THE
ESSEX INSTITUTE
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
VOL. XXXVII 1901
SALEM, MASS.
PRINTED FOR THE ESSEX INSTITUTE
1901
F
12.
Salem frees:
THE SALEM PRESS Co., SALEM. MASS.
1901.
CONTENTS.
"America" of Salem, An Account of the Private Armed Ship.
By B. B. Crowninshield. Illustrated, 1
Beverly First Church Records ( Continued') . Copied by William
P. Upham, 177, 345
Crowninshield, B. B. An Account of the Private Armed Ship
"America "of Salem. Illustrated, 1
Dow, George Francis. Salem Commoners' Records, 1713-
1739 (Continued). Copied by 105,281
Driver, Captain William, and his Flag, " Old Glory." By
Robert S. Rantoul, 261
Gardner, Frank A., M.D. Thomas Gardner, Planter, and Some
of his Descendants. Illustrated, . . . 81, 201, 225, 369
Gardner, Thomas, Planter, and Some of his Descendants. By
Frank A. Gardner, M.D. Illustrated, . . .81, 201, 225, 369
Howard, Cecil Hampden Cutts. Chief Justice Samuel Sewall.
Portrait, 161
Howard, Cecil Hampden Cutts. The Pepperrells in America.
Portraits, 265,409
Lyford, Francis, of Boston, and Exeter, and Some of his
Descendants. By William Lewis Welch, . . . 305, 393
Marine Notes from a Book kept in Salem, 1812-1815 (Con-
tinued). Copied by George L. Peabody, . . 145,249,339
" Old Glory," Captain William Driver and his Flag. By Robert
S. Rantoul, 261
Orne, Timothy, junior, of Salem, List of Vessels Owned
Wholly or in Part by, 1740-1758, 77
Peabody, George L. Marine Notes from a Book kept in Salem,
1812-1815 (Continued}. Copied by, . . . 145,249,339
Pepperrells in America, The. By Cecil H. C. Howard. Por-
traits, 265, 409
Rantonl, Robert S. Captain William Driver and his Flag,
"Old Glory," 261
Rantoul, Robert S. Some Personal Reminiscences of the Poet
Whittier. Illustrated, 129
Rantoul, Robert S. What Washington Thought of a Third
Term. Illustrated . . . 321
(iii)
IV CONTENTS.
Salem Commoners' Records, 1713-1739 (Continued). Copied
by George Francis Dow, . 105, 281
Salem, Marine Notes from a Book kept in 1812-1816 (Con-
tinued). Copied by George L. Peabody, . . 145,249,339
Sewall, Chief Justice Samuel. By Cecil H. C. Howard. Por-
trait 161
Upham, William P. Beverly First Church Records (Continued).
Copied by, . 177,345
Vessels Owned Wholly or in Part by Timothy Orne, junior, of
Salem, 1740-1758, List of, 77
Washington Thought of a Third Term, What. By Robert S.
Rantoul. Illustrated 321
Welch, William Lewis. Francis Lyford, of Boston, and
Exeter, and Some of his Descendants, . . . 305, 393
Whittier, Some Personal Reminiscences of the Poet. By
Robert S. Rantoul. Illustrated, 129
ii
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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
OF THE
ESSEX INSTITUTE.
VOL. XXXVII. JANUARY, 1901. No. 1.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE PRIVATE ARMED SHIP
"AMERICA" OF SALEM
WITH APPENDIX AND FIVE PLATES
BY B. B. CROWNINSHIELD.
FOUR ships called " America " were owned by the firm
of George Crowninshield & Sons of Salem.
The first ship of that name was a prize captured dur-
ing the Revolutionary war by the noted Salem privateer
"Grand Turk" and brought into Salem, April 3, 1783.
She was sold at auction and purchased by Elias Hasket
Derby, her name changed from " Pompey," and she was
then registered under the name, " America." She was
afterward sold to New York.
The second was a French vessel bought for Elias Has-
ket Derby at the Isle of France by Capt. Jacob Crownin-
shield. Jacob and Benjamin Crowninshield afterward
bought her of Mr. Derby for $9,000.00 and named her
" America" (at the time of her being registered at Salem,
it was not known what her former name was). This ship
brought the first elephant to the United States, arriving
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVII 1 (1)
2 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
from Calcutta, April, 1797, at New York, where the
elephant was sold for $10,000.
The third ship by that name was bought in Bordeaux,
France, by Capt. Benjamin Crowninshield for George
Crowninshield & Sons. She was a frigate-built ship of
654 tons and formerly belonged to the French navy, her
name then being the " Blonde," and that name appearing
on her sails when she arrived in Salem, Oct. 30, 1798.
She arrived first at New York some time in May of the
same year. While the ship was in New York, the Crown-
inshields offered her and the ship "Belisarius" to the United
States Government on a loan at 6%, her value to be as-
certained by appraisers approved by the Government, but
the offer was declined and the offer of Salem merchants
to build a frigate (the " Essex ") was accepted. When she
arrived at Salem she was found to be too large to lie at
any of the wharves, and a pier was built at some distance
from the shore, nearly opposite the foot of English street
for her to lie against in order to be coppered. This pier
was afterward connected with the shore, and thus Crown-
inshield's wharf (afterwards India and later Phillips
wharf, and now the Lehigh & Wilkesbarre coal-pocket)
was built. 1 Capt. Benjamin Crowninshield went a voyage
to Calcutta in her in 1800 and returned in nine months.
Capt. Stephen Webb took her to Havana in 1800 ; Capt.
John Crowninshield, to Sumatra in 1801; Capt. Jere
Briggs, to Sumatra in 1802 ; and in December of that year
Capt. John Crowninshield went in her to Europe where
he sold her in France for a privateer. Her upper deck
was taken off, which caused her to sail better, and her
original name was restored. During the command of Capt.
Stephen Webb, she was commissioned as a privateer
against the French in what was termed the French Spolia-
tion War. She then carried twenty guns and fifty men
and her 1st Lieutenant was James Short, and 2d Lieuten-
ant Jere Briggs. Her commission was dated at Philadel-
phia July 30, 1800, and signed by John Adams, President
of the United States, and Timothy Pickering, Secretary
of State. She was the largest merchant vessel owned in the
United States at that time and the favorite of her owners.
1 See Appendix; note 1, p. 49, on English's wharf.
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP AMERICA OF SALEM. 6
The fourth "America," the largest and most famous
privateer of Salem in the war of 1812, was built for her
owners in 1803-4 by Mr. Retire Becket, under the direc-
tion of Capt. George Crowninshield, Jr., just west of the
firm's (then) new wharf. Mr. Becket was greatly as-
sisted in her construction by Mr. Glytton, a Scotchman,
a man of great mechanical genius, and an excellent
draughtsman, who lived in Beverly.
When first launched she was 114 feet long, 30 feet 8
inches beam, 15 feet 4 inches depth, 14 feet 3 inches draft
and of 473 tons, this is closely the length of the yacht
"Constellation," and was described in her original certifi-
cate of registry as being square-rigged on three masts, hav-
ing two decks and an image-head. (Her figure-head was
a full-length likeness of an American Indian Chief being
chased by a white dog. This was made by Edward Dorr
who also made her windlass and capstan.) She was built
for the East India trade, and started on her first voyage
for Sumatra, 2nd July, 1804, in command of Benjamin
Crowninshield, Jr., Elias Davison of Gloucester being
chief officer and Nathaniel Leverett Rogers, clerk.
In those days all merchantmen were armed and the
America carried 10 nine-pounders, and a crew of 35 men.
The following are extracts from her log on this voyage :
"July 2nd, 7 A. M. Cast off from the wharf. At 3
p. M. sail-boat leaves us."
" Aug. 4th. Crossed the line in longitude 29 59' west.
Father Neptune and his lady came on board. The usual
ceremonies, ducking, etc."
" Sept. 21st. Saw the Isle of France."
"Sept. 22nd. Anchored off St. Denis, Bourbon. Went
ashore, and finding coffee above our limits, determined to
proceed immediately on our intended voyage ; but the
government would not let us go out, owing to an English
squadron off the Isle of France."
" Oct. 4th. Ship ' Margaret/ Elkins Master, arrives
from Mocha and sails for Salem on the 20th. She gives
us a flattering prospect of being able to procure a load of
coffee at Mocha."
"Nov. 5th. The embargo raised: sail for Mocha in
company with the ship ' Commerce ' and brig ' Grafton,'
4 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
of Salem. Sighted a large ship standing in from the
* Mauritius.' Suppose her to be the 'Belisarius.' Left at
St. Denis ships ' Fame' of Salem, 4 Caledonia ' of N. Y.,
and * Hector ' of Beverly, just arrived."
" Nov. 25th. Saw the Isle of Socotra. Spoke an Arab
Dhow bound for Mocha."
" Nov. 30th. Pass through the Straights of Babelman-
del and anchored off Mocha, the Grand Mosque bearing
E. by S."
" Dec. 8th. Arrives ship ' Cora Billings ' of Baltimore,
having left Mauritius eight days before we left St. Denis."
"Dec. 19th. Arrives from Bombay H. B. M. brig
' Panther,' a cruiser, Captain Court, bound further up the
Red Sea. Lord Valentia, the noted traveller, on board.
He is to go overland to England."
" 1805, Jan. 4th. ' Panther ' sails."
At Mocha the ship's clerk having become acquainted
with the officers of the Panther, they offered for copy
some of their charts of the Red Sea. One of the "Pan-
ther Shoal " in the handwriting of Clerk Rogers is still
extant. When the America was here, it should be re-
membered that intercourse was dangerous, and that these
quarters were seldom visited. The first at Mocha from
the United States was the ship " Recovery " of Salem in
1798, Elias Hasket Derby owner. And it may be remarked
that Mr. Derby and Capt. Nathaniel L. Rogers (on his
first voyage clerk of the America and afterwards President
of the East India Marine Society of Salem), first opened
nearly all the new trades originating at Salem. The log
proceeds :
"Jan. 21st. Completed our lading at this place, which
consists of 2291 bags of coffee, a quantity of gum-arabic,
hides, goat skins and sienna. At 8 A. M. stood for the
Abyssinian shore, having on board Mr. Pringle, the Eng-
lish consul, a passenger to Aden."
"Jan. 31st. Anchored abreast the Back Bay at Aden."
"Feb. 2nd. Go ashore in the pinnace. Had to row
nine miles and walk two, to reach the city. Here sent to
the ship in a Dhow 162 bales gum-arabic, etc."
" Feb 7th. Stood to sea ; anchor in Macalla Roads in
13 fathoms within a pistol shot of the shore. Here we
O CO
o: E
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP "AMERICA*' OF SALEM. 5
learn that Mr. Pringle had taken passage for England at
Aden in the ' Alert,' a very fine ship from Calcutta ; and
that the Arabs had risen upon her, had murdered the
captain and fifteen men, and had carried the ship into
Calcutta."
"Feb. 20th. Purchase 90 bales of gum-arabic which
completes the whole of our cargo."
"Feb. 21st. At 6 p. M., an Arab, who is going pas-
senger with us to the Isle of Bourbon, comes off from the
shore. He advises us to put to sea immediately, as the
Dolah would fire upon us this night ; his excuse being that
we had furnished Mr. Pringle with cannon and powder.
At 8 P. M. weighed anchor with as little noise as possible
and went to sea. Next day at meridian, Marcella Roads
bore N. N. W. 10 leagues distant."
" March 20th. Saw the Isle of Bourbon."
" March 24th. After several days of heavy rain, with
wind all around the compass, anchor with best-bower.
Our Arab passenger takes passage in the night in a French
brig for the Mauritius."
" March 25th. The French ship ' Bellona,' of 44 guns,
arrives from the Isle of France :" [This was the only ves-
sel Capt. Rogers, then Ship's Clerk, used to say that he
ever knew to outsail the America and that by very little.]
" March 26th. Sailed from St. Denis for Salem."
Nothing of particular interest occurred on the home-
ward passage, unless it be the occasional heaving to and
boarding by several of H. B. M's vessels of war : " treated
politely " invariably says the log.
"June 17th. Cape Cod S. S. W. seven miles distant."
It had been rumored at Salem for some time, that
the America, instead of obeying orders to Sumatra, had
gone to Mocha, in which case she would make a great
voyage. But it was all uncertain, and the owners were
the more anxious, especially because, on departure, they
had most implicitly enjoined on Capt. Crowninshield
instructions somewhat in this wise : " Now you've broken
orders so often, see if for once you can't mind them."
Upon the America's being sighted far outside, "down-town"
was all agog to hear the news ; and some of the owners,
with a few friends, hurriedly put off in their sail boat.
6 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
On nearing the ship, some thought they scented coffee ;
others, mistrusting their olfactories, were less confident ;
but, approaching closer, the fragrant odor seemed to grow
more unmistakable, until an old salt suggested that it
might be after all only the scent of a fresh pot wafted from
the galley. Hereupon, hardly within hailing distance,
Mr. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, an owner, seizing the
speaking-trumpet, shouted (forgetful of the usual courte-
sies) "What's your cargo?" "Pe-pe-per," came the doleful
reply over the waters from Capt. Benjamin Crowninshield,
who perfectly saw through the matter. " You lie " (with
a sailor's expletive, roarecj the owner through his trumpet)
" I smell coffee." And so it was soon found to be.
And the ship shortly after, proceeding to Holland,
netted a profit of considerably more than one hundred
thousand dollars on this cargo.
When the war of 1812 broke out, the America's own-
ers decided to fit her for a privateer. (The firm fitted three
privateers, the " America," the ship "John "and the sloop
"Jefferson.") The America 2 arrived at Salem, 27 days
from Gottenburg, under command of Captain Briggs,
April 24, 1812, and in July and August, 1812, her upper
deck was taken off and her sides filled in solid between
planking and ceiling like the sides of a man-of-war. This
work was done by John Webb, and reduced her length
to 108 feet, her depth to 11 feet 6 inches, and her tonnage
to 331. She was rigged with longer yards, royal-masts and
a flying jibboom. Her large crew enabled her to spread an
immense area of sail, and at short notice, by sending down
the royal and top-gallant yards, and housing the royal-
masts and flying jibboom, to get under snug rig.
Several times her log speaks of sending down the top-
gallant-masts, as well as the royal-masts, and twice while
in a gale her mainyardwas lowered on deck. The follow-
ing were the dimensions of her spars, given in feet : Fore
mast 63 ; Fore yard 58 ; Booms 33 ; Foretop-mast 38 ;
Fore topsail yard 48 ; Booms 28 ; Foretop-gallant-mast
26 ; Foretop-gallant yard 32 ; Fore royal mast 10 ; Fore
oya yard 20 ; Fore skysail mast 7 ; Fore skysail yard 10.
2 See News Book, kept at the office of the Essex Insurance Company, Essex
Place, Salem; Nathaniel Bowditch, President; Marine Notes for April 28, 1812.
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP AMERICA OF SALEM. 7
Main mast 69 ; Main yard 67 ; Booms 37 ; Main topmast
44 ; Main topsail 52 ; Booms 28 ; Main top-gallant mast 27 ;
Main top-gallant yard 34 ; Main royal mast 12 ; Main royal
yard 24 ; Main sky sail mast 10 ; Main skysail yard 12.
Mizzen mast 6 1 ; Crotchet yard 46 ; Mizzen top mast 33 ;
Mizzen topsail yard 36 ; Mizzen top-gallant mast 19 ; Miz-
zen top-gallant yard 24 ; Mizzen royal mast 8 ; Mizzen royal
yard 14 ; Mizzen skysail mast 6 ; Mizzen skysail yard 8 ;
Mizzen boom 43 ; Mizzen gaff 33 ; Bowsprit 36 ; Jibboom
37 ; Flying jibboom 34.
Allowing about 18 feet for the three doublings, this
makes the distance from deck to main truck 136 feet, and
allowing ten feet lap of each studding-sail boom, a total
thwart ship distance of 104 feet.
She was fitted out under the direction of George Crown-
inshield, Jr., who attended to the building and equipment
of all the firm's ships, and the perfect manner of her prep-
aration and thorough equipment bear witness to his knowl-
edge of seamanship and marine architecture.
Her battery was changed somewhat from time to time ;
guns from prizes being occasionally mounted in place of
inferior ones already on the ship. But on her third
cruise she carried eighteen long nine-pounders, which
were procured by B. W. Crowninshield (then Secretary of
the Navy) from the Charlestown Navy -yard, two long six-
pounders, two eighteen-pound carronades, and the follow-
ing small arms : 40 muskets, 4 blunderbusses, 55 pistols,
73 cutlasses, 10 top muskets, 36 tomahawks or boarding
axes, and 39 boarding pikes. Her crew numbered about
one hundred and fifty men, divided as follows : Com-
mander, three Lieutenants, Sailing master, three Mates,
Surgeon, Purser, Captain of marines, gunner, gunner's
mate, carpenter, carpenter's mate, steward, steward's mate,
seven prize masters, armorer, drummer, fifer, three quar-
termasters, and one hundred and twenty-two men.
She was unquestionably the fastest-sailing vessel afloat
during the war, and was never captured, although contin-
ually chased by English cruisers. On these occasions she
always escaped with the greatest ease. Tho greatest speed
mentioned in her log is 13 knots. It is mentionrd often,
8 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
and she frequently averaged more than 10 knots for twelve
consecutive hours.
She made five cruises :
(i) September 7, 1812, to January 7, 1813, command-
ed by Joseph Ropes. 3
(n) March 29, 1813, to July 21, 1813, commanded by
John Kehew.
$ (m) December 3, 1813, to March 31, 1814, com-
manded by James Chever, Jr. 4
(iv) October 31, 1814, to November 5, 1814, com-
manded by James Chever, Jr.
(v) November 24, 1814, to April 8, 1815, commanded
by James Chever, Jr.
During these cruises she safely sent into port twenty-
seven prizes in all, valued at $1,100,000. On her first
cruise she captured six, on her second ten, on her third
twelve, and on her last thirteen prizes. These prizes
were sold under the law, the proceeds, after the Govern-
ment had deducted two per cent for a pension fund, to be
divided equally between the owners and the ship's com-
pany, one moiety each, and netted the ship $550,000.
The law provided that the captured privateersmen should
have all the rights and immunities of prisoners of war,
that as to pensions, they should stand on the same foot-
ing as the Navy, and that all prizes should be sold at auc-
tion. 5 Six of her prizes were retaken by the English on
their way to the United States, a large number were de-
stroyed at sea rather than run the risk of their recapture,
and the total value of English shipping destroyed by her
must have greatly exceeded the above sum.
Her invariable cruising ground was from the English
Channel south, to the latitude of the Canary Islands.
Here on several occasions she hung on the skirts of a fleet
of English merchantmen under convoy, cutting out and
capturing vessel after vessel, and all the time keeping at
a safe distance from English frigates, which she sometimes
s See Appendix, note 3, p. 50.
<See Appendix, note 4, p. 52.
6 See Appendix, note 5, p. 52 and " Articles of agreement between owners and
the officers and company of the America," p. 58.
OF SALEM.
approached closely before their true character was discov-
ered, but could easily out- sail.
On one occasion during her third cruise, January 10,
1814, off the coast of France in Lat. 47 31', she was with-
in sight of one hundred and forty five vessels. On another
cruise she was in the English channel for fifteen days with-
out once sighting an English frigate.
When not employed on chases, the ship's company was
daily exercised at quarters, and target practice with the
great guns and small arms is almost as often mentioned in
the log. Sometimes an empty cask (at 60 yards) , and
frequently a prize not worth risking with prize crew, be-
fore being burnt, was used as a mark.
The Quarter Bill shows an organization similar to that
of a man-of-war of the period: three divisions commanded
by the three Lieutenants, the whole force divided into ten
gun-crews, of six men each, manning each gun and its
opposite across the deck.
The Station Bill in Time of Action shows the manceuver-
ing of the ship to be in charge of the Commander and
mates, with the remainder of the ship's company allotted
to their several stations :
Commander, with the sailing master and two men on the
quarter deck.
Boatswain and three men on the forecastle.
Four men each in the fore and main tops.
Three men in the mizzen top.
Three men to attend to the main tack.
Eighteen men to tend the main and fore braces and rig-
ging about the masts.
Three men at mizzen braces, and others at special sta-
tions about the deck.
The ship's Muster Roll is full of names now prominent
in Essex County and throughout New England. Hardly
an Irish, German or Scandinavian name appears on the
list. The given names bear witness to the Puritan ances-
try of the ship's company, practically all being Bible names
(a great contrast to the roll on any American vessel of to-
day, where one rarely finds an English name except that
of the Captain and officers). 6
See Appendix : note 6, p. 56; also Muster Roll, Quarter Bill and Station Bill.
10 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
Thirty of her company were from Marblehead. 7 Beverly
names are also common, among them Joseph Dan forth,
steward's mate, who, from records he has left, seems to
be the faithful chronicler of the ship's career. Of her it
could not be said that she was a " Yankee ship with a
motley crew."
So well drilled and expert at the guns had her crew be-
come that when, on her last cruise, she fell in with the
English privateer-ship " Princess Elizabeth," mounting
eight nine pounders and manned by 31 men, from Rio
bound to Falmouth, she captured her after an engagement
of twenty minutes. The "Princess Elizabeth" struck only
after a most stubborn fight, during which two of her people
were killed and thirteen wounded. So sharp and accurate
was the America's fire that, during the engagement, the
enemy was hit no less than seven hundred times by solid
shot, grape and musket balls. After removing her guns
and officers, the " Elizabeth " was given back to her crew
and allowed to proceed to Falmouth, England, as being in
ballast she was of little value.
FIRST CRUISE.
The America left Salem, bound on her first cruise, at
10 o'clock A.M., Sept. 7, 1812, in command of Joseph
Ropes. Captain Ropes was an experienced and skilful
seaman and navigator ; he had commanded the ship
Recovery, in 1794, for Elias Basket Derby, Esq., and in
1797 he took charge of the ship John, for the Crownin-
shields, making several voyages to the East Indies and to
China in her.
By noon the America had passed Baker's Island and
stood out in the offing. Capt. Geo. Crowninshield here
left her, and the same afternoon she was joined by the
privateer John, and the two ships cruised in company
until 18th September. The America being so much the
faster was frequently compelled to shorten sail and to
" lay with mizzen to the mast to keep company with the
John." At 1 A.M., Sept. 11, in lat. 39, 55', the main-
topmast was carried away in a squall, carrying with it the
mizzen royal-mast, and making the ship unmanageable.
See Roads: " History and Traditions of Marblehead," First Edition, page 242-
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP " AMERICA " OF SALEM. 11
The log reads: "All hands were employed clearing
the wreck. At half-past five A.M., saw a ship steering
W. by N. and at 6 brought her to and the John boarded
her." She proved an American ship from Liverpool,
bound to the United States. Evidently the America's
people were too intent re-rigging their ship to spare the
time and men necessary for boarding the stranger. By
noon the new topmast was on end and by four o'clock in
the afternoon the topsail was drawing and the topgallant
yard crossed, and at six o'clock the next morning the top-
gallant sails were set. This was a marvellous feat of sea-
manship and proves what a skilful and reliant captain and
crew the America had.
Sept. 12, 13, 14 and 15. Cruising in company with the
John. Nothing of interest occurs. Civilities exchanged.
Sept. 16th. " Wearing ship in chase of a sail, lost
overboard John Sergustine."
Sept. 17 boarded the American ship "Anna." Signal-
light for John. It was answered.
Sept. 18 rather a laughable incident happened ; the log
reads : at noon "Took our departure from the John and
gave them three cheers. The John bore away S. S. W.
At 7 P. M. tacked ship to the N. W. ; at 6 (the next
morning) saw a sail to leeward ; let the reef out of the
topsails and set the mainsail ; got up the topgallant yards
and Royal masts and stood after the sail. At half past
eight the above sail proved to be the John. Hauled the
courses up ; unbent the mizzen to reduce it. Latitude by
observation 37 26' N."
By this time the America was in mid-Atlantic and
right in the track of British commerce to and from Canada,
and, on Sept. 23, captured her first prize : "Brig James
& Charlotte, James Levett master, 30 days from Cork
for Halifax, cargo dry goods, crates and coal. Put on
board Henry Tebbets, Prize master, & Seven men."
Sept. 25. "Marines employed firing small arms at a
target." [Target suspended from the yard-arm.] Foggy
weather.
On Sept. 26, occurred another example of rigging ship
at sea. "At 6 A. M. found the^bowsprit sprung. All
hands employed getting in the jibbooms and fishing the
bowsprit; got out an old fore yard fora jibboom; got
12 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
out the flying jibboom again." This must have necessi-
tated coming up on all the head stays and back stays
as well as completely unrigging the bowsprit and jib-
booms not an easy undertaking in a seaway.
Sept. 29. Fill empty water casks with salt water.
On Sept. 30, the America evidently fell in with an
English privateer schooner but failed to capture her ; the
log reads: "Middle part quite moderate; at 5 A. M.
saw a schooner to the N. W. standing to the N. E. : Set
the Royals, hauled to the wind. At eight o'clock she
fired to bring us to.
"We had before shut our ports to decoy her all we could ;
clewed the Royals up and lay the mizzen topsail aback.
Then she bore down upon us with American colors up.
We tacked after her and fired four guns, but she made
her escape by superior sailing in light winds." Lat. 42
48'. " Winds variable," says the log: only 2 or 3 knots
an hour.
Oct. 3. At seven A. M. saw the Islands of Graciosa
and Terceira (the Azores), the former bearing W. S.
W. and seventeen leagues distant. Lat. 39 28' N.
Oct. 5. "Got out the boat and cleaned the ship's bot-
tom : fitted a new bobstay and set up the head stays.
Saw the Island of St. Michael's bearing W. S. W. J W.
24 leagues, from which take a fresh departure. Lat. 38
40'." Variation at evening: Amplitude, 23 : 14 West.
Captain Ropes evidently did not intend to let his ship
get out of trim nor his men become undisciplined : every
fine day the log reads " exercised the watch at the great
guns," "the large and small guns," and " maneuvering."
Oct. 9. Marines and topmen shooting at a target.
Oct. 17. Fell in with the privateer ship Alfred, Cap-
tain Williams, from Salem, upon a cruise 40 days out.
te At midnight, wore ship in chase. At 2 A. M. brought
her to." The Alfred left Salem on the same day that the
America did.
Oct. 23. "Boarded American ship Apollo, 18 days
from Phila. bound to Cadiz." Caught 2 Dolphin.
Oct. 26 & 27. Close reef; fresh gales; 9-10-12
knots.
Nov. 5. "Get out the green cutter & scrub the ship's
bottom. Carpenters employed calking the waterways."
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP AMERICA OF SALEM.
Nov. 6. Captured her second prize : " Brig Benjamin
from Newfoundland bound to Pool, James Collins master.
Detained her to get out some small articles. Next day
put on board Joseph Dixon and eight men and ordered
her to America." Lat. 49 57'.
On Nov. 19th was captured the third prize. The log
reads : " At 1 P. M. came up with the above sail and
boarded her : she proved to be the ship Ralph Neckerson
from Quebeck bound to and hailing from London. Got
out both boats and brought the prisoners on board and
several small articles also one of her boats. Put on
board her John Proctor, prize master, and eleven men :
ordered her for America." Both of these last two vessels
were captured right in the chops of the English channel,
and J think that this must be the time that Captain Chever,
then mate, referred to when he said that on one occasion for
two weeks the America was in the English channel without
once sighting an English ship-of-war.
Caring for and guarding the prisoners now became a
problem, and on Nov. 21 the log reads : " Carpenters em-
ployed parting off the berth-deck for the prisoners."
" Nov 24. At 7.30 A. M. saw a sail bearing S. W. by S.
steering to the E. S. E. Made all necessary sail in chase.
"At 9 A. M. brought her to and boarded her : she proved
to be the British ship Hope from St. Thomas for Glasgow,
45 days out, Gilbert demons master : Full Cargo : Sugar
and Rum. He informed us that he had left the fleet 4 days
before, consisting of thirty two sail of merchantmen under
the convoy of the Ring Dove, Sloop-of-war." This was
the sort of dove-cote in which such a hawk as the America
produced the wildest terror. Put on board Joseph Valpey,
prize master, and twelve men : took several small articles
and the prisoners from her and ordered her to America.
Lat. 46 35'.
The " small articles " referred to usually included quad-
rant, spy-glass and samples of cargo and sometimes small
arms and specie, but never the personal property of the
prisoners.
Nov. 25. " At 3.45 saw a sail bearing S. steering to the
Eastward : let the reef out of the foresail, let one reef out
of the maintopsail : at 4.45 fired and brought her to and
boarded her : she proved to be the Brig Dart from St.
14 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
Thomas, mounting eight guns and thirteen men. Sent the
boat on board the ship with five of the prisoners : leaving
three of us on board the prize with eight prisoners : when
the boat returned to the ship she foundered alongside and
two of the prisoners were drowned. Entered two men
we took from the Hope."
At 7.30 P. M. a hard squall : carried away the fore-yard,
in the slings : got up another yard : furled the maintopsail :
sailed in company with the Brig.
Nov. 26. Gale of wind : in company with the Brig.
Unbent fore top sail and bent another. Lat. 45 59' N.
Nov. 27. " At half past three moderate : got the long
boat out and made a signal to the Brig to bear down under
the lee. At 5 boarded the prize and put on board Anthony
D. Cauldfield as prize master and eight men. Lieut. Briggs,
Henry Curtis and myself came on board the ship"(the three
referred to on 25th as having to handle the prize and take
charge of eight prisoners) "ordered the prize for America."
She now began to show what sailing qualities she had
since being razeed and converted. She was no fair-
weather sailor. On September 29, under short sail,
" fresh & squally " she had made thirteen consecutive
hours, at a rate of speed just below 9 1/2 knots per hour.
From nine A. M., on October 18, until nine p. M. on Octo-
ber 19, she had made her thirty-six hours at the same
average rate. For the last eighteen of these thirty-six
hours, under short sail, and with smart breezes blowing
almost a gale, at times, and some swell, she had made
9 knots. On October 24, in similar weather, she made
91/3 knots for the twenty-four hours. On November
27-28-29 she ran thirty-six hours at an average rate
of 9 1/6 knots, followed by a run of twelve consecutive
hours, from 10 at night of the 30th until 10 next morn-
ing, " squally & rain," at the rate of 9 1/2 knots. She
left port on her Third Cruise at a rate better than ten
knots for the first seventy-five hours, no hour of the three
days' running at less than 9 knots. On her departure for
the Fourth Cruise she maintained that speed for twenty
hours, and on her last Cruise, January 1815, " smart
breeze & squally," she started with an average run of
9 1/3 knots for twenty-four hours. But it was on January
2-3, 1813, between nine and nine A.M., "brisk breeze &
OF SALEM. 15
hazy," that she was to make the twenty-four hours at an
average rate of 9 knots per hour, with the unprecedented
record of eleven consecutive hours at 10 1/2 knots per
hour, the last eight hours, from midnight until nine A.M.,
being covered at 11 J/8 knots per hour. So they sweep
through the deep, when the stormy winds do blow !
Dec. 3. Overhauled the hold and found 29 casks water ;
curtailed the allowance to 2 quarts per day.
Dec. 6. Several of the officers and crew attended with
an inflammation of the eyes, which disorder was brought
from the Hope. Curtailed allowance of fresh water to 3
pints per 24 hours. Lat. 41 32'.
Dec. 14th. Steady rain : caught 60 gallons water.
Dec. 16th. Captured the Brig Euphemiafrom Leguira
for Gibraltar, 10 guns and 25 men, commanded by John
Gray. Lat. 36 6'.
Dec. 17. "All hands employed: got out the launch
and took eight guns from the prize with several other arti-
cles : at 2 P. M. put on board Archibald S. Dennis as prize
master and eleven men; took from her 21 prisoners.
At 10 A. M. All hands employed, lowered the fore-
topmast eleven inches and lidded it anew. (The topmast
was found sprung near the cap about ten days before but
owing to bad weather nothing could be done until this date. )
Dec. 18th. "Caught 120 gallons rain water." The Amer-
ica now having a large proportion of her crew away in prizes
and being short of water and in need of a thorough refitting
was on her way back to Salem : nothing of interest occurred
until near Cape Cod.
Dec. 27. "Large cross sea, the ship very laboursome.
Split the main topsail. Unbent it and bent another. Sail
to S. W. Fired and brought her down. American brig
under Spanish colors from Portland for Porto Kico, 12
days out."
So they went on, day after day, splitting and repairing
sails, planing and painting spars, trimming ship and using
every known appliance to enhance her speed. With plenty
of men on board, and all the skill and seamanship they
had at command, it would have been an anomaly indeed if
the America had not been handled in a masterly manner.
On 31st Dec. the log reads : "At 9 A. M. saw a sail to
the N. E. : let the reef out of the foresail and mainsail
16 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
and one reef out of the topsails. She came along to wind-
ward of us, then bore away (so as to rake) and fired sev-
eral shots at us (and again bearing up) and continuing
his cruise along to windward (course of America N. N. E.
wind N. W. speed 4 knots). Again at one o'clock in the
afternoon the above schooner came within gunshot on the
weather quarter. Lat. Obs. 39 30'." The next day, "Jan.
1, tacked ship after her : tired to bring her to under Amer-
ican colors. She fired upon us under the same colors with
a blue flag at her main-top-gallant-mast head. Fired
fifteen shot at her but she proceeded on to windward of
us. At half past one (gave up the chase and) tacked to the
N. E." Evidently to windward in a light wind the fore-
and -after was too much for the America.
The above mentioned schooner proved to be the famous
English privateer Liverpool Packet, of St. John, N. B.
She was later captured by the American Privateer Thom-
as and brought into Portsmouth, N. H., June 10, 1813.
The Thomas took her only after a five hours chase and
lost three men in boarding.
"Jan. 2, 1813. Sail in sight appeared to be the schooner
that we fired upon yesterday. Set the steering sails fore
and aft. Up main-royal mast and yard and set the sails.
At 3, set the steering sails fore and aft on the starboard
side. At 10, cloudy : in steering sails and main Royal.
Lat. 41 57' N."
Jan. 4th. At 2 p. M. Cape Ann bore S. W. by W.
and Agamenticus Hill N. W. "Boxing about in the Bay."
"Jan. 5th. 3 P. M. Cape Cod light bore S., 4 miles
dist. Race point bearing S. W. by W. Spoke a schooner
from Salem ; got a pilot at 12 A. M. Came to anchor in
Cape (Cod) Harbor, (Provincetown?) and proceed to
Salem the following day at 6 A. M."
The America's officers on this cruise were
Joseph Ropes, Commander, John Kehew, 1st Lieut.,
Samuel Briggs, 2nd Lieut., Benjamin Daniels, 3rd Lieut.,
Nathaniel Perry, Sailing master, Thomas Hills, Surgeon,
John Bailey, Capt. of marines.
The six prizes captured by the America on this cruise
were valued at $158, 000. OO. 8
8 See News Book kept at the office of the Essex Insurance Company, Essex
Place, Salem, Nathaniel Bowditch, President; Marine Notes for Jan. 7, 1813.
17
SECOND CRUISE.
After a thorough refit the America sailed on her second
cruise within a few weeks of her arrival from the first
cruise (Jan. 7, 1813), under the command of Capt. John
Kehew, who had been 1st Lieut, on her first cruise,
returning July 21st. Previous to that he had com-
manded the little sloop Jefferson at the very beginning of
the war when she sent into Salem the second prize captured
from the British. The following account of the second
cruise is taken from the Ship News Column of the Essex
Register.
fisser IRegiater*
SALEM SATURDAY, JULY 24, 1813.
[SHIP NEWS.]
Port of Salem, Wednesday, July 21.
The private armed ship America, of 20 guns, Capt.
Kehew, of this port, has arrived at Bath, from a cruize of
nearly 4 months. May 3, lat. 47 48, Ion. 40, captured
sch. Eliza, from Cork for Newfoundland, with passengers,
and an assorted cargo released. May 5, captured brig
Sprightly, in ballast, released with prisoners. Same day
captured Brig Paragon, in ballast, manned out, (since re-
taken.) May 9, captured brig Lucy, from Halifax, with
cotton, &c. (retaken.) May 12, schr. Zelpha, from Ire-
land, with passengers, &c. for Newfoundland, released.
May 28, captured British brig Margaret, from Cadiz, with
salt, arrived. June 3, captured American brig Alexander,
from England for Boston, with dry goods, &c., arrived.
June 20, lat. 48 36, Ion. 27 14, captured American ship St.
Lawrence, Webb, from Liverpool, for New York, with a
very valuable cargo of dry goods, crates, &c. [The St.
Lawrence has arrived at Portsmouth. She sailed from
Liverpool about the first of June, and brings no later ac-
counts than we have before received.] June 21, lat. 48 55,
long. 28 40, captured the British brig Brothers from New-
foundland, bound to Corunna with fish, ordered to France.
July 2, captured British brig Friends, from Newfound-
land for Spain, with fish, also ordered to France. [The
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVH 2
18 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
Brig Friends appears to have been retaken. These two
vessels have on board between 6000 and 7000 quintals
of fish.] July 10, lat. 42 20, long. 59, boarded a British
ship from Newfoundland, 5000 quintals of fish, prize to
the privateer ship Yorktown, of New York. July 19, was
chased by the La Hogue seven hours, and outsailed her:
also chased by the Rattler, but being near the land she
hauled her wind The America has paroled 130 pris-
oners, and brought in 30. The St. Lawrence was boarded
by the Curlew a day or two before she arrived at Ports-
mouth, but, the prize master producing the license, was
permitted to proceed.
THIRD CRUISE.
The America was commanded on her third, fourth, and
fifth cruises by Capt. James Chever, Jr. Captain Chever
was identified with the America from the beginning. He
made his first voyage to sea in her, bound for Mocha in
1804 under Capt. Benjamin Crowninshield. This was the
America's first voyage and Captain Chever was then twelve
years old. He was an officer on the ship Fame during
two voyages, 1810 and 1811, and later he commanded the
ship Belisarius of 261 tons. An excellent likeness of
Capt. Chever will be found in the Appendix, from an
ambrotype taken, not long before his death, in 1857.
On the America's first cruise under Captain Ropes he
was appointed prize master. His log is preserved. On
her second cruise under Captain Kehew he served as Lieu-
tenant, and was appointed to her command while she was
fitting out at Bath (Me.) for her third cruise, being at this
time twenty-two years old. He seems to have begun his
career as James Chever, Jr. , and later in life to have adopted
a middle initial and to have become James W. Chever.
A Log book of this cruise begins
" Log Book of the Private Armed Ship America of Sa-
lem, James Chever Jr., Esq., Commander, now in Bath,
bound on a cruise. 20 guns ; 150 men.
Wednesday November 24th 1813, Commences with light
breezes and cloudy weather. At sun-rise fired a gun and
crossed the Royal yards. At meridian hauled the ship in
the stream and moored her. The remainder of the day
people employed on sundry duty."
19
The Ship remained at her moorings in the Kennebeck
for nine days until 3d Dec. Each day " All hands at
Quarters for exercise," says the log, and the sails and rig-
ging were carefully inspected and repaired. Oct. 30, a
schooner-load of men had been dispatched to her from
Salem, and the usual appliances for stimulating enlist-
ments resorted to, such as pensions and bounty money
offered, and a premium of $25 per head for British pris-
oners.
Friday, Dec. 3d. Evidently Friday had no terrors for
Salem men in 1813.
Commences with light breezes and pleasant weather. "At
half past 3 P. M. Capt. Kopes and the pilot came on board
and ordered us to sea. Called all hands to unmoor ship.
Weighed one anchor. At 4 P. M. slipped the starboard
cable and proceeded to sea. At half past five Capt. Ropes
and the pilot left us. At 6 Seguin island bore W. by N.
2 miles distant." From which the departure was taken.
"At 7 housed the guns. Sent down the Royal yards and
housed the Royal masts. At 11 p. M. double reefed the
topsails. Middle part strong breezes and pleasant weather.
At 1 A. M. reefed the mainsail and set it. At 6 A. M.
Strong breezes attended with snow. Saw a sail to the East
of us, standing to the westward. She appeared to be a
frigate. At 7 A. M. lost sight of her." Probably she was
one of the British blockading squadron.
Wind N. W. Course S. E. From 1 P. M. to noon the
next day the ship covered 180 miles averaging 10 knots
almost dead before the wind.
Dec. 4th. Wind stronger from the N. W., hail and
snow. "Close reefed the main topsail, took in the main-
sail, course S. E., ship sailing very handsomely;" this 24
hours the distance was 251 miles averaging about 10 1-2
knots.
Dec. 5th. Same conditions and at noon the distance
covered was 240 miles. Course S. S. E. Lat. 36 51' N.
From departure, the first seventy-five hours, the America
averaged better than 10 1-8 knots : no hour less than 9
knots.
Dec. 6th. Course changed to eastward, more moderate
conditions. Lat. at noon 36, 36'.
20 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
Dec. 9th. " Latter part strong breezes and squally,
attended with rain. At 10 A. M. Saw a sail hearing north.
Hauled close on the wind in chase. Let the reef out of
the foresail and set the mainsail and let one reef out of the
maintopsail and set the jih. Double reefed and set the
spanker. At meridian gave him a gun and brought him
to and boarded him. It proved to be the Spanish ship
Empercerada from Havana, 23 days out, Capt. Christophal
Francisco : Cargo, Sugar, Coffee, Cotton and Log-wood.
Bound to Greenock."
Deer. 11. Strange bird flew on board.
Close hauled on the wind under the sail above men-
tioned the America was making 7 and 8 knots. Nothing
worthy of note occurred until Dec. 14, in Lat. 48 39' N.,
Long. 34 3' W. The log reads : " Latter part, strong
breezes and clear weather. At 11 A. M. saw a sail bearing
E. byN. Called all hands and made sail in chase: and
sent up Top Gallant yards. At 3 p. M. coming up with our
chase very fast. He hoisted English colors and hauled up
his courses. At half past 3 P. M. we hauled down our Eng-
lish colors ; gave him a gun ; and hoisted American colors.
Passed within pistol shot of him, to windward, firing con-
tinually ; exchanged 3 broadsides ; in a few minutes after-
wards we past round his bow and gave him a raking fire.
Our guns under water."
" There being a great sea and our decks full of water, and
perceiving him to be a light transport of about six hundred
tons, mounting 28 or 30 guns and full of men, we conclud-
ed if we took him we should not reap any advantage as
he could not be of much value, therefore thought it pru-
dent to leave him. During the action received a number
of shot one of which cut away part of the maintopsail yard.
The topsail being double reefed the shot went through
both reefs : another shot went through our fore topsail :
another cut away one of our fore-shrouds. We received
no other material injury about the vessel. John Mclntire,
a marine, while in the act of loading his musket, was shot
through his left breast and expired instantly. From 4 to
6 P. M. employed sending down the main topsail and yard
and getting up another. At half past six sent up the main
topsail ; while bending it lost a man out of the main top-
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP r AMERICA " OF SALEM. 21
mast rigging by the name of Ebenezer Osgood. It being
very dark and a long sea, thought it imprudent to get the
boat out. At 8 set the maintopsail close reefed. Close
reefed the fore topsail and took in the mizzen topsail and
mainsail : at 9 took in the foresail : at 10 took in the fore
topsail : at 11 took in the maintopsail and mizzen stay sail
and lay to under the fore and main stay sail. At 12 mid-
night : Strong gales and cloudy weather. At 1-2 past 1
A. M. sent down the top-gallant yards. At 3 set the mizzen
stay sail. At 6 set the foresail and close reefed main top
sail. At 7 set the fore and mizzen topsails. A gun
bursted."
"Latter part strong breezes and cloudy weather and a
long sea. At 10 A. M. wore ship to the S. E., and took
in the mizzen topsail and hauled up the foresail."
Dec. 18th, the America was about 350 miles W. by S. of
Cape Clear. Log reads :
"Commences with strong gales and cloudy weather at-
tended with a long sea and showers of rain. At 3 p. M.
took in the foretopsail. Middle part strong breezes and
cloudy weather. At 6 A. M. set the mizzen topsail. At
7 A. M. saw a sail bearing E. S. E., called all hands to
make sail. Sent up the top gallant yards and set the top
gallant sail. Latter part, strong breezes and passing
clouds : at 10 A. M. saw another sail on the starboard bow.
At meridian took the sail ahead to be a frigate : hauled
our wind to the Northward. Ends with strong breezes
and cloudy weather."
"Dec. 19. At 2 p. M. wore ship to the southward after
the sail astern and found her to be a schooner. At J past
4 p. M. fired a shot at her, but did not bring her to.
At 6 lost sight of her. At 7 took in the main top gallant
sail and jib and double reefed the topsails: took in the
spanker and hauled up the mainsail."
On 25th Dec. after a week of heavy weather the log
reads : " Commences with light breezes and pleasant
weather. At 2 p. M. took in the stay sails and jib. At 3
all hands to quarters : exercise the guns. At 4 let two
reefs out of the topsails. At half past four all hands
aft while the carpenter repaired the copper on the cut-
water. At 8 A. M. loosed light sails to dry. Lat. by Obs.
48 53V
22 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
Not a sail was sighted until Jan 8th, although the ship
was cruising in Lat 45 to 51 N. and just off the mouth
of the English Channel. On Jan. 8 the log reads : "Com-
mences with strong breezes and cloudy weather. At 1
p. M. set the Mizzen topsail and hove to to sound, but
found no bottom. At 7 set the main topmast staysail.
Middle part light breezes and cloudy. At half past 3
A. M. hauled up the courses. At 3 caught a porpoise.
Latter part moderate breezes. At 10 A. M. saw a sail
ahead. Let the reef out of the courses and stood for her.
At 11 let the reefs out of the topsails. At J past 11 took
him to be a man-of-war. Sent up Royal masts and wore
ship and set top gallant sails. At meridian sent up Royal
yards and set studding sails and Royals. The ship in chase
astern. Lat. by Obs. 47 31' N. Long. 11 9' W."
Jan. 9th. Commence with moderate breezes and pleas-
ant weather. "The ship astern in chase. At 2 p. M. took
in the light sails : at three set them again. At 6 took in
the studding sails and hauled to the westward. At half
past 6 set the larboard fore topmast studding sail : and at
7 set the lower studding sail. At 10 took in the studding
sails, top gallant sails and housed the guns." The enemy
evidently by this time was out of sight astern. During
this run the America had wind on her quarter and was
making 8, 9 and finally 10 knots.
"Latter part, strong breezes and cloudy. At 11 A. M.
saw two sails. Let a reef out of the topsails and set the
courses and stood for them. At meridian saw a number
of vessels and took them to be an English fleet."
Jan. 10th. " Commences with light breezes and cloudy
weather. At sunset discover 145 sail. At 5 p. M. backed
the mizzen topsail to keep astern of the fleet." . . "At 9
A.M. saw the fleet ahead bearing from S. W. by W. to S.
W. by S. At meridian saw the fleet ahead standing to
the S. W. Lat. by Obs. 45 32'."
Jan. llth. " Light winds and thick ; saw sail supposed
to be one of the fleet."
Jan. 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th. Thick : saw two sails
but did not come to close quarters.
Jan. 16th. Strong breezes and thick. "At night close
up with the fleet. 2 A. M. saw a ship supposed to be a
man-of-war and wore ship to the northward."
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP " AMERICA " OF SALEM. 23
Jan. 17th. " Commences with strong breezes and thick
foggy weather. At 1 p. M. saw a sail standing to the
S. W. ; 10 minutes later saw three others. We were
within 2 miles of them. Perceived the nearest of them
to be a very large ship under very short sail, apparently
a frigate. Being very thick of fog thought it imprudent
to pursue them. Wore ship to the northward and lay the
mizzen topsail to the mast. At J past 5 wore ship to the
South and Eastward and stood along under easy sail. At
past 6 hauled to the S.W. to S. S. W. and double reefed
the topsails." 10 A. M. saw a sail bearing about S. S. W.
Jan. 18th. " Commences with moderate breezes and
cloudy weather. At 1 P. M. coming up with our chase very
fast, found him to be a schooner. At 4 p. M. gave him
a gun, and he hove to and hoisted English colors.
Boarded him and found him to be the English schooner
Martha, W m Williams master, from Waterford, bound for
Cadiz. Cargo dry goods, butter, bacon, Beef, etc. Put
on board W m C. Hooper as prize master with Six men and
ordered her for America. Took out of her a Mr. Wilson,
mate and three men. Left no one on board except the
captain. Sent on board the schooner 150 pounds bread,
10 do. chocolat, 4 gallons rum, 110 gallons water. Re-
ceived from her 5 firkins of butter. At 6 P. M. parted
from her. At 10 hauled up the mainsail. At 11 reefed
the mizzen topsail and tacked ship to the S. W."
Jan. 19th. "Latter part, moderate breezes and hazy
weather. At J past 9 A. M., saw a sail bearing S. S. W.
Sent up the Royal masts and yards. At 10, past the above
sail and discovered her to be an armed ship apparently a
frigate. At half past 11, saw a turtle ; got out the boat
but could not get him. At meridian lost sight of the ship ;
took in the boat and made sail." Lat. by Obs. 36 33'.
Jan. 20th. '* Commences with pleasant breezes and clear
weather " . . . " Took 6 barrels of beef out of the fore
peak and put them in the after hold to trim the ship."
Jan. 22d. "Middle, strong breezes and squally. At
J past 5 A. M., saw a sail ; at the same time saw a num-
ber of lights from the starboard quarter to the starboard
bow. Called all hands and wore ship to the S. S. E. and
made all necessary sail. At daylight wore ship to the
24 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
S. W. ; soon after discovered the above sail on the lar-
board quarter. Made sail in chase. At the same time
saw another sail bearing S. E. While pursuing the first
mentioned sail discovered a number of other vessels ;
judging them by their appearance to be ships of war, at
9 A. M., wore ship after the sail that bore S. E. of us. At
11 A. M. perceived our chase to be a ship. At noon gain-
ing on the chase very fast. Ends strong breezes and
cloudy weather. Latitude by Obs. 34."
Jan. 23d. "Commences with strong breezes and squally.
At half past 1 p. M. came up with the chase ; and ordered
him to lay by. Got the launch out and boarded him.
He proved to be the British ship Diana, George W. Carl-
ton master, from London bound to Madeira, cargo deals.
From 2 to 6 p. M. boats employed taking out articles
from the ship as the captain contemplated burning her.
During the afternoon received on board all the Diana's
company consisting of 15 in number and one passenger;
likewise a quantity of duck, rigging, etc. At 6 p. M.
took in the boat ; left the prize in possession of Mr.
Cleaves and seven hands, with orders to remain in sight
of the ship during the night. At daylight saw the prize
astern; blowing very hard, could not board her."
Jan. 24th. "Squally weather, ship lying to, at 6 p. M.
the Diana being under our lee." " At 6 A. M. got out the
launch to bring things from the Diana. At 7 got out
the small boat to assist. From } past 6 until meridian,
the boats employed in bringing articles from the Diana ;
as rigging, sails, provisions, etc." Lat. by Obs. 32 34'.
Jan. 25th. " Commences with light breezes and cloudy
weather. At 3 P. M. after taking all necessary things out
of the Diana, set fire to her. Got in the boats : and made
sail, and stood to the westward." At midnight saw the
light from the Diana.
Jan. 26th. "Light breezes and pleasant weather. At
2 P. M. saw a sail bearing N. N. W. ; called all hands to
make sail in chase. At 3 sent up Royal masts & yards :
and set all necessary sail. At J past four took in the
light sails. At 8 came up with the chase : it proved to be
the British Brig Sovereign from Cork bound to Liverpool,
John Brown commander. Took on board the prisoners
OF SALEM. 25
and put on board Mr. Hall, prize master, with six men
and ordered her for America. Her cargo consisting of
coals, crates, butter, etc. Lay by the brig during the
night ; at daylight found the brig much racked. Sent a
number of men on board to repair her. The boats em-
ployed carrying water on board the brig and bringing
other articles from her."
Jan. 27. "A number of our men on board the Sover-
eign fitting a new fore topmast and doing other necessary
work."
At 4 P. M. "saw a sail on the lee bow. Made a Signal
for our boats and all hands to repair on board. Instantly
got in the boats and made all necessary sail in chase. At
5 nearing the chase very fast."
" At half past 9 lighted our side lanterns and called all
hands to quarters. At 10 within gunshot of him : Fired
and brought him to. Got out the gig and brought the
captain on board with his papers. She proved to be the
British ship Falcon, Atkison master, from Liverpool
via Lisbon, bound to the Cape of Good Hope, with a
very valuable cargo of merchandize. At 11, took on
board the prisoners. Put on board Mr. Cleaves as prize
master with 12 hands."
"At 2 A. M. wore ship in company with the prize. At
daylight sent our boat on board the prize, and took from
her 2 bales of Kerseys and two boxes of cotton goods."
"At 8 A. M. Saw a sail on our lee bow. A signal was
made for the boat and all hands to repair on board."
" At 10 made sail in chase. At meridian, moderate &
pleasant, coming up with our chase very fast." Latitude
by Observation 31 38'.
Jan. 28th. "Commences with pleasant weather. At
4 P. M. discovered him to be a brig. Set all necessary
sail. At 9 P. M. took in all studing sails. At half past 9
fave him a gun ; he not regarding it, soon after gave
im another and he rounded to. Got out the boat and
boarded him. The captain came on board with his papers.
She proved to be the British brig Ann, of London,
Appleton master, from Oporto bound to Bayhei in ballast ;
not being of much value, permitted him to pass, after
putting all our prisoners on board of him, being forty-six
26 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
in number including the brig's crew, and directed him to
land them in Teneriffe and there to report them to the
proper officer. At 4 A. M. got all the prisoners on board
and ordered him to make sail."
Feb. 2d. " Commences with strong breezes and cloudy
weather. At 1 p. M. saw land bearing N. by W. % W., 7
leagues Dist. Kept off to the Westward to go under the
lee of it. At 5 the South Deserter bore N. by W. Dist.
3 leagues, being in Latitude 32 22 'N. and Longitude 16 Q
36 'W., from which we take a new departure."
Feb. 4th. " Latter part strong breezes. At J past
A. M. saw a sail bearing about N. E. Reefed and set the
mainsail and set the mizzen stay sail. At 11 wore ship
and let the reef out of the fore sail. At meridian set the
two-reefed spanker. The chase two points on the star-
board bow." "Employed painting ship, her sides light
yellow."
Feb. 5. "At half past five came up with our chase. Got
out the launch and boarded him. He proved to be a
Spanish brig from the Grand Canarie bound to Cadiz, 19
days out. Found firewood short : cook but once in 24
hours."
Feb. 10th. " Middle part moderate and cloudy. At
past 3 A. M. set the jib and spanker. At 6 saw a sail 3
points on our weather bow. At half past 6 A. M. passed un-
der his lee and perceived him to be a sloop. Stood on until
we gained his wake, then tacked and made all sail in chase.
At 10 fired and brought him to. At half past 10 boarded
him. He proved to be the British sloop Duchess of Bed-
ford, James Morrison master, from Vigo, belonging to
Bauff, in ballast. The boats employed in taking out every
necessary article, as she is not of sufficient value to man
out. Our captain hath concluded to destroy her to get
fire- wood."
Feb. llth. " Commences with light breezes and pleasant
weather. The boats employed bringing articles from the
sloop. At 5 P. M. having taken every necessary article
from the prize : Scuttled her and after firing 9 shot at her,
which all told, stood to the Eastward."
Feb. 12th. " Middle part light breezes and pleasant
weather. At daylight saw a sail to the Eastward. Called
27
all hands and made sail in chase. At 7 A. M. perceived
her to be a brig. At the same time saw another sail to
leeward. At 9 brought the first mentioned brig to and
boarded her. She proved to be the British brig Leicester,
of Pool, from Alicant, Prouse master, bound to Newfound-
land ; Cargo salt, wine, and fruit. Took from her 10
prisoners and put on board Mr Dean as prize master with
nine men and ordered him for America."
" Received from the brig some arms, 3 casks wine and
some fruit. At 11 parted with her and made sail in chase
of the other Sail." Lat. 39 1'N.
Feb. 13th. "At J past 5 A. M. saw two sail two points
under our lee bow. Gave chase. At 6 p. M. discovered
the above sails to be two large ships steering on a wind.
Judged them to be two frigates ; took in the topgallant
sails and double reefed the topsails. Sent down the Royal
yards and housed the masts and hauled on a wind to the
Eastward."
Feb. 14th. "At 11 A. M. saw a sail bearing about South.
Called all hands ; kept off and made sail in chase. At
meridian coming up with the chase very fast."
Feb. 15th. " Coming up with our chase very fast ; at
1 P. M. she brought to. At 2 p. M. boarded her. She
proved to be the British ship Apollo, Charles Walker,
master, from St. Ubes, bound to Newfoundland. Cargo
salt. Took ten prisoners from her ; and put on board
Mr. Caulfield as prize master with nine men and ordered
her for America."
" Middle part strong breezes and cloudy. At 6 A. M. saw
a sail ; called all hands and made sail in chase. Shortly
after saw three other sails standing to the N. W. At 9
A. M. passed under the lee of the above vessels. At J
past 9 tacked ship after them to the westward."
Feb. 16th. At 2 p. M. tacked ship to the N. E. "At
J past 3 hoisted English colors. The nearest sail answered
us by hoisting the same and tacked ship. She appeared
to be a Barque. At 4 p. M. tacked ship to the W. At 5
tacked to the Eastward. At 7 took in topgallant sails;
saw her light a little to windward. At 8 fired the bow
gun and brought her to. Got out the boat and boarded
her. She proved to be the British Barque Plutos, David
28 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
Graham master, from Gibraltar, bound to London. Cargo
rice, linens, and wine, &c. Took from her 8 prisoners and
38 cases and trunks of dry goods. Put on board Mr. Har-
ris as prize master, with seven men, and ordered her for
America. At 5 A. M. made sail to the Eastward. At 6
saw a sail three points on the weather bow. Made sail
in chase of him. At 10 A. M. saw two other sails." Same
afternoon in thick weather lost sight of the chase.
Feb. 18th. "At past 7 A. M. saw a sail ahead. At 9
sent up the Royalmasts and yards and set the Royals.
At past nine set the studding sails and all necessary sail
in chase. Gaining very fast on the brig."
Feb. 19th. " Coming up with our chase very fast. At
past 3 P. M. took in studding sails and Royals. At 4 fired
a gun and brought him to: and boarded him. He proved
to be the British Brig Sisters from Malaga, cargo wine and
fruit, prize to the American privateer Young Wasp of Phil-
adelphia. At 5 parted with him."
Feb. 20th. "4 p. M. All hands to Quarters and exer-
cised the great guns, Boarders, &c. Started two Hogs-
heads of salt water forward to trim ship by the stern.
Broach 72 d Hogshead of fresh water."
Feb. 24th. " Latter part light airs of wind and pleasant
weather. At 9 A. M. got out the launch to scrub the bot-
tom. All hands employed setting up and tearing down
the rigging. At 7 p. M. put all prisoners in Irons for
bad Conduct. Paint Boats."
Feb. 27. "All hands employed painting ship."
March 1 . "Latter part moderate breezes and pleasant
weather. At 9 A. M. saw a sail bearing about S. W.
Hauled up for him and set the mainsail jib and mizzen.
At'J past nine got up the Royal masts. At 10 perceived
thesail to be a ship-of-war, apparently a frigate : wore ship
to the N. N. W. Set top gallant sails, stay sails and top
mast studding sail, and sent up the Royal yards. At J
past 11 fired a lee gun and hoisted our colors. At merid-
ian the ship bore S. by W."
March 2d. "Lost sight of the ship astern at 1 p. M."
March 6. At past 2 p. M. all hands to quarters for
exercise. "Got out the boat and carried an empty water
cask from the ship about 60 yards to fire at. Blew off one
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP "AMERICA" OF SALEM. 29
Broadside. All the shots struck very near. At 4, went
in swimming."
March 8. "Latter part moderate breezes and cloudy
weather. At 3 A. M. a heavy squall from the N. W.
Housed the guns and Royal masts. At 7 A. M. saw a sail
bearing W. N. W. Wore ship and made sail in chase.
At 8 set the mainsail. At 9 a reef out of the topsails and
set the top gallant sails."
"Latter part moderate and cloudy weather. At 10 A. M.
coming up with our chase. It proved to be the British
schooner Hope, Alexander Healy master, bound to Bar-
badoes ; cargo, lumber etc, belonging to St. Andrew's
N. B. Put Mr. Hammond and four men on board, directing
him to keep after us."
"At J past 10 A. M. wore ship after a strange sail. At
meridian drawing up with the sail. Perceived him to be
a schooner."
"March 9th. Commences with strong breezes and squally-
At 1 p. M. came up with the other schooner. Got out the
boat and boarded her. She proved to be the British
schooner Sylph, of and from Liverpool N. S., John Gor-
ham master, bound to Barbados, cargo, principally lum-
ber. Took all the prisoners from both schooners and a
number of small articles : finding them to be of very little
value, at 5 P. M. put fire to them, and at six got in the
boats. At 7 reefed the topsails and handed the mizzen
topsail. At 10 P. M. wore ship to the W. S. W. At 11
sent down top gallant yards ; at half past handed the fore-
sail."
March llth. "At half past eight p. M. saw a sail stand-
ing as we judged to the Eastward. Made sail. The
weather being thick lost sight of him. Backed the main-
topsail for him to come up. At 10 P. M. discovered the
above sail and judged him to be a cruiser. Set the courses
and top gallant sails and jib and spanker. At 11, lost
sight of him."
March 12. "At 7 p. M. saw a sail 2 points on the weather
bow. At J past seven called all hands and made sail in
chase. At 9 p. M. perceived our chase to be a schooner.
At J past eleven unbent the foresail and bent another.
At meridian schooner on our starboard beam. She
30 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
appeared like a privateer. Inclining to a Calm. Large
swell."
March 13th. " Still in chase of the schooner. At
past 4 she bore away for us. At past 5 boarded her.
She proved to be the British schooner Grenada Packett,
Davrell Master, from Bermuda bound to Madeira : Cargo
wheat. Took from her six prisoners. Put on board Mr.
White as prize master with 4 men, and ordered him to
America. At 7 parted with him. At past 9 set the
main stay sail."
During the next two weeks the ship was working in a
homeward direction, and experienced strong gales and fre-
quent snow squalls, and three times was compelled to "lay
by under stay sails." On March 24, " Found the slings of
the main yard parted," but no difficulty was encountered in
fitting new slings. Passed remarkable quantities of gulf-
weed and kelp.
March 28th. " Commences with strong gales of wind
and thick rainy weather," with a very large sea. At
past 3 P. M. a heavy squall from the N. W. attended with
thunder and lightning. Called all hands and took in the
foresail and maintopsail, and lay by. At 4 tried for
soundings with 160 fathom but no bottom. At 8 had boat
at stern stove. At 9 A. M. saw a sail to the N. E. ; called
all hands to make sail. Set fore and mizzen topsail and
main-sail and let the reef out of the foresail. Appears to
be a Frigate in pursuit. At meridian, finding ourselves
leaving the above sail, reefed the foresail." Lat. by Obs.
40 14'.
March 29th. "Commences with strong breezes. The
above sail still in chase of us. At 2 P. M. let a reef out
of the maintopsail. At J past 2 one out of the fore and
mizzen topsail. At 5 set the jib and spanker. At 6 sent
up the main-top-gallant yard and set the top-gallant sail.
At 7 sent up the fore and mizzen top-gallant yards and set
the top-gallant sails. At 10 let a reef out of the topsail.
At 11 in fore and mizzen top-gallant sails. At dark lost
sight of the above sail."
March 30. " Commences with pleasant breezes & clear
weather. At 2 p. M. took in the main-top-gallant stud-
ding sail. At 4 took one reef in the maintopsail. At
11 hove to and tried for soundings but found no bottom.
At 2 A. M. tried for soundings ; no bottom : 160 fathoms
line. At 4 ditto. At 5 sent up Royal masts and yards
and set the Royals. At 6 set the maintopmasts and lower
studding sails. At 8 no bottom. At 11 A. M. jibed ship.
At meridian took in the starboard studding sails, and
sounded in 55 fathoms water. Soundings fine gravel ;
white sand with black specks. Lat. by Obs. 40 43'."
"March 31st. Pleasant weather : all sail set. Watch
employed in getting the anchors on the bows, and bend-
ing cables. At 4 p. M. sounding 35 fathoms. Called all
hands to quarters for exercise. Sounding every half
hour in from 22 to 60 fathoms until 3 A.M., no ground.
We judged we left the George's. At 6 saw a sail standing
to the eastward one point on our weather bow. At J past
6 jibed ship and stood to the N. N. E. At half past 7 the
above sail proved to be a brig. Jibed ship and hauled up
N. W. At 10 A. M. bent and set the ringtail and gaff top-
sail." Lat. by Obs. 42 47'.
April 1st. At J past 4 p. M. saw land bearing W. by
N. dist. 4 leagues. At 5 in studding sails, Royals and
top gallant sails. Sent down Royal yards and housed the
Royal masts. At 6 p. M. Boon Island bore N. dist.
4 miles. At 6 bore away for Portsmouth and fired a gun
for a pilot. At half past 6 a pilot came on board. At 7
came to anchor in Portsmouth river in 6 fathoms water.
Sent down the top gallant yards and saluted the Fort. At
9 moored with the stream anchor."
Prizes taken on the Third Cruise.
1. Schooner Martha. W. Williams, Captain. Cargo,
dry goods, bacon, butter. John Hooper, prize
master.
2. Ship Diana. Geo. W. Carlton, Captain. Cargo,
deals. Burnt her.
3. Brig Sovereign. John Brown, Captain. Cargo,
coals, crates, butter, potatoes. James Hall, prize
master.
4. Ship Falcon. Thomas Atkison, Captain. Cargo,
dry goods. Nath. Cleeves, prize master.
32 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
5. Brig Ann. John Appletou, Master. In ballast.
Cartel. 50 prisoners.
6. Sloop Duchess of Bedford. James Morrison, Cap-
tain. Made target of her.
7. Brig Lester (Leicester?). John Prouse, Master.
Cargo, salt and wine. W. C. Dean, prize master.
8. Ship Apollo. Charles Walker, Master. Cargo,
salt. A. D. Caulfield, prize master.
9. Barque Plutos. David Graham, Master. Cargo,
rice and dry goods. John Harris, prize master.
10. Schooner Hope. Alexander Healey, Master. Cargo,
lumber and fish. Burnt her.
11. Schooner Sylph. John Gorham, Master. Cargo,
lumber and beef. Burnt her.
12. Schooner Granda Packet. Josiah Davrell, Master.
Cargo, wheat. Benj. White, prize master.
FOURTH CRUISE.
Portsmouth Harbor.
Oct. 31st. "Commences with a smart breeze and cloudy.
At IP. M. the pilot came on board and prepared to go
down the river. At 2 p. M. got under way under our
three topsails. At 3 P. M. came to at the light house with
our small bower and moored ship and cleared decks. At 8
p. M. set the watch. At 6 A. M. called all hands to work :
fired a gun and hoist ship's colours and mess the people."
Nov. 1st. "At 1 P. M. a boat came on board with two
officers in pursuit of a deserted man from the navy. Called
all hands on deck and made a search and found him stowed
away in the forecastle. Delivered him up and he was put
in irons and taken on shore. At 4 called to exercise the
guns."
Nov. 2d. "1 p. M. the pilot came on board. Orders
were given to get the ship under way : hove up our lar-
board anchor, and stowed him on the gunwale : slip our
starboard cable and proceed to sea : wind W. N. W. At
past 1 P. M. the pilot left us one mile from the light
house : bore away with all necessary sail set. At 3 p. M.
Boon Island bore N by W, 9 miles distant, from which we
take our departure. At J past 3 P. M. saw a sail under
our lee : bore away after him and set fore topmast stud-
ding sail. At J past 4 p. M. spoke the above sail : It
proved to be a fishing schooner from Kittery. At 7 p. M.
took in top gallant sails fore and aft and housed the royal
masts & brale up the spanker. At 5 A. M. "our ship struck
something very heavy which caused her to leak very
badly " [the America was sailing at the rate of 10 and 11
knots], and from the course which we steered from
Boon Island which was E. S. E. we judged we had either
struck a wreck, whale, log or something of that kind. At 8
A. M. set up our starboard lower rigging : sent down top
gallant yards fore and aft, and wore ship and set up the lar-
board rigging. Upon examination we found the ship's gripe
knocked off. We then ordered the carpenters to search
the fore peak to discover the leak if possible. They soon
reported they had found a leak about her wood-ends.
At 9 A. M. the petty officers came aft and requested to
know the captain's opinion, whether he intended to con-
tinue the cruise or return back to some port. He then
directed superior officers to consult among themselves and
give their opinions, which they soon did ; and thought it
most advisable to return to the United States as they con-
sidered the leak being in a very dangerous place. The
people were then called aft and asked by the captain if
they felt like continuing the cruise or returning back :
they one and all held up their hands for returning to some
port in the United States. At 10 A. M. sent our royal
masts on deck and our royal yards out of the tops. At
11 A.M. wore ship to the westward with a strong N. N. E.
wind and a rough sea. Handed the fore top sail and
reefed the foresail. The ship still continues to leak very
bad." [But this did not check her rate of speed.]
Nov. 3d. "At 2 P. M. sounded in 25 fathoms. Gray
sand with shells. Ship still leaky. At 3 A.M. let a reef
out of the fore topsail. At 5 A. M. sent up top gallant
yards fore and aft. At J past 7 A. M. let out all reefs.
At 8 A. M. tacked ship to the Westward. 42 Fathoms.
Black and white sand."
Nov. 4th. "At 9 P. M. anchored in six fathoms. At 11
p. M. our ship parted her cable : we then immediately made
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVII
34 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
sail'to the Northward. At 6 A. M. saw the land under our
lee bow bearing N. W. by N. , 5 or 6 leagues distant : judge
it to be the land's end of Cape Cod. At 10 A. M. Cape Cod
light bore S. W. Saw a brig on our weather bow : made
all sail. Sent up the royal masts and yards and set the
sails : at meridian Cape Cod light bore about southj five
leagues distant."
Nov. 5. "At 2 P. M. Cape Ann bore N. W. distant about
5 leagues. Saw two ships on our weather bow bearing
N. E. : they gave chase to us. At 5 P. M. got into Salem.
The frigates gave up chase. At 7 p. M. got the ship along
side of the wharf and made her fast. A large proportion
of the ship's company deserted her."
FIFTH AND LAST CRUISE.
Nov 25, 1814. "At Salem. Commences this 24 hours
with a smart N. W. breeze and cloudy. At 6 p. M. the pilot
came on board. At past six got under way and pro-
ceeded to sea. At past 7 p. M. the pilot and owners
left us. Sent up the top gallant yards fore and aft.
Employed in stowing the anchor and other necessary duty.
At 10 P. M. Thatcher's Island bore N by W, 4 miles dist.,
from which we take our departure. At eleven p. M.
housed the Royal masts and weather guns. At J past 6
A. M. saw a sail on the larboard quarter. At 7 A. M. dis-
cover two more on the starboard quarter, apparently all
in chase. At 9 A. M. set all studding sail, and gaff topsail :
still the chase in sight."
Nov 26. "Light breeze N. W. all sail set. At 2 p. M.
took in the ringtail and gaff topsail. Employed in unbend-
ing the cable and stowing the anchor. At 4 p. M. took in
all studding sails. At 5 P. M. took in the Royals and sent
down the Royal yards and housed the Royal masts. At
6 P. M. jibed ship. At 9 P. M. our main topsail tye parted ;
bent him and set main topsail again. Broached a barrel
of pork, and a cask of water on deck. Distance 216 miles."
Lat. Obs. 40 43' N. Long. 64 1' W.
Tuesday Nov. 29th. " Commences with a strong gale
attended with rain and a very heavy sea. At 7 p. M. calm,
with a heavy, tumbling sea from the south. At 8 P. M.
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP "AMERICA" OF SALEM. 35
the wind shifted very suddenly to the N. W. and blew a
tremendous gale, the ship being under her fore-topmast
staysail only. Got her before the wind with much diffi-
culty, after laying over to starboard with her leading blocks
in the water, and her waist nearly full, and scud her under
bare poles, the fore topmast staysail having blown out of
the bolt ropes. Split main-top sail. At 12 set the goose-
wings of the foresail ; still scudding S. E. At 2 A. M.
shipped a heavy sea over the poop which disabled the third
Lieutenant and three seamen and carried away the jolly-
boat and other articles off Deck. Latter part more mod-
erate. People employed in making repairs."
"Lat. by D. R. 41 I' N. Long. 54 45' W."
This was the gale represented in Danforth's picture.
They were preparing to cut away her masts when she
righted. Third Lieut. Tread well had his hand broken,
one man had a broken leg and five or six others were more
or less injured. 13 on sick list. For the next week the ship
experienced strong gales accompanied with snow and rain
and made but slow progress. Prayers, Sunday, Dec. 11.
Thanks for merciful preservation.
Dec. 17th "Moderate and pleasant. Lat. 39 33', Long.
47 28' ;" this day the ship covered 212 miles, course S. E.
by S. More bad weather was encountered and progress
to the Eastward was slow. Nothing was sighted until
Dec. 18th. "At J past 7 A. M. saw a sail 4 points on our
weather bow standing to the E. At 9 A. M. set all neces-
sary sail and bore away : the chase being by this time 2
points under our lee bow. At \ past 10 A. M. a heavy
squall from the north lost sight of our chase. At me-
ridian the above sail bearing E. N. E. : made all necessary
sail after him. Ends with cloudy & thick weather." Lat.
by D. R. 41 9' N. Long. 15 14' W. 9-10-11 knots.
Dec. 19th. "At 2 p. M. set the studding sails in chase
of the above schooner. At 4 p. M. the schooner bore E.
4 miles distant. At 7 p. M. being thick lost sight of the-
above sail : took in sail and wore ship to the Eastward."
Dec. 23d. "At 7 A. M. saw a sail on the lee beam : bore
away after him and made all sail. At 9 A. M. sent up the
Royal masts and yards & set fore topmast studding sail.
At J past 10 hove to and boarded the above sail : it
36 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
proved to be the Portuguese schooner 'Ephigenia' from
Lisbon, bound to Fayall, 4 days out cargo of lime. His
longitude 12 W. Permitted him to pass. Three or four
Sail in sight to leeward : hoisted in our boat and made all
sail after them." Lat. by Obs. 39 30' N., Long, in 12
3' W.
Dec. 24th. "Smart breeze with squalls of rain. Saw a
number of vessels to leeward standing to the N. and W.
Judge them to be part of a fleet. Being every appearance
of a gale and night coming on, we wore ship to the west-
ward. At 2 p. M. sent down our Royal yards and masts :
housed our guns, and lost sight of the above vessels."
" At 3 A. M. a very heavy squall from the N. W., took in
all sails and wore ship to the S. W. 11 A. M. saw a sail
to windward." Lat. by Obs. 39 26' N., Long, in 12 42' W.
Dec. 28th. "At 10 A. M. saw a sail to the S. W. Made
all necessary sail after him. At meridian discover the
;above sail to be a schooner standing to the Westward."
Lat. by Obs. 35-21' N., Long, in 10-13' W.
Dec. 29th. " Coming up with our chase very fast. At
1 P. M. hove to and boarded her. She proved to be the
British schooner Thistle, Capt. John Clark, from Malaga
bound to Halifax. Cargo fruit and wine, 10 days out.
Put Mr. Tread well on board as prize master with six men
and order him for America, after taking out a few neces-
sary things. At 7 A. M. saw a sail 2 points on our weather
bow : made all sail after him." Lat. by Obs. 34 35' N.,
Long, in 11 50' W. The America evidently lost sight of
this vessel as no mention is made of her the following day.
On this cruise the sea seemed to be full of English men-
of-war, and much of the America's time was taken up in
dodging and running away from frigates, and the crew no
doubt realized the danger of capture to which they were
almost continually exposed : at all events, the log on Sun-
day, Jan. 8 and on each succeeding Sunday records that
"all hands were called to prayers," although prayers were
in no way allowed to interfere with the management of the
ship or the furtherance of the purpose for which she was
fitted out. They attended prayers at intervals before, and
had "returned thanks for a Merciful Providence, "Dec. 11.
Dec. 31. "At 8 A. M. Sent up Royal yards. At 9
OF SALEM. 37
discover our chase to be a sloop. At 11 A. M. fired a gun
and the above sloop hove to : she proved to be the Eng-
lish sloop Jubilee, James Dosel, from Teneriffe bound to
Jersey, with ten pipes of wine and some barrilla took
out four pipes of wine and the prisoners and some other
small things and then bore away after scuttling her, there
being a frigate in chase of us. All hands employed in
making sail and other necessary duty." Lat. 34 24' N.,
Long. 16 18' W.
Jan. 1st, 1815. "Begins with moderate breezes and pleas-
ant weather. 2 Men of War in chase of us : our ship with
all sail set that will draw. The nearest vessel making sig-
nals and neither gaining on us. Being to windward I
suppose he has rather more wind than we do. At 1/2 past
one P. M. wet our sails, which we think makes 1/2 a knot
odds in our sailing. At 3 p. M. a fine breeze : we are now
beating our Chasers very handsomely. At four they gave
over chase and hove to at 5 P. M. Took in all light sails
at 6 P. M. In top gallant sails. Down Royal yards and
jibed ship and set main course. At 7 A. M. Porto Santo
bearing S. W. distant 10 or 12 leagues. New Departure."
Jan. 3d. " At 10 A. M. Saw a sail under our lee bow,
bearing S. S. E. Called all hands and made all sail iu
chase." Lat. by Obs. 35 28', Long, in 16 50'.
Jan. 4th. "1 p. M. fired a gun, the above sail hove to ;
came up and boarded her. She proved to be the Portu-
guese schooner ' Providentia,' Capt. Jona Jose de Dorsa,
4 days from Lisbon, bound to the Amelia Islands Cargo
salt, figs, crockery etc. Permitted her to pass." Lat.
34 18' N., Long. 14 41' W.
Jan. 5th. " At 4 p. M. saw a sail bearing S. ; made all
necessary sail after her. At past 5, night coming on,
lost sight of her." Lat. 3341'. Long. 14 19.
Jan. 6th. " Commences with a fine breeze and pleasant
weather. At 1 p. M. saw a sail to windward : let out all
reefs. Set top gallant sails & flying jib. At 3 P. M. saw
another sail to windward, and discovered that the former
was in chase of us, and that it was a ship. At 5 P. M. bore
away ; finding him under a press of sail after us. At 7
p. M. set the fore topmast studding sail. At 8 P. M. set
the lower and fore top gallant studding sails and brale up
38 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
the spanker. At midnight in fore-top-mast and fore-top
gallant studding sails and hauled more to the Westward.
At 6 A. M., in Royalls, hauled up the main course &
hauled more on a wind. At 8 set the main course."
Jan. 8th. "At J past 5 A. M. saw a sail 3 points under
our lee. Bore away and made all sail after him. At 10
A. M. fired a gun and the above sail hove to. At 11
boarded him and it proved to be the British schooner
"Hope" of Berwick, from London bound to Senegall.
Brandy, dry-goods, copper, cordage and other articles.
Put Mr. Bowdich and 7 men on board and order him for
America, after taking out some cordage and duck and
other necessary things. Still six sail in sight to leeward."
[General Jackson on this Sunday fought the Battle of New
Orleans. The treaty of peace had been signed, Dec. 24,
and was ratified by the United States, Feb. 27. Had there
been an Atlantic cable the battle would not have been
fought] .
Jan. 9th. "At 2 p. M. bore away and made sail after the
leeward vessels. At 4 p. M. came up with the chase : she
proved to be the Barque " Adiona," of and from London,
James Wilson master ; bound to Demerara, cargo of plan-
tation stores, dry-goods and porter. We took from her
13 prisoners, and also 4 gentlemen passengers, one of them
a Naval Surgeon, and put on board of her Mr. Cleaves
with 8 men and ordered her for America. At 9 P. M. got in
our boat, close reefed our topsails, hauled up our courses
and stood to the westward. At 2 A. M. hove to, judging
ourselves to be near Madeira. At past 6 A. M. saw 2 sail 2
points under our lee. Set our courses and let a reef out
of each topsail. At 8 A. M., let another reef out of each
topsail and set jib and spanker. At 9 A. M. saw Porto
Santo, bearing S. W., and a large ship on a wind. Sup-
pose her to be a frigate : took in jib and spanker and
hauled to the Northward. At meridian Porto Santo bore
about S. W. 9 leagues dist. from which we take a new
departure." Lat. 33 36'. Long. 14 56'.
Jan. llth. " At 4 p. M. saw a sail one point under our
lee bow : set top gallant and studding sails in chase of him.
At 8 P. M. all hands to quarters : fired two muskets : the
above ship hove to. She proved to be a Portuguese from
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP
Lisbon, bound to the Brazils. Cargo of salt. Boarded
him and permitted him to pass, after putting on board 43
prisoners and baggage and requested to land them at
Madeira. At 10 A. M. saw a sail to windward : made sail
in chase : sent up Royal yards fore and aft. At meridian
being squally took in top gallant sails, jib and spanker."
Jan. 12. "4 p. M. cloudy : lost sight of the above sail.
Latter part, light breeze and cloudy. At 9 A. M. saw 5 or
6 sail to windward. At 10 A.M. discovered 14 or 15 sail
and one in chase of us. At 11 A. M. discovered the above
chase to be a frigate and coming up with us very fast.
Called all hands to make all sail. At meridian, light breeze
and cloudy, still the frigate in chase & appeared to gain on us.
All hands wetting sails, and other jobs of necessary duty."
Jan. 13. "Commences this 24 hours with a moderate
breeze and cloudy. All necessary sail set. At past
meridian, started 5 casks of salt water in our fore hold to
trim the ship. Still the ship astern coming up with us."
Wind on the quarter, speed 7 & 8 knots. At 6 P. M. the
above ship still in chase of us. At 7 P. M. hauled more
to the westward. At 8 P. M. jibed ship and set our stud-
ding sails on the starboard side : stowed the staysails fore
and aft. At 9 p. M. took in the lower studding sails &
Royalls & set the jib. From 8 until after midnight the
ship averaged better than 9 knots and nothing further is
seen of the frigate. "Middle part smart breeze. At 4
A. M. carried way our main topsail yard in the slings.
Called all hands to get up a new yard : took in all stud-
ding and top-gallant sails, sent down Royal yards, housed
Royal masts, single reefed the topsails. At 7 A. M. saw
a sail to windward. At 8 A. M. tacked ship after the above
sail. At J past 10 A. M. fired a gun to the sail and he
hove to : and we boarded him. It proved to be the Danish
brig Edward Commadore, Jesson Commander, from
Gluckstadt, 17 days out, bound to the West Indies. Cargo
linens and cordage : permitted him to pass."
Jan. 16. "Moderate breeze and cloudy. At 4 P.M.
all hands to quarters to exercise our great guns. At 7
A. M. saw a sail ahead : let a reef out of each topsail and
set topgallant sails. At meridian saw another sail to
windward : still in chase of the above sail and discover
40 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
her to be a schooner. Watch employed in shifting beef
from aft to forward to trim ship."
Jan. 17. "At past meridian came up with our chase
and got out our boat and boarded her. She proved to be
the Spanish schooner 'Potafer,' from Porto Rico, bound
to St. Andrew's. Cargo, cacoa, hides, etc. ; permitted
her to pass. At 6 A. M. saw a sail standing to the west-
ward. At 7 A. M. hoisted out our boat and boarded her.
She proved to be the schooner 'Robert,' from Plymouth,
10 days out, bound to St. Michael's, in ballast. Took out
the prisoners and some small things and destroyed her.
Saw another sail to leeward ; made all sail after her."
Jan. 18th. " 1 p. M. came up with our chase ; got out
our boat and boarded her. She proved to be the Portu-
guese brig 'Arigo de Rio,' from Para, bound to Oporto,
43 days out. Cargo of corn and rice. Permitted her to
pass. At J past 1 p. M. bore away after the sail to lee-
ward and set studding sails. At 2 p. M. the above sail
hove to and we boarded her. She proved to be the Por-
tuguese brig 'Andorunha de Norte,' from Brazil, bound to
Oporto, 65 days out. Cargo, corn, etc. Put 5 prisoners
on board and supply him with provisions and permit
him to pass. Latter part, carpenters employed in fishing
our maintopsail yard."
Jan. 20th. " Latter part still under close-reefed top-
sails. At meridian saw a sail under our lee bow. Set
main course and let a reef out of each topsail after him."
p. M. T . . . & M . . run the gauntlet for stealing. All
hands flogged them with paints & nettles ; marched from
aft forward with Rogue's march. 9
Jan. 21st. " At 2 P. M. fired a gun : the above sail bore
down to us. Hoisted out our boat and boarded him. She
proved to be the Swedish brig 'Hope,' from Seville bound
to London ; cargo, fruit. Permitted him to pass. He
informed us that he was boarded the day before by the
private armed brig 'Reindeer,' of and from Boston, on a
cruise, 35 days out, and had made two captures. "
Jan. 22d (Sunday). "At past 10 A. M. All hands
called aft to prayers. Saw two sail on weather bow ; made
sail in chase. Smart breeze arid squally. 8-10-12 knots."
Jan. 23d. "At 1 P.M. discover the above sails, one
See Appendix, note 9, p. 57.
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP "AMERICA" OF SALEM. 41
to be a ship standing to the westward, the other a schooner
standing to the eastward. At 2 p. M. fired a gun and the
schooner bore down to us. She proved to be the English
schooner Arrow, from Barcelonia, bound to London :
cargo of nuts. Took from her 8 prisoners. Put Mr.
Hall, prize master, and 8 men on board ; after supplying
her with water and provisions ordered her to America.
At 3 P. M. saw another sail ahead. Made sail after her.
At past 5 came up with the chase. It proved to be the
English sloop Bushey, from Plymouth bound to St.
Michael's. Cargo, potatoes. Took out the prisoners and
some things and destroyed her. At 7 p. M. bore away to
the Southward under three reefed topsails. At 12, mid-
night, saw a sail on our starboard bow, called all hands
and set main course ; let a reef out of each topsail, set
jib and spanker and made sail from her. At 1 A. M. took
in jib and spanker : hauled up the courses ; three reef each
topsail. At 2 A. M. bore away under three reef topsails.
Latter part smart breeze and squally. At 8 A. M. saw a
sail ahead. At 9 A. M. discover her to be a frigate. Made
all necessary sail and discover that he made sail after us.
10 A. M, still the frigate in chase and we could not leave
him any. At meridian we discover we left the frigate
considerable." [From 10 until noon the ship had been run-
ning 11 knots. Next 24 hours from 8 to 8 A. M., 225
miles.]
Jan. 24th. "At 4 p. M. still the frigate in chase of us.
Saw another sail ahead at 5 P. M. He passed us to lee-
ward and showed Portuguese colors. At J past 6 p. M. set
the main-top-mast studding sail and Royalls ; at 7 p. M.
set the ringtail, and saw no more of the above frigate
which we outsail by superior sailing, no doubt to his satis-
faction. At 11 P. M. took in main-top-mast studding sail.
At half past 6 A. M. no sail being in sight took in all stud-
ding sails and Royalls, gafftopsail, ringtail, flying jib and
top-gallant sails. Unbent the maintopsail to repair him."
Lat. by Obs. 35 57'. Long, in 14 23'. 209 miles run.
Jan. 30th. "Middle part strong breeze attended with
heavy squalls. At half past one A. M. a very heavy squall
of wind and rain attended with sharp lightning, which
commenced a severe gale and obliged us to put away
before the wind. Called all hands, launched top-gallant
42 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
mast, lowered down our main yard, rig in our jib-boom.
Being a very heavy sea at 3 P. M. hove our ship to with
her head to the North and East. At 5 A. M. lost our
jolly-boat from our stern."
Jan. 3 1st. " Strong gale & heavy sea, ship still lying
under three storm staysails. At J past 3 P. M. setup our
starboard main rigging. At 5 p. M. saw several sails to
windward. Called all hands & wore ship : got up the main
yard : top-gallant masts fore and aft : got out the jib-boom :
Set close reefed fore and mizzen topsails and foresail. At
6 P. M. hauled up the foresail again. At 7 p. M. set the
main topsail. At 7 A. M. saw several sail to windward ;
made all necessary sail after them. At 8 A. M. sent up
our main-top-gallant yard."
Feb. 1st. "At 6 A. M. filled up 8 hogsheads and 9 bar-
rels of salt water to trim ship. At meridian saw a sail to
windward."
Feb. 2d. "At 1 P. M. saw 3 or 4 sails to windward.
At 4 saw part of a fleet on our weather bow. At 10 P. M.
saw the port fires from the above sails. At 10 A. M. tacked
ship to the Southward but saw nothing of the above fleet."
Feb. 4th. "Calm. All hands employed in setting up
lower rigging. Sailmaker employed in repairing our sails
with a gang of men."
Feb. 5th. " At J past 6 A. M. saw a sail on our larboard
bow. Wore ship and made sail after her. At half past
7 A. M. fired a gun : she did not bear away : hauled up
our courses ; but she still kept her wind. At 9 A. M. fired
another gun and she bore away. At 10 A. M. we boarded
her. She proved to be the British schooner 'Black Joke*
of and from Liverpool, bound to the West Islands, Adam
Southwick master: cargo Porter, coals and some pota-
toes."
Feb. 6th. "All hands employed in taking porter, &c. out
of the prize schooner. At 4 p. M. got the prisoners all
from her and brought her main-mast on board to make a
topsail yard. Burnt her : and made sail to the northward."
Lat. by Obs. 33 23'. Long, in 13 33'.
Feb. 8th. " People received from the Captain 19 casks
of beer and porter to be divided among the Ship's com-
pany."
Feb. 10. " At 6 A. M. saw a sail on our starboard bow :
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP " AMERICA " OF SALEM. 43
set the main-topsail and let two reefs out fore and aft ;
got up the spanker gaff and set the main course. At 9
A. M. set jib and spanker in chase of the above sail. At
11 A. M. let another reef out of the topsails."
Feb. 11. "At 1 P. M. fired a gun at the above sail : he
still kept close on the wind. At 3 P. M. tacked ship for
him, he then bore down. We got out our boat and
boarded him. He proved to be the English sloop ' En-
terprise,' from Lisbon, bound to Madeira: Cargo, flour
and bread. Took from her 21 sack of flour, swapped boats
and gave her up to the prisoners. Ordered her for
Plymouth, England." Lat. by Obs. 36 29', Lon. 11 28',
Sunday, Feb. 12th. "Loose all light sails to dry. At
half past 10 A. M. All hands aft for prayers."
Feb. 16th. "At 3 P.M. Saw a sail 2 points on our lar-
board bow. Made all necessary sail after him. At 5 P. M.
hoisted English colors and fired a gun, when he immedi-
ately bore down to us. At 6 p. M. boarded him. He
proved to be the Prussian ship 'Emperor Alexander,'
from London, bound to Madeira and the East Indies, 28
days out : permitted him to pass." Lat. by Obs. 39 36',
Long, in 14 21'.
Feb. 20th. " At meridian saw a sail 2 points on our
weather bow made all necessary sail after him. At 2
p. M. fired a gun : he hove to, and we boarded him. He
proved to be the English ship f Enterprise ' from the River
Platte, bound to Liverpool, James Miller master, 90 days
out. Cargo, hides and tallow. Took out the prisoners,
supplied her with water & small stores, and put Mr. A.
D. Caulfield, prize master, and 13 men on board, and
ordered her for America." Lat. by Obs. 46 22', Long,
in 18 59'.
On Monday, Feb. 27th. In Latitude 42 26' N., Longi-
tude 20, 31, W., the America fell in with the English pri-
vate armed ship "Princess Elizabeth " of 188 tons and
armed with 6 nine pound carronades, 2 long brass nine
pounders and manned by 32 men. The log reads :
"Monday, Feb. 27th, 1815. Commences with a smart
breeze and cloudy weather. At half past 4 p. M. saw a
sail on our weather bow, made all sail in chase of her. At
4 past 6 p. M. lost sight of the above ship At 9 P. M. wore
44 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
ship to the S. & E., judging that after he lost sight of
us, he would keep his former course to the Eastward.
Hauled up our main course. Middle part a strong breeze
and cloudy. At 6 A. M. saw the above ship to the west.
Wore ship and stood after him. Latter part a smart breeze
and cloudy. At 8 A. M. still in chase of the above ship,
coming up with him very fast. He hauled down his sig-
nals, fired a gun and hoisted an English Ensign and Pen-
dant. At the same time we fired a gun & hoisted English
colours. At 9 A. M. nearly on his Lee quarter, hauled
down English and hoisted American colours. He imme-
diately bore away before the wind & gave us a broadside
which we returned by giving him another, when the action
became general. At 12 minutes past nine, seeing his
colours hanging over-board concluded that he had struck
& ceased firing but in two minutes, seeing him fire, com-
menced firing again. 18 minutes past 9 he surrendered,
we receiving no loss on board the America, neither in men,
sails, rigging or hull. At J past nine boarded him ; he
proved to be H. B. M. Ship Packet 'Princess Elizabeth/
John Forresdale commander, mounting 8 carriage guns
& 32 men, from Rio Janeiro, bound to Falmouth. Her
loss was 2 killed and 13 wounded ; among the latter was
the Capt. by a grape shot thro' the thigh. The Packet was
very much cut to pieces. She had 8 shot holes between
wind & water, 3 nine pound shot in her mainmast, just
above deck, 1 in her mizzen mast and 1 in her main T.
mast and 1 in her fore T. mast, with his braces, bowlines
& part of his shrouds & stays cut away and about 700 shot
holes thro' his sails, besides a large number thro' his bul-
warks. On our approaching them they thought us to be
some Running, ship with 12 or 14 guns and the rest Qua-
kers. But they found their mistake so as to convince them
that Quakers were not silent at all times. Took out her
guns, muskets, pistols, cutlasses, powder and shot on
board the America & gave her up to the original crew, to
proceed on to Falmouth after putting on board 6 prisoners
and a quantity of bread, as they had on board only 15
pounds for 25 men. Sent our Doctor on board to dress
the wounded." Lat. 42-26, Long. 20-31.
Feb'y 28. "5 P. M. Set the staysails and fore-topmast
m
S
,
o
? *>
CE .E
u.
O
OF SALEM. 45
studding sails : at 7 p. M. brail up the spanker. Middle
part a moderate breeze and cloudy. At half past twelve
at night a light breeze from the westward. At 2 A. M. set
the main course and spanker. At half past 3 A. M. a squall
of rain : handed the top-gallant sails. Latter part a smart
breeze and cloudy. At 5 A. M. set the top-gallant sails.
At half past five A. M. saw a sail under our lee bow. Made
sail after her. At half past nine A. M. fired a gun ; the
above sail hove to. At 10 A. M. in top-gallant and stud-
ding sails, up courses and boarded her : she proved to
be the English schooner Swift Theophilus, Tankesby
master, from St. Michael's, bound to London, 7 days out :
cargo of oranges. Put John Burk, prize master, and four
men on board and order her for America, after supply-
ing her with bread, beef, pork and some small stores.
Took out a few boxes of fruit & prisoners, and parted with
him."
March 15th. "Middle part a strong breeze and heavy
squalls from the westward with lightning. At 4 A. M. a
heavy squall from the westward which commenced a severe
gale. Called all hands to get down the main yard : in
lowering him down the hawser gave way : he came down
and sprung the larboard yard-arm. Got the ship before the
wind. At 7 A. M. housed the top-gallant masts fore and
aft. Bent another staysail on our fore stay while repair-
ing the other. At 9 A. M. shipped a heavy sea over the
larboard quarter. Carried away our stern boat, started
our plank sheer and main channel, broke our spanker
boom in two pieces, disabled our captain and two men,
and considerable more damage done about the ship. We
finding the ship dangerous to scud : it blew so hard in
squalls thought it most prudent to bring her to : her head
to the Westward. At 10 A. M. brought her to. Got our
fore and mizzen top-gallant masts on deck ; and one of
our bow guns down in the hold."
March 17th. "All hands to work in fishing our main
yard and bending the mainsail. At 3 p. M. got up our
fore & main top-gallant yards and our brass gun from
below and mounted him on the carriage again. At 4 p. M.
EDt the distance between the sun and moon and found our
ongitude to be 49 14' W."
. March 18th. "6 A. M. saw a sail 2 points under our lee
46 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
bow, let a reef out of the foresail and two reefs out of
each topsail. At 7 A. M. unbent our fore-topmast stay
sail to repair it. Set the main course, jib and spanker.
At 9 A. M. let out all reefs. At 10 A. M. came up with the
above sail. She proved to be the Russian brig " Post von
Riga " from Belfast, John Crossbee master, bound to the
Amelia Islands : Cargo salt, wine and dry goods. Per-
mitted him to pass : his longitude being 53. Captain a
little better."
March 21. "Captured the brig 'Pomona,' Rob* Scott
formerly master now deceased, from Antigua, bound to
London : cargo sugar. Put on board Geo. A. Hallowell
and six men and ordered her to America."
April 5th. "Boarded the English schooner ' Eliza,' but
finding from her that the treaty is signed permit her to
pass. Sounded in 45 to 25 and 17 fathoms, fine black and
white sand. Judge it to be the George's Shoal."
April 8th. "This twenty- four hours commences with a
light breeze from the South East. At 2 A. M. a pleasant
breeze ; all necessary sail set. At three p. M. still running
in for Salem. At half past three p. M. Capt. George
Crowninshield came on board at the Haste and we pro-
ceeded to Salem. At 4 p. M. came to with our best bovver
in seven fathoms and handed all sails and fired a salute
of forty guns. People all discharged to go on shore.
So ends the ship America's last cruise."
Many years after the war Captain Chever, then in com-
mand of a merchantman, was detained for some time in
the harbor of Valparaiso ; and while there became ac-
quainted with Sir James Thompson, commanding H. B. M.
Frigate " Dublin." The Dublin was originally a ship-of-
the-line but had been cut down or razeed during the war
of 1812, and had been fitted out especially to capture
American Privateers, and Sir James said that on one
occasion just at dusk he was almost within gunshot of
the America, the vessel whose career he was especially
anxious to terminate because she had captured and de-
stroyed so much English shipping, but that by daylight
the following morning she was a mere speck on the hori-
zon, so badly had she outsailed the Dublin during the
night. " And, by the way," said Sir James : " I wonder
PRIVATE ARMED SHIP " AMERICA " OF SALEM. 47
if you know who it was that commanded the America, on
that occasion?" Upon Captain Chever's acknowledging
that he was the man, Sir James laughed and said that he
wished that he (Chever) had been as near to him then as
he was now, and assured him that, if captured, he would
have been kindly treated and made comfortable. Captain
Chever smiled and replied that, in spite of his unques-
tioned hospitality, he had felt much more at home on
board the America.
After her arrival from the last cruise in 1815, she lay at
Crowninshield's wharf until June, 1831, during which time
she had been repaired and coppered with the expectation
of selling her to go to South America. A half interest in
her was sold at auction for $4000.00 in 1818. 10 But for some
unexplained reason she was never again put in commission,
and lay at the head of the wharf very near the locality where
she was built, until she was unseaworthy. She was sold
at auction, June 23, 1831, and broken up.
The latter part of this time, dismantled and with nothing
standing except her lower masts and bowsprit, she pre-
sented a sad appearance ; her guns and armament had been
removed, and some of her guns placed in the ground, muz-
zle down, to serve as posts in the streets around the wharf.
Her small arms, once brightly polished, were lying a rusty
heap in the stone warehouse at the end of the wharf.
The last of her long guns were sold to the Government
about 1850, and were then taken away to be melted up.
Capt. Wm. J. Chever tells me that two of these long nine-
pounders were sold to Messrs. Robinson and Peirce, and
went to China in their brig " Boxer " on her first voyage.
One of her carronades is now mounted in front of our
house at Marblehead. 11
The picture presented as a frontispiece is from a water-
color painted by Edward J. Russell, after carefully con-
sulting the painting by Roux, and the sail plan, and rep-
resents the ship under full sail.
The second picture was painted at Marseilles in 1806,
by Anton Roux, while the ship was there ; without doubt
10 See Hist. Coll. Essex Inst. Vol. xxv, p. 118. Also Vol. n, p. 57-60. Also Vol.
vii, p. 208-11.
11 See Appendix, note 11, p. 57, "Advertisement of Auction."
48 AN ACCOUNT OF THE
it is an excellent likeness of the ship as she then was. It
shows her masts raking apart, which was then considered
correct style, and her head somewhat depressed. In this
trim she sailed at her best.
Roux was a celebrated marine artist in his day ; several
portraits by him of United States men-of-war are preserved
at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
The third is a sail and spar plan, very much reduced,
from a drawing made by the writer from measurements
entered in a back page of the log-book of her third
cruise.
The fourth is from a drawing made by Joseph S. Dan-
forth, whose father, Joseph Danforth, was steward's mate
on board at the time of the occurrence, and represents
the ship on her beam-ends in a gale, November 29, 1814,
as recounted in the log of her last cruise.
The fifth is from a painting by George Ropes who was
familiar with the ship and represents her in chase of the
packet "Princess Elizabeth," February 27, 1815.
Since this paper was in press, additional facts of inter-
est relating to Captain Chever have come to hand. He
was twenty-two years and seven months old when he took
command of the America. He sailed on his last voyage
in the " Sapphire," belonging to the Honorable Stephen C.
Phillips, in 1834. On his return from this voyage he lived
for a while in the Roger Williams House, the oldest house
in Salem, standing at the corner of North and Essex
Streets, and while living there purchased the house on
Essex, below Liberty Street, now numbered 133, in which
he resided for the remainder of his life. In 1836-7 he
superintended, for Mr. Phillips, the extension of the
Crowninshield Wharf, and for the next twenty years was
wharfinger there, and agent for the Railroads and for the
Whalers in which Mr. Phillips owned largely and in which
he also had an interest. The last of these was the ship
"Elizabeth,*' sent to California and sold there, in 1849.
The " W," which he added to his name, meant nothing, and
was used to prevent confusion in the mails, there being in
Salem, at the time, another James Chever. He was an
attendant at the East Church and, after Dr. Bentley's
death, connected himself with the North Church.
APPENDIX.
EDITORIAL NOTES, BY E. S. R.
NOTE ONE. See Ante, p. 2.
Our first great merchant, Philip English (born 1651, died 1740) who
happened to be, like our last great merchant, a native of the Isle of
Jersey, built his stately mansion-house on the main street, at the cor-
ner of a lane leading to his wharf and docks. The lane is now Eng-
lish Street. The house survives in pictures, though it disappeared
from sight in 1833. His wharf was the germ from which has grown
the Lehigh & Wilkesbarre Coal Company's pier. Dr. Bentley men-
tions it in his sermon on the death of Susannah Ingersoll, December
6, 1811 (Hist. Coll. Essex Inst., Vol. XI, p. 232), in these words, which
refer to Philip English: " Besides these he had three stores on his
wharf, which with the wharf have entirely decayed, but have given
place to the best wharf wejhave in Salem, * * * by a family who have
succeeded to the enterprise * * * and reputation of this ancient fam-
ily." India Street, close by, still keeps alive one of the designations
of the wharf.
There is some confusion in the statements as to just where the
America was built, but there is none as to the fact. "Master Leavitt,"
who taught seamanship to our last generation of navigators, and had
all the traditions of the early century at his fingers' ends, wrote much
for print, and always with scrupulous exactness. Writing in 1865,
he says (Hist. Coll. Essex Inst., Vol. vn, p. 210) that the America
was launched from the spot then occupied by " the two-story brick
building used by Volney C. Stow, as a bakery." This spot is just
west of what was the head of the wharf, but is now a little back from
the water, the dock having. been filled in as the wharf was extended
in the operations of the Honorable Stephen C. Phillips and of the
Salem and Lowell Railroad. The two-story brick structure, referred
to by " Master Leavitt " as being improved for a bakery, was standing
a few years ago, and fixed the exact spot where the America was built.
It was the last building on the east side of English Street, and not
many rods from the old Becket mansion-house, which is still standing.
The site is now vacant. Just in the rear of this lot, when it was oc-
cupied for a bakery, was a vacant field, where some of the America's
4 (49)
50 APPENDIX.
guns lay rusting for years until sold for old metal. And a little further
to the north, on English Street, corner of Derby, stands the residence
built and occupied by John Crownin shield.
NOTE THREE. See Ante, p. 8.
At the beginning of the century there were few more picturesque
figures among the conspicuous men of Salem than Captain Joseph
Ropes. Inquiry fails to discover the existence of a likeness of him.
He was born at Salem, Deer. 15, 1770, in a house quite near Bowditch's
birthplace on Brown Street, and a discriminating sketch of him which
appeared on his death, extending to the length of a column and a
quarter in the " Register" for Octobei 3, 1850, couples his name with
that of the great astronomer and navigator as twin-ornaments of the
nautical profession. They were also of kindred. His father, David
Ropes, who, March 30, 1752, married Ruth Hathorne, a granddaughter
of that Col. John Hathorne who figured as a Judge in the Witchcraft
times and became the progenitor of the most famous writer of Ameri-
can fiction, died in prison at Halifax from wounds received in action
while in command of a privateer of the Revolution. So Joseph Ropes
came of fighting stock, and was a kinsman of Nathaniel Hawthorne
as well as of Nathaniel Bowditch. He was said never to have feared
anything in life but the reproof of his mother. He had to run away
from her when a mere stripling, on his first voyage to the West In-
dies, for her experience as a wife had given her bitter memories of the
sea, but he took care to propitiate her before he reached home by
sending in advance the unique peace-offering of a barrel of molasses.
He commanded the America as a Merchantman on a two years' Medi-
terranean voyage, and he impressed the Sultan of Turkey so favora-
bly that that sublime personage sought to negotiate, through him, a
commercial treaty with the United States.
The America's first cruise was the Captain's last voyage. He then
retired from the sea and had success as a merchant. He commanded
the "Sea Fencibles," a volunteer coast-guard two hundred strong, of
which the Chaplain was Dr. Bentley, and marched them to Marble-
head on the afternoon of Sunday, April 3, 1814, to protect the " Con-
stitution " when she was chased in by the " Tenedos " and the " Endy-
mion," Dr. Bentley hurrying from his pulpit in medias res, to ride over
on a gun-carriage. Captain Ropes built, on land which had been in the
Hathorne name since 1636, the three-story brick dwelling-house on
Washington Street, lately removed to make way for the Post-Office,
and there he died at nearly eighty years of age, September 29, 1850.
He had married, February 3, 1801, Sarah, a daughter of Zachariah
Birchmore. [See Hist. Coll. Essex Inst., Vol. vi, p. 103, No. 79.]
In person he strikingly resembled the Honorable Josiah Quincy,
Boston's early Mayor and Harvard's honored President and Historian.
APPENDIX. 51
He was tall and stately, a man of strong and decided character.
Here is his autograph. His integrity and courage were such that his
neighbors, when
they had occasion
to lean on anybody,
thought them-
selves fortunate if
they could lean on
him. To trust him
was an impulse of
nature. The Pied Piper of Hamelin had no more winning spell for
children. For years he was -lie recognized file-leader of the Demo-
cratic, then known as the Jet :rsonian or National Republican Party,
at a time when, as Hildreth, the Federalist Historian, has said, " Salem
was the headquarters of the Massachusetts Democracy." (Hildreth's
History of the United States, Vol. m, p. 372).
Party spirit ran high in those days, and cropped out in business, in
social, and even in religious matters. Judge Story, in 1813, was
denied the use of the North Meeting House for his funeral oration
on Lawrence and Ludlow. In many of the best houses of Salem his
politics made him persona non grata. Dr. Bentley, who died in 1819,
and who was a radical in politics as well as in religion, would not
exchange pulpits with his co-religionists in this section because they
were Federalists, and almost the only exchanges he ever made were
effected with the Rev. Mr. Parish of Byfield, who, while he was a red-
hot Calvinist, was also a red-hot Republican. A Federalist, whose
mother had been a life-long memoer of the East Church and had died*
would not invite Dr. Bentley to attend her funeral. Federalists who
deserted their party during the ascendency of the second Adams to
follow Jackson, were cut on the street by their former partisans and
business intimates. Two Assembly Rooms were maintained for social
relaxation, one at the foot of Central, then Market Street, called Con-
cert Hall, established over the New Market House of 1793 for the
accommodation of the Jeffersonians who lived largely down-in-town
(burnt in 1844 and replaced by the Phoenix Building); and another
built in 1805 and called Hamilton Hall, but incorporated as the " South
Building Association" because it was feared that, at that time, the
name of Hamilton would make it impossible to engineer a charter
through the Massachusetts State House.
We are prepared to learn that, in times like these, rigid party disci-
pline was carried into town politics. Although we had been strug-
gling for a City charter in Salem since 1805, we obtained one only in
1836. Until that year, town-meeting assembled at Town House Square
before 1785, in the Washington Street Court House from 1785 until
1817, after that in the Town Hall, and at these gatherings, in critical
times, the whole body of citizens was marshalled and much feeling
52 APPENDIX.
was engendered. When the Moderator put a question to the vote of the
meeting, the usual form was to call upon the " Yeas "and the "Nays"
in succession to rise and stand uncovered until they were counted.
When the Republican contingent, who had often marched up the
street together "like an army with banners," saw the commanding
figure of the white-haired old Privateersman rising in his place to
record his vote, every man of them was on his feet to be counted on
the same side of the division, and, for years, " Keep your eye on Joe
Ropes," was the party watchword. He was chosen Selectman in 1808-
09-11-16 and was often defeated when the vote was close.
NOTK FOUR. See Ante, p. 8.
James Chever was born at Salem, April 20, 1791, and died there,
May 2, 1857. As cabin boy in the America's first voyage, in 1804, Cap-
tain Chever got his first experience of the sea, and he rose to the
command after passing through every grade in the Crowninshield em-
ploy. He was a good type of the robust manhood produced by the stii-
ring times of the early century, intrepid, prompt and absolutely trust-
worthy. Honesty was with him an instinct rather than a matter of
philosophy. His last years were passed in the position of wharfinger
at the old wharf, and his residence for the twenty years that he
served there, was the dignified, three-story wooden house now occupied
by Colonel Peck, opposite the Cadet Armory, which Captain Thomas
Mason had built in 1755 on the site of an old Grafton homestead,
bought from Bartholomew Putnam. [See Essex Deeds, B. 99, L. 209.
Also, Hist. Coll. Essex Inst., Vol. vi, p. 96, No. 17.] The "Salem
Gazette" of May 5, 1857, in announcing his sudden death, comments on
his career in these words: "In early life Captain Chever had been
distinguished for a spirit of bold adventure, and at the opening of his
manhood was commander of the famous and successful Privateer
America. He had passed through all the contaminating influences of
a seaman's life, at home and abroad, in peace and in war, but they
had left no stain upon his mind or manners. He had all the mascu-
line virtues which are developed by the noble calling of seamanship,
without the rough and coarse qualities which sometimes grow up side
by side with them. His frank, cheerful, guileless countenance was a
true index of his disposition. In an acquaintance of many years, we
never heard him utter an ill-natured word, in reference to any person.
His faithfulness to duty was unwearied ; his integrity without a stain."
NOTE FIVE. See Ante, p. 8.
The commissioning of private-armed vessels has long been a com-
mon resource in wars between commercial nations. Probably no
weapon of attack has inflicted so much injury upon a public enemy
at so little expense of blood and treasure. There are those who
would persuade us that a present resort to privateering would be in
contravention of good morals, that the private-armed cruiser is with
APPENDIX. 53
difficulty to be distinguished from the pirate, and that this lucrative
and romantic pursuit, which had such tempting fascinations for our
ancestors, is for us but a tradition. Elbridge Gerry, Timothy Pick-
ering, and Washington seem to have held other views. [See Proceed-
ings of the Massachusetts Historical Society for 1884-85, Second
Series, vol. I, p. 15-28.]
Be this as it may, it is plain enough that in both our wars with
Great Britain privateering was an indispensable adjunct to our naval
resources. From a national standpoint, it is not the amount of wealth
amassed by one of the belligerents but the amount of injury inflicted
upon the other that is to be considered. With a seaboard such as ours
to defend, and, added to this, thousands of miles of northern boun-
dary abutting on the only power from which we have anything to
fear, a power which has at no time hesitated to employ its naval
energies in wiping out our commerce and devastating our seaports
with that pious zeal which prompts every people, persuaded that its
civilization is superior, to try to impose it upon the rest of mankind,
it is plain enough that if we could find a seam in the panoply of
Great Britain we were in the past under an obligation of necessity to
strike at it. Her merchant-marine has ever been the Achilles' heel of
England. In her commercial fleets, stretched like an endless belt
about the habitable globe, which no naval force however great can
be so omnipresent as to shield, England exposes herself, as though in
one long, continuous, indefensible frontier, to any sea-power which
has the intrepidity to strike her there. This must be so in the future
as it has been in the past. First, because England has a redundant
population, surrounded by water, which must be fed and supplied by
commercial fleets ; she must ever be reaching out for new worlds to
colonize, and from this follows water-borne traffic to be protected.
Secondly, because England depends largely on water-borne material
for her home consumption and industries, not only bread-stuffs and
beef, but cotton and iron and -these must be brought to her and her
industrial products distributed to the world, and the commerce re-
sulting must be at the mercy of the enemies of England, for no sea-
power can be omnipotent enough to protect it all. This is England's
vulnerable point. Her wealth and population are spread about over so
large a portion of the globe that there is little security for them save
what results from the terror of her name. To build ships and forts for
our defence, while allowing the profits of the world's commerce to flow
into the coffers of our adversary, would be a policy as foreign to the
genius of America as is the support of standing armies and naval
armaments large enough to threaten the Empire upon which the sun
never sets, a course as necessary to the autonomy as it is fatal to the
progress of so many European states. No wonder that, since the re-
sult of our civil war, England frowns on the Commerce Destroyer and
the Privateer. Touch her in her commercial marine, make naviga-
54 APPENDIX.
tion under the Red Cross unsafe, and the Sovereignty of the Seas
becomes an empty boast.
If the natural love of the mother for her offspring should not be
strong enough to forbid her desolating our seaports or sacking our
national Capitol and Archives, there is a natural Anglo-Saxon thrift
which will always protest against such havoc to British interests as
the steady advance of insurance rates during our two wars made pal-
pable to the business sense. No navy and no line of forts we are
ever likely to construct will be strong enough to make the coast-line
of a continent impregnable. Our attempt to blockade a fraction of
it during the civil war has shown us that. The only nation from
which we have anything to fear is that nation whose colonial necessi-
ties must always make her the great sea-power of the world. We may
not cope with her in naval strength. But we need not put ourselves
still further at her mercy as we do should we surrender the right to
cut off her supplies. Paris fell, when left to herself, under the iron
hand of Bismarck. England will think twice before attacking us,
while she has to reflect that the first hostile gun fired at our flag puts
at risk her whole, world-encircling mercantile marine.
The provisions of law touching this branch of our national defence
are few and simple. Captured property is to be condemned with due
formality by an Admiralty Court; must be sold at auction under
orders from the prescribed authority ; two per cent, of the proceeds
go to the Treasury of the United States, creating a pension fund of
which the Secretary of the Navy is Trustee ; and in respect of pen-
sion, and of capture and imprisonment and belligerent rights generally
the privateei sman is to fare as though he were enlisted in the navy.
The remainder of the prize-money belongs to the captor, one-half
to the Owners and one-half . to the Ship's Company. Privateering
was made lucrative to ship-owners, but not more so than experience
proved necessary in order to enlist that class. It proved an effective
weapon. It transferred the field of action from our exposed coast-
line and Canadian frontier to the open sea. If it brought wealth to
ship-owners it brought no dishonor to the country. The foundations
of some of the great hereditary fortunes were laid in privateering.
The library of Dr. Kirwan, a leading scientist of his day, came to
Salem, 1781, as prize in one of George Cabot's private-armed ships,
and became the nucleus of the Salem Athenaeum. And it is a signifi-
cant fact that so many of the finest houses which grace the streets of
Salem were built in the decade following the second war with Eng-
land. But the Privateersman's monument is not the wealth he earned.
If you look for that, you find it in the Nation he bore his share in
founding. [See a Letter dated Marblehead, June 5, 1840, in the Salem
Gazette for June 9, 1840. Also an article on Privateering from the
National Intelligencer, reprinted in Littel's Living Age for 1857, Vol.
LIV; Second Series, Vol. xvm, p. 559.]
APPENDIX. 55
(Hn01 aff (JUen 6y tfeae present*, THAT I, Nathaniel Felt
of Salem, Trader, in consideration of Sixty Dollars paid me by Samuel
Chamberlain of Salem, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowl-
edge, have bargained and sold, and do hereby bargain, sell, convey and
assign unto the said Samuel, his executors, administrators and assigns,
one half of a share of all the monies, goods, merchandize, effects
and proceeds whatever, which may be lawfully captured, seized or
recaptured by the private armed Ship America of Salem, James Chever
Esq re ., Commander, duringthe cruize on which she is now bound, and
maybe awarded good and lawful prize, or otherwise adjudged to the
owners, commander and crew of said privateer.
To HAVE and TO HOLD the same to the said Samuel Chamberlain,
his executors, administrators and assigns, to his and their sole use
forever. And I do hereby covenant with the said Samuel that I am
lawfully entitled to the said one half share and have in me good
right and title to sell and convey the same as aforesaid, and that I
will warrant and defend the same to the said Samuel his executors,
administrators and assigns, against the lawful claims of all persons
whatsoever.
AND in furtherance of the premises, I do hereby constitute and ap-
point the said Samuel, his executors and administrators, my attorney
and attornies, irrevocable, with full power to ask, sue for, recover
and receive, for his and their own proper use ad benefit, of the
owner or owners, agent or agents, of said privateer Ship America
and of all other persons whomsoever whom the same may concern,
one half of a full share of all monies, goods, merchandize, effects and
proceeds of the captures, seizures and recaptures of the said Privateer
during her present intended cruize ; and upon such receipt due acquit-
tance and discharge in my name or otherwise, to make, execute and
deliver. And I do hereby grant unto my said attorney and attornies my
full power and authority in the premises, and do hereby authorize them
to appoint and constitute one or more attornies under them in the
premises and I do hereby ratify and confirm whatsoever my said
attornies, or their substitute or substitutes, may and shall do by
virtue hereof in the premises.
IN TESTIMONY wHKREOP, I have hereunto set rny hand and
seal this fourth day of February A. D. one thousand eight
hundred and Fifteen.
Signed, sealed and delivered, -
n presence of us, j- (Signed) NatW Felt. [SEAL]
(Signed) Benjamin Winn. J
ESSEX, ss. ******** 1815. Then ***** above named,
personally appeared and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be
his free act and deed, before me,
** ****** JUST. PACIS.
56 APPENDIX.
The Muster-Roil of the last cruise shows a total of 215 shares held
by the Ship's Company. How many more shares were issued does
not appear. The shares were a merchantable commodity, and were
advertised for sale, and were appraised at a market rate in the settle-
ment of estates. Commission-agents offered them like other securi-
ties. They were transferred, as the Bill of Sale shows, with as much
solemnity as is now observed in the conveyance of real estate, and
probably transfer-books were kept by the owners in which thrse Bills
of Sale were entered. A printed form was used in the f >regoing
conveyance, and the written words employed are represente i in it by
italics.
NOTE Six. See Ante, p. 9.
Of the Ship's Company which sailed on the Third Cruise, number-
ing 146 men, carrying twenty guns, a very large fraction remained
with her until peace was declared. Every man on board had a money-
interest in the success of the cruise. It was a joint-stock enterprise.
No man was paid wages, but all made common cause. If privateering
was a game of chance, it certainly furnished employment for the idle
ships and capital and men whose industries were extinguished by the
war. Capt. Chever commanded on this cruise, with John L. Hammond
for his mate, and John Proctor for his second and David Brown for
his third officers. Ebenezer Meacom was first Lieutenant, Benjamin
Upton second and Nathan Green third Lieutenants.
Chever, Hammond and Proctor became conspicuous members of
the East India Marine Society, founded in 1799, and of which Joseph
Ropes was a Charter Member. So also did Clerk Proctor, Lieu-
tenants Breed and Treadwell, Prize-Master Bowditch and Messrs-
Gillis, Kycler and Endicott, who all appear on the roll of the Fifth
Cruise. Captain Breed commanded in August, 1813, the Crownin-
shields' Cartel Henry, which brought the remains of Lawrence and
Ludlow from Halifax to Salem, manned by a volunteer crew of Ship-
Masters, Captains Benjamin Upton, Thomas Bowditch and Thorn-
dike Proctor among them. Capt. Upton was for fifteen years Master
of the Salem Marine Society, instituted in 1766, of which Capt. Breed
was for thirty-five years a member, and which, in 1807-8, put Cap-
tain Chever on a committee for buoying out the channel in Salem
harbor. [See Laws etc. of Salem Marine Society, 1873, p. 71.] Cap-
tains Bowditch, Ryder and many more of those named were also mem-
bers of the Salem Marine Society. Captain Gillis was among the early
navigators who struck out new channels of trade for Salem enterprise,
and brought home hand-made charts of unknown harbors in the Indian
Ocean, some of which have been used and acknowledged by the United
States Government. [See Osgood & Batchelder's Historical Sketch of
Salem, pp. 154-5.] No higher patent of nobility is recognized in Salem
than a place on the rolls of these Societies. Captain Gillis was the
father of James A. Gillis, Esq re ., and Capt. Endicott was a brother of
Stuffs, fcc. Sale positive, a M?"
left lovvn. x ~
T. DELAJW en,
*
c. of Ship
jf T AVCTIQN.
{Necessarily
Will be wold by auction, l
Hull of the
,Ship AMERICA, of aboot 450
Vry hoavily copper-fftaUnfcd,
worihy att&Rlion for brcak^^ i^p.
Ai^ aboat 1000 pounds of Powder, c<><v
principal^ of cannoji and musket rtaj t
Wiitjr of old
, old CSiW-
, ,--
with a ?arietj of other urttcle,
The a4 will connneictj WJh
juile i& OEQ NICHOLS, 'A uci'r.
&rig
* *
FRIDAY ,'24tH inaf, at Ua'plock. wOJl
her sold at nuetiou. oa J&rrt*r ^^ vrHrf/-
The OARea pp Bfig Vu-gmia 5
APPENDIX. 57
Mrs. George Peabody, of Mrs. Francis Peabody, and of Capt. William
Putnam Endicott, the father of Judge William Crowninshield Endicott.
NOTE NINE. See Ante, p. 40.
During the America's last cruise a Court Martial sat on board and
passed sentence of " a dozen lashes " for stealing shoes from a
Marine, and the proceedings were reported in the following Hudibras-
tic strain, of which a sample verse or two must suffice.
This Court's composed of men of knowledge
And genius ; though not bred at College,
Chever, Widger, Hugget, and Brown,
Whose firm integrity is now well-known.
Their minds being well on justice bent,
Aft on the lee-poop they were sent,
Where they debate upon the cause,
Governed by their Country's laws.
They try the culprit : find him guilty
Of theft, a crime both mean and filthy.
*******
The Boats'n pipes all hands to muster.
No time for whining, plea nor bluster !
The Judge announces the just sentence,
And many stripes produce repentance.
*******
For the low cur, who'd meanly cozen
A poor marine, must take his " dozen."
NOTE ELEVEN. See Ante, p. 47.
In 1831, the America was advertised for sale at auction in the issues
of the "Essex Register" for June 16-20-23, and of the "Salem
Gazette" for June 17-21. The notice here reproduced is from the
Register. The announcements were identical, except that after the
word "Blocks" in the Register were offered, in the Gazette, "a
quantity of Shot, Chest-Tools, Charts, Quadrants, two Cambooses,
Oars," then " a complete set of Sweeps," etc. For some reason the
sale was postponed from the first date fixed, possibly for lack of bid-
ders. A sorry ending, truly, of a career so gallant, for such a royal
bird of prey to be hawked about for old junk and find no buyers!
When she took the water in June, 1804, people travelled from all over
the County, thirty and forty miles, to see the launching! Such was
the faith of the public in the ability of the owners to build a par-
agon in water-craft ! Verily
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The Eagle of the Sea !
COPIES OF PAPERS AND EXTRACTS FROM A JOURNAL,
ON THE CRUISK
Commenced the 24th of November, 1814 and ended April 8th, 1815.
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT between the owners, officers, and com-
pany of the private armed ship America on her fifth cruise.
ART. 1st. It is agreed by the parties that the owners fit the vessel
for sea, provide her with great guns, small arms, powder and shot,
and all other warlike stores, suitable medicine, and everything nec-
essary for such a vessel and her cruise, for all which no deduction is
to be made from the shares. The owners or their subscribers shall
receive and draw one-half of the net proceeds of all prizes captured
during said vessel's cruise; the residue shall be the property of the
ship's company to be divided in proportion as mentioned in the 17th
article.
ART. 2nd. That for preserving due decorum on board the said
vessel no one is to quit or go out of the ship, whether on board of
another's vessel, or on shore, without permission from the command-
ing officer on board, under such penalties or fines as shall be decreed
by the captain and officers.
ART. 3rd. The cruise shall be where the owners shall direct.
ART. 4th. If any person shall be found causing disturbance or
mutiny, or shall be guilty of any misdemeanor in the which peril may
arise to the cruise, the offender shall be punished even to forfeiture
of his share or shares, at the discretion of the captain and commis-
sioned officers.
ART. 5th. Embezzlements from the ship, or from prizes made
during the cruise shall, at the discretion of the captain and commis-
sioned officers, be punished by forfeiture of the share or shares of
the offender.
ART. 6th. If any one of the ship's company abuse any male or
female prisoner, such offender shall be punished as the captain and
officers shall decree.
ART. 7th. If any of the ship's company shall die during the cruise,
the legal representative of the deceased shall have the share or shares
of all prizes made during the cruise.
ART. 8th. Whoever deserts said vessel, previous to any prize or
prizes being made, shall forfeit his share or shares made during the
cruise, and any desertions after any prize or prizes may have been
made, the offender shall forfeit all right or title to shares belonging
to him. His debts (it is however understood) to any person on board
(58)
APPENDIX. 59
shall be paid from one-half of the prize money or goods belonging to
his share or shares arising from captures made previous to such
offence, to be distributed in proportion among his creditors (date be-
ing first made). The residue shall belong to the owners and said ves-
sel's company.
ART. 9th. All vacancies shall be filled by the next in command.
ART. 10th. No persons of said ship's company shall sell more than
one-half of his share or shares of prize money in said cruise.
ART. llth. The captain and officers shall appoint an agent or
agents for the ship's company for and during the term of said cruise.
ART. 12th. All and everyone of said ship's company agree to serve
on board the private armed ship America for the term of four months
from the said vessel's departure from Salem.
ART. 13th. The commanding officer of the vessel shall (if he deem
it expedient) place the command of any prize under the command of
any of the privateer's officers or company.
ART. 14th. Whereas it frequently happens that prizes after made
are not worth the expense of unloading, condemnation, etc., etc., the
owners (or their subscribers in conjunction with agents appointed in
conformity with the llth Art., or a majority of them), the owners
together with the agents so appointed, shall have full power and
authority to settle for and agree upon any compromise with the cap-
tured, which when so done and lawfully effected shall be binding upon
the owners, captain, officers and crew to all intents and purposes.
ART. 15th. The private property of any female prisoner, provided
it does not amount to more than six hundred dollars, shall, with the
consent of the captain and his commissioned officers, be respected and
untouched by the captors, and restoration of any private property,
provided it does not amount to more than three hundred dollars, may
be given up at the discretion of the aforementioned authority.
ART. 16th. All shares or parts of shares decreed as forfeited shall
belong to owners and ship's company.
ART. 17th. The one-half of the net proceeds of all prizes made
during the cruise is apportioned to the vessel's company, excepting
six shares to be reserved to the order of the captain, to be distributed
by him to such as he may deem most deserving among said vessel's
company.
ART. 18th. For the due care and disposal of all prizes, Benj. W.
Crowninshield shall be owner's agent and Joseph Hopes shall be the
agent for the officers and crew, and all moneys arising from the sale of
all prizes shall be paid over to the above agents by the marshal to be
then distributed, viz : By the owner's agent to the owners, and by
the people's agent to the people, according to this agreement, and
their commissions shall be two and a half per cent, on the net sales
to be divided equally by the agents.
60 APPENDIX.
We, the undersigned, for and in consideration of the shares affixed
to our names, do enlist ourselves on board the private armed ship
America and submit to the foregoing articles.
Salem, Nov. 24, 1814.
NOTE. George Crowninshield, George Crowninshield, Jr., and
Benj. W. Crowninshield of Salem, Owners.
Then follow the signatures in accordance with the
SHIP AMERICA'S MUSTER BILL.
No. 1 James Che ver, Jr., Capt. Shares 11
2 Benj. Upton, 1st Lieut., 8
3 Holton Jn. Breed, 2nd Lieut., 64
4 Chas. C. Treadwell, 3rd Lieut., 64
5 James Brace, Sailing Master, 54
6 Wm. C. Page, Surgeon, 5
7 Thorndike Proctor, Capt's Clerk, 4
8 John Proctor, 1st Master's Mate, 3
9 William Austin, 2nd " 24
10 Samuel Hazelton, 3rd " 2
11 Nath'l Cleves, Prize Master, 4
12 Anthony D. Caulfield " 4
13 Spencer Hall " 4
14 Thomas Bowditch " 4
15 Daniel Tread well " 4
16 Geo. A. Hallowell ; < 4
17 Timothy Greenleaf, Ship's Steward, 2
18 Joseph Danforth " " Mate, 1|
19 Adam Trueman, Turner, 2
20 Lewis Lawrence " 1|
21 Nehemiah R. Curtis, Boatswain, 2
22 James Cliff, Armorer, 24
23 William Hulen, Carpenter, 2
24 Henry Archer " 2
25 Charles Millett, Cooper, 2
26 Daniel Patten, Sail Maker, 2
27 James Whittle, 1st Boatswain's mate, It
28 Samuel Averill, 2d " " 1|
29 John Peach, Boats'n's, Yeoman, 1
30 Joseph Morgridge, Q. Master, 14
31 Samuel Clough " " 14
32 John C. Burke " " 14
33 Robert Hodgdon " 14
34 Levi Johnson, Cabin Cook, 14
35 Wm. Ranson, Ship's " 2
36 Christopher White, Cook's Mate, 1|
APPENDIX.
61
No. 37 Samuel Ropes, Fifer,
38 Stephen Abbot, Drummer,
39 Joseph Burke, Cabin Steward,
40 Joseph Dayley, Cook's 2nd mate,
41 Jeremiah Browne, Quarter Gunner,
42 Peter Ceder Wall, Gunner,
Shares
No. Shares.
43 Thomas Powers, Seaman 1
44 Thomas Widger, " 1
45 John Grant, " 1
46 Collins Ingalls, " 1
47 Nath'l Felt, Jr., " 1
48 Joseph Rider, " 1
49 Joseph Southwick, " 1
50 Charles Harris, " 1
51 William G. Eaton, " 1
52 Andrew Valentine, Jr. " 1
53 Joseph Chever, " 1
54 John Fletcher, " 1
55 William Herrick, " 1
56 Kobert Remmonds, " 1
57 John Francis, " 1
58 George Williams, " 1
59 Levi Blanchard, " 1
60 James Beckett, " 1
61 Julius Hanson, " 1
62 Joseph Stickney, " 1
63 John Lee, " 1
64 Zach. Stone, " 1
65 John Madison, " 1
66 John Simonds, " 1
67 Francis Solaris, " 1
68 Shubael Kelly, " 1
69 Daniel Shehan, " 1
70 Ephraim Meservy, " 1
71 Charles Begand, " 1
72 John Taylor, " 1
73 Thomas Dodge, "
74 George Girdler, "
75 Andrew Palfrey, "
76 Hans Patterson, "
77 Oliver Poland, "
78 Joseph Lindsey, " 1
79 Henry Miller, " 1
No. Shares.
80 Daniel Taylor, Seaman 1
81 John Sanborn, " 1
82 Abijah Collins, " 1
83 Samuel Smith, " 1
84 John Varrell, " 1
85 Nath'l Webster, " 1
86 John Brown, " 1
87 Henry Peckland,
88 John G. Toftin, "
89 Andrew Thander, "
90 William Williamson, "
91 John Ramer, "
92 John Helwes, "
93 Henry Speigle, "
94 Pardon Harris, " 1
95 Gabriel Osterman, " 1
96 Abraham Lenross, " 1
97 Samuel Mason, " 1
98 John Akens, " 1
99 Thomas Huggett, " 1
100 Daniel Poor, " 1
101 Isaac Poor, " 1
102 Virgell Reaner, " 1
103 John Frisbie, " 1
104 Carlos Betali, " 1
105 Israel Perkins, " 1
106 Jacob Perkins, " 1
107 Samuel Lakeman, ' 1
108 EbenezerP. Akerman, " 1
109 Caleb Hopkins, " 1
110 Peter Tancy, " 1
111 Joshua Nute, " 1
112 John Brown, " |
113 Humphrey Choate, " |
114 Samuel Hutchinson, " I
115 William Putnam, " f
116 Samuel Endicott, Jr., " |
62
APPENDIX.
No. Shares.
117 James D. Gillis, Seaman |
118 William Brown, " |
Marines.
119 Nath'l Marston, Sergt. |
120 Wm. Cromwell, Private i
121 Benj. Akerman, " |
122 John Condry, " |
123 John Bodge, " |
124 Nath'l Currier, " |
125 Samuel Tucker, " |
126 Hiram Furgersou, " 1
127 John C. Furber, " |
128 Nath'l Tebbetts, " |
129 Stephen Henderson, " 1
130 James Prendergast, " |
No. Shares.
131 Ephraim Drew, Private |
132 Lemuel Chesley, * |
133 Larkin T. Edgley, " |
134 David C. Shute, " |
135 Abraham Sanborn, " |
136 John Pope, Cabin Boy, |
137 Henry Perkins, 1 W.R.
138 Joseph Townsend, I Boys i
139 William Phippen,
Gun r ' 3 Boy,
140 John Shortridge,
Boat n 's Boy,
141 Samuel Chadwick, Officer
of Marines, Omitted in
the beginning,
LIST OF IDLERS NOT WATCHED.
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25
Names.
James Chever, jr.,
James Brace,
William C. Page,
Thorndike Proctor,
Samuel Chadwick,
Adam Truman,
William Hulin,
Henry Archer,
Timothy Greenleaf ,
Charles Millet,
James Cliff,
Nehemiah R. Curtis,
Levi Johnson,
William Ransom,
Christopher White,
Joseph Danforth,
Joseph Burk,
Daniel Patten,
Joseph Dailey,
John Peach,
James D. Gillis,
William Phippen,
Henry Perkins,
John Pope,
Joseph Townsend,
Hank.
Commander.
Sailing Master.
Surgeon.
Purser.
Officer of Marines.
Gunner.
Carpenter.
2i do.
Ship's Steward.
Cooper.
Armourer.
Boatswain.
Cabin Cook.
Ship's Cook.
Cook's Mate.
Steward's Mate.
Cabin Steward.
Sail Maker.
Cook's 2 d Mate.
Boatswain's Yeoman.
Gunner's Yeoman.
Ward RoonVBoy.
Ward Room ditto.
Cabin Boy.
Ward Room Boy.
APPENDIX.
63
WATCH BILL.
GENTLEMEN OF THE
FIRST WATCH.
GENTLEMEN OF THE
SECOND WATCH.
GENTLEMEN OF THE
THIRD WATCH.
Mr. Upton
' Proctor
" Cleaves
" Hall
Mr. Breed
' Austin
" Caulfleld
" Tread well
Mr. Treadwell
" Hazzelton
" Bowditch
" Hallowell
FORE TOP MEN
STARBOARD WATCH.
MAIN TOP MEN
STARBOARD WATCH.
MIZZEN TOP MEN
STARBOARD WATC
Thomas Powers
Thomas Widger
Daniel Sheehan
Captain
Captain
Captain
Nathaniel Webster
Andrew Shandon
Shubael Kelley
Thomas Dodge
John Helwes
John Madison
Abijah Collins
Gabriel Osterman
James Beckett
John Frisbie
Collins Ingalls
Nathaniel Felt, Jr.
Joseph Lindsey
Levi Blan chard
Samuel Mason
John Grant
William Brown
FORE TOP MEN
LARBOARD WATCH.
MAIN TOP MEN
LARBOARD WATCH.
MIZZEN TOP MEN
LARBOARD WATCH.
Charles Harris
Zachariah Stone
William G. Eaton
Captain
Captain
Captain
Joseph Southwick
John G. Toftin
Andrew Palfrey
Joseph Rider
Oliver Poland
Samuel Hutchinson
Julius Hanson
Virgil Eeaneo
Robert Remmonds
Francis Solarris
Hendrick Speigle
John Francis
Abraham Lenross
John Ramer
George Girdler
Henry Peckland
Peter Lancy
Samuel Endicott
64 APPENDIX.
FORE CASTLE MEN.
Starboard Watch. Larboard Watch.
John Fletcher, Captain. Thomas Hugget, Captain.
Andrew Vallentine John Simons
Ephraim Mezarvey John Lee
Joseph Stickney John Varrell
Pardon Harris Jacob Perkins
Carlos Bertoli George Williams
Samuel Lakeman Caleb Hopkins
QUARTER MASTERS, GUNNERS & BOATSWAINS.
Starboard Watch. Larboard Watch.
Joseph Mogridge, Q. M. Samuel Clough, Q. M.
John C. Burk, do. Robert Hodgson, do.
Peter Ceder Wall, Q. G. Jeremiah Brown, Q. G.
Lewis Lawrence, G. M.
James Whittle, B. M. Samuel Averill, B. M.
Stephen Abbot, Drummer. Samuel Ropes, Fifer.
AFTER GUARD.
Starboard Watch. Larboard Watch.
Joseph Cheever, Captain. Henry Miller, Captain.
Israel Perkins, Hans Patterson,
William Herrick, John Brown,
Daniel Poor, Humphrey Choate,
Isaac Poor, Samuel Tucker,
Joshua Nute, Eben P. Ackerman,
Samuel Smith. Abraham Sanborn.
WAISTERS.
Starboard Watch. Larboard Watch.
John Sanborn, Captain. William Williamson, Capt.
Daniel Taylor, John A kens,
John Taylor, John Brown,
John Shortridge, William Putnam,
Benjamin Akerman, John Cowdry,
Nathaniel Currier, John Bodge,
Hiram Ferguson, William Cromwell,
Stephen Henderson, John C. Furber,
James Prendergast, Nathaniel Tibbets,
Lemuel Chesley, Ephraim Drew,
Nathaniel Martin, Larkin T. Edgerley,
Charles Begand, David C. Shute.
The MESS BILL shows a Cabin Mess of eight persons, a Ward Room
Mess of sixteen, and nineteen other Messes, averaging five or six
men each. The Bill of Fare provides the routine usual on ship-board.
APPENDIX.
65
Bill of Fare,
Sunday Beef & Pudding
Monday Beef, Pork & Pease
Tuesday Beef & Potatoes
Wednesday Lobscouche
Thursday Beef, Pudding & Molasses
Friday Beef, Pork & Beans
Saturday Salt Fish.
Allowance.
Sunday 1 Ib. Flour 1-1/2 Ib. Beef 1/2 Gill Molasses.
Monday 1/2 Ib. Beef .1/2 Ib. Pork & 1/2 pint Pease.
Tuesday 1/2 Ib. Beef & Potatoes.
Wednesday 1-1/2 Ib. Beef 1/4 Ib. Bread & Potatoes.
Thursday 1-1/2 Ib. Beef & 1 Ib. Flour.
Friday 1/2 Ib. Beef 1/2 Ib. Pork 1 /2 pint Beans.
Saturday 1 Ib. Salt Fish 1/4 Ib. Pork & Potatoes.
One pound of Bread per man per day.
Half a pint of Spirit do. do.
One pint of Coffee do. do.
Half a pint of Vinegar per week per man.
STATION BILL IN TIME OF ACTION.
Quarter Deck.
James Chever Jr. Esq. to Command in chief.
James Brace, Sailing Master ") To assist in
George A. Hallowell /working ship.
Thorndike Proctor, Aid to the Captain.
Boatswain.
John Fletcher
Andrew Vallentine. Remaining on the Fore Castle.
Joseph Stickney
Ephraim Mezarvey, To attend the rigging about the Fore Mast.
Thomas Powers
Nathaniel Webster Remaining in the Fore Top to fight small
arms and to attend tlie riin ' stoppering,
John Frisbie
Nathaniel Felt Jr.
etc., etc.
Mr. Proctor, Master's Mate.
Levi Blancherd, To attend the Main Tack.
Daniel Patten
Mr. Hazzleton, Master's 3d Mate.
James Whittle, Boatswain's 1st Mate.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVII 5
66
APPENDIX.
John Sanborn
David Taylor
John Taylor
Charles Begand
William Williamson
John Akens
John Brown
Thomas Widger
Andrew Shanden
John Helwes
Gabriel Osterman
Daniel Shehan \
James Beckett i
To attend the Fore and Fore
Topsails, Braces, and the
rigging about the masts.
Remaining in the Main
Top to fight small arms
and to attend the rigging,
stoppering, &c., &c.
Remaining in the Mizzen Top to fight small arms
and to attend the rigging, stoppering, &c., &c.
Mr. Austin, 2nd Master's Mate.
Samuel Averill, Boatswain's 2nd Mate.
Joseph Chever
Israel Perkins
Joshua Nute
Isaac Poor I To attend Main and
Daniel Poor Maia Topsail braces
Hans Pattarson
Humphrey Choate
Henry Miller ^
William Herrick !
John Brown J
Robert Hodgson,
Joseph Mogridge,
Samuel Clough,
To the Crossjack and Mizzen
Topsail braces &c.
To the Wheel.
To the Ship.
To attend the Colours & Mizzen sheet.
QUARTER BILL, SHIP AMERICA, JAMBS CHEVER JR. ESQ. COMMANDER.
First Division, Commanded by Lieutenant Benjamin Upton.
Gun No. 1 & Gun No. 2 &
opposite opposite
Thomas Hugett Thomas Bowditch
Captain
John Simonds
Spunger
John Lee
Loader
John Varrell
Pump
Captain
Caleb Hopkins
Spunger
George Williams
Loader
Peter Lancy
Pump
APPENDIX.
67
Jacob Perkins
Match
John Peach
Pass Powder
Pardon Harris
Match
John Shortbridge
Pass Powder
Gun No. 3 &
Opposite
Charles Harris
Captain
Joseph South wick
Spunger
Joseph Rider
Loader
Carlos Bertoli
Pump
Samuel Lakeman
Match
Joseph Townsend
Pass Powder
Gun No. 4 &
opposite
Spencer Hall
Captain
Julius Hanson
Spunger
Francis Solarris
Loader
Abraham Lenross
Pump
George Girdler
Match
Henry Perkins
Pass Powder
Quarter Gunner to attend, Peter .Ceder Wall.
Second Division, Commanded by Lieutenant Holton J. Breed.
Gun No. 5 &
opposite
Thomas Dodge
Captain
Abijah Collins
Spunger
Levi Johnson
Loader
Joseph Dailey
Pump
Stephen Abbott
Match
Christopher White
Pass Powder
Gun No. 6 &
opposite
Anthony D. Caulfleld
Captain
Samuel Mason
Spunger
Joseph Lindsey
Loader
Collins Ingalls
Pump
Virgil Reaner
Match
William Phippen
Pass Powder
Gun No. 7 &
opposite
Timothy Greenleaf
Captain
Zachariah Stone
Spunger
John G.Tof tin
Loader
Oliver Poland
Pump
Hendrick Speigle
Match
William Putnam
Pass Powder
Quarter.Gunner to attend, Jeremiah Brown.
APPENDIX.
Third Division,
Gun No. 8 &
opposite
Daniel Treadwell
Captain
Henry Peckland
Spunger
John Kainer
Loader
Samuel Smith
Pump
Ebenezer P. Akerman
Match
Commanded by Lieutenant Charles Treadwell.
Gun No. 9 &
opposite
William G. Eaton
Captain
Robert Remmonds
Spunger
John Francis
Loader
Samuel Endicott
Pump
Andrew Palfrey
Match
Gun No. 10 &
opposite
Nathaniel Cleaves
Captain
Shubael Kelley
Spunger
John Madison
Loader
John Grant
Pump
William Brown
Match
Joseph Burk
Pass Powder
Samuel Hutchinson John Pope
Pass Powder Pass Powder
Quarter Gunner to attend, John C. Burk.
To attend passing ammunition between decks, James D. Gillis.
Lewis Lawrence, Gunner's mate. To see the ammunition of every
sort well supplied.
William Hulin, Carpenter \
Henry Archer, 2nd " I To attend the Pumps, shot holes, &c., &c.
Charles Millett, Cooper J
James Cliff, Armourer & Master at Arms 1 To attend the Fire in the
William Ransom, Cook / Galley & act as Firemen.
Adam Truman, Gunner. Attend Magazine lights in ditto & passages.
Cock-Pit in charge of Doctor William C. Page, Surgeon, and Joseph
Danforth, Assistant.
PRIZE LIST.
PRIZE NO. 1.
Extracts from Ship America's Journal.
Lat 35.21 North, Long 10.19 West. Wednesday, December 28th,
1814. Captured the British Schr. Thistle, John Clark Master, from
Malaga bound to Halifax 100 Tons burthen ; Man'd and order'd for
the United States.
Cargo.
B W. 20 Butts, 45 Hhds. 226 quarter Casks Wine.
V 10 quarter Casks 160 qr. Bbls. 205 Boxes 1 Raisi
25 Half Boxes 200 Boxes 25 Half Boxes /
t
APPENDIX. 69
25 Boxes Figs. 4 Bbls Walnuts. 3 Bbls Almonds.
4 Boxes Lemons. 2 do. Oranges. 50 jars Olives.
C S 4 qr. & 4 half Casks Wine.
V 4 qr. & 2 do. do. do.
C S 4 qr. & 2 do. do. do.
10 bbls. Raisins
10 Boxes do.
20 Half Boxes do. 1 Box Lemons & 1 Box Oranges.
Names of those put on board the Thistle.
Daniel Treadwell Prize Master, Robert Remmonds Mate.
Israel Perkins. Samuel Tucker. John Akens. Carlos Bartoli &
Daniel Taylor.
Articles Received from the Schooner Thistle.
9 Casks
45 Boxes
36 Half do. V Raisins.
5 do do. Wet I
2 Boxes do. do. )
1 Keg White Lard 1 Jar Oil 1 Spy Glass 1 Quadrant
1 Hauser about 90 Fathoms, 4 Small Casks Wine, h Coil 2 inch Rope.
PRIZE NO. 2.
Lat. 34.24 North, Long. 16.05 West. Saturday, December 31st.,
1814. Captured the British Cutter Sloop Jubilee, of Jersey, James
Durrell Master, from Teneriffe bound to Jersey. Burthen 62jf| Tons.
Scuttled.
Cargo.
850 Qts. Barilla 10 pipes Wine.
Articles Eec'dfrom the Sloop Jubilee.
4 pipes Tenriffe Wine
2 Quadrents
a number of old Sails &
a quantity of old riggin.
PRIZE NO. 3.
Lat. 34.30 North, Long. 15.13 West. Sunday, January 8th, 1815.
Captured the British Schooner Hope, James Patterson Master and
owner, from and belonging to London bound to Senegal. 166f Tons.
2 Guns : Man'd and ordered for the United States.
70 APPENDIX.
Cargo.
Dry Goods, Iron, Nails &c. &c. &c.
Names of the Prize Crew of the Sch n Hope.
Thomas Bowditch Prize Master Zachariah Stone Mate
Samuel Mason -\ John Brown -\
Humphrey Choate L Seamen Oliver Poland L Seamen
Daniel Poor J Isaac Poor J
Charles Spikes, Super-Cargo of the Sch n Thistle.
Articles Rec'd from the Schooner Hope.
A number of packages Dry Goods. Coils of Cordage &c, &c.
1 Quadrant. 1 Fowling Gun.
PRIZK NO. 4.
Lat. 34.30 North, Long. 15.13 West. Sunday, January 8 th , 1815.
Captured the British Barque Adeona, John Wilson Master, from Lon-
don bound to Demerara. 283 Tons, 4 Guns, man'd and ordered for
the United States.
Cargo.
Dry Goods, Plantation Staves, Porter &c.
Names of the Prize Crew of the Bark Adeona.
Nath 1 Cleaves Prize Master Joseph Chever Mate
Caleb Hopkins ^ John Francis \
Jacob Perkins Virgil Reaneo ! Seamen
Abijah Collins f S John Bodge )
John Helwes
Articles Rec'dfrom the Bark Adeona.
1 Sextant 1 Quadrant 1 Spy Glass 1 Fowling Gun.
PRIZE NO. 5.
Lat. 41.34 North, Long 20.02 West. Tuesday, January 17th, 1815
Captured the British Schooner Robert, Ezekiel Collins Master, from
Plymouth bound to St. Michael's, 56 66/94 Tons, in Ballast. Scuttled.
Articles Rec'd from the Sch n Robert.
A quantity of old Rigging. A quantity old Sails. 2 Quadrants.
APPENDIX. 71
PRIZE NO. 6.
Lat. 40.34 North, Long. 11.58 West. Sunday, January 22, 1815.
Captured the British Sch n Arrow. James Milne Master, from Barce-
lona bound to London, 153 54/94 Tons, 6 Guns :^Man'd and ordered
for the United States of America.
Cargo.
J. C. 1630 Bags Nuts. 100 Bags Almonds.
Names of Prize Crew put on board the Arrow.
Spencer Hall Prize Master Joscph'SouthwickjlMate
John G. Toftin ^ George Girdler ~\
Saml. Smith [ Seamen David C. Shute j- Seamen
John C. Furber J
Articles Bec'd from the Schooner Arrow.
4 Bags Filberts 2 quarter Casks Powder 80 lib. Cylinders. 3 Car-
touch Boxes 1 Cartouch for tubes 3 priming Wires.
PRIZE NO. 7.
Lat. 40.34 North, Long. 11.58 West. Sunday, January 22 d , 1815.
Captured the British Sloop Busy from Charlestown (England) George
Hepburn Master, bound to St. Michael's, 78 52/94 Tons : destroyed.
Cargo.
20 Tons Potatoes.
Articles rec'd from the Sloop Busy.
1 Cable 9 inch 1 Hauser 2 Towlines a quantity of old riggin Pota-
toes and 2 Quadrents given up to the former owners.
PRIZE NO. 8.
Lat. 33.23 North, Long. 13.26 West. Sunday, February 5 th , 1815.
Captured the British Schooner Black Joke of and from Liverpool,
Adams Southart Master, bound to Teiceira, 140 Tons : Burnt.
Cargo.
Coal 58 Casks Bottled Porter
480 Hampers Potatoes
18 do Onions.
Articles taken from the Schooner Black Joke.
1 Spy Glass 1 Muskett 1 Pistol 2 Quadrants 1 Fore Sail 1 Main
Sail 55 Casks Porter in Bottles 1 Iron Cambook 1 Anchor weigh.
72 APPENDIX.
PRIZE NO. 9.
Lat. 38.00 North, Long. 12.15 West. Friday, Feby. 10 th , 1815. Cap-
tured the British Sloop Enterprize, of Guernsey, James Barringham
Master, from Lisbon bound to Madeira : 78 Tons : sent to Plymouth
(England) as a Cartel with 23 prisoners (exclusive of her own Crew) .
Cargo.
450 Bags Flour.
Articles taken from the Sloop Enterprize.
22 Bags Flour, 1 Clinker-built Boat.
PRIZE NO. 10.
Lat. 46.00 North, Long. 19.15 West. Sunday, February 19th, 1815.
Captured the British ship Enterprize of London, John Miller Master,
from Buenos Ayres bound to Liverpool : 226 Tons, 12 Guns. Man'd
and ordered for the United States of America.
Cargo.
406 Cases Tallow. 1834 Salted Hides. 13,702 Dry Hides. 45 Bales
Horse Hides
Names of the Prize Crew put on board the ship Enterprize.
Anthony D. Caulfleld Master Joseph Mogridge Mate
Thomas Widger
Andrew Shanden
Joseph Lindsey
Nath 1 Felt
Sam 1 Endicott
John Grant
- Seamen
Ephraim Drew
Banja. Akerman
Eben. P. Akerman
James Prendergast
John Cowdrey
Perry Phillips
Seamen
Articles Bec'dfrom the Ship Enterprize.
Two Books Charts.
PRIZE NO. 11.
Lat. 42.26 North, Long. 20.46 West. Monday, February 27th, 1815.
Captured after an Action of 18 minutes H. B. M. Packet-Ship Princess
Elizabeth, John Forresdale Master, from Rio Janeiro (in Ballast)
bound to Falmouth & mounting 8 Carriage Guns with a compliment of
31 men 188 Tons given up to the former Captain & Crew, after
puting 6 prisoners on board of her, taken from the Ship Enterprise.
Articles rec.'dfrom the Packet, Princess Elizabeth.
450 Ibs. Common Powder 200 Round 9 pd. Shot. 130 Cannister ditto.
6. 9 pd. Carronnades "I with apparatus
2. 9 pds. long Brass Guns / Complete
APPENDIX. 73
11 Musketts 6 Pair Pistols (Brass)
1 Clinker built Boat about 19 feet long.
1 Spy Glass 6 Cutlasses 1 Ship's Bell
1 Case Containing Charts.
Supplied the Packet with 300 Ib. Bread.
PRIZE NO. 12.
Lat. 41.32 North, Long. 19.59 West. Tuesday, February 28th, 1815.
Captured the British Sch n Swift of London, Theophilus Tankersleg
Master, from St. Michael's bound to London 58 63/94 Tons man'd
and ordered for the United States of America.
Cargo 611 Boxes of Oranges.
Names of the Prize Crew put onboard Schn Swift.
John C. Burke Master
John Frisbie Mate
Jeremiah Green ^
Charles Begand I Seamen
Larkin T. Edgerley J
Articles rec'd from the Sch'n Swift.
10 Boxes Oranges 1 Spy Glass.
PRIZE NO. 13.
Lat. 35.28 North, Longitude 51.44 West. Tuesday, March 21st,
1815. Captured the British Brig Pomona of Glasgow, Robert Scott
formerly Master now deceas'd, from Antigua bound to London, 119
40/94 Tons. Man'd and ordered for the United States.
Cargo.
169 Hhds. 33 Tierces & 4 Bbls. Sugar.
Names of the Prize Crew put on board Brig Pomona.
George A. Hallo well Master
Joseph Rider Mate
Thomas Powers
John Brown
Peter Peterson V Seamen
Francisco Castello
Charles Butler
PRIZE NO. 14.
Lat. 40.00 North, Long. 65.00 Wednesday, April 5 th , 1815 : Cap-
tured the British Schooner Eliza, from Bermuda bound to Halifax :
given up in consequence of peace.
Cargo, Flour, Tobacco, &c.
74
APPENDIX.
15
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76 APPENDIX.
THE QUESTION OF SPEED.
A comparison of the America's speed with that of the
fastest existing yachts, of about her length, is interesting.
In strictly racing trim, "Vigilant," "Defender," and
" Columbia " have been credited with a little better than
14 knots for short spurts, which is just a knot better than
the America's highest speed (13 knots) : but as these
were attained only at the expense of the removal of all
the interior fittings and nearly all equipments above deck
including boats, davitts, bulwarks, guns, etc., they are
hardly a fair basis for comparison.
The following " best runs "of three of our fastest cruis-
ing boats were made under normal conditions, and are
comparable with the best runs of the privateer.
(a) Schooner "Constellation," in a race from Vineyard
Haven to Marblehead, Aug. 8th, 1892, covered the 102
miles in 9 hours, 36 minutes and 31 seconds, or at the rate
of 10.62 knots.
(b) Schooner "Lasca," while making the passage to
Gourock, Scotland, from New York, in May, 1894,
logged, during her best day, 255 miles, or at the rate of
10.62 knots.
(c) The "Vigilant," June, 1894, on her voyage to
Scotland, made a best day's run of 256 miles, or at the
rate of 10.623 knots, which strangely enough is almost
exactly at the same rate as that of " Lasca" and "Constel-
lation " on the occasions above mentioned.
These records prove that on her best point of sailing
(with the wind on the quarter) the America was faster
than the best yachts of to-day.
If she were in commission now she could undoubtedly
win some of the port-to-port runs of the New York Yacht
Club : but probably to windward the best " fore-and-
afters " would be too much for her.
B. B. C.
LIST OF VESSELS OWNED WHOLLY
OR IN PART
BY TIMOTHY ORNE, JUNIOR,
OF SALEM. 1740-1758.
Abigail, sloop. Peter Groves, master. Sailed Aug.
1758, for Philadelphia.
America, brig. George Dodge, master. Sailed Jan.
4, 1758, for Barbados and returned April, 1758.
America, schooner. Capt. John Crowninshield, mas-
ter. Sailed May, 1745, for Surinam ; sailed August, 1746,
for Fayal, Wine Islands; sailed March, 1747, for Barba-
dos ; sailed , 1748, for Jamaica. Captain Manning,
master.
Andrago, sloop. John Lovit, master. Sailed June,
1758, on a voyage for Bermuda.
Ann & Abigail^ schooner, of Salem. Capt. John Fos-
ter, master. Sailed October, 1744, for West Indies, with
mackerel and fish, and returned in May, 1745, with cargo
of molasses.
Beaver, schooner. Thomas Dean Jr. , master. Sailed
April, 1749, on a voyage to the Wine Islands, with cargo
of corn, fish, beans, candles, bread, clapboards and boards.
Owned by Tim Orne, Sam 1 Orne, Joshua Ward, David
Britton. Sailed on voyage for Eustacia, John Hodges,
master, Nov. 21, 1757, and returned April, 1758.
Betty & Molly, schooner. Capt. Thomas Morong.
Tim Orne 1/4 owner, Thomas Morong 1/4 owner. Octo-
ber, 1746, sailed from Salem on her first voyage to Barba-
dos, and made seven voyages after, up to 1749, to St. Eus-
tacia, Surinam, etc., showing profit for the seven voyages
of 3705.2.9, old Tenor, on 1/4 part.
Caser, schooner. Joshua Grafton, master. Voyage
for Gibraltar. Sailed from Salem Nov. 21, 1757, and
(77)
78 LIST OF VESSELS OWNED WHOLLY OR IN PART
returned May, 1758, with cargo of wine (nine casks),
Mal;ga, Sherry, French red wine (2J hhds.), 89 casks
raisins, 35 chests of oil, soap, 25 bolts duck, 6J pcs.
Holland.
Chance, schooner. Capt. John Bryne, master. Octo-
ber, 1746. Voyage to Philadelphia and buck to Salem, ar-
rived December, 1746. Cargo out, rum, molasses and
mackerel ; cargo home, flour and bread.
Diamond, schooner. Benj. Ward, master. Voyage
to Virginia, sailed November, 1744, with cargo consisting
of 2 14 gallons Barbados rum, 14 barrels cider and half
bbls. picket* fish.
Dolphin, schooner, of Salem. Capt. Thomas Davis,
master. Voyage to West Indies, November, 1744, and
returned May, 1745. Cargo out, fish. Owned by Timothy
Orne Jr., Captain Darby, Capt. Sam 1 Yorke.
Endeavour, sloop, ol Salem. Captain John Lovet of
Beverly, master. Sailed December, 1742, for Barbados
and returned May, 1743; cargo, rum and salt. Sailed
December, 1743, ifor Barbados and returned April, 1744;
cargo, rum and salt. Sailed December, 1745, for Barba-
dos and returned May, 1746 ; cargo, rum, sugar and salt.
Exeter, schooner. Captain Bray, master, and Capt.
Richard Darby, master. Timothy Orne owner 1/4 part.
She made three voyages from Salem to the West Indies,
from April, 1745, to February, 1746, with fish and mack-
erel, and returned with molasses. "Neat profit on the
3 voyages on Tim Orne 1/4 part 1652.13.3 old Ten-
uor."
Fisher, schooner, Jon a Cloutman, master. Sailed
January, 1753, on a voyage to Maryland and returned to
Salem April 6, 1753, with cargo of corn and wheat.
Timothy Orne, Timothy Orne Jun r and Benjamin Osgood,
owners.
Friendship, schooner, 1750. Owned 5/12 by Timothy
Orne, Jan. Richard Darby also owned a part.
Gloucester, schooner. Sailed January, 1746-7, and in
September, 1747, Timothy Orne, Jr., received insurance
398, for loss of vessel.
Hampton, schooner. Capt. Thomas Morong, master.
December, 1750, arrived at Salem from Surinam, with
cargo of molasses.
BY TIMOTHY ORNE, JR., OF SALEM. 1740-1758. 79
Industry, sloop. Captain Beadle, master. Sailed
July, 1747, for Virginia with rum, molasses, pork, apples
and bread.
John & Elizabeth , schooner. Captain Joseph Grafton,
master. Timothy Orne owned 3/16. Sailed December,
1738, for West Indies and returned with a cargo of rum.
Jolly Bacchus, sloop. Capt. Richard Darby, mas-
ter. Sailed September, 1743, on a voyage to the Leeward
Islands, Montserrat. She took out horses, hay, oats,
dry fish, mackerel, empty hhds. and shingles. Returned
March, 1744, with cargo of cotton, rum and molasses.
Profits for voyage, Timothy Orne, 1/4 part, was 380.5.9
old Tenor.
Molly, schooner. Captain Eleazar Grover, master.
Voyage to Virginia. Sailed December, 1746, with cargo
of rum, molasses, cider, pails, earthen ware and toe
cloth. Arrived at Salem, April, 1747, with cargo of wheat,
Indian corn, beans, pork, deer skins, hides, furs, bed ticks
and gold and silver, 15 value. Sailed from Salem Novem-
ber, 1757, for voyage to Maryland, David Felt, master,
and returned February, 1758, with cargo of 532 bushels
corn, 200 bushels wheat, 16 J bushels beans, pork and
bacon.
Weptune, schooner. Capt. John Gardner, master.
Sailed September, 1758, for Bilboa.
Prince Frederick, snow. Capt. Williams, master.
June, 1748, sailed for Jamaica with fish, pork, boards
and shingles.
Rebecca, sloop. Capt. John Lovitt, master. Tim
Orne, 7/8 owner, Jos. Grafton, 1/8 owner. Voyage to
Barbados, December, 1751, and returned to Salem, May,
1752. Voyage to Barbados, July, 1752, Capt. Wm.
Deadman, master.
Rowley, schooner. Capt. Benj. Herbert, master. Was
built at Rowley in 1749, for Tim Orne, Jr., Richard
Roman, Sam 1 Orne, Wm. Homan, Jos. Homan, Benj.
Herbert. Made voyages to North Carolina, Montserrat,
and St. Eustacia.
Salem, brig. Capt. Thomas Mason, master. Sailed
February, 1758, for Eustacia. Owned by Timothy Orne,
Captain Mason, and Francis and Joseph Cabot.
80 VESSELS OWNED BY TIMOTHY ORNE, JR., OF SALEM.
Salsbury, schooner. Capt. Benj. Manning, master.
Sailed November, 1746, on a voyage to Maryland with
cargo of cider, rum, and molasses, and returned, April,
1747, with a cargo of wheat and corn.
Sarah, schooner. Capt. Jon White, master. Sailed
April, 1758, forEustacia, with a cargo offish.
Sea Flower, sloop. Capt. Jon a Lambert, master.
Sailed December, 1747, on a voyage to North Carolina
with a cargo of New England rum, molasses, and ozna-
briggs( ?).
Speedwell, sloop. Capt. James Savage, master. Sailed
November, 1751, on a voyage to North Carolina.
Swallow, sloop. Captain Ingersoll, master. Sailed
January, 1745, with a cargo of horses.
Tryall, schooner. Capt. Josiah Orne, master. Sailed
December, 1757, for Jamaica, and returned August, 1758,
with a cargo of molasses.
Union, brig, was built by Miall & Sam 1 Bacon, ship-
wrights, 17 42, for Timothy Orne, 1/4 owner, Capt. Joseph
Grafton, 1/8 owner, Samuel Gardner and Francis Cabot.
Sailed June, 1742, for Fayal, with cargo of staves, Capt.
Joseph Grafton, master. Sailed December, 1742, for
Madeira and Cape de Verde Islands ; cargo out, fish,
boards, ozenbriggs( ?), and returned with wine and salt.
Sailed July, 1743, for Barbados, with fish and shingles;
sailed December, 1743, for Cape de Verde Islands ; sailed
December, 1744, for Barbados, home cargo, rum and
sugar; sailed May, 1745, for Barbados, home cargo, rum
and sugar; sailed October, 1745, for Barbados, home
cargo, rum and sugar; sailed May, 1746, for Barbados,
home cargo, rum and sugar; sailed December, 1746, for
Barbados, home cargo, rum and sugar ; sailed February,
1747, for Jamaica, rum and sugar; sailed August, 1748,
for Jamaica. About 1755, appears to have been captured,
while under command of Captain Ingersoll, and taken into
Porto Rico.
Volant, schooner, of Salem. Capt. Thomas Davis, mas-
ter, 1746 to 1748. Samuel Carlton, master, 1749 to 1753.
Three voyages to Jamaica, 1746-1748 ; three voyages to
Bilboa, 1749-1753.
Yarmouth, sloop. Capt. George Dodge, master. Sailed
June, 1758, for Eustacia.
THOMAS GAEDNER, PLANTER, AND SOME OF
HIS DESCENDANTS.
BY FRANK A. GARDNER, M.D.
INTRODUCTION.
GENERAL NOTES ON THE GARDNERS AND GARDINERS OF
NEW ENGLAND.
THIS name, spelled in various ways, is frequently met
with in the records of Massachusetts and the neighboring
states.* In order therefore to avoid confusion, and to
define the scope of the succeeding papers, the writer has
deemed it advisable to preface the series with a few notes
upon the family in general. The hope is also entertained
that these notes may be of service to genealogical stu-
dents, as the writer has endeavored in each case, to point
out reliable sources of information.
He does not, however, assume the degree of responsibil-
ity for their truth which he does in regard to the succeed-
ing notes concerning his own family, to the collection and
preparation of which he has devoted years of study.
1620 Richard " Gardenar" of the Mayflower, was
the first man of the name to come to New England. He
was unmarried.
The following probate entry, quoted in the Somerset and
Dorset Notes and Queries, v. in, p. 148, probably refers
to him : " Richard Gardner, Bachelor, of Ozmonton. Died
abroad. Alice Androwes, of Wey mouth, spinster, ap-
pointed administratrix, 27 May, 1626."
* Volume vi, Massachusetts Soldi era and Sailors of the Revolutionary War,
contains the records of two hundred and sixty-four men of this name.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVH 6 (81)
82 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
1624 Thomas Gardner, Planter. Overseer at Cape
Ann 1624. Removed to Salem 1626. As the following
series of articles relate exclusively to this man and his
descendants, no further reference is made to him under
this head.
1630 Sir Christopher Gardiner,* said to have been
knighted at Jerusalem, came to Boston in this year. He
was arrested upon the charge of bigamy. The authorities
opened his letters, and one was found to be from Sir Fer-
nando Gorges, who " claims a great part of the bay of
Massachusetts." He was sent back to England, " as one
vnmeete to inhabit here" (March, 1630-31).
1631 Henry Gardner, of Kittery, Maine. Granted
land there 3-9-1631. See Baxter MSS., Maine Histori-
cal Society, Series 2, v. iv, pp. 312 to 320.
1635 Edmund Gardner or Gardiner of Ipswich. The
earliest mention of him in the Ipswich Town Records, is
in the year 1635, when land, granted to Mr. John Coggs-
well, is described as having " a lott of Edmund Gardiner's
on the South-west." He had several lots of land granted
to him in Ipswich, and held a number of minor offices
of trust. Savage thinks that he may have been the
Edward who came in the James from London in 1635,
aged 25.
1635 Lion Gardiner, a young civil engineer, joined
the army of William of Orange, and went to Holland.
Later he became a member of the Company organized by
Lords Brook, and Say and Seal, and came to Boston in
1635. He went to Saybrook, Conn., in the following year
and remained there until 1639, when an Indian Sachem,
Yovawan, conveyed to him the island afterwards known
as Gardiner's Island, f
This was the first English settlement in New York. The
property descended by the law of primogeniture for nearly
two hundred years, and is now owned by the twelfth pro-
prietor, having been in the family two hundred and sixty-
one years. The descendants of this man are numerous.
* Massachusetts Bay Records, v. I, p. 83. Maine Historical Society, v. x, p. 104.
(ibid.) v. ii, p. 57. " History of New England," by John Winthrop, edited by Sav-
age, 2d edition, v. I, p. 65. Young's " Chronicles," p. 333-5.
fNew York Genealogical and Biographical Record, v. xxm, pp. 159-190; and
41 Lion Gardiner and his Descendants," by Curtiss C. Gardiner.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 83
1638 Thomas Gardner, of Roxbury, died in this
year, leaving a son Thomas. This has been appropri-
ately called the "Brookline Gardner Family," as its mem-
bers have been prominent in that town since the early
days of the Colony. Among the descendants of this man,
who have become well known, are a granddaughter of
the first Thomas, who married John Adams, and was
mother of the second president of the United States ; Rev.
Andrew Gardner of Lancaster, Mass. ; Col. Thomas
Gardner who was killed at Bunker Hill ; and Isaac Gard-
ner who was killed at the Battle of Lexington.
1638 George Gardner was admitted an inhabitant of
Aquidneck (R. I.) in the eighth month 1638. Admitted
freeman at Newport in the following year. He had many
children.* Gardiner, Maine, was settled by his descend-
ants. Dr. Sylvester Gardiner and Robert Hallowell
Gardiner were distinguished members of this family.
1642 Richard Gardner, of Woburn. He was in that
town in the year mentioned, and was made freeman
May 26, 1652. Among his descendants, we find Henry
Gardner the first State Treasurer of Massachusetts, and
Governor Henry Joseph Gardner of the same state, f
1650 John Gardner of Hingham. He is said to have
come there in 1650. He has had many descendants, and
the family has been prominent in that town for two and a
half centuries 4
1661 James Gardner came to Gloucester in 1661. In
his will dated January 1683, he mentions his wife Mary,
and his eldest son, Joseph. Joseph afterwards owned
and occupied the homestead on Eastern Point.
THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER, AND SOME OF HIS
DESCENDANTS.
1 Thomas Gardner the common ancestor of the
Salera-Nantucket family, came to America in 1624. A
deposition on file in the Essex County Court Papers, v.
vii, p. 3, shows that he was born about 1592, but his
*Narragansett Historical Register, v. n, p. 306-9, and Austin's Genealogical
Dictionary of Rhode Island, p. 81.
t Sewall's History of Woburn, p. 614, and Turtle Genealogy, p. 310.
| History of Hingham, v. II, Genealogical, pp. 242-263.
Babson's History of Gloucester, p. 95.
84 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
birthplace and early home are unknown to us. Farmer
states that he came from Scotland, but he gives no author-
ity for the statement, and nothing has since been found to
confirm it. The belief held by many that his ancestral
home was in Dorsetshire or one of the adjoining counties
of England, is much more reasonable, as he sailed from
Weymouth, received an appointment from the Dorchester
Company to an office of honor and responsibility, and
came hither with men who were largely from Dorsetshire
or the neighboring county of Somerset.*
He may have been related to the Reverend John White
the famous Puritan divine, and " Patriarch of Dorchester,"
one of the prime movers in the Cape Ann enterprise.
Elizabeth White, sister of Rev. John, married for her
first husband a man by the name of Thomas Gardner, f
John White of St. John Oxford, father of the above, in
his will dated "xxxth. day of September, 1616, "mentions
his daughter Elizabeth Gardner, and appoints his son-in-
law Thomas Gardner one of the overseers of his will.
Mary, another daughter of John White of St. John
Oxford, married about 1590, John Terry, rector of Stock-
ton in Wiltshire. f John Terry's will was proved " 5 July
1625." Mary Terry of Dorchester, widow, in her will
dated the 6th of October, 1637 (II Lee, 1638), mentions
sister Elizabeth Gardner, Anne, wife of John White, etc.f
After the death of Thomas Gardner his widow married
Allen, and the Rev. John White of Dorchester in
his will dated March 29, 1648, leaves twenty shillings to
his sister Elizabeth Allen.
This Thomas Gardner may have been the man of that
name of Cherill, Wiltshire, whose will we quote :||
w The last will and testament of Thomas Gardner in the
year of our Lord God 1629, wch is this I doe give unto
my wief awl I doe make my sonne Thomas my whole ex-
ecutor I have in John Grangers hand forty nyne shillings
* John Balch is said to have come from the vicinity of Bridgewater, Somer-
set ; Capt. William Traskis supposed^*) have come from the same county ; Roger
Conant came from Budleigh, in Devonshire ; and John Woodbury was married
21 June, 1596, at Burlescombe in Devonshire, on the border of Somersetshire.
t Notes on the families of Terry, White and Woodbury, p. 10.
t Notes on the families of Terry, White and Woodbury, p. 251.
Rev. C. H. Pope's MSS.
|j MSS. notes of Rev. C. H. Pope. (Copied by him from th original.)
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 85
wch is due already and I have in William Wattons hand
forty six shillings, wch he is to pay at Michaelmas next :
And I hare alsoe in William Pars hand seaventeene shil-
lings and six pence wch is not to be payd untill Michael-
mas next. In witness whereof I sett my hand this twenty
sixth of December.
Witness Thomas Gardner.
William Watton,
William Granger."
Probated Jan. 3, 1631. Dean of Sarum, Lib. 12, No.
40, 1631.
Rev. C. H. Pope calls attention to the fact that Cherill
(modern Cherhill) is only twenty-five miles from Stock-
ton where the Terrys lived.
Mrs. Frances B. Troup, the genealogist of Honiton,
England, in a letter to the writer, notes that several rel-
atives of Rev. John White came to New England, among
them, his nephew Stephen Terry who arrived at Dorches-
ter, Mass., 1629-30 ; his nephew by marriage Rev. Will-
iam Walton, minister at Marblehead ; and another neph-
ew, James White, who went to Barbadoes and is said to
have lived for a time in Boston.
Several other Gardner wills have been found in Dorset-
shire, and at Somerset House, London.
Reference has been made to the above English Gard-
ners in order that genealogists may have the benefit of
researches already made, and with the hope that further
facts may be brought to light.
During the years immediately following the landing of
the Pilgrims at Plymouth, several merchants in the south
of England, sent fishing vessels to the shores of New Eng-
land, but owing to the length of time required by these
slow-going craft, they returned to the markets of Eng-
land and Spain too late in the season to dispose of their
catch. Accordingly a number of men in Dorchester,
England, comprising the Dorchester Company, conceived
the idea of establishing a plantation at Cape Ann. They
thought that the fishermen might winter there, make their
catch early in the spring, and return to England in season
to dispose of the fish to advantage.
In 1624, the Cape Ann Planters, as they have ever
86 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
since been called, landed at Stage Point on the west side
of what we now know as Gloucester harbor. The selec-
tion of the site for the plantation proved to be an unfortu-
nate one, as the rocky and unfertile soil made successful
farming impossible. The fisheries also proved a failure,
and many of the fishermen turned to agriculture for relief.
The leaders of the company in England, hearing that
Roger Conant was at Nantasket, and thinking that he
might be more successful, invited him to go to Cape Ann
and assume entire control. Conant went there in 1625,
and soon learned that the lack of success had been due to
the poor soil, and that no settlement at this place could
be made profitable.*
In 1626 the Dorchester Company granted permission
for the removal of the little colony from Cape Ann to the
mouth of the Naumkeag river, and while many returned
to England, a few stout hearts ventured to try the new
location, and became the founders of Salem. They staid,
as Conant says, "to the hazard of their lives," and it is
a matter of shame and deepest regret that many an his-
torical writer of old Massachusetts has failed to give them
due credit for laying the foundation of this grand old
Commonwealth.
However the " first Governor " contest may be finally
settled, there can be no doubt of the fact that Thomas
Gardner, as Overseer of the Plantation at Cape Ann, was
the first man in authority on the soil of what became the
Massachusetts Bay Colony.
At a meeting of the London Company, held July 28,
1629, Mr. Webb mentioned " one Mr. Gardner, an able
& expert man in divers faccultyes," and he with others
was recommended for employment in the colony, f
In the Town Records, dated 11-11-1635, we find re-
corded a grant of land to Townsend Bishop, signed by
John Endicott, Roger Conant, Thomas Gardner, Jeffry
Massey, and Edmund Batter.
Thomas Gardner also signed his name in the same
month to the grant of a three hundred acre farm to
* Hubbard states, " that Mr. Conant .... disliked the place, as much as the
adventurers disliked the business." History of New England, p. 107.
t Massachusetts Bay Records, v. I, p. 49. Felt's Annals of Salem, 2d Edition,
v. I, p. 125.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 87
Thomas Scruggs, and in the following month to a grant
of the same size to John Blackleech.* His signature as
one of the town's representatives is appended to the rec-
ords in the llth mo., 1636.*
On the 20th of the first month, 1637, he was appointed
with Thomas Olney to " survey all the ffencs betwixt
the meeting house, all westward of the Towne."* In
1636 he was made a member of the First Church. f
Massachusetts Bay Colony admitted him as a freeman,
17 th of the 3 d mo. 1637, and he was appointed a deputy to
the General Court on the 26th of the 7th mo. in the same
year.}
In 1637 he was appointed one of the twelve men of the
town.* He served as juror in this and the preceding
year.
The town voted that every working man should devote
the 7th day of the 1st month, 1638, to labor in repairing
the highways, and Thomas Gardner was appointed one of
the three overseers to see that the work was properly
done.*
In a list of families compiled by Roger Conant about
this time, Thomas Gardner is credited with a family of
seven, and George and Thomas (Jr.) are given separately
one each.*
"The 18 th day of the 12 th m,Paid by Thomas Gardner
to John Pickering, six pownds."*
He was called " Cunstable " in the town records in the
3d month of 1639, and various sums were recorded as
being paid by him for court expenses. In this year he
also served the town as surveyor for " mending of the
high wayes," and was one of the raters.*
The town appointed him with Goodman Spooner in
1640 to look after the fences in the "field where Mr.
Gardner is."* This is the lot described later as being on
the upper part of what is now Essex Street.
In 1640 he owned a bull and was given "XXs." for
* Town Records. t Mass. Bay Records, v. I, p. 204.
t First Church Records, County Court Records.
88 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
its use in the herd that season. Mr. Thos. Gardner
and others, were appointed 9 th of the 8 th mo. 1643, to
receive corn for John Moore ; J peck " from euery familie
. . . & such as are better able to bestow more according
as God shall inable them."*
He was chosen a member of the Grand Jury in 1643,
and was one of the "seven men" from 1642 to 1646, and
in 1650, 1655 and 1656. The town appointed him to lay
out land for "Old George Wright" in 1642, "Mr.
ffrancis Johnson " in 1643, and " Michaell Shaflin " in
1644.*
"30 th of the 7 th moneth 1644. Ordered that Thomas
Gardner shall sett vp a ffence from the end of the bridge
called Mr. Reades bridge downe to the fence at the mill,
if no man ells can lay clayme to it." *
" 7 th of the 2 d moneth 1645. Agreed that Mr. Hathorne,
Mr. Gardner & Jaffry Massy, shall agree with a Cowkeep
or a heardsman to keepe the Cattle this yeare." *
In the County Court Records (v. n, p. 193), under
date of 18, 12, 1645. we find the following entry: "Mr.
Thomas Gardner is to be exempted ffrom training when
his Sixth Sonn comes in, & then the Court will confider
upon what tearms."
He served on the "Jury of tryalls," in 1646, 1657 and
1658. In 1649 he was ordered with two others to lay out
a way through Mr. Reades land.*
At Mr. Gardner's request " those that now doe or here-
after shall Hue at those ten acre lots ends or syde that
they may haue the Comon land granted to them that lyes
at the ffoote of mr. Reads Hill to lye as Comon for theire
Joynt vse, this request is graunted." (" 27 th 2 m 1654.")*
" 16 : ll mo 1655. Mr. Tho : Gardner : apoynted to Ou'
see the mendinge of the high way by his owne house & so
to the brook." *
" 1 l m 1655-56. The Complaynt against Maio r Haw-
thorne & francis Lawes in buildinge & taking in of towne
comon : vpon the hearing of it, Jeffery Mascy & mr Gard-
ner apoynted to view & make returne to the next towne
meetinge." *
He was appointed 13 : 1 : 1655-56, with others "to
Lay out highwayes thro : mr Jn Endecots farme & others
* Town Records.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 89
farmes there abouts as may be most conuenient for the
towne & the Inhabitants thereaboutes : extendinge to the
great Riuer." *
Mr. Thomas Gardner and John Porter were ordered in
1657 (23d. of the 2d. mo.) to oversee the fences in the
North field.*
In 1657-8 he was appointed one of the surveyors of
the lots "from Tho Gouldthaites to Michell Shafflins,"
and in 1659, " for North Neck & glass house field." *
His name with that of Jacob Barney, Moses Maverick
and others, appears on a petition dated 29th. of the 4th.
mo. 1658.f We also find his signature attached to the
inventory of the estate of Thomas Scudder,J in the same
year, and in the year following he signed a statement
regarding the estate of Lawrence South wick.
He is spoken of as "Ould Mr. Gardner" in a document
in the County Court Papers, v. v, p. 117, and on the
same page we find that Thomas Gardner paid a party
eleven shillings for keeping the sheep of his son-in-law,
Joshua Couaut (son of Roger) one summer. (20th, 4th.
mo. 1660.)
9th mo. 1659, "Mr. Thomas Gardner administrator
of Joshua Connant deceased do acknowledg a judgement of
10 pounds due to Mr. William Browne Merchant, out of
the aforefad Joshua Connant. "||
He was overseer of the will of Lawrence Southwick
November, 1660,^[ and appraiser of the same estate, as
well as that of William Cantlebury 25, 4mo. 1663,**
Henery Bullock 4th. of January 1664, ft and Ralph
Tompkins 12, 9mo. 1666. JJ
25th. 9th. mo. 1662, "Mr. Thomas Gardner have lib-
erty graunted him to sell at retaile what strong waters he
hath in his hands. " In the following year he was given
a license to sell " one barrel 1 of strong waters retale."|| ||
At the close of the court 21, 5mo. 1674, 10 shillings
"was alowed the servants of Mr. Gardner's house, for
both feffioiis.'ff
* Town Records. ** County Court Papers, book 9, leaf 23.
t County Court Papers, book iv, leaf 62. ft County Court Papers, book x, leaf 7.
(ibid.) leaf 64. jj County Court Papers, book xn, leaf 34.
(ibid .) book v, leaf 116. County Court Records, 25th. 9mo. 1662.
|| County Court Records, 9mo. 1659. Jill County Court Records, 24th. 9m o. 1663.
IT County Court Papers, book vi, leaf 53. ft County Court Records, 5 mo. 1674.
90 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
REAL ESTATE.
In 1641 (and how much earlier we do not know) he
lived on what is now Essex Street, Salem, on the north
side, between the present Beckford and Flint Streets.
This square was called in the Town Records in the second
month of that year, "the field where Mr. Gardner is."
He had granted to him by the town of Salem, the fol-
lowing lots of land :
I. 100 acres (20 th of the 12 th mo : 1636) .
This was the farm frequently spoken of as being " near
unto the land of Anthony Needham." The location is in
West Peabody, on what is now Lowell Street, a short
distance East of the Newburyport turnpike. This land
was held by the descendants of Thomas Gardner for
many generations (through Samuel, 2 * Abel, 3 f Thomas, 4 J
Thomas, 5 James 6 and his brother John 6 1| ). John ac-
quired his brothers portion, 1f and upon his death left a
part of the property to John Gardner Walcott, the pres-
ent owner.**
In addition to the above mentioned twelve acres, John
Gardner held forty-two acres which he left to his wife,
and to the children of Benjamin G. Proctor.
The old farmhouse remained standing until October,
1854, when it was set on fire by a man who had formerly
worked there. William Skerry occupied the house at the
time, and the writer is indebted to his widow, Mrs. Lucy
S. Skerry of Lynnfield, for the story of the burning. ff
II. "Ther is granted vnto M r Garner an adicion of
land to his farme to make it vsefull not exceeding 20
acres." ("The 24 th day of the 12 th moneth, 1637.")}$
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 3.
t Essex Probate Record, book 302, leaf 175.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 76, leaf 230; 78, 220; book 82, leaf 115 and Essex
Probate Record, book 324, leaf 15.
Essex Probate Record, book 359, leaf 546; and Essex Registry of Deeds, book
104, leaf 267; book 109, leaf 107; book 107, leaf 188; book 114, leaf 215.
|| Essex Probate Records, book 359, leaf 546.
IT Essex Registry of Deeds, book 166, leaf 235.
** Essex Probate Record, book 401, leaf 305.
ft From descriptions of the house, given to the writer by Mr. Walcott, Mrs.
Skerry, Miss S. J. C. Needham and others, we know that it was a lean-to closely
resembling the George Gardner farmhouse, an illustration of which will be found
in the article devoted to him.
}$ Town Records.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 91
On the "4 th day of the 12 th moneth 1638," " Mr. Gard-
ner, John Barber & Richard Bishoppe " resigned to the
town, a ten acre lot "for other land."*
III. " Granted to Tho. gardner a banke of vpland
nere the strongwatter brook to his marsh paying 5 s cp
acre as goodman Lord hath it." (15th. of 3d. mo.
1639.)*
From documents presented in the case of Gardner
(Samuel) versus Pudney, regarding the ownership of the
Gardner burying ground, we know that this lot was at
what is now the junction of Grove and Main Streets in
Peabody.j This lot was used by the Gardners for sev-
eral generations as a place of interment, and is mentioned
in the wills of a number of the descendants of Thomas.
Each time it was left with the proviso that other members
of the family be allowed to bury their dead there. An-
thony Buxton testified in the year 1677, that the burial
lot " was always called Mr. Gardiner's Hill for this thirty
years. "J The hill was taken away when Grove Street
was laid out, and such stones as were still standing, were
taken up and placed in Harmony Grove cemetery, in the
triangular lot just inside the Peabody gate. Among the
stones transferred is one erected to the memory of Seeth
Grafton, a daughter of the first Thomas Gardner. (See
notes on Abel Gardner in a later article of this series.)
IV. " Granted to Mr. Thomas Gardner, and to Oba-
diah Holmes, a (pcell of land lying within the Rayles nere
the gate that leades to and from the old mill nere to the
lotts of Mr. Gardiner & Obadiah Holmes, the land is nere
about 3 quarters of an acre w ch is to be devided betwen
them equallie" (20 of 12 mo. 1642).*
V. "Granted to Mr Tho Gardner a (pcell of land to
set a house vpon neere the old mill on the ten acre lot
sid," (8 th of the 11 th m 1643).* He erected a structure
upon this lot soon after it was granted to him, as the fol-
lowing entry in the Town Records will show : " It is
agreed that William Robinson shall haue a little spott of
grownd about a q r ter of an acre that lyes before his howse
* Town Kecords.
t County Court Papers, book xxvi, leaf 85.
t County Court Papers, book xxvi, leaf 86.
92 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
w ch is now in buildinge downe to the mill brooke, a little
aboue the bridge that leads to the way to Mr. Gardners
new buildinge "* (30 th of the 7 th moneth 1644) .
Thomas Gardner leased these premises on March 5th,
1672 to John Pudney, as the following extracts from the
original document will show : " WITNESSETH, that the said
Thomas Gardner, for divers good caufes and considerations
him thereunto especially moving, Hath demised, granted,
and to farme letten, and by these presents doth demise
grant, and to farme lett, unto the said John Pudney, His
now dwelling houfe fituate within the Township of Salem
aforesaid, together with all his lands lying in the North
field of the said Towne, and Contayning by Estimation
Twenty acres be it more or lefse, as also all his meadow
belonging unto a farme of the said Thomas Gardner lying
and being fcituate in Salem aforesaid, neere unto the land
of Anthony Needham, and contayneing by estimation Ten
Acres be it more or lefse, Together with all Edifices,
Orchards, gardens, feedings, pastures, profitts & Commod-
ities to the said Dwelling, houfe, vpland & meadow before-
mentioned * * * * unto the said John Pudney * * * *
for & during the terme of Seven yeares beginning the Fif-
teenth day of April, next ensueing the date of thefe pref-
ents, and from thenceforth fully to be Compleate & ended.
Yeelding & paying therefore yearely, during the said
Terme, unto ye said Thomas Gardner, his Executours or
afsignes, the full fumme of Eleven pounds and alfo Two
barrells of Cyder, the said Thomas Gardner finding Caf kes
for the fame, the said Eleven pounds to be paid yearly in
manner following, viz ; Four pounds thereof to be paid
& delivered in wood, at Eight shillings p r Cord. Fourty
Shillings thereof in Butter & Cheese, of which there is to
be one firkin of butter, another ffourty shillings to be payed
in good porke, (All which payments are to be made yearly,
at or before the first day of November, of the same yeare)
and the Remainder of the faid Eleven pounds to be paid
at price in Corne at price Current to the f hops, the said
Corne to be paid & delivered at or before the first day of
March, next following, of y c same yeare.
* This was a lean-to house, like the other Gardner houses already mentioned.
(Testimony of residents In the neighborhood.)
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS.
93
In wittnifse whereof, the parties first
above named, to thefe p nt Indentures interchangably have
fett their hands & feales y e day & yeare above written.*
Annog regin Eegis Caroli Secundi C C iiij
Signed sealed & delivered
in the presence of
Thomas Gardner Senr (seal) >
John Pudne (seal) 5
Thomas Gardner Junr.
Joseph Cooke."
In 1677, after the death of Thomas, his sons Samuel
and Lieut. George, joint executors attached the goods of
John Pudney for non-payment of rent, and the defendant
rendered an account amounting to 19 pounds, as follows :|
A true & just accompt of what I have paid towards y e Rent of y e
house & land I hired of Mr. Thomas Gardner vzt;
Impr. 14 cord of wood at 8 sh. pr cord, delivered at
Mr. John Graf tons, 05.12.00
To 4-10 p. in pork, 04.10.0a
To 4 in cheese and butter, 04.00.00
To 8 for carrying down a meale Through an Iron pott ;
2 cratches & a pole to sett wood against, & 2 quart
casks; from Goodm Goldthright. 00.05.00
To a Roasting pigg, 00.02.00
for a doze of pigeons, 00.01.00
for 2 pounds of Butter, 00.01.00
for a peck of green pease & 1 pecke of Beans, 00.01.00
for 2 Bush of Turneps, 00.02.00
To butter & mony paid to Saml Gardner, 02.00.00
To him more 4 Bushels of Turneps, 00.04.00
To a Secune pigg to y e said Gardner, 00.12.00
To Building a Cow houfe per agreement 02.00.00
To 4 Barrels of Syder carried in to old Mr. Gardner accord-
ing to agreement, 00.00.00
19.10.00
The jury finding for the defendant, the case was ap-
pealed. This lot was on what is now Central Street in
Peabody, lying upon the eastern side of that street, and
* County Court Papers, book xxvii, leaf 59.
t County Court Papers, book xxvii, leaf 57 to leaf 60.
94 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
extending from Gardner's bridge over Gardner's brook,
(a short distance from what is now Peabody Square),
along the old road (in later deeds called the road to An-
dover) , for quite a distance beyond the top of the hill.
This was owned by Samuel Gardner in the second gener-
ation, Samuel's son Abel in the third, Joseph and Jona-
than,* sons of Abel in the fourth. They sold it to the
Reverend Benjamin Prescott, April 19, 1748,f and after
his death the executors of his estate sold it to Joseph Lee
of Beverly, and Thomas Lee of Salem. J April 9, 1803,
it was sold by Thomas Lee to Edward South wick, Daniel
King, and Levi Preston, a committee appointed by the
town of Danvers to make the purchase. It was used by
the town as a poor-house for a few years and was sold by
the overseers of the poor to Joseph Poor, Jr., Sept. 4,
1809. || After the death of Joseph Poor, his executors
sold a portion of the lot to George Poor, the lot thus sold
being on the northeast corner of Central and Elm Streets
in what is now Peabody. If This small portion of the orig-
inal homestead lot changed hands many times during the
next few years, and finally was purchased by George W.
Pepper who lived there many years.**
VI. " Granted to mr. Gardner a small peece of medow
Contayning about an acre lying vpon the north side of
his farme adioyning to it" (31, 6mo. 1649). ff
VII." Granted to old M r Gardn er . 20 akers of land in
fom place neare the 7 mens bounds in conf ideration of
a counteii hie way thorough his farme and alfo that fom
meadows of Mr Gednyes faleth within his farme" (15 of
12 mo . 1663). ff
This is the twenty acres of land described in the inven-
tory as "lying in the woods."
The only recorded sale of real estate by Thomas is the
following: "To Josiah South wick of Salem, 2 acres of
land lying in northfields bounded as follows : S. W.
* Essex Probate Records, book 324, leaf 15.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 98, leaf 207.
i Essex Registry of Deeds, book 135, leaf 201.
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 173, leaf 107.
II Essex Registry of Deeds, book 186, leaf 273.
IT Essex Registry of Deeds, book 477, leaf 173; also book 478, leaf 267; book 478,
leaf 112; and book 631, leaf 141.
** Essex Registry of Deeds, book 643, leaf 124.
tt Town Records.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 95
adjoining the meadow late of Robert Buffum, N. E. adjoin-
ing to the land in possession of Robert Pease, N. E. &
S. W. bounded upon the land of Hen. Trask" (Dec. 6,
1671).*
Thomas Gardner married twice. We know this from
the fact that in his will he mentions his wife as the mother-
in-law f of his sons. The Margaret Gardner, who united
with the First Church in 1639, is supposed to have been
his wife. J Various writers, including Rev. Joseph B.
Felt, have stated that her maiden name was Fryer (or
Friar) , but the writer has thus far failed to find the au-
thority for this statement.
Rev. Charles Henry Pope, in his "Pioneers of Massa-
chusetts " suggests that this Margaret who united with
the Salem Church in 1639, may have been the wife of
Edmund Gardner of Ipswich.
While Edmund's wife may have been named Margaret, ||
it sems improbable that she was the one above mentioned
as uniting with the Salem church, for the following rea-
sons : Edmund is mentioned in the Ipswich Town Rec-
ords as early as 1635, and very frequently thereafter. The
Ipswich church was organized in 1634, and the wife of a
man so prominent in local affairs would, in all probability,
have united with the "home church."
His second wife was Damaris Shattuck, a widow, who
was admitted to the church in Salem in 1641.J She* had
several children by her first husband, If one of whom, Sa-
rah, married Richard Gardner son of Thomas.** She, like
most of her Shattuck relations, evidently favored the
Friends, as she was called into court many times for being
"present at a Quaker meeting," and for absence from her
own church.ff In the 9th mo. 1667, and the 4th mo. in
the year following, " Old Mrs Gardner was fined 5 shil-
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 85.
t Old name for step-mother. (See Encyclopaedic Dictionary.)
J First Church Records.
Pioneers of Massachusetts, p. 181.
JJ Ipswich Deeds (Essex Reg. Office), book I, leaf 8.
IT Shattuck Memorial, p. 361.
** See later article in this series,
tt County Court Papers, book vi, leaves 60, 148 and 150.
96 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
lings for absence from public worship.* She had no
children by Thomas Gardner. The date of her death is
given in the Salem Town Records, as 28, 9, 1674.
Thomas Gardner died the 29th 10th mo. 1674, f and
was buried in the Gardner burying ground, a hillock de-
scribed as lot in, in the section of this article relating to
land grants.
The following extract from a deposition made by Wil-
liam Trask in 1677 is of interest in this connection : "I
never heard that Old Mr. Gardiner did hind er any from
burring there dead there butt said att severall funeralls to
friends & neighbours doe not burrey your dead by fuch a
young tree for I doe def ire to be burried there my f elfe
& accordingly to my knowledge he was buried there him-
selfe."i
Thus ended his long and useful life. The writer feels
that no eulogy can add to the glory of one who through-
out his lifetime was so greatly honored by his fellow pio-
neers, and filled acceptably so many positions of trust and
responsibility. Those were trying times, and Thomas
Gardner well earned the high place which he has always
held among the Old Planters.
NOTE. Mention should be made of an error published
many years ago, which has been copied several times, and
has caused much confusion. The date of death of the
first Thomas was given as 1635, and he was credited with
only one son, Thomas,, who was supposed to have been
father of George, Samuel, Richard, and the others of that
generation. The writer has never found any documentary
evidence to support the above view.
WILL OF THOMAS GARDNER.
Weighing the uncertainety of man's life I doe therefore
in the time of my health, make this my laft will as fol-
loweth :
First I leaue unto my wife Damaris, all that eftate fhee
brought with her according to ower agreement : likewife
* County Court Records.
t Town Records.
i County Court Papers, book xxvi, leaf 89.
Essex Probate Records, book 301, leaves 62-63.
AND SOME OP HIS DESCENDANTS. 97
I give unto her eight pounds, by the year during life, to
be pd her by my fix fonns out of that eltate I shall leaue
with them, which eight pounds I give on this condition,
that f hee f hall give up to them her right to the third pt
of my houfing and lands during her life.
2 I give to my daughter Sara Balch : fifteene pounds,
3 I give to my daughter Seeth Grafton fifteene
pounds.
4 I give to my daughter Miriam Hills two daughters,
Miriam Hill & Sufanna Hill to each of them five pounds
to be pd to them, when they fhall accomplifh the age of
eighteene yeares, or at theire marriage :
I give unto my fons George & John Gardner that pt.
of my salt meddow, lying on the weft fide of Cap*. George
Corwin's meddow, which I value at twenty pounds.
I give unto my fonns Samuell and Joseph Gardner, the
other pt of my fait meddow lying on the eaft fide of Capt.
Corwin's meddow, w ch I doe likewife value at twenty
pounds.
My will is further that my houfeing with the reft of
my lands & goods & eftate with the medow before men-
tioned, fhall be divided into feaven equall pts : yt don with
agreement or elce, the meddow before mentioned only ex-
cepted fhall be fould (& with the meddow as I have valued
it) fhall be divided into feaven equal pts : which I doe
give to my fix fons, as followeth : first I give to my fon
Thomas two pts of y e feaven, he paying his mother in law
forty-fix f hillings by the yeare, during her life.
2nd. I give to my fon George Gardner one pt of the
seaven, he paying to his mother-in-law 23 shill. by the
yeare during her life.
3d. I give to my fon Richard (as above) (also John,
Samuel and Joseph, have similar bequests in the order
named.)
I doe appoynt my fons George & Samuell to be the
executors of this my will & doe def ire my loveing friends
Mr. Joseph Grafton Sen and Deacon Home to be my
ouerf eers to fee this my will performed.
Robert Peafe Thomas Gardner
Samuell Goldthrite The 7 : 10 : 68"
HI8T. COLL. VOL. XXXVII
98
THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
"On the 29 March 1675 : Robert Peafe & Samuell Gold-
thrite came before the worshipfull Edward King Esq. and
Maj. Hathorne Esq. & Billiard Veren clearke of the court
at Salern, being p r esent & gave oath that the aboue
written was affigned to & declared the laft will and tefta-
ment of y e sd Tho : Gardner & that there is no latter will
of his that they know of
Atteft Hilliard Veren clerk."
"An Inventory of y e goods & eftate of M r Thomas Gardner: de-
ceafed taken this 4: 11 : 74 by us whofe names, are underneath sub-
scribed ;
Inpr : an old dwelling houfe ; with about 10 acres of
land adjoining with y e oarchard apprtenances &
fences 030 :00 :00
" 10 acres of ground in y e north feild 27 : about 100
acres of upland & meddow ; 100 127 :00 :00
" 20 acres of land or there abouts lying in the woods
3 : about ; 2 acres 3-4 salt marfh lying about y e
mill 040 :00 :00
" a feather bed, bolster & 2 pillows & flock bolster
20 sh. w th blanks & ruggs : curtaines & bolsters
w th a couerld. 007 :10 :00
" a truckle bedsteed, a f ether bed with the pillowes,
blanketts & coverled. 003 :05 :00
" one feather bed, rugg & bolster &the flock bolfters
& pillowes belonging thereunto 004 :00 :00
" 7 ppr. sheets prifed as they were marked, the whole
is 3 : 15sh. 12 towells 6sh; 11 napkings 9 sh. 1 pr
hollon pillow beer : 6sh ; 4yds breams 6sh ; 1 pr.
dowlas pillow beers 5sh. 005 :07 :00
" 2 pr. couer pillow beers 7sh. as they are marked; a
tabled oath 4sh. ; 3 shirts 20sh. 001 : 11 :00
" wearing apparell 8sh: in pewter; & 2 latten
peeces ; 35sh : silver spoones : 12sh ; brass skil-
letts & ketles 40sh. 012 :07 :00
" 2 iron potts; pothookes &triuet llsh; 1 pr of and-
irons : lOsh haukes nice & tonges 8sh. Ool :09 :00
" 2 spittes 8sh. a fide cubberd: 35sh. a square table
4sh. a wenscot chaire 5sh. a chaire with a bord
bottom 3sh. 6d. 002 :15 :06
" X 6 old chaires 4sh. ; a little square table 4sh. a cheft :
4sh. 2 joyne ftooles 4sh. a forme 2sh. 000 :18 :00
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 99
Inpr : a table & carpett llsh. in lumber 30d. 2 oldbar-
rells of gunns 5sh. in money 35sh. 002 :13 :06
" a cow at 3 : in debts due to y e eftate from seuerall
amt. men : 30 : 033 :00 :00
the eftate is Dr. about 6 : The totall sume is 274 :16 :00
Hilliard Veren Senr.
John Pickering "
Mr Samll Gardner one of the executors gave oath to
y e truth of y e above Inventory to y e best of his knowledge
& what shall appeere or com to his knowledge of any thing
belonging to the eftate, to ad to it after wards, before
Edward King esq r : & Maj Wm : Hathorne Esq : aff iftants
& Hilliard Veren clearke this 29 :2 mo. 75 : atefte
Hilliard Veren Clericus.
"Mr. Samuell Gardner p r fented the laft will and tefta-
ment of his father, Mr. Thomas Gardner, deceafed before
the worshipfull Majo r Wm. Hathorne Esq. & Edward
Smith Efq rs & Hilliard Veren, cleark of y e court of Salem
being p r sent, the said will being proved by the oath of the
two witneffes is allowed of, alfoe an inventory of y e eftate
atefted to upon oath of y e faid Samll Gardner, one of y e
executors & is alowed of. 29, March 1675."*
Reference has already been made in the description of
lot number V, to the suit brought against John Pudney
by the executors in 1677.f
Samuel and Lieut. George Gardner the executors sold to
John Swinnerton, Physician, 19th. of July 1678, the
following :J
10 acres of land with housing in north field by land of John Pease.
10 acres of land in north field by land of Eobert Stone.
1 acre of land by " Strong water brooke, adjoining to y e medow
formerly of y e sd Thomas Gardner deceased," called " y e salt med-
dow."
100 acre farm more or less in town of Salem by land of Anthony
Need ham.
20 acres in Salem by land of Widow Pope. " alsoe all debts dues or
demands owing or in anywise belonging to y e estate of y e sd.
Tho. Gardner deceased."
* County Court Records, Case No. 54, March 1675.
t County Court Papers, book xxvn, leaf 57.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 3.
100 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
All of the above property with the exception of the ten
acre lot in north field by land of Robert Stone, was
bought back by Samuel July 22, 1678, Thomas Gardner
Sen'r his brother being one of the witnesses.*
Children :
2. THOMAS, b. in England ; d. 1682; m. Hannah , m., 2nd,
Elizabeth .
3. GEORGE, b. prob. in England ; d. 1679 ; m., 1st, Eliza (Elizabeth)
Home; m., 2nd, Mrs. Ruth Turner; m., 3d, Mrs. Elizabeth
Stone.
4. RICHARD, b. ; d. Jan. 23, 1688; m. Sarah Shattuck.
5. JOHN, b. 1624; d. May, 1706; m. Priscilla Grafton.
6. SAMUEL, b. 1627; d. abt. Oct. 1689; m., 1st, Mary White,
m., 2nd, Mrs. Elizabeth Paine.
7. JOSEPH, b. ; d. Dec. 19, 1675; m. Ann Downing.
8. SARAH, b. ; d. April 5, 1686; m. Benjamin Balchf (son of
John Balch "Planter"), by whom she had: 1. Samuel, b.
1651; d. Oct. 14, 1723; m. Oct. 27, 1675, Martha Newmarch,
dau. of John and Martha (Gould; Newmarch; m., 2nd, Mar-
tha Butman; 2. Benjamin, b. 1653; d. "Spring 6f 1698;"
m. Oct. 11, 1674, Elizabeth Woodbury (dau. of John and Eliz-
abeth Woodbury). 3. John, b. 1654; d. Nov. 19, 1738; m.
Dec. 23, 1674, Hannah Veren, dau. of Philip Jr. and Joanna. 4.
Joseph, b. 1658 ; d. Sept. 16, '1675; one of Capt. Lathrop's
soldiers at Bloody Brook. 5. Freeborn, b. Aug. 9, 1660;
d. June 11,1729; m., 1st, 1682, wid. Miriam Bacheler, wid.
of Joseph, and dau. of Robert Jr. and Abigail (Goode)
Moulton; m., 2nd, April. 30, 1690, Elizabeth Fairfleld, dau.
of Walter and Sarah (Skipperway) Fairfleld. 6. Sarah, b.
1661; d. prior to 1717; m. Dec. 20, 1680, James Patch, son
of James and Hannah Patch. 7. Abigail, b. 1663; d. Apr.
30, 1706; m. Feb. 8, 1680-1, Cornelius Larcum. 8. Ruth, b.
1665 ; d. ; m. Joseph Drinker, son of Philip and Eliza-
beth Drinker. 9. Mary, b. 1667; d. Mar. 12, 1737; m. March
26, 1689, Nathaniel Stone, son of Nathaniel and Remember
(Corning) Stone. 10. Jonathan, bap. Apr. 10, 1670; prob.
d. young. 11. David, b. July 9,1671 ; d. Apr. 17, 1690; un-
married.
Benjamin Balch m., 2nd, wid. Abigail Clarke, wid. of Mat-
thew Clarke of Marblehead, Feb. 5, 1689. Shed. Jan. 1690,
aged 55 ; and he m., 3d, Mar. 15, 1691-2, Grace Mallet.
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 4.
f.Balch Genealogy.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 101
9. MIRIAM, b ; d ; m. John Hill.* Children: 1. Mir-
iam, b. 24: 1: 1658; d. ; m. 1: 3mo., 1679, William Has-
call. 2. Susan (or Susanna), b. 31 : 5 : 1660; d. .
John Hill m., 2nd, 26 : 6 : 64, Lydia Buffum.
10. SEETH, bap. 25: 10: 1636; d. Apr. 17, 1707; m., 1st, Joshua
Conant,* son of Roger Conant, the Planter. f Child: Joshua,
b. 15: Apr., 1657; d. ; m., 1st, 31 Aug., 1676, Christian
More, dau. of Richard More (or Mower) ; he m., 2nd, 9 Jan.,
1690-1. Sarah Newcomb.
Seeth m., 2nd, John Grafton, 1st. lOmo. 1659. Children : 1.
Mary, b. 7, 7, 1660; m. 25 July, 1678, Joseph Hardy. 2.
Seeth, b. 28 April, 16fi5. 3. Abigail, b. 12 Aug., 1667. 4.
Jehoadam, b. 1 Oct., 1669. 5. Margaret, b. 24 Jan., 1671. 6.
Nathaniel, b. July 14, 1672.
2 Lieut. Thomas Gardner, the eldest son of
Thomas the Planter, was born in England.
His name is first mentioned in the Town Records of
Salem, under date of "the 18th. of the 5th. moneth,"
1637, as follows:
"It is ordered that Tho. Garner Junor shall haue 5
acres of land for a great Lot." J
He and his brother George were granted land on the
"8th. 9th. month," in the same year, as the following entry
will show :
" Thomas Gardiner and George Gardiner bretherin haue
eyther of them tenn acres alowed."J
In 1639 he became a member of the First Church in
Salem, and on June 2, 1641, he was admitted as Free-
man of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. ||
" Thomas Gardner the younger & Obadiah Holmes "
were appointed to procure wood for Mr. Sharpe, in
accordance with an order "that both o r Elders be con-
* Salem Town Records,
t Conant Genealogy, p.
T Town Records.
First Church Records ; also Felt's Annals, v. I, p. 173.
[Records of the Mass. Bay Colony; also N. E. H. Gen.
Reg., v. in, p. 188.
102 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
venientlie provided w th wood sufficient for them ....
according to former custome." This order was passed at
a "general towue meeting held the 30 th of the 7 th moneth
1644."*
"4 acres of medow" were granted to him on the " 30 th
day of the 3 d moneth 1649,"" at the 7 mens bounds,"
also "to each of the Gardiners 40 acres apiece of vpland
to be laid out nere theire medow." At the same time he
was granted two " acres of medow on the North side of
Ipswich River." *
Land granted to "ffrances Perrie," " 19 9 1649" was
described as being " neare to the medowes graunted vnto
mr Gardners sonnes and also graunted vnto the said
ffrances the ou'plus of the 12 Acres of medow graunted
vnto the gardners neare the line of Salem."*
He was ordered " the 25 th of the second moneth 1 649 "
with his brothers George, Samuel, and Joseph, to "sur-
vey and measure from the meeting howse to a pceli of
medow vpon the great river Westerly from Salem and
give an account thereof at our next meeting, for w ch they
shall haue allowance in pte of the medow for theire paynes
if any shalbe found within our bounds where they runne
the lyne." *
"Lftnt Tho : Gardn er made requeft fora prcell of lande
of about 14 ac rs adioyning to the lande of Hen : ffelps."
Salem Town Records, "24, 12mo. 1662."*
In 1670 he was chosen to serve on the " Jury of Trials,"
and in the following year he was a member of the Grand
Jury. *
Thomas Gardner Jun. bought of John Buttolph and
Hannah his wife, Sept. 14, 1671, a dwelling house and
fourteen poles of land in Salem. The lot was bounded on
the South with "y e streete or lane that goeth from y e meet-
ing-house to the field or training place, on y e west& north
with y e land of Joseph Gardner, & on y e est with y e land
of Samuel Gardner." This was a portion of the Joseph
Gardner lot (the square in which the Essex Institute
building is located), and will be described in a later ar-
ticle, f
* Town Records.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 132.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 103
March 5, 1672, he signed his name as a witness to the
deed of his father's homestead to John Pudney.*
May 3, 1672, Thomas Gardner, "cordwinder," bought of
John Grafton, and Seeth his wife (sister of the grantee),
for ten pounds, a piece of land containing 26 rods, being
bounded : north by land of Christopher Babbidge, west
by land of Thomas Browning, south by land of John
Grafton, and east by a lane laid out by Joseph Grafton,
Sen. and John Gratton.f
Thomas Gardner, Jun., sold to Hugh Jones of Salem,
a piece of land he bought of Henry Skerry" for five acres,"
" being the half of y said Skerry's lott, lying in the north
neck, & having a lott on y e one side that was George Wil-
liams, & on the other side that was old Goodman Town's &
at one end a lott that was Goodman Water's." (13th 2mo.
1674.)t
March 15, 1674-5, Thomas Gardner, Sen'r (the first
Thomas having died less than two months previous to this
date), witnessed the signature of Thomas Gardner Jun'r,
" atturney of Lieut Tho. Gardner of Pimaquid," to a deed
of land to Gilbert Tapley of Beverly.
The following document was found in the County Court
Papers : || " Andover y e 16th. octob er 1674.
This bill bindeth one Shubeall Walker of Bradford in
y e County of Essex Gent, my heires, executo rs & admin-
istrato rs to pay or Caufe to be payd to Thomas Gardner
Jun r of Salem in y e county aforef'd shoemaker his heires,
executo rs administrate" or affignees y e full and juft sum of
three pounds ten f hillings in pro vif ions at price current
at y e houfe of y e sd Gardner between y e date hereof and
y e firft of January 1674.
In witness whereof * * * * y e aboue sd three pounds
ten fhillings being in full futisfaction for all debts dues and
demands, betwixt y e aboues'd Gardu er : & George Crofs
w ch was y e sd Gardn ers servant : as witness my hand y e
date aboue mentioned.
Witnefs, Dudley Bradstreet, Shu. Walker." 1
Benjamin Gerrish.
* County Court Papers, book 27, leaf 59.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 142.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 54.
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 146.
fl County Court Papers, book 25, leaf 95.
IT County Court Papers, book 25, leaf 95.
104 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
The above agreement was not kept and Thomas
Gardner in April 1676 appealed to the court, obtaining
judgment as follows :
" Thomas Gardner pit agst Mr. Shubael Walker deft
in an action of debt of about 3 :16 dew by bill they finde
for the ptf damages 4 :8 :6d according to bill and costs."*
"Thomas Gardner and William Curtise are choffen for
survey" of fences from the towne bridge to Mordykeye
Cruets and to fee that all ffences are mayd etc. etc." (18,
1, 1674-5). f
The following record of a transaction dated August 29,
1677, is recorded in the Registry of Deeds office :
" Received of Mr Thomas Gardner upon y e acc't of Mi
Robert Oxe, thirty quintealls,of rnarch'table winter codfish,
one bord the John Booney venture, Mr. Anthony Roope
commander."J
In 1677 we find his signature attached to the inventory
of the estate of John Cole. He served again as a mem-
ber of the Trial Jury in the year following, f
Thomas Gardner Sen'r of Salem sold to* his brother
George Gardner, living at Hartford in Connecticut, a
parcel of land in Salem that was jointly laid out together
with his as likewise a parcel of land bought " betwixt us "
of Mr. Hilliard Veren Sen'r "joyningto y e aforesaid land,"
also all meadow there to belonging with all timber privi-
leges. Dated July 22 - 1678. ||
He lived in a house which was situated on the easterly
side of a lane running along the eastern boundary of the
lot on which the meeting-house stood. This lane is called
at the present time (1901) Higginson Square. The north-
ern boundary of the lot was thirty-four feet from the Main
Street. IF This estate was occupied by his widow after
his death, and later by his son David.**
He kept a general merchandise store, as we learn from
the inventory of his estate which covers ten pages.
* County Court Records (Ipswich Court), September Term, 1676.
t Town Records.
I Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 154.
County Court Papers, book 26, leaf 122.
II Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 6.
11 Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 174; and book 11, leaf 183.
** Essex Registry of Deeds, book 17, leaf 127.,
(To be Continued.")
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS,
1713-1739.
COPIED BY GEORGE FRANCIS DOW.
(Continued from Vol. XXXVI, page 232.}
Voated That the Neck of Land to the Eastward Part of
the Blockhoufes be Grant[ed] and Reserued for the vfe
of the Town of Salem for a Pasture for Milch Cow[es]
and Rideing Horfes, to he fenced att the Towns Charge
and Lett out yearl|_y] to the Inhabitants of the Town by
the Selectmen, and no one Person to [be] admitted to
putt Into Said Pasture in A Sumer more then one Milch
Cow or one Rideing Horfe and the whole number not to
Exceed Tw[o] Acres and a half to a Cow and fouer Acres
to A Horfs the Rent to be paid into the Town Treasurer
for the Time being for the vfe of thee Town of Salem
Voated That there be Tenn Acres of the Comon Lands
Sett A Part and Reserued for the vfe of the Ministry in
the body of the Town for Pasturage an[d] fine Acres more
for the Village Precinct Ministry and fine Acres mor[e]
for the Midle Precinct Ministry in Suiteable and Conuen-
ient Pla[ces] for them
[28] Att A Proprietors Meeting of the Comon Lands
in the Town of Salem held att the Meeting Ho life in the
first Fairish in Salem Nouember the Twenty Second day
1714 being Legally warned
Voated That there be about Fouer Hundred Acres on
the moste remote part of the Town towards or on the
West End of Dogg Pond Rocks and Hills adjoyning to
Linn Line where there may be Least Damage to the
Known Proprietors to be Reserued for any Such as may
(105)
106 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
Come and make out any Right or Claime after the first
day of June next Ensueing
Voated That all Dwelling Houfes Built in thee Town of
Salem Since the year one Thousand Seuen Hundred and
Fouerteen* this day being the 22 nd day of Nouember 1714
Bee and hereby are admitted to and allowed a Right in
the Comon Lands In Salem
Voated That all the Comon Lands in Salem not other-
wife dispofed off bee Measured by an Artist and Returned
to the Committee who are desired to gett the Same done
Voated That the Said Comon Lands be ffenced &
Stinted or Diuided to & Amongst the Proprietors of Said
Comon Lands In Proportion to their Rights and Accord-
ing to Quallity as neer as may bee that haue or Shall make
out their Rights before the first day of June Next Ensue-
ing as hereafter may be Agreed on by the major part of
the Propriety
Voated That the Committe who were Chozen to
Receiue the Claimes to the Comon Lands or the Major
part of them are ordered and Impowered to Sell and dis-
pofe of Some Small Peices and Strips of the Comon Lands
in this Town of Salem as may be suffitient to defray the
Nefsefsary Expences of the Committes and the Charge of
Measuring the Saide Comon Lands
[29] Att A Meeting of the Committe Chozen by the
Proprietors of the Comon Land[s] in the Towne of Salem
Nouember the 16 th 1713 To Receiue the Claimes to
the Common Lands in Said Town and further Continued
by a Voate of the Proprietors the 22 nd Day of Nouember
1714 Present of the Committe 25 th December 1714
Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood William Hirst Esq r
Josiah Woolcot Esq r
Persuant to A Voate of the Proprietors the 22 nd day of
Nouember 1714 ; Agreed and ordered that the Committe
do meet att the Ship Tauern in Salem the Second Munclay
in January att one of the Clock afternoone next Ensueing
and the first Munday In February next Ensueing att one
of the Clock afternoone and the first Munday In March
* Blotted. Perhaps intended for one thousand seven hundred and two.
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 107
next Ensueing att one of the Clock after noone and the
first Munday In Aprill next Ensueing att one of the Clock
after noone and the first Munday In May next Ensueing
att one of the Clock after noone and that Notifications be
Posted Vp on the Meeting Houfes in Each Parrish for the
Inhabitants to bring in their Claimes to the Comon Lands
on Said Daies Salem 25 th December 1714
A Notifications Posted Yp Accordingly the 28 th Day of
December 1714
By order of the Committe
William Gedney Cler
to the Proprietors
Att A Meeting of the Committe for Recetueing of the
Claimes to the Comon Lands in Salem mett att the Ship
Tauern in Salem on Munday the Tenth of Jan? 171 [ 5 ]
Present of the Committee
Cap" Samuel 1 Gardner Coll Samuel 1 Browne Esq r
Cap" Thomas Flint Josiah Woolcott Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Maj r Stephen Sewal Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood
Seuerall Persons Appeared and brought In Claimes
which are to be Considered att the next meeting
[30] Att Meeting of the Committe that were Chozen
and Impowered by the Proprietors of the Comon Lands
in Salem to Call all meetings of the Proprietors of the
Said Comon Lands; Munday the 10 th January 171^ att
the Ship Tauern In Salem
Present of the Committe
Josiah Woolcott Esq r Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Sam 11 Gardner Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Agreed that there be A Meeting of the Proprietors of
the Comon Lands in Salem on Munday the Thirty ffirst
day of Instant January att Tenn of the Clock before noone
att the Meetinghoufe in Salem within the Towne Bridge
To Consider and to make Choice off, and Impower a Com-
mitte to Profsecute all Such Person or Persons as haue
or Shall Cutt or Carry off any wood or Timber from the
Comon Lands in the Towne of Salem belonging to the
Proprietors of said Lands And alfo to Profsecute any Per-
son or Persons who haue Taken in or Incroached on any
108 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
Part of the Said Comon Lands, or that shall Incroach on
the Same hereafter, And to do what further may be
thought proper for Preuenting the Like Damages and
Trespafes for the future as the Proprietors Shall thinck
meett
Notifications Posted Vp Accordingly
Att A Meeting of the Proprietors of the Lands Lying
in Comon within the Towne off Salem held att the meet-
inghouse In the first Fairish In Salem January the Thirty
first day 17 If being Legally warned
Voated That Josiah Woolcott Esq r is Chozen Modera-
ter for the Meeting
Voated That Daniell Epps Esq r Cap tt Jonathan Putnam
Cap" Peter Osgood m r Francis Willoughby M r Jeams
Lyndall are Chozen and Appointed a Committe they or
any Three of them to Profsecute all Such Person or Persons
as ha ue or Shall Cutt or Carry off any wood or Timber
from the Comon Lands in the Town of Salem belonging
to the Proprietors of Said Land and alfo to Profsecute any
Person or Persons who haue Taken in or Incroached on
any part of the Said Comon Land 8 or that Shall Incroach
on the Same hereafter
Voated That the Said Committe are Im powered and
Ordered to Profsecute att the Law to Effect all Trefspafes
and Incroachments ot the aforesaid Nature and Perticu-
lerly m r John Traske whoe hath Enclofed About three or
fouer Acres of the Comon Lands
Voated That the former Committe Chozen to Receiue
the Claimes to the Comon Lands who were Impowered
& ordered to sell and dispose of Some Small peices and
Strips of the Comon Lands in Salem for defraying the
Charges of measuring the Said Comon Lands and the
Commitees Expencis are alfo now Impowered and or-
dered to Sell what more Small Peices and Strips of
the Comon Lands in Salem, or may Sell what wood or.
part of Itt that is Groeing on Said Comon Lands as they
Shall Judge moste Convenient, and which they thinck is
nefsefsary for defraying the Charges of the Committe now
Chnzen for Profsecuteinsr all Trespafses & Incroachers on
Said Comon Lands; which the Committe for Receiueing
Claimes are to allow and See Paid as now Directed
Voated That Caleb Buffam John Chapman Samuell
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 109
King farmer Ehenezer Southwick William Froste and
Jeams Goold are Chosen and Appointed to take Care to
Preserue the wood & Timber Growing on the Comon
Lands in Salem Belonging to the Proprietors thereof and
to Infnrme the Committe of any Trespafs of that nature
[31] Att A Meeting of the Committe for Keceiueing
of the Claimes to the Comon Lands In Salem Mett att the
Ship Tauern in Salem on Munday the 7 th day of February
171*
Present of the Committe
Cap" Samuell Gardner CollSamuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Thomas Flintt William Hirst Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Josiah Woolcott Esq r
Cap" Jonathan Putnam Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Seuerall Persons Appeared and Brought in Claimes
which are to be Considered att the next Meeting
Att A Meeting of the Committe for Receiueing of the
Claimes to the Comon Lands In Salem mett att the Ship
Tauern in Salem 7 th of March 17 If
Present of the Committe
Cap" Samuel Gardner Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Jon a Putnam William Hirst Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood Josiah Woolcot Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Maj r Steph n Sewall Esq r
Agreed y" the Coitions be Measured by Cap" John
Gardner & m r Samuel Howard & Two or three hands
more that they Shall See fitt to Irnproue and A plate Taken
of the Same ; In maner following Viz" begining att
Tylies Corner & Running on a Straight Line to the East-
erly Corner of Cap" Corwins ffarme and So on the Line
of Sd Cap" Corwins ffarme till you Come to the Spring
Pond and So on to Lynn Line and then Downe to m r
Blanoes on Lynn Line and So on the Pr[o]prieties untill
they Come to the Towne Bridge and So on the Roade to
Cafes, and thence by the Proprieties untill they Come to
Tylies Corner where you first Began Alfso the Peice of
Land Comonly Called Mill Plaine or Trasks Plaine, Alfo
all the Land on the Northerly Side of the aforesd Line
takeing Stones, Goyles & Butts Plaine, And al[l] Dogg
110 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
Pond Kocks & Plaines So Called to Lynn Line Exclude-
ing Cap Corwins Farme
Att A Meeting of the Committee for Receiueing of the
Claimes to the Common Lands In Salem mett att the Ship
Tauern in Salem on Munday y e 4 th April 171 [f]
Present of the Committe
Cap" Samuel Gardner Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Thomas Flint Josiah Woolcot Esq r
Cap" Jonathan Putnam Maj 1 ' Stephen Sewall Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood
Cap" Jonathan Putnams acco" of Charg and mony
Expended In Profsecuting of Ebenezer Southwicks Apeal
att Ipswich Court March 15 th 171| Against a pretended
Commite being Some of y e old Co[mmite] who would
iucroach and Ingrofe all y e Comon Lands in Salem,
amounting to 57 s is allowed & paid Sd * * * *
[32] CLAIMES RECED MARCH 7 th 171$
1661 1702 1714
Jabez Baker for Cornelius Bakers
Cottage Right 1
John Felton & Nathaniell Felton for
Ballards Cottage Right 1
A Cottage Right on Joseph Buxton 8
Land bought of m r Epps where
Canterbury Liued 1
John Buxton S r for his Dwelling
houfe Entred In folio 18
I B* William Rufsell S r for his
dwelling houfe 1
William Vpton for his houfe :1: new 1
Samuel Vpton for his houfe Since 1702
as p Voat Nouember 1714 1
Benj a Houlton for his houfe & Cot-
tage Right on his Land 1 1
Peter Twist Junef houfe In 1714 1
Joseph Dowtey for his houfe 1
Jonathan Nurfs for his houfe 1714 1
*In later handwriting. t Probably, Junr.
SALEM COMMONEKS RECORDS, 1713-1739. Ill
1661 1702 1714
John Verry for his houfe 1714 1
SF* Joseph White & his mother 17 14 1
Jacob Fuller 8 houfe where woodin
Liued 1
m r Benjamin Marston for his houfe
in m rs Weld 8 Lane 1714 1
Samuell Marble for his houfe 1714 1
I B* Cap" John Browne for William
Agers Cottage Right on his Land
Joyning to the Land where his
barn Stands 1
CLAIMES RECED 4 th A PRILL 1715
m r Benjamin Prefcott for his houfe
1714 I
m r Nathanell Putnam for his houfe
1714 1
m r John Flint for his houfe within the
Bridge 1714 1
m r Izraell Porter for his houfe 1714 1
Tarrant Putnam for his houfe 1714 1
Thomas Flint Jun r for his houfe 1714 1
Jeams Putnam Jun r for his houfe 1714 1
Jonathan Putnam Jun r for his houfe
1714 1
Widdow French for Goiles Corys
Cottage Right & for Parkers
houfe 1 1
6 4 17
Att A Meeting of the Committe Chofen and Appointed
by y e Proprietors of the Comon and Vndiuided Lands in
Salem Apr ill 4 th 1715.
Whereas the said Proprietors att A Generall Meeting
on y e 22 day of Nouember 1714 amongst other things
Impowered the said Committee to make sale of some
strips of Land of Said Comon Land for defraying y e Nef-
sefsary Charge 8 of y e said Committee & of y e measureing
y c Comons & profsecuteing Trefspafsers or Incroachers
* In later handwriting.
112 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
on y e Said Comon Land which Voate was Reinforct& Con-
firmed and Inlarged by A nother Meeting of y e Proprie-
tors January 31 : 17 If as in and by the Records may
Appear Persuant whereto
The said Committe in Consideration of y e Sume of
Eighteen Pounds in Prouince Bills of Creditt to them paide
for and on behalfe of the Said Proprietors fory e Ends and
Vfes aforesaide by Benjamin Pope of Salem in y e County
of Eisex husbandman haue Granted & Sould unto him a
Certaine Strip of Land being part of y e Comon Lands
aforesd Containing about seuen Acrees & halfe Scituate In
Salem aforesd adjoyning to other Land of y e Said Benja-
min Pope being part of Itt within his fence To haue and
To hold y e sd peice of Land with all y e Trees ffences
Timber Wood Priuiledges & Apertenances thereto be-
longing or any waies Appertaining unto hime the Said
Benjamin Pope his heirs & afsigns for Euer
4 th Ap 11 1715 mem the names of y e Comity y" Sould
B Popes Land is Entred one lefe backw rd
[33] Att A Meeting of the Committe for Receiueing
of the Claimes to the Comon Lands in Salem Mett att the
Ship Tauerne in Salem on Munday y e Second May 1715
Present of the Committe
Cap" Samuell Gardner Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Josiah Woolcot Esq r
Cap" Jonathan Putnam William Hirst Esq r
CLAIMES RECED
1661 1702 1714
Robert Buffam for his houfe 1714 1
Robert Neale for Th Neals houfe
1702 1
Richard Rofe houfe 1702 1
Dauid Flint houfe 1702 1
Ebenezer Glouer for ffebruarys houfe
1702 1
John Lambert S r houfe 1702 1
I B* Cap" John Browne for Thomas
Crumels dweling houfe now
standing 1
* In later handwriting.
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1712-1739. 113
1661 1702 1714
Nathaniell Walters houfe 1702 1
Widdow Daggitts houfe 1702 1
Thomas Mackintire for Robert Moul-
ton Jun r houfe 1702 1
E P* Thomas Goolds houfe 1702 1
Thomas Greens houfe 1702 1
John Harrods houfe 1702 1
Peter Twist Sen r houfe 1702 1
John Tarbell Jun r houfe 1702 1
I B* John Buxton Jun r houfe 1702 1
I B* Ambrofe Hutchinfon for W m
Aliens houfe 1702 1
I B* Isaack Needhams houfe 1702 1
Samuel Rays houfe 1702 1
Humpry Case houfe 1702 1
John Gansou for Lanes houfe 1702 1
Clemant English houfe 1702 neer Ez 1
Watters : Entred In folio 10
Ebenezer Marsh houfe 1702 1
21 1
Cap" John Gardners A ceo" of Charge with others In
measureing off Salem Comons takeing a platt Rolds and
bags &c tt amounting to p his acco" giuen In : fouer pounds
Ten Shillings, is allowed and ordered to [be] paide ; paid
accordingly Salem the [ ] day of May 1715
Agreed that the Committe meet att the Ship Tauerne
In Salem on ffryday next att one of the Clock afternoone
being the 6 th day of May 1715
[34] Att A Meeting of the Committe for Receiueing
of the Claimes to y e Comon Lands In Salem, Mett att the
Ship Tauerne In Salem on ffryday the Sixth day of May
1715
Present of the Committe
Cap tt Samuel Gardner Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Thomas Flint Joaiah Woolcott Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood William Hirst Esq r
Cap" Jonathan Putnam Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Cap" Walter Price
* In later handwriting.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVII 8
114 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
CLAIMS RECED
1661 1702 1714
Joseph Deans houfe 1714 1
Timothy Orne 1714 1
Thomas Simonds 1714 1
Joseph Androfs 1714 1
Mallachy Foot 1714 1
Gamaliell Hodges 1714 1
Lemon Beadle 1714 1
Nathaniell Phippen 1714 1
I B* Coll Sam 11 Browns new houfe
on his farme neer Darlings 1
m r John Cabotts houfe 1714 1
Edward Cox houfe 1714 1
Joseph Cooks houfe 1714 1
Widdow Experience Flints houfe
1714
Eliezer Lyndsey houfe 1714 1
John Machum Laborer 1714 1
Cap" Benjamin Pickman 1714 1
Jonathan Boice houfe 1714 1
Samuell Cooke Cooper 1714 1
Samuell Endecott houfo 1714 1
Lef" Abell Gardner farme houfe neer
Needhams 1714 1
William Osburne Jun r houfe 1714 1
[I] T* John Slap 8 houfe 1714
John Southwick Jun r houfe 1714 1
Robert Wilfon Jun r houfe 1714 1
Mofses Aborne Jun r houfe 1714 1
Jonathan Felton houfe 1714 1
Samuell Felton houfe 1714 1
John Fuller houfe 1714 1
[I] T* Samuell Fuller house to Coll
Turner 1714 1
Joseph Fuller houfe 1714
Dauid Richardson houfe 1714 1
John Tarbell Jun r houfe which was
Entred in 1702 folio 33 1714 1
* In later handwriting.
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 115
1661 1702 1714
John Osburne Village houfe 1714 1
Josiah Putnam houfe 1714 1
Joseph Putnam Jun r houfe 1714 1
William Small houfe 1714 1
W O* Benjamin Wilkins Jun r 1714 1
Accquilla Wilkins houfe 1714 1
[I] T* Joseph Wilkins houfe 1714 1
John Wilkins Tertias houfe 1714 1
John Browne weauers houfe 1714 1
E] P* John Dale Jun r houfe 1714 1
W] O* Jonathan Howard houfe 1714 1
IB]* Richard Hutchinfon house 1714 1
fVilliam Porters houfe 1714 1
William Rufsell Jun r houfe 1714 1_
45
[35] Thomas Bailey Jun r houfe 1714 1
I B* Benjamin Rufsell heufe 1714 1
Georg Peals houfe 1714 1
Jonathan Fuller houfe 1714
Is Entred In fo 23-1
Ezekiell Cheuers J* houfe 1714 1
Daniell Epps Jun r honfe 1714 1
Cornelius Tarbell houfe 1714 1
John Putnam weauer for Renalds
Cottage Right & Baileys Cottage
Right 2
John Wilkins Sen r for Gingells Cot-
tage Right 1
Capt" Thomas Lawthrops Cottage
Right on y e Land neer Guppies 1
4 6
Att A Meeting of the Comitee for Receiuing of Claimes
to the Comon Lands In Salem which was further Im-
powered by the Proprietors att A Proprietors meeting held
the third March 17fy for Receiueing & entring all further
Claimes or Rights as may Come In or be brought In
* In later handwriting.
116 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
unto said Comitte untill October next and no Longer
mett att the Ship Tauern on Munday the 6th March 17f$
Present of the Committe
Cap" Samuel Gardner Coll Samuel 1 Browne Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood Josiah Woolcott Esq r
Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
CLAIMS RECED S D DAY
1661 1702 1714
Nath a Mafsey : 5 Cottage Rights, in
his feild Benet Phelps Ropes :
two Wallers and at his homsted
Jn Buffinge 6
Jonathan Pudney houfe 1714 1
Ebenezer Moulton houfe 1702 (is on
y e Comon Land and therefore no
Right belongs to him)*
John Bickford for Bishop and bounds
Cottage Right in his feild 2
CLAIMES RECED E THE THIRD OF
April 1721 the Maj r Part of y e
Comitte present
George Hodges for Wilfons Cottage
Right in their feild 1
William Osburne Jun r Grandf*
Burtons Cottage Right & his
Vncle Burton right 1702 11
Samuell Osburne for his Grandfather
Burton Cottage Risrht in y e North-
feild 1
Isaack Reed houfe 1714 1
Nathaniell Mafsey for John Shiply
Cottage Right in the Northfeild 1
CLAIMES RECED THE FIRST OF
May 1721 the Maj r Part of the
Comitee being prese"
Samuell Putnam houfe 1702 1
* In later handwriting.
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 117
1661 1702 1714
Isaack Burtons houfe 1714 1
Joseph Buxton Jun r houfe 1714 1
John Prefsons houfe 1714 1
Samuell Aborne S r house 1702 &
his fathers Cottage Right in the
North feild 1 1
Joseph Neal Eftate for his Grandf a
Laws Cotage Right neer m r
Kitchins or m r maul 8 1
S F* Sam 11 Phillips for Liscomb or
berries Cottage Right in his
Garden 1
Jonathan Corwin Esq r Estate for Cap"
Dauenport Cottage Right in his
Garden 1
Richard Palmer for his wife Mary
Polden old day Cottage Right
& his own houfe 1714 1 1
John Mafkoll for Laskins Cottage
Right in the Southfield 1
Abraham Goodals houfe 1714 1
Benj a Flint for mory : Peese : &
Bacon Cotage Rights on his f a
homsted & Barbers in brickiln
feild 4
and for old Robinfons Cottage right
& Disbernesf Cottage Right 2
B Ger* John Wilkins Jun r houfe for
1714 Reced 3 d July 1721 1
Nath a . Black for James Smith and
John Tucker Cotage Right in
his feild Re[cd] 6 mon th 1721 2
I B* Robert Hutchinfon houfe 1714
Reced the 5 June 1721 p grand
Comite
30 2 [7]
* In later handwriting. f Perhaps Disberries.
118 8ALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
[36] CLAIMES BROUGHT FFORWARD & RECED 7 TH
AUGUST 1721 & Y E MAJ R PART OF THE COMITTE
BEING PRESENT
1661 1702 1714
John Trask S r for his fathers Cottage
Right in y e old orchard 1 :0
and Peter Sims Cottage Right
in the Northfield ouer Ags"
Sd Trasks houfe 1 :0
and m r Herick Cottage Right
in the Northfeild ouer ags"
Mafsies 1 :0 3
Cap" John Dodge by his son
Jonathan Dodge claimes for
his fathers houfe & Cotage
Rig" 1:1
John Marsten m r ffriend Nehe-
miah Howard & for a houfe
old boyce Liued in where 45 1
John and William Osbtirne for Edward
Goiles Cottage Right on the North-
side of y e brook 1
John Ruck for m r Thomas Gardner
Cotage right in his homested
not Entred before now 1
William Curtice Claimes for wid
Babsons Cottage Right in Pot-
ters feild 1
CLAIMES RECED 4 TH SEP TT 1721 :
The maj r part of the Comite being
Present
G S* John Sibley of the Village for
his houfe 1714 1
Benjamin Hutchinson for Georg Wy-
ats houfe on D r Ingersons Land 1
m r John Putnam S r for his houfe
Wooden Hues in 1
*In later handwriting.
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 119
1661 1702 1714
De a Eleazer Putnam for his dwelling
houfe neer Georg Cloyce 1
John Masters Estate for Lamberts
Cottage Eight neer Woolens
houfe 1
John Pudney Jun r Estate for their
houfe 1
E P* Samuell Pudney Dwelling houfe
1714 and M r Humphries Cottage
Right 1 1
James Phillips for his brother Jacob
Phillips houfe 1702 1
RECED 2 OCTOBER 1721
the maj r Part of the Comitte being
Present
Ezekiell Watters for for his fathers
Cottage Right neer Catt Cone 1
Robert Stone for his Gradfather Stones
Cottage Right near Shaflins 1
Jonathan Neale for his Grandfather
Laws Cottage Right on y e lott in
y e Northfeild 1
Anthony Buxton for his houfe 1714 1
Hazadiah Smith for his [house]
bought of Kittle formerly John
Walcots 1702 1
Benj a Ornes Estate for Longstafs
house 1702 and half his fath r
De a Orn s Cottage right J 1
Josiah Orne half his Grandfath r De a
Orn 6 Cottage right
Jacob Griggs for Jacob Barnys Cot-
tag Right wher s d Grig 8 now
Hues 1
Nathaniel Sibley for his grandfather
Canterbury right northfield & his
own house 1702 1 1
* In later handwriting.
120 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
1661 1702 1714
John Simons for his father 8 other
Cottage Right att his homested 1
Co 11 Sam 11 Browne Esq r for for one of
Anrums Cottage Right 8 neer
Goiles & Hamptons Cottage
right in Gou r Endicots feild 2
Cap" Thomas Raymond for Edward
Bifhop Jun r houfe 1702 & old
barny 8 Cotage Right at y c point 1 1
Thorndick Proctor for Benj a Scarlets
old Cottage Right & 1 for popes
houfe neer Bufams 1 1
Serj" Daniell Bacon Claimes a Cottage
Right for Sweets houfe on his
Land 1
Peter Henderson S r for Jobe Billiards
houfe 1702 1
Joseph Buxton for Wheeler's Cottage
Right in the Northfeild 1
John & Samuell Ropes for Phelps Cot-
tage Right on their Land 1
Joseph Deans Estate for Coals Cottage
Right 1
John Wilkins for Samuell Wilkins
houfe 1702 1
Nicolafs Bay ley houfe 1714 1
RECED 6 OCTOB* 1721
the maj r part of the Comite being
present
Skelton Felton for wid Sheldens
houfe 1702 1
John Robinson for his fathers Cotage
right Nfeild on y e Land Sould
to Joseph Buxton 1
John Mechim Laborer for his Grand f a
Henry Trask houfe on marshals
Lott in y e Nor th feild entr d in
[pa] 18 '
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1715-1739. 121
1661 1702 1714
Edward Flints estate for 2 Cotage
Rights in y e feild on the South
side of y e way Golethite & Kenny 2
Samuell Swasey for James Hardies
houfe 1702 1
31 11
CLAIMES RECED 5 FEE 17f
the ma[j r part of the Comite being
present]
Daniel Shaw for his brother W m
Shaws houfe 1714
'To the heirs of W m Adams the Shep-
erd for his houfe 1702
M r Benj a Gerish estate for a Cot-
tage Right in the feild formerly
Jn Crumels 1
RECED 5 MARCH
Mial Bacon for a Cottage Right on his
Land before 1661 proued formerly 1
33 12 9
Mem the Last Claimes that was Reced is Eutred in
folio 21
[37] Att A Meeting of the Commity for Receiuing of
the Claimes to the Common Lands in Salem mett att the
Ship Tauern in Salem : the 4 th February 171|
Present of the Comitte
Cap" Samuell Gardner Col Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Jonathan Putnam William Hirst Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Josiah Woolcott Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Sould [* this day *] to Col Samuel Browne Esq r one
Acree and Seuen Eight parts of on e Acree of Low Ground
and Swampy Land adjoyning to his farme neer Darlings
Att A Meeting of the Committe for Receiueing of the
122 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
Claimes to the Common Land[s] in Salem mett att the
Ship Tauern in Salem the Second Day of Aprill 1716.
Present of the Committe
Cap tt Walter Price Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap tt Jonathan Putnam Josiah Woolcott Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood Cap" Thomas Flint
Whereas the Said Proprietors att A Generall Meeting
on the Twenty Second Day of Nouember one Thousand
Seuen Hundred and Fouerteen Amongst other things Im-
pow[ered]the Said Committe to make Sale of Some Small
Peices or Strips of Land off Said Comon Land [s] for De-
fraying the Nefsefsary Charges of the Said Committe and
of meafureing the Comons [and] Profsecuteing Trefspafs-
ers or Incroachers on Said Comon Land which Voat was
Reinforst and Confirmed and Enlarged by Another meet-
ing of the Proprietors January 31 st 171* as I[n] and by
the Records may Appear Persuant whereto
The Said Committe in Consideration of the Sume of
Fouer Pounds in Prouince Bills of Cred[it] to them paid
for and on behalfe of the Said Proprietors for the Ends
and Vfes aforesaid by Coll Samuell Browne Esq r of Sa-
lem in the County of Efsex, Haue Granted and Sould unto
[him] A Certain Strip or Peice of Low Ground and Swamply
Land being parte of the Comon Land aforesaid Contain-
ing about one Acree and Seuen Eight Parts of one Acree
Sittuate in Salem aforesaid Bounded as followeth ; from
the NorthEast Corner bound of the Land the Aforesaid
Col Samuell Browne Esq r had in Exchange from the
Towne of Salem aforesaid Twenty Rod Running throng [h]
the Swamp and from the Northwest Corner of the Land
Said Browne had in Exchange from the Towne of Salem
aforesaid Twenty Rod being Sixteen Rod Distance from
Said Brownes Farme ffence on the Northside of the Swamp
To HAUE AND TO HOLD the Said Peice of [Land] with all
the Priuiledges and Apertenances thereto belonging or
any waies Apertaining [un] to him the Said Col Samuell
Browne Esq r his heirs and Afsignes foreuer
[38] Third Day of Aprill 1716
Att A Meeting of the Committe that were Chofen and
Impowered by the Proprietors of the Comon Lands in
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 123
Salem to Call all Meetings of y e Proprietors of the Said
Comon Lands Tuseday the third day of April] 1716
Present of the Committee
William Hirst Esq r Col Samuell Browne Esq r
Josiah Woolcot Esq r Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Agreed and ordered that there be A Meeting of the Pro-
prietors of the Comon & Vndiuided Lands in Salem on
Munday the Seuenth day of May next att Tenn of the
Clock before noone att the Meetinghoufe in Salem with-
in the Town Bridge, To Consider off and make such
orders methods and Rules which may be thought Proper
& nefsefsary for Preseruing of the Wood on the Comon
Lands in Salem and annexing such Penalties as shall be
thought Suitable and Conuenient. And alfo to consider of
what may be further Nefsefsary Refering to Stenting and
Fenceing Said Comon Lands and for Chooseing Such
Commite or Commities as may be thought needfull for
Accomplishing and Effecting the Same and that Notify-
cations be posted Vpp on the three meeting houfes in
Salem
Notifications Posted Vp Accordingly
Att A Meeting of the Commite that were Chofen and
Impowered by the proprietors of the Comon Lands In Sa-
lern to Call all meetings of the Proprietors of the Said
Comon Lands mett Tuesday the 14 feb 17f Present of
the Comitte
Col Samuell Browne Esq r ^
Josiah Woolcot Esq r > Mett att the houfe of M r
Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r } John Pratt in Salem
Agreed and ordered that there be A Meeting of the
Proprietors of the Comon and undiuided Lands In Salem
on ffryday the Third day of March next att Tenn of the
Clock in the forenoone att the Towne houfe in Salem ; To
Consider of waies & means for better Improueing of the
Comon Lands of the proprietors In the Towne of Salem
by further Fencing and Stinting Said Lands to the pro-
prietors or otherwaies as may be thought most Beneficiall
for the proprietors
124 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
That whereas their is yett diners Claimes to Said Comot*
Lands nott yett brought In receiued or Entred by the
Comite who were appointed for that End wherefore Itt is
propofed that there be an Enlarging and further Impow-
ering the SaidConlitte to Receiue and Enter all Such fur-
ther Claims as may Come In Six months time or longer as
the proprietors may thinck ffitt, they being made to Ap-
ear to the Sattisfaction of Said Comitte according to the
rules and method formerly Vfed In Receiuing the other
Claimes
Alfo to give larger and further power to the first or
Grand Comitte for Selling Some more peices or parcels
of Land as may be Needfull and Nefsefsary for paying
for y e Stone wall and fencing already made or to be made
p order of the propriety
To Answer the Petition of Cap" Jonathan Putnam and
others of the Village for Granting of Land for Enlarg-
ing their Training Feild or Common
Alfo for makeing Choice of A Comitte for Looking
after Encroachments and Setling of Bounds of the Comon
Lands on the otherside of Ipswich Riuer and Ells whare
Notify cations ware ported up on fouer meetinghoufes
16 Feb 17f ?
Accordingly
Mem the Voats att the meeting by Vertew of the aboue
Warrant is Recorded in fol 50
[39] Att A Meeting of the Proprietors of Land Lying
in Comon within the Towne of Salem held Att the Meet-
inghoufe in the first Parrish In Salem the Seuenth Day of
May one Thousand Seuen Hundred and Sixteen being
Legally warned
Voated That Coll Samuell Browne Es : is Chozen
Moderator for the Meeting
Voated That any Person or Persons whatsoeuer who
Shall hereafter Cutt or Carry of Any wood Timber or
Trees Standing Lying or Growing on the Comon Lands
In Salem Belonging to the Proprietors thereof without
Liberty first obtained from the Comitty of the Proprietors
or the Major part of the Propriety Shall forfeitt unto the
Propriety and pay in unto the Clark of the Proprietors
SALEM COMMONEKS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 125
for the Vfe of the Propriety Twenty Shillings for Euery
Tree of one Foot ouer and Tenn Shillings for Euery Tree
under that Bignefs
Voated That the Comon Lands In Salem be Fenced
and Stinted as Soon as may bee with Conueniency
Voated That the fformer Committe Chozen to Keceiue
the Claimes to the Comon Lands In Salem Viz" Coll
Samuell Browne Esq r Josiah Woolcot Esq r William Hirst
Esq r Steph n Sewal Esq r Cap" Samuel Gardner Cap" Wal-
ter Price Cap" Jonathan Putnam Cap" Peter Osgood &
Cap" Thomas Flint are now Chozen and Appointed A Com-
mittee to order Lay out and Gett the Said Comon Lands
ffenced and Stinted and they are desired to Gett our
Neighbors thee Proprietors In Lynn to Joyn with us in
fencing on Lynn Line and that this Committe do ffence
on Lynn Line and Elsewhere to Enclofe the Comon Lands
as they Judge Best and moste Conuenient for the Propri-
etors and to Sett out Each persons Proportion of ffence
and Gett them to do Itt as soon as may bee and that the
whole fence be made Sufficient and According to Law
with Good Stone wall or other Good Raill fence and that
there be Suitable and Conuenient Gates made and Hung
on the Roads and Highwaies where may be thought need-
full by the Committe and the whole to be done and Corn-
pleated by the Tenth Day of March next Ensueing
Voated That the Committe do Desire and Gett Liberty
of the Quarter Sefsions for Allowing thee Gates to Stand
on the Highways
Voated That If any Person or Persons do Refuse or
neglect to make up his or their part or prop [or] tion of Said
fence att or before the time prefixt being notifyed of his
Part or Proportion wh[ereof] to be made Shall be Lyable
to the Penalty as by Law is Prouided in Such Cafes of
neglectt [of] makeing up their part of ffence
Voated That the Charge of Gates and other Nefsefsary
Charges Arifeing from the Stateing and Fenceing of the
Comon Lands or any otherwaies In manageing this afair
be paide out of the monys that may be Raised by the afore-
said Comitte who are hereby Impowered to Sell Some
wood and Some Small Strips and peices of the Comon
Lands as is Needfu[l] for Efecting the Same
126 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
Att A Meeting of the Committee that were Impowered
to Gett the Comon Lands In Salem fenced and Stinted
Salem 12 th May 1716
Present of the Committee
Cap tt Walter Price Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood Josiah Woolcott Esq r
Cap" Samuell Gardner Stephen Sewall Esq r
Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r Is desired to Treat with the
Proprietors of Lynn Land adjoyning On Salem Line In
order to Fence half with Vfs
Agreed that there be A meeting of the Commite aboue
Said on Satterday next att th[e] Ship Tauern in Salem att
one of the Clock afternoone.
[40] Att A Meeting of the Committee for Receiueing
of the Claimes to the Comon Lands In Salem and alfo
Impowered for fencing and Stenting the Same mett att
the Ship Tauern in Salem 26 th May 1716
Present of the Committe
Cap" Jonathan Putnam Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Cap" Samuell Gardner
Whereas Att A Generall meeting of the Proprietors of
the Comon & undiuided Lands within the Township of
Salem duely warned and mett the 7 th day of May 1716
Itt was Yoated that the Said Commons Should be fenced
and Stinted Persuant to the fenceing whereof in a Regu-
ler maner and as may be as Easy and Acceptable to the
parties Concerned as may be. Ordered that the Said
Committe mette att the houfe of M r John Pratts in Salem
on the first Tuesdays in June, July, and August next att
Two of the Clock in the afternoone Each day where the
Proprietors may haue Liberty to Enter their names for
the makeing Vp their proportion of fence betwixt the
Inhabitants of Lynn who are proprietors Joyning on Said
Comon Lands or any other places where itts needful 1 to
be fenced and thereby haue opportunity to take their
choice and Signify whether they will make up their parts
of fence themselves or pay their mony for thee accomplish-
ment thereof
SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739. 127
Coll Samuell Browne Esq r Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
Cap tt Peter Osgood [or any 2 of them ] * is desired to
Treat with the Proprietors of Lynn Lands adjoyning on
Salem Line in order to fence half with Vfs.
Ordered that theCommitteforlncroachments are desired
to Remoue y e fence off the Land that was Recouered att
the Superiour Court in Nouember Last held in Salem ;
against John Traske S r unlefs Said Traske forthwith Come
to the Committe of the Comons and agree for the Same
Comon Lands ; and take Such Afsistants with them as
they shall thinck Conuenient to accomplish the Same
The Committe for fenceing and Stenting the Comon
Lands in Salem mett at the houfe of M r John Pratt in
Salem the first Tuseday in June and the first Tuseday In
July : and the first Tuseday In August att Two of the
Clock in the Afternoone
Present of the Committe the 7 th August 1716
Cap" Walter Price Col Samuel Browne Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood William Hirst Esq r
Josiah Woolcot Esq r
Steph n Sewall Esq r
Agreed to meet
[41] At A Meeting of the Committe for ffenceing and
Stenting the Comon Land In Salem att the houfe of m r
John Pratt in Salem ffryday the Eight day of ffebruary
Present of the Committe
Cap" Samuell Gardner Coll Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Peter Osgood William Hirst Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Josiah Woolcot Esq r
Maj r Stephen Sewal Esq r
Persuant to A Yoate of the Proprietors of the Comon
Lands in Salem Impowering the abouesaid Committe to
order Lay out and gett the Said Comon Lands in Salem
fenced and stinted
Agreed and ordered by Said Committe That Each Pro-
prietor of the Comon Lands In Salem abouesaid, Do make
Vp or Caufe to be made Three Rods for Each Right of
Good Suffitient fence in Good Stone wall of fouer foot
* Written on the margin.
128 SALEM COMMONERS RECORDS, 1713-1739.
and half in height off Suffitient thicknefs where itt Can
be made without Extraordinary difficulty and with other
Good Raile fence where Stone wall Cannot be mad[e]and
to be done by the Tenth day of March next if Pofsible or
as Soone after as may bee
Ordered and Agreed that Cap" John Gardner be desired
forthwith or as Soone as may be to Sett out to Each Pro-
prietor his Proportion of Fence According to their
Respectiue Rights as by a List giuen to Said Gardner Be-
gining with the first person named in Sa[id] List; Att
or neer James Darlins and So on the Line Round until
the whole be fenced ; And such persons as haue already
made up wall on the Line to be paid by Such whoes Lo[t]
itt may fall to or they to make up the Like Proportion of
fence for them where their Lo [t] may happen to fall ; and
further where any person or persons has any Suffitientt
fence bordering on the Comons Shall be allowed one halfe
of their ffence as the Law Prouides to be allowed out of
their Rights and the Remainer to be paid for by Such Pro-
prietor whofe Lott itt Shall fall too
Agreed to that m r John Williams and m r George Lock-
er are Appointed and desired to notify Each proprietor
of his or her Proportion of fence according to the Return
of Cap" Gardner aforesaid and to take an acco" of all per-
sons that will make Vp their parte of fence or pay for
makeing up their parts of ffence as abouesaid
Att A Meeting of the Committe for fenceing and Stent-
ing the Comon La[nd] In Salem att the houfe of m r John
Pratt Wednesday the 8 th may 1717
Present of the Committe
Cap" Samuell Gardner Col Samuell Browne Esq r
Cap" Jonathan Putnam Josiah Woolcot Esq r
Cap" Walter Price Maj r Stephen Sewall Esq r
M r John Williams and M r George Locker are Appoint-
ed and desired to notify all the Proprietors in this List,
the first Diuilion to meett att M r James Darlins on the 23 d
day of Inst [ant] may att Eight of the Clock before noone
and the proprieters in "the Second Diuition to meet at Cap tt
Lindsies neer the ponds on Said day att Tenn of the Clock
To be continued.
JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER
An engraving made by Wilcox, from a photograph taken by Southworth
and Hawes about 1855, and used in Whittier's Complete
Works (1888) Volume III.
Used here by courtesy of his publishers, Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Company.
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
OP THE
ESSEX INSTITUTE.
VOL. XXXVII. APRIL, 1901. No. 2.
SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF THE
POET WHITTIER.
A paper read before the " Whittier Home Association of Amesbury,"
December 16, 1899, and before the " Whittier Club "
of Haverhill, December 18, 1900.
BY ROBERT S. RANTOUL.
[ With addenda, an engraving of Whittier, and an autograph letter. ,]
WHEN I was growing up, a group of twelve very
remarkable men loomed above my mental horizon. This
was due to the circumstance of my father's various rela-
tions with them. Perhaps I cannot say this with entire
delicacy. If I say more I may do worse. But we are
among friends. I am going to name them, and you must
pardon me if it seem to you to be in questionable taste.
In the order of their birth they were : Lemuel Shaw,
Levi Wood bury, Rufus Choate, Caleb Gushing, William
Pitt Fessenden, John Greenleaf Whittier (the last three
connected in blood), Salmon P. Chase, Abraham Lincoln,
Charles Sumner, Edwin M. Stanton, Ebenezer Rockwood
Hoar, John Albion Andrew. Of each of these I knew
something as a youngster might. By this I do not mean
to say that I occupied a place in the thoughts of either,
beyond a general kindly feeling. I would only have it
HIST. COLL. VOL. Ill VII 9
130 SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES
understood that I was near enough to these extraordinary
persons to form my own estimate of them so far as I was
capable of doing so, to feel their touch, to be con-
scious of the perturbation which a nebulous mass might
be supposed to feel from the proximity of a planet.
I think I recall no one of them with greater interest
than Whittier. He survived them all but one. I attended
his funeral. The day was ideal a cloudless September
sky above, a wealth of autumn beauty all about. No
word was uttered in speech or song that day but it
was apt, spontaneous, sincere. I think I never joined
in obsequies more fit. Their simplicity was absolute.
What was said welled up from full hearts. What was
not said was as eloquent as speech. The poet Stedman
spoke as few men can, and with a grace and aptness which,
perfect as they were, yet seemed unstudied. It was hard
to say whether deep feeling or critical characterization
were the leading quality of his words. And the Hutchin-
sons sang "Lay Him Low" as if it had been written for
themselves and for the day, and the sister Friends, whose
habit of speech in public gatherings made the part they
took seem only the expected thing, bore testimony from
out the depths of their experience to what the world had
come at last to know. The silent musing of the congre-
gation of Friends has always moved me deeply. So much
of what the world says at an open grave, for fear some
tribute may go unpaid, were better to rest unspoken in
the thoughts. With the poet himself, I could always say :
" I love the silence multiplied
By these still forms on either side."
And again :
" For thee, the priestly rite and prayer,
With holy day and solemn psalm :
For me, the silent reverence, where
My brethren gather, slow and calm."
You will not look to me for any critical estimate of the
man or of his work. Others have furnished that. At
least there is no need of it here, where you were his neigh-
bors all, and knew him and loved him and rejoiced in his
successes as though they were your own. He has taken
his place in English literature long ago, and I think the
OF THE POET WHITTIER. 131
passing years, as they soften down the controversial side
of his career, tend to make his place in letters all the
more secure. Certainly it is established in your hearts.
Parkman has called him "The Poet of New England."
May ranked him as "The Laureate of the Anti-Slavery
Cause." Dr. Channing said he had the fire and energy
of an ancient Prophet. Professor Nichol, of Glasgow,
places him as the "Lyric Poet of American Politics."
And the London Athenaeum has described his Home Bal-
lads as " Poetry worth waiting for." The beauty and
spirituality of his finer poems have come to be perceived.
The Reformed Jews of New York, in their magnificent
Tabernacle at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Forty Sec-
ond Street, use some of his hymns of hope and consolation.
I know strong men who have begun to read them on the
bed of death. Sorrow and bereavement bring us into close
touch with a poet like Whittier.
Mr. Whittier's simplicity was that of childhood itself.
It amounted to shyness. But while he was absolutely
incapable of being exploited or lionized for any object,
even though it were one of public importance dear to
his heart, his self-reliance was ready upon call. It did
not wait to be mustered up. He had that courage which
has no need to be made sure of itself by seeking oppor-
tunities for display.
I was present at perhaps the last of the Ashby gather-
ings at the Laurels on your noble River, where, towards
the sunset hour, we came together in a little thicket for
some words at parting. Mr. Garrison spoke, he was
at his best that day, and the venerable Mr. George C.
Chase of Salem improvised some pleasing and timely
rhymes, and the rest of us did our little parts, and Mrs.
Houston- West gave us a song or two, and at every brief
interval of silence there were calls for Whittier. Still he
hid in his covert among the laurels. The situation was
getting to be a little painful, when Mrs. Lippincott of
Philadelphia (Grace Greenwood she was called, a
favorite platform speaker of the day, and a writer in the
"National Era" when it was edited by Whittier) stepped
out from the group of which he made one, and said, with
perfect composure, " Mr. Whittier, let me relieve you
of this embarrassment. I will cut the Gordian knot. I
132 ttOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES
know just how you feel, for I have felt it a thousand times.
Let me speak for you," which she proceeded to do, to the
acceptance of everybody, Mr. Whittier especially.
Later, in 1882, when I was a member of the Republican
State Central Committee, 1 was designated to conduct Mr.
Whittier from his rooms in Boston on the morning of the
Music Hall Convention which put Robinson forward for
the defeat of Butler, and I was specially charged to place
him in a conspicuous seat near the front of the platform
that all Massachusetts might see that he was with us. By
dint of much entreaty and persuasion I finally prevailed.
No man was better entitled to a high seat in the party
Sanhedrim at that time, nor more worthy to be held up as
the High Priest of Massachusetts Republicanism. But
the proceedings were scarcely opened when I found his
chair was vacant. He had stolen away to a hiding place
beside the great organ, where he could see and hear with-
out being discovered, and the Convention from that time
on, so far as its visual faculties availed, was without its
poet. It seems that Mr. Whittier in his youth, on the
farm, had attempted the domestication of an unruly bul-
lock which went by the name of " Butler," and with such
success that at last he could sit between the creature's
horns. Can it be that this boyish reminiscence may have
crossed the poet's mind, while he was hiding in ambush
behind the great organ ?
Mr. Whittier's career in practical politics has been
notable and instructive. He did what we must all learn to
do before public life will be purified. So long as we hold
it disreputable to mix in politics, we do our part towards
making politics disreputable. Mr. Whittier held other
views. In the beginning he was earnestly inclined
towards a public career. He was always pronounced in
his political convictions. Colonel Higginson described
him at this early period I know not upon what authority
certainly he was for years a writer, with Irving and
Hawthorne, in the Democratic Review as a Jefiersonian
Democrat. His father was such, an old-fashioned, anti-
slavery, Quaker Democrat. The son sat, in 1835, in the
State House of Representatives for Haverhill, and my
father, who was there from Gloucester, and might have
been well described as a Jeffersonian Democrat, had rooms
OF THE POET WHITTIEK. 133
in common with Mr. Whittier in the Tontine Crescent at
the Bulfinch Oval in Franklin Street, a beautiful oasis in
the heart of Boston wiped out by the Great Fire. The
intimacy thus engendered was close and lasting, and was
nobly acknowledged in Whittier's elegiac verses, of
which Stedman has said that they take rank with the finest
in the language. Let me illustrate this attachment by an
incident. When the time came, on my leaving the coun-
try for an absence of some years, in 1875, to take leave
of Mr. Whittier, I found that he was busily engaged in
making up a collection of poems with the aid of Miss Lucy
Larcom at her home in my immediate neighborhood at
Beverly. This seemed to be an opportune time to show
him a beautiful water-color drawing, encircling some of
his lines in memory of my father in a wreath of golden-
rod and aster, both of which were referred to in the verses.
It was done for me by a Quaker lady. I took the picture
to Miss Larcom's rooms and uncovered it with some
misgiving. His glance assured me in a moment. Mr.
Whittier was so pleased with it that he took it from my
hands, placed it against the back of the sofa from which
he had arisen, and knelt down on the floor before it that
he might examine it more closely. He seemed for the
moment averse to speech, but he begged me to leave the
picture, and after a word or two I left him there to indulge
the reverie of communion with the past in which he seemed
inclined to lose himself. I was absent more than four
years, and, whenever I thought of Mr. Whittier, it
recalled the vision of the gray old man in his simple garb,
kneeling, as some Druid priest might have knelt before
a shrine, and communing with the memory of a life-long
friend. These lines open a poem called the "Garrison
of Cape Ann" and Cape Ann may be seen, under good
conditions, from the hill-top on the old homestead farm
at East Haverhill. The people of Gloucester still recall
the days when Mr. Whittier used to drive across country
from the Merrimac to the Cape, to talk politics and litera-
ture and philanthropy with my father.
Mr. Whittier was self-contained. In the company of
persons whom he did not care for, who could not draw
him out, his mind seemed to furnish him with almost
nothing to say. He had no small-talk. "Where there
134 SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES
was nothing in common he could be as remote and silent
as a mountain peak. Two clouds, both surcharged with
the electric fluid, must come together to produce the
flash. Where there was no touch there was no flow.
His ideal of mental intercourse was that of single mind
with mind, direct, undisturbed, open converse. He
distrusted in conversation the qualifications and conces-
sions and compromises called for by the presence of num-
bers. Try to save time, when you are in a hurry, by
using the same formula in writing letters to equally fast
friends and you will perceive what I mean. What fits
one friend will not fit the other, and in leaving out every-
thing which will not serve for both, you eliminate the
characteristic features and utterly destroy, from a literary
point of view, the value of both compositions. For him-
self, he was transparent in his expressions and he sought
the communion of those only who met him on his own
ground. Insincerity was incivility.
He shrank equally from the social and the public
crowd. The presence of numbers, inspiring to some men,
was to him a constraint. He told me once that he was
much interested in the Lyceum movement and that he did
what he could to promote it. But he added that it was
by procuring lecturers and entertaining them : that he
never went to hear them when he could with propriety
avoid it. Once, when great things were expected of the
movement, he was induced to appear upon the platform,
but only once. Even when nothing was expected of him,
he felt ill at ease in a large gathering. The rough-and-
tumble element of it did not conduce with him to healthy
mental operations.
He could no more face a mixed company than he could
face an audience. It was the lack of touch, of correlation
that seemed to disturb him. Miss Bremer said of him
that he could cheerfully confront martyrdom, but shrank
from the ordinary requirements of social intercourse.
Some men can face one thing and some another. General
Grant had tried his nerves in a great variety of ways and
they had not failed him, but he quailed before an audience
however friendly. When he was in Paris on his way round
the world, I saw him the guest of honor at a dinner given
by some three hundred of his admirers, under the most
OF THE POET WHITTIER. 135
flattering conditions. The grandson of Rocbambeau sat
on his right, a little to the left the grandson of Lafayette,
and life-senators and publicists and high dignitaries of
France were all about him. General Noyes, the American
Minister, born in Haverhill, presided, and told me the
next day that Grant, who had made a lame and inade-
quate response, had said, after it was all over, that he
"never was so scared in all his life."
Whittier was to the New Englander a good deal
what Freiligrath was to the Suabian and Burns was to the
Scot : he was the mouthpiece of their honest and highest
aspiration. Other American poets of his day, so far as
their work showed, might have grown up elsewhere, or
in other times. They had the cosmopolitan atmosphere,
the polish of the world's culture, they sang to the
world's ear. New England only and the anti-slavery
crisis alone could have produced Whittier. The rugged-
ness, the sturdy temper, the robust vigor was there. The
limitations also, if you will, but there was the strong local
flavor, the savor of the soil.
He learned early the lesson most needful to reformers,
that the reformatory attitude, however modestly assumed,
is in itself offensive to the general mind : that the average
man feels that what is good enough for him ought to be
good enough for anybody, and repels the assumption
that a neighbor can teach him, in the higher concerns of
life, something better than he knows, as an arrogant
assumption which ought to be discountenanced, and he
who holds it promptly brought down to the common
level. Few of us are aware of the degree ef self-control
called for in one who, while conscious of a single heart,
finds his desire to be of assistance to his fellows met in
this way. He must not give up ; he must not turn sour.
He must preserve his sweetness ; he must pursue his work.
All this Mr. Whittier did and triumphed.
A good deal has been said about Mr. Whittier's fighting
blood ; whether it came from Huguenot or Norman veins,
or from his Indian-fighting ancestors who deserted the
"meeting " for the trail and camp. He had a good deal of
the natural man left under his brown, homespun waistcoat
and straight collar. He had the reticence and presence
of an Arab chief, with the eye of an eagle.
136 SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES
For a time he kept a murderous-looking musket, which
had probably seen service in Kansas, standing behind his
study door, and I once called attention to it, and said it
did not seem to be a Quaker gun exactly, but was no
doubt a fowling-piece. With a rather unregenerate smile
he replied : " not exclusively." His war lyrics show that
he strove to avoid force as long as might be, and, when
force was unavoidable, then to make it as promptly
effective as he could. When I heard in what terms he
denounced the Harrison administration, which he had
helped into power, for its complicity in the Chili incident,
I became aware that his capacity for righteous wrath had
not exhausted itself with the poem of " Ichabod."
He was not only a politician, believing in political meth-
ods for political ends, but he was that much-berated being
a practical politician. No candidate for Congressman or
for Governor was agreed on in this section, from the foun-
dation of the party until I ceased to be a member of it
and to know its secrets, except his judgment had been
consulted at the outset, and it was much respected. He
seemed to have an unerring instinct, which served him like
a divining-rod, for selecting candidates and passing on
their availability and fitness. You know how eagerly he
came to Amesbury in his declining days, on every import-
ant election, to meet his old neighbors and associates at
the post-office, the news-stand, the grocery or the drug-
gist's, that he might use with them the influence to which
their honest reverence entitled him.
Mr. Whittier had started out in life with a distinct am-
bition to sit in Congress for this district. Of this he made
no secret. He saw clearly the work to be done and was
eager to bear a hand in doing it. It is impossible to say
how far his ambition might have been gratified or his
career successful. He had much to advance him. Like
him, Parsons, Dane and Cutler were no speakers, but yet
they won their spurs as statesmen. They moulded judg-
ments and dictated policies in committees. Wendell
Phillips said of Mr. Whittier that he was a master-builder
in the lobby. He had been brought forward, for a seat in
Congress, as early as 1832, before his age had reached
the Constitutional limit. In his 25th year his biographer
says, " whatever thought he had for the future, outside of
OF THE POET WHITTIEK. 137
farming, was in the direction of politics." And in 1835,
two years after he had taken aggressive ground in the
matter of slavery, his neighbors of Haverhill, though
generally opposing these views, this made it a marked
compliment, sent him to the State House. What he
accomplished without health, fastidious all his life as to
diet, subject to tormenting head-aches, requiring his
siesta daily, would illustrate anew if since Carlyle such
demonstration were called for what an enormous load a
feeble man can carry. But his health failed him in his
early manhood and he found himself in the doctor's hands,
disqualified for office.
He was almost a partisan politician. He would proba-
bly have contended that, with human nature constituted
as it is, so prone to extremes, so alien to logic and phil-
osophy, it were better to be a partisan than to keep aloof
from politics altogether. Work which has to be effected
through the means of human instruments be it war or
statecraft will never be done at all if we wait for
agents who have no human blemish. He believed that
the citizen of a free Republic owes his best effort to
keep its ideals high and its course true, and, failing such
effort, has no right to complain, whatever may befall the
state. He well knew that a free country can no more
be governed without parties than without laws, that
the essentials of a party are leadership and principles and
a following, and that his patriotism is not earnest, that
he is too nice for his surroundings, who is unwilling to
ooperate, in order to secure a common end, with men
with whom he has nothing in common but the end in
view. Though obliged to forego his career, he never lost
his interest in politics. If those who called him the
" Hermit of Amesbury " saw in him a recluse, and thought
he was disappointed and had allowed himself to become
embittered with the world and its injustice, they mistook
the man.
His utter independence gave his words great weight,
with his coadjutors and the country. In pre-rebellion
days, his influence was the more potent because he
could not accede to the non-political dogmas of the anti-
slavery extremists, but believed in using party means to
accomplish party ends. The volcanic diatribes against
138 SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES
the Union uttered by his friends Garrison and Phillips,
in which the latter was said to have added a new meaning
to the word "philippic," were lost on Whittier, for he clung
as long as he could to peaceful agencies within the Union.
With Lincoln he had been, at the. first, inclined towards
colonization, and with Sumner, at the end, he was ready to
wipe out the bitter record of defeat from the Nation'*
ensign. The offences of the slave-owners as a body did
not, in his view, grave as they were, forfeit their rights
to consideration in the reconstruction problem, In no
sense were they responsible, as individuals, for the intro-
duction of Slavery. They had made themselves respon-
sible for an attempt to extend its area, and such was the
unthrifty nature of the industry that it must perish unless-
it had accessions of new soil to feed its wasteful proc-
esses. Had they adhered to the view of the odious
institution held by their grandfathers when entering on
political relations with us which led up to the Union,
the problem could in time have been worked out and the
Union cemented. But, having adopted new views, the
slave-oligarchy then thought to impose these views upon
us an idle dream. We had outgrown the Cotton States
in every element of national greatness save the element of
courage, and the world at large had outgrown their anti-
quated, patriarchal system of domestic industry. Every
possible concession was to be made to bring them to their
duty. The attitude of such men as Mr. Whittier and
Salmon P. Chase and Charles Francis Adams shows how
general was the willingness to make every possible
concession. To divide the Continent between Freedom
and Slavery by setting up an artificial boundary in the
midst of it was, so far as the exodus of run-away slaves
was concerned, like bringing Canada down to Mason's
and Dixon's Line. A perpetual border warfare would
have ended, as in the case of Scotland, with the absorp-
tion of the weaker power by the stronger. And, Slavery
or no Slavery, the great North West, pouring its prod-
ucts in increasing volume down the Mississippi River,
was never destined to pay tribute to a foreign power
seated at its Delta. Their scheme was madness.
While Mr. Whittier and his associates saw all this
with more or less distinctness, and while the best thought
OF THE POET WHITTIER.
of the South was not quite blind to it, the leaders to whom
that section chose for the moment to entrust itself saw fit
to ignore all prudence, and to follow the death-dance in
which the ignis-fatuus of British recognition led them on.
To say that the Cotton States brought their fate upon them-
selves made it no whit the easier to bear. They had their
well-wishers at the North, amongst them many of the
bitterest opponents of the slave-oligarchy to which they
had succumbed. If their mistake was a fatal one it was not
altogether a strange one. But having made their mistake
they must bear the consequences of it except so far as the
magnanimity of their conquerors was able to relieve them.
Still they were joint heirs in our past, and sharers in our
incomparable traditions and, had they not tempted fate,
would never have found themselves in the plight in which
rebellion left them. Throughout this crisis Mr. Whittier
could walk with all who were going his way, for no man is
sincere who rejects honest help from anybody. Yet he
went his own way, few men more so. Rigidly he
reserved his own judgment. When, at last, he saw the
great evangel accepted to which he had consecrated the
labor and struggle of his life, for which he had subordi-
nated worldly success, literary fame, personal comfort,
every trivial wish, when the long agony was over at last,
and the battle-flags were furled, and the Laus Deo sounded,
he wrote the finest verses of his life, a swan's note for his
parting message, and laid him down to rest by the Meeting
House at Amesbury, the only one, he often told me, in
which his spirit ever worshipped.
There are those who would have it appear that Mr.
Whittier regretted his attack on Mr. Webster. I do not
think these apologists are doing good service to Mr.
Whittier's memory. I do not think they find anything in
Mr. Whittier's words or acts to justify their contention,
and I do not think he was conscious of any motive,
prompted by subsequent events, for a change of front. 1
think I know just how Mr. Whittier felt about this mat-
ter. He left little room for doubt, and meant to leave
none, when he wrote, thirty years later, the verses called
"The Lost Occasion." Probably the present age can
poorly comprehend the unique attitude of New England
towards Mr. Webster. It was near akin to idol-worship.
140 SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES
Everybody yielded to it, friend and foe almost alike.
Since colonial days, no man had held the place that he
filled in the affections of this peculiar people. He seemed
to be the embodiment of their highest purposes. Their
regard for him was a spontaneous tribute of the heart. I
was not too young to feel something of it, though, when
I saw and heard him, he was a little past his zenith. I
came to know the world when his sun was waning but
had not set.
There was such a grandeur and nobility about the man
that when the feet of clay became unmistakably apparent
and began to crumble, and his life-long worshippers began
turning his picture to the wall, began, as Mr. Whittier
said, " to pay the reverence of old days to his dead fame,"
the revulsion of feeling was something not to be con-
trolled. We make charitable excuses for Mr. Webster
now. It is easy to be wise after the event. But the
moment was a crucial one. It demanded of the manhood
of the country prompt resolve and action. It was Mr.
Whittier's part to sound the bugle-call. That blast must
have no wavering tone. It is idle now to say that we do
not like the manner of the utterance. No one else, using
verse as a medium of expression for the passion of the
moment, could have done it better. You may regret
that the duty fell to Mr. Whittier if you will, but he must
do it or it would not have been done. And it was need-
ful to be done.
The poem called"Ichabod" has amoral quality which
ranks it quite above the terrible invective Byron uttered
on the downfall of Napoleon. It has the ring of the Hebrew
Prophets. Honest indignation, even in these mawkish
days, is not to be denied its natural vent. There is no
more wholesome no more elevating emotion of the heart
than righteous resentment. Washington was no stranger
to it, and I think one of the most impressive experiences
of my life was my accidental presence in the Executive
Chamber of the State House when Governor Andrew, one
of the most amiable of men, felt called upon to administer
the rebuke of outraged sensibility to an officer who was
there to detail to him some petty personal grievance which
had brought him all the way from the front, at a most crit-
ical period of active service. Governor Andrew let the
OP THE POET WHITTIER. 141
malcontent wait until he had disposed of the other business
of the hour. He then took his case in hand, and gave way
to such a burst of scathing, fiery, blasting denunciation
as left me there were but three of us in the room
feeling as I should suppose one might feel who had
witnessed a private execution.
It is not for me to characterize Mr. Webster. My
impressions of him as a grand phenomenon of nature are
not the ebullition of callow youth. They were shared by
Thomas Carlyle and Sidney Smith and Ralph Waldo
Emerson and other mature judges of manly quality.
These men were older than I, and had observed the
phenomenon under somewhat more favorable conditions.
Mr. Whittier himself described him as
New England's stateliest type of man,
In port and speech Olympian :
Whom the rich Heavens did so endow
With eyes of power and Jove's own brow !
Whom no one met, at first, but took
A second awed and wondering look !
Such terms, applied to most men, even by a poet, would
be no better than rank hyperbole. They would belittle
their object, just as the statue is belittled when the
pedestal is too high. And after " the great thunder-darter
of Olympus forgot that he was Jove," Mr. Whittier
apostrophized him thus :
Thou ! foiled in aim and hope, bereaved
Of old friends by the new deceived,
Too soon for us too soon for thee
Beside thy lonely Northern Sea,
Where long and low the marsh-lands spread,
Laid wearily down thy august head !
This from "The Lost Occasion," written in 1880, which
some apologists have supposed to be intended for a
recantation. And here are words from "Ichabod," the
poem which gave so much offence, written in the heat of
strife while Webster lived, thirty years earlier :
Of all we loved and honored, naught
Save power remains ;
A fallen angel's pride of thought,
Still strong in chains.
All else is gone ; from those great eyes
The soul has fled :
When faith is lost, when honor dies,
The man is dead !
142 SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES
Chief- Justice Chase, then a Senator from Ohio, one of
Whittier's most sympathetic friends, was an unwilling
listener to the Seventh of March speech. He had not
intended to be present, for he felt all the old-time enthusi-
asm about Webster both were New Hampshire born,
and he knew too well what the inevitable outcome was to
be. But he was persuaded by two Baltimore ladies, to
whom he was under obligations, to escort them to the
Capitol, where they were looking forward to one of Web-
ster's grandest efforts, an occasion which they found it by
no means possible to forego. When it was over and they
were returning home together, greatly elated at the foren-
sic triumph of their champion, they pressed Mr. Chase
again and again for some little concession to their enthu-
siasm over the historic scene they had together witnessed.
"Ladies," said Mr. Chase at last, "I beg that you will
pardon me. It is Samson grinding in the mill without
the excuse of blindness !"
If such a social force as this was to be dealt with at all,
it must be with weapons not cased in velvet. The life of
New England was at white heat during the middle period
of this century, the period of the lynching of Lovejoy,
of the Garrison mob, of the rescue of Shadrach, of the
rendition of Sims and Burns, of the assaults on Sumner
and Dana, of the John Brown raid, the period when
Parker and Phillips and Beecher were speaking and the
people were listening, and John Albion Andrew was
consigning Edward Greeley Loring to political perdition.
Terrible invective was the only weapon for Whittier to
use. The guarded phrases of dilettante reform had no
place in the vocabulary of that day. It was the hammer
of Thor and no namby-pamby sentimentalism that the
times demanded.
We may well devote an hour, as the years go by,
to the memory of one who bore a man's part from first
to last, who shrank from no test, who lived here not only
with us but of us, and who left behind him lines of deep
and tender beauty which enrich the language and inform
the heart.
OF THE POET WHITTIER. 143
ADDENDA.
On June 17, 1899, the Essex Institute was invited to join the Whittier
Club of Haver hill in a visit to the poet's birthplace in that city, and
did so. The President, being unable to be present, sent a letter,
passages from which are here printed. A copy of it was forwarded
to the son of John Bright in England and brought from him an appre-
ciative reply, and this is added.
To JUDGE IRA A. ABBOT AND DR. MAURICE D. CLARKE :
Gentlemen :
I have none but delightful recollections of Mr. Whittier. He was
always most friendly with me, drawn to me, I suppose, on my father's
account. Their intimacy began with their service in the legislature
in 1835, when they had rooms together in Franklin street, opposite
the Oval and the Bulflnch Urn, in Boston. One pledge of their attach-
ment was the noble elegy written on my father's death, in 1852, which
Stedman has declared to be one of the best sustained flights of
feeling and imagination in the language strong passion elevating
art.
On my visit to Europe in 1885, Mr. Whittier gave me a letter to his
life-long friend and co-worshipper, John Bright. They had never met
except in spirit, and their frequent correspondence was supplemented,
in a way, by the visits which their common friends made now and
then upon one or the other of them.
Mr. Bright honored this draft upon his courtesy most liberally. In
taking final leave of him I said that, as we should not meet again,
I would venture to repeat what I had often said at home that it was
a subject of regret, not only with Mr. Whittier but with the American
people, that he had never visited us, and that, had he done so at the
close of our civil war, during which ordeal we had recognized in him
one of the very few Englishmen who had grasped the issue, he would
have received the greatest ovation the country was able to extend to
any living man. We had done all we could, I said, to welcome Lafay-
ette in 1824. We should have done all we could to welcome him, but
it would have been vastly more, because the country was vastly great-
er and vastly richer. The old man dropped his head for a moment
and then replied slowly : "I suppose you may be right. I have been
told that before. And if it is true, it only shows at what a little price
the British nation might have purchased the eternal gratitude and
friendship of America, and I am afraid we have lost the opportunity."
I told Mr. Whittier this on my return and he said that the modesty
of it was genuine ; that Mr. Bright's self-effacement was one of his
most striking characteristics.
Mr. Whittier told me a good many reminiscences of his earlier years
which, I suppose, are heirlooms here among his neighbors. He told
me the story of discovering his color-blindness, when his mother had
taken him out to pick wild strawberries, and he could find none. He
told me of the embarrassment this limitation had caused him through
life ; a fear lest, in describing flowers so freely as he had done in his
poems, he might sometimes go wrong as to the coloring. But I ven-
tured to remind him that, throughout the beginning of his career, he
had been a target for the most virulent attack, because of his reform-
atory attitude, and I assured him that no such blunders as he appre-
hended in the matter of color could have escaped, in anti-slavery days,
144 ADDENDA.
the rancor of his critics. I thought he might reflect upon his record
without uneasiness on that score.
He also told me of the embarrassments of his early years growing
out of what he called his limited vocabulary. This he attributed to his
scanty schooling. He said that in the white heat of literary produc-
tion, words failed him to such an extent that he was sometimes in ter-
ror lest the vision he saw so clearly should vanish before it could be
fixed on paper. His conceptions seemed to come to him these are my
words, not his on fire with impatience, like some evangel committed
to his keeping which he must perforce deliver to mankind, but his
supply of words was meagre and inadequate, andhis apprehension lest
the impassioned thought escape him unrecorded was at times most
painful.
In one of my last interviews with Mr. Whittier he told me of a visit
he had made at Concord, and, among other incidents, related this one
of Mr. Emerson. Mr. Emerson told him that he had concluded he
must give up all hope of a place among the poets. He said he could
not see that he did not write as good verses as some of the rest of
them, but the public would not buy his poems, and did not care to
read them, and there was an end of it. He seemed to himself the
words are mine like one who was warbling his notes to deaf or
unwilling ears. He seemed for the moment to feel that there was
no appellate tribunal beyond the judgment, or lack of judgment, of
his contemporaries. Mr. Whittier thought this amusing, and said
so. I suppose, now that both these poets have found their way into
the Valhalla, there can be no harm in making such disclosures of their
mutual confiding.
Before leaving Concord on this visit, Mr. Whittier had said to Mr.
Emerson: "Sometime, I want to sit down with you and compare
views about immortality."
Mr. Emerson replied: "I should like that but not today, not
today. Come round here next Monday morning at 10 o'clock and we
will drop the bucket away down into the well and see what we may
bring up."
Mr. Whittier added that he had been obliged to leave Concord and
was unable to meet the appointment, so he lost that opportunity and
no other ever came to him.
Regretting that I cannot be in Haverhill today and wishing you
every success, I remain, very truly yours,
ROBERT S. RANTOUL.
ROCHDALE, July 22, 1899.
DKAR SIR:
I am much obliged for the interesting letter which you have sent
me. When I was in the United States in 1872, I called on Whittier at
Amesbury and spent a couple of hours with him. He received me
with the greatest kindness, no doubt on account of my father, gave
me some luncheon, and afterward walked with me to the station.
It is a pleasant memory. I do not think that he has been sufllcient-
ly appreciated in this country. My father had a great admiration for
his poetry, and could repeat a good deal of it.
Yours faithfully,
J. A. BRIGHT.
( ( <
In Germany it is common to notice the anniversary of the death of
an eminent personage, and when the first anniversary of the death of
Freiligrath occurred there was a very general observance of it among
the more advanced and liberal minded of the German people. In this
observance the Americans and English then sojourning at Stuttgart,
the Poet's home, took part. Longfellow, a personal friend of
Freiligrath, and Whittier, a life-long sympathizer and admirer, were
both invited to contribute verses to this commemoration, but the
invitations reached them too late. They both, however, wrote letters
testifying to their interest in the occasion, and forwarding remittances
to the fund then raised for placing a monument over the Poet's grave.
The letter of Whittier is here reproduced in fac-simile. The original
of it is in possession of the Essex Institute.
MARINE NOTES
FROM A NEWS BOOK KEPT IN SALEM, MASS., 1812-1815,
AT THE OFFICE OF THE ESSEX INSURANCE
COMPANY, NATHANIEL BOWDITCH,
PRESIDENT.
COPIED BY GEORGE L. PEABODY.
(Continued from Vol. XXXVI, page 296.}
July 27. Schooner Jachin, Silver, from Alexandra arr d
here yesterday. The Boston Gazette mentions that 5 or 6
Square Rigged Vessels were below last ev g . The Bark
Hind coming in. She has since arrived from Gibralter and
Maderia. Arrived Sch 1 ' Dolphin, Tuck, from Richmond.
Sailed Privateer Ship John, Capt Crowninshield, on a
Cruize.
July 28. The U. S. Brig Nautilus, Capt Crane, was
captured on the 16 th Inst by the English Frigate Shannon,
after a chase of 7 hours, no guns fired on either side. The
Nautilus was only 16 hours from N. York.
Brig Rachel, Knowlton, of Salem was at Cayenne 28 th
June to sail for home in 12 days. Brig Eliza, Thaxter,
for Salem sailed from Havanna July 2. The Privateer
Ship Catharine from Boston was spoken last Tuesday
Lat. 43 N. Long. 66 W. The Brig Curlew has likewise
been spoken off Cape Sables. Admiral Sawyer's Squadron
consisting of the Africa, 64, and Guerriere, Shannon,
Belvidere, and Eolus, Frigates, was left on the 23 hist,
Lat. 38 30', Long. 70 W.
3 P. M. 3 Ships of War were seen standing into the
Chesapeake, the largest considerably crippled, a few days
since. Arrived at Cape Ann, Scho Resolution, Brown,
from South America. Passenger, Mr. S. Goodridge
who has arrived in town.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVII 10 (145)
146 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
Arrived Schn r Hercules, Felt, from Baltimore.
July 29. Brig Eliza, Thaxter, from Havanna for Salem
was spoken off the Chesapeake on the 22 inst. Sch Jane,
Ganeston, arr d at Philad. from Charleston, reports having
seen three Ships of War beating into the Chesapeake on
Monday 20 th . Arrived Boat Spunk, prize to the Free
Trader with a Cargo of Gin & Tobacco. At 4 P. M.
sailed the Privateer Schooner Dolphin, Capt Endicott, on
a cruize.
July 30. The Ship Janus, Endicott, from the Medi-
terranean for Salem is ashore on Cape Aon. Brig Factor,
Dutch, from Salem arrived at -Monte Video about the
24 th May. The Gloucester Stage was waiting to receive
the Specie from the Janus when the mail carrier left
Gloucester.
3 P. M. A Boat is arrived from Cape Ann with 30,000
.Dollars in Specie taken from the Ship Janus, the Ship
was not bulged when the boat left & would probably be
: got off next tide. The Janus is 34 days from Gibralter
,with Wine, Salt & Specie. Left Ship Bolina to sail in 10
days for home, spoke nothing, did not know of the War.
The capture of the Privateers Fair Trader & Argus is
confirmed by a Gentleman from St. Andrews.
4 P. M. Arrived a cartel from Halifax 7 days with
the Supercargo, officers & crew of the Ship Marquis De
Someruelos. 22 American Vessels had been sent into
Halifax when the cartel left. 4 others were seen going
in. The Brig George, Tucker, belonging to Jos. Peabody
Esq from the Mediterranean was sent into Liverpool
:(NS).
July 31. Arrived Ship Janus, Endicott, from Gibralter
after being ashore at Cape Ann, got off yesterday
afternoon. Capt Smith arrived at Boston yesterday.
On the 4 th July fell in with Com r Rogers Squadron, Lat.
47 17' Long. 36 West. Left them lying too. Wind at
W. by S. The British Squadron was spoken on the 25 th
Inst. 30 leagues S. E. of Nantucket. The Jamaica Fleet
was seen Lat. 48 N. Long. 40 no date given. Arrived
an English Schooner, prize to the Buckskin. 3 P. M.
Arrived Brig Eliza & Mary from Cadiz.
August 1. New York Papers mention a second riot
MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815. 147
at Bait on Monday last, in which some lives were lost.
Three Merchant Ships went into the Chesapeake on
Wednesday 22 Inst. one with her topmasts struck. Brig
Eliza, Thaxter, from Havana, has arrived at Baltimore.
The Eliza belongs to Capt Forrester.
Monday August 3, 1812. The Privateer Sloop Polly
from a Cruize of days is coming in. Arr d yesterday a
Schooner, prize to the Polly, from Jamaica with Rum, etc.
Sch r Friendship, of M, Head, left the Banks with a
lull fare, for home on Saturday 18 th ult. 4 P. M.
Arrived a deep loaded Fisherman said to be retaken by
the Privateer Regulator. Also a large Fishing Schooner
in the Offing turning up.
August 4. Arrived a Privateer Brig from Newb'yPort,
Brig Edwin, Smith, of Salem, sailed from Gib. bound
up the Mediterranean 50 days ago.
An English Brig from Jamaica for Halifax, has arr d in
the Chesapeake, prize to the Essex Frigate.
Arrived at Portland an English Barque (last from
Halifax bound to St Johns) prize to the Ship Catharine
of Boston. The prize parted Co. with the Catharine a
few days since and left her engaged with an English Gun
Brig, the firing lasted 45 minutes when the prize lost
sight of the Catharine in a thick fog.
August 5. Arr d at N. York on Sunday last. English
Ketch Gleaner from England via Halifax, with dispatches.
Arr d last evening a Sch r , prize to the Fame, Upton. 4
P. M. Sailed the Privateer Brig Decatur, Capt Nichols,
of Newb'y Port.
August 6. Orders in Council repealed. A vessel is
arrived at Wiscasset from England, left July 3, brings
accounts of the repeal of the Order in Council on the 23
June.
August 7. Sailed the Barque Hind for Boston, The
British Frigate Pomona, 36, was spoken July 9 Lat. 40 30'
Long. 52 West, from England, had been on the Station
3 Weeks had not heard of the War.
Augusts. A Bark coming in Said to be the Boston
Packet. Arrived the Privateer Schooner Fame, Upton,
from a Cruize. Also arrived the Privateer Schooner
Dart from a Cruize. Arrived at Marblehead Schooner
148 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
Friendship from the Banks with a full fare of Fish. The
Friendship was taken on her passage by an English Man
of War & after a short detention released. Arrived at
Portland last even'g, Ship Mount Vernon, Cheever, of
Salein, from Liverpool. Left 26 th June. In consequence
of the repeal of the Orders in Council the Mount Vernon
loaded with English goods for this Country, 40 or 50
Sail of vessels were about sailing for different ports in the
U. S. with Cargoes. Brig Venus, Osgood, from Salem
arr d at Gottenburg 58 days from Salem.
Monday, August 10, 1812. Pleasant. Wind North East.
Brig Sukey, Osgood, from St Michaels for St. Petersburg,
passed the Sound, & was at Falsterbo under Sweedish
Convoy 1 st June.
At Londonderry, June 30, Ship Doris, Chamberlain, of
Salem for Phila 3 rd July. Capt Cheever in the M*
Vernon, passed the Jamaica Fleet Long 22 W.
Arr d at Portland on Friday even'g, Ship Rose, of
Philad. from Stockholm 44 days. The general opinion
at Stockholm was that there would be no war between
France & Russia.
Tuesday, August 11, 1812. Schooner Madocawando,
Miller, from Wilmington, has arr d at N. Port. The Ships
Freedom & Mentor arrived at Long Hope early in June.
At Gottenburg 24 th June, Brig Eliza, Russell, for St.
Petersburg waiting Convoy. Arrived Brig Rachel, Knovvl-
ton, from Cayenne. She has on board the Capt & Mate
of an English Ship captured by the Bunker Hill, privateer,
of New York, which privateer the Rachel spoke 6 days
since.
Wednesday, August 12. Com. Rogers' squadron was
spoken July 4 th , lat. 47, long. 30. The squadron had
destroyed Two Brigs. Arr d a Schooner & sloop prizes
to the Jefferson. Arr d privateer Jefferson from a cruize.
Thursday, August 13. The Privateer Regulator has
taken possession (without any opposition) of an English
Vessel loaded with Fruit. The latter was abandoned by
her crew previous to her falling in with the R. A Ship
is arrived at Boston said to be from the Eastward. The
Ship seen in the Bay yesterday is reported to be ashore.
Friday, August 14. The Ships Mentor & Freedom &
MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815. 149
Brigs Eliza & George Little were all at Gottenburg June
21, waiting for Convoy for the Baltic. The first Baltic
Convoy passed Hanno about the 1 st June bound up.
Several Americans in it. A Cartel is arrived at Cape Ann
in 8 days fr. Halifax with 15 seamen. The Curlew was at
Halifax 26 th July, prize to the Acasta Frigate, after a
ohase of 2 1/2 hours. The Adonis & Jason, Frigates, &
Sloops of War Alert, Hazard & Comet, sailed from
Newfoundland July 8 th on a cruize.
Brig Golden Age, Fairfield, of Salem, was at Plymouth,
Eng. June 4 th . Not began to discharge. The Ringdove,
Brig, the Acasta, frigate, & Schooners Hunter & Chub,
were at Halifax 27 th July.
The following from Halifax pr. the Cartel at Gloucester.
The privateers Catharine & Gossamer had arrived at
Halifax prizes to the Colebri, Brig. The Gun Brig
Emulous was lost on Cape Sable. Crew saved. Thirty-two
prizes had arr d at Halifax since the War. The Acasta,
frigate, sailed from Halifax convoying a fleet for the West
Indies. The Catharine engaged the Colibri one hour &
half, had the boatswain killed & first Lieut wounded. The
U. S. Brig Nautilus had arr d nt Halifax. 700 American
prisoners at Halifax.
Monday, August 17, 1812. From N. York paper of
Friday 14 th . An Armistice for 30 days (in consequence
of the repeal of the Orders in Council) was agreed to on
Saturday even'g between Gen. Dearborn & the Adjiv*
Gen 1 of the Canadas. The latter left town (Albany) on his
return to Canada on Sunday morn'g (9 th inst). Capt.
Williams arr d at New York from Halifax, states that the
Acasta, frigate, saild from Halifax 1 st August on a Cruize
after the Essex, frigate, off Bermuda. Arr d yesterday
Ship Venus from Liverpool, E. bound to N. York, sent
on by the Dolphin, Privateer, Also arr d an English Brig
from Gibralter in ballast prize to the John.
The Venus was boarded on the Banks by an English
Frigate and allowed to proceed, and was afterwards taken
by the Dolphin. Arr d yesterday English Sch r
from Jamaica for Quebec with rum, prize to the John.
British packet Castenett, Davis, from Falmouth via
Halifax with the June Mail arr d at N. York on
150 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
Thursday last. Arrived the American Ship Ever Green of
Wiscasset from Liverpool prize to the Dolphin Privateer.
She left Liverpool about the 1 st July has a Cargo of
Crates, Salt, & Bale Goods bound to New York. A ship
standing in supposed an American, say eastern built,
250 tons.
Tuesday, August 18. A Cartel arrived at Boston last
even'g, 5 days fr. Halifax. The Buckskin privateer of
this port was taken by the Statira, Frigate, on the 7 th .
Vessels reported as before, heard of no recent captures.
Last even'g arrived Ship John, privateer, from a cruise
having captured in all 12 English vessels most of them of
little or no value. Saw an English Cutter in the Bay.
The Zodiac of N. York with 2200 bbls Flour for Fnyal
taken by the dispatch Vessel Alphea was given up on her
arrival at Halifax. Mr Low from Boston reports that
Adm 1 Sawyer has requested a suspension of arms for 30
days (by sea) in consequence of the repeal of the Orders
in Council.
Wednesday, August 19. 10 A. M. A Brig coming,
probably a prize. 12 M. The Brig is supposed to be the
Washington from Bonavista.
Sailed on a cruise the privateer Ship Alfred of 16 guns
& 100 men. The Hercules of Salem was at Malta 26 th
June. Also Brig Java for N Europe. 1 P. M. The
Washington is from Liverpool via Bonavista, brings
nothing new, did not hear of War till spoken by the
Cutter Jefferson off Bakers Island.
Friday, August 21. A strange Brig in the harbor
(deeply laden). Ship Magdalin, [Standley?] arr'd at
N. York on Tuesday. Spoke July 31 st on the Banks
American Frigate Essex. A Ship belonging to Salem
from Malaga, last from Gib. 37 days, was spoken near
the Banks by a Ship arr'd off N. London, (probably the
Bolina, Fairfield) 4 P. M. Arrived Brig prize to the
Ship John.
Saturday, August 22. Com. Rogers Squadron has
destroyed 37 Sail in all. The President has agreed to
the land Armistice. The Bolina was captured in Long.
58. The Ship Eliza Ann from Liverpool with a cargo
worth 1.000.000 is sent to Boston by the Yankee
MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815. 151
Privateer of R. Island. The Bolina left Gibralter July
5 th . Flour 20 Ds. Crops promising in the South.
Sailed in Co. with the Brig Java for N Europe to touch
in England. Left at Gib. Ship Hercules of Salem
uncertain. Arr d at Cape Ann a Brig, prize to the John,
Prv fc , having been retaken by an English Frigate and
re-retaken by the Lynn Privateer. Arrived a Schooner
with Fruit, prize to the Regulator, privateer, last from
Portland.
Monday, August 24, 1812. Mr Low from Gloucester
says that a Brig passed Cape Ann yesterday standing to
the Wester d . Report says a Ship passed Lynn this
morning for Boston supposed to be from England. 5 P. M.
A Ship from Cadiz has arrived at Boston. Also a
Schooner from England belonging to Alexandria, was
taken on the passage by the English, afterwards retaken,
by the Capt & a passenger, left England late in June.
Tuesday, August 25. A despatch vessel from Halifax
arrived at Boston last even'g. Arr d in the evening Ship
Alexander from Boston.
Wednesday, August 26. 2P.M. Sailed the Polly, Sloop
Privateer of 8 guns, Handy, Com, on a cruise.
Thursday, August 27. Arrived Brig Montgomery and
Ship Alfred, Privateers with loss of Topmasts & loss of
one man from the Alfred. 6 P. M. The Ship Hercules,
West, is coming from Gibralter & off Bakers Island*
Friday, August 28. Arrived Ship Hercules, West, from
Malta & Gibralter, 43 days from the latter with Wine,
Brandy, Brimstone, <&c.
Monday, August 31, 1812. Arr d at Boston yesterday
the U. S. Frigate Constitution, Capt Hull, from a cruize.
On the 19 th Aug. Lat. 42 N. Long. 55 W. captured &
destroyed the Br. Frigate Guerriere, Capt Dacres of 49
Guns & 300 men, after a short action. The Constitution
has destroyed during her cruize several English Vessels.
Arr'd at Cape Cod Brig Ellen Maria from Isle of France.
Brig William, Hanscom, of Salem, was at Kingston (Jam),
July 16th, to sail next day for St. Jaga de Cuba. The
driver of the Boston Stage reports the arrival there this
morning of Com Rogers. Ship Rambler from Salem 102
days & Brig Coromandel, 105 days from Boston, were at
the Isle of France about 20 th May.
152 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
Tuesday, September 1. Arr'd at Boston yesterday
Comodore Rogers Squadron from a cruize of 70 days,
destroyed a number of English Vessels during the
cruize. Brig Hare, Bertedy, from Naples for Boston
was spoken 29 th July. Lat. 35 40', Long. 27 W.
Aug 19th, Lat. 41 30' N. Long. 50 W. Ship Minerva,
Smith, 34 days from Gottenburg for Philadelphia.
Arr d at Boston yesterday a Cartel Brig 9 days from
Halifax, the crews of the Ship Marquis & Brig George
came up in this vessel. The Privateer Regulator,
Mansfield, of Salem had arrived at Halifax (captured).
Brig Dryade, Endicott, at St. Petersburgh last of June,
also Ship Sachem from Boston. Brig Diomede, Brace,
arrived at Isle of France May 28.
Wednesday, Sept. 2. Ship Dorris of Salem from Ireland
for Philad a was spoken Aug. 22 nd Lat d 43 Long d 52 W,
Aug 29 th was spoken privateer Sloop Polly, Handy, 4
days from Salem.
Thursday, Sept. 3. Arrv'd at Boston, Brig Ellen Maria,
Skillings, from Isle of Farnce, left among others, Brig
Diomede, Brace, from Salem 100 days.
Friday, Sept. 4. At 9 A. M. arr d an English Ship
from Liverpool bound to N. York with Salt & Crates,
sent in by the privateer Montgomery. 11 A. M. Arr d
an English Bark in ballast prize to the Decatur, Brig.
Coming in, the privateer Sloop Polly. An English
Squadron of three Frigates was off Nantucket on
Thursday last. (Centinel.)
Saturday, Sept. 5. The Privateer Dolphin, Endicott, of
this port has been captured by the Shannon, Frigate &
Also the Sch r Phebe from Civita Vecchia. Arrived a
light Brig supposed from the East d .
Monday, September 7, 1812. Arr d at Boston Brig John,
from Plymouth, E. 38 days. London dates to July 25 th
no news. At Plymouth, Brig Golden Age, Fairfield, of
Salem. Brig Java, Candler, of Salem from Mediterranean
arr d at Plymouth 19 July & Sailed for the Downs
22 nd Capt Bradley of Brig Phebe left the Eolus on the
1st Sept, 20 leagues East d of Block Island in 50 fathoms
water. The Eolus, 32, mounts 41, 18's& 24's. Spartan,
38, mounts 50, Maidstone, 36, mounts 44. Shannon,
38, mounts 50. The Laura, Frigate, joined the English.
MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815. 153
Squadron off Nantucket 30 th Aug. SaiFd privateer
America, Ropes & Alfred, Williams, on a cruise.
Tuesday, Sept. 8. Arr d at Boston last ev'g Brig Leader,
Emery, from Cevita Vecchia, left July 24 th , passed Gib.
Aug 6 th , spoke nothing. Also below, a dismasted Ship
supposed to be the New Galen. It is said the U. S.
Brig Viper, has been sent into N. Providence. A Convoy
left Hanno 29 th June for Wings Sound. A Convoy
left Gottenburg 5 th July for England, put back on the
the 12 th . Ship Isabella from N. York was at Archangel
12 th June. Ship Sea Lyon from Boston at Gottenburg.
Arr'd last night privateer Dart, having Captured an
English Brig. Yesterday arrived at Boston Ship New
Galen from Liver?.
Wednesday, Sept. 9. Ship Monk, Felt, of Salem was
at Rio. Janro July 21 to sail for home in 2 days.
Thursday, Sept. 10. Arr'd at Beverly Brig Alice,
Lovett, 48 days from Christiana, left no American
Vessels. A fleet from Long Hope arr'd at Gottenburg
about 22 June. Capt. understood this fleet saiPd,
immediately for the Baltic. Spoke wester d of the Banks
privateer Thrasher, informed of the War. Spoke 3 days
since An English Brig, load Salt, prize to the Decatur.
The Maidstone, Eolus, Spartan, & Laura, Gun Brig, were
off Montaug on Thursday last.
Friday, September 11. Arr'd at N. York ShipMinirva
Smyth, Mann, from Kiel & Gottenb'g left G b 20 July
in Co. with a Brig probably Venus for Salem. A large
fleet for the Baltic left Wings 4 th July The Hanno fleet
had not arr'd at Wings on the 11 th . Arr'd at Boston a
Cartel Brig from Halifax 7 days with passengers, the
following Vessels have recently been captured & arr d at
Halifax. Ship Monk, Felt, of Salem, from Rio Janeiro,
cargo Sugar; Ship Dorris, Chamberlain, of Salem, from
Londonderry, passengers; Brig Hare, Bertody, Boston,
from Cevita Vecchia ; Sch s Betsy, Orne, of Boston from
Cevita Vecchia ; Ship Ceres, Boston from England ; Ship
Merchant, Hopkins, of Portsmouth from Gottenburg,
among the passengers are Capts. Felt, Fairfield & Crane
<fc crew of U. S. Brig Nautilus.
Saturday, September 12. A Ship said to be a prize to
154 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
the Montgomery arrived at Cape Ann this morning.
Last evening arrived at Boston a Brig, prize to the
Frigate Essex, captured in Long. 40 W., Cargo Salt,
Coals, etc. Three Frigates (Eng) were off Sandy Hook
on Wednesday last, Maidstone, Eolus, Spartan.
Monday, September 14, 1812. The U. S. Frigate Essex
arr'd in the Delaware on Thursday last, from a cruise of 70
days, has taken a number of prizes, her. last prize the Br.
Sloop of War, Alert, of 20 Guns, 18's, took out her guns,
aent her into St. Johns with 200 prisoners as a Cartel.
Off N. York on Thursday last the Br. Frigate Statira,
Acasta, & Nymph, had heard of the Action between the
Constitution & Guerriere, and of the arrival of Com.
Rogers at Boston. Arrived this morning Ships Mount
Vernon from Portland & from Cape Ann, prize
to the Montgomery.
Tuesday, Sept. 15. From New York Commercial
Advertiser. Arrived Ship Ocean, in 38 days from
Liverpool, left there the 5 th August. The proclamation
of the President declaring War against Great Britian
had reached England. A Cabinet Council was held
immediately, and Orders were dispatched in all directions
for the capture of American Vessels. On the 30 th July
Parliment was prorogued. On the 31 st an Embargo on all
American Vessels. On the 2 nd August the Embargo was
relaxed in favor of Vessels which had obtained licences
prior to the day on which the Embargo was laid. A
Strong Fleet was ordered to Sail immediately for Halifax.
An order was issued for the speedy embarkation of troops
for Canada. No general battle had been fought in the
North of Europe.
Wednesday, Sept. 16. Landed at Cape Ann last
even'g Capt. Chamberlain of the Doris passenger in the
Cartel Lord Willington from Halifax bound to Boston,
left Halifax last Friday, no new captures, since the last
Cartel left, in port the Africa, 64 & a new Frigate. The
L. W. has 170 passengers.
Thursday, Sept. 17. Accounts from Gottenburg to July
20 th state that the first Convoy had arrived there from the
Baltic & sailed the same day, several Americans in it &
most of them bound to England. At Gottenburg July
MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815. 155
20 th Brig Venus, Osgood, for Salem in three days; Brig
Louisa, Low, for Boston sailed the 20 th July. Arr'd at
Boston yesterday Brig Lord Willington & Schooner
Thetis, Cartels, from Halifax, with 250 American
prisoners, 5 day, passage.
The Frigate Junon had arr'd at Halifax from England,
30 days with London papers to Aug. 7 th , Sir. T. B.
Warren is to come out with 5 Sail of the line & with
powers to negotiate if the American Gov't is desirous of
so doing. Troops were embarking for the West Indies.
The following Ships were fitting, supposed to be destined
for the American coast. Prince of Wales, 98, San
Domingo, 74, Junon(arr'd at Halifax), 38, Porcupine, 24,
Muntine & Curlew Sloops of War. Arr'd at Halifax,
H. M. Ship Promethus & Store Ship 3 Sisters from
Portsmouth Brig Colibre from a cruize. Cartel packet
from N. York. A Spanish Brig from Boston, cargo Flour.
Orders were issued at London 31 July for the men of
War to capture all American Vessels.
Friday, September 18. A Ship comming suppose to be
the Mercator, Graves, from Cape de Verde. Arr'd with
loss of Topmasts in a Hurricane. A Brig arrived at Cape
Ann this morning.
Saturday, Sept. 19. Arr'd at N. Port, Brig Victory,
Rich, from Naples & Gib, left at Gib. July 25 th Sch r
Pheonix of Salem from N. Orleans. Arr'd at N. York
Sloop of War Alert, prize to theTJ. S. Frigate Essex : last
from St. Johns, N. F. 14 days with 232 American
prisoners. 26 American prizes were at St. Johns when
the Alert sail'd.
Monday, Sept. 21, 1812. Brig Washington arrived
at N. York 18 th inst, in 4 days from Salem. A Ship
(apparently a Prize) took a Pilot at 10 o'clock, A. M. off
Boston Light. 4 P. M. A large Ship in the Offing
steering towards Boston.
Tuesday, Sept. 22. It is reported from Boston that
Capt. Porter of the Frigate Essex has Accepted the
Challenge given by Sir James Yeo of the Frigate South
Hampton of 32 Guns.
Wednesday, Sept. 23. The Driver of Mail Stage reports
that Gen. Hull's Official account of the surrender of the
156 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
N. W. Army was rec d this morning in Boston. Arr'd
Sch r Howard, Knapp, from N. York Arr'd at Newb'y
port : privateer Brig Decatur, Nichols, from a cruize
having captured 11 English Vessels.
Thursday, Sept. 24. Wednesday arrived at Wiscassett
Ship Maria The a , from Cadiz, left 1 st August, bro't
official Acc'ts of the battle between Lord Wellington &
Marmont, and of the total defeat of. the latter having
lost 18000, all his Artillery & baggage. Soult had
endeavored to form a Junction with M. but failed. Was
at Toledo & retreat cutoff. Lord W. was 80,000 strong
after that battle. The War in the Peninsula was considered
virtually at an end. The Span : Gov fc had rec d official
acco'ts of the War, between the U. S. & G. B. & had
given notice to the Americans which was totally discredited
by them.
Friday, Sept. 25. Arrived a Brig & Scho r prizes to the
Montgomery. The Fleet which sailed from Gottenburg
20th July put back with damage. Ship Volant was at
Bayonne 4th August uncertain when to sail.
Saturday, Sept. 26. Cartel Ship Fawn, Harris, sailed
from Boston for Halifax with 300 prisoners yesterda}^. A
Vessel which left Liverpool (Eng.) 14th Aug* has been
spoken bound to N. York. Mr Low reports that a vessel
is arrived below N. York which left England 19 th August.
Monday, Sept. 28, 1812. By an arrival at N. York,
London acc ts to 15 th Aug* are rec d . Sir John B. Warren
with a Fleet under his command, consisting of 2 Vessels
of 98 : 3 of 74 : 2 of 64 : 6 frigates and 2 Sloops of War
were laying at St. Helena, on the 14 th waiting a wind,
bound to American coast. No intelligence had been rec d
in London of a general battle in the N but in a partial
affair between the Russians & French the latter had been
successful. A Brig at Anchor in the Offing. Ship Roxana,
Blake, from Liverpool arr'd at Boston this morn'g, sailed
16 Aug*. A London Brig, Java, Candler, Siez'd. 6 o'clock,
a square rigg'd Vessel standing in, wind light from the E.
At St. Petersburg, 4 July, Brig Dryade, Endicott,
Salem,Brig Suky, Osgood, Salem, Ship Sachem, Howland,
Boston.
Arrived at Boston, Ship Howard, Chandler, from
MAKINE NOTES, 1812-1815. 157
London, left 15 Aug. Yesterday sailed Spanish Brig
Annita for Havanna.
Tuesday, Sept. 29. At St. Petersburg [1st July?] Eliza
Ann, Story, Salem ; Rover, Groves. At Archangel, Brig
Vancouver, Whitney & Pocahontas, Leech ; Friendship,
Stanley. At Malta, June 29, Brig Edwin, Smith, of
Salem. Arr'd at Yarmouth, E. Aug. 13, a Fleet from
the Baltic. Ship Howard from London arr'd at Boston,
was boarded on Tuesday lastLat. 43, Long. 58 W. from
the San Domingo of 80 Guns, Admiral Warren from Eng.
for Halifax in company with the Poictiers, 74. Sch r
Jeremiah, Russell, was at Gottenburg 31 July.
Ar d at Boston the Ceres, Webber, (via Halifax) from
Liverpool, in 6 days, carried in & released, Brig coming
in. Arr'd at N. York Ship Cuba, Burtwell, from Grenoch
Sept 5, was boarded by the Ship of War Rosamond who
had taken the day before the Ship Friendship, Stanley,
from Archangel for Salem, out 40 days, in Lat. 45 N.
Long. 47 W. & order'd her for England. Mr Moseley &
Mr Briggs of Salem were passengers in the Friendship
and were put on board the Cuba, arr'd at N. Y. Left at
Archangel July 26 th Brig Vancouver, Whitney, of Boston,
10 days. Ship Sally, Stedman, Brig Dido, Tilden, sail'd
26 July for Boston. Ship Herald, Graves, uncertain.
The news of War between U. S. & Great Britain had not
reached Archangel on the 26 July. No accounts of the
Glide nor Patriot. Ships Calliban, Arabella & Weymouth
& Brig Cuba were at Carlsham the last of July & knew
of the War.
Several American Vessels sailed from St. Petersburg
previous to the 24 July. Brig Eliza, Russell, had arrived
at St. Petersburg, left Gottenburg 4 July.
Wednesday, September 30. Arrived at Boston today
the Ship Cato from London, brought in the crew of the
Ship Sally of Boston abandoned at sea, said to be the
Sally of Boston bound to Lisbon 10 days out.
Thursday, Oct. 1. Ship Mark & Abigail, Foster, has
arr'd at Portsmouth from Algeria, Supercargo informs
that he saw in Gib. Bay, Mr. Consul Lear on board the
Store Ship which the Dey of Algiers would not receive,
but orde'd Mr. Lear & family immediately away.
158 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
Friday, Oct. 2. Ship Sea Lyon, from Boston for St.
Petersburg, pass'd the Sound July 3 d in a convoy with
several other Americans. No Cartel fitting at Halifax last
accounts, nor would any depart for some time. Arrived
privateer Brig Montgomery, from a cruize of five weeks
having taken 3 prizes (arr'd).
Saturday, Oct. 3. A London Courier of the 21 Aug'
rec'd by the Montgomery contains accounts of the defeat of
the French by the Russians in several partial engagements
with considerable loss. Mr. Foster late British Minister
to this country arr'd at Falmouth Aug* 18 th , 26 days from
Halifax. Ship Piscataqua from Philad. for Lisbon 7 days
out with a cargo of Flour was captured by the Br. Frigate
Orpheus, from Barbadoes for Halifax, the Piscataqua was
order'd for Barbadoes where Flour was $50 per barrel.
Monday, Oct. 5, 1812. Sailed the Privateer Alexander,
Thorn.
Tuesday, Oct. 6. A Brig went into Cape Ann this
morning supposed to be the Gossippiuru, from Bergen
(Norway) via Portland. Arr'd at Portsmouth, Ship
Perseverance, Silver, of Salem from the W. coast of
Sumatra with a full Cargo of Pepper, 140 days passage.
Wednesday, Oct. 7. Yesterday arrived at Cape Ann
a Brig from Newfoundland bound to Cadiz, prize to the
Thrasher, privateer, she had a cargo of 4,000 quintels of
dry fish. The Sword Fish, privateer, had captured a ship
of 400 tons from Jamaica bound to England, cargo, Sugar,
Rum &c. She was captured 2 days previous to the above
Brig off Angier point. June 19th, was spoken the Ship
Rambler, Tunison, 45 days from the Isle of France bound
to Manilla.
Thursday, Oct. 8. Arr'd at Holmes Hole, Ship Franklin,
Rodman, 58 days from Beunos Ayres, left Aug* 7.
Spoke Sept r 6, Lat. 6 S, Long. 33, Brig Factor, Dutch,
20 days from Montevideo for Salem. Sailed Brig Levant,
Rea, for South America. Sailed, the Brig Reward, Hill,
for Europe. Sailed from Boston, American Frigate
President, Com. Rogers, United States, Com. Decatur,
Congress, Capt. Smith, & Argus, Capt. Sinclair, on a
cruize. Wind at West, a fine breeze, passed the Light
house about 2 P. M. Adm, Warren, arrived at Halifax
MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815. 159
the 26th Sept. A Ship from Halifax arrived in Long Island
Sound, left the 28 th Sept r .
Friday, Oct. 9. British Frigates Eolus & Statira were
spoken 1 st inst. Lat. 41 N. Long. 67 W., the former
had lost her foremast, the latter her bowsprit in a gale
the day before. 9 A. M. A Ship in the offing beating to
windward. 2 P. M. a full rigged Brig passed up for
Boston.
Oct. 10. Ship Atalanta from Calcutta for Phil a , arrived
at Rio Janeiro 18 th July, left at Calcutta April 16 th Ship
Restitution, Pulsifer, of Salem for Eng. A Brig gone into
Cape Ann supposed from Portland. Schooner Dolphin,
Tuck, arrived at Norfolk. Arrived Ship Perseverence,
Silver, from Sumatra via Portsmouth.
Monday, Oct. 12, 1812. Yesterday arrived Brig Cora,
Pinell, from Pernambuco with Sugar & Specie to Wait &
Peirce, 35 days passage. Saw on Friday last a few leagues
east of South Shoal three Frigates & a Brig steering to the
S. West. Arr'd at Portland on Saturday, Ship Restitution,
Pulsifer, from Calcutta 140 days. Left Ship Francis,
Haskell, from Salem. Arr'd latter part of April. Arr'd
Saturday eve'g privateer Fame, Green, from a cruize
having taken two small prizes. A Brig gone into
Gloucester.
Tuesday, Oct. 13. Sch r Meteor, Bartlett, 29 days from
Nantz, arr'd at Newport on Sunday morning bound to N.
York with a cargo of Brandy, Wine & Silks. Brig Reaper,
Spooner, of Boston, arr'd at Calcutta 20 May from
Bristol, Eng.
Wednesday, Oct. 14. A passenger on the eastern mail
Stage says a large Ship was off York this morning
steering to the S. West with fore & miz. Top gain*
masts down.
Thursday, Oct. 15. Arr'd at Portland privateer Sword
Fish of Cape Ann, on the 12 th inst S. E. of George's Bank
saw a frigate under English Colours board a Ship ; shortly
after saw two frigates & a Brig standing to the Eastward,
Friday, Oct 16. The Princess Amelia, Packet from
Jamaica is said to be captured by Com. Barney.
Saturday, Oct. 17. Sailed Barque Mary for a southern
port.
160 MARINE NOTES, 1812-1815.
Monday, Oct. 19. Arr'd Ship Restitution, Pulsifer,
from Calcutta via Portland, also Arr'd Brig Coromandel,
Messervey from Mocha bound to Gib'. Sept r 18, Lat.
11 N. Long. 24, was captured by the English Letter of
Marque Brig Echo from Malta for Rio Janeiro, who took
out 11 men & put on board 8 & ordered for Seirra Leon,
the next day retook the Vessel.
Arr'd at Boston, Cartel, Ship Fawn, from Halifax 8 days
with 500 prisoners. Left at Halifax the following Men of
War one Pactolus, 74, ready, Statira, ^Eolus, & Emulous,
Recruit, Belvidere & Orpheus. The San Domingo, 74,
& Africa had sailed on a cruize. The Packet Swiftsure
arr'd at Halifax from Eng. The Barbadoes frigate was
lost on the 27 Sept r on the N. West bar of Isle of Sable,
had on board 45,000 in Cash, the casks having buoys,
the Maidstone had sailed to get it up. Arrived a Prize
Sch to I. W. Stearns captured by the Dart. 3 P. M.
An English Brig off Lynn.
Tuesday, Oct. 20. Arr'd at N. port Oct r 17 Sch r
Van Hollen, Perry, 60 days from Archangel & 53 from
the Bar. Ship Glide, Tucker, arr'd 16 th Aug* information
of the War reached Archangel 12 th Aug* from St.
Petersburg. Left Aug 16 th Ship Herald, Graves, Salem,
intended to winter. Sally of Boston do, the Regulus of
Boston do. Ship Swift, Rowland, of N. Bedford, sailed
14 days previous, Spoke her on the 21 st Sept. off Faro
Islands. Brig Vancouver, Whitney, had returned after
hearing of the War. At the Bar 13 th Aug* Bark Patriot,
Buffi ngton, 73 days from N. Orleans.
Despatches from Adm. Warren were delivered at
N. York on Saturday last & immediately sent on to
Washington. A letter from Archangel of 12 th Aug 1
mentions the Brigs Dryade, Eliza & Geo Little safe at
St. Petersburg.
(To be continued.}
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL,
From the original now in possession of Mr. Cecil Hampden Cutts Howard,
of Bebee, Arkansas.
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEW ALL.
BY CECIL HAMPDEN CUTTS HOWARD.
THE study of the various phases of the early colonial
life of the United States is of such importance that we
find the most eminent men of the day are devoting their
time to the subject. The study of the characters of the
eminent colonial men and women of the period is of equal
and absorbing interest.
Undoubtedly more attention has been paid to the latter
than to the former, yet, neither lacks in interest. We delve
among books and pamphlets, and consult contemporary
history, thus realizing, more than ever before, how much
the early colonists achieved.
One of the phases of this study of our colonial ancestry
is the influence we find exerted by the second as well as
the first generation of our ancestors in America. Among
those who came in the second generation is the noted
Chief Justice Samuel Sewall.
Few men, before or since, have been better known in
all New England. Certainly at this distance of time, we
can most readily form a correct estimate of his deeds and
life. To do this we must go back into England and
consider his forefathers, and their influence upon this
distinguished descendant.
The law of heredity is never more clearly understood
than in studying the lives of these progenitors of the
American people.
Samuel Se wall's great-grandfather, Henry Sewall (a
linen-draper of Coventry in England) , is the first of his
ancestors of whom we have any authentic record. We
are told that he was a prudent man and chosen more than
once as Mayor of Coventry. It is not difficult to trace
similar traits in the life of his honored great-grandson.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVH 11 (161)
162 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEW ALL.
Henry Jr. and his son Henry were the son and grandson
of the Mayor. They came to New England, and the
sturdiness of their lives (as shown by the records) in the
new world left its trace on Samuel's life.
Chief Justice SewalPs father arrived in Boston in 1634,
with cattle, money, servants and provisions for a new
plantation. He made choice of Newbury as a dwelling
place on account of its inland situation, which was excellent
for his cattle. The Rev. Mr. Cotton urged the young
man to remain at Boston, but he very wisely decided in
favor of Newbury. Of the interval between his arrival
and marriage, a period of twelve years, the information
we have concerning the life of this particular individual
is very meagre. A considerable time, of course, was
required to put the settlement in good running order, and
of the various duties incumbent upon each one, it is to be
presumed that a proportionate share fell to the lot of Mr.
Henry Sewall, Jr. Of the lands set apart for pasturage
he had four hundred acres. As those who had the most
money paid for the most land, it is not difficult to imagine
that he was one of the wealthiest men in Newbury.
In 1637, he was qualified as freeman in Cambridge.
Notwithstanding the meagreness of information bearing
directly upon his life, we can read much "between the
lines," in the history of Newbury and of adjacent towns,
thus forming a very fair estimate of his achievements.
On the 25th of March, 1646, Mr. Henry Sewall, Jr.,
and Miss Jane Dummer, daughter of Stephen and Alice
(Archer) Dummer, were joined in marriage by Mr. Richard
Saltonstall.
The climate of New England not proving agreeable to
Mr. and Mrs. Dummer they returned to England the
following winter, accompanied by their daughter and her
husband. They resided awhile at Warwick, and later
removed to Baddesly and Bishopstoke in Hampshire.
Samuel Sewall, their son, the subject of this sketch,
was born at Bishopstoke, England, March 28, 1652, and
baptized by Mr. Rashly, in Stoke Church, on May 4th, of
the same year. At Baddesly he first learned to read ; he
was afterward educated at the Grammar School at Rumsey,
of which a Mr. Figes was master. In 1659, Samuel's
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL. 163
father returned to settle the estate of his father, Mr. Henry
Sevvall, Sr., and in about two years' time, he sent for his
wife and children to join him in New England. In later
life Chief Justice Sewall wrote a letter to one of his sons,
concerning the family, in which we have a striking instance
of the memory of old people in regard to childish events.
He dwells with much minuteness of detail, in this letter,
upon his experiences on board ship during the return
voyage. He does not forget to mention, with particular
care, the leavetaking between his mother and her relatives ;
but, most clearly is this memory of childhood's scenes
revealed when he tells us that Captain Dummer, of
Swathling, treated himself, sisters and brothers, with
almonds and raisins. It is a pretty picture in itself.
Amidst all the sterner realities of life, in which children
of that day were brought up, we have this little proof of
thoughtfulness ; the pleasure of knowing that the children
of that day were "treated" occasionally, and doubtless
enjoyed it. They were eight weeks at sea, and July 6,
1661, reached Boston. Accompanied by the husband and
father who awaited them, they journeyed from there to
Newbury by water. Samuel was then placed under the
tuition of Keverend Thomas Parker, to be prepared for
his entrance to Harvard College.
Of the individual character of his mother we can deter-
mine but little, except by inference. It is doubtless from
her, if we believe in the laws of heredity and kindred
sciences, that the famous Chief Justice inherited his most
valuable traits of character. From the time of William
the Conqueror the Dummers had been a distinguished
family. They intermarried with representatives of
families no less distinguished than themselves, and we
have no reason to believe that Mrs. Jane Dummer Sewall
was an exception to this rule. To her careful rearing of
her children we may testify, if only from the fact that her
son, the Chief Justice, nowhere speaks of her except in
terms of highest praise and tenderest filial feeling.
As "a straw may show which way the wind doth blow,"
so many little things in a man's life show the early influence
of his mother. He may leave the paths of rectitude,
but, even then, there will be evidenced, in an unconscious
164 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEW ALL.
moment, some lesson learned from his mother, which is
ineradicable. How much more then may these early
influences be recognized when seen in a man whose whole
life has been spent in practising these lessons learned
at his mother's knee.
When Samuel was fifteen years of age his father brought
him to be admitted to Harvard College. Four years later
he received his first degree from the hands of the learned
President, Charles Chauncey. When he was twenty- two
years of age he received his degree of A. M. from
President Hoar.
It was at that time he first met his future wife, Miss
Hannah Hull, the daughter of the famous "Mint-master"
Hull, and his only child. Her mother was Judith Quincy,
a name too well known to need comment here. It is of
this John Hull that the story is told that when his daughter
married he gave her as a "marriage portion," her weight
in the famous " Pine-tree shillings " he had been coining.
Unfortunately at this day the tale cannot be authenticated.
A picture of college life at that time may better be
imagined than imperfectly described. It was certainly
different from anything now seen in the same place. Soon
after Samuel Sewall's graduation he became, according to
the usages of Harvard College, a "resident fellow" of the
same. On March 1, 1674, he was appointed keeper of
the College library. In the various records of his life
we find no notes on his four years course, beyond the fact
of his entering at fifteen, taking his first degree at nineteen
and his second at twenty-two. He was originally intended
for the ministry and studied divinity with that end in view.
His thoughts were probably diverted from that by his
marriage with Miss Hannah Hull, on February 28, 1675,
less than a year after their first meeting. The ceremony
was performed by Governor Bradstreet in what was called
the "Old Hall." His residence for some time after that
was with his father-in-law, John Hull.
On April 1, 1676, he preached his first sermon at
Newbury. The account, from his diary, of his first
appearance has a ludicrous aspect when we read therein
"Being afraid to look on the [hour] glass, ignorantly and
unwillingly I stood two hours and a half." Poor
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEW ALL. 165
frightened man ! He punished himself and doubtless others
as well. It is the only record we have of his public
preaching, although his interest in religious subjects was
always conspicuous.
His famous diary was commenced in 1673, and is
interesting at this late day. In its accurate reproduction
of the social and civil life of the period it is unequalled.
In the earlier portion there are a few notes bearing upon
his life as tutor and his connection with the college as
" resident fellow." Notably so when he enters there, upon
December 3, 1673, "I read to the Senior Sophisters
in the fourteenth chapter of Heerboord's Physick. That
is to say such part of it which begins thus, ' Sensus
Communes &c/ I went to the end and then red it over
from the beginning which I ended the 24 th of March 1673. "
Minor notes on various individuals are interspersed which
lend an added piquancy to the whole.
On April 7, 1674, he writes: "The Dr. Mr. Goodkin
and myself were invited and went to dinner with the
magistrates in the court chamber." The general tenor
of his life is given in a more accurate perspicuous and
valuable manner in these notes than if he had written them
at greater length. The apparently valueless entries are
invariably worth a second study. Like the various threads
in a loom which go towards making the web complete,
together they form a harmonious whole ; omit one and the
charm, to some extent, is broken.
In the review of Chief Justice Sewall's diary, by Henry
Cabot Lodge, after its publication by the Massachusetts
Historical Society, he likens the Chief Justice to the
famous Pepys. He draws a distinction, however, in that
he speaks of him as a " Puritan Pepys " and aptly shows
the similitude, although they are in many points unlike
each other. An excellent view of the college discipline,
of that day, is given under date of Monday, June 15, 1674,
where he says :
w Thomas Sargent was examined by the corporation :
finally the advice of Mr. Danforth, Mr. Stoughton, Mr.
Thatcher, Mr. Mather (then present) was taken. This
was his sentence, that being convicted of speaking
blasphemous words against the H[oly] G[host] he should
166 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL 8EWALL.
therefore be publickly whip'd before all the scholars.
2. That he should be suspended as to taking his degree
of bachelour (this sentence read before him twice at the
Pr'ts before the Committee and in the Library 1 before
the execution). 3. Sit alone by himself in the hall,
uncovered at meals, during the pleasure of the President
and fellows and be in all things obedient, doing what
exercise was appointed him by the President, or else be
finally expelled the Colledge.
The first was presently put in execution in the Library
(Mr. Danforth Jr. being present), before the scholars.
He kneeled down and the instrument Goodman Hely
attended the President's word as to the performance of his
part in the work. Prayer was had before and after by the
President."
From the purchase of the smallest article up to the
death of his friends and neighbors, each fact of interest
to the diarist was carefully noted. The work has attained
a great value therefore for historians and genealogists.
The circle of neighbors was comparatively small
in those days and there is little difficulty in tracing their
descendants today. The entries relative to the wars
of the Indians are good ; showing his feelings in regard
to their christianization. He believed that they were
descendants of the ten tribes of Israel and never failed to
uphold them, laboring for their interests in the most devoted
manner. It is safe to say that he and his friend Chief
Justice Samuel Penhallow, of Portsmouth, were in
advance of their time in this matter, and this is only one
of many like charities in which they were both engaged.
On the 30th of March 1677, Samuel Sewall united with
the old South Church in Boston and the following year in
May, he was made a " freeman." Concerning the former
step, it is proper to say, after a perusal of his diary at
that period, that it was done with great fear and
trembling. He did not manifest the disposition in the
matter that one would have supposed a man of his age
would ordinarily have done. His reasons, pro and con,
are very much like those given today. His after life
shows that this fear and trembling were no hindrance
to his becoming one of the prominent men of the day,
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL. 167
a figure in history more conspicuous today than many
of his illustrious friends, a thoroughly earnest Christian.
In the fall of 1681, he undertook the management of the
printing press which Mr. John Foster had established in
1674. The court accordingly granted him liberty and no
one else was to be allowed until such had first likewise
obtained full liberty. Three years later, finding himself
unable to attend to the matter properly, at his request the
court granted him a release from all obligations attendant
thereon. In March, 1683, he was appointed with John
Saffin, Anthony Checkley and the seven selectmen, a
committee to draw up instructions for the General Court.
In August, 1683, he was chosen as one of the seven
commissioners of the town to assess rates. In 1685, he
was captain of the South Company of Militia in Boston,
but resigned his commission in 1686, on account of an
order to put the cross in the colors.
He was for many years afterward known as Captain
Sewall, long after resigning all offices. He had many
life-long friends that he valued greatly. Among them
were the worthy Governor Bradstreet, the Dudleys,
Eliots, Mathers, Gookins and Bradstreets.
In November, 1688, he set sail out of Boston harbor for
England on a combined business and pleasure trip. He
reached Dover the 12th of January in the following
year. His diary on board ship is full of its own peculiar
interest, so that it would be hard to give any one part
of it without spoiling the remainder. As a record of
how time was often passed on those long voyages it is
invaluable. He spent a year in visiting London and the
various parts of England to which he had been called.
November 29, 1689, he reached "the Pascataqua." The
following day he went to Newbury and spent Sunday
there, and finally reached Boston on the 2nd of December.
A note in his diary, about this time, gives a forcible
illustration of how children were instructed and dealt with
at that day. Samuel Sewall tells his son Samuel Junior
(then about ten years of age) that his kinsman Richard
Dummer (nine years of age) had just died of the small
pox. He talks to the youthful Samuel in a serious yet
kindly strain and tells him that he ought to be ready to
168 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL.
die and ought therefore to endeavor really to pray when
he said the Lord's prayer. We quote the father's notes
at this juncture to give the reply in the quaint language
of the day, which reads as follows :
" He seemed not much to mind, eating an Aple ; when
he came to say * Our Father,' he burst out into a bitter
cry and when I askt what was the matter and he could
speak he burst out into a cry, and said he was afraid
he should die. I prayed with him and read scriptures
comforting against death, as, * O death where is thy sting*
&c." The entries relative to the government of his
children are so few that we quote another bearing date
November 6, 1692.
" Joseph threw a knop of brass and hit his sister Betty
on the forehead, so as to make it bleed and swell, for
which, and for his playing in prayer time and eating,
when returning thanks, I whip'd him pretty smartly.
When I first went in (called by his grandmother),
he sought to shadow and hide himself from me behind
the head of the cradle which gave me the sorrowful
remembrance of Adam's carriage."
As one of the assistants or magistrates, under the
colonial charter, Sewall was also a Judge of the Superior
court, ex-officio.
On Governor Phips's return in 1692, Special
Commissioners of Over and Terminer were appointed for
the trial of persons accused of witchcraft. The names
of the Judges were as follows : the Lieutenant Governor
Mr. Stoughton, Major Saltonstall, Major Richards, Major
Gedney, Mr. Wait Winthrop, Captain Sewall and Mr.
Sargeant. Their jurisdiction was for the counties of
Suffolk, Essex and Middlesex. The court opened at Salem
in June, 1692, and met by adjournments on June 30 and
Aug. 5. We have no special note of the fitting of Sewall
for his duties as magistrate but, it is safe to take for
granted that he was possessed of some general
qualifications.
The notes in his diary on the Witchcraft delusion, then
so prevalent, are few in number ; so few that he practically
ignores the whole question. A variety of conjectures
may be deduced from this, but none with any degree of
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL. 169
reliability. There is a doubt in the minds of many, since
those dark days, as to whether these special commissioners
were legally appointed. Be that as it may the dreadful
results are ours to study upon today.
It is safe to assume that they lived in a credulous
age. It is not wonderful that the revered Puritan fathers
should endorse the doings of these children, who were the
means of condemning to death the so-called witches. The
greater wonder is that the youthful accusers could have
been bold enough to carry out such atrocious plans.
Charles Wentworth Upham, in his admirable volumes,
" Witchcraft at Salem Village," has given an excellent
portrayal of the whole transaction, and his work at all
times will undoubtedly be the standard for reference upon
that subject.
Our country and the old world have seen many such
delusions, and yet, how many participants as in the case
of Judge Sewall, publicly confessed their wrong doing?
He deemed the accused guilty of death inasmuch as the
evidence brought forth at the time was too overpowering
to admit of any other conclusion. In this he did but
perform his duty conscientiously however hard it might
seem. The greater condemnation should rest upon those
who accused these people of witchcraft. They must have
known their course was evil and their tales untrue. The
part Judge Sewall had in the affair would have rendered
his name conspicuous even had he never before or after
appeared in public as an official character. When the
excitement was ended, and in the calm that follows a storm
of that nature, he had a chance to weigh the matter he was
convinced that he had done wrong. Then, true to his
convictions of conscience, he publicly acknowledged his
error. Every year of his life thereafter he observed a day
of fasting and prayer to keep in mind a sense of sorrow
and repentance for the part he had borne in adjudging
the accused guilty.
On the day of a general fast January 14, 1696, he rose
in the old South church, and, in the presence of the whole
congregation, acknowledged the error into which he had
fallen and prayed for forgiveness from God and the people.
He concluded with a request that all the congregation unite
170 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL.
with him in devout supplication that his act might not
bring down the displeasure of God, upon his country, his
family or himself. During the reading he stood in his
place. It would indeed be difficult to find a parallel case
in the annals of literature or history, one where greater
Christian virtue, magnanimity and true greatness of soul
are shown. He won that hardest of all victories, the
victory over self. Whittier's lines in relation to this phase
of Judge SewalPs life are touchingly beautiful and so aptly
describe the event we may be pardoned for quoting a part
of them :
" Touching and sad, a tale is told,
Like a penitent hymn of the Psalmist old,
Of the fast which the good man life long kept
With a haunting sorrow that never slept,
As the circling year brought round the time
Of an error that left the sting of crime
When he sat on the bench of the witchcraft courts
With the laws of Moses and ' Hale's Reports '
And spake, in the name of both, the word
Which gave the witch's neck to the cord,
And piled the oaken planks that pressed
The feeble life from the warlock's breast !
All the day long, from dawn to dawn,
His door was bolted, his curtain drawn;
No foot on his silent threshold trod,
No eye looked on him save that of God,
As he baffled the ghosts of the dead with charms
Of penitent tears, and prayers, and psalms,
And, with precious proofs from the sacred word
Of the boundless pity and love of the Lord
His faith confirmed and his trust renewed
That the sin of his ignorance, sorely rued,
Might be washed away in the mingled flood
Of his human sorrow and Christ's dear blood!"
There is a firmness of touch, and yet immeasurable
depth of feeling in these lines which reveal them
unmistakably as Whittier's. One has a sense of nearer
acquaintance with the individual depicted after reading
them.
Judge Sewall seldom failed to proclaim his opinion on
any fashion he thought wrong. When in 1699, he found
his hair was falling out, he donned the black velvet cap
which we see in his portrait. This was a silent rebuke to
those who under similar circumstances chose rather to
wear periwigs. There are entries in his diary relative
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEW ALL. 171
to the iniquity of wearing periwigs. If he could not keep
others from wearing them he could and did abstain
himself.
In 1701, Judge Sewall was employed, with the Hon.
Isaac Addington, to draw up rules for the government of
Yale College. Shortly after that he presented Harvard
with 500 acres of land.
We quote another conspicuous passage in his diary
bearing date January, 1704, which shows the good man
in an eminently practical light.
"Took 24 s. in my pocket, and gave the rest of my
cash to my wife. 4. 3. 8 d and tell her she shall now keep
the cash : if I want I will borrow of her. She has a better
faculty than I at managing affairs. I will assist her and
will endeavor to live upon my salary. Will see what it
will doe, the Lord give his blessing."
This is another instance of his following the convictions
of conscience, of which there were many in his long and
active life.
Women at that time were not supposed to be able to
manage pecuniary affairs and the testimony borne by
Judge Sewall to his wife's ability is certainly noteworthy.
In 1700, Judge Sewall published an essay against the
selling of negroes, entitled " The Selling of Joseph." It
was about the same time that he caused a house of
worship to be erected for the Indians, of the which Mather
speaks in his " Magnalia."
His much beloved wife, Mrs. Hannah (Hull) Sewall
died October 19, 1717, at the age of 60 years. They had
been married more than 42 years ! Seven months later
he received his appointment as Chief Justice to succeed
Major General Winthrop. On Oct. 29, 1719, he was
united in marriage with Mrs. Abigail Tilley. She died
very suddenly in the following April. On the 29th of
March, 1722, he married Mrs. Mary Gibbs, who survived
him twenty years. Of his last two wives there is very
little known.
Of the fourteen children by his first wife only five lived
to the age of maturity. They were Samuel, Jr., who
married Rebecca, daughter of Governor Joseph Dudley ;
Elizabeth, who married Grove Hirst, an eminent merchant
172 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL.
of Boston; Joseph, who married Elizabeth, daughter of
Hon. John Walley ; Mary, who married Samuel Gerrish,
and Judith, who married Rev. Wm. Cooper.
Chief Justice Sewall resigned his position as Councillor
in 1725. His letter of resignation reads as follows :
To the Hon ble W m Dummer Esq r &c and to the Hon ble the Council.
May it please your Honor I was yesterday surprised with the great
and undeserved respect showed me by your Honour and the whole
Hon ble board, in calling me to Council by the Hon ble W m Tailer Esq r .
Benj Lynde Esq r and Addington Davenport Esqr and for as much as
I am unable to come I esteemed it my bounden duty to send my answer
in writing. I have under the present charter served the province
three and thirty years. I hope faithfully. I pray God pardon my
unfaithfulness. I have been elected three and thirty times. I cannot
but wonder at this constancy of the electors ! This year, a time of war,
I find myself under an insuperable indisposition to serve ; Especially
considering my enfeebled state of health the other public employments
lying upon me, and very weighty business of a more personal concern,
necessarily requiring my diligent attention. I therefore humbly pray
that my Recess may be taken in good part and that my weary
circumstances may be favorably indulged. Praying God to assist
and prosper your Honour, the Hon ble board and the whole General
court, I take leave to subscribe myself your Honour's most humble
and most obedient servant
SAMUEL SEWALL.
His letter book, which has been published, is composed
of letters of a similar character, concise, pithy and filled
with their own peculiar interest. Every entry in his
Diary, each sentence in his letters, bears the mark of a
strong individuality. His observations on mankind are
very keen and show him as a close student of human
nature. We have through them a better insight into the
social and civil life of his day. When he was more than
seventy-four years of age, on July 6, 1726, he makes the
following note in his Diary :
"Went to the Commencement this year in the coach
with my sons Sewall & Cooper : coach sheltered us well
from the Rain. Went first to Sir Stoddard's chamber,
who had invited me, where were nobly entertained. To
Sir Gibbs ; into the meeting house. President began with
prayer, then the oration Gave the degrees in the
meeting house to three or four at a time. After dinner
it rained so hard that the solemnity was finished in
the Hall. Oration. Mr. S. Mather well defended his
awfull question. Went to Mr. Flints chamber and from
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL. 173
thence home." That was the last time he attended
commencement at Harvard College.
He resigned his position as Chief Justice of his
Majesty's province of Massachusetts Bay in New England
in July, 1728, about two and a half years before his death :
he had held the office for ten consecutive years.
The last date in his diary bears date October 13, 1729,
two and a half months prior to his death, and concerns
his grand-daughter Jane Hirst, his eldest daughter's child.
It is so characteristic of the man and the age in which he
lived as to be worth repeating.
" Judge Davenport came to me between ten and eleven
o'clock in the morning and speaks to me in behalf of Mr.
Addington Davenport, his eldest son, that he might have
liberty to wait on Jane Hirst, now at my house, in way
of courtship. He told me he would deal by him as his
eldest son, and more than so. Intends to build him a
house, where his uncle Mr. Addington dwelt, and that he
should have his Pue in the old meeting house. I gave
him iny hand at parting and acknowledged his respect to
me, and granted his desire. He said Madam Addington
would wait on me. His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor,
visited me quickly after and acquainted me that he
designed for Newbury in a day or two to stay a fortnight.
I informed his Honour of what Mr. Davenport had been
about. His Honour approved it much. Cornended the
young man and reckoned it a very good match."
It does not require a very vivid imagination to portray
the scene before our eyes. Still less so to imagine the
remaining days of the venerable Chief Justice. He had
filled his place in the world honorably and was entitled
to a rest. Had he chosen he could have pointed with
pride to a dozen volumes in manuscript form, the work
of his busy brain and pen. We venture to say that of
those if he had only his Journal to proclaim his talent it
had been enough. That and his separate Journal of his
voyage to England fill five large volumes. Then there
was his letter book with its copies of his valuable letters.
In addition to these he had what he called a " Common
place book," containing extracts from various authors in
English and Latin text. Finally he had five volumes in
174 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL.
12 mo filled with sketches of sermons and lectures he had
heard at home and abroad.
It would be vain to attempt anything like a complete
sketch of the descendants of the venerable Chief Justice,
and his wife Hannah Hull, yet it is ours to outline the
record of a few. It is a noteworthy fact that his frequent
prayers that God would bless and prosper them, as well
as himself were fully answered. As .a man is ofttimes
but an epitome of his ancestors, so his descendants may
reflect more or less imperfectly his varied traits of
character. We find in an examination of the various
professions which the descendants of Chief Justice Sewall
have followed that more are to be found in the law and
ministry than anywhere else.
Samuel Sewall, Jr., who married Rebekah Dudley, was
the grandfather of the Judge Samuel Sewall who was
appointed to his office in 1800 and Chief Justice in 1814.
He was also ancestor of Rev. Samuel Sewall of Burlington,
Mass., who figures still later. It is an interesting fact
that of the descendants of Henry Sewall, the first of the
name in America, no less than four have held the office
of Judge, in the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Their
terms extended over a period of eighty-four years and in
the office of Chief Justice over eighteen years.
The eldest daughter of Chief Justice Sewall was
Elizabeth, who married Grove Hirst, an eminent merchant
of Boston, in October, 1700. Their eldest daughter Mary
married Capt. William Pepperrell, afterward knighted
as Sir William Pepperrell for his services in capturing
Louisbourg in 1745. The larger number of their
descendants are living in England, those in America
being confined to a score of people. Among the
descendants in England are Sir George Palmer, of
Wanlip Hall, Leicestershire ; Rev. William Pepperrell
Hutton ; Rev. Edward St. John Parry, and the late
Edward Walford, M.A., well known as a historian and
antiquary ; the line in America is so limited it is not
necessary to name any, save to say that one has been
candidate for Governor of New York, and several are
lawyers and ministers.
Elizabeth Hirst, a sister of Lady Pepperrell, and
CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL. 175
grand-daughter of Chief Justice Sewall, married Rev.
Charles Chauncy. Among their descendants, through
their son Charles, Junior, and his wife, Miss Joanna
Gerrish, are General Fitz-John Porter, Elizabeth
Greenleaf, who married the famous Chief Justice
Theophilus Parsons and prominent members of the
Greenleaf and Parsons family today.
Joseph Sewall, the second son, married Miss Elizabeth
Walley. Of their descendants we have Miss Louisa M.
Alcott ; Prof. Edward Elbridge Salisbury, and Hon.
Samuel Edmund Sewall. Judith Sewall, the youngest
child married Rev. Wm. Cooper, and was the mother of
the well-known town clerk of Boston ; also of Rev. Samuel
Cooper, who received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from the University of Edinburgh and succeeded his father
as colleague with Rev. Dr. Colman of Brattle Street
Church in Boston. These are too well known to require
individual description. As descendants of Chief Justice
Sewall their deeds and traits acquire a new meaning and
the world has another proof of the wonderful influence of
inherited genius in the successive generations of descend-
ants of noted men.
The death of Chief Justice Sewall occurred on Jan. 1,
1730, when he was in his 78th year. The funeral sermon
was delivered by the famous divine Rev. Mr. Prince.
Though it was highly eulogistic, it seems in no way to
have been exaggerated, but, rather a just tribute to a
truly good man. The words we love to dwell upon most
are the lines written by the gifted Whittier. There is a
clear perception of the good man's character, a disposition
to refrain from unseemly criticism, and to pick out his
noble qualities.
It may not be considered as exaggeration to say that
the sum and substance of Chief Justice Sewall's work is
so well portrayed in them that they form a better summary
of his life work than anyone has written in prose. Surely
no one after reading them could want a clearer perception
of his character in a more appropriate form. We will
quote in closing therefore from Whittier's poem entitled,
"The Prophecy of Samuel Sewall," the following lines
I
176 CHIEF JUSTICE SAMUEL SEWALL.
descriptive of Chief Justice Sewall's life and characteristic
traits :
" Stately and slow, with thoughtful air,
His black cap hiding his whitened hair,
Walks the Judge of the great Assize,
Samuel Sewall, the good and wise.
His face with lines of firmness wrought,
He wears the look of a man unbought,
Who swears to his hurt and changes not;
Yet, touched and softened nevertheless
With the grace of Christian gentleness,
The face that a child would climb to kiss !
True and tender and brave and just,
That man might honor and woman trust.
* ******
Green forever the memory be
Of the Judge of the old theocracy,
Whom even his errors glorified,
Like a far-seen, sunlit mountain-side
By the cloudy shadows which o'er it glide !
Honor and praise to the Puritan
Who the halting step of his age outran,
And, seeing the infinite work of man
In the priceless gift the Father gave,
In the infinite love that stooped to save,
Dared not brand his brother a slave !
"Who doth such wrong," he was wont to say,
In his own quaint, picture loving way,
" Flings up to Heaven a hand-grenade
Which God shall cast down upon his head !"
Widely as heaven and hell, contrast
That brave old jurist of the past
And the cunning trickster and knave of courts
Who the holy features of Truth distorts,
Ruling as right the will of the strong,
Poverty, crime, and weakness wrong;
Wide-eared to power, to the wronged and weak
Deaf as Egypt's gods of leek ;
Scoffing aside at party's nod
Order of nature and law of God ;
For whose dabbled ermine respect were waste,
Keverence folly, and a we misplaced;
Justice of whom 't were vain to seek
As from Koordish robber or Syrian Sheik !
To the saintly soul of the early day,
To the Christian judge, let us turn and say :
" Praise and thanks for an honest man!
Glory to God for the Puritan ! "
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.*
COPIED BY WILLIAM P. UPHAM.
(Continued from Vol. XXXVI, page 324.")
BAPTISMES.f
[150] 1667. Heer follows A Register of them that
are Baptized in this Church of Christ at Bass River in
Salem : with ye day of the month when their Baptism is
administered.
Heer note y* y e 1 st month signifys March, y e second
Aprill , & ye 3 d May &c : according to o r Comon Reckon-
ing heer in New England ordinarily.
13 th : 8 mo : 1667 The first Baptized person after ye
settling of y e Church was Abigail ye daughter of John
Sallows By Hannah [Woolfe] his wife A Sister of this
Church ye 13 th of October : 1667 :
1 : 10 th See above pag. 10 th Ye 1 st : 10 th : 67 : Richard
Patch the sonne of John Patch by Elizabeth [Brackenberry]
his wife who is A Sister of this Church ; he beeing A young
man of about 19 yeares of age & pleading A Covenant
intrest in y l Covenant engagment of his mother & making
allso profession of his owne faith & Repentance ; having ye
testimony of A blamless conversation was admitted unto
full communion & upon ye double ground abovesaid
Baptized.
[Note this] | The same day Elizabeth being about 15
years old & John about eight yeares old being ye son &
daughter of John & Elizabeth [Brackenberry] Patch above
said were baptized upon ye account of their mothers
membership having first been Chatichized, examined in
their knowledge & instructed by ye Pastor & having ye
testimony of an orderly behaviour in some measure suitable
to their age.
*The pagination of the original record is shown in the text, enclosed by
brackets.
t The baptismal records here printed, contain the maiden names of the mothers,
inserted between brackets. These additional data are supplied by Mr. Augustus
A. Galloupe and contain corrections of the baptismal records (1668-1710) already
printed in Volumes 6-7, of Putnam's Historical Magazine.
| In Mr. Blowers short hand.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVH 12 (177)
178 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
166J 16 : 12 : 6 The 16 : 12 : 166J. William & Sarah
the sonne & daughter of John Dodge ju r by Sarah [Proctor]
his wife were Baptized. See more fol. [ ]
15. 1 D1 : The 15 th l mo : 166& were Baptized Ephraim
& Mary the Sonne & daughter of Ephraim Hirreck by
Mary [Cross] his wife.
22 : 1 st . The 22 : 1 st : 166 : was Baptized Martha ye
daughter of John Black by Freeborne [Woolfe] his wife.
1668 : 12 : 2 m - The 12 : 2 : 1668 : Rebeckah ye Daugh-
ter of Hue Woodbury by Mary [Dixey] his wife was
Baptized.
26 : 2 mo - The 26 : 2 : 1668: Benjamin sonne of Nickolas
Woodbury by Anne [Palsgrave] his wife was Baptized, as
alLso Baptized : 26:2: 68 William & Jude sonne &
daughter of Jude Woodbury widdow by her husband
William Woodbury lately deceased.
[151] 1668: 10: 3 m : The 10 th : 3 m : 1668 : was Bap-
tized Jonathan ye sonne of John Stone ju. by Abigail
[Dixey] his wife.
17 : 3 m : The 17 th : 3 : 1668 : Benjamin ye son of Ralph
Ellenwood by Ellen [Lyn] his wife was Baptized.
31: 3 m : The 31 : 3: 1668 were Baptized, Symon,
John and Susanna, sonns & daughter of John Lovet ju r
by Bethia [Rootes] his wife, & allso William ye son of
Anthonie Wood by Mary [Grover] his wife.
12 : 5 m : Ye 12 of 5 : 1668 were Baptized Nickolas &
Sarah son & daughter of John Patch by Elizabeth
[Brackenberry] his wife as allso Edward ye son of William
Raymund by Hannah [Bishop] his [first] wife.
19 : 5 mo : Ye 19 : 5 : 1668 were baptized William &
Thomas sons of Thomas Patch by Mary [Scott, of
Ipswich] his wife.
2 : 6 mo : Ye 2 : 6 : 1668 was Baptized Robert ye son of
Roger Haskins by Susanna [Rootes] his wife.
8 : 9 mo : The 8 th of the 9 mo : 1668 was Baptized Robert
the son of John Hale (the Pastor of this Church) by
Rebeckah [Byley] his wife.
15 : 9 mo : The 15 th : 9 mo : 1668 was baptized Mary ye
daughter of Thomas West by Elizabeth [Jackson] his
wife.
29: 9 mo : The 29 : 9: 1668 was Baptized Hannah ye
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 179
daughter of Thomas West by Elizabeth [Jackson] his
wife.
6 : 10 mo : The 6 : 10 : 1668 was Baptized Elizabeth ye
daughter of Henry Hirreck ju r by Lydia [Woodbury?]
his wife.
Ye 14 th : febr. 16ff Sarah ye daughter of Exercize
Conant by Sarah his wife was Baptized.
28 th : 12 mo : Ye 28 th February 166| was Baptized
Anthony ye Sonne of Anthony Wood by Mary [Grover]
his wife.
1669 25:2 mo : Aprill : 2[5] : 69 Josiah ye son of
John Lovet ju r by Bethia [Rootes] his wife and Sarah ye
daughter of Peter Woodbury by Sarah [Dodge] his
[second] wife, were baptized.
16 : 3 mo : May 16 : 1669 Hannah ye daughter of John
Dodge ju r by Sarah [Proctor] his [first] wife, was
baptized.
May 23 : 1669 Roger ye son of Lott Conant by
Elizabeth [Pride] his wife was baptized.
30: 3: May ye 30: 1669 Nathaniell ye son of
Nathaniell Hayward by Elizabeth [Corning] his wife was
baptized.
25 : 5 : July 25 : 1669 : Peter ye son of John Black
ju r by Freeborne [Woolfe] his wife was Baptized.
1:6: August 1 st 1669 : Sarah ye daughter of
Nathaniell Stone by Remember [Corning] his wife was
Baptized.
29 : 6 : August 29 : 1669 Joshua son of William
Dodge ju r by Mary [Conant, widow of John Balsh] his
wife was baptized.
19:7: Jonathan son of Cornelius Baker by Hannah
[Woodbury] his wife was Baptized ye 19 th 7 th : 1669.
[152] 19: 7 mo : Hannah ye daughter of Zackarie
Hirreck by Mary [Dodge] (sister of this Church) his wife
Baptized 19 th : September 1669.
1670 l mo : 27 th 27 th March 1670 Anna ye daughter of
Hue Woodbury by Mary [Dixey] his wife was baptized.
3 d , 2 d , mo - 3 : 2, 1670, Elizabeth ye daughter of John
Woodbury ju r by Elizabeth [Tenney] his wife was
baptized.
10 th : 2 mo : 10 : Aprill : 1670 The children of Benjamin
180 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
Balsh by Sarah [Gardner] his wife were baptized viz,
Samuell, Benjamin, John, Joseph, Free-borne, Sarah,
Abigail, Ruth, Mary & Jonathan : The eldest of these
viz. Samuell, did not only claime a covenant interest by
his mothers late Covenant engagement w th God & before
his Church in her admission to it ; But did desier to be
owned as under ye covenant of grace, under ye watch of
ye Church & to be baptized upon his personal! profession
of faith & repentance applying to ye ends above said Genis.
17. 14. Numbers 19. 20. Esaia 45. 22. hose. 14. 2. Mark
16, 16. & Psalm. 40. 12. Benjamin allso & John &
Joseph did manifest their desier to lay hold of y r interest
in y r parentall covenant w th y r owne engaging to desier &
endeav r a profession & conversation suitable to such an
engaging signe & seale as under A convincing sence of ye
worth & usefullness of baptism as a gospell ordinance to
them.
May 22 : 70. Stephen ye son of Ephraim Hirreck by
Mary [Cross] his wife. And Hannah ye daughter of John
Woodbury Sn r by Elizabeth [Tenney] his wife were
baptized ye 22 : May 1670.
29 : 3. 70. Nehemiah, ye son of John Stone by Abigail
[Dixey] his wife & Israeli ye son of Thomas Woodbury
by Hannah [Dodge, widow of Samuel Porter] his wife,
were baptized May 29 th 1670.
June 19 th : 70. John ye son of Thomas West by Eliz-
abeth [Jackson] his wife was baptized 19 th 4 th 1670.
July 10 th . 10 : 5 : 70 : Nehemiah ye son of Nathaniell
Hayward by Elizabeth [Corning] his wife was baptized.
August 7 th 7:6: 70. Samuell ye son of Samuell
Corning ju r by Hannah [Batchelder] his wife was baptized.
September y e 4 th 4 th : 7 th : 70 : Eben=Ezer ye son
of John Dodge Sen r (y* is John ye sonne of Richard
Dodge, even his sonn Eben=Ezer) by Sarah [Proctor]
his wife : allso Benjamin ye son of John Patch by
Elizabeth [Brackenberry] his wife : allso Edward ye sonne
of Robert Coburne jun r by Mary [Bishop] his wife, were
Baptized.
October 30 th Ye 30:8: 1670 George ye sonne of
William Raymund by Hannah [Bishop] his wife was
Baptized.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 181
Novemb r 13 th 13 th : 9 th : 1670. Rachell, Abigail &
Jonathan chilldren of John Raymund by his late wife Ra-
chell [Scruggs] deceased, were baptized.
Febru : 26 1671 Mary ye daughter of Anthony Wood
by Mary [Grover] his wife baptized.
May 28. 28. 3. 1671 : Rebeckah ye daughter of Lott
Conant by Elizabeth [Pride] his wife was baptized.
[153] June 18 : Abigail daughter of Peter Wood-
bury by Sarah [Dodge] his [second] wife was baptized
18 lli 4: 1671.
July 2 : Hanna daughter of John Dodge jun r by his
wife Sarah [Proctor] was baptized 2:5: 1671.
July 9 th . 9 th : 5 : 1671 were baptized David ye sonne
of Benjamin Balsh by Sarah [Gardner] his wife & Hannah
ye daughter of William Dodge ju r & Mary [Balsh] his
wife.
August 6 th Nathaniell ye son of John Rayment Sn r by
Jude [widow of William Woodbury, Jr.] his [second]
wife was baptized ye 6 : 6 mo * 1671.
October 1 st John ye son of Joseph Hirreck by Sarah
[Leach] his [first] wife baptized 1671.
October 15 th Mary daughter of John Woodbury ju r by
Elizabeth [Tenney] his wife baptized 15 : 8 m : 1671.
November 19 th Sarah daughter to Nath Haward by
Elizabeth [Corning] his wife baptized.
25 : febr : 16f 25. 12 mo 16f J Hannah ye daughter of
Thomas Woodbury by Hannah [Dodge, widow of Samuel
Porter] his wife was baptized.
10 : March. 10 : 1 : 16f Thomas ye son of John Lovet
ju r by Bethia [Rootes] his wife was baptized.
March 24. 24 : 1 : 16ft Elizabeth ye daughter of Hue
Woodbury by Mary [Dixey] his wife baptized.
April 21. 21 : 2 : 1672. Phebeye daughter of Nathan-
iell Stone by Sarah his wife was baptized.
1672 June 16 th 16: 4: 1672. baptized Abia daugh-
ter of Exercise Conant by Sarah his wife and Jonathan
son of Henry Hirreck by Lydia [Woodbury] his wife and
allso Elizabeth ye daughter of John Sallows by Elizabeth
his wife.
July 21. Mary daughter to John Dodge Sn r by
[Sarah Proctor] his wife was baptized 21 : 5 : 1672.
182 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
August 11 th Thomas West had his daughter Ruth borne
by his wifeEliza th [Jackson] baptized ye 11 th : 5 mo : 1672.
August 25 th 25. 6. 1672 Henry son of Zackariah Hir-
reck by Mary [Dodge] his wife, & Susanna daughter of
John Black jun r by his wife Freeborne [Woolfe] were
baptized.
Septemb r 22 : Abigail daughter of Cornells Baker by
Hannah [Woodbury] his wife & Robert son of Isaak
Woodbury by [Elizabeth Herrick] his wife were baptized
22: 7 mo : 1672.
Septemb 1 " 29 : Susanna daughter of Nickolas la Groves
by Hanah [Black] his wife was baptized ye 29 th . 7. 1672.
1673 May 18. Hannah daughter of William Raiment
by Hannah [Bishop] his [first] wife baptized 18 th . 3.
1673.
May 25. Mary, alias Sarah, daughter of Ephraim
Hirreck by Mary [Cross] his wife baptized 25. 3. 73.
July 6. Jonathan son of Nathaniel! Haward by
Elizabeth [Corning] his wife was baptized 6. 5. 1673
31 August. Bethia daughter of Humphry Woodbury
jun r by his wife Anne [Window of Gloucester] was
baptized 31 August 1673.
19. Octob r . Eben=ezer son of John Bacheld r [and
Mary Herrick] a member of ye Church at Wenham was
baptized 19. 8. 1673.
23. Novem : John ye son of Richard Overs by Abigail
[Woodbury] his wife ; And Elizabeth daughter of Joseph
[and Elizabeth] Lovet & Samuell son of Allexand r
Maxwell of Wenham were baptized 23. 9. 1673.
22 February. Abraham ye son of Edmund [and Sarah
Dixey] Gale was Baptized February 22 d 1673.
[154] 19. 2 : 74. Nickolas ye son of Nickolas La
Groves by Hanah [Black] his wife was baptized ye 19 th
April 1674.
26. 2. 74. Dixie ye son of Hue Woodbury by Mary
[Dixie] his wife was baptized 26 April, 1674.
10. 3. 74. Abigal daughter of Zackariah Hirreck by
his wife Mary [Dodge] was baptized 10. May, 1674.
17. 3. Mary daughter of Nathaniell Stone by his wife
Remember [Corning] was baptized 17. May, 1674.
24. 3. Anna daughter of Peter Woodbury fn r by his
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 183
wife Sarah [Dodge] ; Allso Sarah daughter of Joseph
Hirreck by his wife [Sarah Leach] Allso Bethia daughter
of George Stanley by his wife Bethia [Lovett] were
baptized ye 24. May, 1674.
7 th June. John Fisk had a daughter Elizabeth &
William Fisk a son Benjamin & Richard Dodge a daughter
Martha all these of Wenham were Baptized 7 th June 1674.
14. June. James son of James Friend of Wenham
baptized 14. 4. 74.
5. July. Baptized Richard Buttons son Samuell,
Richard Kemballs daughter Deborah & Isaak Davis son
Isaak [by his wife Lydia Black] 5. July 1674.
19. July John sonne of John Benet by Deborah
[Grover] his wife was baptized 19. 5. 1674.
" 27 Septb r . Bethiah daughter of Charles Gott [by his
wife Lydia Clark] of Wenham was baptized heer ye 27.
7 mo : 1674.
4. Octob r . Anne daughter of John Keneline of
Wenham baptized 4. 8. 1674.
11. Octob r . Priscilla daughter of Cornelia Baker by
Hannah [Woodbury] his wife baptized 11. 8. 1674.
25. Octob r . Mary daughter of Isaak Woodbury by
Mary [Wilks] his wife & Abigail daughter of Humphrey
Woodbury jun r by Anne [Window] his wife these were
baptized 25. 8. 1674.
8. Novemb r . Samuell son of John Swarton by Hanah
[Hibbert] his wife baptized 8. 9. 1674.
6. Decemb r . Deborah daughter of John Dodge fn r
[by his wife Sarah Proctor] was baptized.
20. Decemb r . Samuell son of Tho. West by Elizabeth
[Jackson] his wife was baptized.
167f 3. January. Gilbert, Joseph & Mary, chilldren
of Gilbert Taply by his wife [Tamson] baptized 3. 11. 74.
14. March The Chilldren of Sister [Elizabeth (Gaily)
widow of Osmand]Trask, viz. Samuell, Benjamin, Joseph,
William & Elizabeth were baptized 14 th . 1. 75.
1675. 25. April. Samuell son of John Lovet jun r by
Bethia [Rootes] his wife baptized 25. 2. 75.
9. May. John son of Samuell Corning ju r . by Hannah
[Batchelder] his wife baptized 9. 3. 1675.
30. May. Peter Sonne of John Benet by Deborah
[Grover] his wife baptized ye 30. May 1675.
184 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
6. June. Jonathan son of Osmund Trask by his wife
Elizabeth [Gaily] baptized 6. 4. 75. [The father deceased,
the widow m. 2 nd John Giles]
[155] 20. June. Jane daughter of Exercise Conant
by Sarah his wife baptized 20. 4. 1675.
27. June. Israeli son of John Stone by his wife
Abigail [Dixey] baptized ye 27. 4. 1675.
11. July. John ye son of John Hirreck by his wife
[Mary Kedington, ofTopsfield] baptized 11. 5. 1675.
18. July. Samuell son of Ephraim Hirreck by Mary
[Cross] his wife was baptized ye 18. 5. 1675.
5. Septb r . Ruth daughter of John Wood bury by his
wife Elizabeth [Tenney] was baptized 5. 7. 1675.
26. Septb r . Anna daughter of Richard Obers by
Abigail [Woodbury] his wife was baptized ye 26. 7. 1675.
10. Octob r . Nickolas son of Nathaniell Haward by
Elizabeth [Corning] his wife was baptized ye 10. 8. 1675.
17. Octob r . Mary daughter of John Swarton by his
wife Hannah [Abigail Hibbert*] was baptized ye 17. 8.
1675.
16jf|. February 6 th Mary daughter of Hue Woodbury
by Mary [Dixey] his wife : Allso Elizabeth daughter of
Thomas Woodbury by Hanah [Dodge, widow of Samuel
Porter] his wife were baptized.
167 February ye 20. Ebenezer son of Robert Coburne
of Chelmsford by his wife Mary, (wch Mary is bro :
Bishops daughter) the said Ebenezer baptized ye 20 : 12.
167| March 19 th Robert son of Robert Bradford by
his wife Hanah was baptized 19. 1. 167|.
1676. April 19 th Elizabeth [Haskell] wife of Will.
Dodge tertius was baptized upon ye profession of her faith
& repentance & admission into full Communion with this
Church.
Apr. 23. Mary, Elizabeth & Miriam children of Will
Dodge tertius by Elizabeth [Haskell] his wife were
baptized 23. 2. 1676.
May 14. fower children of o r sister Elizabeth Haskall
deceased (their mother while shee lived delaying, but not
denying their baptisme) came & desiered baptisme : the
eldest of ym Hanah did make a confession of her faith &
* John Swarton m. Abigail Hibbert Jan. 8, 1675.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 185
desiered baptisme alleadging Mark 16. 16. So Roger,
Samuell, Hanah & Sarah Haskall were baptized 14. 3.
1676.
May 2[1] . Rebeckah daughter of Nathaniell Stone by
his wife Sarah was baptized ye 2[1]. 3. 1676.
June 25. Joseph ye sonn of Joseph Lovet by Elizabeth
his wife was baptized ye 25. 4. 1676.
July 23. Abigail daughter of William Raiment by
Hanah [Bishop] his wife was baptized 23 of ye 5. 1676.
Septemb. 10 Hanah daughter of Nickolas La Grove by
his wife Hanah [Black] was baptized ye 10. 7. 1676.
Septb r . 17. Anna daughter of Edmund Gale by Sarah
[Dixey] his wife was baptized ye 17. 7. 1676.
Septemb r . 24. Elizabeth & Sarah chilldren of John
Dixy deceased [by his wife Sarah Allen] (who was ye
sonne of broth r William Dixy) were baptized heer ye 24 th
Septemb r 1676. ye brethren consenting by yr vote.
Septb r 24. Martha daughter of Samuell Balsh by
Martha [Newmarch] his wife was baptized ye 24. 7. 1676.
[156] 29. Octob r . Andrew sonne of John Dodge
Sn r by his wife [Sarah Proctor] was baptized 29 th . 8.
1676. when allso Robert sonne of John Sallows by his
wife [Elizabeth] was baptized 29. 8. 1676.
12. Novemb 1 ". Sands ye son of George Stanly by his
wife Bethia [Lovett] was baptized ye 12. 9. 76.
1677 March 4 th . Elenor daughter of Richard Patch by
his wife [Mary Goldsmith] was baptized 4. 1. 1677.
May 27. were baptized Martha ye daughter of Peter
Woodbury by Sarah [Dodge] his wife. Allso Bethia
daughter of Cornelius Baker by Hanah [Woodbury] his
wife ye 27. 3. 1677.
June 3. 1677 Israeli son of Isaak Davis by Lydia
[Black] bis wife baptized. [Of Wenham.]
July 22. John ye son of John Swarton by his wife
Hannah [Abigail Hibbert]* was baptized 22. 5. 1677.
July 29. Mary daughter of Thomas West by Elizabeth
[Jackson] his wife & Elizabeth daughter of Exercise
Conant by Sarah his wife were baptized 29. 5. 1677.
Septemb r . 2. Nathaniell son of John Black by
Freeborne [Woolfe] his wife: allso Sarah daughter of
* John Swarton m. Abigail Hibbert, Jan. 8, 1675.
186 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
John Woodbury by his wife Elizabeth [Tenney] were
baptized 2 d . 7 th . 1677.
23. Septemb r . Mary daughter of John Hirreck by his
wife Mary [Redington] was baptized 23. 7. 1677.
14. Octob r . Ruth daughter of Nehemiah Grover by
his wife Ruth [Haskell] was baptized 14. 8. 1677.
10. Novemb r . Edward ye posthumus son of Osmund
Trask deceased by his wife Elizabeth [Gaily] was baptized
10. 9. 1677.
25. Novemb r Noahsonne of Joseph Dodge by his wife
Sarah [Eaton] baptized ye 25. 9. 1677.
9 th Decerab r Elizabeth daughter of Richard Ober by
his wife Abigail [Woodbury] baptized ye 9. 10. 1677.
23. Decemb r . Humphry sonne of Humphry Woodbury
ju r by Anna [Window] his wife was baptized 23. 10.
1677.
3. March. Sarah daughter of Will. Dodge ju r by Mary
[Conant, widow of John Balsh who was drowned at the
Ferry in 1662] his [first] wife was baptized 3. 1. 16^
17. March. Rebeckah daughter of John Richards by his
wife Elizabeth [Woodbury] was baptized as allso Bethia
daughter of Nathaniell Conant by his wife Hannah
[Mansfield, of Lynn] ye 17. 1. 16^.
24. March. Susanna daughter of Thomas Roots by his
wife Sarah [Clark] was baptized 24. 1. 16f.
1678, 31. March. James son of Thomas Patch by his
wife [Mary Scott, of Ipswich] baptized 31. 1. 78.
7 th Aprill. Mary daughter of Jonathan Morse by his
wife Mary [Clark] was baptized 7. 2. 1678.
21. April!. Richard & Rebeckah children of Jonathan
Byley by his wife Elizabeth [Rebecca ?] were baptized
21.2. 1678.
19. May. Samuell ye son of Samuell Balsh [by his
wife Martha Newmarch] baptized 19. 3. 1678.
26. May. Samuell son of Nathaniell Haward by his wife
Elizabeth [Corning] : And Ebenezer son of John Benet
by his wife Deborah [Grover] & Christian daughter of
Isaak Woodbury by his wife Mary [Wilks] were baptized
ye 26. 3. 1678.
7. July. William son of William Clerk by Elizabeth
[Stone] his wife baptized ye 7. 5. 1678.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 187
[157] 11. August. Daniell ye son of Robert Coburn
[Jur.] by Mary [Bishop] his wife was baptized ye 11. 6.
1678.
24. Novemb r . Hanah daughter of Thomas West by
[Elizabeth Jackson] his wife was baptized 24. 9. 1678.
1. Decemb r . John sonne of Cornelius Baker by Hanah
[Woodbury] his wife was baptized ye 1. 10. 1678.
15. Decemb r . Will iam, Ed ward, & Elizabeth ye chilldren
of William Hooper by Elizabeth his wife were baptized.
15. DecermV Jonathan son of Edward Dodge by Mary
[Haskell] his wife was baptized.
2. February. William son of William Woodbury by
[Hannah Haskell] his wife was baptized 2. 12. 16f|.
" 16. 12. 78. William ye son of Edmund & Sarah [Dixey]
Gale baptized ye 16. febru : f|.
1679. 4. May 1679. Samuell son of John Woodbury
by Elizabeth [Tenney] his wife baptized & Edmund son
of Nehemiah Grover [by his wife Ruth Haskell] .
18 May were baptized, Daniell son of Nathaniell Stone
by his wife Remember [Corning] : allso Samuell ye son
of Willam Clearck by his wife Elizabeth [Stone] : Allso
Alexander the son of Jonathan & Elizabeth [Patch] Byley :
allso Richard ye son of Richard & Mary [Goldsmith]
Patch. Allso Daniell ye son of John & Mary [Redington]
Hirreck, these baptized 18 [4*] 79.
1 st June 79. Sarah ye daughter of John & Sarah
Sallows allso Lot the son of John & Bethia [Mansfield, of
Lynn] Conant were baptized 1. 4. 79.
13. July Mary daughter of Joseph Lovet baptized.
24. August. Anna daughter of Ephraim & Mary
[Cross] Hirreck baptized 24. 6. 1679.
14. Septb r . Peter ye son of Nickolas & Hanah [Black]La
Grove baptized 14. 7. 79.
12. Octob r Mary daughter of John Richards by his
wife Elizabeth [Woodbury] baptized 12. 8. 79.
26 Octob r Samuell ye son of Jeremiah Bootman [by
his wife Hester Lambert] Baptized as his wife was a
member of Salem Church.
21 Decemb r Hanah or Anna daughter of John & Abigail
[Dixey] Stone was baptized ye 21. 10. 1679.
* Evidently a mistake for 3, in the original.
188 BEVERLY 'FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
18. January. Jonathan son of George & Bethia [Lovett]
Stanley baptized 18. 11. 16f.
1. February. Abigail daughter of Richard & Abigail
[Woodbury] Obers baptized ye 1 st 12 th mo - 16 .
8. February. Jerusha daughter of Peter Woodbury by
Mary [Dodge] his wife baptized 8. 12. f .
15. February. Benjamin, Henry, & Martin ye sons of
Joseph & Mary [Endicott] Hirreck jun r were baptized ye
15. 12. 16f .
7. March. Benjamin ye son of John & Bethia [Rootes]
Lovet. Allso Nathaniell son of Nathaniell & Bethia [?]
[Hannah Mansfield, of Lynn] Conant & Susanna daughter
of Thomas & Hanah [Dodge, widow of Samuel Porter]
Woodbury were baptized 7. 1. 16||.
21. March. Hanah daughter of William & Hanah
[Haskell] Woodbury Bapt. 21. 1. 1680.
28. March. Prudence daughter of Joseph Dodge by
Sarah [Eaton] his wife bapt. 28. 1. 1680.
25. Aprill. Joseph son of Samuell Balch [by his wife
Martha Newmarch] & Christian daughter of John &
Christian Trask baptized 25. 2. 80.
9. May 1680 Eliezer son of John & Elizabeth [Gaily,
widow of Osmand Trask] Giles & allso Joseph ye sonne
of Samuell & Hanah [Batchelder] Corning were baptized.
16. May. Hanah daughter of Nathaniell & Elizabeth
[Corning] Haward baptized 16. 3. 80.
20. June 1680 Isaak son of Isaak & Mary [Wilks]
Woodbury baptized 20. 4. 80.
4. July 1680 Josiah son of Exercise & Sarah Conant
& Ester daughter of William Dod[g]e tertius by Elizabeth
[Haskell] his wife were baptized 4. 5. 1680.
[158] 18. 5. 1680. Anne daughter of Humphry
Woodbury ju r & Anne [Window] his wife was baptized
18. July 1680.
25. 5. 1680. Rebekah, Hanah & John chilldren of John
Balsh by his wife Hanah [Veren] were baptized ye 25
July 1680.
15. August. 80. Joseph son of John & Deborah
[Grover] Benet Baptized 15. 6. 1680.
19. Septemb r 80. Dorothie daughter of William Hooper
(deceased) by his relict Elizabeth baptized 19. 7. 1680.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 189
13. 1. 81. Joseph & Benjamin sons of Robert & Mary
[Bishop] Coburne baptized ye 13. March 16ff.
Aprill: 17. Ede [Edith] Daughter of Edward Dodge
[by his wife Mary Haskell] baptized 17. 2. 81.
May 8. [John, son] of John Woodbury [by his wife
Elizabeth Tenney] baptized 8. 3. 1681.
May 29. Robert son of Richard & Mary [Goldsmith]
Patch & Mary daughter of Jonathan & Elizabeth [Patch]
Byles baptized ye 29. 3. 1681.
June 19 th 1681. Mary daughter of Nehemiah & Ruth
[Haskell] Grover baptized.
July 17. 1681. Emme ye daughter of Andrew & Mary
[Herrick] Elliot baptized.
July 24. 1681. were baptized ye Chilldren of William
& Martha [dau. of Giles Corey] Cleaves viz: John,
Elenor & Martha.
August 7 th 1681. Symon son of Joseph & Elizabeth
Lovet ; & David ye son of George & Bethia Standly were
baptized.
August 14. 1681. Priscilla daughter of Edward Bishop
jun r baptized.
Septemb r 11. 1681. Israeli ye son of John & Hanah
[Veren] Balsh baptized.
Novemb r 27. 1681. Abigail daughter of Edmund &
Sarah [Dixey] Gale, & Josiah ye son of Nathaniell &
Hanah [Mansfield] Conant were baptized ye 27. 9. 1681.
Decemb r 4. 1681. John son of Nickolas & Hanah
[Black] Groves & Triphosa daughter of Joseph & Mary
[Dodge] Hirreck baptized ye 4. 10. 1681.
Decemb r 18. 1681. Hezekiah ye son of Richard &
Abigail [Woodbury] Ober & Mary daughter of John
& Elizabeth [Gaily widow of Osmand Trask] Giles
baptized ye 18. 10. 1681.
25. Decemb r 1681. Elizabeth daughter of William &
Elizabeth [Stone] Cleark baptized 2,5. 10. 81.
5. Febr. 16|^. Abigail daughter of Joseph & Mary
[Eaton] Dodge & allso Elizabeth daughter of John &
Bethia [Mansfield] Conant were baptized.
2. Aprill: 1682. Benjamin & John ye twinn sons of
Samuell Balsh [by his wife Martha Newmarch] were
baptized.
190 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
Aprill 9, 1682. Hauah daughter of Antonie & Mary
[Black] Williams baptized.
May 1. 1682. James ye son of Edmund & Ellenor
Ashby baptized.
May 21. 1682. Timothy ye sou of Ephraim & Mary
[Cross] Hirreck baptized.
June 4. 1682. John ye sou of John &Ruth [Waldron]
Hebert & Bethia daughter of John & Bethia Lovet
Baptized.
June 25. 1682. John son of John & Elizabeth
[Woodbury] Richards baptized.
July 2, 1682. Marget daughter of John & Elizabeth
Sallows baptized.
August 13. 1682. Jabez ye son
of Cornelius & Hanah [Woodbury]
Ba jo^iah ye son of Peter & Sarah ^P** ! 6 - -
[Dodge] Woodbury
August 27. 1682. Peter ye son' of William & Hanah
[Haskell] Woodbury baptized 27. 6. 82.
October 15. 1682. Jonathan ye son of Thomas &
Hanah [Porter, nee Dodge] Woodbury & Abigail daughter
of William & Rachel [Raymond] Bradford Baptized.
February 18. 1682. Deliverance alias Experience
daughter of Isaak & Mary [Wilks] Woodbury Sn r baptized
ye 18. 12. 16ft.
Aprill 8. 1683. Joseph son of Edward [and Mary]
Bishop ju r baptized 8. 2. 83.
Aprill 15. 83. Deborah ye daughter of John & Deborah
[Grover] Benet & Sarah daughter of John [and Hannah
Veren] Balsh : baptized 15. 2. 83.
Aprill 22. 1683: Elizabeth daughter of Robert &
Mary [widow of John Porter (nee Porter)] Cue baptized
22. 2. 83.
[159] Aprill 29 : 83 : Caleb son of Exercise & Sarah
Conant baptized.
May 20 : 83 : Jonathan son of Jonathan [and Elizabeth
(Patch)] Byley baptized 20. 3. 1683.
May 20 : 83 : Susanna daughter ot John & Elizabeth
[Tenney] Woodbury baptized 20. 3. 1683.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 191
1. 5. 83. Sarah daughter of John & Elizabeth
[Woodbury] Walker baptized 1. 5. 83.
12. 6. 83. Ruth daughter of John & Ruth [Waldron]
Hebert baptized.
12. 6. 83. Samuell ye son & Martha ye daughter of
John & Martha Raiment were baptized 12. 6. 1683.
23. 10. 83. John ye son of John & Christian Trask &
Charity ye daughter of Edmund & Sarah [Dixey] Gale
were baptized.
30. 10. 83. Hanah daughter of Jeremiah [and Hester
(Lambert)] Bootman was baptized.
13. 11. 8f. Abraham son of David & Elizabeth
[Brown ?] Perkins was baptized.
24. 12. 8f . Bridget daughter of John & Elizabeth
[Gaily, widow of Osmand Trask] Giles was baptized.
16. 1. 8|. William son of Nehemiah & Ruth [Haskell]
Grover & Jael ye daughter of Richard & Sarah [Haskell]
Woodbury baptized 16. 1. 168f.
1684 13. 2. 84. Phebe daughter Samuell & Martha
[Newmarch] Balsh & Dorothie ye daughter of George &
Bethia [Lovett] Standly were baptized Aprill 13. 84.
20. 2. 84. Freeborn ye son [of] Nicholas & Hanah
[Black] Groves baptized.
18. May 1684. Rufus son of Joseph & Mary [Endicott]
Hirreck baptized.
1. June 84. Elizabeth daughter of John & Elizabeth
[Woodbury] Richards baptized.
8. June 84. Jo[siah] son of Joseph & Sarah [Eaton]
Dodge was baptized 8. 4. 1684.
27. July 1684. Rachel daughter of William & Rachell
[Raymond] Bradford was baptized.
17. August 1684. Thomas son of Thomas [and
Elizabeth (Jackson)] West Baptized.
24. 6. 1684. Mikel son of John [and Elizabeth]
Sallows &> Steven son of Nathaniel [and Elizabeth
(Corning)] Haward & Abigail daughter of Joseph
Haskall deceased [by his wife Mary Graves] & Ester
daughter of William & Elizabeth [Stone] Cleark were
baptized. 24. 6. 1684.
31. August 1684. Mary daughter of Anthony & Mary
[Black] Williams baptized.
14. 7. 1684. James son of James & Mary Smith &
192 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
Thomas, Mary, chilldren of Thomas [and Mary
(Coombs, of Rochester)] Raiment, Margery daughter of
William & Elizabeth [Haskell] Dodge, Hanah daughter
of Nathaniell Conant [by his wife Hannah Mansfield],
Ester daughter of John Stone jun r [by his wife Elizabeth
Herrick] Baptized.
21.7. 1684. Dorothie daughter of Goody Graves Lyn
Church was baptized heer upon communion of Churches.
26. 8. 1684. Bethia daughter of John & Bethia
[Mansfield] Conant baptized.
21. 10. 1684. Myriam wife of Free=born Balsh
[widow of Joseph Batchelder, maiden name Moulton]
was baptized.
28. 10. 84. Joshua son of John Balsh [by his wife
Hannah Veren] Baptized.
1. 12. 168$. Joshua son of Isaak & Mary [Wilks]
Woodbury baptized.
5. 1. 168|. Thomas, William, Sarah ye chilldren of
Thomas & Sarah Gage were baptized 15. March 168|.
21. 1. 168|. Elizabeth daughter of John Bond [by his
wife Emma Groves] Baptized.
12. 2. 1685. William son of John & Martha Raiment
baptized.
26. 2. 1685. Rebecca daughter of Peter & Sarah
[Dodge] Woodbury & Joseph & Mercy chilldren of Joseph
Eaton [by his wife Sarah Grover, both of Reading]
baptized.
17. 3. 1685. Joseph & Abigail chilldren of Joseph
Bachelder (deceased) by his wife Myriam [Moulton]
were baptized & when her daughter Myriam she hath by
Free-born Balsh her present husband, & Samuell Balsh
his son Peter [by his wife Martha Newmarch] allso
Baptized.
[160] 24. May 1685. Sarah Daughter of Edward
[and Mary] Bishop baptized.
May. 31. 1685. Triphena daughter of Joseph & Mary
[Endicott 2 nd wife] Hirreck baptized.
14. June 1685. Jasper son of John Swarton by Hanah
[Hibbert] his wife baptized.
5. July 1685. Ebefiezer son of Edmund & Ellen Ashby
& Rebeckah daughter of Wi m . & Hanah [Haskell]
Woodbury Baptized.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 193
9. August 1685. Anne daughter of Samuell &
Elizabeth [Dixey] Morgan & Richard & Josiah sons of
Richard & Sarah [Haskell] Woodbury baptized.
16. August 1685. Sarah daughter of Joseph & Sarah
[Eaton] Dodge baptized.
13. Septemb r . 1685. Nathan son of David & Elizabeth
[Brown?] Perkins * baptized.
28. Septemb r . 1685. John ye son of Richard & Mary
[Goldsmith] Patch was baptized privatly in ye fathers
house as was Paul : acts 9. 18 & 22. 16. The Eunuck,
acts 8. 36, 37. ye Taylor & his house acts 16. 33. The
reason was this ye parents being both members in full
communion intended to bring their child ye Sabboth
before to be baptized in publick but sickness prevented
<& it beeing drawing toward death it was baptized in ye
presence of ye parents & two other Christians.
18. October 1685. were baptized James ye son of
John & Sarah [Noyes] Hale & John ye son of Joseph &
Elizabeth Lovet.
25. Octob r . 1685. Ruth daughter of Edward & Mary
[Haskell] Dodge baptized.
1. Novemb r . 1685. Mary daughter of Thomas & Sarah
Gage baptized .
8. Novemb r . 1685. Nehemiah & Rose chilldren of
& Sarah [daughter of George] Harvie by his wife Sarah
were baptized.
22. Novemb r . 1685. William son of John Richards
[by his wife Elizabeth Woodbury] baptized.
29. Novemb r . 1685. Elizabeth daughter of Jonathan
& Elizabeth [Patch] By ley. All so John, Jonathan,
Josiah, Elizabeth & Mary chilldren of John & Mary
[Herrick] Bachelder deceased were baptized 29. 9. 1685.
6. Decemb r . 1685. Bethia daughter of Ithamar [and
Bethiah] Wooden baptized. [Probably from Haverhill.]
7. March 168f. Mary daughter of Edmund & Sarah
[Dixey] Gale baptized.
"11. Aprill 1686. Rebeccah daughter of Samuell &
Elizabethf Curtice baptized.
* Removed to South Bridgewater, Mass., before 1688.
( t She m., 2nd, April 28, 1690, Thomas Woodbury.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVH 13
194 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
18. Aprill 1686. John son of Kobert & Mary [Bishop]
Coburne baptized.
2. May 1686. Samuell son of John & Deborah
[Grover] Benet baptized.
23. May. 1686. Jonathan son of Thomas Raiment [by
his wife Mary Coombs] & Anne daughter of Robert [and
Mary *] Cue baptized.
6. June. 1686. Elizabeth daughter of John [and
Freeborn (Woolfe)] Black & William & Andrew sons of
William & Mary [Parker] Eliot were baptized, 6. 4. 86.
27. June. 1686. Freeborn son of Freeborn & Miriam
[Batchelder, nee Moulton] Balsh baptized.
8. August. 1686. Mary daughter of John Cresie [by
his wife Sarah Gaines of Ipswich] baptized.
15. August. 1686. John son of John & Bethia
[Mansfield] Conant & James & Emme chilldren of James
& Emme Taylor were baptized.
29. August. 1686. Joanna daughter of John &
Hannah [Veren] Balsh baptized.
5. September. 1686.
baptized
Nehemiah son of Humphry &
Anne [Window] Wood bury
Martha daughter of John [and
Emma (Groves)] Bond. John
son of John Stone jun r . [by his
wife Elizabeth Herrick]
19. September. 1686. Mark Haskall upon ye profession
of his faith & Repentance was baptized w th his three
chilldren viz. Roger, John, Mark. Allso Nathaniel son of
W m Clark [by his wife Elizabeth Stone] & Sarah
daughter of John Cleark [by his wife Sarah Smith]
26. September. 1686. Nickalas son of John & Abigail
[Woodbury] Ober baptized.
3. October. 1686. William son of William & Rachel
E Raymond] Bradford & Josiah son of Roger & Hanah
Woodbury] Hascall were baptized.
[161] 17. October. 1686. Robert & Rebecca ye
chilldren of W m & Joanna [Hale, widow of John Larkin]
Dodge were baptized.
* She was the widow of John Herrick net Porter.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 195
24. Octob r . Daniel son of Samuel! & Hanah [Batchelder]
Corning baptized 24. 8. 1686.
7. Novemb r . 1686. Mikel son of William & Elizabeth
[Haskell] Dodge [tertius] baptized.
21. Novemb r . 1686. Marget * ye wife of W m Cleaves
was baptized upon her profession of faith & repentance
made ye 16 th of this instant.
21. Novemb r . 1686. Edward son of John & Christian
[Woodbury] Trask & Elizabeth daughter of Mark
Haskall [by his wife Mary Smith]
5. December. 1686. William & Jude children of
Nickolas & Mary [Eliot] Woodbury were baptized.
12. Decemb r . 1686. ye chilldren of John & Jane Pride
baptized were John, William, Peter, Joseph, Mary, &
Elizabeth of w ch ye eldest viz. John & Mary made a
publick profession of their owne faith & repentance.
19. Decemb r . 1686. William son of William & Marget
[Corey] Cleaves & Elizabeth daughter of Joseph & Mary
[Dodge] Hirreck fn r were baptized.
20. March 16ff Samuell son of Roger & Ruth
[Stackhouse] Haskins baptized.
24. Aprill 1687. Sarah & Bridget chilldren of
Humphry [and Elizabeth (Smith)] Horrell baptized.
1. May. 1687. Cornelius son of Samuel [and Martha
(Newmarch) ] Balch baptized.
22. May. 1687. Susanna daughter of Richard & Sarah
[Haskell] Woodbury baptized.
July 3. 1687. Mary daughter of Joseph & Mary
[Endicott] Hirrek jun r . & Martha ye daughter of
Nathaniel & Hanah [Mansfield] Conantf were baptized.
July 10 th . 1687. John, Elizabeth, Hanah chilldren of
John [and Christian (Woodbury) ] Trask Sn r . baptized.
July 17. 1687. Benjamin son of Edward Bishop ju r .
by Mary his wife baptized.
July 31. 1687. Mary & Marthah daughters of Edmund
& Ellen Ashby baptized.
August 7. 1687. Priscilla daughter of Peter & Sarah
[Dodge] Woodbury ; allso Christian daughter of John
* Margaret Corey, second wife of William Cleaves, and daughter of Giles
Corey of Salem Village.
t Removed to Bridgewater.
196 BEVERLY TIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
Tovie deceased & his relict widdow Mary [Herrick]
baptized.
August 14. 1687. Samuell son of John Hale pastor of
ye Church in Beverly by Sarah [Noyes] his wife was bap-
tized beeing born ye day before viz. ye 13 th August 1687.
August 28. 1687. Samuell son of George & Bethia
[Lovett] Standly baptized.
Septemb r . 18. 1687. Baptized Samuel son of Jthainar
[and Bethiah] Wooden.
Septemb r . 25. 1687. Baptized Nathaniel son of John
[and Elizabeth (Woodbury) ] Richards.
Octob r . 9. 1687. Baptized Euth daughter of John
[and Hannah (Veren) ] Balsh & Elizabeth daughter of
John & Christian [Woodbury] Trask.
Novemb r . 6. 1687. Edward son of Edward & Mary
[Haskell] Dodge baptized.
December 4. 1687. George son of George & Sarah
[Conant] Trow baptized.
January [8] 8J. Elisha son of Joseph [and Sarah
(Eaton) ] Dodge baptized.
January 15. 8. George son of George & Elizabeth
[Haward] Harvey baptized.
February 26. 168. Hanah daughter of Roger &
Hanah [Woodbury] Haskal baptized.
June 10. 1688. Samuel son of Lot & Abigal Conant
& Andrew son of Nickolas & Mary [Eliot] Woodbury
baptized.
June 17. 1688. Thomas son of John Raiment jun r .
by his wife Martha baptized.
June 24. 88. Judith daughter of William & Mary
[Parker] Eliot baptized.
July 29. 88. Benjamin son of Freeborn & Miriam
[Batchelder, nee Moulton] Balch, & Joanna daughter of
Thomas & Sarah Gage, & Abigal daughter of Thomas
[and Mary (Coombs)] Raiment, baptized.
August 5. 1688. Nehemiah son of Nehemiah & Ruth
[Haskell] Grover & Jane daughter of Samuel & Elizabeth
Curtice were baptized.
August 12. 1688. Nathaniel son of John & Elizabeth
[Woodbury] Richards & Nickolas son of Isaak Woodbury
jun r by Elizabeth his wife were baptized.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 197
August 26. 1688. John son of Richard & Mary
[Goldsmith] Patch baptized.
Septemb r [3 d .*] 1688. William, Thomas & Charitie ye
Chilldren of Thomas & Charitie [Livermore]Whitteridge,
allso Sarah daughter of Jonanathan & Elizabeth [Patch]
Byley.
September [17 th f] 1688. Henry son of Joseph Hirreck
ju r . by his wife Mary [Endicott?] & Mercy daughter of
William Dodge tertius by his wife Elizabeth [Haskell]
baptized.
[162] 14. October, 1688. Abel son of Humphry &
Anne [Window] Woodbury & John ye son of John [and
Sarah (Gaines)] Cresie were baptized.
21. 8. 1688. Esther daughter of William & Hanah
[Haskell] Woodbury baptized.
28. 8. 1688. Solomon son of Tobias & Mary [Green]
Trow baptized.
4. 9. 1688. Joshua son of John [and Hannah
(Veren)] Balch baptized.
6. 11. 168|. Jacob & Ellenor son & daughter of Jacob
& Ellenor [Haskell] Griggs baptized.^
10. 1. 168| . Edward son of John & Erne [Groves]
Bond baptized.
24. 1. 1689. David son of Richard & Sarah [Haskell]
Woodbury baptized.
31. 1. 1689. Deborah daughter of Philip & Deborah
[Mansfield] White baptized.
21. 2. 1689. Benjamin son of Richard & Abigail
[Woodbury] Ober baptized.
28. 2. 1689. Mary daughter of Mark [and Mary
(Smith)] Haskall baptized.
12. 3. 1689. Ruth daughter of Joseph Herrek Sn r . by
Mary [Dodge] his wife baptized.
19. 3. 1689. Mary daughter of John [and Sarah
(Gale)] Stone ju 1 '. & Sarah ye daughter of Joseph &
Elizabeth [West] Woodbury were baptized.
2. 4. 1689. Abigal daughter of Samuel [and Martha
(Newmarch)] Balsh & Martha daughter of John [and
Ruth (Waldron)] Hebert & Rebecca daughter of Thomas
& Charitie [Liver more] Whiterige were baptized.
* So, but perhaps should be 2nd. t So, but should be perhaps 16th.
J Formerly of Gloucester.
;
198 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
16. 4. 1689. Joanna daughter of John Hale (Pastor)
& Sarah [Noyes] his wife was baptized June 16. 1689.
23. 4. 1689. Samuel son of John Lee of Manchester
by his wife Sarah was baptized, allso Elizabeth daughter
of William Haskal ju r . by his wife Ruth [West] baptized.
7. 5. 1689. Anna daughter of Isaak Woodbury ju r .
by his wife Elizabeth [Herrick] was baptized.
25. 6. 1689. Robert son of William [and Margaret
(Corey)] Cleaves & Mary daughter of Nickolas & Mary
[Eliot] Woodbury baptized.
8. 7. 1689. Baptized James son of John [and Martha]
Raiment ju r . & Mary ye daughter of Joseph [and
Elizabeth] Lovet & Sarah daughter of George & Sarah
[Conant] Trow.
20. 8. 1689. Caleb son of John [and Hannah(Veren)]
Balch & Lot son of Nathaniell & Hanah [Mansfield]
Conant (of Bridgwater) & Mary daughter of John &
Bethiah [Mansfield] Conant were baptized.
3. 9. 1689. Ithamer son of Ithamer & Bethia Wooden
& allso Mary daughter of Antony & Dorcas Coombs
baptized.
27. 9. 1689. John son of Edward Bishop ju r . & Mary
his wife was baptized.
5. 11 . 1689/90. Johanna daughter of Thomas & Sarah
Gage baptized.
23. 12. 1689/90 William son of John & Christian
[Woodbury] Trask baptized.
23. 1. 16ff. Nathaniel son of John & Elizabeth
[Woodbury] Richards & Charity daughter of Joseph
[and Sarah (Eaton)] Dodge baptized.
30. 1. 1690. Caleb son of William Woodbury Sn r . &
Hanah [Haskell] his wife baptized.
3. 2. 1690. William son of Will. Raiment ju r . by his
wife Mary [Kettell] baptized.
20. 2. 1690. Joanna daughter of Andrew & Em
[Eliot] Woodbury baptized.
27. 2. 1690. John & Nathaniel Kettle sons of James
[and Elizabeth (Hay ward)] Kettle baptized.
4. 3. 1690. was baptized Sarah daughter of Nathaniel
Stone ju r by Mary [Balch] his wife.
11. 3. 1690. The chilldren of Joseph & Ruth [Balch]
Drinker, viz Joseph John & Ruth were baptized.
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS. 199
18. 3. 1690, Ellenor daughter of Edmund Ashby (by
his wife Ellenor) baptized.
8. 4. 1690. Baptized Joseph & Elizabeth chilldren of
Joseph & Elizabeth [West] Woodbury, Rhoda daughter
of George & Bethia [Lovett] Standly, Thomas & Elizabeth
chilld r of Thomas & Hanah [Woodbury ?] Cox, Judah
daughter of Roger & Hanah [Woodbury] Haskall.
15. 4. 1690. Baptized Josiah son of Thomas [and
Mary (Coombs)] Raiment & Rachel daughter of Jonathan
& Sarah [Woodbury] Raiment.
[163] 29. 4. 1690. Baptized Miriam [Hill] wife of
W m Haskall Sn r ., Philip son of Philip & Deborah
[Mansfield] White, Mary daughter of James & Erne
Taylor.
6. 5. 1690. Mrs Abigal Balaam & her son Thomas
baptized.
13. 5. 1690. Baptized John son of W m & Rachel
[Raymond] Bradford.
(Abigail daughter of Lot Conant
& Abigal his wife Kathern
daughte?of John [and Sarah
(Smith)] Clerk.
1. 1. 169f baptized Edith daughter of Joseph & Mary
[Dodge] Hirreck Sn r .
15. 1. 1691. Samuel son of Thomas Woodbury Sn r by
his wife [widow] Elizabeth [Curtis.] Allso Nathan son
of Humphry & Anne [Window] Woodbury baptized
22. 1. 91. baptized Sarah Daughter of Richard
Woodbury by his wife Sarah [Haskell] .
29. 1. 91. baptized Priscilla Daughter of John [and
Sarah (Gale)] Stone ju r .
5. 2. 91. Baptized Mary daughter of William [and
Mary (Parker)] Eliot.
19. 2. 91. baptized Sarah daughter of John Hebert
by his late deceased wife.
26. 2. 91. baptized Elizabeth daughter of Thomas &
Charity [Livermore] Whitridge.
3. 3. 91. baptized Anna daughter of Philip & Hanah
[Baker] Babson.
7. 4. 91. baptized Elizabeth [(Hoar) wife of
Christopher] Read & Rebecca daughter of Jacob &
Ellenor [Haskell] Griggs.
200 BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
5. 5. 91. baptized Jeremiah, Mary, Abigail &
Elizabeth ye chilldren of Christopher & Elizabeth [Hoar ]
Bead.
2. 6. 91. baptized Jonathan son of Robert & Elizab.
[Mary (?) widow of John Herrick] Cue & John &
.Rebecca chilldren of James & Emme Taylor.
23. 6. 91. baptized Mehitable daughter of Thomas
[and Mary (Coombs)] Raiment.
30. 6. 91. baptized John son of Luke & Martha
[Conant] Perkins.
6. 7. 91. baptized Humphry son of Humphry &
Elizabeth [Smith] Horrel.
27. 7. 91. baptized the chilldren of Thomas [and
Abigail (Lovett?)] Woodburyju r . Samuel, Jemima, and
Kezia.
4. 8. 91. Baptized Hanah daughter of Joan Salows
deceased & his wife Katherin [Lovett] .
s
Thomas son of Robert & Mary
[Bishop] Coburn
Peter son of Mihel & Dorcas
18. 8. 91. Baptized
Combs
Anna daughter of Peter & Sarah
Harvey
25. 8. 1691. baptized Caleb son of W m & Elizabeth
Clerk
Robert, Theophilus, Mary &
Elizabeth chilldren of Samuell
& Mary [Dudley] Hardie.
1. 9. 1691. Baptized'
Sarah daughter of John & Sarah
[Low] Grover.
[ ] of George & Sarah
[Conant] Trow.
8. 9. 1691. David son of John & Hanah [V eren ]
Balch baptized-
22. 9. 1691. Andrew son of Andrew & Emme [Eliot]
Woodbury baptized.
29. 9. 1691. Baptized John son of Thomas & Sarah
Gage.
10. 11. 169 Baptized Edmund son of John Stone
ju r . by his wife Sarah [Gale] .
(To be continued.)
THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER, AND SOME OF
HIS DESCENDANTS.
BY FKANK A. GARDNER, M.D.
(Continued from Vol. XXXVII, page, 104.')
Among the articles sold were shoes, and he is called
shoemaker and " cord winder " in the records. He also
owned a " ketch " which he used in the cod-fishing industry.
He died in 1682, and the "worshipfull William Browne
and Bartholomew Gedney Esq. and afliftants, Granted
power of the adminiftration, of all & singular, the
chattells goods & ef tate of Mr. Thomas Gardner deceafed
who dyed intestate unto Mrs. Elizabeth the relict &
widdow, of the said Thomas Gardner, & to his Sonn Mr.
Thomas Gardner, whoe are to bring an inventorye of the
eftate soe farr as they cann" etc. They gave bonds to the
amount of 500 pounds.*
The following document was presented to the court on
the 28th 9th mo. 1682 :
"Wheareas M r Thomas Gardner, is returned to this court,
and joyned with his mother in law M rs Elizabeth Gardner,
administrator to the eftate of his father Mr. Tho : Gardner
deceased his eftate & both bound in 500 pounds bond, to
adminifter according to law ct. & it fufficiently appeering,
to this court, that the said Thomas Gardner did object
agst his ftanding any further obliged, by bond then to
returne, an inventory to this court, which accordingly
he haue don upon his oath given (together with the sd
Elizabeth) : this court doe free the said, Thomas Gardner,
from his said bond ct."f
Elizabeth, widow of Lieut. Thomas Gardner, deceased,,
was attached for 190 by the estate of Hezekiah Usher,
late of Boston, Nov. 28, 1683. t
* County Court Records, Term 25th of October, 1682, Case No. 74.
t County Court Records, Case No. 26, 9th mo. 1682.
i Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 17.
201
202 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
As the estate was found to be "insolvent, & not
sufficient fully to fatiffy the creditors," the following
action was taken, " And this court doe defire & Impower,
M r John Hathorne & Mr. Hilliard Veren, that as Elizabeth
y e relict & administratrix of M r Thomas Gardner deceased,
may ftand in need of neffeffary fuply, for time to com till
the court doe fetle the eftate or take further order fhe
may by the advice of the aforenamed Hathorne & Veren,
haue releife & neceffary fupply out of the faid eftate."*
In the inventory was enumerated a large quantity of
dry goods and the following books :
2 Large Bookes of the Anotations on the Old & New teftament.
1 Ditto of the institution of y e Christian Religion.
2 Ditto of Phifick.
1 Large Dixionary in Englifh.
1 Concordance.
1 Sarmon Booke.
1 Breefe of the Booke of Marthers.
4 Small Bookes. Total value of the above 3-00-00.
We also find listed among his personal effects "2 old
halberds, 5 laced Neckcloths, 5 Cambrick Bands, 4 pr.
Sieves, 8 Capps, 1 Black Sattin Cap, 2 pr Old Britches,
1 old red waftecoate, 1 raiper, one Cuttlef."
The only real estate mentioned was his " dwelling
house & Land 110 : 00 : 00." His "Katch " was valued at
80 : 00 : 00.
The total value of his property was 464 : 11 : 00. Debts
were enumerated amounting to 439 :05 : OOf , and funeral
charges 22 : 05 : 00.
The above inventory was sworn to, in court at Salem,
28 : 9 : 1683, before Hilliard Veren, Clerk, and was
witnessed by Jno Pilgrim, and Wm. Hirst, f
August 7, 1684, an execution was levied upon the
house and laud of Lieut. Thomas Gardner, in the hands
of Elizabeth relict and administratrix. This was the
house described above as being near the meeting-house.
It was apprised at 130 pounds. Similar action was taken
on a fishing ketch in the harbor apprised at 50 pounds. J
The house was apprised again at 220 pounds and
* County Court Records, Case No. 24, November, 1683.
t County Court Papers, book 40, leaf 57.
i Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 18.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 203
Joseph Webb Marshal of "Suffolk," agent for Mr.
Hezekiah Usher of Boston, took possession "to reserve
sattisfaction for y e abovesd execution."*
The records do not show just how this matter was
settled, but as before stated the house was occupied by
the widow until her death and later by her son David
Gardner.
Thomas Gardner Junior married twice. His first wife
was probably the Hannah Gardner who united with the
First Church in 1649. His second wife was named
Elizabeth (probably Horne)f. She died intestate, and
although she lived in the house which her husband left,
she did not own it at the time of her death, as no real
estate was included in the inventory, returned by John
Home and Henry West. The estate was settled April
15, 1695.J
Children, by his first wife Hannah :
11. MARY, bap. 2:2:1643.
12. THOMAS, bap. 25:3: 1645 ; d. Nov. 16, 1695 ; || m. Apr. 22
1669, 1| Mary Porter.
13. ELIZA (or Elizabeth), bap. 22 : 2 : 1649.
14. ABIGAILE, bap. 20:2: 1651.
15. BETHIAH, bap. 26:1: 1654 ; m. Samuel Gaskill. Samuel
Gaskill, in his will dated Sept. 1, 1725, mentions three
sons, Samuel, Nathan, and Jonathan, and seven daughters,
two of whom, Content and Sarah, were unmarried.
16. HANNAH, bap. 24 : 11 : 1657.
17. JONATHAN, bap. 12 : 8 : 1664.
Children, by his second wife Elizabeth :
18. DAVID. We find him mentioned, April 15, 1695, in the Probate
Records, in connection with the settlement of his mother's
estate. ^[ In 1702, he occupied the house in the lane next to-
the meeting-house, in which his parents formerly lived.**
19. SUSANNAH, d. Mar. 1720 ;|| m. Mar. 2, 1698-9 George Flint. ft
20. DORCAS (probably the " Dorothy" who m. Robert Carver June
19, 1688).
In the division of the estate of widow Elizabeth
Gardner, April 15, 1695, Dorcas Carver is named as one
of her three children.^"
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 17 (Nov. 28, 1684).
t See notes in regard to George Gardner's wife.
i Essex Probate Records, book 303, leaf 102.
First Church Records.
II Town Records.
Ti Essex Probate Records, book 305, leaf 8.
** Essex Registry of Deeds, book 17, leaf 127.
ft Flint Genealogy, p. 11.
i Town Records in the Clerk of Courts office, book 22, leaf 68.
204 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
3 Lieut. George Gardner was probably born in
England. The earliest mention of his name in the Town
Records of Salem is under date of the " 8 th of the 9 th
month 1637," at which time he was granted ten acres of
land.*
He became a member of the First Church in Salem in
1641. t
In 1642 (12th of the 5th mo.) he was plaintiff against
John Luff defendant, in an action for slander, in which
the jury found for the plaintiff. J In the same year (Dec.
27), he was admitted a freeman at Salem.
He was chosen a member of the trial jury in 1647
(4th mo. ) , and of the petty jury in the following year. In
the 6th mo. 1655, he served as a member of the grand
jury.*
We find his signature as a witness to the will of Eleanor
Tressler, Feb. 25, 1654, and on the 20th of the same
month to that of Robert Moulton, Senior. He also signed
the inventory of Eleanor Tressler's estate March 23d
1654-5.||
From the County Court Records of the 9th mo. 1658,
Case 4, we learn that he assigned "his servant Baldwin
Houfe his whole time that he was to ferve him as p r
indenture over unto John Southwick. This Courte doth
allow it."
The following action was taken at a general M Town
meeting" held the 7th of November, 1659 ; "it is voted
that Geo : Gardner & Hilliard Yeren foorth w th take care
to mend the Caseway & alsoe : the way by maygr
Hawthorn :" * etc. The court granted him a license 10 :
10 : 1661 " to retale strong waters out of the Jarrs." f
* Town Records.
f First Church Records.
j County Court Records, book 2, leaf 119.
Records of Mass. Bay Colony, also N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg. v. in, p. 189
fi County Court Papers, book 3, leaves U, 16 and 17.
1 County Court Records, 10 : 10 : 1661, Case No. 29.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 205
He was chosen a member of the trial jury in 1662
(17th of the 4th mo.) and in the following year (Sept.
llth) was appointed Lieutenant of the foot company of
Salem.* This appointment was confirmed by the court
on the 24th of the 9th mo. 1663. f
In the latter year he also served the town as selectman,
and was appointed (9th of the 9th mo.) with Henry
Bartholomew to take the constables account.* On the 22d
of the next month the town paid him 5 : 00 : 00, for "Mr.
Goold," the tenant on his farm. He served on the com-
mittee to lay out land in the last month of the same year.*
John Pickering having sued George and Samuel
Gardner and others, owners of the mill on South river,
for damages as the result of the flooding of his land, was
allowed twenty pounds* (18th of the 5th mo., 1664).
In this year he was one of the apprisers of the estate of
Henry Har wood. J In June he was plaintiff in a case in
court against Joseph Williams, who was accused of
stealing 41 J pounds -of wheat from said Gardner. J On
the 23d of the llth mo. 1664, the town paid him a bill
of 5:00:00.*
He witnessed the will of Robert Moulton, Sr. Sept.
5, 1665, and in that year served on a jury of inquest in
the case of Jams Prift, found dead. In 1667 he was
again chosen a member of the trial jury.* In 1669, he
was one of the selectmen of Salem, and was appointed
with Mr. John Corwin to lay out the small lot of land
"that belongs to the Widow Reade" (19th of the 9th
mo).* He was one of the apprisers of the estate of Job
Hilliard in November, 1670.||
In the town meeting held on the 3d of March, 1670-1,
he was again chosen selectman, and on the 6th of the
same month was appointed with others to lay out land
for W m . Adams. His name appears as one of the
witnesses to the will of Thomas Browning, in June, 1671.1"
Sometime within the following year or two, he removed
to Hartford, Connecticut, to live. J. Hammond Trumbull,
* Town Records.
t County Court Records, 9th mo. 1663, Case No. 44.
t County Court Papers, book 10, leaves 10 and 14.
County Court Papers, book 11, leaf 59.
Q County Court Papers, book 16, leaf 106.
II County Court Papers, book 17, leaf 90.
206 THOMAS GAKDNER, PLANTER,
President of the Connecticut Historical Society, in his
Memorial History of Hartford,* fixes the date of his
removal as 1673.
The following document found among the County
Court Papers at Salem, is interesting in this connection :
"Know whom it may concern that I George Gardner
fomtime of Sallem, now of Harford in Conniticot being
joint exfekitor with my Brother Samuell Gardner unto
our ffathers laft will & teftament considering it nefeiiry
for my Brother Samuell Gardner in my Abfence to have
fofishient Power to fue & Recover debts due unto my
ffather at his deceafe as Likewife Ample & ffull Power in
my Abfence to defend any Lande Layed Claime unto by
others belonging unto our ffather at his deceafe or to
Eecover damages done within the limits of the fayd lands
by Law : doe therfore as joint exfekitor with my
Brother give unto my brother Samuell Gardner the Power
I have being my Lawfull Atturney to sue by Law &
Recower Anny fuch debts as Aforfayed
do hearby give my Brother Samuell Gardner ffull Power
of Atturniship as if my self wear Present in All the
Premises Aforefayed & doe bind my felf by thefe Prefents
to stand to what Cost lofe or other Expenses my Brother
may be at as my Atturny in the Premises aforefayed, as
witnes my hand this day & time abouefaied.f
Teft. Thomas Gardner Senior.
Samuell Gardner Junr. George Gardner."
Dated July 14, 1677.
In King Philip's War he was a member of a committee
to provide "Flankers " for the defence of Hartford.}
At a meeting of the Council at Hartford held May 1,
1676, he was granted permission to pass to Boston and
Salem "vpon his necessary occasions, and to return w th
all conveniencie they can."
Mr. ( ) Gardner (evidently George) was granted
15 pounds in consideration of damage by non-payment of
money due him from the country, etc., etc.
" Mr. George Gardner allowed 5 pounds additional. "||
* Volume I, page 273.
t County Court Papers, book 27, leaf 58.
f Colonial Records of Connecticut, 1665-1677, p. 375.
I Colonial Records of Connecticut, 1665-1677, p. 438.
\\ Colonial Records of Connecticut, 1678 (Oct.), pp. 18 and 22.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 207
REAL ESTATE.
The land holdings of George Gardner were so extensive
that we will consider them under this separate head.
His first grant of land was, as we have seen, in 1637,
at which time he was allowed ten acres. In 1649 (25th
of the 2nd mo.) he and his brothers Thomas, Samuell
and Joseph, were ordered to survey land, "for w ch they
shall haue allowance in pte of the medow for theire
paynes."*
On the "30 th day" of the next month, he was granted
"4 acres of medow ... at the 7 mens bounds," and
forty acres of upland to be laid out near his meadow.*
This land was in West Peabedy, near the Lowell road,
between the Phelps' Mill station and the Lynnfield line.
At an angle in the line, a short distance to the south of
the road, there still stands a heap of stones placed there
in early colonial times to mark the seven men's bounds.
In the town records the "27 th 2 m 1654)," we find
the following : " Vpon the request of Sergeant Georg
Gardner for a small playne of vpland contayning about
six acres lying and scituate neare to Eobert Moultons
Jun' his medow & to the round hill neare mr Humfres
ffarme and soe to that land that is graunted to ffrances
Perries : Accordingly it is graunted."*
13, llmo. 1662. "Granted to Sergeant George
Gardner that he fhall haue a lott next to the land that
runeth to his house by those lotts alredie laide out and of
the same size he payinge five pounds as others have done."*
His name appears in the records, 24th of the 12th mo.
1662, with the following entry : " Town Credit 5 : 00 : 00,
for a house lott."*
27th 11 mo. 1662. " Granted to Sergt. George Gardner
to have a lott next to that lott laide out for a tailere liuinge
at good woollans hie payinge for it 5 pounds as others
haue done. "|
In the Book of Grants, p. 155, we find the following :
"By virtue of an order from the Selectmen of Salem,
directed unto Jeffrey Mafsey, Lit George Gardner and
* Town Records. | Book of Grants, p. 156.
208 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
myself or unto any two of us to lay out unto Seueral
persons seueral parcells of land between Humphries Farm
& the farm formerly belonging to Phelps on this side
Ipswich River so called near the seven mens bounds :
We accordingly laid out unto Lt. George Gardner One
hundred & ninety acres of said lande which was for seueral
grants, which he bought of seueral persons amounting
unto soe much adjoining unto his own land, and is bounded
as followeth viz ; to the widow Pope, Geoyles Corey,
Humphres Farm, and to Lynn bounds, and the Seven
Men's bounds a little pine [tree] by Boston path, ....
Goodman Buxtons land on the west, lying unto Lynn
bounds ; Lt. Gardner Forty poles by the river unto Samuel
Gardner's bounds ; Sam'l Gardner and John Robinson's
land on the East unto a Pine Tree on the head of John
Robinson's land and a little red oak & a great White
Oak, between John Rubton & John Robinson & Lt
Gardner's a little walnut, John Rubton on the East, an
oak standing near Lt. Gardner's meadow.
The return of the laying out of this land I formerly
gave in unto the Selectmen of Salem.
Attest Nathl Putnam.
Salem 24th. of Sept. 1697."
The above record was certified to by John Croade,
Clerk, as being a copy of an entry of laying out of land,
which was entered in the year 1665, and ordered to be
entered, Feb. 8, 1697-8.*
This great farm contained at the time of the death of
its first owner, about four hundred acres. His son Capt.
Samuel inherited it, and upon his death left it to his
grandchildren, f
Daniel Gardner had deeded to him by his brothers John
and Samuel, two hundred acres of'land, "being 1-3 of the
real estate of grandfather Samuel Gardner, bounded "
etc., etc.J
In his will dated July 26, 1759, Daniel gave his farm
to his sons John and Samuel. Samuel conveyed his part
* Book of Grants, p. 155.
t Essex Probate Records, book 315, leaves 182-4.
f Essex Registry of Deeds, book 65, leaf 174.
Essex Probate Records, book 336, leaf 385.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS.
209
to his sous Asa and George,* and on the 14th of October,
1808, Asa purchased his brother's share. f Asa's widow
conveyed the estate to Bowman Viles, October 18, 1871. J
The old lean-to farm house is still standing, in an excellent
state of preservation.
George Gardner's house in the town was on what is
now Daniels Street, on the eastern side of that street, at
the lower end. He left it to his son Samuel, describing
it in the will as the house in which his oldest son Samuel
"now dwelleth." In 1701-2 (March 4th) Samuel sold it
to his w sonne John Higginson, Tertius, of Salem, and to
his daughter Hannah Higginson, his wife." In this deed
Samuel described it as w my dwelling house in Salem in
which my cousin John Buttolph now dwelleth together
with y 6 bakehoufe, warehoufe, and outhoufing, and about
three quarters of an acre of land."|| Sarah Higginson sold
one-half of it to Mr. Benjamin Prescott, Town Clerk.U"
Mr. Prescott came into possession of the remaining half,
and on April 10, 1721, sold it to Richard Elvins, baker.**
Richard Elvins sold it to Josiah Orne August 30, 1744.
He in turn sold it to John Carrel," Nov. 8, 1748.ft
Josiah Orne obtained judgment against John w Carrell,"
and the court granted the property to him, Sept. 25,
1756. Jt In April (26) of the following year Josiah Orne
again sold it, this time to John Webb. John Webb sold
a portion of it to Richard Batten, May 9, 1764, |||| and
another part to James Carrol, Nov. 17, 1798.1HF Joseph
Fogg bought both of these portions in 1798 and 1801,***
and sold the whole estate to Joseph Chapman Ward, May
2, 1817. ftt Frances L. Ward, administratrix of the
estate of Chapman Ward, sold the lot to James Lynch,
June 27, 1865.}Jt
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 183, leaf 237.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 185, leaf 259.
i Essex Registry of Deeds, book 837, leaf 175.
Essex Probate Records, book 301, leaf 143.
j Essex Registry of Deeds, book 14, leaf 267; also book 15, leaf 70.
tf Essex Registry of Deeds, book 44, leaf 192.
** Essex Registry of Deeds, book 85, leaf 253.
tt Essex Registrv of Deeds, book 90, leaf 275.
tj Essex Registry of Deeds, book 103, leaf 118.
| Essex Registry of Deeds, book 112, leaf 182.
!f|| Essex Registry of Deeds, book 124. leaf 174.
ITir Essex Registrv of Deeds, book 163, leaf 217.
*** Essex Registry of Deeds, book 164, leaf 141 ; and book 171, leaf 253.
ttt Essex Registry of Deeds, book 213, leaf 88.
ttt Essex Registry of Deeds, book 685, leaf 247.
HIST. COLI~ VOL.
YU 14
210 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
The statement has been made and repeated many times
in print that George Gardner was married three times,
as follows : first, to Eliza or Elizabeth Home, daughter
of Deacon John Home ; second, to Mrs. Ruth Turner,
widow of John Turner, Sen., her former husband having
died in 1668 at Barbadoes ; and, third, to Mrs. Elizabeth
Stone, widow of Rev. Samuel Stone. Her maiden name
was Allen and she was admitted to the Boston church,
March 24, 1639. She married Rev. Samuel Stone in
Boston in 1641. She died in 1681, her will bearing date
of June 6, 1681, was probated January 4 in the following
year. Rev. John Whiting of Hartford in a letter to Rev.
Increase Mather of Boston, dated January 23, 1681-2,
wrote : " M rs Garner (sometimes Stone) also, gone to
heaven" (4th series, Mass. Hist. Coll., v. 8, p. 465). She
left children by her former husband, as the following
records will show.
Mr. Samuel Stone petitioned the court of election at
Hartford, 1683, to determine whether he ought to have
i the land which his father left him on the decease of his
mother who is alluded to as Mrs. Gardner. Court
considered the plea and the objections offered by Mrs.
Roberts (his sister) and decided that he must pay full
value.*
We know that the foregoing story of George Gardner's
first wife is incorrect. John Home in his will, dated 8
Oct., 1679, f codicil 27 Feb. 1683-4, probated Nov. 25,
1684, makes a bequest to "my eldest daughter Elizabeth
Gardn er ." As George Gardner died in 1679, it is clear
that his first wife was not the Elizabeth Gardner, who was
the daughter of John Home. One fact has always seemed
strange to the writer, namely, that a daughter of one so
prominent in the church as Deacon John Home always
was, should have been such a strong adherent of the
society of Friends, as we know the first wife of George
Gardner to have been. The court records show that his
wife was convicted in the 5th mo. 1658, of "being at a
diforderly quaking meeting & alfoe of her frequent
abfenting her felfe from the publike worship of God upon
* Colonial Record of Connecticut, 1678-1689, p. 118, and Goodwin's Genealogical
Notes, p. 212.
t Essex Probate Records, book 302, leaf 113.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 211
the Lord's Day : to pay 5sh. costs." She was also fined in
1658 and in 1669, for non-attendance at church.
The most reasonable solution of the above problem thus
far suggested is that John Home's daughter Elizabeth
married Thomas Gardner, the brother of George, for his
second wife. We know that the Christian name of the
second wife of Thomas was Elizabeth, and that she lived
until 1694 or 1695. Another suggestive circumstance is
that one of the apprisers of the estate of Elizabeth, widow
of Thomas Gardner, Jun., was John Home, son of
Deacon John Home.*
George Gardner died the 20th of August, 1679. His
will bears the date of July 21, of that year, and the
inventory was presented on the 17th of the following
October.
He made the following bequests :
1. To his wife Elizabeth he left the income of his part
of the mills in Salem, during her life. He also left her
the rent of the land bought of Mr. Joseph Fitch, or the
use of the money if he pay for it according to contract.
She was likewise to receive the rent of the land he bought
of John Terry, and two cows, two calves, and the swine
at home. In addition she was to have the use of hia
household furniture during her life.
2. To Samuel, his oldest son, he left the house in
" which he now dwelleth at Salem," with all the upland
and meadow in the South field. After his mother's decease
he was also to have the mill property, and the farm and
meadow upon which Thomas Gould was at that time a
tenant.
3. To Ebenezer he gave his houses and lands at
Hartford, Windsor, and Simsbury, in Connecticut, after
his mother's decease.
He was also to have " that land lyeth by Mr. Babadg, &
that acre of falt-marsh I had of my father."
4. To his daughter Buttolph he left 300 pounds of
debts due him at Connecticut "when they are got in, "and
to her husband " thirty pounds he was indebted to me at
our laft reckoning."
5. To his daughter Turner he gave the house and land
*The writer wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to Charles A. White,
Esq., of New Haven, Conn., a descendant of George Gardner, for valuable
suggestions in regard to this matter.
212 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
in which they lived, "to him and her, their natural lives,
& then to whome of her children he fhall give it after
him," also three hundred pounds of debts at " coneticott,
as it can begot in."
6. To his daughter Hathorne, he left a like amount of
Connecticut debts.
He provided that in case his son Ebenezer should die
before he married, the estate should be divided "equally
amongst the rest " of his children. Ebenezer was also to
have the rent of " that farme Thomas Gold liveth on,
duering his mother's life."
He gave his brother Thomas Gardner, twenty pounds
in provisions. He remembered his "cozens, Miriam
Hafcall & Sufana Hill," as follows: "five pounds now
in household stuff, to Miriam, & five pounds to Sufana
Hill at her marriage."
Samuel and Ebenezer Gardner, his sons, were named as
his executors, and he specified that after his debts and
legacies were paid, what remained should be given to his
two sons, two parts to Samuel, and one part to Ebenezer.
His negro servant was remembered as follows : " To
my seruant Arrah (Arrow) I doe give five pounds, when
he hath Served my Son Samuell five yeares & then his
time to be out."
He named his friend Capt. John Allen of Hartford as
overseer, and left him five pounds in token of his love.
Then comes the following : " And likewise I do intreat
my friend Caleb Stanley, to overfee the performance of
this my will, whoe liveth at conetticott, to whofe two
daughters I give fifty shillings apeece."
"And I desire my two loveing brothers, Thomas &
Samuell Gardner, to ouerfee the performance of my will
at Salem."
The witnesses were Thomas Gardner, Samuell Gardner
Sen., and Joseph Williams. It was proved September
1, 1679.*
" An inventory of the eftate of Leift George Gardn er p re sented to
us by Samuell & Ebenezer Gardner this 17 October 1679 :
To the Dwelling houfe, bakehoufe & out houfing & the land they
ftaud on & the land belonging and adjoining to them, now in
poflef lion of Samll Gardner 270 : 00 : 00
* Essex Probate Records, book 301, leaves 143-4.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 213
To a farm of about 400 acres of upland & meddow with
the dwelling houf e & outhouf ing upon it now in pof-
fefiion of Thomas Goold & in the towneship of Salem
& 12 acres of meddow lying in Redding bounds in
poffeff ion of faid Goold. 320 : 00 : 00
To 13 acres : upland & 2 acres of marsh or thereabouts lying
in the fourth field. 60 : 60 : 00
To 1-8 part of the corn mill. 100 : 00 : 00
To 2 acres of land neere the pen. 20 : 00 : 00
To a house lot next Mr. Babadge 14 : 00 : 00
To a house & the land belonging to it now in the pof-
feff ion of Habbacuck Turner, 90 : 00 : 00
To d ts due to the eftate from Mr Sam 11 Shrimpson, Mr.
Arthur Mafon & Mr. John Waite, about y e fum, 157 : 00 : 00
To due to the eftate in the hands of Samuell Gardn er
Jun. about 588 : 00 : 00
To feverall fmall debts in Salem about 20 : 00 : 00
To 5 years fervice in a negro named Arow, 10 : 00 : 00
To an Indian feruant, 10 : 00 : 00
To a p r cell of houfehold ftuff in the poffeff ion of Samuell
Gardner Junr & wearing cloathes, 22 : 14 : 02
To 1 cow in the poffeff ion of Thomas Goold 2 : 10 : 00
To 7 barrells of pork in the hand of Jo n Hathorne, 17 : 10 : 00
To : an acre of fait marth by Strong Water brooke, 20 : 00 : 00
Aprifed by us whofe names are
under written,
this 17 October 1679. John Browne
John Higginson Jun.
A pcell of burnt fither fold for af money about 3 : 00 : 00
Mr. Samuell Gardner, & Ebenezer Gardner gave oath in court at
Salem 30 : 4mo : 80 : that the above written is a true inventorye to the
beft of theire knowledg of theire said fathers eftate, heare in this
colloney : except what is entered in the inventory & given in & alowed
of at the court at Hartford :
Attest Billiard Veren Clerk."
An Inventory of the Estate of Mr. George Gardner who deceased
the 20th of August, 1679, taken by us whose names are underwritten,
namely : his estate in Connecticut Colony.
s d
In purse and apparel 30
Two belts and two rapiers,
3 a brass gun 4 and six
cushings, 24d 842
214
THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
Three chests and one desk >
and a glass case and
other things in the par-
lor. 2 0.
One chest and two chairs
and a great Bible 3/, one
sermon book and two
small books.
Beds, bedsteads, bedding,
blankets linen, table
cloths, napkins, pillow
beares,. and Kitchen
utensils.
Peweter plates, dishes,
basins, porringer, candle
sticks, 9 10-6
The two cowes & two
calves and three swine
at ho 1 me.
Goods in the Shop
One parcel of salt,
bar. pork 22 10/, Tar }
40/, two pair of beam
scales, and weights, 2 *
322 bushels of wheat 64 -8 ^
-0 and 170 bushels of In- I
dian 17,
110 pounds of hemp and -\
flax 5 10s, and 27 bushels
of rye, 2-14-0 3
Sheeps wool 5, sacks 4, -|
dressed leather 4-6-0, >
tallow 8 4.0 J
Hay in Mr. Hooker's barn
Four dozen scythes at 50s. a
doz.
Several book debts in Con-
necticut Colony and up the
river in the County of
Hampshire in the Massa-
chusetts Colony to the
value of about
More debts,
86 5 10
s
124 10
124 10
82
60
26 10
81
840
21 10
10
279 10 6
15
294 10 6
1900
92 1992
6
2411 6
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS.
215
2411 6
3 acres of land in the ox
pasture and half a wood lot
on the east side of the great
river, half a lot in the Blue
Hills and half a lot in the
Pines,
A parcel of land he bought
of Mr. Joseph Phelps at
Simsbury,
Part of George Phelps's living
at Windsor,
Lands in Windsor bought of
Samuel Farnsworth,
3 acres and a half e of land he
bought of Mr. Joseph Fitch
(this was evidently a mort-
gage from Joseph Fitch,
who married a daughter of
Rev.Samuel Stone. C.A.W.)
15 acres of meadow land
bought of Mr. Timothy
Hide,
90 acres of upland in the
west division of Hartford,
80 acres of land bought of
Samuel Eagleston at Mid-
dletown,
4 acres of land in the south
meadow in
His i
18
70
100
00
100
12
7 in Hartford, 40
jhouse near Hart-
iding place, 40
ing and home lott
ford,
200
280 00 590
3001 6
Heal estate,
590
Personal "
2411
6
3001
6
Signed,
Nicholas Olmstead,*
Caleb Stanley.
* Copied from the Probate Records at Hartford by Charles A. White, Esq.
216 THOMAS GARDNEK, PLANTER,
Children :
21. HANNAH, bap. 15-10-1644;* m. 16-8th mo., 1663, John Buttolph.f
Children: 1. John, b. 11, 7 mo., 1664; d. 23 Apr. 1665. 2.
Jonathan, b. 2-9, 1665. 3. George, b. 15, Oct., 1667.
22. SAMUEL, bap. 14-3-1648;* d. Feb. 24, 1724; m. Apr. 24, 1673,f
Mrs. Elizabeth Graf ton (b. Browne).
23. MARY, bap. 10-5-1653 ;* m. Apr. 30, 1670, Habakkuk Turner.f
Children: 1. Robert, b. 25 Apr. 1671. 2. Mary, b. 25, 11 mo.,
1672; d. 14, 8 mo., 1674. f
24. GEORGE, bap. 24-7-1654;* d. 21-6-1662.f
25. BETHIAH, b. 3d of 4th, 1654.
26. EBENEZER, b. 16-6-1657 ;f d. May 8, 1685 ; m. 7th of 9th mo., 1681,
Sarah Bartholomew, t
27. MEHITABEL, b. 23-2-1659;* d. May 8, 1659.
28. RUTH, bap. 2-2-1665;* m. 22, 1st mo., 1674-5, John Hathorne.f
Children: 1. John, b. 10-11-1675. 2. Nathaniel, b. 25, 9 mo.,
1678. 3. Ebenezer. 4. Joseph (m. June 30, 1715, Sarah
Bowditch, d. of William) . 5. Benjamin. 6. Ruth.
4 Richard Gardner received a grant of land from
the town of Salem, on the " 23 th of the 11 th moneth 1642,"
" a 10 acre lott nere Mackrell Cove next to Mr. Thorndiks
playne to be laid by the towne." { He retained
possession of this lot until May 2, 1659, at which time he
sold it to Samuel Corning, planter.
"The 4 th of the ffirst moneth 1643." "Graunted to
Richard Gardner at Jeffryes Creeke 20, twentie acres of
Land : to be layd out by the Town."f He sold this Sept.
19, 1667, to John West, Farmer, the lot being described
as "near to the bounds of Manchester," and near John
West's farm. ||
His dwelling-house stood on what is now Central Street
in Salem (called at different times "y e highway w ch leads
* First Church Records.
t Town Records.
j Town Records (Salem).
Essex Registrj of Deeds, book 4, leaf 114.
|| Essex Registry of Deeds, book 81, leaf 277.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 217
down to Col. Browne's wharfe," " Street leading from the
Sun Tavern so called, which is the Main Street to the
South River," " Ingall's Lane " and " Market Street") , not
far from the present corner of Essex Street, on the eastern
side of the street. He sold to Edward Mould, a mariner,
August 25, 1667,* nine or ten rods of this lot with
dwelling-house there on, except "the new shop with the
seller under it which I reserve to my owne p'p'use."
The portion thus sold was bounded : by land of said
Richard Gardner on the south, " which I reserve to myself
being neare about half y e garden." West with the street.
North with the ground and warehouse of Mr. William
Browne, and East and part by north with the ground of
Samuel Shattock.*
May 5, 1669, Richard Gardner, "late of Salem," sold
to Edward Mould, fishermaw, "all that my dwelling-house
which I lately lived in," with shop etc. , and all the ground
" that I have adjoining thereunto, containing aboute
sixteene rod or pole of ground."
This was described as being bounded on the north and
east as above and with " y e streete or ground lying without
fence, to y e streete and comon land west and southerly. "f
Edward Nichols of Clovely in Devonshire, England,
and Elizabeth Nichols his sister, heirs of Edward Mould,
late of Salem, "marriner & Bonesetter," deceased, sold to
Stephen Ingalls of Salem " an old wooden cottage or
Dwelling house & about a Quarter of an acre of Land
containing Twelve Rods" (Feb. 1, 1721-2)4
Stephen Ingalls transferred this to his son Ephraim
Ingalls February 6, 1724-5. The "old cottage" had
been replaced by a "new dwelling house. "
Ephraim Ingalls sold to Samuel Ward of Salem, f of a
certain tenement in Salem, late the estate of his father.
Dated Sept. 24, 1777. Several other heirs sold their
portion to him also.||
June 21, 1785, this lot was sold by Samuel Ward, to
George Dodge and John Derby,1[ who held it until May
1, 1795, when they sold it to William Gray, Jun., Jacob
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 19-20.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 55.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 40, leaf 58.
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 45, leaf 15.
l| Essex Registry of Deeds, book 135, leaf 167.
IT Essex Registry of Deeds, book 143, leaf 260.
218 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
Ashton, John Norris and others, tenants in trust for
the Essex Bank.* The estate was occupied later by the
Mercantile Bank, and is at present (1901) used by the
Salem Fraternity.
In the County Court Records at Salem, Case No. 5, 28,
4th mo. 1664, we find the following:
Richard Gardner, defendant, Nathaniel Pitman
plaintiff " in an action of trespaff on the cafe for romeing
upon y e pits ground fencing it and occupying it to his
great damage."
"The court doe order that this case in difference, be
referred to y e selectmen of y e Towne of Salem, to be
ended in a month, cost of court & all included, which
was consented to by both pties.
In the record of the same session, Case No. 60, we
learn that " Richard Gardner" and others "are convicted of
theire abfenting themfelves from the publick ordinances."
Not long after this Richard Gardner moved to
Nantucket.
The earliest mention of him that the writer has been
able to find in the Nantucket records, is a note in Book I,
p. 10, Nantucket Registry of Deeds, stating that land
was sold to Richard Gardner, at Wesko, by John Bishop
(Feb. 15, 1667). On the next page of these records a
list of cattle ear marks is given. These were agreed
upon at a town meeting. The allusion to him in this
connection is as follows : "Richard Gardner his mark, a
swallows taile on y e left ear and a half penny under y e
right."f
Although Richard Gardner is called "of Salem," in a
deed dated August 25, 1667, } yet we find the following
in the Nantucket Deeds : " Mr. Richard Gardner his
house lot is that which was layd out to William Worth at
Wefquo pond according to y e record & also a ten acre
lot according to y e same record & also an acre & half
more added to it." This bears the date of February 15,
1667.
March 22, 1666-67. "At a Meeting of the Inhabitants
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 159, leaf 104-5.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 11.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 19.
Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 14.
.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 219
a Grant was made to Richard Gardner, halfe
Accommodacons, According to the Grants made to
Seamen and Tradesmen, upon condition that hee exercise
himselfe as a Sea-man, and that hee come to inhabitt here
with his ffamily before the End of May -68- And after
that his Entrance here, not to depart the Island in Point
of dwelling, for the Space of three years, upon the
Forfeiture of the Grant aforesaid."*
In 1669, he had additional grants, as the following
records show : "Gardner, On aker to be laid out for a
mill another aker to be laid out as his proportion for on
halfe shares both for Mr. Gardner and creek stuff
proportionable and on aker more for Capt. Gardner &
Thomas Macy and William Worth for the mill and creek
stuff proportionable. Capt. Gardner on halfe acre more
of meadow."f This is followed by the record of still
another grant to Capt. Gardner and Thomas Macy.
In July of that year he received still another grant, as
follows: " the south side of the Island on both sides of
the creek on aker more or leefe for Mr. Richard Gardner."!
Book 1 (p. 20), of the Nantucket Registry of Deeds,
we find this entry : " Whatsoever act is freely acted by
the town about the Towns buiiness Mr. Richard Gardner,
doth Engage to beare the town harmless from any that
dwel in the north, in consideration whereof he hath . . .
one shilling ... Mr. Tristram Coffin." 1, 1, 71-72.
He was chosen by the town Feb. 13, 1672, to proceed
to New York with the town's fish, and as W. C. Folger
expresses it " act as the town's messenger or agent in such
business of the town as shall be expressed in this order."
The record of the town's action is as follows : " Voted by
the town that it be left to the Selectmen to give Mr.
Richard Gardner an order to act for the town in the town's
business in reference to this voyage to New York." It
should be borne in mind that Nantucket was at this
time a part of New York state. Mr. W. C. Folger is
undoubtedly correct in his belief that the fish mentioned
* New York State Records, Deeds 1, 74, Secretary's Office, Albany; also W. C.
Folger's notes in the Nantucket Inquirer, June 18, 1862.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds (Record Book), book 1, leaf 1.
j Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 21.
Nantucket Inquirer, June 18, 1862.
220 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
were sent as the town's tax to the Government at New
York.
One of the results of this mission to New York was an
order from Governor Francis Lovelace, naming the town
" Sherborne upon Nantucket." W. C. Folger states that
previous to this time the town had been given no special
name. This order was sent with other instructions, April
18, 1673, by Mr. Richard and Capt. John Gardner.*
The fact that these two men brought this name from
the Governor, has led some to think that it was their
especial choice, and that the ancestral home of the family
might have been near Sherborne in England.
On the 15th day of this month, Governor Lovelace
commissioned Mr. Richard Gardner as Chief Magistrate
of "Nantucket and Tuckanuckett."f He also brought
with him a license issued to his brother John and himself
" to buy some land by the Sea Side or else where of the
Indyan Natives."!
The town made the following grant to him July 25,
1673: "All that land adjoining to his house that is all
that several pieces of land that joyn together more or less
as they were formerly bounded and also so much upland
as he shall have occasion to make use of not exceeding 20
acres, also 2 acres meadow, and his proportion of creek
thatch, and commonage for 40 neat cattel, and 60 sheep,
& 1 horse."J
It has been believed by some that this grant was made
to him as a reward for services rendered to the town upon
the occasion of his visit to New York. According to Mr.
W. C. Folger, the land known as the Crooked Record
grant was given to him at this time. This, the same
authority states, contained 74 acres and 108 rods, and
included several pieces of land which had been granted to
him previously. This territory received its name from
the fact that the lines did not come together properly.
He was appointed by the town with his brother John
and Mr. Thomas Macy, Sept. 30, 1673, "to build a tide
mill upon the creek behither Wefko, somewhere neere
* W. C. Folger in the Nantucket Inquirer, June 18, 1862.
t William Root Bliss, in " Quaint Nantucket," p. 22.
i Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 35.
Mr. W. C. Folger's Notes in the Nantucket Inquirer, June 4 and 18, 1862.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 221
the place where the old mil now stands." " The aforefayd
undertakers to be paid 40 pounds in corn or cattel at price
currant, also commonage for 20 head of cattel, 30 sheep
and one horse, together with twenty acres of upland and
two akers of meadow and creek-thatch apportionably."*
In October 1674, the town "confirmed the commonage,"
formerly ingaged to the three men above mentioned, for
the building of the mill, also the grant of land and the
40 pounds. "f
Another "aker of swampy meadow" was granted to
him Dec. 3, 16744
Upon page 35, book 1, Nantucket Registry of Deeds,
we find that " The town did chufe William Gayer, William
Worth, & John Coffin to be land, layers and apoynted
them to lay out John Gamedge's land & meadow, also
Mr. Richard Gardner's meadow and Capt. John Gardner's
meadow any two of those three aforesayd land layers may
act acording to order from the town."
He signed a court document, July 21, 1673.
November 18, 1674, the town granted " that his bounds
of his land should come to the great swamp. "f He was
appointed " one of the two men at the eft end to notify the
neighbors at each end that have sheep, when the right
time is to fetch up the sheep. "|| In June, 1678, the town
granted him additional land at the mill. If
The town voted to send to the governor June 1680, his
name and that of John, "to know his pleasuer as to choyse
respecting a Chife Magistrate for the year ensuing."**
John was commissioned, as will be seen in the notes
concerning him.
At a town meeting held Jan. 3, 1682, Capt. John
Gardner, moderator; it was "Voted that Capt. John
Gardner, Mr. Richard Gardner Senior & Steven Coffin
with the lott layers shal at the first convenent season run
over and vew and bound every mans lands meadows or
creek stuf on the Island of Nantucket and give the bounds
* Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 35.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 36.
j Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 38.
N. E. Hist. Gen. Society Register, vol. 13, p. 313.
[[ Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 39.
IT Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 45.
** Quaint Nantucket, p. 46.
222 THOMAS GAKDNEK, PLANTER,
under thar hands toe the clark and he shall Record it in a
new book for that purpofe to avoyd futer troble."*
" Nickanofe Sachem for a valuable consideration sold to
Mr. Richard Gardner, 1 acre of land where his stage now
standeth at Sisarkochet." f Richard Gardner complained
of an Indian, Steven, for "stealing one barrel and seven
gallons of oyl." The court gave to Steven an option of
paying 5 pounds, 15 shillings, 6 pence, or " to serve
Richard Gardner four whole years." {
The following quotation from W. C. Folger's article in
the Nantucket Inquirer, in the issue of June 4, 1862, is
so good a summary of the man's life, that I reproduce it
entire : " Richard was a man of very good abilities, he
was called long-headed by his brother John, from his
sense of the profoundness of his Judgment. He held a
prominent place among the people of the island, was at
one time Chief Magistrate. His residence was about
half way between the house of our present worthy Sheriff,
(1862) and the Eliphalet Paddack house. It has been
taken down many years, and the locality is very much
altered in its appearance.
" The Gardners owned formerly much of the land
adjacent to and surrounding the Lily pond, extending
beyond Gardner's Burial Ground, and around the swamp
on the North Shore Hill, also extending through Egypt
(so called) to the present Town Hall, embracing some of
the best meadows and grass lots on the island. A part
of this territory was called Crooked Records, from the
lines of the survey not coining together The
Gardner family although not the first family to settle here,
have always been reckoned among the First Families of
the Island Richard Gardner Sen'r, and his
brother Capt. John, exercised much influence in the
community here while they lived, and they died
respected. "
Richard Gardner married Sarah Shattuck, daughter of
widow Damaris Shattuck who married Thomas Gardner
Sen'r as his second wife. Richard and Sarah are supposed
* Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 51.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 10.
i Quaint Nantucket, p. 55.
W. C. Folger, in the Nantucket Inquirer, June 4, 1862.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 223
to have been married about 1652, at Salem. Like nearly
all of her Shattuck relations,* she was attached to the
Society of Friends and suffered much in consequence.
In the County Court Records at Salem, Case 57, Term
5th mo., 1658, we find the following : "The wife of Richard
Gardner was convicted of her frequent being abfent from
the publik ordinances on the Lord's Day, fees of court 30
sh."
She was brought before the court several times in the
next few years, either for neglecting to attend the services
at the First Church in Salem, or for being present at a
" Quaker Meeting."!
In 1662, she was excommunicated from the First Church
in Salem for attending the assemblies of the Friends. J
Upon some of the occasions above referred to, Richard
was summoned into court with his wife, for being absent
from church. In the Court Records, in 1667, we read the
following interesting note : " This court in confideration
that the wife of Richard Gardner is removed out of this
jurifdiction to dwell, whoe was formerly fined 40 shilh,
upon the request of Mr. Samuel Gardner that y e court
would remit the said fine : this court doe remitt 20 shill. of
the said fine, and the said Samuell doe cpmise to pay the
other 20 shill."
She was evidently a woman with a strong character, and
one who was not afraid to act and speak her convictions.
We see evidence of this independence even after her
removal to Nantucket. "Tor speaking very opprobriously
concerning the imprisonment of peeter foulgier,' she
was arrested but pardoned on being intimidated into
repentance. "||
Thomas Story, the Friend, on landing at Nantucket in
1708, went to the residence of Sarah Gardner.^" She died
in 1724, in her ninety-third year.
W. C. Folger thought that Richard might have had a
wife before Sarah, as the following quotation from his
* Essex Institute Historical Collections, vol. xxxvii, p. 95.
t County Court Papers, Salem, book 4, leaf 69; book 5, leaf 128: books, leaves
60 and 148; and book 9, leaf 25.
J Felt's Annals of Salem, 1st Edition, p. 198.
County Court Records, Term 9th mo., 1667, Case No. 15.
\\ Quaint Nantucket, p. 42.
IT Early Settlers of Nantucket, p. 77.
224 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER.
notes will show : " If the date of the marriage of Richard
Gardner and Sarah Shattuck in 1652 as given by the late
Lemuel Shattuck, Esq., be correct; then I am of the
opinion that Richard must have had a former wife, as
Richard Jr., was born Oct. 23d, 1653, and if Joseph was
born at a later period he would have been too young
to have been married early in 1670. Indeed the late
B. Franklin Folger and other high authorities have stated
Joseph Gardner to have been the oldest son of Richard
Gardner Sen'r."*
* W. C. Folger, in the Nantucket Inquirer, June 18, 1862.
{To be continued.}
HISTOKICAL COLLECTIONS
OF THE
ESSEX INSTITUTE.
VOL. XXXVII. JULY, 1901. No. 3
THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER, AND SOME OF
HIS DESCENDANTS.
BY FRANK A. GARDNER, M.D.
(Continued from Vol. XXXVII, page 224.}
Richard Gardner died 1st mo., 23d, 1688.* The
following reference is made in the records concerning the
settlement of his estate : " Letters of administration on
the estate of Mr. Richard Gardner Senior deceased are
granted unto Sarah Gardner, Relict of Sd. Gardner, who
bindeth herself to perform the trust of an administratrix,
and to barre the court harmless according to law."f
(Dated March 18, 1688-9.)
Children :
29. JOSEPH, d. 1701 ; m. Mar. 30, 1670, Bethiah Macy, dau. of Thomas
and Sarah (Hopcott) Macy.J She was born at Salisbury, Mass.,
abt. 1650. Children: 1. Sarah, b. Oct. 23, 1672 (m. Mar. 5,
1696, Joseph Paddack, from Barnstable;.| 2. Damaris, b. Feb
16, 1674J (m. Stephen Barnard, s. of Nathaniel). 3. Bethiah,
b. Aug. 13, 1676 ;{ d. June 20, 1716 (m. Sept. 27, 1706, Eleazer
Folger, Jr., s. of Eleazer and Sarah (Gardner) Folger, her own
cousin). 4. Deborah, b. Mar. 30, 1681. J 5. Hope Macy, b-
Jan. 7, 1683 ;J d. Mar. 21, 1750|] (m. Peter Coffin, s. of Lieut'
* Macy List of Deaths.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 40.
j Nantucket Town Records.
Macy Genealogy.
|| N. E. Hist. Gen. Society Register, v. 24, p. 307.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVH 15 (225)
226 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
John and Deborah (Austin) Coffin). 6. Mary, b. 26, 12th mo.
1686-7* (m. 9th of 8mo. 1706,* Matthew Jenkins). 7. Abiel,
b. 1, 12 mo. 1691-2* (m. William Clasby, from Ringwood,
England).
30. RICHARD, b. 23, 8 mo. 1653; d. 8, 3d mo., 1728; m. May 17, 1674,*
Mary Austin, dau. of Joseph Austin, of Dover, and gr. dau. of
Edward Starbuck. Children : 1. Patience, b. June 29, 1675.*
2. Joseph, b. May 8, 1677 ;* d. 29, 7mo. 1747 (m. Ruth Coffin,
dau. of James Coffin, Sen., Esq.). 3. Solomon b. July 1, 1680;*
d. 17, 6mo. 1760 (m. Anna Coffin, dau. of Stephen Coffin, Sen.).
4. Benjamin, b. July 20, 1683;* d. 22, Imo., 1764 (m. Hannah
Coffin, dau. of John and Deborah Coffin). 5. Miriam, b. July
14, 1685;* d. 17,9 mo. 1760 (m. Samuel Coffin, s. of Lieut.
John and Deborah (Austin) Coffin). 6. Peter, d. 28, 5mo. 1767
(m. Elizabeth Coffin, dau. of Enoch and Beulah Coffin). 7.
Lydia, b. June 16, 1687;* d. Feb. 8, 1688.* 8. Lydia (2d),
d. Apr. 18, 1788 (m. John Coffin, s. of Jethro and Mary
Coffin). 9. Richard, d, Feb. 27, 1724-5* (m. May 26, 1724,*
Leah Folger, dau. of Nathan and Sarah (Church; Folger). 10.
William, d. 1739 (m. Feb. 20, 1719,* Hepzibah Gardner, wid.
of Peleg Gardner, dau. of George, Esq., and Eunice (Starbuck)
Gardner) .
31. SARAH (eldest daughter), d. Dec. 19, 1729; m., 1671, Eleazer
Folger, bro. of Benjamin Franklin's mother, s. of Peter and
Mary (Morrell) Folger.f Children : 1. Eleazer,t b. July 2, 1672 ;
d. 15, 2 mo. 1753 (m., 1st, Sept. 27, 1706, Bethiah Gardner, dau.
of Joseph and Bethiah (Macy) Gardner; m., 2d, Sept. 25, 1717,
Mary Marshall, dau. of Joseph Marshall). 2. Peter, b. Aug.
28, 1674; d. 1707 (m. Judith Coffin, dau. of Stephen and Mary
(Bunker) Coffin). 3. Daniel, d. young. 4. Nathan, b. 1678 ; d.
2, 7mo. 1747, 0. S. (m. Dec. 29, 1699, Sarah Church dau. of
John and Abigail Church, of Dover). 5. Elisha, d. young.
6. Sarah, d. Mar. 23,1732-3 (m. May 6, 1701-2, Anthony Oder,
of the Isle of Wight). 7. Mary, b. Feb. 14, 1684, d. 7, 8 mo.
1720 (m. Feb. 26, 1703-4, John Arthur).
32. DEBORAH, b. 12, 10 mo. 1658 ;J d. 1712; m., 1st, John Macy, s. of
Thomas and Sarah Macy ; m., 2d, Stephen Pease, by whom she
had no children. Children : 1. John, b. abt. 1675 ; d. Nov. 28,
1751 (m. Apr. 25, 1707, Judith Worth, dau. of John and Miriam
(Gardner) Worth). 2. Sarah, b. Apr. 3, 1677; d. Mar. 18,
1748 (jn.. John Barnard, s. of Nathaniel and Mary Barnard) .
3. Deborah, b. Mar. 3, 1679; d. Aug. 16, 1742 (m. Daniel
*|Nantucket Town Records.
t Folger Genealogy, MS8., N. E. Hist. Gen. Soc. Library.
j'Salem Town Records.
Macy Genealogy.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 227
Russell, "a foreigner"). 4. Bethiah, b. Apr. 8, 1681; d. June
6, 1738 (m., 1st, Joseph Coffin, s. of James and Mary (Severance)
Coffin; 2d, John Renough). 5. Jabez, b. abt. 1683; d. Aug. 7,
1776 (m. Nov. 7, 1712, Sarah Starbuck, dau. of Jethro and
Dorcas (Gayer) Starbuck). 6. Mary, b. 1685; d. June 27,
1717 (m. July, 1711, Solomon Coleraan, s. of John and Joanna
(Folger) Coleman). 7. Thomas, b. 1687; d. Mar. 16, 1759 (m.
Deborah Coffin, dau. of John and Deborah (Austin) Coffin).
8. Richard, b. Sept. 22, 1689; d. Dec. 25, 1779 (m., 1st, Sept. 8
1711, Deborah Pinkham, dau. of Richard and Mary (Coffin)
Pinkham; 2d, June 8, 1769, Alice Paddack, dau. of Joseph and
Sarah (Gardner) Paddack).
33. DAMORICE, d. 25, 9 mo. 1662.*
34. JAMES, b. at Salem, May 19, 1662 ;* d. 1, 4 mo. 1723 ;f m., 1st, Mary
Starbuck, dau. of Nathaniel and Mary (Coffin) Starbuck. She
was the first child of Anglo-Saxon parentage born on
Nantucket. Children: 1. Samuel, d. 28, 10 mo. 1757 (m., 1st,
Sept. 4, 1707, Hepzibah Coffin, dau. of Stephen and Mary
(Bunker) Coffin; m., 2d, 27, 10 mo. 1710, " called December,"
Patience Swain, dau. of John, Sen. and Mary Swain; m., 3d,
Mary Swain, wid. of John Swain 3d, dau. of Moses and Mary
Swett of Hampton, N. H., and grand dau. of John and Rebecca
Hussey). 2. Jethro, d. 7, 3d mo. 1734 (m. 1 mo. 1716, Keziah
Folger, dau. of Peter 2d and Judith (Coffin) Folger). 3,
Barnabas, b. 12, 2 mo. 1695 ; d. 14, 9 mo. 1768 ; (m. Dec. 11, 1718,
Mary Wheeler of Boston). 4. Jonathan, b. 12, 7 mo. 1696; d.
3, 7 mo. 1777 (m. 14, 8 mo. 1723, Patience Bunker, dau. of
Jonathan and Elizabeth Bunker). 5. Elizabeth, d. 22, 7mo. 1763
(m. Dec. 25, 1703,f Stephen Gorham, s. of John of Barnstable).
6. Mehitable, d. 28, 2, 1777 (m. 1724, Philip Pollard). 7. James,
d. 10, 4 mo. 1776 (m., 1st, Sept. 1, 1724, Susannah Gardner, dau.
of Nathaniel and Abigail (Coffin) Gardner. She was his cousin).
James m., 2d, Rachel, wid. of John Browne, of Salem, dau. of
John Gardner, his father's brother. James m., 3d, Patience
Barker, wid. of Ebenezer Harker, dau. of Peter and Mary
(Morrell) Folger; no children. James m., 4th, Mary Pinkham,
wid. of Richard Pinkham, dau. of James and Mary (Severance)
Coffin ; no children.
35. 3 MIRIAM, m. Sept. 22, 1684, John Worth, s. of William.! Children :
1. Jonathan, b. Oct. 51, 1685. 2. Judith, b. Dec. 22, 1689 (m.
Apr. 25, 1707, John Macy, s. of John and Deborah (Gardner)
Macy). 3. John, d. young. 4. Richard, b. May 27, 1692. 5.
William, b. Nov. 27, 1694. 6. Joseph. 7. Mary.
* Salem Town Records. f Nantucket Town Records.
228 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
36. NATHANIEL, b. 16, 9 mo. 1669 ; d. in England in 1713 ; m. Abigail
Coffin, dan. of James and Mary (Severance) Coffin. Children:
1. Hannah, b. 6, 5 mo. 1686;* d. 25, 3, 1773 (m. 11 mo. 1736,
" among Friends," Jabez Bunker, s. of William and Mary
Bunker). 2. Ebenezer, b. 27, 8 mo. 1688; * d. 16, 4 mo. 1763
(m., 1st, Sept. 1709, Eunice Coffin, dau. of Peter, Jun., and
Elizabeth (Coffin) Coffin; m., 2d, Judith Coffin, dau. of John
Esq. and Hope Coffin}. 3. Peleg, b. 22, 5 mo. 1691 ; * d. 19, 1,
1718 (m. 23, 7 mo. 1714, Hepzabeth Gardner, dau. of George
Esq. and Eunice (Starbuck) Gardner). 4. Judith, b. 28, 8 mo.
1693; * d. 17, 9, 1765 (m. Benjamin Barnard, s. of Nathaniel).
5. Margaret, b. 28, 11 mo. 1695;* d. 16, 5, 1727 (m. 11 mo.
1716, Jonathan Folger, a. of John). 6. Nathaniel, b. 14, 10
mo. 1697 ;* d. 5, 1727(m. 2mo. 1725, Mary Folger, dau. of Peter) .f
7. Andrew, b. 28, 10 mo. 1699 ; * d. 3d mo. 1782 (m. 1721,
Mary Gorham, dau. of Stephen). 8. Abel, b. 6, 6 mo. 1702;*
d. 11, 9 mo. 1771 (m. 18, 9 mo. 1723, Priscilla Coffin, dau. of
James Jr. and Ruth (Gardner) Coffin) . 9. Susannah, b. 4, 6 mo.
1706; * d. 6, 1781 (m. James Gardner, s. of James and Rachel
(Gardner) Gardner).
37. HOPE, b. Nov. 16, 1669; * d. Oct. 12, 1750; m. John Coffin, s. of
James Esq. and Mary (Severance) Coffin. J Children : 1.
Richard,|b. June 12, 1694; d. Mar. 4, 1768 (m. Ruth Bunker). 2.
Peleg, b. Sept. 16, 1696; 3. Judith, b. May 8, 1700; d. Dec. 24,
1788 (m. Ebenezer Gardner, s. of Nathaniel and Abigail (Coffin)
Gardner). 4. Elias, b. June 18, 1702 ; d. 1773 (m. Love Coffin).
5. Francis, b. Sept. 13, 1706 (m. Theo. Gorham). 6. Abigail,
b. Aug. 31, 1708; d. 1770 (m. Zaccheus Folger, s. of John and
Mary (Barnard) Folger).
38. LOVE, b. May 2. 1672;* m. James Coffin, Jr., s. of James and
Mary ( ) Coffin. Child : 1. Benoni, d. young.
5 Capt. John Gardner was first mentioned in the
records of the " Generall Court " at Boston, under date of
"5th. 9 mo. 1639," when "The treasurer was ordered to
pay John Gardner 20s. for witness charge & carrying
Goodman Woodward, his instruments to Ipswich." The
first reference to him in the town records was in 1642
("23 th of the 11 th moneth"), when he and his brother
Richard were each granted ten acre lots " nere Mackrell
* Nantucket Town Records.
+ Folger MSS., N. E. Hist. Gen. Soc. Library.
| N. E. Hist. Gen. Soc. Register, vol. 24, p. 306.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 229
Cove next to Mr. Thorndiks playne to be laid by the
towne." This lot was sold to Samuel Corning, May 2,
1659.*
At a meeting of the selectmen of Salem, held " 22(1 :)
57-8 " it was " agreed that Mr. Jn : Gardner (and others)
shall be disiered to Joyne with Lin men to goe a
pambulacon begining at the sea & soe to the great Pond
by the Road towards Lin." f
He served as a juror each year from 1658 to 1661 f
and again in 1672. f In 1659 he was an appraiser of the
estate of William Jiggles. J From papers on file in the
office of the Clerk of Courts, we learn that he was
appointed attorney for Henry Bartholomew in June
1661, and served on a jury of inquest in June of the
year following. ||
In 1659, "Mr. Walter Price, Mr. Joseph Grafton and
John Gardner, did seual tymes take contribution of those
that were free in it, and sett down from their mouths what
they voluntary ly gave for that end," for the procuring of
a house and land for Mr. John Higginson, " our Pastor."
In the following year he was employed to run the bounds
between Boston, Charlestown and Lynn. This we know
from the following document filed in connection with the
case of the town of Lynn, vs. Thomas Brown ; " Mr. John
Gardener of Salem, being defired by the Select men of
Lin to Run the bounds betwixt Boftone, Charlstown and
Lynn vppon a Nor. Norweft lyne, from the midle of
Bride's brook vppon the foote Bridge by Mr. Bennitts,
by a merridian Compafs, he the sayd John Gardener
testifieth That the farm houfe which they call Roger
Tylers is about One Hundred, or Sixfcore Rods with in
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 114.
f Town Records.
i County Court Papers, book 5, leaf 14.
County Court Papers, book 6, leaf 94.
H County Court Papers, book 8, leaf 43.
230 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
the sayd Lyne, and that house the call Ensigne Bancrofts
is about One Hundred or Sixfcore Rod and the field the
call M st LyndalP feild which Lyeth of to the norwestward
of his fanne house is wholly within the same Lyne.
Per me John Gardener.
This Lyne was run in the year, 1660, As Appears by
the Towne Books Vera Copia Taken out of the Origginall
under Mr. John Gardners hand.
Attest John ffuller Town Clark."*
"22-6th. mo. 1663. Mr. John Gardner," was chosen
commissioner to "joyne with the felectmen for makinge
the rate."f '
John and Samuel Gardner and others, were granted
permission 9-9-1663, to build a mill over the South
river, f " prouided it be built in two yeares or to lofe theire
privilidge."
In the records of the County Court held at Ipswich,
March 29, 1664, we find the following entry :
" Mr. John Gardner, p re senting a copie of Administra-
tion Granted to him of the estate of John Comings at the
court held at Salem the 24 of the 9th mo. 1663 and now
p re senting an inventory to this court orders the sayd
John Gardner to paye the debts, and to keepe the rest of
the estate in his hands till the court take further Order."
The most interesting document which has been found
in Salem concerning him, is his map of the Merrimac
River, which bears the following inscription : " Plat of
Meremack Riuer from ye See up to Wenepesoce Pond,
also the Corses from Dunstable to Penny-cook. Jno.
Gardner." A reproduction of this map may be found in
the Essex Institute Historical Collections vol. xiv, p. 157.
Mr. James Kimball in an article published in the above
number of the Collections, says : " There can be no doubt
about that part of the plan giving the ' Corses from
Dunstable to Pennycook,' as having been drawn between
1660 and 7 by John Gardner who was at that time a
resident of Salem." He is satisfied that the John Gardner
referred to was the son of Thomas Gardner of Cape Ann
and Salem as he was the first and, until 1653, the only one
* County Court Papers, book 38, leaf 109 (Mansfield et als Attys. of Town of
Lynn, vs. Thomas Brown, 1682).
t Town Records.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 231
of that name appearing in our records. This writer also
alludes to the fact that his name is several times mentioned
in connection with measurement of lots and laying out of
division lines, etc. The author has closely compared the
signature on the map with autographs of the subject of
this article, and has found the resemblance very striking.
In this connection it is interesting to note that, in 1669,
the town of Salem paid him 5 : 00 : 00 for his services as
surveyor.*
In the County Court Papers, book 17, leaf 98, the
following autograph note appears :
" Wee whofe names ar e underwritten doe testifye that
there ar e feuerall heaps of lime-ftones lye in the South river
of Salem in the ufuall place of graueing for vessels, neere
M r Joseph Grafton's houfe, w ch will much endanger any
veffel coming afhore upon them.
John Gardner
(June, 1671). and for Matthew Barton."
John Gardner, mariner of Salem, "sold unto John
Putnam husbandman for forty shillings tooe
acres of medow lying nere Ipswich River as by deed
dated 6th. day of ffebruarie 1653 apeth."f
John Gardner, mariner, bought of Hanna, wife of
Samuel Shattuck, a dwelling house with a shop and J
acre of land ; bounded " with y e broad streete y fc comes
from y e meeting house on y e north, with y e dwelling of
Richard Prince on y e east, & som ground of Nathanyell
Pitman on y e south, & adjoining to the dwelling of
Richard Gardner on y e west, to have & to hold" (May
28, 1659)4
John Gardner, mariner, bought of John Ingersoll of
Salem, "a dwelling house with half an acre of land . . .
.... betweene y e house & Laud of Ric. Ramands on y e
east & Joseph Hardey on the west butting upon y e South
river in y e township of Salem (9th. 6th. mo. 1656). "
John Gardner and Joseph Hardy mutually agree
that there shall be a "cart waie betweene our house
lotts, from y e end butting on y e comon, downe all along y e
* Town Records.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 21.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, hook 1, leaf 90.
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 35.
232 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
lott to the river, & is to be one pole in breadth to lay
wholy in Joseph Hardy es ground, on y l side next to John
Gardner's ground John Gardner haue given unto
Joseph Hardy, fifty shillings to his content, & therefor
Joseph Hardy have & doe sell unto John Gardner, &
his heirs & assigns forever, half a pole in breadth of
his ground, all y e length of y e lott" (dated Sept. 26,
1661).*
The " cart waie " thus described is the present Herbert
Street in Salem, and the lot which John Gardner purchased
of John Ingersoll includes all the land on the eastern side
of Herbert Street from Essex Street to the water.
John Gardner, mariner, bought of Richard " Rayment,"
two and one-fourth acres of salt marsh, in two parts,
divided by three-fourths of an acre of marsh of Ralph
Fogg, near Forest River, August 10, 1662.*
John Gardner " late of Salem in Co. of Essex, now of
Nantucket," "for divers good causes & considerations,
thereunto me moving especially for that love & naturall
affection I have and bare unto Jno Saunders of Salem
.... grant unto y e sd John Saunders a
certaine p'cell of land in Salem containing 28 pole."f
This lot was the northern part of the above described land
purchased of John Ingersoll, i. e. the present southeast
corner of Herbert and Essex Streets.
The lot next to this on the south, John Gardner sold to
John Barton, of Salem, Ghirurgeon, June 23, 1676 .J
John Gardner lived in a house which stood on the lot
still further south, near the water. In his will dated Dec.
2, 1705, he made the following bequest : " I give my
Grandson John Gardner, my house and all my lands,
with one eight part of the water mill at Salem. " April
30, 1713, John Gardner of Mendham in County Suffolk,
mariner, the grandson above mentioned, sold the dwelling
house and one-half acre of land " formerly y e estate of my
Hon rd Grandfather John Gardner Esq., late of the Island
of Nantucket," to John Lansford.[|
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 48.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 7.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 138.
Nantucket Probate Records, book 1, leaves 12-13.
|| Essex Registry of Deeds, book 25, leaf 184.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 233
Ezekiel Goldthwayt and Paul Mansfield, administrators
of the estate of John Lansford, sold the property to James
Lindall, March 11, 1734,* and he in turn conveyed it to
Richard Derbe," Sept. 1 8, 1735. f Elias Hasket Derby,
sold this land "with the Mansion of Richard Derby Esq.
deceased, thereon," to Miles Ward Junior, April 16, 17954
Richard Gardner, and Elizabeth his wife, formerly
Elizabeth Ward, daughter of Miles Ward Junior, sold to
Joseph Chapman Ward, their right to one-third of the
real estate of their father, Miles Ward, Junior (dated
Jan. 30, 1800). This house, known for many years as
the Joseph Chapman Ward house, has lately been repaired.
It stands on the northeast corner of Derby and Herbert
Street.
NANTUCKET.
" A grant was made (August 5-72) by the town (the
freeholders inhabitants purchasers and associates) now
inhabiting on this Island) unto Mr. John Gardner of Salem
marrener, a seamans accommodation, with all appurti-
nances belonging unto it as fully as the other seamen and
tradesmen have in their former grants, upon condition
that he com to Inhabit and fet up the Trade of fifhing
with a sufficient vafsel fit for the taking of Codfish, and
that any of the Inhabitants shall have liberty to jiyne in
such a vefsall with him, and that the aforefayd John
Gardner shall use his best endeavor to prosecute the
fifhing trade efect in the fit seafon of the year, and if he
see caufe to depart from the Island within Three years after
the time that he shall com to Inhabit, that then the land
shal return into the hands of the aforesayd grantters, they
paying for al nefesary building or fencing that ar upon it,
as it shal be judged worth, also the said John Gardner is
to be here with his family at or before the last day of
April, 74, or else this grant to be voyd."||
"The eleventh aker beyond skimmo Called common is
* Essex Registry of Deeds, book 68, leaf 57.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 74, leaf 143.
t Essex Registry of Deeds, book 160, leaf 3.
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 186, leaf 104.
J| Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 30-31.
234 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
granted by the town to Capt. John Gardner and also that
slife of medow more or lefe that lieth to the weftward of
the ninth aker."*
In addition to the town grants as above quoted, he
purchased a house as follows : "John Gardner of Salem
in New England, aforesaid to him his heirs and afsignes
for ever for the sum of 50 pounds lawful money, according
to agreement, is granted by Nathaniel Holland of
Watertown in Co. of Middlesex in New England one
dwelling house and half an accomodation on which the
house now standeth."f
" The town hath granted to Mr. John Gardner liberty
to set a house upon the hy-way at Wef ko going down to
the landing place, the hyway is to be layd out so much
the broader by Thomas Macy and Peter foulger, and so
many pole of land as they two shal apoynt for the house
to stand upon, the town doth freely give to the sayd Jo.
Gardner."}
He went to New York with his brother Kichard, and
returned in April 1673, with orders from Governor
Francis Lovelace. t
He also brought with him a "Commiffion for Cap*. John
Gardner of the If land of Nantuckett, to bee Cap f . of the
Foot Company there." "Francis Lovelace Efq r .,&c:
Governo r Gen 3 - 11 under his Koyall H s James Duke of Yorke
and Albany, &c. of all his Territoryes in America : To
Cap* John Gardner of y e If land of Nantuckett.
Whereas, you are one of the two Perfons returned unto
mee by the Inhab ts of your Ifland, to bee the Chiefe
Military Officer there, having conceived a Good Opinion
of your ffitnefs and Capacity ;
By Vertue of the Commiffion and Authority unto mee
given by his Royall Highneffe James Duke of Yorke and
Albany, I have Conltituted and Appointed, and by thefe
Prefents doe hereby Conftitute and Appoint you John
Gardner to bee Captaine and Chiefe Military Officer of
the fioot Company rifen or to bee rifen within the If lands
of Nantuckett and Tuckanuckett ; you are to take the faid
Company into your Charge and Care as Captaine thereof,
* Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 20.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 29.
\ W. C. Folger in the Nantucket Inquirer, June 18, 1862.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 235
and them duly to Exercize in Armes ; and all Officers
and Souldyers belonging to the faid Company are to Obey
you as their Captaine. And you are to follow fuch Orders
and Inftructions, as you fhall from Time to Time Receive
from mee or other your Superiour Officers according to
the difcipline of Warr ; for the Doeing whereof this fhall
be your Commiffion.
Given under my Hand and Seale at Fort James in New
Yorke this 15th Day of Aprill in the 25th Yeare of his
Ma ties Reigne, Annoq 6 Domini, 1673.
Fran : Lovelace."*
The following was also brought : " Whereas Mr.
Richard Gardner and Capt. Jno. Gardner, his Brother,
having Declared unto mee their Intent of undertaking the
Defigne of a ffifhing Trade upon the If land of Nantuckett
and Parts adjacent, if they may have Licence to buy and
make Purchafe of fome Land by the Sea Side or elfe- where
of the Indyan Natives Proprietors for their accomo-
dation ; for an Encouragement unto them the faid Mr.
Richard and Capt. John Gardner in their undertakings
of the Defigne aforefaid ; I have thought fitt to give and
grant, by thefe Prefents doe hereby Give and Grant,
Liberty and Lycence unto the faid Mr. Richard and Capt.
John Gardner and their Affociates to Buy and make
Purchafe of fome convenient Quantity or Tract of Land
for the Ufe aforefaid, or for Improvement thereof of the
faid Indyan Proprietors, not yet made Purchafe of by
the Reft of the Inhabitants, for the which when Returne
fhall bee made of the Quantity thereof, together with its
Buttings and Boundings, the faid Mr. Richard and Capt.
John Gardner and their Affociates may have a Patent of
Confirmation by Authority of his Royall Highnefs under
the Seale of the Province.
Given under my Hand and Seale at Fort James in New
Yorke this 15th Day of Aprill in the 25th. Yeare of his
Ma ties Reigne, Annoq Domini, 1673.
Fran : Lovelace. "t
From the records at Albany, we know that he appeared
before the Council, April 28, 1675. The following
* Deeds in, 88, Secretary's Office, Albany, New York.
t Deeds in, 57, Secretary's Office, Albany, New York.
236 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
extracts from the records are of interest, as showing what
transpired at this meeting : ' Two Peticons brought by
Capt. Gardner read, fubfcribed by feverall of y e If land,
y e one from y e Magistrates, y e other from them and others."
" Capt. Gardner produced his Power to act or
Treat for y e Towne, and makes a long Relacon of Matters
concerning Nantuckett" .... "Hee is referred till
To-morrow for a farther Hearing Capt.
Gardner's Power is f igned by 4 Persons in y e Name of y e
Towne. Its dated March y e 25th. 1674."*
Some of the inhabitants of the island, under the lead of
Tristram Coffin, opposed the Gardners and their friends,
and when this Coffin party came into power, they passed
the following resolutions : " Whareas Capt. John Gardner
was chosen to goe to New Yorcke to negociate about som
publicke conserns of the Hand and peter foulger chossen
to assist hem the towne doth now revoack the orders
aforesaid and doe forbid the said Capt. Gardner and
petter foulger to medal at all hence forward in any of the
towns Consernes ether at Yorcke or elce whare under any
colour or pretence what so ever."f
The following letter was written by John Gardner to
the Governor, March 15, 1676-77 :
" Right Honor obeli.
May it Please your Honor. Duty and Love
Commands ; nefefity constraynes ; and your Honours
Wifdome and Care of us embouldens mee once more to
petifhtion and enforme your Honor of our prefent State :
First, that there hath bene an unhapy diferance Amongft
us ; beyond before my coming to this Hand ; and fince
not decrefed, is to Evident : the Grounds whereof I
belieue your Honor was neuer yet Rightly Enformed of.
.... If I may, therefor, Humbly Entreat your Honors
Patience a litell, I shall as Breafly as poffabelly I can,
giue your Honor the f horte of it, and leaue it more fully
to be don when I f hall find the Hapines againe to f tand
before your Honor ; And now Right Honorabell, that there
was fum kind of Purchafe of Mr Mayhew by Aim
Gentlemen liueing in the Mafachufets, of Liberty to plant
* Council Minutes in, Part n, p. 36, Secretary's Office, Albany.
t Quaint Nantucket, p. 38.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 237
vpon this Hand ; and after that, the Purchas of fum Land
of the Indian Right fuch as it was ; and a part of theas
Purchafers came to Inhabit, Taking in fum other
Inhabitancy with them on Termes agreed one ;
But his Royall Highnefs . . . did fend a verball Mefage
to the Inhabitance .... to apear before him to make
out there Claymes . . . which Mefage was fo far flighted
as to take no noties of it. After this, the Right Honorabell
Cor 11 Lof las 6 comeing Gouernor ; did again fend out his
warrant for Perfons here Conferned to apear before him
within fouer Months to make out ther Claymes :
or Elce all ther Claymes fhould be ever after voyd to all
Intents. The Copy of this was fent to thofe of the
Purchafers yet in the Mafetufets ; and the Inhabitance
haear way ted on them about one Yeare after the Time
giuen them before they mad ther Apearance Acording to
Warrant ; Refeiving no Anfwer nether was ther ever
aney Anfwer to this day or aney Apearance
Nowheare comes in the Ground of all our diferance, that
feuerall of the Inhabitance joyned with the Purchafers,
afirming that this ther ould Titell as Good, and that they
need not to take the Titell from his Ryall Highnefs as the
Law directs, and that it was ther one before
Thes Things hath wrougt fuch Refiftance in Agit'tion
that we are now Gone juft to Diftracktion .... in that
of the Gouerment that is amongft us. Mr. Macy and his
Relations though formerly aferted his Ryall Highnes
Propriety and Intreft now joyne with that Party as we
judge opofe it, and fum Perfons now come out of the
Bay of thofe Purchafers as Sojourners for a
Time by Refon of the Indian War, fo they now haueing
the biger Party hear, mould all Things after ther Plefuer,
or at Left Endeuerit."*
The court which was under control of the Coffin party,
ordered Peter Folger to surrender the books, but he
refused, and the court suspected Captain John Gardner
" to have an espetiall hand in obstructing the proceedings
by joyning himself to peeter fouldier in keeping back and
concealing the records. "f
* New York Colonial MSS. xxvi, Secretary's Office, Albany.
t Quaint Nantucket, p. 42.
238 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
A warrant was issued for his arrest, and William
Bunker, marshal, was authorized to " draw latch, break
open doors, and all things else remove that may obstruct."
He did not succeed in arresting him but brought the
following message from John Gardner : " I do not disown
the king's authority, but I will not act."*
William Root Bliss, in "Quaint Nantucket," p. 43,
states that : He was brought by force into court, " when
the magistrates spoke to him about his ' contemptuous
carriages, 'he listened in silence, and, without removing his
hat, he sat down on a chest whereon was seated Tristram
Coffin, who said to him : f l am sorry you do behave
yourself as a Delinquent.' To which John Gardner
replied : ' I know my business ; and it may be that some
of those that have meddled with me had better have eaten
fier.' "
The following sentence was imposed by the court :
"Whereas this Court taking into coufideration how
they might beft ; maintain his Majeities Authority in this
Court, efpetially with relation to the Heathen among whom
it was vulgarly Rumored that there was no Gouernment
on Nantuckett, and hauing good Caufe to fufpect, the
fame to proceed originally from fome Englifh inftigating
them, or by their practife incouraging them in the fame,
to the Great Danger of caufing Infurrection.
This Court Respecting the fame faw Good to fend to
Capt. John Gardner, who had at the Quarter Court,
refufed to appear being fummuned and had refufed to
afift the Constable in the Execution of his office, vppon
his Command, to make his Appearance to Anf wer the fame,
in purfuance whereof, the Court fending the Marfhall
twice for him with a Warrant refufed to come, the Marfhall
afterwards fetching him by Force, when he came to Court,
demeaned himfelf moft irreverently, fitting down with
his Hat on, Refolued and do therefor order ;
That Capt. John Gardner f hall pay a Fine of ten Pounds
in Money, or Something equivalent thereunto into the
Treasurie and is disfranchifed alfo, (June 5th. 1677).
Signed Matthew Mayhew."f
* Quaint Nantucket, p. 42.
I New York Colonial MSS. xxvi, Secretary's Office, Albany.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 239
John Gardner appealed from this verdict as follows :
"Mr. Thomas May hew and Gentlemen, all fuch as are
his Magiefties Lawfull and Rightfully Eftablifhed Officers
with all due Honour falut you.
Whereas, I haue ben twice feched out of my Houfe
by Warr* under the Name of a Generall Corte, and highly
charged with contempt of his Makefiles Authority, the
which I am fo far from offering the Leaft Countenanc
vuto : that I def ire not Longer to Lieue then to be Ready
to Sacrefice my Liufe and Fortains for the maintaining of
it, but as to my Actuall Obedience to a Generall Corte, I
dovr not vnderf tand of aney ther can be heare at this Time ;
by Refon of the Perfons hear of our Hand that tack vpon
them the Gouernment at this Time haueing not aney Lawfull
Athority According to his Excelences the Gouernors
Instructions, so far as I can vnderf tand fo to dow,
and that for thes Refons firf t for Mr. Macy himfeluef
haueinge at feuerall Times, and in open Town Meting,
declared that his Comiftion would be out on the 13 day
of October Laft, and that he fhould not ftand on Day
longer f ince which Time I neuer yet heard of any Refewed
Comiftiones he haue had and for thes Refons I
could not but be all together pafife in my Obedience at
this Time ; but fhall not opofe, but if his Excelency the
Gouernor fhall one this to be by his Majesty's Corte, as it
is now conftituted, I dow then apeale vnto the Corte of
Afize at New Yorke from the Sentance declared againft
me, and fhall folow the Order the Law injoins me therein.
This is a true Copy
of the Paper deliuered T , n -,
T\/T TIT IT A T- /^ John Gardner.
Mr. Mayhew at the Cort
at Nantucket."*
Governor Andros gave the following decision in the
case of Capt. John Gardner, Aug. 3, 1677 :
"That all further Proceedings againft Capt. John
Gardner upon Comp u of Conftable for Contempt, &c., as
alfo Mr. Tristram Coffin Sen r and Mr. John Swaine Sen r ,
and their late Gen a11 Co rt at Nantuckett from the 5 th to the
16 th day of June laft paft, on pretence of a Deed burnt
* New York Colonial MSS., xxvi, Secretary's Office, Albany.
240 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
or deftroyed, bee fufpended till further Order, to be
taken afore Winter, or as foone as may be ; during which
Time all Persons to forbear Intermedling Speeches or
Actions or any Aggravations whatfoever, at their
Pen-ills."*
On the 21st of the following month, Governor Andros
issued his final verdict in the case, as follows :
" This is further by Advice of my Councell tofignifie
and Order any or all Proceedings in faid Matters for his
Disfranchifement or Fine upon faid Accompt void and
null, as being illegall, beyound your Authority and only
peculiar to, if in the Power of the higheft Judicature in
thefe Parts."t
The following note is on record at Albany, in "Warrants,
Orders, Paffes &c., Ill," in the Secretary's Office :
"Mr. Gardner in a Memorial dated Mar. 16, 167J,
gives the following Account of what occurred upon his
prefenting the above to Mr. Mayhew : * Three Days after
hee came to my Loging in as great Pafhon as I Judge a
Man could well be, acufing me highly wherein I was
wholly inofent, and not proued though endeuered. Mr.
Mayhew tacking this Opertunity to vente him feluef as
followeth telling mee I had bin at Yourke but fhould lofe
my Labor ; that if the Gouernor did unwind he would
wind ; and that he would make my Fine and Disfranchife-
ment to abid on mee dow the Gouernor what he would ;
that he had nothing againft me, neither was angry, but
that I had fpocken againft his Intereft, and I fhould
downe, with maney more Words of like Natuer, but to
loung here to enfert ; and when I came Home to Nantucket
I found the fame mind and Refolution there alfo.' "
The Governor's orders were disregarded by the courts
under Pretense that they were given without a Knowledge
of the Facts, and the Court proceeded to fell Cattle to
fatisfy the Fine." The people however rescinded the
injunction voted two years previous, " prohibiting capt.
Gardner and Peter Foulger to act in the publick consernes
of the Island at New Yorcke or Elce whare."J
* Council Minutes ill, p. 164, Secretary's Office, Albany.
t Warrants, Orders, Paffes &c., in, 267, Secretary's Office, Albany.
j Quaint Nantucket, p. 44, 45.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 241
Mr. Bliss further states that: "Tristram Coffin the
ohief magistrate of the island, on the assembling of the
General Court, October 9, 1679, caused to be entered
on the records : " Whereas they have received information
against the Town for electing Capt. John Gardner for an
assistant in government, ordered that a warrant be issued
forth to call the Town to answer for contempt of authority
therein, he being under sentence of court Incapable of
such office of trust.' ' : When he " appeared before the
court to take the oath of his office, he bearded the lion in
his den. The secretary recorded that 'Mr. Tristram
Coffin chefe magestrate on nantucket doe declare against
the entry of Capt. John Gardners oath as giving him
power to sit as an assistant, he being under disfranchise-
ment.'"*
His name and Richard's were chosen by the town to
be sent to the Governor " 'to know his plesuer as to choyse
respecting a Chife Magistrate fo the year ensueing.'
Every townsman present at this meeting voted for the
choice except one. Tristram Coffin ' enters his protest
against the choosing of Capt. John Gardner.' "f
John Gardner " was comiff ioned Chief Magiftrate of
the Ifland Nov. 10, 1680, April 27, 1682, and June 2,
1684."^
The same author, Mr. Bliss, in " Quaint Nantucket,"
fives the following review of the life of John Gardner
uring this period : " In the history of those times John
Gardner stands as the greatest of all the men who had to
do with the beginnings of Nantucket. He had the genius
of a leader, and his ability was recognized by Governor
Andros in appointing him, three times the chief magistrate
of the island. The people made him their agent ' to act in
all matters of the towne at New York ' and they said
'Whatsoever Captain Gardner shall agree for, about
hireing a vessel to go, the towne will pay it.' He was
made the leader of a committee 'to consult for the
publicke good of the island against all invaders of the
peoples Rights ;' and in May 1687, he was chosen ' to go
to New Yorke to manege such afeares as the town shall
* Quaint Nantucket, p. 46. t Quaint Nantucket, p. 47.
| Warrants, Orders, Paffes &c. in, 267, Secretary's Office, Albany.
HIST. COLL. VOL. XXXVII 16
242 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
intrust him with.' Oil his return he brought Governor
Dongau's * Patent to Certain Inhabitants of Nantucket,'
which made John Gardner with six associates, f One Body
Corporate and Politiq to be called by the Name of the
Trustees of the Freeholders and Comonality of the Town/
with right of purchasing from the Indians all ' Tracts or
Parcells of Land* remaining in their possession, and to
make such acts and orders ' as they shall think convenient
from time to time.'
For this charter they were to pay yearly ' unto our
Soverign Lord the King the sum of one Lamb or two
shillings current money ' of the province. That one lamb
was a token of the peaceful victory won by those who
under the lead of John Gardner, had persistently
advocated equal rights for all the inhabitants of
Nantucket."*
" The town did give and grant unto Capt. John Gardner
2 acres of upland Joyning to his house lot, towards the
cleft behind his house." Sept. 30, 73. f
Mr. John Gardner, Mr. Eichard Gardner and Mr.
Thomas Macy, were appointed by the town "to build a
tide mill upon the creek behither Wefko, somewhere
neere the place where the old mil now stands. The
aforefayd undertakers to be paid 40 pounds in corn or
cattel at price currant, also commonage for 20 head of neat
cattle, 30 sheep and one horfe, together with twenty acres
of upland and two akers of meadow and creek-thatch
apportionably."f
In October 1674, according to the records the "town
affirm the commonage formerly engaged to" the above
three men, "for the building of the mill, also the grant of
land and 40 pounds. "J December 3d of this year they
granted to John and Richard Gardner, "another aker
swampy meadow. "
March 1675-6. "Voted by the town that the old mil
with the appertennances thereof is now freely given unto
Capt. John Gardner and John Swain to the Intent that
they shall make a fulling mil within one whole year after
the date hereof, than the aforefayd gift to be of none
* Quaint Nantucket, p. 52.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 35.
J Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 36.
Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 38.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 243
efect."* He received another grant of an acre, in June,
1678. f
He evidently visited Salem in this year for we find that
he witnessed the signature of his brother Thomas to a
deed of land to his brother George, July 22, 1678. J
April 3, 1680, Capt. John Gardner was appointed with
three others to make the town " rattes respecting cattel
and other charge. " In the following June he was
commissioned magistrate of Nantucket and granted power
and assistants to keep courts, and administer justice to
his majesty's subjects, etc.||
At a town meeting held Jan. 3, 1682, he was elected
moderator, and was chosen with his brother Richard, and
"Steven" Coffin, to resurvey the lands on Nantucket,
working in conjunction with the lot layers. IF
John Gardner again visited Salem in 1682, his particular
business at that time being the settlement of the estate of
his father-in-law, Joseph Grafton. July 2 1st, of that year,
he appointed his "loving cousen Mr. Samuel Gardner
Jun'r of Salem " his attorney. Appended to this we find
the following: "Mr. John Gardner came before me, this
21st July, 1682, & owned this instrument to be his act &
deed."**
William Browne Assistant.
Original papers connected with the settlement of this
estate, bearing the autograph of John Gardner, are on file
in the Clerk of Courts office, in Salem. ff
An Indian deed in favor of John and Richard Gardner,
dated Sept. 5, 1683, is recorded in the Nantucket Registry
of Deeds office, book 3, page 54.
June 15, 1688, he was granted power of attorney for
Mary Higginson, wife of John Higginson, Esq., of Salem,
"late relict of Joshua Attwatter."|j
He bought of Jacob " Washaman, and Winnattoohquam-
mon or Bette" his wife, Sachems, a neck of land called
* Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 39,
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 46.
1 Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 6.
Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 48.
J| Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 26 (back side of the book).
IT Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 51.
** Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 117.
tt County Court Papers (Essex) book 39, leaf 148.
It Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 54.
244 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
Pahoganat on the south side of w Matthew's Vyniard "
(Augusts, 1688.)*
Desire Motanahomah, Indian, sold to him March 5,
1689, "pasturage for 1 horse on Nantucket." Similar
purchases were made of the Indians, Feb., 1690, and Sept.
27, of the same year, f
In 1692, Capt. John Gardner, and Mr. William Gayer,
were chosen Representatives to the General Court from
Nantucket, being the first representatives after the
transfer of that island from the Colony of New York, to
the Province of Massachusetts Bay. J
We learn from Vol. 1 (p. 93) of the Province Laws,
that he was Tax Commissioner for Martha's Vineyard and
Nantucket for the years 1692 and 1693.
Still another honor was conferred upon him in this year
(1692) namely, his appointment as Judge of Probate,
which office he held until his death in 1706.
He wrote a letter from Nantucket to Cotton Mather, in
1694, " in which he reported great decay among the
Indians, stating that only about 500 grown persons
remained. He attributed their physical decay 'to love of
drink, their moral and religious decline, to growing
formalism, and laxity in observance of the command-
ments.' " The same writer states that for many years he
assisted the Indians, by protecting them from the greed of
the whites.
The following letter to the Governor of Massachusetts
is given in "Quaint Nantucket," page 76 :
"Worshippful Sir : This is to enform you that this night
the ffrench landed on our Island, plundered one House and
corred away a man & his son and are now about the Island,
of what sort I know not, it is but a small vessel. They
said at the House there was 2 more of which we know
not.
We thot Good so far to signifie that by post out of
Boston which is all in haste.
Your Servant,
Nantucket the T i /^ -i
, , f , 1/?nK John (jardner.
3d day of May 1695.
* Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaves 52 and 58.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaves 81, 85 and 91.
j New England Historic Genealogical Register, v. 31, p. 297.
Nantucket Historical Association, v. i,No. 2, p.10.
AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 245
He bought of "Daniel Spokon, Sachem, land lying at
the South sea on the island of Nantucket " (May 31,
1695).*
May 30, 1700, he bought of James Coffin, "1-2 of that
8th. part of an whole share of land on Nantucket, that
James Coffin bought of James & Sarah Skifie as by their
deedfor13-14shill."t
The purchases of two more pasturages for horses are
recorded, one May 15, 1701, of Henry Breatton, and the
other of Desire, an Indian. J
The following confession of Jack Never, an Indian, is
found in " Quaint Nantucket," p. 62 : " He confesseth
that he went in to Capt. John Gardners house About the
mid el of the night and tooke out of M r . Gardners pocket
by the bead side five shillings in mony and allso open'd a
case and caried away a bottel with about a pint of Licquor
in it ; the sentance of the Court is that he shal be whipt
twenty strips upon the naked body of Jack never above
said."
He made a complaint against Coshomadamon (an
Indian) for disposing of a pot lent him. Darnaris an
Indian girl accused of " stealing sundry goods," valued at
less than five pounds, was condemned to return the goods,
pay ten pounds be whipped ten stripes and to serve John
Gardner four years. ||
In the Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 67,
we find the deed of land made by the Indians to John and
Richard Gardner in 1673-4, acknowledged and recorded.
He was appointed a special Justice to try Strabo, an
Indian of Natucket, for the murder of his wife Margaret,
in 1704.1F
John Gardner married Priscilla Grafton, daughter of
Joseph Grafton of Salem. The Grafton family was a
prominent one in Salem in the early colonial days. When
the estate of Joseph Grafton was settled, June 7, 1681,
the children of his daughter Priscilla were remembered as
* Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 77.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 5.
t Nantucket Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaves 28 and 29.
Quaint Nantucket, p. 62.
|| Quaint Nantucket, p. 67 and 71.
IT Essex Institute Historical Collections, v. XIV, p. 170.
246 THOMAS GARDNER, PLANTER,
follows : "John Gardner shall have for his Chilldren by
Priscilla his wife that now is, one fourth part."* The
statement is made in that delightful little book " Trustum
and his Grandchildren," that she died in 1717, but I have
been unable to find any record to verify it.
John Gardner died in 1706, at the age of eighty-two.
He was buried in the old burial ground on " Forefather's
Hill," near the present pumping-station. The original
gravestone is still in existence, but is kept at present in
the old Coffin house (horseshoe house). A substantial
granite stone stands in its place at the grave, upon which
is inscribed the following : " Here lyes buried ye body
of John Gardner Esq. aged 82 who died May 1706."
This stone erected in 1881 replaces one removed for
preservation, which marked this spot for 175 years."
WILL.
" The last will and Testament of John Gardner of
Nantucket being of sound memory and composed in mind
by Gods great goodness is as follow eth, first I bequeath
my soul into the hands of the Eternall one that gave it
and my body to be laid in the dust from whence it was
taken the Charge whereof being paid which I desire may
be no more then for Convenience together with my just
deb 
