HISTORY
OF
Col. James Scamman's
Thirtieth Regiment of Foot
EIGHT MONTHS' SERVICE MEN OF 1775
FROM .YORK COUNTY
WITH A FULL ACCOUNT OF THEIR MOVEMENTS DURING
THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL AND COMPLETE
MUSTER ROLLS OF THE COMPANIES
BY
NATHAN GOOLD
Author of Col. Edmund Phinney's 31st Regiment of Foot, 1775,
and i8th Continental Regiment, 1776, and Col. Jonathan
Mitchell's Cumberland County Regiment of the
Bagaduce Expedition, 1779
Reprinted from the
Maine Historical Society's Quarterly
Portland, Maine
THE THURSTON PRINT
1899
k^
(^ok-
COL. JAMES SCAMMAN'S 30TH REGIMENT
OF FOOT, 1775.
BY NATHAN GOOLD.
Read before the Maine Historical Society, March SI, 1899.
Colonel James Scamman's 30th Regiment of Foot,
the first to leave the District of Maine in the war of
tL-. Revolution, was from York County. It was
raised in answer to a resolve passed by the Second
liovincial Congress of Massachusetts, April 23, 1775,
four days after the battles of Lexington and Concord,
*- ) raise thirteen thousand six hundred men " iramedi-
tely," in the colony. April 26, the Congress voted
that the regiments authorized should consist of ten
companies of fifty-nine men, each to be commanded
by a captain and two subalterns. It was a time of the
most intense excitement. The rebellion against Brit-
ish tyranny had begun, and the enemy's army must
be driven out of Boston, which was the work to be
assigned for this army to do. The force was increased
to thirty thousand by the other New England colo-
nies. The minute-men, then under arms, had assem-
bled ^during the Lexington alarm, most of whom soon
returned to their homes to become regular soldiers in
the service of the colony. The situation at Cambridge
at that time is given by the following letter of Gen.
Ward : —
Head Quarters, April 24, 1775.
Gentlemen: — My situation is such, that if I have not enlisting
orders immediately I shall be left entirely alone. It is impossible
to keep men here, excepting something to be done. I therefore
pray that the plan may be completed and handed to me this morn-
ing, that you, gentlemen of the Congress, issue orders for enlisting
men.
I am gentlemen, yours &c
A. Ward.
To the Hon. the Delegates of the Provincial Congress.
American Archives, Volume IT, page 384.
The plan was completed, and men thought best fit-
ted for such work were given "beating orders" to
raise companies all through the Massachusetts Colony.
The following are copies of the "beating orders" sent
out by the Committee of Safety from Cambridge: —
In Committee of Safety, Cambridge, April 24, 1775.
To Captain of in the County of
greeting :
Sir : — You are hereby empowered immediately to enlist a com-
pany, to consist of 56 able-bodied and effective men, including ser-
geants, as soldiers in theJVIassachusetts service, for the protection
of American liberty, and cause them to pass muster as soon as
possible.
Jos. Warren, Chairman.
Samuel Freeman, Secretary, P. T.
Cambridge, April 24, 1775.
Whereas, you have this day received orders for enlisting 56 sol-
diers, including a sergeant, for the Massachusetts service for the
protection of the liberties of America, you are hereby acquainted
that the commission of a captain in said service shall be made out
for you as soon as you have completed the said enlistment ; and you
will also be allowed to nominate 2 subalterns to serve under you,
who will receive commissions accordingly, if the committee shall
approve of them.
By order of the Committee of Safety
Joseph Warren, Chairman.
These two orders having been received the several
captains proceeded with their enlistments, and, in
some towns, more men came than were wanted. In
a little over two weeks from the first enlistment, Col.
Scamman's regiment was on its march toward Cam-
bridge, as well fitted out as the times and the condi-
tions of the people would admit, and with the neces-
sary field and staff officers. Some of the men came
from towns where there was no military organization
until after the Lexington Alarm. This prompt re-
sponse was the result of the intense feeling of indig-
nation of the inhabitants at the attack on their coun-
trymen at Lexington and Concord, on the memorable
nineteenth of April. Then our government was but
a skeleton, and had little organization. Independence
had hardly been thought of, but our forefathers proved
themselves equal to the self-imposed task that devel-
oped in the progress of events. The people were
self-reliant, and rebellion against oppression was ram-
pant in our land. It was success or death. The un-
selfish devotion of those Revolutionary patriots will
command the admiration of the students of our coun-
try's history for all time, therefore the smallest details
should be welcomed to the story of the nation.
The Committee of Safety adopted, April 21, 177o>
the following form of enlistment for the army : —
I, A B, do hereby engage and enlist myself as a soldier in the
Massachusetts service, from the day of my enlistment to the last
day of December next, unless the service should admit of a dis-
charge of a part or the whole sooner, which shall be at the discre-
tion of the Committee of Safety ; and I do hereby promise to submit
myself to all the orders and regulations of the army, and faithfully
to observe and obey all such orders as I shall receive from my supe-
rior oflScer.
At first the regiments were to be of nine compa-
nies with seventy privates each, but April 24 they
were changed to ten companies with fifty-nine men
each, including the three commissioned officers. In
the instructions to recruiting officers in July, 1775,
they were not to enlist any deserter from the British
army, negro or vagabond, or any person under eigh-
teen years of age. They were not to enlist any per-
son not American born, unless such person had a wife
and family and was a settled resident of the country.
All recruits were obliged to be provided " with good
and complete arms." Afterward negroes were enlisted
in the army, and did gallant service, as they have later.
Peter Salem, a negro, was thought to have killed Major
Pitcairn at Bunker Hill.
While the York County regiment was being raised
a meeting of the county militia officers was held to
select who was, in their opinion, best fitted for the
command of the regiment. Their recommendation
was Johnson Moulton for colonel, James Scamman for
lieutenant-colonel, and David Wood for major. Capt.
Moulton, as he was then, went to Cambridge, and with
him took the following letter of introduction to Gen.
Artemas Ward, then the commander of the army.
Kittery, May 5, 1775.
Sir: — Captain Johnson Moulton, the bearer hereof, who has
been a number of years in the service of this Province in the last
war, and performed to general satisfaction of all parties and it ap-
6
pearing by the disposition of our men, who are acquainted with
him in the service, that he will be the most likely to raise a regi-
ment of good eflfective men, therefore do recommend him to your
Honour (if you think proper) for a Colonel's commission.
And am your Honour's assured friends and humble servants
James Gowen
Benj Chadburn
Nathan Lord Jr.
N. B. There is a considerable number of good men enlisted al-
ready, with a view of said Moulton being their Colonel.
The Honorable Artemas "Ward, Esquire.
American Archives, Volume II, page 515.
Hon. James Gowen was a prominent man at Kittery
in his time and had served in the General Court and
as one of the Governor's councilors. He had been a
captain and commanded a company in Col. Jedediah
Preble's regiment, in the army of Gen. Abercrombie, in
the attack on Fort Ticonderoga, in 1758, when Lord
Howe was killed.
It seems evident that James Scamman had already
been given orders to raise the York County regiment,
but from the representations made to them, the Com-
mittee of Safety at Cambridge had become convinced
that the command should have been given to Johnson
Moulton, Esq., therefore they sent to Col. Scamman
the following letter : —
In Committee of Safety, Cambridge
May, 7, 1775.
We are informed by the Field Officers of the First and Second
regiments, together with a number of gentlemen of note in the
Coimty of York, that it would be most agreeable that Captain John-
son Moulton should have the command ot the Reeiment to be
6
raised in that County. The Committee taking these matters into
their most serious consideration, and the necessity of an Army be-
ing formed as soon as possible, as the salvation of the Country
must depend (under God) on our union and exertions ; and notwith-
standing, sir, you have received orders for enlisting a Regimant,
with a prospect of having the command of the same, yet we flatter
ourselves that you will, when you view the importance of completing
the Army, the delay that might arise in your quarter should you
not consent to come under Mr. Johnson Moulton, you will cheer-
fully comply and rest satisfied as we conceive it is the interest of
your Country you aim at, and not any emolument or honours that
may respect you as an individual. We doubt not, from these con-
siderations, you will be actuated by that zeal and ardour in the
cause of your Country that shall promote its truest interest, and that
we shall soon be informed that the Regiment intended to be raised
in the County of York is completed to the satisfaction of officers
and men.
We are &c.
To Colonel James Scamman.
American Archives Volume II, page 524.
James Scamman became the colonel of the regi-
ment, but, in the light of subsequent events, it would
probably have been better had he withdrawn in favor
of Johnson Moulton. This was no doubt the begin-
ning of the lack of harmony among the officers which
existed in the regiment through its service, but there
may have been other reasons which may never be
known.
There were other difficulties encountered in the or-
ganization of this regiment. James Sullivan, after-
wards a governor of Massachusetts, then a lawyer at
Biddeford, urged the government to appoint as major
Alexander Scammell of Durham, New Hampshire, then
a student in the law office of Gen. John Sullivan, his
brother. That Scammell was not a resident of York
County was probably the only reason of his failure
to receive the appointment.
Alexander Scammell entered the army June 12,
1775, as brigade major of the New Hampshire regi-
ments at Cambridge, and subsequently had a brilliant
career, ending his life October 6, 1781, at the seige of
Yorktown, when he was shot by a Hessian dragoon
after he was captured. He was a most intimate friend
of Gen. Peleg Wadsworth, they having been college
classmates.
James Sullivan gave Scammell a letter of introduc-
tion to Dr. Joseph Warren (president of the Commit-
tee of Safety), dated May 21, 1775, in which he stated
that the bearer was the gentleman whom he had rec-
ommended for major of the York County regiment.
In the same letter Sullivan said that the Cumber-
land County regiment (Col. Edmund Phinney's) would
have but one gun to three men and that it was ex-
pected that the Province would arm them. This
letter has been preserved in the Massachusetts
Archives.
The following letter was written to the Committee
of Safety at Cambridge from Berwick six days before
Sullivan's : —
Berwick May 15, 1775.
Gentlemen : this day our waiting on Majr Wood on his march
to Head Quarters we are informed that one Alexander Scammell is
appointed major of the Regiment now Raising in the County of
York. Mr. Scammell Lives in New Hampshire and has no proper-
8
ty in Berwick or the County of York. We being military Officers
in said County of York not attending the County meeting in advis-
ing to the field Officers do approve of the Choice at said meeting
that is Johnson Moulton first Colo., James Scamman Lt. Colo.
Danl Wood Majr
We are Gentlem with esteem yours &c
Joseph Prime
Jona Hamilton
Joseph Pray Jr.
Mark Lord
the Committee of Safety
at Cambridge &c. &c. &c.
The original of the above letter is in the Massachu-
setts Archives, Volume CXLVI, page 63.
Daniel Wood of Berwick was appointed major of
the regiment, which was but justice, although there
is no question but what Scammell would have been a
most efficient officer.
May 4, the Congress passed a resolution granting
an advance payment of twenty shillings to the non-
commissioned officers and privates who should enlist.
Four days later they established the following oath to
be administered to the Massachusetts army. Later
this oath was simplified : —
I, A. B. swear I will truly and faithfully serve in the Massachu-
setts army, to which I belong, for the defense and security of the
estates, lives and liberties of the good people of this and the sister
colonies of America, in opposition to ministerial tyrany by which
they are or may be oppressed, and to all other enemies and oppos-
ers whatsoever ; that I will adhere to the rules and regulations of
said army, observe and obey the generals and other officers set over
me ; and disclose and make known to said officers all traitorous
conspiracies, attempts and designs whatsoever which I shall know
9
to be made against said army or any of the English American colo-
nies, so help me God.
May 20, Gen. Artemas Ward was sworn and re-
ceived his commission as the commander-in-chief of
the army, and commissions were issued to some other
officers. Tiie organization of the Massachusetts army
was entered upon at this date, although troops had
been in the service since the nineteenth of April.
John Thomas was the lieutenant-general.
By the order of the Committee of Safety at Cam-
bridge the following letter was sent to the colonels of
the several regiments : —
Cambridge May 10, 1775.
Sir : As we are meditating a blow against our restless enemies
we therefore enjoin you as you would evidence your regard to your
country, forthwith, upon the receipt of this order, to repair to the
town of Cambridge, with the men enlisted under your command.
We are &c.
This was the order to march, and within a few days
Col. Scamman's regiment was on its way to join the
army. They were at least four days on the road and
were in camp the twenty-third, with all but three
companies full to the limit, the regiment then having
five hundred and forty-seven men, as is shown by the
following return : —
Return of Colonel Scamman's Regiment, Cambridge,
May 23, 1775.
This return gives one each, colonel, lieutenant-
colonel, major, adjutant and quartermaster present.
The company returns were as follows : —
10
Capt.
Lieut. Ensign. Rank and File
Capt.
Samuel Darby's Co.,
56
Tobias Fernald's Co.,
56
Ebenezer Sullivan's Co.,
56
Samuel Leighton's Co.,
56
Samuel Sawyer's Co.,
56
Jeremiah Hill's Co.,
56
Joshua Bragdon's Co.,
38
Philip Hubbard's Co.,
37
Jonathan Nowell's Co.,
45
Jesse Dormand's Co.,
56
Total,
10 10
Line Officers,
Staff "
10
512
30
5
Total,
547
Orio^inal return in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
CXLVI, page 163.
May 24, " Col. Scamman having satisfied the Com-
mittee [of Safety] that his regiment was nearly full,
a certificate was given him thereof, and it was recom-
mended to the Provincial Congress that his regiment
be commissioned accordingly." The following is the
record for the commissioning of Col. Scaraman's regi-
ment by the Provincial Congress,
WatertowD, June 2, 1775.
Ordered that commissions be given to the officers of Col. Scam-
man's regiment (except those captains who have already received
their commissions) agreeable to the above list.
Samuel Freeman
Secretary.
Some commissions issued were dated June 2, 1775.
11
The following is a copy of a commission given to
one of the captains of Col. Scamman's regiment: —
In Congress. — The delegates of the United Colonies of New
Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle,
Kent and Sussex, on the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Car-
olina and South Carolina, to Samuel Leighton Esquire. We repos-
ing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, conduct
and fidelity, do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be
captain of a company in the Thirtieth Regiment, commanded by
Col. Scammon, in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the
defense of American liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion
thereof. You are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge
the duty of Captain, by doing and performing all manner of things
thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all
officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your
orders as Captain, and you are to observe and follow such orders
and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this or
a future Congress of the United Colonies or Committee of Congress,
for that purpose appointed, or Commander-in-Chief for the time
being of the army of the United Colonies, or any other your supe-
rior officers, according to the rules and discipline of war, in persu-
ance of the trust reposed in you. This commission to continue in
force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
By order of the Congress,
John Hancock,
Attest July 1st, 1775. President.
Chas. Thomson, Secretary.
Col. Scamman's regiment had been in camp about
four weeks when the battle of Bunker Hill was fought.
In a return of June 9, the regiment is given as having
three hundred and ninety-six men fit for duty, and
was in an army that was but a motley crowd of men.
Drake says : —
12
Imagine such an army, without artillery or effective small arms,
without magazines or discipline, and unable to execute the smallest
tactical maneuver should their lines be forced at any point, laying
siege to a town containing ten thousand troops, the first in the
world. It was, moreover, without a flag, or a commander having
absolute authority until "Washington came. Picture to yourself a
grimy figure behind a rank of gabions, his head wrapped in an old
bandanna, a short pipe between his teeth, stripped of his upper gar-
ments, his lower limbs encased in leather breeches, yarn stockings,
and hob-nailed shoes, industriously plying mattock or spade, and
your provincial soldier of '75 stands before you. Multiply him by
ten thousand, and you have the provincial army.
The story of Bunker Hill has been ably told by
Frothingham and others. The movements of Col.
Scamman's regiment, during the battle, have not been
clearly stated in our Maine history. They took no ac-
tive part in the fighting that day, and it is not prob-
able that any Maine organization did. Frothingham
says, in his account of the battle June 17 : " Col.
Scamman was ordered to where the fighting was and
went to Lechmere's Point (East Cambridge). Here he
was ordered to march to the hill, which he understood
to mean Cobble Hill (McLean Asylum), whence he
sent a messenger to Gen. Putnam to enquire whether
his regiment was wanted. This delay prevented it
from reaching the field in season to do any good,"
also " James Scamman's regiment from Maine did not
advance nearer the battle than Bunker Hill ; and its
colonel was tried for cowardice and acquitted," and
" Col. Scamman with a part of his regiment reached
the top of Bunker Hill, but immediately retreated."
It must be kept in mind that the battle was fought on
Breed's Hill, now called Bunker Hill.
13
Narrow Pass.
Where the Ameri-
cans passed over.
Bunker Hill.
The farthest point
reached by Col. Scam-
man's regiment In
its advance.
Breed's Bill. Moulton's Point.
Where the battle
of Bunker Hill
was fought.
VIEW OF CHARLESTOWN IN 1775 BY TRUMBULL.
All that Frothingham says is true of this regiment,
but still their movements are not satisfactorily stated.
The American army had no supreme commander and
but little organization at that time. There was great
confusion caused by the knowledge that the British
were making a forward movement. Col. Scamman
supposed they were to land at Lechmere's Point, and
marched his regiment there. Col. Whitcomb, act-
ing as a general officer, ordered him, as he supposed,
to Cobble Hill to observe the movements of the float-
ing batteries, and while there the battle was at its
height. Col. Scamman despatched two sergeants to
Gen. Putnam to find if he was needed, and before
their return hurried his regiment forward, but before
they reached the top of Bunker Hill the American's
were in full retreat from Breed's Hill. During the ad-
vance the British bullets fell thick and fast among
them. Col. Scamman when urging on his men shout-
ed : " Come, my Yorkshire lads, now let us show our
bravery," Meeting the retreating soldiers Scamman's
regiment went with them, as would be expected. The
Journal of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress
says Hon. John Whitcomb was elected " a general of-
ficer" February 15, 1775, and was appointed a muster
master May 6, 1775, but " on account of his various
14
vocations could not accept," and Asa Whitcomb was
elected in his place May 9. Col. John Whitcomb was
elected the first major general June 13, 1775, and
Gen. Joseph Warren was the second. In reply to his
notification Gen. Whitcomb said he would remain in
the service until the army was regulated and properly
encamped and then would ask his discharge. The
committee were ordered by the Provincial Congress
to fill up a commission for Gen. Whitcomb, and June
26 voted to date it June 21, 1775, and the president
was desired to administer to Gen. Whitcomb the oath
of the general officers of the army and deliver him
his commission. This shows that Gen. Whitcomb sup-
posed he had authority to act as a general officer
June 17.
Perhaps Col. Scamman should have pushed forward
when he first reached Cobble Hill, but under the cir-
cumstances he evidently was justified in acting as he
did. Four weeks after the event Gen. Whitcomb did
not remember of giving the order, but officers and
men of Scamman's regiment heard it, and so testified
at the investigation.
The time of the battle of Bunker Hill from the first
fire of the musketry until the last was about one hour
and a half. The general battle, with small arms, be-
gan about half-past three and ended about five o'clock.
General Washington says that the number of Ameri-
cans engaged at any one time was about fifteen hun-
dred, but the authorities conflict in their statements as
to the numbers engaged on both sides.
15
Charges were preferred against Col. Scasnman for
disobedience of orders and for not showing the proper
spirit during the battle. A court martial was con-
vened for this trial, July 13, before which those who
had knowledge of the facts testified, and after hearing
all the evidence, the Court, on the seventeenth, re-
turned the verdict that " Col. Scamman is not guilty
of the charge brought against him." This should
have settled the matter, but it did not There was ill
feeling against the colonel which did not subside.
Some time after the battle Dr. Church published a
letter in which he reflected on the conduct of Col.
Scamman on the seventeenth of June, in answer to
which Scamman sent the following letter and docu-
ment for publication : —
Mr. Hall,
I have observed when you published Dr. Church's letter,
that my name was mentioned to my disadvantage : therefore, in
justice to my character, I am constrained to request that you would
give the proceedings of a General Court Martial, held at Headquar-
ters, in Cambridge, by order of his Excellency George "Washington
Esq., General and Commander-in-chief of all the American forces,
(with some remarks upon the deposition then taken) , a place in your
useful paper ; that the public may judge how far I deserve the defa-
mation given by the said Doctor. In granting this request, you will
oblige many of your constant readers, and in particular
Your humble servant
James Scamman
The following is the report of the court martial,
which is no doubt the best evidence extant of the
movements of Col. Scamman's regiment during the
progress of the battle of Bunker Hill.
16
(Minutes of the Court, with Comments by Colonel Scammans.)
General Court Martial held July 13th, 1775. .
Col. Nixon, President ; with one Lieut. Colonel, one Major, and
ten Captains.
William Tudor, Judge Advocate.
The Court being duly sworn, proceeded to the trial of Col. Scam-
mans of the Massachusetts forces, who was bro't before the Court,
and accused of disobedience to orders and backwardness in the exe-
cution of his duty, in the late action on Bunker's-Hill at Charles-
town, on the 17th of June last.
The prisoner being arraigned on the above complaint, pleads not
guilty.
The Court postponed the examination of the witnesses to Friday
14th pf July, at eight of the clock, to which time the Court was
adjourned.
Friday, July 14th. The Court being met according to adjourn-
ment ; present all the members as yesterday.
Lieut. James Donnell deposed, about noon we marched to Lech-
mere's-Point, where we remained one quarter of an hour. Going
from the Point, Charlestown was set on fire. Whilst at the Point
General Whitcomb ordered Colonel Scammans to march to the hill.
The deponant understood the Hill meant was Bunker's-Hill. Col.
Scammans then marched to a small hill, about a mile distant from
Bunker's-Hill. Col. Scammans sent two Serjeants to Bunker's-Hill,
to know if his regiment was wanted. We remained on the small
hill three-quarters of an hour, during all which time there was a
smart fire on Bunker's-Hill, from small arms and cannon. After
three quarters of an hour we marched to the hither edge of Bunk-
er's-Hill, where the shot flew very thick. Before we got to the top
of the hill. Col. Scammans ordered a retreat ; immediately there
was a general retreat of our regiment. Every one made the best of
his way off. We were no time that day near enough to engage the
enemy. The witness does not know any distinction between Bunk-
er's- and Brewer's-Hill. \_Let it he observed^ that this and the fore-
going deponent belonged to Old Yorh.'\
17
The above comment was probably intended to have
been inserted after the testimony of the next witness,
and was probably put here by mistake.
Ensign Joshua Trafton deposed, about two of the clock (after-
noon) we marched from Cambridge to Lechmere's-Point, where we
found Gen. Whitcomb who expressed much surprise at finding Col.
Scammans take post there. We remained on the Point fifteen min-
utes and then marched to a small hill below Prospect-Hill. We
continued on the small hill about half an hour or more ; during
which time Col. Scammans sent two Serjeants to Banker's-Hill, to
know if his regiment was wanted. We took the nearest road to
Bunker's-Hill, as I suppose ; and before we got to the top of the
hill. Colonel ordered a retreat. I cannot say whether the breast-
work was forced or not at that time. We saw many men retreating
down the hill who said they had spent all their ammunition ; some
told us that the enemy had retreated and begged us to push on. As
we turned off the small hill, a regiment marched by us towards
Bunker's-Hill. As we marched from Cambridge we heard the reg-
ulars were landing at Lechmere's Point and at Charlestown. Col.
Scammans made the greatest despatch from the small hill to Bunk-
er's-Hill. I saw no other instance of backwardness in Colonel
Scammans, except his long stay at the small hill, which appeared
to me unnecessary. As we retreated a number of men advanced up
in an irregular manner.
Ensign Nathan Lord deposed, we Avere one quarter of an hour
near Lechmere's Point ; we then marched to a small hill below
Prospect-Hill, where we tarried a quarter of an hour, then marched
to Bunker-Hill, the nearest way and with as much despatch as we
could go. We staid 20 minutes on the small hill, whilst the fire
continued on the further part of Bunker's Hill we got to the top of
Bunker's-Hill; After Avhich Gen. Putnam came up, and ordered
the regiment to advance, within hearing of Col. Scammans ; part of
the regiment then advanced, but the deponent does not know if Col.
Scammans was with them. I heard several persons, whom I took
to be officers, order a retreat before Col. Scammans did. After we
got over Charlestown Neck, going up Bunker's-Hill, Col. Scammans
2
18
cried, Come my Yorkshire lads, now let us show our bravery ; the
deponent does not know the distinction between Bunker's and Brew-
er's-Hill.
Major Daniel Wood deposed, we marched from near Lechmere's-
Point, to a small hill, nearly opposite to Prospect Hill, where Ave
remained near three quarters of an hour, during most of the time,
we were on that Hill, there was a smart fire on what I take to be
the easterly part of Bunker's-Hill. \^Bemarks, That the Major
could not say any more upon the case, for he ivas not so happy as
to reach Bionlcer' s- Hill for the whole day.']
Capt. Ebenezer Sullivan deposed and said, we continued on the
s mall hill half an hour ; some considerable part of the time we were
there, there was a heavy fire from the further part of the liill in
Charlestown. After we retreated, Col. Scammans encouraged the
men to advance. The regiment was not near enough to engage the
enemy.
Capt. Philip Hubbard deposed, the reason of our going to Lech-
mere's- Point was, because we met expresses, who told us the regu-
lars were landing at that place ; when we got to Lechmere's-Point,
Gen. Whitcomb told Col. Scammans, he had better go and watch
the floating batteries, and then marched to the small hill, where we
staid half an hour. As soon as Col. Scammans discovered Charles-
town meeting-house on fire he marched the regiment with all
possible dispatch, towards Bunker's-Hill, we met great number's
retreating down. The confusion was so great before he got to the
top of the hill, it was impossible to form. I saw nothing of irreso-
lution or backwardness in Colonel Scammans anytime of the day.
Lieut. Cuzons deposed, that at Lechmere's-Point, Gen. Whitcomb
told Col. Scammans he had better go to that hill, meaning, as the
deponent took it, the small hill, which they marched to, and watch
the motions of the floating batteries. As soon as Colonel Scam-
mans heard the firing of the small arms, at the hill in Charlestown,
he said he would stay there no longer, and ordered the regiment to
march for Bunker's-Hill, which he did. I know nothing of Col.
Scamman's behaviour at Bunker's-Hill.
Lieutenant Morgan Lewis deposed and said I saw nothing of cow-
ardice or backwardness in Col. Scammans that day.
19
Lieut. Thomas Cutts in substance as Lieut. Lewis.
Serjeant Aniaziah Goodwin agrees with Lieut. Cutts.
Serjeant Samuel Goodale deposed, that General "Whitcomb or-
dered Col. Scammans from Lechmere's-Point to take possession of
the small hill, and watch the motions of the floating batteries ; I
was sent by Col. Scammans to General Putnam, to know if his
regiment was wanted ; and before I got back. Col. Scammans was
on his march towards Bunkers'-Hill. I saw Colonel Scammans two-
thirds of the way up the hill, but knew nothing of his conduct there.
John Littlefield deposed, that as we marched down, we heard the
regulars were landing at Lechmere's-Point. I know nothing of Col.
Scamman's behaviour.
Jonathan Love deposed and said, when we were upon Bunker's-
Hill, an officer ordered us to retreat as the enemy had forced the
entrenchment, after which Col. Scammans ordered us to retreat.
Joseph Parsons, drummer, deposed and said, we were three-quar-
ters of an hour on the little round hill, and the firing of the small
arms lasted half-an-hoiu', when we marched off towards Bunker's-
Hill. I know nothing of Col. Scammans's behaviour at Bunker's-
Hill.
The Court then called on Col. Scammans to make his defence,
upon which the following evidence was produced :
Capt. Jeremiah Hill deposed and said that down by the bridge
near Lechmere's-Point we met Gen. Whitcomb, who told Col.
Scammans that he was sufficient to guard that Point and told Col.
Scammans that he had better go round to the little hill and watch
their motions there, we accordingly went and stayed there half-
an-hour.
Col. John Whitcomb, who is styled by the foregoing deponents
General, deposed and said, I met Col. Scammans with his regiment
about fifty rods from Lechmere's-Point. I asked him what brought
him there, he replied by asking me where he should go. I told
him where he could do the most service. I am positive I never
ordered him to the little hill, if my memory serves me, because
men could be of no service in such a place except in the night.
\^N. B. Colonel W/iitcomh then acted as a general officer., and as
there was then no general officer that commanded on Bunker's-Hill,,
20
toas it not his duty to have been there ? We viay also observe, that
he is positive if his memory served him, tvhich (by the deposition of
others) did not.^
The Court then adjourned till Saturday morning, 8 o'clock.
Saturday A. M. The Court met according to adjournment.
Col. Scammans begged liberty to produce the four next witnesses,
who were admitted and sworn accordingly.
Henry Foss, drummer, deposed, that as we marched down Cam-
bridge road, we met two men on horseback, who told us the regu-
lars were landing at Lechmere-Point. We then marched very fast,
towards the point where we met Gen. Whitcomb, who told Col.
Scammans to go round to the hill, which hill I understood to mean
the little round hill, we marched to. I was within ten feet of Gen-
eral Whitcomb, when these orders were given.
Ichabod Smith deposed and said I was about ten feet from Gen.
Whitcomb, at Lechmere's-Point, when I heard him desire Colonel
Scammans to march round, and observe the motions of the floating
batteries which lay near the little hill. We marched to the little
hill and continued there about twenty minutes. As soon as Col.
Scammans found out where the firing of the small arms was, he
immediately marched the regiment towards Bunker's-Hill, with the
utmost dispatch.
Samuel Hubbard deposed and said, I was within ten feet of Gen.
Whitcomb, and heard him order Col. Scammans to go to the hill.
But the deponent does not know what hill. I heard Colonel Scam-
mans ask the General if he could go across the marsh, which was
the nearest way to the little hill. Gen. Whitcomb replied, that he
could not, but must go up, and round by the roads.
Frethy Spencer agrees with Hubbard exactly, being close to him
during the conversation between General Whitcomb and Col.
Scammans.
Adjutant Marsden was sworn at the desire of the complainants
and deposed that we were three-quarters of an hour on the little
hill and continued about twenty minutes after we heard of the firing
on the hill in Charlestown. I went half-way up Bunker's hill with
Col. Scammans when I left him and went to the breastwork, where
I got before the enemy forced it ; the confusion was so great when
21
we got to Bunkei-'s-Hill we could not form the regiment. \_It is
observable that the Adjutant would insinuate hy his deposition that the
regiment arrived at Bunker's-Hill time enough to reinforce the breast-
work before it loas forced by the enemy, but if the public will only
consider that those regiments which tuere stationed only two miles dis-
tance, did not arrive seasonable enough, and that the deponent had
heretofore perjured himself by his desertion from the enemy, and by
his common deportment discovers no regard to the Deity, his deposition
will have but little weight with them.'\
The prisoner then made a few remarks on the evidence and
withdrew.
The Court being cleared, entered upon the examination of the
evidence collectively, and after debate, adjourned to Monday 17th
July, eight o'clock A. M.
[Monday] July 17. The Court being met according to adjourn-
ment, and resumed the consideration of the case of Col. Scammans,
and have duly weighed the allegations and proofs brought against
the prisoner with his defence and evidence, are of the opinion that
the said Col. Scammans is not guilty of the charge brought against
him.
A true copy of the proceedings.
Attest John Nixon, President.
William Tudor, Judge Advocate.
The above report is as published in the New Eng-
land Chronicle or Essex Gazette in 1776, which was
reprinted in The Historical Magazine, Volume III,
Second Series, page 400, verbatim et Utei'atim. The
remarks within the brackets, in italics, were inserted
by Col. Scamman. What is printed in the testimony
as Brewer's Hill evidently meant Breed's Hill, where
the battle was fought.
The Dr. Church letter referred to was the traitorous
one dated July 23, 1775, which was published in the
New England Chronicle or Essex Gazette Jeimmry 4,
22
1776 . What he said in referance to Col. Scamman was,
when writing of the Americans defeat at Bunker Hill,
"which together with the cowardice of the clumsy Col.
Ge rrish and Col. Scamman were the lucky occasion of
their (the Americans) defeat." The newspaper was
published at Cambridge in 1776, by Ebenezer and
Samuel Hall, Samuel retired and Ebenezer disposed
of his interest before June of that year, he being
succeeded by Edward Eveleth Powers and Nathaniel
Willis. Dr. Benjamin Church was banished from the
country a few months after the date of the letter for
his treachery to the patriots of the early days of the
Revolution.
From one of the remarks made by Col. Scamman
in the foregoing report it is quite evident that he
expected unfavorable criticism from some of the offi-
cers of his regiment, especially those from the town
of York. He was not himself free from all appear-
ances of enmity toward them. The reason for the
feeling of the York officers was probably the fact that
Scamman did not withdraw from the colonelcy at the
formation of the regiment. Then perhaps Scamman
may have been favorable for Scammell to have been
the major, instead of Wood, as James Sullivan, who
recommended Scammell, was from the same locality
as Col. Scamman, whose remark in the report shows
ill-feeling against Major Wood. Probably this feeling
may have had some influence in preventing Scamman
from obtaining another commission to command a reg-
iment. Most of the other officers were again commis-
sioned in the army.
23
Henry Dearborn, who was a captain in Stark's reg-
iment, in the battle of Bunker Hill, wrote, in 1818, of
the battle : —
Nothing like discipline had entered at that time. No general
officer except Putnam appeared in sight, nor did any officer assume
command, undertake to form the troops, or give any orders that I
heard except Col. Stark, who directed his regiment to reserve their
fire on the retreat of the enemy until they advanced again. Every
platoon officer was engaged in discharging his own musket and left
his men to fire as they pleased, but never without a sure aim at
some particular object, which was more destructive than any mode
which could have been adopted with troops who were not inured to
discipline and never had been in battle, but were still familiar with
the use of arms from boyhood, and each having his peculiar man-
ner of loading and firing, which had been practised upon for years
with the same gun ; any attempt to control them by uniformity and
system, would have rendered their fires infinitely less fatal to the
enemy. Not an officer or soldier of the Continental troops engaged
was in uniform, but were in the plain and ordinary dress of citizens,
nor was there an officer on horseback.
Frothin«^ham's table of the American losses in the
battle of Bunker Hill gives two men wounded in Col.
Scamman's regiment, when and where is not stated,
but probably it was when tliey marclied up Bunker's
Hill in their advance toward the battlefield.
Gen. Washington took command of the army at
Cambridge, July 3, and the following is an extract
from his order organizing the regiments into an army.
Headquarters, Cambridge, July 22, 1775.
Regularity and due subordination being so essentially necessary
to the good order and government of an army, and without it the
Avhole must soon become a scene of disorder and confusion. The
general finds it indispensably necessary, without waiting any longer
24
for despatches from the general Contiuental Congress, immediately
to form the army into three grand divisions, and of dividing each of
those grand divisions into two brigades.
According to the above order the army was organ-
ized into six brigades, and they into three divisions.
Col. Scamman's reariment was assiu;ned to Gen. William
Heath's brigade, which was assigned to Gen. Israel Put-
nam's division, which formed the center of the army.
The regiment was stationed at Cambridge, and manned
Fort No. 1, and the redoubt on the flank of Fort No.
2, where Col. Edmund Phinney's 30th Regiment of
Foot, which was in the same brigade, was stationed.
Fort No. 1 was on the Charles River, in Cambridge,
and was south of Fort No. 2 and Cambridge Village.
Cambridge Common was the grand parade ground of
the army. On July 10, the aggregate strength of the
troops in Cambridge was a little over eight thousand.
In those days the soldiers' guns were not stacked
but were rested on wooden horses for the purpose,
and in wet weather were taken into their quarters.
Offenders against military law were generally punished
by lashes on the naked back, the number given being
according to the crime committed. Incorrigible
offenders were drummed out of camp. There was no
attempt made for the uniformity of the clothing of
the army until the coats were issued in the fall ol
1775. The undyed cloth coats, with facings of the
same material, that had pewter buttons with the num-
ber of the regiment upon them, are what the " Coat
Rolls," so often mentioned in the records of the Rev-
olutionary soldiers of 1775, have reference to. Those
25
coats were furnished the army in the fall of 1775. If
a soldier had a coat suitable to keep him comfortable
he was not required to take the one from the govern-
ment, but was allowed to draw twenty-five shillings
from the treasury instead.
To distinguish the rank of the officers, an order was
issued to the artny about Boston, as early as July 23,
1775, for the officers to w^ear the followmg marks : —
Field officer — Red or pink cockades on their hats.
Captains — Yellow or buff on their hats. Subalterns
— Green on their hats. Sergeants — Stripes of red
cloth sewed on the right shoulder. Corporals —
Stripe of green on the right shoulder.
On November 4, 1775, Congress voted that the cloth
for the army should be dyed brown, and the distinc-
tion of the regiments was to be made in the facings.
The idea was that the soldiers should wear waistcoats,
knee breeches, and stockings which were covered with
leggins in winter, haversacks made of duck, and
wooden canteens. Each man was to carry a toma-
hawk. The poverty of the colonies prevented the
uniforming of the army until the latter end of the
war. Most of the soldiers were thankful for any kind
of comfortable clothing.
The Committee of Safety at Cambridge voted, July
7, 1775, '•' that it be and is hereby recommended to
his Excellency General Washington that an order be
issued to suppress retailers of spirituous liquors within
or near the camps in such manner as to him seems
meet." This was done because a number of soldiers
had been " observed to be much disguised with
26
spirituous liquors." They said effectual measures
should be taken to put a stop to this, as •' not only
the morals and health, but also the lives and liberties
of this people will be endangered."
In the journal of the Committee of Safety of the
Provincial Congress, is the following record of the
delivery of guns to Col. Scamman's regiment, June
30, 1775: —
Fifty-one small arms were delivered Col. James Scamman, for
the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to ninety-
seven pounds eighteen shillings and eight pence, for which guns a
receipt was taken in the minute book.
July 7, 1775, forty more were delivered, which were
valued at seventj^-four pounds thirteen shillings and
four pence.
Th e following was the formation of Col- Scamman's
regiment on the first of August : —
The Roster of Col. James Scamman's 30th Eegiment of Foot
AT Cambridge, 1775.
Colonel, James Scamman, Pepperrellboro (Saco)
Lieut. Col., Johnson Moulton, York
Major, Daniel Wood, Berwick
Adjt., George Marsden, Londonderry
Chaplain, Jacob Foster, Berwick
Quartermaster, Samuel Nasson, York
Surgeon, John Crocker, Richmond
Surgeon's Mate, Jacob Baron, Plymouth
Total, 8 men.
CAPT. SAMUEL DARBy'S COMPANY.
Captain, Samuel Darby, York
Lieutenant, James Donnell, "
Ensign, Joshua Trafton, "
Total, 66 men.
27
Kittery
Wells
CAPT. TOBIAS FERNALD'S COMPANY.
Captain, Tobias Fernald, Kittery
Lieutenant, Thomas Cutts, "
Ensign, Parker Foster, "
Total, 59 men.
CAPT. EBENEZER SULLIVAn's COMPANT.
Captain, Ebenezer Sullivan, Berwick
1st Lieut., Thomas Butler, ''
2d Lieut., Nathan Lord, 5th, "
Total, 64 men.
CAPT. SAMUEL LEIGHTOK'S COMPANY.
Captain, Samuel Leighton,
Lieutenant, William Fernald,
Ensign, William Frost,
Total, 47 men.
CAPT. SAMUEL SAWYER's COMPANY.
Captain, Samuel Sawyer,
1st Lieut., William Cossens,
2d Lieut., Jeremiah Littlefield,
Total, 66 men.
CAPT. JEREMIAH HILL's COMPANY.
Captain, Jeremiah Hill,
Lieutenant, Samuel Merrill,
Ensign, Peter Page,
Total, 60 men.
CAPT. JOSHUA BRAGDON'S COMPANY.
Captain, Joshua Bragdon,
Lieutenant, Morgan Lewis,
Ensign, Moses Sweet, "
Total, 57 men.
CAPT. PHILIP Hubbard's company.
Captain, Philip Hubbard, Berwick
1st Lieut., Jedidiah Goodwin, "
2d Lieut., James Roberts, "
Total, 64 men.
Biddeford
Buxton
Pepperrellboro
Wells
Sanford
28
CAPT. JONATHAN NOWELL S COMPANY.
Captain, Jonathan No well,
Lieutenant, Thomas Nowell,
Ensign, Edwai'd Low,
Total, 50 men.
CAPT. JESSE DORMAn's COMPANY.
Captain, Jesse Dorman,
Lieutenant, Daniel Merrill,
Ensign, Jacob Curtis,
Total, 60 men.
SUMMARY.
Field and Staff Officers,
Capt. Samuel Darby's Company,
" Tobias Fernald's "
" Ebenezer Sullivan's "
" Samuel Leighton's "
" Samuel Sawyer's "
" Jeremiah Hill's "
" Joshua Bragdon's "
" Philip Hubbard's "
" Jonathan Nowell's "
" Jesse Dorman's "
Total,
York
Arundel
8
men
66
59
64
47
66
60
57
64
50
60
601
The service of Col. Scamman's regiment at Cam-
bridge, after the arrival of Gen. Washington, was not
an eventful one. There were no battles. The firing
between the lines was desultory, and the encounters
with the enemy were in the nature of skirmishes.
The American array was in a destitute condition to
maintain the siege of Boston, and confront the British
regulars. Washington, realizing his weakness, only
hoped that the British would not make an attack on
29
his lines until they could be strengthened, but from
what source help was to come he then could not tell.
As this regiment whs In the same brigade with Col.
Edmund Phinney's 30th Regiment of Foot, the details
in their history, in relation to the events from day to
day, are equally as interesting in the service of these
men, for their service was the same.
Col. Scamman's regiment served until December 31,
1775, and that army is known as the eight month ser-
vice men at Cambridge, in 1775. Col. Scamman re-
turned home at the expiration of his term of service,
but most of the other commissioned officers reenlisted
January 1, 1776, in the Continental army, for that
year, in Col. Phinney's 18th Continental and Col.
Prescott's 7th Continental regiments, while others
joined different companies in the service of the colony.
Probably nearly all of the men of Scamman's regi-
ment e ntered the service again sometime during the
struggle for our independence.
Col. Scamman's regiment did its duty. The misfor-
tunes at the battle of Bunker Hill were something
that might be liable to happen to any regiment simi-
larly situated, at such a time, in an army without a
commander and little organization and with no disci-
pline, as now understood. No insinuation has ever
been made that the men of this regiment were any-
thing but brave patriots of the Revolution. In the
subsequent campaigns they showed their gallantry,
and the records of these sons of York are found in the
histories of all the important battles of the Revolu-
tionary War. Maine cherishes their memory.
30
Old York County has an enviable war record. In
the early Indian wars, her sons, with her Major Charles
Frost, and others, drove back their savage enemies.
They were at Louisburg, with their own Pepperell, in
1745 ; at Ticonderoga, with Abercrombie and Lord
Howe in 1758; through the seige of Boston with
Washington ; in the battles of Long Island, Hubbard-
ton, Stillwater and Saratoga, and witnessed the sur-
render of Burgoyne's array. They spent that winter
at Valley Forge, and were at Monmouth, Quaker Hill,
and other battles, following the fortunes of the army,
and saw the surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Since
we became a nation they have never been found want-
ing in their devotion to their country. It has been
the same with our whole state. Our troops in the
Rebellion were the peer of any in the army. One of
our regiments was engaged in the greatest number of
battles and another had the highest percentage of loss
in a single battle. In the late Spanish war no more
earnest and willing soldiers left any state. They
begged to be put in the forefront of the battle where
would be the greatest danger. They were of our best,
and left their homes and vocations without a murmur,
to battle for the liberty of an oppressed people, that
they might enjoy with us the blessing of liberty.
The history of the sons of Maine is something for us
to be proud of.
The following muster rolls, taken from the originals
in the Archives of Massachusetts, give the names of
the men who composed Col. Scamman's regiment,
August 1, 1775.
31
A Muster Koll of the Field & Staff Officers Commanded by Col.
James Scammans from the Day of Engagement to the ist Day of
August, 1775.
Enlisted .
1775
James Scamons,
Col.,
Pepperrellboro,
April 26
Johnson Moulton,
, Lt. Col.,
York,
May 2
Daniel Wood,
Major,
Berwick,
((
George Marsden,
Adjnt.,
Londonderry,
April 29
Jacob Foster,
Chaplain,
Berwick,
May 3
Samuel Nasson,
Qt Master,
York,
" 2
John Crocker,
Surgeon,
Richmond,
" 13
Jacob Baron,
Surg'n's Mate.
, Plymouth,
June 3
Original Roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XXVI, page 251.
Col. James Scamman was born in Saco, March 16,
1742, and was the son of James Scamman, who was
born August 1, 1721, and died in 1753. His mother
was married in 1741, and she was Hannah Plaisted,
a daughter of Col. Elisha and Hannah (Wheelwright)
Plaisted, and was born at Berwick, May 20, 1725.
She married (2) July 4, 1754, Major Ebenezer Ayer
from Haverhill, and had by him six children. By
James Scamman she had two sons and three
daughters,
Col. Scamman married about 1761, Hannah Page, a
daughter of Joshua and Hannah (D us tin) Page, who
was born in Dunbarton, New Hampshire, February
20, 1742, and died at Saco, January 24, 1821. She
was a great granddaughter of the famous Hannah
Dustin of Haverhill, Massachusetts. They had the
following children : —
1. James, born January 30, 1763 ; married December 20, 1785,
Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. John Fairfield, and had two sons. He
32
died October 4, 1789, and his widow married May 19, 1793, John
Storer of Wells, and had four daughters.
2. Daniel, sea captain, born December 12, 1764; married Sep-
tember 10, 1790, Sarah Nason, who had one son and one daughter ;
both died unmarried. His widow married (2) May 18, 1796,
Ichabod, son of Rev. John Fairfield, and had seven children, the
oldest being Gov. John Fairfield of Maine. Daniel Scamman died
at Demerara of yellow fever April 25, 1795.
3. Nathaniel, sea captain, born March 3, 1767 ; married in
Scarboro, February 19, 1795, Abigail, daughter of Solomon Burn-
ham, but had no children. He died March 23, 1810, aged 43 years.
His widow married (2) January 3, 1811, Shubal Woodman and
died February 27, 1853.
4. Sarah Andrews, born October 16, 1768 ; married August 2,
1789, Foxwell Cutts, a son of Col. Thomas and Elizabeth (Scam-
man) Cutts, and died August 1, 1806. She had no children.
5. William, born September 17, 1770, and died January 2,
1788. In Rev. John Fairfield's dairy under date of March 23,
1788, he says : " call"^ between meetings to Col^ Scammans, he at
Boston — had news of ye death of his Son W"^ fr. W. Indies — on B<^
his Schooner, Nathl. Commander."
The Scamman pedigree was Humphrey^, Capt. Humphrey^,
James^, Col. James*.
It is thought Col. Scamman early went to Haver-
hill, Massachusetts, as he was of that place July 9,
1764. In the Biddeford town records is the follow-
ing :—
This Indenture of Agreement made & concluded upon 7th of
Jan. A. D., 1771 by & between Jas. Scamman & Nathl Scamman
witnesseth — That whereas the said Jas. Scamman & Nathl Scam-
man have sold sundry goods from the 2^^ day of Ap. last to this
7th day of Jan. aforesaid it is agreed by the said Jas. & Nathl. that
they do enter into joint Partnership from said date & do mutually
agree to make & discharge all debts in equal halves until they
agree to dissolve said Partnership, that it is to be understood the
said James & Nathl are jointly concerned in all the trade they
may carry on together in Pep** (now Saco) & not to extend to any
trade or business the said Jas. does or may carry on in Haverhill
where the said James now dwells — it is further agreed that if the
said Jas does not remove to Pepo the next Spring ensuing to assist
the said Nathl in carrying on said trade as aforesaid then the said
Jas. does agree to allow the said Nathl annually for his services
in doing the whole of said business — to the time &c &c.
The above indicates that James Scamman came to
Saco about 1772, and was on the Committee of Cor-
respondence there November 9, 1774, also in 1782.
After the war service in 1775 he is thought to have
returned to Pepperrellboro and entered into trade,
again with his brother, Nathaniel. He was a represen-
tative from Saco in 1781-83, and 1787. From 1790 to
1796 he lived at Buxton, where he was engaged in trade,
but returned to Saco, where he died October 11, 1804,
aged sixty-two years. The following was his epitaph,
written by the Hon. Cyrus King : —
A man of infinite jest ; of most excellent fancy.
This stone to strangers may impart,
The place where Scamman lies ;
But every friend consults his heart,
For there he never dies.
Col. James Scamman enlisted April 26, 1775, with,
no doubt, the distinct understanding that if he suc-
ceeded in raising a full regiment, he should be com-
missioned its colonel. That there was strong opposi-
tion to him there is no question, but there seems to
have been no fault with his personal character, and he
is spoken highly of by those among whom he lived
3
34
Folsom, in the History of Saco, said " he was well
fitted to shine in the military profession ; possessing
vigor of mind and body, and a gaiety of temper which
secured the good-will and attachment of all such as
were under his command. We have been assured by
persons who served with him that his bravery could
not be justly questioned, and yet a misdirection of his
regiment on the memorable 17th of June has been
made the occasion of reproach." Then he said :
"Attempts were, however, made to injure his reputa-
tion by individuals who aspired to his commission,
«&c."
Col. Scamman, after the expiration of his term of
service, returned to private life, but he felt keenly the
injustice done him. When the three years' regiments
were being formed, in the fall of 1776, he applied for
permission to raise one of them with which he might
vindicate himself before his countrymen. The follow-
ing is a copy of his original petition to the General
Court: —
' ' To The Honorable the Council and House of Representatives of
the State of the Massachusetts Bay —
Humbly shews James Scamman that whereas his conduct has
been called in question respecting the'Battle of Charlestown in June
1775 wherein the Disposition made was such as could render but
Little prospect of success and he being willing to shew his Country
that he is ready at all Times to risque his Fortune and Life in de-
fence of it would readily engage again m the service thereof and
begs leave to inform your Honours that he has no doubt that he can
raise a Regiment immediately for the service of the Continent and
therefore prays to be indulged with a Commission for that purpose
and this he does not with a view to any emolument but for to take
35
off any objection now resting in the mind of any of his Country-
men against him — & he will ever pray &c
James Scamman
Pepperrelboro
Nov 14th 1776.
The original is in the Massachusetts Archives. The
petition was written by some other person, but signed
by Col. Scamman.
The above application shows no lack of spirit or pa-
triotism. The question suggested to the minds of
his countrymen is whether it might not have been better
for the regiment and himself had he consented to have
been the lieutenant colonel, as he was asked to be at
the time, instead of the colonel in the face of such op-
position.
Col. James Scamman was deputy adjutant general
on the staff of Maj. Gen. Goodwin in the militia, in
1788, and several years after. He was a successful
man in business and left considerable property to his
heirs. His name is one that will always be connected
with the history of those times in Maine, and will
receive the reverence it justly deserves.
Lieut. Col. Johnson Moulton of York was a captain
in the French and Indian war, and at the reception
of the news from Lexington raised a company in his
town, which was into New Hampshire before the next
night, armed and equipped. This was the first com-
pany out of the province of Maine in the Revolution.
He enlisted May 2, 1775, and was appointed lieuten-
ant colonel of Col. Scamman's regiment, although he
had received the recommendation of the militia officers
36
of York County for the colonelcy. His commission
was dated May 29, 1775. After his services in this
regiment, he was the lieutenant colonel of Col. Wil-
liam Prescott's (he of Bunker Hill fame) 7th Conti-
nental regiment, in 1776, serving through the seige of
Boston, and then joined Gen. Nixon's brigade in Gen.
Nathaniel Greene's division, and took part in the Long
Island campaign. After the war he was the sheriff of
York County and served several years.
Lieut. Col. Moulton was the son of Ebenezer Moul-
ton of York, where he was probably born. His first
wife died August 4, 1782, her name and age to me un-
known. He married for his second wife Mary Bragdon
(intention October 11, 1783), who died December 23,
1794. He died June 13, 1793, and left children,
Johnson, jr., Elizabeth Woodbridge and Mary.
Johnson Moulton made a will October 11, 1791, and
said, " being weak in body and not knowing how few
days remains to me in this world " &c, &c. Among the
articles that appear on the inventory of his estate were
a " gun and bayonet, 1 pair pistols, 1 pair spurrs, 1
pair old ditto, a hanger (sword), and an espontoon,"
a kind of halberd or pick used in the British army.
Col. Moulton's name should be revered in the town
whose Revolutionary history he aided so much in
making illustrious.
Major Daniel Wood enlisted from Berwick, May 2,
1775, and is said to have raised the company that was
commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Sullivan. He served
in Scamman's regiment in 1775, and, January 1, 1776,
37
joined Col. Loammi Baldwin's 26th Continental regi-
ment and served through that year. He served
through the seige of Boston and was in the Long
Island campaign in Gen. James Clinton's brigade, in
Gen. Putnam's division.
Major Wood was living in Shapleigh, in 1793, where
he made a will in 1811, which was probated in Sep-
tember, 1819, in which he mentions his wife, Mary,
and children, Daniel, jr., his executor, Job, Enoch and
Elias, who had died.
Adjt. George Marsden of Londonderry was, accord-
ing to a remark of Col. Scamman, a deserter from
the British army. He enlisted in this regiment, April
29, 1775, and served through the year. January 1,
1776, he enlisted in the same capacity in Col. William
Prescott's 7th Continental regiment, serving until their
term expired. He became first lieutenant in Col.
Henry Shurburne's Additional Continental regiment
October 1, 1777, and resigned, August 10, 1778.
Chaplain Jacob Foster of Berwick, where he was
ordained in 1757, and preached twenty-one years, en-
listed as the chaplain of this regiment, May 3, 1775,
and served through the year. He joined Col. Edmund
Phinney's 18th Continental regiment, January 1, 1776,
and resigned, February 28, 1776.
Quartermaster Samuel Nasson of York enlisted, May
2, 1775, in this regiment and was an ensign and quar-
termaster in Col. William Prescott's 7th Continental
regiment from January 1 until December 31, 1776.
He served through the siege of Boston and took part
38
in the Long Island campaign. He was the town clerk
and a selectman of Sanford for several years.
Samuel Nasson married, first, Mary Shores, daugh-
ter of Peter, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and
second, Joanna, widow of Jotham Moulton, March 3,
1778. He moved to Sanford after his second mar-
riage, where, it is said, he had four children. He had,
at least, Samuel, born October 12, 1760, died young;
G. Hodgkins and Samuel, twins, born October 15,
1761 ; Peter, born April 15, 1766 ; William, born
August 15, 1767 ; Susannah, born November 6, 1768,
these by first wife and there were probably others. It
is said he died in Ballston Spa, New York, in 1800,
where he went for his health.
Surgeon John Crocker of Richmond enlisted May
13, 1775, in this regiment, and was also the surgeon of
the brigantine Hazard, commanded by John Foster
Williams, having been commissioned June 29, 1778,
and was discharged April 20, 1779. As early as May
7, 1775, the Committee of Safety recommended to the
Provincial Congress to allow the colonel of each regi-
ment to nominate the surgeon, and he his mate, unless
there were some material objections made against
them.
Surgeon's mate, Jacob Baron, of Plymouth, joined
this regiment, June 3, 1775, and was probably the
same person who was the surgeon of the brig Free-
dom, commanded by Capt. John Clouston. He was
commissioned September 4, 1777, and was captured
by the British and exchanged for Dr. Joseph Mills of
39
the ship Maesgwin, on a list of prisoners, dated
February 24, 1778.
Capt. Samuel Darby's Company.
Capt. Samuel Darby of York, afterwards called
Derby, was the first lieutenant of Capt. Johnson
Moulton's York company, enlisting April 21, 1775,
which was the first out of the j)rovince of Maine in
the Revolutionary war, and served four days. On his
return he raised this company, enlisting May 2, 1775,
and served through that year. He was a captain in
Col. William Prescott's 7th Continental regiment in
1776, serving through the siege of Boston, and took
part in the Long Island campaign. On January 1,
1777, he joined Col. John Bailey's 2d Massachusetts
regiment, and spent the winter of 1777-78 at Valley
Forge. He was commissioned major in Col. Ichabod
Alden'S; afterwards Lieut. Col. John Brook's 7th Massa-
chusetts regiment, November 1, 1778. Col. Alden
was killed in the Cherry Valley massacre, in Novem-
ber, 1778. Afterward he served in Col. Michael Jack-
son's 8th Massachusetts regiment and served to the
end of the war on the Hudson River, near Peekskill
and West Point. He acted at one time as brigade in-
spector and was on furlough by Gen. McDougall from
December 3, 1781, to March 1, 1782. His record is a
certificate of his gallantry.
Major Darby died intestate, in 1807, and Reuben
Derby was appointed administrator July 7, 1807. His
wife's name was Mary.
40
Enlisted,
all 1775.
Capt.,
York,
May
2
Lieut.,
((
"
2
Ensign,
((
II
2
Sergt..
Barwick,
u
3
"
Y(3rk,
"
4
((
((
(1
3
u
((
u
3
Corp.
((
11
3
u
((
II
3
Drummer
Fifer
"A Muster Roll of the Company under the Command of Captain
Samuel Darby in Colonel James Scamman's Regiment to the first of
August, 1775."
Samuel Darby,
James Dunnell,
Joshua Trafton,
Joshua Grant,
Abrahain Pray,
John Kingsbury,
Benjamin Lee,
John Tinney,
Jotham Webber,
John McCasline,
Jotham Donell,
Joseph Parsons,
Willm Conway,
Privates.
James Austing,
John Beal,
Stephen Baker,
Arthur Bridges,
Joshua Bridges,
Samuel Baker,
Daniel Bain,
Nehemiah Booker,
Edmund Bridges,
Mathies Bail,
Obediali Donell,
David Davis,
James Dempsy,
Richd Dean,
James Fitzgerald,
Rubin Freeman,
Jonathan Farnum,
Daniel Grant,
Peter McGee,
Jesper Grant,
Cornelius Hill,
Elikam Hilton,
Thomas Horn,
Daniel Lunt,
(1
4
l(
4
<(
4
(i
4
tl
4
(1
4
((
g
((
4
II
4
(1
July
21
((
May
4
II
4
l<
4
tl
4
((
4
(1
<!
b
4
11
3
Georgetown,
5
York,
5
"
3
(1
4
It
4
11
4
Georgetown,
"
5
York,
"
3
((
i(
4
((
u
3
.1
((
o
(<
"
3
K
"
5
U
11
5
((
"
3
((
11
4
((
"
4
((
11
4
((
11
5
((
"
5
((
4
t(
"
5
c(
4
(k
"
4
41
Joshua McLucas, York, May
Theodor Lovejoy, " "
Tarrance McMehone,
Josiah Moore,
Ephriam Moore,
Kichard Morris,
Amos Maine,
Peter ISTowill,
Shubal Nasson,
Paul Nowell,
Spencer Pirkins,
Jeddieh Pribble,
David Pribble,
Edwd Pribble,
Nathaniel Ramsdell,
Joseph Standley,
John Sutton,
William Sergeant,
William Simpson,
William Worster,
Eliphet Trafton, . " "4
Daniel Webber, " "4
Samuel Welsh, " "3
John Young, " " 3
Seasor, a Negro, " "3
Josiah Parsons, " "3
John Davis, " "3
James Sellars, " "3
Jeremiah Holt, " "3
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XIV., page 74. Total, 66 men. All supplied them-
selves with guns and equipments. Those from York
were allowed 80 miles travel and Georgetown 180.
Capt. Tobias Fernald's Company.
Capt. Tobias Fernald of Kittery was the son of
Tobias Fernald, and was born February 1, 1744 ; mar-
ried, in 1780, Dorcas Mclntire of York, Maine, and
had two daughters, Harriet and Julia. His widow
42
married Capt. Richard Rogers of Kittery, a Revolu-
tionary soldier. He died August 15, 1784, aged forty
years.
Capt. Fernald enlisted in Scamman's regiment May
3, 1775, and was commissioned June 2. He entered
Col. Phinney's 18tli Continental regiment January 1,
1776, and served until November 6, 1776, when he
was appointed major of Col. Samuel Brewer's 12th
Massachusetts regiment, promoted to lieutenant-colo-
nel of Col. Michael Jackson's 8th Massachusetts reg-
iment, March 6, 1779, transferred to Col. Thomas
Marshall's 10th Massachusetts regiment January 1,
1781, and retired January 1, 1783. He lived on land
now occupied by the navy yard at Kittery.
Capt. Tobias Fernald's regiments served through
the siege of Boston, reenforced the Northern army in
the fall of 1776, and was at Stillwater and Saratoga,
witnessed the surrender of Burgoyne's army, spent
the winter at Valley Forge, where he signed the oath
of allegiance, and fought in the battle of Monmouth.
The balance of his service was probably spent on the
Hudson River.
"A Muster Roll of the Company under the Command of Captain
Tobias Fernald in Colonel James Scamman's Regiment to the first of
August 1775."
Enlisted, all 1775.
Kittery, May 3
" 3
" 12
" 3
" 3
" 12
" 16
Tobias Fernald,
Capt.,
Thomas Cutts,
Lieut.,
Parker Foster,
Ensign,
John Chase,
Sergt.,
Nathan Coffin,
"
Thomas H. Lewis,
u
John Pray,
u
43
William Cole,
Noah Cutts,
Timothy Eemmick,
Benjamin Akerman,
James Mclntire,
Jeremh Grover,
Corp.,
Kittery,
May 3
((
Portsmouth,
" 15
Drummei
, Boston,
July 3
Fifer,
York,
" 23
Privates.
Soloman Staple,
Josiah Brooks,
Charles Fernald,
Joseph Beal,
John Kelley,
Samuel Brooks,
Cato Black,
Elisha Hamman,
James Fernald,
Isaac Moore,
John Stacy,
George Fernald,
Enoch Davis,
William Wherren,
David Rogers,
William Brooks,
Andrew^ Lydstone,
William Welch,
Amos Paul,
John Caverly,
Nathaniel Staple,
Peletiah Hanscom,
Lawrence Ellis,
Benjamin Fernald,
Thomas Spoaksfield,
Natlil Hooper,
Joseph Fernald,
John Main,
Moses Willson,
John Smart,
Joseph M. Fitsgerl,
Eubin Spinney,
Simon Libby,
Ebenezer Clarke,
Kittery,
May 3
" 3
" 3
" 3
•' 3
" 3
" 3
" 3
" 3
" 3
" 3
" 3
" 3
" 8
" 24
" 8
Portsmouth,
"
8
Kittery,
11
11
8
8
u
11
11
((
(I
3
11
11
11
12
13
13
York,
tc
13
Kittery,
11
14
((
11
14
Portsmouth,
11
15
Kittery,
11
15
ii
June
11
Pepperrelboro,
"
11
Kittery,
" 23
"
" 23
Portsmouth,
July 2
Kittery,
" 2
((
" 2
((
" 2
Portsmouth,
" 2
Tork,
" 2
Kittery,
May 22
((
" 22
(1
" 22
Tobias Fernald, Capt.
44
Phillip Davis, Durham (N. H.), June 18
Moses Amee,
Daniel Dell,
John Grunnison,
Noah Hutchins,
James C. Benson,
George Spinney,
Abraham Senter,
Daniel Pribble,
Rubin Hanscom,
Thomas Knight,
Isaac Staple,
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XIV, page 90. Total, 59 men. Those from Kittery
were allowed 70 miles travel, Portsmouth 65, York 73
and 74, and Pepperrellboro 110. All had guns and
cartridge boxes, but six had bayonets, which they sup-
plied themselves.
Capt. Ebenezer Sullivan's Company.
Capt. Ebenezer Sullivan, of Berwick, was commis-
sioned June 2, 1775. It is said that he was in the
Northern army in 1776, and later served in Rhode
Island, rising to the rank of major, also that at one
time he was a prisoner of war. He was an aide-de-
camp to Maj.-Gen. Goodwin in the militia in 1788 and
1792. It is stated that he commanded a company
against the Indians in the West.
Capt. Sullivan was the son of Master John Sullivan,
of Berwick, and a brother to Benjamin, Gen. John,
Gov. James and Capt. Daniel Sullivan. He had a
sister Mary, who married Theophilus Hardy, and had
a distinguished posterity. He was at Berwick in 1795
and was a justice of peace. Willis says, "He was one
45
of the earliest lawyers in Berwick, and the only one
there for several years. His inordinate use of ardent
spirit diminished his practise, and he left the state,
went to New York city, where he died shortly after."
A man who knew Ebenezer Sullivan said, " He was a
man of a very fine frame and figure, straight, and
about six feet high, and his walk, looks, speech, and
every motion of him were indications of being an
active, energetic military commander."
"A Muster Roll of the Company under the Command of Capt. Eben-
ezer Sullivan in Colonel James Scamman's Regiment to the first of
August 1775."
All enlisted May 5, 1775, unless otherwise specified.
Ebenezer Sullivan,
Capt.,
Berwick
Thomas Butler,
1st Lieut.,
"
Nathan Lord, 5th,
2d
u
Richard Yeaton,
Sergt.,
Somersworth
Thomas Hardison,
u
Berwick
Eliphalet Jones,
((
((
Daniel Grant,
(t
K
Simeon Chadbourn,
Corp.,
((
Wentworth Lord,
(1
((
John Scates,
(C
((
Stephen Frost,
!,(.
U
Noah Goodwin,
Drummer,
Soiitiersworth
Philip Worster
Fifer,
Berwick
Privates.
John Abbot,
Berwick
Elisha Andros,
((
John Bracket,
((
Joseph Bracket,
((
John Butler,
(C
James Butler,
((
Francis Brock,
((
Scamman Chadbourn,
(i
William Chadbourn,
((
David Cook,
Lebanon
Daniel Cook,
(1
46
David Farnham,
Caleb Frost,
Jacob Cliadwick,
Ephriam Goodwin,
Abraham Hodsdon,
James Hamilton,
John Hardison,
Stephen Hardison,
Benjamin Guptil,
Samuel Jones,
John Jearaes,
Nathan Libby,
Jeremiah Libby,
Stephen Nock,
Nicholas Nock,
James Nock,
Zachariah Nock,
Joshua Quint,
Samuel Pray,
William Pierce,
Love Roberts,
John^Rankins,
Jeremiah Roberts,
George Ricker,
Thomas Rines,
Gabril St e,
Mark Tate,
John Witherwell,
James Whitehouse,
Miles Thompson,
Miles Ford, '
Nathan Lord,
Enoch Whitehouse,
Benjamin Evans,
Ebenezer Guptail,
Jonathan Ross,
Benjamin Heard,
Nathan Bracket,
Nathaniel Butler,
Ezekiel Ricker,
Lebanon
Berwick
Somersworth
Lebanon
Berwick
Somersworth
u
Berwick
u
Somersworth
Lebanon
Berwick, Enlisted June 20, 1775
u
Somersworth
u
Berwick
Enlisted July 17, 1775
" do.
" do.
" do.
" N. B. The Town & the Captain Billeted the men up to Head
Quarters, which amounts to £19 — 16s — Id."
47
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XVI, page 44. Total, 64 men. This roll returns 36
cartridge boxes and 4 guns furnished by the prov-
ince. The men had been advanced on their pay
£J1 each.
Capt. Samuel Leighton's Company.
Capt. Samuel Leighton was born in Kittery, March
16, 1740, married, in October, 1767, Abigail Frost,
daughter of John Frost, and they had nine children.
She was born Oct. 5, 1744, and died Nov. SO, 1826.
He died suddenly, Feb. 27, 1802, aged 61 years.
Capt. Leighton enlisted May 3, 1775, and was com-
missioned in Col. Scamman's regiment, June 2, 1775,
serving the year out with him. He was the captain
of the York County company in Col. Ebenezer Francis'
militia regiment, who served in the garrison at Dor-
chester Heights from August until December, 1776,
about three months. He was the captain of the seventh
company in the 2d York County militia regiment, in
1776, and was commissioned second major in the same
regiment, under Col. Ichabod Goodwin, June 10, 1778.
Capt. Samuel Leighton was a son of Lieut. John
Leighton, and his mother was Mary, a daughter of
Major John Hill, of Berwick. Capt. Leighton was a
prominent man and possessed of considerable property,
being the largest tax-payer in the town in 1780.
"A Muster Koll of the Company under the Command of Captain
Samuel Leighton in Colonel Scamman's Regiment to the first of
August 1775."
Enlisted, all in 1775.
Samuel Leighton, Capt., Kittery. May 3
William Fernald, Lieut., " "3
48
William Frost,
Ensign,
Kittery,
May 3
William Cole,
Sergt.,
u
" 3
John Johnson,
a
u
" 5
Josiah Paul,
(I
u
" 3
Thomas Savage,
i(
Portsmouth,
" 5
Enoch Meloon,
Corp.,
It
" 5
Moses Witham,
((
Kittery,
" 14
Stephen Nason,
(1
u
" 3
Joshua Fernald,
(1
1(
" 5
Henry Foss,
Drummer,
Portsmouth,
" 5
John Frost,
Fifer,
Kittery,
" 14
Privates.
Tobias Leighton,
Kittery,
" 3
Simon Frost,
"
" 3
Samuel Neal,
((
" 3
Robert Patch,
u
" 3
Daniel Adams,
Sanford,
" 4
John Ferguson,
Kittery,
" 3
Jonathan Xason,
((
" 3
Daniel Green,
u
" 3
Pelatiah Wittura,
(1
" 3
Stephen Forguson,
i(
" 3
Charles Frost,
((
" 3
John Manley,
((
" 3
Joshua Emery,
u
" 3
John Goold,
it
" 3
Daniel Lord,
Berwick,
'• 3
Charles Caverly,
Portsmouth,
" 3
Tobias Hanscomb,
Kittery,
" 5
John Chick,
li
" 5
Ebenezer Hammond,
ti
" 6
John Witelock,
t(
" 5
James Remick,
C(
" 5
Alexander Goold,
<(
" 5
Lemuel Smith,
"
" 7
James Emery,
11
" 3
John Jordan,
Portsmouth,
" 5
Charles Sergant,
"
" 5
James Smart,
Kittery,
" 5
William Nutter,
Portsmouth,
" 5
Frederick Paverly,
((
" 5
Zebedee Sears,
York,
June 10
49
Thomas Melianey, Kittery, July 4
James Davis, Sanford, May 4
William Goold, Kittery, " 3
Jeremiah AVittum, Berwick, Aug. 1
'• Cambridge Decrar 1775
Samuel Leighton Capt."
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XV, page 54. Total, 47 men. Each man had a gun,
and nearly all cartridge boxes. Only eight had bayo-
nets. Those from Kittery were allowed from 70 to 72
miles travel, Portsmouth 65, Sanford 100, Berwick 76,
and York 70. Shirts were charged at 5s. 6d., and
shoes at 6s. 8d.
Capt. Samuel Sawyer's Company.
Capt. Samuel Sawyer, then written Sa,yer, of
Wells, was the first lieutenant in Capt. Noah M. Little-
field's company in the Lexington alarm, v^here he
served five days. He enlisted in Col. Scamman's reg-
iment, May 3, 1775, and was commissioned June 2,
serving until December 31. He was a captain in Col.
John Patterson's 15th Continental regiment in 1776,
who after the siege of Boston, marched to New York,
where they proceeded on transports up the Hudson
River to Albany, and helped reinforce the Northern
army, then near Lake Champlain. He was a captain
and then major of the York County battalion in the
Bagaduce Expedition in 1779. He enlisted July 7, 1779,
and was reported as died August 3, 1779. He, accord-
ing to Moody's journal, was wounded July 31, and died
the next day. Gen. Solomon Lovell, the commander
of that expedition, wrote in his journal that Capt.
Sawyer was " a brave and worthy good man." The
4
50
History of Wells says his " loss was deeply felt
throughout the town." He married Mary Littlefield,
April 21, 1768.
"A Muster Roll of the^Company under the Command of Capt. Sam-
uel Sayer in Colo James Scamman's Regiment to the first of August
1775."
All Unlisted May S, ^
1775, unless other- >
wise specified ;
Samuel Sayer,
Capt.,
Wells
William Cossens,
1st Lieut.,
u
Jeremiah Littlefield,
2d Lieut.,
"
Samuel Stevens,
Sergt.,
u
George Jacobs,
u
it
John Littlefield,
"
It
Samuel Goodwell.
u
u
Joel Stevens,
Corp.,
1(
Jonathan Low,
u
u
Stephen Jonson,
u
Sanford
Nathan Kimbal,
"
Wells
Joshua Tayler,
Drummer,
u
Joseph Kilgore,
Fifer,
Sanford
Privates.
Abraham Barnes,
Sanford
Jonathan Banks,
Wells
Timothy Boston,
u
Jonathan Boston,
((
Timothy Barrens,
u
Danl Chaynea,
(C
Jolin°Crara,
Sanford
Robert Day,
Wells
Nathaniel Day,
u
William Jillisou,
(C
Paul'Goodwin,
((
Zachariah Getchell,
((
Abner Fi sk.
((
Francis Hatch,
u
Abraham Hatch,
((
Joseph Horn,
((
Jonathan Jacobs,
u
Hezekiah Kimball,
u
Ebeuezer Loward,
u
Nason Lord,
Sanford
Ebenezer Littlefield,
Wells
51
Josiah Morrison, Wells
Benjamin Morrison, "
John Morrison, "
Willra Dialing, "
John Mitchell, "
John Mill dram, "
Aler Perry, Sanford
Joseph Stevens, Wells
Reuben Stuart, "
Ebenezer Storer, "
Abraham Storer, "
Henry Tibbetts, Sanford
Elephilet Tayler, Wells
John Trow, "
Seth Tayler, "
James Wormwood, "
Francis Winn, "
Ely Wormwood, "
Thomas Goold, "
Pelitiah Penny, • "
Simon Chace, "
Joseph Wilkins, "
Stephen Annis, "
Samuel Williams, "
William Gowen, "
Josiah Credetor, "
Peletiah Penny Jr., "
Stephen Andros, "
Gideon Hatch, "
Edmund Welch, "
Joseph Welch, "
Sippo, Black, "
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XVI, page 27. Total, 66 men. All had guns and
cartridge boxes. Those from Wells were allowed from
87 to 97 miles travel, and Sanford 98.
Capt. Jeremiah Hill's Company.
Capt. Jeremiah Hill, of Biddeford, was born April 3C,
1747, and married, September 6, 1772, Mary Emery,
enlisted July 5, 1775
" 5, "
" 5, "
" 5, "
" 5, "
" 5, "
" 5, "
" 5, "
" 5, "
" 5, »
52
born March 26, 1752, the daughter of Obed and Sarah
(Dyer) Emery, of Biddeford. This is a correction in
his wife's name, as given in the History of Col. Phin-
ney's regiment. Capt. Hill was the son of Jeremiah
and Mary (Smith) Hill, and died June 11, 1820, aged
73 years.
Capt. Hill, beside his service in Scamman's regiment,
was a captain in Col. Edmund Phinney's 18th Conti-
nental regiment and January 1, 1777, was commissioned
as captain in Col. Joseph Vose's 1st Massachusetts reg-
iment, and resigned November 4, 1777. He was com-
missary of prisoners in Rhode Island, in 1778, and was
the adjutant general of the Bagaduce Expedition in
1779. His service covered the siege of Boston, the
march to Fort Ticonderoga in the fall of 1776, the
Saratoga campaign, in Rhode Island, and at Bagaduce
served until the eighth of October. He lost his com-
mission in that retreat and ajDplied for another. He
was town clerk, a representative to the General Court,
a justice of peace, and was the first collector of Saco,
1789 to 1809. He had the honorary degree of A. M.
from Harvard in 1787. He was the first Master of
Saco Lodge of Masons, 1802-1806, and again 1808-
1810.
"A Muster Roll of the Company under the Command of Captain
Jeremiah Hill in Colonel Scamman's Regiment to the first of August
1775."
Enlisted, all in 1775.
Jeremiah Hill,
Capt,
Biddeford,
■) Beating
Samuel Merrill,
Lieut.,
Buxton,
> Orders.
Peter Page,
Ensign,
Pepperrellboro,
) April 24, 1775
Wad Eddy,
Sergt.,
Buxton,
May 3,
John Treworgy,
u
Biddeford,
" 4,
53
Simeon Goodwin,
(
'
Pepperrellboro, '
3,
Phineas Towle,
u
Buxton, '
3,
John Elden,
Corp.,
Cl (
3,
Daniel Townsend,
u
Littlefalls, '
' 4,
Mathias Redlon,
(1
Buxton, '
3,
John Foss,
(1
Pepperrellboro, '
3,
Mathew Richardson
Fifer,
Woburn, June 6,
Privates.
John Davis,
Biddeford,
May 5
John Cole,
Buxton,
" 3
Nathan Woodman,
4
" 3
Samuel Merrill,
(
" 3
Robert Brooks,
(
" 3
William Andros,
(
" 3
James Redlon,
t
" 3
Ezekiel Bragdon,
(
" 3
Samuel Woodsom,
(
" 3
John Sands,
t
" 3
Micah Whitney,
(
" 3
Jonathan Fields,
"
" 3
Levi Foss,
Pepperrellboro
" 4
John Kennick,
i(
" 4
Nicholas Davis,
Littlefalls,
" 4
Robert Williams,
Mast Camps,
" 5
Timothy Rolfe,
Biddeford,
" 5
Mathew Phillips,
Deer Warden,
" 5
Aaron Gray,
Biddeford,
" 5
David Crage,
(t
" 5
Ebenezer Sawyer,
((
" 5
James McCormick,
((
" 5
James Uran,
u
" 5
John Lee,
Deranged (discharged)
Joseph Goodwin,
Buxton,
" 3
Joseph Plaistard,
Pepperrellboro
, " 3
Jonathan Norton,
((
" 3
Robert Martin,
((
" 3
Robert Arnold,
(i
" 3
John Carll,
((
" 3
Anthony Starbird,
u
" 3
Peltiah Ross,
u
" 3
Nehemiah Goodwin,
Buxton,
" 3
James Scamman Jr.,
Pepp
errellboro.
" 3
54
Joseph Car 11,
u
"
3
Elijah Littlefield,
Biddeford,
u
5
Simeon Tibbetts,
Pepperrellboro,
"
3
Daniel Bradbury,
u
u
3
Daniel Hill,
Biddeford,
July
13
John Richardson,
Woburn,
June
25
Daniel McNemarra,
Cambridge,
May
26
deserted June 12
Aaron Randall,
Pepperrellboro,
u
3
deserted May 30
Phillip Goldthwait,
(1
a
3
entered in ye Train
May 21
Edward Nason,
n
u
3
do.
Jesse Pene,
((
((
3
died Aug. 5th
John Roak,
Biddeford,
11
5
discharged June 21
Edward Cumpston,
Pepperrellboro,
u
3
Langdon,
Cambridge,
June 3
"Langdon comes in
Compston's room"
"All Errors excepted
Jei'emiah Hill, Capt."
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XV, page 28. Total, 60 men. Those from Biddeford
were allowed 100 miles travel, Buxton 120, Pepper-
rellboro (Saco) 110, Little Falls 117 and Woburn 8.
Col. Scamman supplied twelve of the men with guns
and forty-four cartridge boxes were reported.
Capt. Joshua Bragdon's Company.
Capt. Joshua Bragdon, of Wells, went from York
there before the Revolution. He was an enterprising
man and a shipbuilder. He was on a committee at
Wells who, on March 28, 1774, in relation to the crisis
then impending, reported the following as their first
resolution.
Resolved that freedom is essential to the happiness of a State,
which no nation can give up without violating the laws of nature,
reason and religion, ruining millions, and entailing the deepest
misery on posterity.
55
Capt. Bragdon enlisted April 21, 1775, in the Lex-
ington alarm, and served five days. On his return he
raised a company for Scamman's regiment. He re-
signed August 19, 1775, and returned home. His
commission was dated June 2, 1775. In ]778 he was
chosen by the town of Wells " to prosecute traitors to
the confederation." After the war he was a selectman
several years, and, in 1785, was a representative
to the General Court. The town's history says that
he " was an efficient laborer in all war measures, was
a man of courage and resolution" and that he was " a
solid temperate man."
Joshua Bragdon made a will April 4, 1792, and said
he had " apprehensions of ap^Droaching death.'' It was
probated November 30, the same year. The children
mentioned were Joshua Jr., his executor, Thomas,
Daniel, Hepzibah, wife of Josiah Clark, and Hannah
and Martha, then unmarried.
Lieut. Morgan Lewis, of Sanford, became captain of
the company after the resignation of Capt. Bragdon.
He served as selectman, 1774-1779, and was a major
in the militia, beside his service in Col. Scamman's
regiment.
Capt. Lewis' wife was named Sarah, and she died
December 28, 1819, aged 79 years. He died Novem-
ber 17, 1784, aged 47 years, and they both were
buried in the Alfred village cemetery. He was the
first person buried there. In the inventory of his estate,
which amounted to £838, 2s., 2d., were two cartridge
boxes, 3 shillings, and a powder horn, 8 pence. Their
children mentioned then were Jeremiah, the oldest
56
son and administrator, Daniel, the second son, Morgan,
Jr., the " third son now living" in 1792, John, who
died before 1792, Sarah, eldest daughter and wife of
Jeremiah Trafton, Doras, wife of David Bean, Kathe-
rine, wife of Benjamin Trafton and the third daughter,
with Patience, Abigail and Dolly.
"A muster Eoll of the Company under the Command of Captain
Joshua Brajidon."
Enlisted,
all 1775.
Joshua Bragdon,
Capt.,
Wells,
April 21
Morgan Lewis,
Lieut.,
Sanford,
May
3
Moses Sweet,
Ensign,
11
u
3
Abraham Barens,
Sergt.,
Wells,
"
3
Enoch Hale,
u
Sanford,
"
3
William Patton,
"
Wells,
"
3
Jedidiah Pebody,
u
Sanford,
"
3 •
Simeon Hatch,
Corp.,
Wells,
1(
3
Samuel Cluff,
( (
Sanford,
u
3
Peter Cram,
((
Wells,
u
3
Ephriam Gile,
((
Sanford,
"
3
Joseph Thompson,
Drummer,
"
u
3
Josiah Hai'mon,
Fifer,
(;
u
3
Privates.
John Adams,
Sanford,
u
3
Jonathan Adams,
u
"
3
William Banks,
(dis. Nov. 30)
u
u
3
Nathan Butland,
Wells,
"
3
William Boston,
i (
u
3
Elijah Boston,
a
"
3
Daniel Boston,
(dis. Sept. It))
Sanford,
July
2
Richard Blabon,
Wells,
It
2
John Clarke,
Sanford,
May
3
Isack Coffin,
u
i(
3
John Emons,
i(
"
3
Pendleton Emons,
Wells,
(I
3
Nathaniel Edwards,
a
a
3
Steven Edwards,
((
((
3
Daniel Eastman,
Sanford,
u
3
James Ford,
Wells,
June
25
57
Samuel Harmon,
Sanford,
May
o
o
Teamo Hall,* (clis. July 5)
Wells,
((
3
Joseph Hibbard,
Sanford,
u
3
Isac Jones,
a
u
3
Thomas Jepson,
Wells,
1(
3
Saml Jelson,
Sanford,
"
3
Charles Jellson,
Berwick,
July
1
Abram Kimble,
Sanford,
May
3
Joseph Knight,
Berwick,
July
1
Jedediah Low,
Wells,
May
3
John Lord,
Sanford,
"
3
Thomas ISTeenly,
Wells,
"
3
Abra Pribel,
Sanford,
u
3
Moses Pettey,
"
July
1
William Powers,
((
"
1
Jeremiah Smith,
((
May
3
Jeremiah Steward,
Wells,
(<
3
Masters Treadwell, (dis. Sept. 27),
n
u
3
Nathaniel Treadwell,
(I
u
3
Samuel Whifcehous,-
"
u
3
Charles White,
Sanford,
u
3
George AVhales,
((
u
3
Nathl Folsum York,
((
"
3
Paul Giles,
((
11
3
Daniel Giles,
u
<c
3
Israel Smith,
"
(1
3
Noah Merrill,
Wells,
(1
3
Israel Hilbon,
Sanford,
u
3
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
^y, page 9. Total, 57 men. Those from Wells were
allowed 93 miles travel, and from Sanford 100 and 106.
All had guns, all furnished by themselves but two, and
39 had cartridge boxes.
Capt. Philip Hubbard's Company.
Capt. Philip Hubbard lived in South Berwick and
was born in 1718. He married in 1740, Hannah
Plummer, by whom he had fourteen children, namely
* Perhaps James.
58
— Philip, Jr., Benjamin, Mrs. Elizabeth Neal, John,
Mrs. Hannah Hodsdon, Mrs. Abigail Goodwin, Moses,
Aaron, Mrs. Sarah Goodwin, Richard, Jonathan, Eben,
Ichabod and Stephen. His home farm was that of his
father and grandfather, and after him came his two
sons, John and Ichabod. At least seven generations
of his family have lived in that neighborhood.
Capt. Hubbard was the eldest son of Philip Hubbard
and Elizabeth Roberts. His father died in 1723, and
was supposed to have been killed by the Indians. His
mother came from Dover, N. H., and she was the
daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Roberts. His pa-
ternal grandparents were Philip Hubert, as the name
was then written, and Elizabeth Goodwin ; she was a
daughter of Daniel Goodwin, of Kittery, His grand-
father Hubert was the emigrant to what has since be-
come South Berwick, the locality is about a mile from
what is now the Eliot line, and he was the son of Jean
Hubert of the parish of St. Savior, in the Isle of Jersey.
The family were Norman French.
Philip Hubert, the emigrant, was granted twenty
acres of land in old Kittery, May 16, 1694, fifty acres
May 24, 1694, and fifty acres May 10, 1703. The
twenty acres were laid out to him January 10, 1710,
at the *' Beaver Dam " and the one hundred acres were
laid out November 21, 170o at "ye Great Lot, Nine
Notches." The Hubbard loghouse was called " Hub-
bard's Garrison," and was standing as late as 1826,
when it was taken down and a frame house built in
the rear of the site of the garrison. The family bury-
ing ground, where Captain Hubbard was buried in
59
1792, at the age of seventy-four years, is in the field
opposite where the old garrison stood. I^his was also
the field of the emigrant, Philip Hubert, or Hubbard,
which he bought of James Emery, January 25, 1697,
for .£120, and was described as forty acres, more
or less, with buildings, fruit trees and all other
appurtenances.
Capt. Philip Hubbard made his will November 13,
1787, in which he said "Being in sound health," etc.,
which was probated September 8, 1792. His sons,
John and Ichabod, were the executors. He left an
estate of £1031, 18s., 8d., in which were a gun and bay-
onet valued at 20 shillings, an old sword at 4 shillings,
and a cartouch box 2 shillings. He owned land also
in the town of Shapleigh. Thirteen children were
named in his will, but evidently Philip, Jr., and Eben
died before that date.
Capt. Hubbard was a prominent man in his town,
serving as moderator and selectman, also on important
committees. A marble monument has lately been
erected at his grave, but the original split stone, with
his initials cut upon it, was left as his most fitting
memorial. His life work was such that his " memory
is held in the greatest respect by all his descendants,"
as one of his posterity writes. Who can hope to do
more ?
Capt. Philip Hubbard was commissioned Jui'te 2,
1775, in Col. Scamman's regiment, and the commission
is still in existence. Besides that service, he was the
captain of a seacoast company at Kittery Point and
York in 1776. When he joined Scamman's regiment
60
he was about fifty-seven years of age and no doubt
had seen service in the French and Indian wars.
" Muster Roll of the Company under the command of Capt. Phillip
Hubbard in Colo Scamman's Regiment to the first of August 1775."
Enlisted, all 1775
Phillip Hubbard,
Capt.,
Berwick,
May 2
Jedidiah Goodwin,
1st Lieut.,
" 2
James Roberts,
2d
" 2
Simeon Lord,
Sergt.,
" 5
Joshua Nason,
u
" 5
Richard Plummer,
<(
•' 5
Tristram Fall,
u
" 20
Samuel Hubbard,
Corp.,
" 5
Freethy Spencer,
i(
" 5
Samuel Worster,
((
" 5
Joseph Hubbard,
u
" 5
Samuel Stevens,
Drummer,
Lebanon,
" 20
Privates.
Moses Hubbard,
Berwick,
" 5
Aaron Goodwin,
" 5
Moses Spencer,
" 5
John Shorey,
" 5
Benjamin Row,
" 5
Daniel Lord,
" 5
Stephen Wood,
" 5
Daniel Hubbard,
" 5
Jeremiah Lord,
" 5
William Stone,
" 5
Daniel Grant,
" 5
James Wentworth,
Rochester,
" 5
Richard Pirkins,
Lebanon,
" 5
Benjamin Horsham,
Berwick,
" 5
Elisha James,
Lebanon,
" 5
William Davis,
Berwick,
" 5
Benjamin Goodwin,
" 5
James Grant,
" 8
Daniel Wadlin,
" 8
Bartholomew Nason,
" 8
Ichabod Smith,
" 8
Abel Getchell,
" 8
61
Walter Abbot,
Morrel Hobbs,
Benjamin Weymouth,
Theophilius Abbot,
Daniel Abbot,
Simeon Lord Junr.,
Aaron Hubbart,
Moses Couson,
Dodifer Garland,
Jonathan Garland,
Nathaniel Blewet,
Daniel Hodsdon,
Moses How,
John Davis.
Ralph Farnum,
Thomas Downs,
Landras Heast,
John Pugsley,
Francis Pierce,
James Smith,
Ichabod Downs,
John Cousens,
Jonathan Burrows,
Paul Welch,
John Pierce,
Joseph Goodwin,
Gilbert Perkins,
Silas White,
Moses Lord,
Philip Hubbard Jr.,
Berwick,
May 8
Lebanon,
Rochester,
<(
Berwick,
Lebanon,
Berwick,
Lebanon,
a
Berwick,
((
n
Lebanon,
((
Berwick,
8
8
8
15
15
15
15
8
15
15
15
15
8
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
June
28
Aug.
12
July
11
it
20
((
20
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XV, page 33. Total, 64 men. All had guns, all but
six supplied by themselves. Only 24 cartridge boxes
returned in the company and no bayonets.
Capt. Jonathan Nowell's Company.
Capt. Jonathan Nowell, of York was commissioned
in Col. Scamman's regiment June 2, 1775, was a captain
in Col. William Prescott's 7th Continental regiment
62
in 1776, that served through the siege of Boston
and took part in the Long Island campaign. He
became brigade major of the York county militia
March 7, 1780. His wife was named Elizabeth, and
he died Jan. 6, 1821, aged 74 years. He was a
pensioner.
"A Muster Roll of the Company under the Command of Captain
Jona No well in Colonel Scamman's Regiment to the first of August
1775."
Enlisted,
all 1775
Jonathan No well,
Capt.,
York,
May
2
Thomas Nowell,
Lieut.,
u
((
2
Edward Low,
Ensign,
((
i(
2
Edward O'Brion,
Sergt.,
It
u
.3
Job Winchell,
((
Berwick,
"
3
John Frost,
((
u
u
3
John Haley,
u
York,
l(
3
Moses Weymouth,
Corp.,
Berwick,
(1
3
William Tripe,
(t
Sanford,
a
3
Francis Weymouth,
"
Berwick,
11
3
Aulden Warren,
"
u
((
3
Simeon Whitham,
Drummer,
York,
(I
3
Roger Plaisted,
Fifer,
(1
((
3
Privates.
Joseph Welch,
York,
u
3
Arthur Bragdon,
u
n
3
Nathaniel Brackett,
Georgetown,
u
3
Thomas Perkins,
York,
u
3
Amos Hasty,
"
"
3
Jotham Booker,
<(
tl
3
Thomas Welch,
<(
It
3
Warren Bragdon,
t(
((
4
Daniel Jacobs,
i(
(1
3
Lemuel Pierce,
i(
(1
3
William Nasson,
u
u
3
Nathaniel iToung,
((
"
4
Thomas Shepard Jenkins,
((
l(
4
David Merry,
Berwick,
(I
3
Aaron Abbott,
York,
(1
3
Eliphalet Kingsbury,
Kittery,
(1
3
63
Josiah Trafton,
John Freeman,
William Murphy,
John McLucas,
Edward Clarke,
Curtis Pierce,
John Perkins,
Edward Paskins,
John Tuttle,
James Kandall,
tham Kicker,
Caleb Ford,
Alexander Jillison,
Jonathan Thompson,
Able Thompson,
Edward Moore,
Joseph Jones,
Ebenezer Gubtail,
Peter Nason,
Jonathan Welch,
Pharaoh, Negro,
" Errors Excepted.
York,
May
4
i(
u
4
((
a
5
Mount Desert,
u
5
u
u
6
York,
(I
4
3
C(
"
3
Berwick,
u
4
((
u
3
(C
u
3
C(
u
3
(<
(1
3
York,
"
3
((
"
3
((
June
10
((
May
5
Berwick,
«(
4
York,
u
Ik
4
3
((
((
3
Cambridge Jany 20th 1776."
Original roll in Massachusetts Archives, Volume
XV, page 83. Total, 50 men. All had guns, but 34
furnished their own, and 19 had cartridge boxes.
Shirts were charged the men 8s. 3d. each. Those
from York were allowed 80 miles travel, from Berwick
the same, excepting Caleb Ford, who was allowed two
miles more. Those from Sanford 100 miles, George-
town 150 and Mount Desert 230.
Capt. Jesse Dorman's Company.
Capt. Jesse Dorman, of Arundel, was the son of
Jabez Dorman, who came from Boxford, Massachu-
setts, to Arundel, now Kennebunkport, about 1715.
Capt. Dorman's wife was Eunice Averill, a daughter
of Samuel and Ruth (Watson) Averill. Her father
64
was cast away on Mount Desert and drowned in 1747.
Their eleven children were Josiah, Israel, Elizabeth,
Daniel Towne, Abiel, Daniel Shackley, Stephen, Jede-
diah, Sarah, Jesse, Jr., and Thomas. Three ol his sons
served in the army. In 1793, a violent tornado un-
roofed his house, and he with his bed and bedding
were blown several rods from the house. He died
about the year 1800
Capt. Dorman was a lieutenant in Gen. Abercrom-
bie's army at Lake George when Lord Howe was killed
and the army met with a crushing defeat, in 1758.
He was then in command of a company, and was struck
in the breast by a musket ball, the force of which was
checked by a silk handkerchief which he had placed
inside of his vest for convenience in wiping his face.
He enlisted in Col. Scamman's regiment May 3, 1775,
and was commissioned June 2. His name appears
among the soldiers at Louisberg, in 1745, with Sir
William Pepperrell.
"A Muster Koll of ye Company under ye Command of Capt. Jesse
Dorman In Collonell James Scammons Kegiment To the First of
August 1775."
Enlisted, all 1775
May 3
3
3
8
12
12
8
8
12
8
12
12
12
Jesse Doi-man,
Capt.,
Arundel,
Daniel Merrill,
Lieut.,
u
Jacob Curtis,
Ensign,
u
John Goowin,
Sergt.,
u
Abner Credeford,
u
((
Ezekiel Wakefield,
u
Wells,
Joseph Cluf,
u
Arundel,
Lemuel Miller,
Corp.,
(1
Nathaniel Daviss,
(«
u
Richard Thompson,
"
Wells,
Ephriam Wilde,
u
Arundel,
Moses Blaisdell,
Drummer,
Wells,
John Hubbard,
Fifer,
u
65
Privates.
Pierce Murphy,
JSToah Cluf,
Harrison Downing,
John Woster,
Easman Huchings,
Nathaniel Lord,
Josiah Dorman,
John Watson,
Benjamin Lord,
Abell Merrill,
Asa Huchings,
Benjamin Rhodes,
Israel Murphy,
Mark Goodwin,
William Fellows,
Benjamin Nason,
Joshua Nason,
Enoch Clough,
Forest Burnham,
Richard Michell,
Thomas Bickford,
Moses Stevens,
Seth Peobody,
James Smith,
Francis Varney,
Edmond Littlefield,
Richard Shackley,
Simeon Huchins,
Edward Nason,
Andrew Stone,
Samuel Smith,
Jeremiah Bettess,
Roger Smith,
Joel Jones,
Abijah Woomwood,
Moses Drown,
Stephen Webber,
Daniel Meader,
John Fisk,
Joseph Dennet,
Moses Norton,
Samuel Bickford,
5
Arundel,
May 8
Biddeford,
((
8
Arundel,
((
8
(1
((
8
Wells,
Arundel,
Biddeford,
8
((
12
Conetticut,
12
Wells,
8
12
12
12
12
12
Arundel,
12
12
FEB 12 1902
