the family, although every one of the nine sons
of Daniel Hawes fought as valiantly for Independence as they had pre-
viously fought for King George against the French and Indians. Joseph,
however, was particularly conspicuous. Wrentham was alive with pal-
riots who were protesting against the Stamp Act, and Taxation without
representation, and other oppressive measures of the British Crown.
Their vigorous action inspired others with hope and courage. Joseph
Hawes assisted in raising the first band of Minute Men in Massachusetts.
When it became evident that a collision with the mother country was
imminent, Wrentham, like other towns, diligently drdlcd its militia and
organized its two corps of Minute Men, who were to hold themselves in
readiness to march at a moment's warning whenever called. The move-
ment of the British troops to seize some military stores of the Province
at Concord, in April, 1775. gave the first opportunity to try the alacrity
of these Minute Men. Joseph Hawes was Fnsign or Lieutenant of Capt.
Asa Fairbank's Company, which, with four other Companies. " marched
from Wrentham on the nineteenth day of April, 1775, in the Colony
service." Historic day, and occasion never to be forgotten! These live
Companies all took part in the Patties of Lexington and Concord, and
afterwards fought at Bunker's Hill, and other battlefields of the Revo-
lution. The Muster Rolls have all been preserved, and among the
members of the Hawes family who rallied at the first alarm we find,

i6

besides Joseph, Benjamin Hawes, who commanded another Company ;
Moses Hawes, Abijah Hawes, Joel Hawes, Asa Hawes, Matthias II... < ,
Jonathan Hawes. All these were brothers or cousins of Joseph, and
fought side by side.

Joseph Hawes was one of those farmers who left his plow, and
shouldered his flintlock musket to resist the advance of the British on
Concord. Paul Revere spread the alarm, and instantly the whole
country was in a blaze. Not only did the Continental troops make a
successful stand at Concord, but they pursued the Redcoats back into
Boston, killing and wounding many-on the way, We are on the eve of
that notable anniversary of the 19th of April, and next week it is to be
celebrated with appropriate observances in Boston. A bronze statue of
the Minute Man, of heroic size, has been erected on the battlefield of
Concord. On its granite base are inscribed these lines of Emerson,
which fitly apply to Joseph Hawes and the other members of his family :
" By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood

And fired the shot heard round the world."

It will be remembered that the 19th of April, 1775, was an extremely
warm day, the thermometer standing85c in the shade. After the conflict
at Concord the British retreated sullenly towards Boston, fighting every
foot of the way and harassed by the galling fire of the Minute Men.
The roads were hot and dusty, and they were further embarrassed by
being obliged to carry their wounded with them. The Continental
troops chased them, and the farmers along the route fired on them, as
they passed, from behind fences and stone walls. A curious incident is
worth noting here. Joseph Hawes, who was then 47 years of age, had a
young friend and neighbor by the name of Amos Bacon, who was
drummer boy in Capt. Elijah Pond's Company. Bacon with the
enthusiasm of youth rushed upon the enemy, although cautioned by his
elder companion not to expose himself so recklessly. The little drum-
mer finally received a gunshot wound, and was carried off the field by
Joseph Hawes. Nearly 100 years later the Hawes and Bacon families,
descended from these two men, became united by marriage in the State
of New York, and it is only recently that this episode has been brought
to light.

The spirit of patriotism and liberty could not be repressed after
Lexington and Concord. Accordingly, on the 5th of June, 1776, one
month before the immortal Declaration of Independence was promul-
gated, the following address, which is not only a stirring appeal but an
eloquent and forcible protest against British aggression, was presented
"to Mr. Benjamin Guild, Mr. Joseph Hawes, and Doct, Ebcnezer Dag-

gett, chosen to represent the town of Wrentham in the General Assembly

the ensiling year."

'"'Gentlemen, We, Your constituents, in full town meeting, June
S,hi '77^, give you the following instructions: —

Whereas, Tyranny and oppression, a little more than one
century anrl a half ago, obliged our forefathers to quit their peaceful
habitations, and seek an asylum in this distant land, ami. 1st an
howling wilderness, surrounded with savage enemies, destitute
almost of every convenience of life was their unhappy situation;
but such was their zeal for the common rights of mankind, that they
(under the smile of Divine Providence), surmounted every difficulty,
and in a little time were in the exercise of civil government under a
charter of the crown of Great Britain: — but after some years had
passed, and the colonies had become of some importance, new
troubles began to arise. The same spirit which caused them to leave
their native land still pursued them, joined by designing men among
themselves — letters began to be wrote against the government, and
the first charter soon after destroyed : in this situation some years
passed before another charter could be obtained, and although many
of the gifts and privileges of the first charter were abridged by the
laste, yet in that situation the government has been tolerably quiet
until about the year 1 763 ; since which the same spirit of oppressi* in
has risen up ; letters by divers ill-minded persons have been wrote
against the Government, (in consequence of which divers acts of the
British Parliament made, mutilating and destroying the charter,
and wholly subversive of the constitution) ; fleets and armies have
been sent to enforce them, and at length a civil war has commenced,
and the sword is drawn in our land, and the whole united colonies
involved in one common cause ; the repeated and humble petitions
of the good people of these colonies have been wantonly rejei ted
with disdain ; the Prince we once adored has now commissioned the
instruments of hi> hostile oppression to lay waste our dwellings
with fire and sword, to rob us of our property, and wantonly to stain
the land with the blood of its innocent inhabitants ; he has entered
into treaties with the most cruel nations to hire an army of foreign
mercenaries to subjugate the colonies to his cruel and arbitrary
purposes. In short, all hope of an accommodation is entirely at an"
end, a reconciliation as dangerous as it is absurd ; a reconciliation
of past injuries will naturally keep alive and kindle the flames of
jealousy. We, your constituents, therefore think that to be subject
or dependent on the crown of Great Britain would not only be
impracticable, but unsafe to the state ; the inhabitants of this town,

i8

therefore, in full town meeting, Unanimously instruct and direct
you (i. e. the representatives) to give your vote that, if the Honorable
American Congress (in whom we place the highest confidence
under God,) should think it necessary for the safety of the United
Colonies to declare them independent of Great Britain, that we your
constituents with our lives and fortunes will most cheerfully support
them in the measure."

The record of this rousing utterance, less than a month before the
famous 4th of July, 1776, very modestly says : "The above report, after
being several times distinctly read and considered by the town, was
unanimously voted in the affirmative without even one dissentient."

By comparing the two documents, it is evident that the Declara-
tion of Independence borrowed some of its phraseology, as well as
sentiments, from this "Report," which so cogently sets forth the situa-
tion, and breathes defiance to the mother country.

Joseph Hawes was one of the most trusted and conspicuous of these
patriotic men, as is shown by the fact that the State Assembly chose
him May 26, 1777, as a committee of one " to look after ana report oil
iories to the proper court."

Among the acts of 177S appears the charter of incorporation of the
town of Franklin, dated in the House of Representatives February 27th,
and in the council March 2d. The petition, which sets forth the argu-
ments of our fathers for a separate civil existence, and the act by which
such an existence was established, are of interest enough to be here
inserted.

" To rut; Honorable Council & House of Representatives of the
State of Massachusetts Bay in General Court Assembled :

The petition of the subscribers in behalf of the inhabitants of the
West Precinct in Wrentham Humbly sheweth :

That the Township of Wrentham is Considerably Large and the
inhabitants with their Lands >\. improvements are situated very much in
two Divissions and but thinly settled Between the two Precincts, the
Lands admitting of but few settlements. That the Publick Business of
the Town Xecessary to be Transacted is very Considerable and has
Long been Complained of as a Burden by those who areobli;;ed to take
a part, by means of Travil and Fatigue together with the Disappoint-
ments that often take place. That your Petitioners apprehend them-
selves sufficient in Number and Ability for a Town, and that in many
Respects ye advantages to them would be much greater than to remain
in their present situation. Thai they have lately obtained a vote of the
Town Expressing their willingness that your petitioners should be in-
corporated into a Town by the following Bound, viz Beginingat Charles

river where Med field line comes to said river thence running south
seventeen Degrees and an half West until it comes to one rod east of
the Dwelling House of Mr. William Man thence a strait line to the.
easterly Corner of Mr. Asa Whitings Barn, thence a strait line to sixty
rod, Due south of the old Cellar where the Dwelling House of Ebenr
Henley formally stood a Due west Course !jy the Needle to Bellingham
line said Bellingham line to be ye West Bounds and Charles river to be
the Northerly Bounds your petrs Therefore Humbly pray That your
Honors would be pleased to incorporate them into a Town by ye above
Discribed Bound, With the same powers & Privileges that are allowed
to other Towns within this state.

And your petrs as in Duty Bound shall pray :

Samukl Lethbridge, )

Joseph Hawks V Comtee."

Joseph Whiting .Ik )

Thus Joseph Hawes became one of the incorporators of the town of
Franklin. He was also Selectman, 1776-79, and Representative to the
Genera! Court, 1778-81. It has already been mentioned that he received
his first military training when he fought with his father and brothers
in the French and Indian War, 1755-61.

Joseph Hawes died February iSth, 1818, at the ripeagc of fourscore
years and ten, having served his country faithfully and well. Before
passing away from these earthly scenes, he had been permitted to wit-
ness the fulfillment of his most cherished wish, namely : the permanent
establishment of these United States of America, as a free and indepen-
dent Republic, to which end he with other patriots had devoted " their
lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor."

There is now in my possession a fine portrait of this grand old man,
painted in his 89th year. A copy of this I lake great pleasure in pre-
senting to this Society.

Joseph Hawes on January 15th, 1752, married Hannah Fisher, by
whom lie had six children, Moses, Susa, Joseph, Abigail, Amos and Peter.

Peter Hawes, my grandfather, was the youngest of the family and
was born June 6th, 176S. His father was determined that he should
have a classical education, and be admitted to one of the learned pro-
fessions, rather than suffer the privations and hardships of a farmer's
life. He was accordingly sent to Rhode Island College, now known as
Brown University. Upon matriculation it was necessary to give a bond
to the Steward of the College. Such bond was given in 17S7, and the
original is now in my possession, signed by both father and son. It
reads :

" Know all men by these presents that we Joseph Hawe ,Gent,

& Peter Hawes, both of the Township of Franklin, and county of

Suffolk, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, are held and firmly
bound unto Matthew Manchester, Esq., Steward of Rhode Island
College in the sum of two hundred pounds of lawful money ; to be
paid to the said Steward or his certain Attorney, heirs, executors,

administrators or assigns. For which payment well and truly to be
made, we bind ourselves, & each of us by himself for the whole sum
and our & both of our heirs, executors and administrators firmly by
these presents. Scaled with our seals & dated this nineteenth day
of October, Anno Domini, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-
seven.

The condition of this obligation is such that whereas the said
Peter Hawes is admitted a member of said Rhode Island College ;
if, therefore, the said Peter Hawes shall well and truly pay or cause
to be paid to the sd Matthew Manchester, Steward of the said Col-
lege, or to his successors in the office of Steward, quarterly and
every quarter, so long as the said Peter Hawes shall remain in said
College, all such sum or sums of money as shall be clue by the laws
and regulations of said College for his support, maintenance, and
tuition therein ; then the above obligation to be null & void ; other-
wise to be and remain in full force & virtue in the laws.
Signed, sealed and delivered

(Signed) Joseph Hawes, [Seal].

In the presence of

Ebenezer Lazell, (Signed) Peter Hawes," [Seal].

Merman Daggett.

I have also the College Diploma which Peter Hawes received from his
Alma Mater. After graduation he determined to seek his fortune in the
rapidly growing city of New York. Accordingly he left his old Massa-
chusetts home and the house sacred to so many memories, and settled
in this city. He had previously determined to enter the profession of
law. In the New York City Directory for 1795 we find his name
printed as follows : " Peter Hawes, Student of Law, 91 Beekman Street."
(The " New York Directory and Register for the year 1795, by William
Duncan, price five shillings," is a curious little duodecimo volume.
There are only 243 pages of names averaging less than 50 to the p
But it contains other interesting matter. The population of the city is
estimated at 52,272. Among the notable names set forth are: George
Washington, President ; John Adams, Vice-President ; Rufus King and
Aaron Burr, I". S. Senators from New York State, and Cornelius Ray,
President of the New York Branch of the Timed States Bank.) In
the same year he was admitted to the Bar. The License signed by
Richard Yarick, Mayor of the City of New York, on September 16th,

'

i795> 's a quaint old document, and was exhibited at the World's Fair in
Chicago upon the walls of the New York State Building. It is worthy
of place here.

" By Richard Varick, Esquire,

Mayor of the City of New York.
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting : Know ye
that Peter Ilawes, Gentleman, having been duly examined and reg-
ularly admitted an Altorney-at-Law, in the Court of Common Pleas
of the City and County of New York, called the Mayor's Court, on
the Sixteenth day of September, one thousand seven hundred and
Ninety-five, I do hereby license and authorize him to appear in said
Court, and there to practice as an Attorney at Law, according to
the Rules and Orders of the said Court, and the Laws of this State.
Given under my hand and seal, at the
City of New York, the Sixteenth day
of September, One thousand Seven
hundred and Ninety-five.

[Seal.] (Signed) Richard Varick."

Thus did Peter Ilawes begin his illustrious career at the Bar of
New York one hundred years ago. He rapidly rose to prominence, and,
by his native talent and ability, as well as by his industry and integrity
he soon acquired a large clientage. As evidence of this, it may be men-
tioned that he organized one of the first Fire Insurance Companies of
the United States, the old "Washington Insurance Company" and remained
its Secretary up to the time of his death in 1S29. He was also for many
years an Elder in Dr. Spring's old Brick Church, which then stood onLy)'/'/
the Corner of Nassau and Beekman Streets, where the >»™ V'.' ■i'Wwi W^ '■ < L
is now located. lie was also a member of the New England Society,
and served as its Secretary from 1S07 to 1809. From 1S09 to 1S12 he
was a member of the Common Council, or Board of Aldermen, of this
city. Then the office of Alderman was reserved as an honor for the
most distinguished and worthy citizens, and the name of "City Father,"
was not inaptly bestowed.

At that time the city proper did not extend beyond the City Hall,
or what is now known as Chambers Street. There was no Tweed Court
House. The Tammany Society or Columbian Order was nourishing, to
be sure, but it was a patriotic American institution, wholly different
from the Tammany Hall which met its Waterloo last November. (The
New York Directory for 1795, from which I have already quoted, speak-
ing of the Tammany Society, says : "This National Society was insti-
tuted in 17S9; it is founded on the true and genuine principles of
Republicanism, and holds out as its objects the Smile of Charity, the

Chain of Friendship, and the Flame of Liberty, and in general, whatever
may tend to perpetuate tin- love of freedom or the political advantage of
this country.") The building now used as a Hall of Records, or Register's
Office, was a jail. Bloomingdale was way out of town and reached by
stage coach. There were no cable cars on Broadway or elsewhere. There
were no elevated roads, no horse-cars, no steam railroads, no steamships,
no electric telegraphs, no telephones, no phonographs, no kinetoscopes,
no photographs, no tall buildings, no elevators, no apartment houses, no
typewriters. It seems wonderful when we consider the enormous strides
which science and invention have made in less than a hundred years.
We cannot understand how the people of that day could have existed
without what are to us the necessaries of life. But we must remember
that the current of events flowed more quietly and smoothly with them,
and they did not live and work under a constant high pressure as we do.
Nearly every man owned his own house and lot, and there were very
few paupers. Work was considered honorable, and a trade was not
despised.

My grandfather lived on the southeast corner of John and William
Streets, and his gardens extended down to the East River. The old
house is still standing there, although long since given over
to business purposes. If you will walk from Wall Street up Will-
iam to John, you will notice that there is a rise from Maiden Lane.
This is historic ground, for on the slope of what was then known as
" Golden 1 1 1 1 1*' ' occurred the first encounter between the Sons of Lib-
erty and a body of British troops, a detachment of the Sixteenth Regi-
ment of Foot, several years prior to the Battle of Lexington. One of
the patriots was killed and 'several wounded, and it was subsequently
called the " Battle of Golden Hill."

But Peter Ilawes did not spend all his time poring over Blackstone,
and Coke on Littleton. He also found opportunity to seek the divine
afflatus, and cultivate the muse of poetry. With other bright young fel-
lows of the Knickerbocker period, he founded the Calliopean Society,
which tlourished several years from October first, 1793, to February 3rd,
1799. They had regular meetings at which poems and essays were read,
which were then turned over to a Committee for criticism.

The minutes of the proceedings are as clear and legible as when first
written, and speak well for the penmanship of the scribe.

Some years ago, I came across an original autograph poem of my
grandfather's which needs a word of explanation. It is entitled " The
Belles of Cherry Street." Cherry street was then the Court end of town,
and filled with elegant and i /: , residences. Con

these was the house built b.y£3=3 Post, a respected and wealthy citizen.
The doors were of solid mahogany, with silver knobs, solid mahogany

'

23

balusters, etc. 1 1 is daughter Nancy was acknowledged to be the hand-
somest girl on Manhattan Island, and the belle of New York. Many
were the suitors that thronged her father's house, and sought to carry
off the prize, lint sad to say, she was inclined to be coquettish, as
maidens sometimes are, even to this day. Scores of broken hearts were
laid at her feet, but still she did not relent. Serenades were sung before
her window, and sonnets composed to her beauty and charms, but /. •

without avail. At last my grandfather, who was a «j*im miuwiLmant %.£. f- -£7 ^ (
and quite set in his ways, like his Puritan ancestors, determined that he7"~
must win her. He wrote a number of verses which did not have the de-
sired effect of securing his lady's affections. She only laughed him to
scorn. Finally he prepared this chef d'oeuvre, wherein she is apostro-
phised under the pseudonym of " Eliza," the name by which she was
known in all these effusions. All the other belles of Cherry Street are
mentioned in turn, only to be rejected. The final verse sets forth the
pre-eminent attractions of " Eliza." There are many personal allusions
which cannot be appreciated at this distant day. But the poem [sWL fl .
sprightly and clever, and we can hardly realize that it was written u{ {{JLL Q .{.■{'
*k*f*Ff? — Whether it was this poem which caused her tc smile upon him
with favor, deponent saith not. But certain it is that after a long and
arduous courtship, on the nth day of May, 1797. Peter Hawes was able
to lead Nancy Post, a fair and blushing bride, to the altar, and the twain
were made one.

After this somewhat lengthy but necessary prelude, allow me to read
the poem in question.

The Belles of Cherry Street.

Erato, sweetest Muse, assist my lays,

While I advetit'rous sound the chord of praise.

Or dare proclaim the beauties of the fair,

The winning Virtues, or the modest air,

The matchless persons, and their forms replete

With ev'rv grace, who dwell iu Ch y S 1.

Rash Youth, forbear! Mcthinks the Muse reply'd,

Xor dare attempt each beauty to describe ;

Tho' sweet th' employ, with worth to fill the page

To count IC 's charms would cost an age.

Life is too short to sound her praises forth,
Volumes too small to mention half her worth ;
Still would I rashly the fond theme pursue,
And strive to paint those beauties to the view ;
For this, once more, oh, Muse ! thy pow'r 1 ask,
Then aid my fancy in this pleasing task.

24

But, say, whose beauties first wilt thou rehearse,
Who most from virtuous merit claims thy verse?
Or her, whose face, whose form in ev'ry part
Proclaims her nature's master-piece of art ?
Or wilt thou like you glorious Orb of light,
That forms our day, or points our path by night,
Rise in the East, and, with descriptive force,
Pursue the street, as he pursues his course?

Then first, oh, Jane ! Thy beauties meet our eyes,

Beauties which B n knows how much to prize,

And while he fondly gazes on thy charms,

The rapturous glow of love his bosom warms;

Thy gentle manners void of ev'ry art,

Thy graceful smile has bound his geu'rous heart ;

Intent on these he knows no other fair,

Thou art his life, his thoughts, his joy, his care.

Next Ellen, whom the muses oft have sung,

Whose charms so oft have thro' the museum rung ;

Who flippant Crito, anxious for to please,

Portray 'd with '-grace, n'if, sense and sparkling case,"

But well might Crito thus exulting praise,

And proudly tune his best, his fondest lays,

For Ellen, such thy face, thy form, thy air,

Few greater beauties boast, few half so fair.

Whoe'er those lovely sable tresses sees,

In graceful ringlets kiss the passing breeze ;

Thy form angelic, or those lovely eyes,

Feels the warm wish, the fond effusion rise.

But why 'midst those whr>-to thy beauty bow,

Ilas^fio fond Youth proffered the nuptial vow ; y

Why not, enraptur'd by thy winning charms,

Sigh'd to enclose you in his longing arms ;

Do they inconstant from the nuptial bow'r

Fly off like insects when they taste the flow'r ?

Or can no sighs or tears your pity move,

Warm your cold heart, or wake your soul to love :

Consider, Ellen, lest those vain delays

Should waste your charms and steal your youthful days,

And thou be doomed in Pluto's drear domain

To lead a cap'riug ape in silken chain.

But hark ! what cruel nymph could cause to rise
Those piercing groans, or wake those mornful sighs,
Rebecca ! say, art thou the cruel fair,

A„,l t,i c the swain that rends witli sighs the air?

Ah, Hog! too much I fear this mournful strain
Those sighs, those tears, alas I are all in vain ;

Von gaze in vain with rapture on hei charms —

In vain youi bosoui beats losoft alarms ;

Some happier Youth possesses all her care,

Her love— and leaves thee nought but sail despair.

Since then is bauish'd ev'rj raj ol h ; .

Use that sure cure for love — an end of rope.

Miss now with measured pact is seen,

With tortur'd f< itures, studied gait and uiein ;
Of self importance, affectation full,
Formal ami serious, phlegmatic and dull ;

Tity, alas ! That we s ten find,

Vain affectation taint the female mind.

Lovely as morn that ushers in the dav,
When choirs of warblers hail returning jr.iv ;
And Nature lavish o'er her carpet strews
Her opening flowers of various hues ;
Blythe as the lark that wakes to early love,
Meek as the lamb, and harmless as the dove,
Does lovely R — d — n meet our wandering eves,
Raise the fond wish, and fill us with surprise.

Those baneful passions which so often are

Unhap'ly nurs'd in bosoms of the fair.

In that dear breast could ne'er an entrance find,

Nor e'er contaminate that virtuous mind ;

Nor affectation with her slifTeu'd mien,

And tortur'd features, ever could be seen ;

Hut following nature, ail her actions tend

1825683

_ jXo charm the lovej", or tcvJlx4lie friend. __ y/___ /, r-

w For all «fie_gCn tier Virtues jvwell with yonjlf (/ / A — /

Thy form is grace replete in ev'ry ;> irt, [I
liut far much nob' ; . ■ , i 5 fill thy hearts/
These, these shall far outlive frail beauty's ray,
Smile e'en in age, and never know decay.

Eliza, formed with every charm to pli ...

Win the soft heart and mould it at her ease,

Now claims my lay— had I Pope's tuneful lyre,

His fertile genu;-, In- poetic lire.

The sweetest voice of 1< ive sh< ml ! f mdly flow,

The heart e.Mllt, the best idea glow.

To paint that fair, that lovely blushing cheek,

Those beauteous eyes that ( ■ ak ;

That modest front where caudour .

Where smiling innocence each irt n

Those nectar lips, with tints of glowing red,

Which are with sense and goodness ever fed :

26

That skin, pure, spotless, and of dazzling hue,

Prone to betray the bright ethereal blue ;

That lovely neck, that shape, that grace, that/a/, /} .

Those thousand uaraeless charms that deck/'t Kx /f 0^-^*ff

These when the Muse in brightest numbers drew, 1/
Would be but faintly pictured to the view ;
Then sure no pen howe'er sublime, no art

Can paint the richer beauties of her heart.

Five children were the result of this marriage, William Post, Susan,
Matilda, William Post 2d, and Matilda 2d.

Nancy Post died July 4th, rSo6, and on June i6th, 1S0S, Peter Hawes
married for his second wife Margaretta Ray, by whom he had nine
children, Eliza Ray, Nancy Post. Charles Robert, Mary Louisa, Rufus
King, named after his particular friend, Rufus King 2d, Peter Augustus,
Gardiner Spring, and Julia Lynch All these fourteen children are now
dead except one daughter. The only descendants 111 the male line re-
maining in this country are the two sons of Peter Augustus, of whom
the writer of this paper is one.

William Post Hawes graduated from Columbia College in 1S21 at
the age of 1S years. He was admitted to the Bar in New York City in
1824. He served in the New York State Militia from the grade of Ensign in
January, 1825, through all the successive ranks to that of Colonel of the
222d Regiment of Infantry in January, 1S36. He was Secretary of the
New England Society, 1824-29. He commenced literary work in 1827
by contributing articles to the "American Monthly Magazine," " The
Mirror," "New York Times," "Standard." " N. Y. Spirit of the Times
and Turf Register," etc., which displayed a great love of nature, a facile
pen, graceful style, and wonderful descriptive powers.

Some of these stories, poems, etc., were collected and published in
two volumes by Henry William Herbert ("Frank Forester") in 1S34, under
the title of " Sporting Scenes and Sundry Sketches, being the miscel-
laneous writings of J. Cypress, Jr.," which also includes a most touching
and appreciative notice of his dead friend, cut off in his prime, at the
age of 38.

Gardiner Spring Hawes displayed the patriotic and lighting qualities
of his forefathers, by raising a company of volunteers when the news was
first received of the attack on Fort Sumter in 1S61. lie went to the
front and stayed there till the close of the War of the Rebellion, serving
with the Army of the Potomac during all those terrible battles and weary
campaigns. He returned at the head of his regiment, and marched down
Pennsylvania Avenue on that memorable day of the great parade in
Washington, when an army of thousands was mustered out, and melted
away to become quiet citizens again. Peace to his ashes !

27

Peter A. Hawes was lor many years a merchant in this city, and w«»a
loved and respected by all who knew him. Although mil favored with
a collegiate education, by self-application he became a master of English
literature, and was well informed on all public questions. He was an
elocutionist of no mean merit, and his services were freely given to
many worthy charities. Nothing gave him so much pleasure as to read or
recite from his favorite poets, particularly Shakespeare, of which he was a
close student. Mis oratorical powers were also in frequent demand on the
stump, and many a political contest has been illumined by his eloquence.
He was ever found battling for the right, and against wrong and oppres-
sion. He denounced slavery in no uncertain way, when it was consid-
ered dangerous so to do. He had that peculiarly lovable nature and
magnetic power which attracted all with whom he came in contact.

His life was gentle ; and the elements

So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up

And say to all the World — This was a man.

And now my tale is told. We have traced the history of the Hawes
family in only one male line from 1635 to the present day, and yet how
that history is interwoven with the history of our country. Illustrious
men all, who came from a common stock. And what shall we say of
dear old Dedliam, who nurtured these early pioneers, and produced a
sturdy race of freemen to whom we owe our present prosperity and
happiness, nay, our very existence.

I cannot better close this cursory and inadequate record, than by
quoting some of the verses read in 1SS6, at the 250th anniversary of the
founding of Dedham.

Athwart the way our fathers laid

The summer sunlight falls ;
The elms our fathers set still shade

The road, 'twixt church and pasture made;
The stones their ploughshares first uplaid

Still lie in mossy walls.

Down from the western hills our own

Still roaming river runs,
Content in Dcdham's arms alone

To lie, and mirror spire and stone ;
The robin to our fathers known,

Still sings for us, their sons.

Mother of towns ! Thy children bow

Iu filial reverence here ti
The year.-, lie lightly on thy 1

Thy locks but show the trace of gray ;
And never sweeter were than dow

The smiles that o'er thy features play.

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