Joseph Y. Jeanes
Philadelphia
EDWARD WING JR
4 HELEN ST
5 DARTMOUTH MA
02748
THE
IIISTOEY OF NEW BEDFORD,
BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS:
INCLUDING
A HISTORY OF THE OLD TOWNSHIP OF DARTMOUTH
AND THE PRESENT TOWNSHIPS OF WESTPORT,
DARTMOUTH, AND FAIRHAVEN,
FROM THEIR SETl^LEMEXT TO THE PRESENT TIME.
BY DANIEL RICKETSON.
NEW BEDFORD:
I*XJBT-.ISI3:Kr) BY THE ^XTTHOR.
1 858.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858,
BY DANIEL EICKETSON,
In the Clerk's office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
B. Lindsey, Printer,
21 Hamilton street, Kew Bedford.
PEEEACE.
Twenty-seven years ago, when a youth of sev-
enteen years, I conceived the idea of writing a
history of my native place in the form of a lec-
tm-e, for om* then small and newly organized Ly-
cemn. I entered upon my task with the ardor of
youth, diligently searching every book and record
that I could obtain for the earlier portion of my
history. I then betook myself to the oldest inhab-
itants ; a large number of those who had grown up
with the place from its earliest history, as a village,
being still alive. From these interesting and in-
telligent old people, some of whom had reached
their ninetieth year, I obtained a good store of rem-
iniscences. These, with what I gathered from the
records of the old township of Dartmouth, (which
township it will be seen originally included New
Bedford, Fairhaven, Westport and the present
township of Dartmouth,) and such books as con-
tained any mention of our place, with a succinct
account of the voyage of Bartholomew Gosnold
to these shores in 1602, I compiled, and delivered
IV
before the said Lyceum, on Tuesday evening,
March 6th, 1831.
This was the day of small things, it is true, for
our now flourishing Lyceum. We then depended
altogether upon home productions for our weekly*
entertainment; and many quiet, pleasant times we
used to have of it, in those ante-railway, ante-
electric-telegraph days.
Such is the brief history of the origin of my
undertaking; and now, at a time of life when
it may be reasonably concluded that most of the
effervescence of youth has passed off, with subdued
feelings and moderate expectations of success, but
with a heart none the less warm from the lapse of
time in its interest for the spot of my birth, I
again enter upon the task, with a sense of pleas-
urable duty of putting together what information
I have from varied sources been enabled to collect,
gathering up the fragments lest nothing be lost;
so that those who come after us may have a nucleus
round which to form a more full and complete his-
tory, when our youthful city shall take its place,
as it is evidently destined at no very distant day to
do, if it has not already, among the chief cities
of this country.
I have endeavored to make this history ti'uthful,
and, in order to effect this primary object, have
rejected everything which I was not fully convinced
as beinof authentic. To the friends who have af-
forded me assistance in the preparation of my task,
I would return my warmest thanks.
The following is the introductory sketch to the
lecture before alluded to, as it originally appeared.
Youth is the only apology that will be required for
its faults.
ORIGINAL INTRODUCTION.
The fondness with which we are inspired for the
spot of our nativity seems to have been generated
with ourselves; nor can time or distance eradicate
it. Whatever fortune attends us, or whatever cir-
cumstance may induce us to leave our natal soil,
whether we traverse foreign countries, or have set-
tled in another clime, still we are neither withdrawn
nor estranged from it, but turn with pleasure to
the scenes of our childhood and companions of
our youth. Poets of all ages have sung its bless-
ings, and the sympathetic muse delights to wander
over its joys and scan its beauties. This enthusi-
astic fire, this glowing flame, that burns within the
heart of every one, neither age nor circumstance
is able to quench. The Frenchman, w^hen far
away from his native land and winged retrospec-
tion brings him to his own sweet home, sighs for
"the blushing vine-hills of his delightful France;"
and the rude inhabitant of the Emerald Isle, driven
from his country by the extremest necessity, still
bears the latent spark within his bosom ; and, too,
the illiterate Laplander, having seen the light of the
civilized world, gladly returns to his sledge and deer.
VI
It behoves every American to be acquainted with
the history of the place which gave him birth. The
history of this country is neither wrapped in ob-
scurity, nor hidden in uncertainty: there are no
fictitious names, no fabled account of heroes; every-
thing is authentic, and much within the memory
of people yet living.
While other nations are boasting of their an-
tiquity, and exulting in the mysterious deeds of their
ancestors, we pride ourselves in the recency of our
origin, and the well-known achievements during the
struggle for liberty, as well as for the rapidity of
our increase.
Scarce two . centuries ago, this spot was one
forest wild, the abode of the tawny Indian and
wild beast; its vast wilderness had never been
penetrated by civilized man, nor the peace of its
people injured; the smoke arose free from the un-
molested wigwam, and the woods re-echoed to the
shrill war-whoop; the wild deer bounded through
the glade, and the light canoe was swiftly paddled
over the Acushnet. Then the Indian with a light
heart roved over the soil where our town now rests,
and with careless joy, through the forest that once
crowned yon hill, pursued the animated chase.
Oft this has been the scene of the feast, the dance,
and the song of fearless, thoughtless joy.
But these have all departed: our mansions have
succeeded the Indian's hut, and he is now known
but by a few mouldering bones turned up by the
plough-share, and we daily tread above the graves
of his once mighty race. The same ethereal vault
Vll
o'erarches this land, the seasons roll on as before,
and the waves break upon the same shores, but not
to the Indian : he has long since been gathered to
his fathers, and we are now the undisputed lords
of the land.
New Bedford, March 1, 1831.
I am aware that much of the material of this
history is wanting in arrangement, but it should be
remembered that I have been obliged to collect my
information from a great variety of sources, and at
different times during a period of many years. The
labor of an original work of this kind is much more
arduous and difficult than of many more important
works of history where the labors of others can be
brought into requisition. I trust, therefore, my
readers will make all due allowance should the want
of a more regular method be sometimes observable.
It has been my chief object to snatch from the
oblivion to which a large portion of our early his-
tory was fast hastening, and to collect together, as
much as possible, for preservation. In a good de-
gree I feel the assurance of having accomplished
this purpose.
The first number of my historical sketches ap-
peared in the New Bedford Daily Mercury, on Sat-
urday, September 27th, 1856. This was followed
by others on the succeeding Saturdays, which, with
some alteration and considerable addition, com-
prise this volume.
VI 11
Although I do not claim to have performed my
task thoroughly or to my own satisfaction, I have
been gratified at the generous reception my labors
have met with from my friends and'the public of
our vicinity, and, for the want of a better history
of my native place, have undertaken to embody
these hastily written sketches in the form of a book.
Trusting that this volume, with humble preten-
tions, will meet in some measure the want of a bet-
ter performance, I submit it to the public.
D. R.
Brooklawn, near New Bedford,
May 1st, 1858.
CONTENTS.
Page
Preface, iii
Chapter
I. The Old Township of Dartmouth— Discovery of the Coast by
Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602 — Early Settlement — Deed
from the Indian Sachem Massasoit to GoAernor Bradford
and others — The Original Survey of Dartmouth, 13
II. The Indians of Dartmouth — Troubles of the Early Settlers —
Order of Court relative to the Support of the Ministly —
Difficulty of Enforcing the Same — Origin of the Name of
Dartmouth — Ralph Kussell, and the Russell Family —
Joseph Rotch — Origin of the Name of New Bedford —
Early Quakers — Gosnold"s Settlement at Cuttyhunk —
Identification of the same by Dr. Belknap — Survey of the
Township by Order of King Philip- List of the Original
Purchasers, 20
III. Character of the Early Settlers of Dartmouth — Destruction
of their Property by the Indians- Order of Court, 1678,
for More Compact Settlements — Old Colony Records —
Freemen of Dartmouth — Names of the Original Proprie-
tors — Proprietors" Records — Old Houses — Indian Relics,.. 30
IV. The Early Friends or Quakers — First Meeting-House, built
in 1699 — Visit of Early English Friends — Joseph Russell,
Sen. — Causes of the Decline of the Society of Friends —
Record of Meetings — Early Business — Joseph Russell, Jr.
— His Ancestor Ralph Russell, 37
V. The First Representative to the Old Colony Court, John Rus-
sell—Names of those who had Taken the Oath of Fidelity,
1684 — Old Record — Early Land-Owners — Longevity of
Early Inhabitants— First House in the Village of Bed-
ford—First Ship — Her Part in the Boston Tea-Party, 44
Chapter
Page
VI. The Whale-Fishery- Burke's Tribute to the Early Whalemen -
. Early Enterprises -The Effects of the Revolution -The
Old Ship Kebecca-Anecdote of the Early Strictness of
Friends — Kelics of Whaling in the Olden Time 53
VII. The Village of Bedford -Statistics by Abraham Shearman',"'
Jr. — Captain William Gordon's Account of the Invasion
by the British Troops during the Revolutionary War-
Schedule of Property Destroyed -Anecdote of the Intre-
pidity of a Woman -First Candle-Works -Causes of
Prosperity,
VIII. March of the British Troops 'to *A'c'ushn'e't"and "Fairhaven- " '
Destruction of Property on the Way-New Bedford and
Fairhaven Bridge -Light-House at Clark's Point -The
Bedford Bank -Notice of John Pickens, Joseph Ricketson
and George Howland — Reflections upon those Times, 78
IX. The Acushnet River, from its Rise to the Harbor of New Bed-
ford -Islands in the River -The Native Indians -The
Last of the Wampanoags — Settlement of Fairhaven, 88
X. The Whale-Fishery, continued from Chapter VI — Biograph-
ical Sketches-Architecture of Older and More Modern
Buildings, &c, ^^^
XI. Buzzard's Bay -Its Discovery by the Northmen, afterwards by
Bartholomew Gosnold — Origin of its Present Name — The
Elizabeth Islands — Naushon and the Bowdoin House-
Trip to Naushon in 1856, hq
XII. Early Newspapers- Sketches of an Old Ship-Master and Mer-
chant—Old Editors of the New Bedford Press, 137
XIII. Recapitulation in Part of Former Matters — Partial GeneaVogy
of the Russell Family — Old Proprietors — Cases of Lon-
gevity, &c., jg2
XIV. The Mode of Travelling in Olden Times -Sketches of Two
Journeys on Horseback, one of which breaks off rather
suddenly —Reminiscences of Old Citizens, 166
XV. Old Settlers— The Original Surveyor of Dartmouth — Genea-
logical Sketches of several Old Families -Reminiscences
of the Indians, j-g
XVI. Early Intercourse Avith England — Letter of Introduction Giv-
en to a Merchant of this Place by a Firm in Loudon pre-
vious to the Revolutionary War— A Stray Leaf from the
Diary of said Merchant — Old Houses — Genealogical
Sketches of Old Families — Historical Reminiscences, 195
XA^I. An Old Pensioner's Story, 213
XVIII. Preliminary Remarks upon the Mercantile Profession — Views
in relation to 3Iercantile Character — The Value of Probity
and Integrity in Commercial Pursuits — Sketches of Two
Old Merchants, drawn from life, 227
XIX. The Writer's Views in regard to the Title of his Production —
Reminiscences of Elisha Thornton and James Davis. Two
XI
Chapter Page
Distinguished Ministers of the Society of Friends in New
Bedford, and General Remarks upon their Characters and
Influence, 236
XX. The Early and Continued Anti-Slavery Character of New
Bedford — Biographical Sketch of Capt. Paul Cuffee —
Lines Written by Phillis Wheatley, 252
XXI. The Topography of Old Dartmouth, continued from a previ-
ous chapter — The Villages in the Vicinity of New Bedford :
Kussell's Mills, "NVestport, Smith's Mills, Acushuet, Long
Plain, and Padauaram or South Dartmouth Village: with
General Observations interspersed, 265
XXII. The Destruction of Property by the Britii^h Troops — Extracts
from the Official Letters of General Grey, the Commander of
the Expedition, to Sir Henry Clinton — Letter of Robert
Fanshawe to Sir Henry Clinton — Doctor Dwighfs Account
of the Invasion, during a visit to New Bedford, from in-
formation obtained of Judge Pope's Incidental Obser-
vations — Additional Account of the same, of a later date,
by Judge Pope — Further Reminiscences of the Revolution,
from a retired ship-master of Fairhaven, 278
XXIII. Retrospective View— List of Vessels Registered for 1818 and
1819 — State of the Whale-Fishery in 1830— Capture of a
British Brig-of-War by the Armed Sloop Providence —
The Old Ship Maria — Memorandum of Samuel Rodman,
Sen.: Abstract of her Voyages — A Reminiscence of In-
terest to the Votaries of Mammon — Narrow Escape — The
September Gale, and its Effects upon the Shipping of New
Bedford, 300
XXIV. Ecclesiastical, Legal, and Medical Reminiscences — Dialectic
Society — Fragment Society — New Bedford Lyceum —
Friends' Academy — Climate — Public Roads and Streets,. .314
XXV. Separate Notices of Westport, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven —
Freemen of Dartmouth, 1686 — Warrants of Colonel Samuel
Willis for the Impressment of Soldiers — Extracts from the
Plymouth Records relative to the Early Affairs of Dart-
mouth—Further Reminiscences of Naushon — Note relat-
ing to the Northmen's Visit to this Coast — Prize Brought
into New Bedford by Lieutenant Thomas Truxton, 1776,. . .340
XXVI. Incorporation Act of New Bedford and Fairhaven as a Town-
ship, 1787 — Act of Separation of New Bedford and Fair-
haven, 1812 — Orthography of Acushnet — List of the Light-
Houses in Buzzard's Bay — Old Advertisement relating to
the New Bedford Bridge, from the Columbian Courier,
1798 — First Whaling Voyage to the Pacific Ocean from
Nantucket — Notice of Captain William Claghorn — Cap-
tain Edmund Gardner's Account of a Portion of jhis Sea-
faring Life — The Progress of New Bedford — Statistics of
the Whale-Fisherv 360
xn
Chapter Page
XXVII. Visit to Cutty hunk and Gosnold's Islet, August 9th, 1858 —
Mustcr-Eoll of the Company of Captain Thomas Kempton,
1775 — Additional List of Revolutionary Soldiers of Dart-
mouth— Lines by Doctor Daniel Hathaway on the Death
of Daniel Kussell, 1772 — Records from Old Burial-Places —
Letter of Jabez Delano, 1727 — Synopsis of the Natural
History of this Vicinity — Conclusion, 374
IlfDEX,.
.409
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
CHAPTER I.
THE OLD TOWNSHIP OF DARTMOUTH— DISCOVERY OF
THE COAST BY BARTHOLOMEW GOSNOLD IN 1602 —
EARLY SETTLEMENT — DEED FROM THE INDIAN SACHEM
MASSASOIT TO GOVERNOR BRADFORD, AND OTHERS —
THE ORIGINAL SURVEY OF DARTMOUTH.
New Bedford was originally a part of the old
township of Dartmouth, from which it was set oft'
and incorporated into a separate township in the
year 1787. The old township of Dartmouth for-
merly included the present townships of Dartmouth,
Westport, New Bedford and Fairhaven, and was
purchased of the Indians in 1652. That part of
the old township of Dartmouth which includes the
present township of New Bedford was known to
the Indians by the name of Act^U-shnet, or Accoos-
net, and sor^etimes Accushena; Fairhaven as Scon-
ticut; Dartmouth as Apponeganset, and Westport
as Acoaxet.. The Acushnet River, and the adjoin-
ing shores upon which New Bedford stands, were
first discovered in 1602, by Bartholomew Gosnold,
who sailed from Falmouth, Eno:land, on the 26tli
14
of March of that year. The names of the persons
who embarked on this voyage, as far as they have
been ascertained, are as follows: Bartholomew
Gosnold, Commander; Bartholomew Gilbert, 2d
officer; John Angel; Robert Saltern, who was af-
terwards a clergyman; William Streeie; Gabriel
Archer, gentleman and journalist; James Rosier,
who wrote an account of the voyage and presented
it to Sir Walter Raleigh ; John Brierton ; and
Tucker. There were thirty-two persons in all, eight
of whom were mariners.
" The design of the voyage was to find a direct
and short course to Virginia, and upon a discovery
of a proper seat for a plantation, twelve of the
company were to return to England till further
assistance and supplies could be sent them."
The fine group of islands known as the Elizabeth
Islands was first discovered by Gosnold, and so
called in honor of the Queen of England. The
island now known as Cuttyhunk they called Eliza-
beth. Here they made their place of rendezvous,
and upon an islet in a small fresh-water pond built
a place of defence and a store-house.
" While some of Gosnold's men labored in build-
ing a fort and store-house on the small island in the
pond, and a flat-bpttpmed boat to go to it, he crossed
the bay in his vessel and discovered the mouth
of the river on the west shore of whicl) New Bed-
ford is now built. On the shore he was met by a
company of natives, men, women and children, wl)p
with air courteous kindness entertained him, giving
him skins of wild beasts, tobacco, turtles, hemp,
artificial strings colored (wampum,) and such like
things as they had about them. The stately groves,
15
flowery meadows and running brooks afTorded
delightful entertainment to the adventurers." Bel-
icnap.
Their original intention, as will be seen from the
preceding extract, was for twenty of the company
to remain, and for the others to return to England
with the vessel, and bring or send them supplies.
But they suddenly changed their minds, and after
having loaded their vessel with sassafras root and
furs, on the 17th of June they set sail for England,
and arrived at Exmouth, Devonshire, after a pleas-
ant passage of five weeks.
Bartholomew Gosnold died in Virginia on the
22d of August, 1607, whither he had gone with
Captain John Smith.
About 30 or 40 years after this, the country began
to be settled by the English, and owing to the hos-
tility of the Indians they were under the necessity
of living in garrisons. In the year 1676, Capt.
Church, in his History of the Indian War, speaks
of a fjarrison at Russell's Orchard, which was sit-
uated near the head of the Apponeganset River,
in Dartmouth. In this garrison was born Joseph
Russell, a son of whom, by the same name, I shall
have occasion to mention hereafter. There was
also another garrison on the east side of the
Acushnet River, about one mile north of the village
of Oxford, the remains of which are still to be
seen.
The following is a copy of the deed from Mas-
sasoit or Woosamequin, and his son Wamsutta,
or Moanam, who was also called by the English
16
Alexander. Philip of Pokanoket, whose true name
was Pometacom, was also a son of Massasoit, and
younger than Alexander. #
**3i>ra[lrforU CSobernour.
1654. A deed appointed to be recorded.
New Plymouth, November the 29th, 1652.
Know all men by these presents, that I, Wesam-
equen, and Wamsutta my son, have sold unto
Mr. William Bradford, Captain Standish, Thomas
Southwortl), John Winslow, John Cooke and their
associates, the purchasers or old-comers, all the
tract or tracts of land lying tln-ee miles eastward
from a river called Cushenagg, to a certain harbour
called Acoaksett, to a flat rock on the westward
side of the said harbour. And whereas the said har-
bour divideth itself into seyerej branches, the west-
ernmost arme to be the bound, and all the tract or
tracts of land from the said westernmost arme to
the said river of Cushenagg, three miles eastward
of the same, with all the profits and benefits within
the said tract, with all the rivers, creeks, meadows,
necks and islands that lye in or before the same,
and from the sea upward to go so high that the
English may not be annoyed by the hunting of the
Indians in any sort of their cattle. And I, Wesam-
equen, and Wamsutta, do proniise to remove all
the Indians within a year from the date hereof that
do live in the said tract. And we, the said Wesam-
equen and Wamsutta, have fully bargained and sold
unto the aforesaid Mr. William Bradford, Captain
Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Winslow,
John Cooke, and the rest of their associates, the
purchasers or old-comers, to have and to hold for
them and their heirs and assigns forever. And in
consideration hereof, we the above-mentioned are
to pay to the said Wesamequen and Wamsutta
as foUoweth : thirty yards of cloth, eight moose-
skins, fifteen axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pair of
17
breeches, eight blankets, two kettles, one cloak, 2 X
in wampan, eight pair stockings, eight pair of shoes,
one iron pot, and ten shillings in another cornodi-
tie. And in witness hereof we have interchangeably
set to our hands the day and year above written.
J ,, ,. JOHN WINSLOW.
In the presence of j^^^ COOKE.
JONATnAN bHAW, > His
Samuel Eddy. ) WAMSUTTA. A\.m.
mark."
A fine picture of the landing of Gosnold upon
our shores has been painted by our fellow-towns-
man, William A. Wall. Froin a notice of this
})icture made by the writer of this history at the
time of its exhibition in 1842, the following extract
is taken: " The artist has combined the authentic
accounts of the event with the natural scenery in a
most happy manner. The conception of the wdiole
affair is exceedingly beautiful. The time is early
morning — the sun not yet risen; but his strong
light is breaking from the east across the water
and the Elizabeth Islands in the distance, the light
clouds are flying away before the gentle breeze, and
the dewy freshness of early day is seen upon all
things around, while a thrush, from his seat upon
a neighboring tree, is chanting his sweet salutation
to the hardy adventurer. Gosnold, with his first
officer, Bartholomew Gilbert, Gabriel Archer, 'gen-
tleman and journalist,' and several of his men, are
seen upon the shore, which, together with a group
of Indians with whom they are trading, forms the
chief attraction of this beautiful picture. The fig-
ure of Bartholomew Gosnold well represents the
* active, intrepid and experienced mariner,' as he is
18
called by an old historian. The boat from which
they have apparently just landed is held by a sailor
with a boat-hook, while another, leaning over the
gunwale, is musingly looking up the river. A
sweet quiet pervades the whole scene; and the re-
flection of the British flag, drowsily hanging from
its staff" at the stern of the boat, is seen upon the
glassy water. The ' small bark ' which bore them
across the Atlantic, with her sails loose, is seen in
the offing. The mind is involuntarily carried back
to that beautiful morning ; and the sweet serenity
of the scene must awaken the pleasantest reflec-
tions in the mind of the spectator."
Below is a copy of the record of the settlement
of the bounds of Dartmouth made with Philip.
Kecord of Deeds, Plymouth Colony, Book 3d,
page 323.
" Whereas, according to an order of court, held
at Plymouth, bearing date the third day of October,
Anno Domini 1664, wherein Phillip, Sagamore of
Pokannockett, &c., was desired to appoint an agent
or more to set out and mark the bounds of Acushna,
Coaksett, and places adjacent, the said Sachem sent
John Sassamon, on the 19th day of November, in
the year aforesaid, to act in his behalf in the prem-
ises, whoe hath set the bounds of the said tract and
tracts as followeth, viz.: at Acushena three miles
to the east according to the deed bearing date
November 29th, 1652, from a black-oak marked on
four sides, running upward north into the woods
eight miles, and downward south with so much of
the island Nakata as falls within the said line ; at
Akoaksett, from a white-oak marked on four sides,
standing on the west side of the head of the cove,
ranging up into the woods north six miles and an
19
half to a great pond, unto a wliite-oak marked,
standing upon the west side of the pond, near the
south end of the said pond ; by reason of the run-
ning of the pond, one mile on the east side upward
to a black-oak marked on four sides, standing near
a maple tree on the side of the said pond, about
the middle of it, which pond is called "Watuppa;
the upper bounds to run from tree to tree upon a
strait line, and at the head of the westernmost
arm from the said white-oak to the flat rock ex-
pressed in the deed aforesaid."
:20
CHAPTER 11.
THE INDIANS OF DARTMOUTH— TROUBLES OF THE EARLY
SETTLERS — ORDER OF COURT RELATIVE TO THE SUPPORT
OF THE MINISTRY — DIFFICULTY OF ENFORCING THE
SAME — ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF DARTMOUTH — RALPH
RUSSELL AND THE RUSSELL FAMILY — JOSEPH ROTCH —
ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF NEW BEDFORD — EARLY QUAK-
ERS— GOSNOLD'S SETTLEMENT AT CUTTYHUNK — IDEN-
TIFICATION OF THE SAME BY DR. BELKNAP — SURVEY
OF THE TOWNSHIP BY ORDER OF KING PHILIP — LIST
OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASERS.
In my former chapter was given the original deed
of the purchase of the old township of Dartmouth
of Massasoit or Woosamequiii, as he is called in
the deed, and his son Wamsutta, alias Moanam
and Alexander. Massasoit was also the father of
Philip, or Pometacom, the great Indian warrior
and chieftain. He, as well as his brother Alexan-
der, who succeeded their father, were denominated
"kings" by the early settlers. Their home was at
Montanp, or Pokanoket, now known as Mount
Hope, near Bristol, Rhode Island.
The Indians who inhabited this section of country
(Dartmouth,) the Acushnets, Apponegansets, and
Acoaxsets, were a part of the great tribe of Wampa-
noags, over w^hich Woosamequin, or Massasoit, was
the chief Sachem. The early settlers of Dartmouth
as well as those at Plymouth, found in Massasoit sL
firm and devoted friend, and he has been called
"the good Masssaoit." Although his dying injunc-
21
tions to his sons Alexander and Philip, (so named
by the English from the great Macedonian gener-
als,) were to continue in friendly relations with the
English, his counsel was little heeded by the former,
and violated in the most savage manner by the latter.
The early settlers of Dartmouth suffered greatly
from the depredations and violence of the Indians ;
and at one time they were completely broken up,
and obliged to forsake their homes and resort to
garrisons for protection.
This fact reaching the government at Plymouth,
the following order of court was passed :
"1675, 14th October." This court taking into
their serious consideration the tremenduous dispen-
sations of God towards the people of Dartmouth,
in suflering the barbarous heathen to spoil and de-
stroy most of their habitations, the enemy being
greatly advantaged thereunto by their scattered way
of living, do therefore order that in the rebuilding
and resettling thereof, that they so order it as to
live compact together, at least in each village, as
they may be in a capacity both to defend them-
selves from the assault of an enemy, and the better
to attend the public worship of God, and ministry
of the word of God, whose carelessness to obtain
and attend unto we fear may have been a provo-
cation of God thus to chastise their contempt of
his gospel, which we earnestly desire the people of
that place may seriously consider of, lay to heart,
and be humbled for, with a solicitous endeavour
after a reformation thereof, by a vigorous putting
forth to obtain an able, faithful dispenser of the
word of God amongst them, and to incourage him
therein, the neglect whereof this court, as they must
and God willing, they will not permit for the
future." Book 5t/i. Court Orders, page 102.
22
As Plymouth was so called from the fact of that
being the name of the last port the Pilgrim Fathers
left, so I conclude that our old township of Dart-
mouth was named from the circumstance of the
two vessels, the Mayflower and the Speedwellj,
which it will be remembered sailed together, put-
ting back to the port of Dartmouth on the British
Channel, for repairs upon the latter vessel, and
consequently it is reasonable to conclude that Dart-
mouth was early settled by some of the passengers
that came over in the Mayflower, as the Speed-
well was abandoned on account of unseaworthi-
ness.*
One of the earliest settlers of Dartmouth was
Ralph Russell, who came from Pontipool, England,
and had been engaged in the iron business with
Henry and James Leonard of Taunton. He set
up an iron forge at "Russell's Mills," which place
received its name from him. Ralph Russell was
the progenitor of the Russell families of New Bed-
ford, and the ancestor in the fourth remove of
Joseph Russell, from whom New Bedford received
its name. In the year 1765, Joseph Rotch, grand-
father of the late William Rotch, Jr., moved from
Nantucket to this place, then known as Dartmouth,
for the purpose of pursuing the business of the
whale-fishery. Here he became acquainted with Jo-
seph Russell, before mentioned, a substantial farm-
er, who included in his broad domain a large part
* As no name of those who came over in the Mayflower appears
among those of the early settlers, the name of Dartmouth was proba-
bly adopted by the original purchasers, all of whom were passengers
in the Mayflower.
. 23
of the most valuable portion of the land on which
New Bedford now stands. His residence, a large
old-fashioned farm-house, stood at the head of
William street, and near the mansion of Charles
W. IMorgan. Uiiion street was his cart-path to
the shore, at the head of which, on the County
road, was a red gate. This way was afterwards
called " King street," and subsequently " Main
street," a name familiar to the ears of many of
•our citizens ; and one which it is to be regret-
ted has been set aside for the less agreeable and
no more appropriate one now adopted. " Bridge
street " was about the same time changed to
" Middle street," a name far less characteristic of
its origin, as well as that of old Main street, the
latter having been the original main street of the
place, and the former leading to the New-Bed-
ford and Fairhaven bridge — proving that changes
are not always improvements. The name King
street, as the one in Boston formerly so called,
was undoubtedly abandoned from patriotic mo-
tives.
As a little village had already begun to appear, it
was thought necesSary to give it a particular desig-
nation from the rest of the old township; and upon
a public occasion Joseph Rotch suggested that the
name should be "Bedford," in honor of Joseph
Russell, who bore the family name of the Duke of
Bedford, which was readily adopted by the rest of
the inhabitants, and the old gentleman was after-
wards known as '' tlie Duke." This, it will be re-
membered, was in "the Old Colony days, when we
24
lived uiicler the King." It being afterwards ascer-
tained that the same name had been previously
given to a town in the state, it was called New
Bedford. Many of the early settlers of Dartmouth
were Quakers, who probably sought this then
sequestered region as an asylum for the enjoyment
of their peculiar religious faith.
In the year 1671, the following order of court
was passed, which probably grew out of the scruples
of the settlers, as Quakers or Friends : •
" 1671. In reference unto the town of Dartmouth,
it is ordered by court, that whereas a neglect the
last year of the gathering in of the sum of fifteen
pounds according to order of court to be kept in
stock tow^arcls the support of such as may dispense
the word of God unto them, it is again ordered
by the court that the sum of fifteen pound be this
year levied to be as a stock for the use aforesaid,
to be delivered unto Arthur Hatheway and Ser-
jeant Shaw, to be by them improved as opportu-
nity may present for the ends aforesaid." Book
5th, Court Orders, page 41.
This order of court does not appear from the
following one passed several years afterwards to
have proved effectual. The good people at Ply-
mouth appear to have been particularly exorcised for
the spiritual interests of our early settlers.
" 1674. Wednesday, the 24th of this instant, is ap-
pointed by the court for the inhabitants and purchas-
ers of Dartmouth to meet together for the settling of
the bounds of their town, at which time the Gov-
ernour, Mr. Hinckley, the Treasurer, Mr. Walley,
Lieut. Morton and John Tom son did engage to
give meeting with others to propose and indeavour
25
that some provision may be made for the preaching
of the word of God amongst them." Book oth^
Court Orders, page 102.
Capt. Gosnold, in 1602, named a round hill in
the present township of Dartmouth, " Hap's Hill,"
lying between two good harbors, which fall within
the limits of the said town, being Pascomanset and
Apponeganset. The hill is unquestionably one of
those now known as the "Round Hills," near
" Dumpling Rock."
In my last chapter I made mention of the occu-
pation of the island Cuttyhunk by Gosnold. On
the 20th of June, 1797, Dr. Belknap, the historian,
visited this island, and saw the cellar of a store-
house, built by Gosnold in 1602. The authenticity
of this important relic has been doubted by some;
but the writer of this history has the authority of
several eye-witnesses in corroboration of this im-
portant fact. " It is a vestige of the first work per-
formed by Europeans on the New England shores.
Here they first penetrated the earth ; here the first
edifice w^as erected. And from this humble begin-
ning have arisen cities, numerous, large and fair, in
which arc enjoyed all the refined delights of civil-
ized life." Although Bartholomew Gosnold cannot
be considered as the founder of New Bedford, yet,
as he was the first Englishman or European who
visited our shores, our history may with much pro-
priety take its date from the time of his visit. Here,
during the last of May or the first part of June, A.
D. 1602, this "active, intrepid, and experienced sea-
man, from Ihe west of England," landed upon our
26
shores, eighteen years before the landing of the
Pilgrim Fathers upon Plymouth Rock. A more
permanent settlement was intended, and had not
the slight disagreement before alluded to taken
place in the company, it would undoubtedly have
been made.
<'3,3^ince CSobetnour.
1660. A writing appointed to be recorded, as
followeth :
At a general meeting of the purcha-sers, at Ply-
mouth, the seventh of March, 1652, it was ordered
and fully agreed unto and concluded by the whole
that all that tract of lands lying from the purchas-
ers' bounds on the west side of Acoughcusse to a
river called Accusshaneck and three miles to the
eastward of the same, with all islands, meadows,
woods, waters, rivers, creeks, and all appurtenances,
thereunto belonging, should be given to those whose
names are hereunder written, containing thirty-four
shares, and was then given, allotted, assigned and
set over to them by the whole, to have and to hold
to them and their heirs and assigns forever, to di-
vide and dispose of the same as they should see
good ; and they are to satisfy the Indians for the
purchase thereof, and to bear all other due charges
that shall any way arise about the same, according
to their several proportions.
WILLIAM BRADFORD, a moie- EDWARD HOLMAN.
ty. MisTRis JENNEY.
Captain STANDISH. JOSHUA PRATT.
Me. colly are and SARAH Mr. HICKES.
BREWSTER. THOMAS SOUTHWORTH.
Mr. ALDEN. JAMES HURST.
Mistris WARREN. EDWARD DOTY.
ROBERT BARTLETT. JOHN SHAW.
JOHN FAUNCE. FRANCIS COOKE.
MANNASSES KEMPTON. JOHN COOKE.
GEORGE MORTON. SAMUEL dUTBERT.
JOHN DUNHASL JOHN CRACKSTON: the one-
AVILLIAM PALMER. half of John Crackston land,
THOMAS MORTON. which was Mr. William Brad-
27
ford, Senr. His land was passed CONSTANT SOTJTHWORTH.
over to the said William Brad- GEORGE SOULE.
ford, to Mr. John Howland. PHILLIP DELANOY.
STEPHEN TIIACYE. IVIOSES SIMONS.
FRANCIS SPRAGUE. EDWARD BUMPAS.
HENERY SAMPSON. FRANCIS EATON.
PETER BROWNE.
Whereas these purchasers, who by agreement of
the whole had their proportions of purchase land
falling unto them in the places above mentioned,
who by agreement had their several names entered
into a list together, with some other old-comers,
under the hand of the Hon'^ Gov^ late, deceased,
they did desire that the list of their names might
be recorded, but the above-written original list of
names, and the agreement, could not be found in
some years, so that it was judged lost, these pur-
chasers notwithstanding still desiring that what
was their right might be recorded, whereupon order
was given by the aforesaid Governour that it might
be done, in which record, for want of the original
list, the names of some are entered contrary to the
original grant and agreement of the purchasers, as
appears by it, and also by divers otljer* purchasers
as well as themselves, which is an occasion of
some difference already, and may be of more, there-
fore it is ordered by the General Court held at Ply-
mouth, the 8th June, 1660, that the abovesaid orig-
inal list should be entered, and the other to stand
in the book not defaced, but to be void, null and
of none effect."
The following record, although nearly a recapit-
vilation of the survey made by order of King Philip,
as published in the first chapter, is interesting and
valuable, as containing a full list of the names of
the original purchasers of Dartmouth. This list
was for several years lost, and the preceding rec-
ord from memory was made; but the original being
28
afterwards found, it was recorded, and the other
made null and void. Record of Deeds, Plymouth
Colony, Book 2d, page 107.
"The names of those who by order of the pur-
chasers met at Plymouth the seventh day of March,
1652, who by joint consent and agreement of the
said purchasers are to have their parts, shares or
proportions, at the place or places commonly called
and known by the names of Acushena, alias Acques-
sent, which entereth in at the western end of Weeck-
atay, and. to Coaksett, alias Acoakus, and places
adjacent, the bounds of which tract fully to extend
three miles to the eastward of the most easterly
part of the River or Bay called Acusshna aforesaid,
and so along the sea-side to the river called Coak-
sett, lying on the west side of Point Pritt,* and to
the most westernmost side of any branch .of the
aforesaid river, and to extend eight miles into the
woods, the said tract or tracts of land so bounded, as
abovesaid, which is purchased of the Indians, which
were the right proprietors thereof, as appears by a
deed unde? tl\eir hands, with all marshes, meadows,
rivers, waters, woods, timbers and other profits, priv-
ileges, emunities, commodities and appurtenances
belonging to the said tract or tracts above expressed,
or any part or parcel thereof, to belong unto the
parties whose names are underwritten, who are in
number thirty-four whole parts or shares, and no
more, to them and their heirs and assigns forever:
Mr. WILLIAM BRADFORD, one whole part or share.
Captain STANDISH, one whole part or share.
Mr. JOHN ALDEN, one whole part or share.
Mr. COLLYER and SARAH BREWSTER, one whole part or share.
Mr. HOWLAND and WILLIAM BASSETT, one whole part or share.
GEORGE MORTON, one whole part or share.
MAN ASSES KEMPTON, one whole share.
JAMES HURST, one whole share.
JOHN DUNHAM, Senr., one whole share.
JOHN SHAW, Senr., one whole share.
* Gooseberry Neck (Point Peril. )
•29
FflANCTS COOKE, one whole share.
J( >HN COOKE, one whole share.
JOSHUA PRATT, one whole share.
GEORGE SOULE, one whole share.
CONSTANT SOUTHWORTH, one whole share.
THOMAS SOUTHWORTH, one whole share.
Miss JENNINGS, one whole share.
STEVEN TRACYE, one whole share.
JOHN FAUNCE, one whole share.
HENRY SAMPSON, one whole share;
PHILIP DELANO YE, one whole shdrc.
Miss WARREN, one whole share.
R0J5ERT BARTLETT, one whole share.
WILLIAM PALMER, one whole share.
EDWARD DOTYE, one whole share.
SAMUEL HICKES, one whole share.
PETER BROWNE, one whole share.
FRANCIS SPRAGUE, one whole share.
MOSES SIMONS, one whole share.
SAMUEL EATON, one wbole share.
THOMAS MORTON, one whole share.
SAMUEL CUTBERT, one whole share.
EDWARD HOLMAN, one whole share.
EDWARD BUMP ASS, one whole share.
In all thirty-four parts or shares."
So it appears that the whole township of Datt^
mouth in 1652 belonged to thirty-six persons;
30
CHAPTER III.
CHARACTER OF THE EARLY SETTLERS OF DARTMOUTH—
DESTRUCTION OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE INDIANS —
ORDER OF COURT 1678, FOR MORE COMPACT SETTLE-
MENTS—OLD COLONY RECORDS — FREEMEN OF DART-
MOUTH—NAMES OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS—
PROPRIETORS' RECORDS — OLD HOUSES— INDIAN RELICS.
The last chapter closed with the list of the names
of the original purchasers of Dartmouth, but few
of whom, however, settled here ; and I have been
able to trace but five or six out of the whole num-
ber, which was thirty-six, in the early records of
the town. The land appears to have been taken
up by a class of people not particularly identified
with the Puritans, and many of them Quakers,
whom the government at Plymouth, as will be seen
by their Court orders, found it difficult to control.
A frugal and industrious people, busily engaged in
agriculture, the early settlers of Dartmouth do not
appear to have been guilty of any other offense
than the want of obedience to the rigid requisitions
of the Court, in regard to the support of a minis-
try, and the observance of the Sabbath, according
to the views of the government. But the sturdy
Dartmouthians, with their strong admixture of the
nonconformity of the disciples of George Fox,
.baffled their efforts with a steady perseverance, and
in the year 1691 refused the payment of taxes, and
sent no Representative to the Court.
The people of Dartmouth having suffered a great
deal in tlie loss of property destroyed by the Indi-
ans, owing to their scattered way of living, the fol-
lowing Order of Court was passed:
"1678. To John Cooke, to be communicated to
such of the former inhabitants of Dartmouth as
are concerned herein. The Councell being now
assembled, considering the reason and necessity of
that order of the General Court made the 14th Oc-
tober, 1675, respecting the rebuilding or resettling
the Town of Dartmouth, a copy whereof is here-
with sent, and considering withall that all the peo-
ple of that place, by their deserting it, have left it
to the possession of the enemy, which through the
good hand of God on the endeavours of this Col-
ony is now recovered again out of the enemies'
hand, do so much the more look at it as a duty in-
cumbent on this Councel to see the said order ef-
fectually attended, do therefore hereby prohibit all
and every of the former inhabitants of the said
town of Dartmouth, or their or any of their as-
signs, to make any enterance or building or settling
in any part of the said former Township of Dart-
mouth untill satisfactory security be first given to
the Court or Councel by some of the principle per-
sons heretofore belonging to that place that the
said Court Order shall in all respects be attended
by them, as the transgressors of this prohibition
will answer the contrary at their peril." Book 5,
Court Orders^ page 124.
For a copy of the order referred to, see the pre-
vious chapter.
With the following orders, I shall close my ex-
tracts from the Old Colony Records. They are
valuable as addition to the scanty materials afford-
ed for my history of this early period.
32
" 1664, June. At this Court all that tract of land
commonly called and known by the name Acush-
ena, Ponagansett and Coaksett is allowed by the
Court to be a township, and the inhabitants there-
of have liberty to make such orders as may conduce
to their common good in town concernments, and
that the said town be henceforth called and known
by the name of Dartmouth." Book -ith, Court
Orders, page 72, Colony Records.
"1665, June. Dartmouth proportion of the rates
or taxes, 10 <£." Book 4, Court Orders, page 103.
"1667, June. Serjeant James Shaw and Arthur
Iiatherway are appointed by the Court to exer-
cise the men in armes in the town of Dartmouth."
Book 4th, Court Orders, page 104.
"1667, July. John Cobke, of Dartmouth, is
authorized by Court to make contracts of marriage
in the town of Dartrbouth, and likewise to admin-
ister an oath to give evidence to the Grand In-
quest, and likewise to administer an oath to any
witness for the trial of a case as occasion may re-
quire ; and in case any person or persons residing in
this jurisdiction shall have occasion to commence a
suit against any stranger br foreigner, it shall be
lawful for the said John Cooke to issue out war-
rants in His Majestie's name, to bind over any per-
son or persons to answer the said suit at His Maj-
estie's Court, to be holden at Plymouth at any time,
by attachment or summons, as occasion may re-
quire, and that he shall give forth suppoenies to
warn witnesses." Book 4, Court Orders, page 163.
"An exact list of all the freemen in Dartmouth on
the 29th May, 1670:
JOHN COOKE, WILLIAM SPOONER,
. JOHN RUSSELL, SAMUEL HICKES,
JAMES SHAW, WILLIAM PALMER."
ARTHUR HATHEWAY,
Court Orders, Book 5, page 205.
33
"1671, July. Arthur Hathcway, of Dartmouth,
is appointed by Court to administer an oath to any
witness, to give evidence to the Grand Inquest in
that town, as occasion may require." Book 5,
Court Orders.^ page 48.
"1673,4th March. John Smith, of Dartmouth,
is appointed to be Lieutenant of the military com-
pany of Dartmouth, and Jacob jMichell to be en-
sign-bearer of the said company." Book 5, Court
OrderSj pag-e 96.
But few of the original purchasers of Dartmouth
settled here, as will be seen by comparing the fol-
lowing list of the names of the proprietors in the
confirmatory deed of William Bradford, Novem-
ber 13th, 1694 :
MANASSEH KEMPTON,
SETH POPE,
JOHN RUSSELL,
ARTHUU HATHAWAY.
PELEG SLOCUM,
STEPHEN WEST,
JAMES SISSON,
JOHN RUSSELL, Je.,
ABRAHAM TUCKER,
JOHN TUCKER,
THOMAS BRIGGS,
JONATHAN RUSSELL,
JOHN HATHAWAY,
GEORGE CADMAN.
JACOB MOTT,
ELEAZER SMITH,
RETURN BAB COCK,
BENJAMIN HOWLAND,
WILLLIM SHEARMAN,
THOMAS TABER,
JONATHAN DELANO,
JOSEPH RUSSELL,
STEPHEN PECKHAM,
ISAAC POPE,
ELEAZER SLOCUM,
JOHN LAPHAM,
JOSEPH RIPLEY,
DANIEL SHERMAN,
MARY DAVIS,
THOMAS TABER, Jr.,
LETTICE JENNEY,
SAMUEL ALLEN,
VALENTINE HUDDLESTONE,
EDMUND SHEARMAN,
SAMUEL JENNY,
MARK JENNY.
AARON DAVIS,
GILES SLOCUM,
RALPH EARLE, Jr.,
WILLIAM EARLE, son of R. E,
JOHN SHEARMAN,
SAMUEL SPOONER,
WILLIAM SPOONER,
JOHN SPOONER, Jr.,
JOHN SPOONER,
THOMAS MITCHELL,
JOHN TINKHAM,
JOSEPH TRIPP,
JAMES TRIPP,
WILLIAM MACOMBER,
SAMUEL CORNWELL,
SAMUEL SHEARMAN,
GERSHOM SMITH,
SAxMUEL HICKES,
ELIZABETH RECKETSON,
JOSEPU TABER.
By this it appears that Dartmouth at the date of
this deed was owned by fifty-six persons, called
proprietors.
The land was afterwards surveyed by Benjamin
Crane, and divided, apportioning 800 acres to each
proprietor — called in the old records "the eight-
hundred-acre division." Crane held a commis-
sion in the reign of Queen Anne, as surveyor, and
became quite celebrated. His name is familiar to
all who have consulted the " Proprietors' Records."
These records are of much value in establishing
the original boundaries of land, and are often
brought into court for that purpose.
There, are still standing several of the houses built
by the original settlers, dating back to the time im-
mediately succeeding " King Philip's War," which
commenced in the year 1675. During the war the
inhabitants of Dartmouth were completely dispersed
by the Indians, and it is probable that most of the
houses, except such as were used as garrisons, were
destroyed. One of these old houses, now an in-
teresting ruin, is owned by Thomas Wood, and
stands about a mile to the northeast from the vil-
lage of Acushnet, another in Oxford Village, Fair-
haven, built by the ancestor of the late John Taber,
still older. These are in the present township of
Fairhaven. The next is in Dartmouth, about three
miles from New Bedford, and on a cross road about
one mile northeast from the village of Padanaram,
lately occupied by David Howland, who died a few
years since at an advanced age. The other, still in
good preservjition, and occupied, stands about four
35
miles to the south-west of Russell's Mills,, owned
by Peleg Sherman, and known as the " old Ricket-
son house," which was built by William Ricket-
son, who died in 1691. His wife was Elizabeth
Rieketson, whose name appears in the list of pro-
prietors. William Rieketson was one of the orig-
inal proprietors of Dartmouth, and the ancestor of
those who bear his name. All these houses, except
the one in Oxford, were substantial two-storied
buildings, with huge stone chimneys and capacious
fireplaces with ovens, seen only in the oldest
houses, capable of receiving several feet of wood,
from four to six feet long, so that the children used
to sometimes sit upon the ends of the logs, and
look up the chimney at the stars. These houses
were severally built by the ancestors of families
still living upon or near the homes of their fathers.
The old stock of people of Dartmouth was an in-
dustrious, as well as a hardy and vigorous race ; and
to this day a good share of these qualities remains,
giving enterprise and endurance to their possessors.
Besides the garrison at "Russell's Orchard," near
the head of the Apponeganset River, there was an-
other on the east side of the Acushnet River, a
short distance northeast of the Isle of Marsh. The
locations of both these garrisons are discernible,
and there is a spring of water near each, the spot
having probably been chosen w4th reference to
them. Several Indian burial-places have been dis-
covered in the vicinity of New Bedford within a
few years, near the shores of the Acushnet, upon
high and dry ]:>laccs. The remains of a large num-
36
ber of these once noble possessors of our soil have
been exhumed, and at one time the writer examinee!
the skulls of a number. In most of these, every
tooth was preserved, and sound, both upon the up-
per and lower jaw, and many of them indicated an
advanced age, the back or molar teeth being much
worn and grooved. On some of these skulls the
coarse black hair still remained, Arrow-heads,
stone hatches, adzes, gouges, &c., have been from
time to time turned up by the plough-share. The
writer has in his possession a handsome and curi-
ously wrought tobacco-pipe, manufactured from a
dark-colored soft stone, taken from one of the Indi-
an graves^ also a quaint glass bottle and some
trifling brass ornaments, indicating the burial to
have taken place after the arrival of the white peo-
ple. The bottle undoubtedly contained the Indians'
great curse, "fire-water," as it was found with its
nose resting upon the mouth of the skeleton. How
great must have been the fall and degradation of
the poor native, thus to desire the companionship
of his greatest betrayer and destroyer, beyond the
37
CHAPTER IV.
TEE EARLY FRIENDS OR QUAKERS— FIRST MEETING-
HOUSE, BUILT IN 1699 — VISIT OF EARLY ENGLIS^I
FRIENDS — JOSEPH RUSSELL, SEN.— CAUSES OF THE
DECLINE OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS — RECORD OF
MEETINGS — EARr.Y BUSINESS — JOSEPH RUSSELL, JR.—
HIS ANCESTOR RALPH RUSSELL.
As I have before stated, the Friends early found
their way to Dartmouth. Their first meeting-house
was built in the year 1699, but a monthly meeting
had been established previous to this time, which
was held at a private house. This meeting-house
was very large, and occupied the spot where the
])resent Apponeganset meeting is held. The old
house, having become somewhat dilapidated, and
larger than was needed, was taken down many
years ago, and the present, a smaller one, erected
upon the same place. A yearly, or half-yearly
meeting was at one time held here. The land, con-
taining six acres, was given to the society by Peleg
Slocum, in the year 1698. The name of this an-
cient Friend is mentioned in the journals of trav-
elling ministers of the society at this time.
The Friends of Dartmouth were a numerous and
influential people, and in the early part of the last
century comprised a considerable portion of all the
inhabitants. The influence of th(Mr ])rincip](^s and
peculiarities are observable among the people gen-
erally of this quarter even at this day. Living at
c
pence with all men, of frugal but hospitable hab-
its, the F.vicnds soon became a prosperous and
happy body. Devoted to agricnlture and other
simple and honorable pm'suits of life^ their homes-
became the abodes of comfort and cheerfulnessy
and so they continued until the unfortunate schisms
entered among them, \vhicb, as has proved the case
with other large Christian bodies, have broken and
weakened their numbers and iniiuence. Many of
the early distinguished ministers of the society from
Great Britain, as well as those from other parts of
this country, visited the Dartmouth Friends. Al-
though the devoted founder of the sect, George
Fox, was in New England, and at Newj^ort^ in the
year 1672, it does not appear that he reached Dart-
iuouth, or the other meetings in this quarter. But
Thomas Story and Samuel Bownas, who were
among the original Friends, were here; the former
as early as 16i^9, and again in 1704; the latter
was in America as early as 1702, but did not reach
Dartmouth until his second visit, in 1727. Samuel
Bownas was a man of vigorous intellect, and an
eloquent minister. He appears also to have been
of a liberal spirit and a peace-maker, as the follow-
ing extract from liis journal shows. S])eaking of a
circumstance which occurred at that time in the
meeting at Dartmouth, he says*,
" A narrowness of spirit did some hurt amongst
them, and produced some uneasiness, which 1 en-
deavored to remove; it was chiefly occasioned by a
young man's being, as some thought, too much in
the fashion, altliough plain compared with some
89
others; yet some thought this reason sufficient to
refuse his proposal of marriage among them, al-
though well recommended from the monthly meet-
ing where he was a member; upon which I shewed
them that as he was so w^ell recommended by certif-
icate, they could not reject his proposal according
to our discipline. The meeting, after we had some
further conference about it, let the young people
proceed, and matters grew easy, and the cloud of
difference dispersed and vanished, which was like
to have hurt both monthly meetings.
From thence [he adds] I went five miles to
Joseph Russell's, in order to take shipping to Nan-
tucket."
This Joseph Russell was the father of Joseph
Russell, Jr., before spoken of as the founder of New
Bedford. His house stood near the head of Wal-
nut street.
The first Friends' meeting-house in New Bedford
was built in the year 1785; this too was the first
house built expressly for religious worship in New
Bedford. A school-house had previously been their
place of meeting. This building stood on the
east side of Third street, between School and Wal-
nut. The old meeting-house, having become too
small for the society, was removed, and the pres-
ent large and commodious brick edifice was built
upon the lot the other had occupied, on Spring
street, about thirty years ago. The land, compris-
ing nearly half an acre, was given them by the afore-
said Joseph Russell, who was a member of the
society.
Until within a short time previous to this, the
society of Friends in New Bedford as well as in
40
Dartmouth bad continued to prosper, and among
its members were still included a large portion of
the most respectable and enterprising inhabitants.
But the palmy days of the society were fast passing
away, and even as early as 1807, a writer on Nan-
tucket says:
" The number of the Quakers [there] is probably
diminishing, for many are driven from their society
by the strictness of their discipline.'^
But the great schism, principally on doctrinal
grounds, which commenced about thirty-five years
since, gave the destructive blow to the society, and
here as well as elsewhere its influence was severely
felt. Many who had long been among the most in-
fluential and exemplary members withdrew, or were
disowned upon grounds of a difference of opinion
on doctrinal points. Those who adhered to the
doctrine of the Unity were denominated by the
one party, " Hicksites," and those who adhered to
the doctrine of the Trinity (although they repudi-
ate this term) were called by the other. Orthodox.
These distinctions still remain; but each party has
suffered still further divisions in its ranks.
The society of Friends has done a good work;
and the cause of truth and humanity will ever be
indebted to them for their support and promotion.
Could they but exercise still further the true spirit
of Christian liberality, their usefulness in the cause
of human progress would be greater ; but the rigor
of their ruh^s and regulations ("the discipline" of
the society, so called) is thought to be unfavorable
to their increase as a sect.
41
The early Friends were a plain and self-sacrific-
ing people, and the testimonies which they bore
with so much heroic fortitude against the bitterest
persecution, were not without their influence upon
many not members of their society.
It is fervently to be hoped, then, that a society
on the perpetuity of whose peaceful principles so
much of the well-being of mankind depends, will
once more, forgetting all minor differences of opin-
ion, become, in the language of the poet Cowper,
''like kindred drops united into one."
There are at present 14 meetings of Friends
within the limits of the old town of Dartmouth, —
two at Apponeganset (the oldest,) one each at
Smith's Neck and Allen's Neck, two in Westport,
two at Newtown (Smith's Mills,) two in New
Bedford, and one each at Acushnet, Long Plain,
Rochester and Fairhaven. These are divided into
three monthly meetings, so called. According to
a pamphlet published in 1849, Dartmouth had at
that time 202 members, Westport 178 members,
New Bedford 445 members — the aggregate 825
members. There are two quarterly meetings hc;ld
annually in New Bedford, viz., on^ the first 5th-
day in the 4th and 12th months, forming a part of
the Sandwich quarterly meeting. The other two
quarters are held at Sandwich and Falmouth.
The early business men, and many of the me-
chanics, were members of the society of Friends,
and to their industry and enterprise the present
prosperity of New Bedford is much indebted.
They laid the foundation on which the superstruct-
42
ure of our great commercial establishment has
been built, now the third seaport in the tonnage of
sailing vessels in the United States. Though the
war with the mother country crushed the business
of New Bedford, a portion of the place, as well as
the shipping, having been burnt by the British troops,
still they persevered, until finally, by the beginning
of the present century, the village of Bedford had
become next to Nantucket in number of vessels
and amount invested in the whale-fishery. It is to
be hoped that the example of these worthy men of
business for probity will be respected and emulated,
so that we may reasonably hope for a continuance
of that prosperity which their honest enterprise did
so much to produce.
It is my intention in this history to make a
few biographical notices of some of the early set-
tlers of New Bedford and the old township of
Dartmouth, and of a few of the more prominent
ones of a later date, — those identified with the
growth and prosperity of our place. In these rec-
ords I shall endeavor to be just and true, "nothing
extenuate or set down aught in malice." Should I
therefore givei offence to any friend or relative of a
subject under notice, it will be unintentional.
Joseph Russell, of whom I have before spoken
as the founder of New Bedford, was born in the
old township of Dartmouth, near the head of the
present Walnut street, September 8th, 1722, O. S.,
and died at his house, which, as before stated, stood
at the head of William street, September 16th,
1840, aged 82 years. He was descended from
Ralpli Russell, before mentioned, whose name ap-
pear^ the earliest among the settjers of Dartmouth,
having established an iron-forge at " Russell's
Mills," so called from this circunastance, and who
had previously been connected with the Leonards
in the iroii business at Tauiiton, as will appear by
the followini?- record:
" In 1652, the first extensive iron-works in North
America were erected at Taunton by James Leon-
ard, Henry Leonard, and Ralph Russell, who came
from Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Eijgland, and
settled first at Braintrce. It was at a town meet-
ing conferred and agreed upon between the i;iihab-
itants of Taunton and Henry Leoiiard of Brain-
tree :
'"Imprimis. It was agreed and granted by the
town to the said He^iry Leonard, and James Leon-
ard his brother, and Ralph Russell, free consent to
eome hither and join with certain of our iiihabit-
ants to set up a bloomery-work on the " Two
Mile River." '
Ralph Russels removed to Dartmoutk and was
the progenitor of a numerous and respectable pos-
terity."" Bdz/Uey IILstojy Pli/motUh Colonij^ part
IL page 26a
44
CHAPTER V.
THE FIRST REPRESENTATIVE TO THE OLD COLONY COURT,
JOHN RUSSELL — NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAD TAKEN
THE OATH OF FIDELITY, 1684 — OLD RECORD — EARLY
LAND-OWNERS — LONGEVITY OF EARLY INHABITANTS—'
• FIRST HOUSE IN THE VILLAGE OF BEDFORD — FIRST
SHIP — HER PART IN THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.
1665. The township of Dartmouth was rep-
resented at the Old Colony Court, Plymouth, for
the first time, by John Russell, who was probably
a son of Ralph Russell, before mentioned, who
established the iron-forge at Russell's Mills. This
Tillage was at that time and for many years after-
wards the head-quarters of Dartmouth. It is
pleasantly situated upon the west side of the Pas-
camanset or Slocum's River, and the scenery
around is remarkable for its picturesque beauty.
This river takes its rise in the north part of the
township of New Bedford, at the beautiful little
lake near the residence of Jonathan Tobey, about
eight miles from the city. This lake or pond is
generally known as " Myles's Pond," but the Indian
name for it was " Sassaquin." * The stream affords
valuable water-power in its course, particularly at
the pleasant and thriving little village of Smith's
Mills, North Dartmouth, where there is a substan-
* Sassaqtiin "was probably the name of a chief who resided upon
thie shore of this lake; as Tispaquin, a small lake in Plymouth
County, "was so called from the sachem of ihaX name — so2»etiiaes in
the old records written Watuspaquin..
45
tial stone grist-mill and a factory, owned by Messrs.
William & John Cummings.
John Russell represented the town of Dartmouth
from 1665 to 1683, with the exception of two
years, 1666 and 1673, when John Cooke, whose
name, as well as that of John Russell, is among
those of the original proprietors mentioned in the
confirmatory deed of 1692, was chosen. 1685,
Joseph Tripp was the representative; 1686, John
Cooke; 1689-90, Seth Pope. It is probable for
several of the first years the representative made
his journey to Plymouth on foot and by the old
Indian paths. The distance from Russell's Mills
to Plymouth could not have been less than forty
miles. This journey in the winter season must
have been quite a formidable affair, as the snow
would be deep in the woods and render snow-shoes
necessary. We can imagine one of these sturdy
yeomen, warmly wrapped up in his home-manu-
factured wool, perhaps with a friendly Indian as
guide, plo'dding his way through the narrow forest
path, his mind possessed with the importance of
his office and his mission. The number of rep-
resentatives would undoubtedly be satisfactorily
small to the closest economist if such a mode of
reaching the seat of government were now required.
" 1684. Here follows the names of those that
have taken the oath of fidelity:
JOHN COOKE. RTCTTARD KIR BY,
JOHN RUSSELL, JOSEPH 'iRlPP,
.JOHN S^HTH, JONATHAN DELANO,
ARTHUR HATHAWAY, THOMAS TABER,
SAMUEL , JONATHAN RUSSELL,
C...
46
JAMES LAWSON, WILLIAM WOOD,
JOHN SHEARMAN, SAMUEL CORNELL."
Darlmoulh Records.
The books in which these early records were
kept are in a very dilapidated state, and a con-
siderable portion on separate leaves, without any
order or arrangement. They have evidently been
consulted a great deal, appearing much worn, and
in some parts quite illegible. Those descended
from the early settlers who are desirous of making
a genealogical record will iind these old books of
value for reference.
The " Proprietors' Records"* are quite volumin-
ous, and contain records of the original purchases,
and the surveys made by "old Crane," as he is
familiarly termed, who held his commission, as
before stated, under Queen Anne. I shall for the
present leave these old records for future reference,
and make such extracts from them from time to
time, as may be necessary for my object.
Previous to the Revolution, the land of New
Bedford lying between the " Cove" and the " Head
of the River" was mostly owned by a few families;
commencing south with the Aliens, thence north,
the Russells, Kemptons, Willises, Peckhams,
Hathaways, and the Wrightingtons. These peo-
ple were substantial farmers, and the old large and
comfortable farm-houses of each of these families
generally stood upon the west side of the County
road, and within the memory of many now living.
* These are now iu the safe of the Register of Deeds office, New
Bedford.
47
I'lieir farms exteiulod to the river on the cast, and
about the same distance on Ihe west^ embraeinir
extensive fields, pastures, and woodlands. The
observer will be surprised to ascertain upon survey
how large a portion of this section was arranged
into farms more than a hundred years ago, regularly
walled, with the stone in their natural state, and in
many places standing as firmly at the present day
as when first built The amomit of labor done by
these worthies in clearing, fencing, and bringing
into a state of culture these large tracts of land,
must have been very great. There was no com-
plaint of poor soil in those days; large faarulies
were reared: and the products of the soil supplied
all the necessaries and many of the comforts of
life. A more robust, haj)py, and prosperous people
than the old yeomanry of Dartmouth could hardly
be found. The original stock of the people of
New Bedford was a long-lived race, many of them
reaching ninety years ; and one case of extreme
longevity, that of Patience Kempton, who died in
the year 1779, aged one hundred and five years
six months. She was a daughter of Elder John
Faunce, of Plymouth, who died in 1745, aged
ninety-nine years. It is my intention hereafter to
make a record of those of our inhabitants remark-
able for longevity.
"In the winter of 17G0, John Loudon of Pem-
broke purchased of Joseph Russell an acre of land,
the first lot that was sold from his homestead farm,
a few rods South of what is now called the Four
Corners, on which he erected a house in the sum-
48
mer of 1761. The deed of the land was drawn
by Jireh Willis, Esq. This was the first house
erected within the limits of the then contemplated
village. Several other houses had been erected
previous to the year 17(35, when Joseph Rotch made
his purchase."
The older houses upon the farms along the
County road were not included in the village.
In the year 1767 the first ship was launched.
She was built under some buttonwood trees, near
where Hazard's wharf now lies. Her name was
the Dartmouth, and belonged to Francis,* son of
Joseph Rotch. The first voyage she made was to
London, with a cargo of whale oil, and while
going out of the bay struck upon a ledge of
rocks, but was not materially injured. This was
one of the vessels that carried the tea into Boston
harbor which was thrown overboard.
The following account of this afiair, so important
in its consequences, is from Gordon's History of
the American Revolution, the oldest record of the
circumstances I have been able to obtain, and
written by a cotemporary. The author, William
Gordon, D. D., although an Englishman, appears
in this sketch, as well as in his other historical
records of the events of the Revolution, to have
been free from undue bias against the Americans.
" The day before the last meeting [the meeting
of the Giovernor and his Council, 29th November,
1773] Captain Hall, in the Dartmouth, came to an
* The widow of this gentleman is still living ^in this city at an
advanced age, by whom I am informed that it was* her husband, and
not his father, who owned the Dartmouth.
49
anchor near the castle, having on board one hun-
dred and fourteen chests of tea; and on the day of
their meeting couies into the harbor. On the same
day a notification is posted up in all the parts of the
town, inviting every friend to his country to meet
at nine o'clock to make united resistance to the
most destructive measures of the administration.
The meeting of the people at Boston and the
neighboring towns is continued by adjournment to
the next day (November 30th,) when it is deter-
mined that the tea shall be returned. Faneuil
Hall being too small for the assembly, they adjourn
to the Old South meeting-house, and confirm the
former determination by voting 'that the tea shall
not be landed, that no duties shall be paid, and
that it shall be sent back in the same bottom.'
They further vote 'that Mr. Rotch, the owner of
the vessel, be directed not to enter the tea at his
peril, and that Captain Hall be informed, and at
his peril not to sutler any of the tea to be landed.'
They also appointed a watch of twenty-five men
to be a guard upon the Dartmouth, lying at Grif-
fin's wharf. A letter is received from the con-
signees, offering to store the teas till they can write
and receive further orders, but the proposal is re-
jected. Mr. Grecnleaf, the sheriif, appears, and
begs leave to read a proclamation from the Govern-
or, which requires the people forthwith to disperse,
and to surcease all further proceedings. He is
allowed to do it; and upon finishing, there is a
loud and general hiss. The people afterward vote
'that Captain Bruce on his arrival do conform to
the votes respecting Hall's vessel; that no tea from
Great Britain be landed or sold till the act impos-
ing the duty is repealed; that the captain of the
present watch be desired to make out a list for the
next night, and so on until the vessels leave the
harbor; that should the watch be molested, that
the inhabitants be alarmed by the tolling of the
50
bells at night, and the ringing of them in ihe clay;
that six persons be appointed to give notice to tlie
country towns upon any important occasion; that
every vessel with tea have a proper watch ; and
that their brethren in the country be desired to
afford their assistance on the first notice.' "
"December 14th. The people of Boston and
the neighboring towns that have agreed to act in
concert with Boston meet at the Old South meeting-
house, and conclude upon ordering Mr. Rotch to
apply immediately for a clearance for his ship.
Meanwhile the Governor receiving intimation that
she would be sent to sea, and that it might not be
through the ordinary channel by the castle, ac-
quaints Admiral Montague, and desires him to
take the proper precautions ; on which the Admiral
orders the Active and King Fisher to be fitted for
sea, and to fall down and guard the passages out
of the harbor. The Governor likewise renews in
writing his orders to Colonel Leslie to suffer no
vessel, coasters excepted, to pass the fortress from
the town w^ithout a permit signed by himself. A
sufficient number of guns are loaded on this special
occasion."
" The assembly are acquainted that the Collector
cannot give Mr. Rotch a clearance until the vessel
is discharged of dutiable articles.
November 16. Mr. Samuel Phillips Savage,
of Weston, is chosen moderator. The number
assembled from town and country is thought to
be some thousands. Upon the present crisis sev-
eral gentlemen deliver their sentiments ; and Mr.
Josiah Quincy, Jr.^ his, to the following purpose:'
'.It is not, Mr. Moderator, the spirit that vapors
within these walls that must stand us in stead.
The exertions, of this day will call forth events
w4iich will make a very different spirit necessary
for our salvation. Whoever supposes that shouts
51
and hosannas will terminate tlie trials of this day
(nitertaiiis a childisli fancy. We must be grossly •
ignorant of the importance and value of the ])rize
for which we contend; we must be equally ignorant
of the power of those who have combined against
us; we must be blind to that malice, inveteracy,
and insatiable revenge, which actuate our enemies,
public and private, abroad and in our bosom, to
hope that we shall end this without the sharpest
conflicts — to flatter ourselves that popular resolves,
popular harangues, popular acclamations, and pop-
ular vapor, will vanquish our foes. Let us consider
before we advance to those measures which must
bring on the most trying and terrible struggle this
country ever saw.'
About three o'clock in the afternoon the ques-
tion is put : ' Will you abide by your former
resolution with respect to not suffering the tea to
be landed ? ' It passes in the affirmative, nem. con,
Mr. Rotch is ordered to make a protest and pro-
cure a pass "^or his vessel. He waits upon the
Governor at Milton, who offers to give him a letter
to the Admiral for protection, which he declines,
fearing in that case the rage of the people, and
being in no concern about his ship, as that is not
the object of resentment, but the tea. He inti-
mates to the Governor that some of the leaders of
the people wish the ship to go down and be stopped
at the castle, 'for then they will be rid of the affair,
and may say they have done all in their power.'
While Mr. Rotch is a,bsent, the speakers in the
meeting keep the peo])le together by engaging
their attention till he returns, which is before six
o'clock, when he informs the body that upon apply-
ing to the Governor for a pass,* he received for an
answer, 'I cannot give you a pass consistent with
the laws and my duty to my King, unless the
vessel is properly qualified from the Custom-
House.' Upon this there is a great deal of dis-
52
putiii^, when a person disguised like an Indian gives
^he war-hoop in the front gallery, where there are
few if any besides himself. Upon this signal it
is moved and voted that the meeting be imme-
diately dissolved. The people crowd out and run
in numbers to Griitin's wharf. At the same in-
stant a number of persons, chiefly masters of
vessels and ship-builders from the north end of the
town, about seventeen, though judged to be many
more as they run along across Fort Hill, dressed
as Indians and repair to the tea-ships, and in about
two hours hoist out of them and break open three
hundred and forty-two chests of tea, and discharge
their contents into the salt water. They are not
in the least molested. The multitude of spectators
upon and about the wharf serve as a covering
party. The whole business is conducted with very
little tumult, and no damage done to the vessels
or any other property; when finished, the people
return quietly to their own towns and habitations."
I have made an extract of this full and particular
account of that famous event sometimes styled
the " Boston Tea-Party," for the purpose of show-
ing the part which one of our early citizens and
his ship held in the matter.
ho
CHAPTER VI.
THE WHALE-FISHERY — BURKE'S TRIBUTE TO THE EARLY
WHALEINIEN — EARLY ENTERPRISES — THE EFFECTS OF
THE REVOLUTION — THE OLD SHIP REBECCA — ANEC-
DOTE OF THE EARLY STRICTNESS OF IRIENDS — RELICS
OF WHALING IN THE OLDEN TIME.
The beautiful and eloquent tribute of Edmund
Burke to the early whalemen of New England* in
his noble speech before the British House of Com-
mons in behalf of the American colonies, has been
often quoted ; but 1 do not know of a more appro-
priate introduction to the sketch of this most im-
portant branch of commercial enterprise, in which
our history is so intimately interested, tlian by
bringing it before my readers in this place.
" Look at the manner in which the people of
New England have carried on the whale-fishery.
Whilst we follow them among the tumbling
mountains of ice, and behold them penetrating into
the deepest recesses of Hudson's Bay and Davis'
Strait — whilst we are looking for fhem beneath
the Arctic Circle, we hear that they have pierced
into the o])j:)osite region of polar cold — that they
are at the antipodes, and engaged under the frozen
serpent of the south. Falkland Island, which
seemed too remote and romantic an object for the
grasp of national ambition, is but a stage and rest-
ing-place in the progress of their victorious industry.
Nor is the equatorial heat more discouraging to
them than the accumulated winter of both the
poles. We know that whilst some of them draw
the line and strike the harpoon on the coast of Af-
riori, others run the longitndc, and pursue their c^i-
gantic game along tlie coast of Brazil. No ocean
but what is vexed with their fisheries ; no climate
that is not witness to their toils. Neither the per-
severance of Holland, nor the activity of France,
nor the. dexterous and firm sagacity of English en-
terprise, ever carried this perilous mode of hardy
enterprise to the extent to which it has been pushed
by this recent people, — a peo])le who are still, as
it were, in the gristle, and not yet hardened into
the bone of manhood."
And this people, so justly eulogized for their
hardy and noble daring and enterprise, were natives
of Nantucket and New Bedford, — men whose
youth and manhood were spent upon the ocean,
and in whose declining years many of us remember
as among our most useful and honored citizens.
The debt our nation, as well as ourselves, owes to
them is very great, and their virtues and sacrifices
should ever be duly remembered.
The whale-fishery is of a very ancient origin, and
dates back even before the time of Alfred the Great.
But the information in regard to it at this early
period, as well as for several centuries afterwards,
is merely incidental, yet sufficient to establish the
fact that it was an enterprise early engaged in by
those adventurous pioneers upon the ocean, the old
Northmeii. The whale was not only sought after
by these hardy seamen for the oil it produced, but
also for the food which they obtained from the
tongue. And even at the present day the wiiale is
nearly as important and necessary to the natives of
the Northwest Coast, as a means of livelihood, as
55
the buflalo is to the Indian beyond the Rocky
Mountains, or the reindeer to the Laplander.
At this early period it is not probable the whale-
bone was deemed of much importance ; but in the
fifteenth century it became an article of commerce,
and was estimated at an enormous value ; and the
tail of every whale taken by her subjects was re-
served for the especial use of the Queen of England.
The Portuguese, during the same century (the
15th,) were noted for their marine adventures, push-
ing their hopeful enterprises beyond the stormy
cape of Africa, which in their enthusiastic confi-
dence they named " the Cape of Good Hope."
The Portuguese as well as the Spaniards, those
upon the maritime districts, have ever evinced a
strong love for the ocean ; and for many years the
former have been more or less to be found among
our whalemen, many of them excellent seamen,
but unfortunately too often of a violent and re-
vengeful nature. A part of New Bedford at the
south end of Water street is now known as Fayal,
from the large number of the Portuguese from
that and other ports in the Portuguese dominions.
In fact our city is a microcosm. Not only the
Portuguese and Spaniard, but Dutch, Swedish,
Norwegian, German, French, English, Scotch,
Irish, and other natives of Europe, as well as of
Asia and Africa, the Sandwich-Islanders, New-
Zealanders, &c., &c., are to be found among our
seamen, and more or less of them in port the
greater part of the time.
The Dutch were also early famous for their mar-
itinu*. exploits, and the wlifilolishery was for a
56
long time prosecuted by them with great vigor.
To them is attributed the improvement if not the
invention of the harpoon, the use of the reel and
line and the lance. At one time the Dutch had
a fishing settlement, or place of rendezvous, on the
island of Spitzbergen.
The attention of the early settlers of New Eng-
land was early called to the whale-fishery, from
the unyielding nature of the soil, which rendered
it necessary for them to look to the sea for their
sustenance. As early as 1690 they had reached
the banks of Newfoundland in their pursuit of
whales. But the voyages of the early whalemen
of Nantucket and New Bedford were upon the
coast, and for several years did not reach beyond
the capes of Virginia and Cape Hatteras. The
"right whale," balxvna mysiicelus^ was the only
species known to the first adventurers. The
"sperm whale," the cachelot or physeter macro-
cepliahis^ was not found until they had reached
more southern latitudes.
In the 16th century the Biscay fishermen, fol-
lowing in the track of Sebastian Cabot, had pur-
sued the whale-fishery to the banks of Newfound-
land, and probably farther south, for in the abstract
made by Dr. Belknap from the journal of the
voyage of Gosnold to this coast, is recorded the
following passage:
" From a rock which they called ' Savage Kock,'
a shallop of European fabric came off to them, in
which were eight savages, two or three of whom
were dressed in European habits. From these
circumstances they concluded that some fishing-
5^
vessel of Biscay had been there, and that the crew
were destroyed by the natives."
The war with England completely broke Up the
whale-fishery, for, notwithstanding the noble effort
of the great statesman before quoted, the govern-
ment of Great Britain turned a deaf ear to all the
advice and remonstrance of her friends.
The mother country, not satisfied with having
so completely frustrated the business of our fore-
fathers by the war of the Revolution, after peace
had been declared, continued to ofier the bounty,
equal to forty dollars for each man employed,
which they had done previous to the war. But
few Americans, however, accepted this bribe; and
notwithstanding the efibrts of the King of France,
Louis XVI, who fitted out several vessels on his
own account, and offered a bounty of nine dollars
to every American wdialeman wdio should emigrate
to France, the whale-fishery here continued to in-
crease, and in the year 1789 an average of one
hundred and twenty-two vessels was employed.
The whale-fishery has claimed the attention of
many literary and scientific men, and the works of
Scoresby and other English writers upon the Arctic
regions and the Northern whale-fishery,* are full of
* An Account of the Arctic Regions; with a History and Description
of the Northern W hale-Fishery. By William Scoresby, Jr., F. R. S. E.
2 vols. Edinburgh, 1820.
Journal of a Voyage to the Northern Whale-Fishery, &c., in the
Summer of 1822. By William Scoresby, Jr., &c. Edinburgh, 1823.
•'Death of Dr. Scoresby. Dr. Scoresby, the veteran of Arctic
enterprise, died at Torquay, England, on the 21st of March, 1857,
after a lingering illness. Science loses a great deal by his death.
His father was one of the most daring and successful seamen in the
northern whale-fishery, when that service was among the chief sources
68
interesting and instructive matter. The speech of
the Hon. William H. Seward before the United
States Senate in 1852 is a valuable compendium
of all the most important statistics of this great
branch of commerce. And to these productions
I am indebted for many of the most important
facts and statements herein made.
To Joseph Russell, the founder of New Bedford,
is also attributed the honor of being the pioneer of
the whale-fishery of New Bedford. It is well
authenticated by the statements of several cotem-
poraries, lately deceased, that Joseph Russell had
pursued the business as early as the year 1755.
As early as 1765, "the sloops Nancy, Polly, Grey-
hound, and Hannah, all from forty to sixty tons,
owned by Joseph Russell, CalebR ussell, and Will-
ia)n Tallman, were employed in the whale-fishery."
These vessels made their voyages during the
warm weather, and the w^hales were taken olF the
capes of Virginia, so that but a few weeks' ab-
sence was required for the accomplishment of the
of the commercial wealth of the nation and one of the best nurseries
of the British navy; and the deceased, from his youth, was inured to
the hardships and perils of the Arctic seas. After his retirement from
active service at sea, says the Literary Gazette, he resolved to enter
the church; and after holding appointments in less congenial localities,
he found in the maritime town of Hull a sphere which afforded full
scope for his benevolent eiforts for the social and spiritual welfare of
sailors.
His scientfic career in the latter years of his life is well known.
His reports to the British Association, and his numerous observations
on the influence of the iron of vessels on the compass, were connected
with inquiries of the utmost importance to navigation. It was in
prosecuting these researches, and with a view to determine various
questions of magnetic science, that Dr. Scoresby undertook a voyage
to Australia, from which he returned in 1856, with his constitutiun
much enfeebled from the arduous labors to which he had subjected
himself. ' '
voyage. The process of trying out the oil was
deferred until their arrival home, when the vessels
were brought as near as possible to the shore upon
the broadside, and the butts containing the pieces
of the whale called blubber were drawn to the
try-house near the shore by ox teams. The place
of landing, with the original try -works, was near
the foot of Centre street.
The account-books of pur first merchant as
well as the founder of New Bedford, Joseph Rus-
sell, are now in the possession of his grandson,
William T. Russell, of this city. They were kept
Avith great accuracy, in sterling currency of course,
and the penmanship very handsome. They com-
mence in the year 1770 and continue to 1777.
Other vessels were added by Mr. Russell, viz.;
the brig Joseph & Judith, the la:tter name for his
wife, whose maiden name was Judith Rowland ;
the brig Patience, for one of his daughters ; the brig
No Duty on Tea ; and the brig Russell. These
vessels were all employed in the whale-fishery,
wiiich had now reached to the West Indies, the
Bay of Mexico, Western IslandvS, and even to the
coasts of Brazil and Guinea.
The war with the mother country, as before stat-
ed, put a stop to the business, but it was again re-
sumed immediaiely after the declaration of peace.
The voyages now became more arduous, and were
extended to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
" The ship Rebecca, Joseph Kersey, master, is said
to have been th(; first American whaler that doubled
Cape Horn and obtained a cargo of oil in the Pa-
(50
cific Ocean. She was owned by Joseph Russell
& Sons, and Cornelius Howland, and sailed from
New Bedford the 28th of September, 1791, and
returned the 23d of February, 1793, with a full
cargo of oil."
The late Captain Joseph Wheldon of North
Fairhaven was a boatsteerer in the Rebecca on
this voyage. On a visit to him a short time pre-
vious to his death, he stated to the writer that he
received two hundred dollars in silver from the
late Gilbert Russell in the settlement of his voyage,
and that he never felt richer in his life than at this
time.
The Rebecca was built in New Bedford by
George Claghorn, and was launched in the month
of March, 1785, near the spot now occupied by the
wharf of the late firm of Wilcox & Richmond.
Col. Claghorn was also the builder of the United
States frigate Constitution.*
A handsome female figure-head had been made
in Philadelphia for the Rebecca, and was placed
upon her previous to launching; but there being
considerable objection made to it on the part of
members of the society of Friends, of which the
owners were members, it was removed. A mock
funeral was held over it by a few gay young men,
one or more of them sons of Joseph Russell, when
it was buried in the sand upon the shore.
* The following advertisement appeared in *' Kussell's Commercial
Gazette," Boston, Sept. 11, 1797:
NAVY YARD, BOSTOX^.
TUE Constructor has the honor to inform liis Fellow-Citizens that the
Frigate Constitution is to be launched into her destined Element ou
Wcdnesc/ai/, the 20th iust., at 11 o'clock. GEUliOE CLAGllOJtiN.
61
Although the Rebecca was only of 175 tons, she
was considered a very large vessel, and was visited
as an object of wonder. It was no small matter to
obtain a captain sufhciently experienced to take
charge. At length Capt. Haydon, who had made
several foreign voyages, was engaged, and the late
Capt. Cornelius Grinnell was her first mate. The
ship proceeded to Philadelphia, and thence took a
cargo to Liverpool. The captain on the return
passage was taken ill, and rendered incapable of
continuing the command, which devolved upon the
first mate, who conducted the voyage so much to
the satisfaction of the owners that the command
of her was given to him on the next voyage. Capt.
Grinnell was one of our most successful ship-mas-
ters, a gentleman of the old school, and one of that
class of worthies with which the rise and progress
of New Bedford is inseparably connected. The
Rebecca was finally lost on her homeward passage
from Liverpool in the winter of 1803-4. She is
supposed to have foundered during a severe gale
which occurred on the coast of England soon after
she left port.
The Rebecca was so named from the eldest
daughter of Joseph Russell, the wife of Daniel
Ricketson. She died 3d mo. 1st, 1836, aged 90
years, at the house of her son the late Joseph Rick-
etson.
The following reminiscences of the whale-fiish-
ery, furnished by William C. Maxfeld of this city,
and previously published in the New-Bedford Mer-
cury, are interesting and valuable:
D
62
"The first, a license issued from the Custom-
House at Newport, bearing date the 4th day of
September, 1770, to the sloop called the Wren, is
signed by Joseph Wanton, Esq., Governor and
Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's Colony of
Rhode Island, &c., and countersigned by Charles
Dudley, Collector, and bears the broad seal of the
Colony of Rhode Island, and also the seal of the
Customs of the port of Newport. Stephen Davis,
of Dartmouth, in the Province of Massachusetts
Bay, is master of the Wren, and takes the neces-
sary oath. She is a square-sterned vessel of eight-
een tons burthen, was built in Dartmouth in 1770,
and was owned by the master, Caleb Tripp, and
William Davis of Dartmouth. By indorsements on
the back, we find that she was afterwards command-
ed by William Tillinghast, Fortunatus Shearman,
Jonathan Soule, Daniel Tripp and William Smith.
We have next a journal of the whaling-voyage
of the sloop Betsey, of Dartmouth. The first page
of this is missing. The first date is July 27th,
1761. We give the following extracts from the log.
It will be seen that the names of the captains spok-
en with are given, but not those of their vessels.
< August 2d, 1761. Lat. 45 54, Ion. 53 57, saw
two sperm whales; killed one.'
< August 4th. Lat. 44 27, Ion. 51 36, sounded on
the Grand Bank, in 45 fathoms. Saw humpbacks.'
* August 6th. Spoke with John Clasbe; he had
got 105 bbls.; told us Seth Folger had got 150 bbls.
Spoke with two Nantucket men ; they had got one
whale between them; they told us that Jenkins
& Dunham had got four whales between them,
and Allen & Pease had got 2 whales between them.
Lat 42 57.'
' Sunday, August 9th. Saw sperm whales ; struck
two and killed them between us,' (naming their
consort.)
(33
^ August 10th. Cut up our blubber into casks ;
filled 35 hhds.; our partner filled 33 hhds. Judged
ourselves to be not far from the Banks. Finished
stowing the hold.'
' August 14th. Sounded ; got 45 fathoms. Tried
for codfish, but got none.'
'.August 20. Lat. 44 deg. 2 min. This morning
spoke with Thomas Gibbs: had got 110 bbls.; told
us he had spoke with John Akin and Ephraini
Delano and Thomas Nye ; they had got no oil at
all. Sounded; got no bottom. Thomas Gibbs told
us we were but two leagues off the Bank.'
' August 22. This morning saw a spermaceti and
killed her. Saw a sail to leeward, standing west-
ward.'
' August 23. Went to work on the head; filled
six hhds. Went on board Capt. Shearman and
rafted blubber.'
' August 28. This morning saw^ a sloop; spoke
v/ith her; it was Wilmot West; had got 65 bbls.
Saw a spermaceti ; it set in foggy ; lost sight of him.
Lat. 43 deg. 22 min.'
* August 30. Saw a spermaceti, but could not
strike her. Lat. 43 deg. 14 min.'
'August 31. Squally; thunder and lightning.
Saw^ spermaceties plenty.'
' Sept. 2. Saw a spermaceti spout. It set in thick
and foggy.'
'Sept. 3. This morning at 8 saw a spermaceti;
got into her two short warps and the tow-iron; she
drawed the short warps and the tow-iron, and ran
away. In the afternoon came across her.; got an-
other iron in, but she went away. Judge ourselves
to be nigh the Banks.'
'Sept. 5. Saw spermaceties; chased, but could
not strike.'
64
' Sept. 6. Yesterday afternoon saw whales ; struck
one, but never saw her again.'
' Sept. 7. Saw a school of small spermaceties;
Captain Shearman struck one out of the vessel and
killed her; brought her alongside of our vessel; cut
in her body. Lat. 43 deg.'
On the 17th Sept. they made the land, and sup-
posed to have ended the voyage. The rest of the
log for that voyage is missing. The captain's name
of the sloop Betsey does not appear. No estimate
is given of the oil taken.
This journal shows that sperm whales were tak-
en near the Newfoundland Banks, and that several
vessels cruised about that ground as early as 1761.
We now give the following abstracts from the
journal of a whaling voyage dated 1762, in the
same hand-writing as the preceding journal. The
journal of the commencement of the voyage, and
while they were on the cruising-ground for whales,
is missing. The first date of the journal is 2d
Sept., 1762; at this date it appears they had put
away for home; oil obtained not stated.
' Sept. 2, 1762. This day judged ourselves to be
abreast of Cape Race. Spoke wdth Shubel Bun-
ker and Benjamin Paddock; they told us that we
were 15 leagues to the westward of the Bank.'
' Sept. 3. Kept her W. by N. | N.; wind east;
moderate, but a bad sea. Knocked down try- works.'
' Sept. 15. Spoke Henry Folger and Nathan Cof-
fin; they judge they came off of Brown's Bank
yesterday, and off George's this morning.'
' Sept. 17. Made land, the Highlands of Cape
Cod.'
Here the journal ends, without giving the name
of the port they arrived at.
We have next the following, illustrative of what
would be called a poor voyage in these days:
65
SETTLEMENT OF SLOOP BETSEY's WHALE VOYAGE, 17G7.
Tuns. Bbls. Gals.
8 6 2ii body oil, at £150 per tun, £1313 17 6
1 7 head matter, at £l!00, 375
Sundry charges for settling the voyage.
£1688 17 6
56 19 8
Men's shares,
£1631 17 10
709 19
Sundry bills against the sloop for outfits.
£921 18 10
1140 12 1
Leaving a loss to the owners of £218 13 3
Upon the back of the log we find some figure-
work, headed ' What we judge we owe Joseph
Kotch & Sons for sloop Betsey,' which throws
some light upon the cost of fitting a whaler at
that time. It is as follows :
£ s. d.
Before we began to fit for whaling,
4 bbls. of Pork,
60 lbs. of Tallow,
60 lbs. of Butter,
1 Tow-line,
45 bushels of Corn,
3 cwt. of Bread,
66 qr. of Flour,
Leather and sundries,
Coffee — 1 Cheese,
2 bushels of Beans,
1 cwt. of Cordage,
2 lbs. of Twine and Breeks,
We then have the following additional
memoranda of expenses:
Tallman & Russell, to 5 lbs. tea,
Two pails, and 1 shovel, and boards,
Tabour, for mending boats,
Richard Dilno and Abisha Dilno,
Jonathan Smith & Sampson, blacksmith,
Louden & Hudson,
"William Claghorn, sundries.
45 00
103 10
15 00
20 10
53 00
50 12 6
14 00
17 10
15 00
18 00
4 00
84 00
11 18
£402 00 6
Carried over,
10 12 6
9 10
12 00
22 10
35 00
10 00
134 00
£035 13
£ s. d.
635 13 Q
150 00
40 00
238 00
23 00
14 00
66
Brought over,
David Shepherd, new cask,
Sundries put in,
John Slocum, sundries,
Cheese,
Jethro Hathaway, beef. 166 lbs.,
£1100 13
Thus it will be seen that when our fathers began
to do business upon the great waters, it was by no
means upon the scale of our present great coni-
mercial enterprises. It does not become us, how-
ever, to forget the debt we owe so entirely to their
enterprise, bravery and hardihood."
The following is a description of the interesting
picture of " The Origin of the Whale-Fishery," by
William A. Wall, made by the author of this work
at the time of its exhibition in 1853: "Upon the
shore lies keeled over on her side one of the small
vessels then employed for whaling; the model of
the craft, a sloop, indicates a primitive idea of
naval architecture, and was undoubtedly the work-
manship of some old Dartmouth mechanic. By
the side of this sloop, but otherwise concealed from
view, is seen the sail of another little vessel, with
the union jack of old England drooping from the
mast-head. The river lies peacefully outstretched,
with a view of the west side of Palmer's Island and
the shore along by the ' Smoking Rocks,' and Nau-
shon in the distance. Where now stand our
wharves and ware-houses, the primeval forest trees
are seen extending their roots to the water's edge.
In the foreground of the picture, and that which
will be to most its chief interest, is seen a group
of the early inhabitants of New Bedford, or rather
67
Bedford, as it was then called, busily employed.
Under an old shed is seen the try-pot, with its at-
tendants; also the jaws of a whale thrown upon
the roof. More conspicuous, and nearer the be-
Iiolder, stands one man in a red flannel shirt, with
a patch on the breast, pouring oil from a long-
handled dipper into a wooden-hooped barrel; an-
other handling over the blabber; and still more
prominent, a fine-looking fellow is coopering a bar-
rel, in conference with an Indian, who, with his
baskets and moccasins for sale or barter, is seated,
upon a broken mast. Further on, seated upon the
frame of a grindstone, and giving directions to a
colored man (evidently one of the old stock of
Guinea negroes, some old ' Pero,' ' Quash,' or ' Pom-
pey'.) who is holding his master's horse by the bri-
dlcj is seen in his broad-brimmed hat and Friendly
coat, the founder of New Bedford and the father
of her whale-fishery, Joseph Russell."
Previous to the Revolutionary War, a sloop from
New Bedford commanded by Captain John How-
land captured a whale in the Strait of Belle Isle,
which yielded 215 bbls.
I would refer those desirous of further informa-
tion relative to the sperm whale to the valuable
work of Lieut. Maury, U. S. N., on the Winds and
Currents of the Sea. Washington, 1851.
I. shall conclude this chapter with the following
old Whaling Song, probably the oldest extant.
The author. Dr. John Osborn, was born in Sand-
wich, C. C, in the year 1713. He was educated
at Harvard College, and was afterwards a })hysi-
cian in Middletown, Ct.
68
A WHILING SONG.
"When spring returns 'with western gailes-,,
And gentle breezes sweep
The ruflGling seas, we spread our sails
To plough the wat'ry deep.
'For killing northern whales prepared^
Our nimble boats on board,
With craft and rum, (our chief regard,)
And good prorisions stored.
We view the monsters of the deep.
Great whales in numerous swarms;
And creatures there, that play and leapj,
Of strange, unusual forms.
Cape Cod, our dearest native land.
We leave astern, and lose
Its sinking cliffe and lessening sands,
AVhile Zephyr gently blows.
Bold, hardy men, with blooming age,.
Our sandy shores produce ;
With monstrous fish they dare engage.
And dangerous callings choose.
Now towards the early dawning east
We speed our course away.
With eager minds and joyful hearts,
To meet the rising day.
Then as we turn our wandering eyes.
We view one constant show ;
Above, around, the circling skies,
The rolling seas below.
When eastward, clear of Newfoundland^
We stem the fx'ozen pole.
We see the icy islands stand.
The northern billows roll.
As to the north we make our way.
Surprising scenes we find;
We lengthen out the tedious day,
And leave the night behind.
Now see the northern regions, where
Eternal winter reigns ;
One day and night fills up the year;,
And endless cold maintains.
When in our station we are placed^,
And whales around us play,
We launch our boats into the main
And swiftly chase our prey.
69
In haste we ply our nimble oars.
For an assault designed ;
The sea beneath us foams* and roars,
And leaves a wake behind.
A mighty whale we rush upon.
And in our irons throw:
She sinks her monstrous body down
Among the waves below.
And when she rises out again,
We soon renew the fight.
Thrust our sharp lances in amain.
And all her rage excite.
Enraged she makes a mighty bound;
Thick foams the whitened sea ;
The waves in circles rise around,
And widening roll away.
She thrashes with her tail around.
And blows her redd'ning breath;
She breaks the air, a deaf'ning sound,
While ocean groans beneath.
From numerous wounds, with crimson flood
She stains the frothy seas,
And gasps, and blows her latest blood,
While quivering life decays.
With joyful hearts we see her die.
And on the surfixce lay;
While all with eager haste apply
To save our deathful prey.
D.r.
70
CHAPTER VII.
THE VILLAGE OF BEDFORD— STATISTICS BY ABRAHAM
SHEARMAN, JR. — CAPTAIN WILLIAM GORDON'S AC-
COUNT OP THE INVASION BY THE BRITISH TROOPS
DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR — SCHEDULE OF
PROPERTY DESTROYED— ANECDOTE OF THE INTRE-
PIDITY OF A WOMAN— FIRST CANDLE-WORKS— CAUSES
OF PROSPERITY.
Our place was for a long time known as the vil-
lage of Bedford; and to many, even at the present
time, the sound of this time-honored designation
is much more familiar than that of the City. In
fact, a considerable portion of the natives of New
Bedford, those who have reached the meridian of
life or older, usually omit the prefix (which as be-
fore stated was not originally adopted) when speak-
ing of the place, and call it only Bedford. Oifices
have been and still are held under the present city
organization by those even the names of whom are
not known to many of the older portion of the in-
habitants, and to whom the name of City is as
though it were not; and Bedford is the only place
they recognize or know. This may be considered
a fitting prelude to the following interesting sketch
from the 13th volume 2d series of the Massachusetts
Historical Collections, supposed to have been writ-
ten by one of our most estimable fellow-citizens,
the late Abraham Shearman, for many years a
prominent member of the Society of Friends,
whose sterling virtues, and the important part he
contributed to the early history of our place, will
deserve a more extended notice amonsf our worthies.
•t=>
" The village of New Bedford stands in a pleas-
ant situation, upon the west side of Acushnet
Eiver, in latitude 41 deg. 37 min. 30 sec. north,
longitudo 70 deg. 52 min. 30 sec. west from
Greenwich, according to Knight's Survey. It lies
north and south, upon a gradual ascent from the
water, and exhibits a pleasing view of the harbor.
The streets (three running north and south, and
twelve east and west) are of good width, and cross
each other at right angles. The houses, which are
with few exceptions built of wood, are in general
well finished, and possess an air of neatness. In
the year 1765, there were two or three small ves-
sels employed in the whale-fishery. In the course
of ten years, at the commencement of the year
1775, when a period was put to business, the num-
ber of whalemen increased to forty or fifty.
According to the valuation of 1801, the number
of dwelling-houses in the village was a hundred
and eighty-five. The public buildings are a meet-
ing-house for Friends, one for Congregationalists,
two large school-houses, one for each of those
societies, an alms-house, and a small market-house.
The principal dependence of the inhabitants is on
commerce. In 1790 there were only two or three
square-rigged vessels; there are now [1802] nearly
twenty sail of ships. During the late w^ar they
have principally been employed in the freighting
business from New York and the southern ports
of Europe. Voyages have also been made to
Europe and the East and "West Indies directly
from this port. Since the peace they have been
returning in some measure to whaling. Ship-
building, the manufacture of cordage, for which
purpose there are two ropewalks, and the manu-
72 .
facture of spermaceti candles, are advantageously
pursued.
In 1796 a company was incorporated to biiild a
bridge across the Acushnet River, to connect Bed-
ford with the villages of Fairhaven and Oxford;
which has since been accomplished at the expense
of about thirty thousand dollars. The bridge, in-
cluding the abutments and the space taken up by
two islands which it crosses, is upwards of four
thousand feet in length." ' '
I also find in said volume the following addi-
tional "note of July 24, 1807," probably by anoth-
er hand:
"In Bedford there are seven wharves; between-
ninety and a hundred ships and brigs, containing
each on an average two hundred and fifty tons; and
between twenty and thirty small vessels: twelve
of the ships are whalemen. In 1805 there were be-
longing to this place seventy-three ships and
thirty-nine brigs. A lot of a quarter of an acre of
land sells for five hundred dollars to two thousand
dollars. Bedford contains a little short of three
hundred dvv^elling-houses; Fairhaven about one
hundred. There are three ropewalks in Bedford,
and one in Fairhaven. The depth of water in the
harbor is from three to four fathoms. Common
tides rise five feet. The lighthouse, which stands
on Clark's Point, shows one light. The bridge
mentioned above was this year in the month of
March swept away by the tide. It is now rebuild-
ing and will soon be finished."
The following interesting account of the prep-
arations for defence of our place during the Rev-
plutionary War, and its burning by the British
troops, I received in the year 1831 from the late
73
Captain William Gordon, who was an eye-witness
of the events :
"During the early part of the Revolution, the
inhabitants of Bedford and Fairhaven, thinking it
necessary to have a fortress to protect them from
the depredations of the British privateers, erected
the small fort at the entrance of the harbor, on the
east side of the river, upon the rocky prominence
called by the native Indians Nobscot. It contained
ten iron cannon of different calibre, namely : one
eighteen -pounder, three twelve- pounders, five nine-
pounders, and one six-pounder, mounted on garri-
son carriages. The garrison consisted of a captain,
one lieutenant, several non-commissioned officers,
and about twenty privates. It had sundry com-
manders during the interval between its erection
and demolition.
In the early part of the Revolution, when many
privateers were fitted out of Boston and Provi-
dence, Bedford harbor became a receptacle for the
prize vessels which they captured, it being the
only port this side of the Chesapeake that was not
in the power of the British. On this account, the
government of Massachusetts, thinking it proper
to aid in its protection and defence, sent a detach-
ment from the Massachusetts Train Artillery, fur-
nished with four field-pieces and an ammunition
wagon laden with munitions of war, from Boston,
which arrived at Bedford March 1st, 1778. At
this time the town was stored with prize goods of
every description, which being discovej-ed by the
British, Sir Henry Clinton dispatched an expedi-
tion under the couuTiand of General Gray against
it. On the 5th of September the fleet entered
Clark's Cove, and formed a bridge of boats to
the shore, on which landing between four and five
thousand men, they marched into town. When
they arrived, most of the inhabitants, having been
74
alarmed by a discharge of cannon at the fort, had
fled. They immediately began their work of
plunder and conflagration, and in a short time
most of the town was in flames. About seventy
sail of shipping, beside a number of small craft,
were destroyed. The damage done at this time
amounted to the value of $422,680. After having
committed their spoliation at Bedford and about
the town, they marched to the head of Acushnet
River, and down the east side into Sconticut Neck,
where they encamped until Monday. While sta-
tioned here, a party of their troops entered the
fort, which the garrison had abandoned on the
arrival of the British, knowing their number, which
was but a handful of men, unable to cope with so
strong a force. Here they spiked up the cannon,
knocking off their cascabels and trunnions, burnt
the platform and gun-carriages, and totally dis-
mantled it. After this they reembarked on board
their shipping.
The night after their embarkation, they attempt-
ed to land a large number of troops at Fairhaven,
in order to burn that village; but when they were
beginning to land, and had set fire to two or three
stores, Major Israel Fearing, who had the command
of about one hundred or one hundred and fifty
men, fired upon them and they immediately re-
treated aboard their ships, taking their dead and
wounded with them.
On Tuesday following they departed, and pro-
ceeded to Martha's Vineyard, from which they
took off a large number of oxen and about ten
thousand sheep."
The following is a copy of a list of the property
destroyed at this time by the British troops, made
at the time by the late Gilbert Russell :
*' Ship Harriet. Ship Fanny (French prize.)
Ship Mellish (Continental.) Ship Hero.
Ship Leopard.
Ship Spaniard.
Ship Caesar.
Barque Nanny,
Snow Simeon.
Brig Sally (Continental.)
Brig Rosin.
Brig Sally (fish.)
Schooner Adventure.
Sehooner Loyalty (Contineptal.)
Sloop Nelly.
Sloop Fly Fish.
Sloop (Captain Lawrence.)
Schooner Defiance.
Schooner Captain Jenny.
Brig No Duty on Tea.
Schooner Sally (Hornet's prize.)
Sloop (Bowers.)
Sloop Sally (12 guns.)
Brig (Ritchie.)
Brig Poye.
Brig Holland.
Sloop (Joseph R.)
Sloop Bociron.
Sloop Pilot Fish.
Schooner (the other side.)
Brig Sally.
Sloop Retaliation.
Sloop (J. Brown's.)
Schooner (Eastward.)"
Amounting to 7 ships, 1 barque, 1 snow, 8 brigs,
7 schooners, 10 sloops — 84 sail.
•' DWELLING-HOUSES.
Benjamin Taber,
Leonard Jarvis,
J. Lowden,
J. Gerrish,
W. Claghorn,
2 V. Childs,
1 Joseph Roteh,
1 Joseph Roteh, Jr.,
1 Joseph Russell,
1
1
1
1
1
SHOPS, &c.
Isaac Howland's distilhouse.
Cooper's shop,
Warehouses,
Joseph Russell's barn,
Joseph Russell's shop.
Church's shop (shoe,)
Store, ^ Joseph
Warehouses (old,) 5 Russell's,
1 Shops (small,) > Joseph
1 Candle-house, S Russell's,
8 L. Kempton,
1 Roteh & Jarvis's shop,
1 Warehouses,
1 Joseph Rotch's barn,
1 Chaise-house,
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
Ropewalk, and one house ; A. Smith's blacksmith
shop ; Benjamin Taber' s shop."
In all 11 houses 20 shops, &c., and 1 ropewalk.
The intrepidity of a woman, who remained in
her house while the British soldiers were perform-
ing their work of destruction, is worthy of note. A
company of the plunderers entered the house, and
after having stripped her pantry of its stores, such
as doughnuts, apple dumplings, &c., came into the
room, where she sat unconcernedly knitting, and,
76
taking the fire from the hearth, were preparing to
burn the house, when she, not being able to retain
her patience any longer, seized a pail of water, and
dashed the fire out. They again set fire to the
house, and she again extinguished it. The maraud-
ers then threatened her with death if she still per-
sisted, and were preparing to fire the building the
third time, when orders came for their march, and
they departed without accomplishing their design.
Thus this courageous woman preserved the house
for its owner, who, being a wealthy man, .gave her
the exorbitant recompense oi five pounds of rice.
A short time previous to the Revolutionary War,
a wealthy merchant of this place (Joseph Rotch, or
his son, William Rotch, Sen.) was concerned with
Aaron Lopez, an eminent Jew of Newport, in a
fleet of about fifteen sail, most of which was fitted
here. These vessels were to assemble at the Falk-
land Islands, and thence pursue the whale-fishery.
A part of the fleet was to be employed in taking
the oil, and the remainder in transporting it to
London. They intended to have settled at Port
Egmond, or to have made this their place of ren-
dezvous ; but the intervention of the war frustrated
the undertaking, and but one vessel of the whole
fleet arrived at the destined port. The remainder
was supposed to have been captured by the British
cruisers.
When we contemplate the discomfitures and
heavy losses of our early merchants by the war of
the Revolution, the embargo, the last war with
England, and by French privateers, our admiration
77
is excited at the composure with which these ad-
versities were met, and the renewed corn-age with
which they entered upon the work of repairing
their broken fortunes.
Previous to the Revolutionary War a candle-
house, the first in the place, was built by Joseph
Russell ; and Capt. Chafee, who had been engaged
in manufacturing spermaceti in Lisbon, was em-
ployed by Mr. Russell at the then large "salary of
^v500 per year. This building stood near the corner
of Centre and Front streets, and was burnt by the
British during the general conflagration of the pluce.
To the industry, enterprise, and above all to the
honorable commercial character of our early mer-
chants and men of business, are we indebted for
that foundation upon which all the future success
and prosperity of New Bedford is built. No doubt
but the principles of the society of Friends, of which
order was a large proportion of our predecessors,
coutributed greatly to the support of that character
for honesty, prudence, and morality, which so much
distinguished them. That our continued prosperity
and future success depend upon the support of
such a character among our men of business, no
one who has been a careful observer of the real
causes of success or failure in a commercial com-
munity can doubt.
78
CHAPTER VIII.
MARCH OF THE BRITISH TROOPS TO ACUSHNET AND
FAIRHAVEN — DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY ON" THE WA^
— NEW-BEDFORD AND FAIRHAVEN BRIDGE — LIGHT-
HOUSE AT CLARK'S POINT — THE BEDFORD BANK —
NOTICE OF JOHN PICKENS, JOSEPH RICKETSON AND
GEORGE HOWL AND — REFLECTIONS UPON THOSE TIMES.
The last chapter contained a list of the buildings,
shipping, &c., destroyed at " Bedford " by the Brit-
ish troops on the 5th of September, 1778. The
vessels, which besides our own numbered several
privateers and prizes, were lying up the river, from
Oxford point to the old wharf at Belville, then
known as " McPherson's wharf."
After having finished their work of destruction
in the village of Bedford, the troops marched up
the County road to Acushnet, and on their way
stopped at Belville. Here they burnt a large two-
story house, barn, and cooper's shop, the property
of Walley Adams. They also burnt a large ware-
house of John McPlierson, the owner of the wharf,
a Scotchman by birth.
Previous to the Revolutionary War, there was
considerable business done at this place, and the
number of whalemen owned and fitted here was
about as many as at Bedford. A village was at
one time laid out here by Capt. William Gordon,
under the name of Belville. The name of Glasgow
had been proposed, in honor of Mr. McPherson.
Here, and farther up the river, were the sliip-yards
of the noted ship-builders, the Stetsons, by whom
Several of the best of our earliest ships were built.
But the village of Oxford at this period fairly ri-
valled her neighbor across the river. Here were
owned and fitted out several large vessels, — ships,
brigs, &c., owned by the Bennetts, Hiiddlestones,
and others. The substantial old houses still there
evince a state of prosperity at that period.
But the New-Bedford and Fairhaven brids^e so
altered the current of the river as to fill up their
channel, and, in the words of one of the present
residents, " completely ruined the business of the
place." We suppose, like other corporations, " hav-
ing no souls," they, are remorseless at such baleful
consequences. The elements of nature, however,
seem to have waged a warfare against this bridge.
The act of incorporation was granted in 1796, and
in 1807 the bridge was w^ashed away by a great
tide. It was soon after reconstructed, and destroyed
again by the September gale of 1815. The present
structure was built in 1819, and has been the source
of much contention, on account of the injurious
effect it has upon the harbor, by filling up the
channel, as well as lieing a great obstacle to that
portion of our business above the bridge. Although
great improvement has been made by the construc-
tion of a wider draw within the past two years,
the bridge is still thought by many to be a great
public damage. It is undoubtedly a great con-
venience on many accounts; but it is questionable
whether it accommodates the public better than
80
might be done by ferry-boats; and that the value of
our harbor and of property above the bridge, as well
as the beauty of the river, is much impaired by it,
few will question. Our object is not, however, to
make an attack upon this concern; and as the
"bridge question," since the repairs made by the
Company, seems to be, for the time at least, in a
settled state, we shall leave it.
About the time the first bridge was constructed,
a wooden lighthouse was built at Clark's Point;
at the raising of which, to induce the people to
assist, and for the sake of a general jollification at
so important an event, a hundred gallon try-pot of
chowder, with other entertainment, was prepared,
Much to the credit of the sobriety of our prede-
cessors, no one became intoxicated on this occasion.
This lighthouse occupied the same spot where the
present one stands. It was burnt during a severe
thunder-storm in the night, either by lightning or,
as some suppose, by a sea-fowl which, being attract-
ed by the light, flew through the glass and overturned
the lamps.
In the year 1803, the business having much in-
creased, a bank was incorporated, with a capital
of $60,000, styled "The Bedford Bank." Even
this amount was supposed to be more than could
be loaned, but after the bank had been in operation
a few years, it was found insufFicient, and the
capital was increased to $160,000. The charter
expired in 1812, and was renewed, but this country
then being at war with England, the new charter
was not accepted, and it was determined to conclude
81
the affairs of the institution. I have not been able
to find the business records of the "old bank," but
so far as I have ascertained, the officers were as
follows :
THOMAS HAZARD, PrQsident.
JOHN ROWLAND, ^
CORNELIUS GRINNELL, |
WILLIAM ROTCH, Jr., V Directors.
THOMAS NYE,
And others, J
JOHN PICKENS, Cashier.
The Bedford Marine Insurance Company was
established in the year 1805, with a capital of
$150,000. The following is a list of the officers
of this institution:
JOSEPH RICKETSON, President.
CORNELIUS GRINNELL,
JOHN H. ROWLAND,
WILLIAM ROSS,
THADDEUS SWAIN,
STEPHEN HATHAWAY, Je.,
JAMES HOWLAND,
It was at first intended to occupy %e "hall" of
the Bedford Bank; and Cornelius Grinnell, who
had been duly authorized, had procured the consent
of the directors of the bank for this purpose ; but
this intention was finally abandoned, and the Com-
pany afterwards purchased of Joseph Austin the
old house at the corner of Elm and Water streets,
and the office of the Company was in the "two
south rooms." The remainder of the house (with
the garden and barn) was occupied by Asa Russell,
at the rent of eighty dollars per year. The com-
pany paid four thousand dollars for the lot and
buildings. I am thus particular in this affair,
thinking it may be a pleasant reminiscence to
those who can look back to those days, as well as
Directors.
82
to many of a later generation. The operations of
this institution, owing to great losses during the
war, were closed 11th mo. 23d, 1818. The date
of the charter was February 11th, 1805. Joseph
Ricketson was the President during the whole
time. His salary was $500 per year.
From the close of the affairs of the " old bank "
in 1812, until the year 1816, there was no bank in
New Bedfordj when the Bedford Commercial. Bank
was established, with a capital of $100,000, which
was soon increased to $150,000, and in 1831 the
amount had reached $250,000. The present capi-
tal, 1858, is $600,000.
As this bank has held an important position in
the business affairs of our place, the following No-
tice, and the proceedings in pursuance of said No-
tice in the choice of the first board of directors, and
the subseqi^nt choice of president and the appoint-
ment of a cashier, copied from the business records
of the time, are interesting reminiscences :
NOTICE.
THE Subscribers to the Capital Stock of the Bedford Commercial
Bank are notified that their first meeting will be held on Seventh-
Day, the 23d instant, at 2 o'clock, P. M., at the Office of the Bedford
Marine Insurance Company, for the purpose of establishing By-Laws
and Regulations, for the orderly conducting the affairs of the Corpo-
ration ; for the choice of nine Directors, and such other officers as
they may see fit to choose ; and also to transact any other business
they may deem necessary. "WILLIAM ROTCH, Jr.,
JOSEPH RICKETSON,
JAMES HOWLAND,
GIDEON HOWLAND, Jr.,
JOHN A. PARKER,
OLIVER CROCKER,
New Bedford, 3d mo. 1; 1816. SETH RUSSELL, Jr.
" At a meeting of the Directors of the Bedford
Commercial Bank, held at the office of the Bedford
88
Marine Insurance Company, 5 mo. llth, 1816, John
A. Parker, Cornelius GrinncU, Gideon Rowland,
Jr., George Rowland, Setli Russell, Jr., James
Arnold, Joseph Ricketson, Thomas Nye, and Sam-
uel Rodman, Jr., were chosen Directors of the
Bedford Commercial Bank, by the Stockholders on
the 23d day of 3d month last, who are all present,
except the two last named. Having proceeded for
the choice of a President by baJlot, George How-
land had six votes, and is accordingly chosen. Ad-
journed to meet at this place on the 13th inst., at
half-past 7, P. M. In behalf of the Directors.
JOSEPH RICKETSON."
"5th mo. 13th, 1816. Met by adjournment.
Present, George Howland, Cornelius Grinnell, John
A. Parker, Gideon Howland, Jr., Joseph Ricket-
son. Appointed Joseph Ricketson Cashier of the
Bank, who has agreed to serve at and after the
rate of Five Hundred Dollars per year, it being
understood that the Bank shall be opened every day
in the week, (First-days excepted,) from 9 o'clock
A. M. till 1 P. M, JOSEPH RICKETSON."
The old bank building* was taken down in the
year 1833 to make way for the present building of
the Bedford Commercial Bank, which occupies
the same location, but is considerably larger upon
the base. The old building was a quaint, substan-
tial-looking affair, and deserves a passing notice.
The foundation, or first story, which included the
vaults, was of stoncj and laid in solid masonry;
above this arose two more stories of brick, paint-
ed a dark red and the lines of the brick obliterated
* The building of tiie old bank was conveyed to the President and
Directors of the Bedford Commercial Bank 8th mo. 30th, 1816, by
John Howland, Isaac Howland, Jr., Samuel Rodman, "William Rotch,
Jr., Trustees.
84
by the paint; the windows were fortified with
heavy cased shutters. A flight of substantial
stone steps at the north and the south mounted to
a wooden portico, within which was a huge heavy
iron-cased door, the peculiar creaking of which is
probably remembered by many even at the present
day; which door opened into the main room, a
large square old-fashioned place, a counter running
around three sides, and desks — three in number —
protected by railings on the top of them. Behind
the front counter, and opposite the entrance door,
was the fireplace for wood, which in the earlier
days and up to 1826 was the only method of
warming the room, and on the cold days of winter
usually a cheerful fire was to be seen within it,
sputtering and singing away to the chime of the
jingling gold and silver. On the south side a
flight of stairs, with handsome and substantial
balusters, led to what was originally the directors'
room, but, as the writer remembers it, a dark, cob-
webbed place, the shutters being kept constantly
closed, and no longer used except as a deposit for
old books, papers, &c. This room was also fur-
nished with a fireplace, and to his boyish fancy
afforded a nice and cosy place in the winter time,
when well warmed and lighted, for the good old
directors to meet together in, and after the busi-
ness of the day was done to have a social chat
upon some subject of local interest or national
gossip. But to return to the room below: on the
south side was suspended a block-tackle for hoist-
ing up a heavy wooden trap-door, and a still
85
heavier one beneath, opening to the steps that
led to the subterranean vaults where the specie
was kept. This iron door was fastened by a long
tongue-bolt running lengthwise with the door, and
drawn by a secret process in another part of the
building. There is probably no vault or patent
safe of the present time with their wonderful locks,
that offers a surer defiance to the attempts of bur-
glars. Behind the desk, upon the left hand of the
bank room, might usually be seen busily employed
in writing a tall and elderly gentleman, his cropped
gray hair brushed back from his forehead, with a
white neck-cloth closely drawn about his throat, a
pepper-and-salt-colored suit, the coat long-skirted,
with large pockets on the sides, one row of buttons,
and of Quaker curve, but with a collar, and small*
clothes, with knee-buckles, which, with the style of
shoes worn by the older men of that day, complete
the personal appearance of the venerable and worthy
ex-cashier of the old Bedford Bank, John Pickens,
Esquire.* At the desk next west, and in the win-
ter time to be near the wood fire, stood a man of
small stature, with a care-worn but a benignant
countenance, a true index of his character, dressed
in a kind of half- Quaker style; this was the first
* The following are tlie inscriptions taken from a wliite marble
shaft in the old graveyard at Acushnet village :
"John Pickens, of New Bedford, died July 31st, 1825, aged 82
years. He was an oflScer in the army of the Revolution, and after-
wards served the town in various offices. He was long esteemed for
his piety, integrity, and exemplary life."
"Mary Spooner, his wife, died Nov. 26th, 1809, aged G3 years."
"This stone was erected by John Pickens of Boston, son of Joha
and IMary Pickens, and their only surviving son."
m
cashier of the Bedford Commercial Bank, Joseph
Ricketson, who through a series of misfortunes and
heavy losses in business, wherein he had sus-
tained an umblemished character for integrity,
was now procuring the support of himself and fam-
ily upon a salary, as before stated, of $500 per
year. He was cashier of this Bank from 5th mo.
13th, 1816, to 10th mo. 6th, 1834. His age at the
time he was appointed cashier was 45. He died
at his house, No. 179 Union street, 10th mo. 9t\y
1841, in his 71st year,
George Howland, the first President of the
Bedford Commercial Bank, died at his house, 77
Walnut, corner of Seventh street, 5th mo. 21st,
1852, in his seventy-first year. He was chosen Pres-
ident at thirty-five, and remained in that office
until his death, having been half of his life Pres-
ident of this institution.
In looking over the dust-laden books of the old
Bank, the Insurance Company, and the early books
and records of the present Bedford Commercial
Bank, the mind is involuntarily led back to those
days when they who are now sleeping beneath the
sod of the valley, or fast declining in the vale of
years, w^ere the active representatives of our then
little business community. Their simple habits,
their quaint costumes, their open and unceremoni-
ous manners, growing out of a large admixtm-e of
the principles of the Society of Friends, are brought
into contrast with the present bustling and hurry-
ing crowds in our streets, the jealousies, the ani-
mosities and general unconcern for each other's
87
weal. Undoubtedly in those days they had their
faults and their troubles, but compared with the
present time, even making all due allowance, the
old and simple customs of our predecessors appear
to have afforded greater comfort. It is, however,
usually the case that the immediate successors of
an industrious and thriving people become extrav-
agant in their tastes and pursuits. The value of
mental culture is not at once learned, unless brought
into contact with those more intellectually en-
dowed, but usually follows, by the next generation,
if the means for acquiring it are not squandered
by their predecessors. That the value of education
and the cultivation of the higher and more intel-
lectual tastes are advancing in New Bedford, the
interest now manifested in schools, libraries, and
lectures, and works of art generally, sufficiently
declares. It is thought, however, that as a people
the inhabitants of New Bedford are not as con-
siderate in their expenses as those of many other
places in New England; that there is a great deal
of rivalry in domestic arrangements, in houses,
equipages, &c.; of which strictures a portion of the
members of the Society of Friends is not exempt.
It is to be hoped that the rising generation will
learn to place a higher value upon more solid and
lasting treasures in the different spheres of science,
philosophy, the fine arts, and polite literature.
88
CHAPTER IX.
THE ACUSHNET RIVER FROM ITS RISE TO THE HARBOR
OF NEW BEDFORD — ISLANDS IN THE RIVER — THE NA-
TIVE INDIANS — THE LAST OF THE WAMPANOAGS—
SETTLEMENT OF FAIRHAVEN.
My readers must pardon me if I linger upon that
part of our ancient township which to the anti-
quarian and lover of nature is particularly interest-
ing. The great features of any country or part
thereof, it is generally thought, have much to do
in the formation of the character of the people which
lives within their inflence. A peculiar character be-
longs to all islanders; and those who live by the sea-
shore, or upon the sides of rivers, lakes, or mountains,
partake in a greater or less degree of these nat-
ural characteristics. Even a few miles separation
changes wholly the prominent features of charac-
ter; and before our population became so much
mixed up with those from more distant parts of the
country, a decided difference was even perceptible
between the inhabitants of New Bedford and those
from a few miles back in the country. I do not al-
lude to the commercial character, which of course
would be observed, but a certain kind of marine
influence, seen in the eye, the complexion and the
bearing of the one, — a kind of salt-water look, when
contrasted with him brought constantly in contact
with woods, fields, domestic animals, and agricul-
ture.
89
It will not for my purpose be necessary any far-
ther to attest to the importance of the natm-al
featm*es of om* section, mider the head of its topog-
raphy. We have no mountains, or even very
high hills, yet the surface of the country is gently
undulating, and of that more quiet order which
often affords the most pleasant landscapes. Many
people, particularly those of the more sensitive
order, tire of or become overpowered by the greater
and sublimer features of nature, such as moun-
tains, cataracts, &c., and gladly return from the
contemplation of these mighty demonstrations of
divine power to more gentle and familiar scenes.
Charles Lamb, while on a visit to his friend Cole-
ridge, at Keswick, complained of being every morn-
ing, on looking out of his window, confronted by
Skiddaw, which to his metropolitan eye appeared
overpoweringly sublime, although its height is but
about three thousand feet, or half that of Mount
Washington. No scenery in England has received
greater admiration, or become more immortalized
in verse, than that about the villages of Olney and
Weston, near the river Ouse, as described in the
Task, as well as in the elegant letters of the poet
Cowper, which have made these otherwise undis-
tinguished places classic ground. And after all,
the scenery so beautifully described by the genius of
the poet is said to be inferior in natural charms to
most of the rural districts of England. But Cow-
per returned to it with the greatest pleasure, after
a visit of six weeks at Eartham, in Sussex, the
90
beautiful seat of his friend and brother poet, Will-
iam Haley. The discerning eye will find beauty
and interest in almost every haunt of nature, how-
ever unattractive to the general observer; not,
however, that our own district requires this illus-
tration in the way of apology, for it cannot be ad-
mitted for a moment but that New Bedford, and
the old township of Dartmouth, have their full
share of pleasant and picturesque scenery. With
an extent of sea-coast, inclusive of the creeks and
inlets, of not less than thirty or forty miles, with
three fine rivers like the Acushnet, the Pasca-
manset, and the Acoaxet or Nocochoke, the old
township of Dartmouth, which, as my readers
are by this lime well aware, included the pres-
ent township of New Bedford, cannot be regarded
as possessing but a small degree of natural beauty.
The Acushnet* River, commercially, is the great
object of interest to the inhabitants of New Bed-
ford and Fairhaven, and as before mentioned, hav-
ing no mountains or other remarkable natural char-
acteristics, it must ever be considered the great
natural feature of our vicinity. Rivers of no great-
er merit than ours have been celebrated in history
and song; and few probably are aware of the pic-
turesque beauty which it affords. But such is the
case; there are views upon our river, and the ad-
joining banks, which would attract the eye of the
most fastidious lover of nature, and, transferred to
* Sometimes also spelled Jlque&net and QuishneU,
91
canvas by a skilful landscape-painter, would equal
any scenes of a quiet character in New England.*
Our river take its rise near the south shores of
two of the beautiful INIiddleborough ponds, Ap-
ponequet or Long Pond, and Aquitticaset, in a
richly wooded dell, about ten miles from New Bed-
ford, and for some distance on its course is known
by the humble name of " Squin's Brook," so called
from Watuspaquin, a noted sachem of the Nemas-
ket or Middleborough Indians, and one of the most
prominent allies of the great tribe of Wampanoags
in the time of Pometacom, alias King Philip. The
little stream, of crystal purity, flows quietly along
through the woods and fields, occasionally in-
tercepted in its course, as its mze increases, by
those obstacles and usually deformities to most
rivers, mills and their dams, to the village of Acush-
jiet, a little less than four miles from the city.
From this place its course is unobstructed until it
reaches the New Bedford and Fairhaven bridge,
increasing in breadth until it empties into the har-
bors of the latter-named places, formed by an arm
of the sea which makes up from Buzzard's Bay.
There are several small islands in our river which
add much to its beauty and interest. The south-
ernmost, " Palmer's Island," at the entrance of the
inner harbor, was, before the cedar trees had been
destroyed, an interesting spot, and to the youth of
New Bedford formerly afibrded a kind of embryo
Juan Fernandez for their Saturday adventures.
* I sliould not omit that ouv fellow-townsman, William A. Wall,
has already painted one or more of these views.
92
The craggy rocks and old cedar trees formed a
fine opportunity for the exercise of youthful ro-
mance, and many will remember with pleasure
their experiences in this way.* The next island
north lies near the Fairhaven shore, and is-known
as " Crow Island." A ropewalk formerly ex-
tended from the main to this island. Pope^s Isl-
and still retains some of the primeval cedars, and
is a very pleasant feature of the river. Fish Isl-
and has entirely lost its natural beauty by the
wharves, railway, workshops, &c., located upon
it, forming one of the busiest marts of our
busy town. The great draw of the New Bedford
and Fairhaven Bridge lies between this island and
the main on the New Bedford side. Further up
the river is the rocky bluff called the " Isle of Marsh,''
which, however, is only insulated at high water.
A pretty little island without a name, but which
might be called Fish-Hawk Island, from the fact
of an old tree which stood there until within
a few years having been a place of resort for this
bold and rapacious bird of prey, may be seen from
the Acushnet road in the front of " Woodlee," and
belongs to the farm of Wiilard Nye. These isl-
ands, as before stated, add materially to the beauty
* I find the following interesting historical fact connected yfith this
island, in Drake's Book of the Indians:
" When Little Eyes was taken at Cushnet in 1G76, Lightfoot was
sent with him to what is now called Palmer's Island, near the mouth
of Cushnet River, where he held him in guard until he could be safely
conducted to Plimouth."
Little Eyes, as well as Lightfoot, was a warrior of the squaw Sa-
chem Awashonks, who resided at Sogonake or Seconet. The former
was inimical to the whites, but the latter joined Capt. Church with
Awashonks,
93
of our river; and it is desirable that their natural
characteristics, particularly those having trees upon
them, should be preserved.
The views for most of the way from the source
or fountain-head to the village of Acushnet are
limited, but many of them very pleasant and pic-
turesque — one in particular, just above the old
paper-miJl. Here the stream is rendered quite ex-
pansive by the mill-dam, and on the eastern side is
an undulating landscape, well interspersed with
trees, and other objects of interest.
From the high grounds at the north-west part of
the city, known as the " Acushnet Heights," the
view up the river is rarely surpassed for beauty ;
broad, extensive, stretching for several miles into
the north-east, the blue river diminishing gradually
in the distance, calling to mind the truthfulness of
those lines of Longfellow,
" So blue yon winding river flows,
It seems an outlet from the sky."
The view from this point is said to have attracted
the admiration of that great genius in literature
and lover of nature, Washington Irving, while on
a visit here a few years ago.
The view of the harbor and the villasfes of Ox-
o
ford and Fairhaven, Sconticut Neck, the broad
bay, and the islands in the distance, presents a
different, but little less pleasing scene. Approached
from the south while sailing up the harbor into
New Bedford or Fairhaven, the eye stretches for
miles up the, river and its sides studded with
pleasant farms and country seats, terminated by
94
the spires of the pleasant little village of Acush-
net, so well known to the inhabitants of both the
above places. The ride "around the river," des-
pite the new road around Clark's Point, is still the
favorite drive of all who love the quiet and beauty
of rural scenery.
Our river affords an abundant variety of scale
and shell-fish, such as tautog, scup, bass, &c., qua-
haugs, clams, and formerly oysters.
To the native Indians, the Acushnet river must
have been a most valuable source of livelihood, as
well as of pleasure. In the eye of imagination, we
can revert to those days before the white man had
reached these shores, when the noble forest trees
grew down to the water's edge, with an occasional
clearing upon some dry spot for the growth of In-
dian corn, and where in wild and silent beauty stood
the wigwam, its wreath of blue smoke rising
above the trees, the noble sons of the forest, with
their bows and arrows, pursuing their game, or in
the light canoe of birch bark shooting across the
river, or moored upon its bosom catching their
scaly prey. So it appeared to the eye of the first
discoverer of these shores, before spoken of, Bar-
tholomew Gosnold, in 1602.
The noble old forest trees have long since fallen
beneath the woodman's axe, and the corn-fields,
meadows and pastures, with the younger growth of
woods, now present a pleasant but far different scene
to the eye of the beholder; yet however interesting
they may prove to us, in the words of the poet we
may say —
95
^^ Methinks it Were a nobler sight
To sec these vales in woods arrayed,
, Their summits in the golden light,
Their trunks in grateful shade;
And herds of deer that bounding go.
O'er rills and prostrate trees below.'*
Old Dartmouth appears to have been at the time
of the advent of the first settlers thickly peopled
with Indians belonging to the powerful tribe of
Massasoit, the Wampanoags; and the shores of
the three great rivers before mentioned were their
favorite residences. Even the Indians from the in-
terior, those about the Middleborough ponds, and
elsewhere, were in the habit of going occasionally to
the sea-shore for shell-fish. The old post-road leading
from New Bedford to the said ponds was orig-
inally the Indian foot-path ; and it is also probable
that most of the old roads leading from place to
place had a similar origin. During the middle and
even to the latter part of the last century, a few of
the lingering remnant of the once noble possess-
ors of this soil remained, retaining to the last their
ancient form of habitation, the wigwam, or a hut.
But one solitary specimen of a full-blooded native
is now to be found within the precincts of the old^
township of Dartmouth, — an aged woman by the
name of Martha Simons, who lives in a small
house upon an Indian reservation, near the end of
Sconticut Neck. She is the last of her race, a lone
and almost forsaken creature, a sad but interesting
sight to visit, and of so little consequence, even in
her own estimation, as to be surprised that any
stranger should findanything in her, or her race, to
interest him. iS^must remain a sad commentary
96
upon the cruelty and avariciousness of the white
man, that a whole race of a once powerful and
noble people should be thus swept away.
" Like the shadows in the stream.
Like the evanescent gleam
Of the twilight's failing blaze.
Like the fleeting years and days,
Like all things that soon decay.
Pass the Indian tribes away."
The following lines were written after viewing
a fine picture, entitled
THE LAST OF THE WAMPANOAGS: »
Sad and alone the warrior sank him down
Beneath the branches of a riven oak.
Like leaves before the autumn blast, had flown
His once brave comrades, by the white man's stroke.
He looked upon the ancient forest trees,
Within whose fostering shade his fathers slept;
And as their tops waved 'neath the passing breeze.
He sighed adieu, and, though a savage, wept.
His bow unstrung, his hatchet cast aside,
His war-plumes vainly placed upon his brow ;
His manly breast no longer swelled with pride —
But doomed at last beneath his fate to bow.
His heart is broken ; and from death alone
He seeks a refuge, where he may again.
In broader fields and hunting-grounds unknown,
Meet his lost race, no more to suffer pain.
So stretched upon the mossy woodland turf,
He wraps his robe around his heaving breast;
The brown November leaves upon him fall,
And here alone he finds a final rest.
The moaning winds throughout the forest drear
A fitting requiem for the warrior lend ; —
But naught to him, now death hath sealed his ear.
And kindly to his woes has made an end. D. R.
* The Wampanoags were a large and powerful tribe, over which
Massasoit (Wasamequin,) and after him his son Metacomet (Po-
metacom, or King Philip,) presided. The Dartmouth Indians be-
longed to this tribe.
97
At the north end of the township is the beautiful
little sheet of water, known as Myles's or Sassa-
quin's Pond. It lies about 8 miles north of New
Bedford, and is included in the farm of Jonathan
Tobey. The Pascamanset River, which passes
through Smith's Mills, and empties into Buzzard's
Bay^about 4 miles below Russell's Mills, takes its
rise from this pond.
The scenery around Smith's Mills is very pleas-
ant, and around Russell's Mills very picturesque,
probably more so than any other within the precincts
of the old township of Dartmouth. The view of
New Bedford from the fort at Fairhavcn, with the
harbor, shipping, &c., is admired by all strangers,
as well as our own people, and that of Fairhavcn
from the shore near the Smoking Rocks, on the
west side of the outer harbor, is also very fine, and
entitles the village to its pleasant name.
The interests of New Bedford and Fairhaven
are in a great degree identical, the chief business of
both places being the whale-fishery. Fairhaven is
a thriving place, and in 1855 contained 4693 in-
habitants. It is a cool and pleasant summer resi-
dence, having the south-west breeze from the bay,
and in this respect possesses advantages over New
Bedford ; but on the other hand it is also more ex-
posed to the cold blasts of winter, particularly from
the north-west. Although the two places are but
one mile or less apart, and connected by a bridge,
each place possesses its individual character, quite
distinct from the other. From the early inlluence
of the Quaker principles, New Bedford has been,
98
until within a few years at least, a peculiar place,
while our neighbor across the river has resembled
more other New England towns along the sea-
board. In fact, Fairhaven always strikes us as
possessing a more marine character, arising proba-
bly from the principal part of the village lying
near the water, and which peculiarity, as the town
extends back, will to a considerable degree, as in
New Bedford, disappear. After the division of the
old township of Dartmouth in 1787, Fairhaven
and New Bedford remained as one township until
1812, when a division was made between them%
At this time, and for many years after, the post-
office and custom-house were at the foot of Bridge!
street. New Bedford.
Joseph Rotch, who came from Nantucket to
New Bedford in the year 1765, not being able to
obtain as much land as he wished in New Bedford,
made an extensive purchase of land in the rear of
the village of Fairhaven. He wished to purchase
upon the shore, but not being able to do so, relin-
quished his intention of settling at Fairhaven, and
located himself in New Bedford. The particulars
of this event I have given in a previous chapter.
Among the original proprietors of Dartmouth
mentioned in the confirmatory deed of William
Bradford, the Deputy- Governor of Plymouth Col-
ony, November 13th, 1694, who probably settled
on the Fairhaven side of the Acushnet River, were
Seth Pope, Thomas Taber, Jonathan Delano, Isaac
Pope, Lettice Jenny, Samuel Jenny, Mark Jenny,
Valentine Huddlestone, Samuel Spooner, William
99
Spooner, John Spooner, Joseph Tripp, James Tripp,
Daniel Sherman, Edmund Sherman, Aaron Da-
vis, &c.
At the time the British troops marched around
the river, after committing their spoliations in New
Bedford, &c., they passed through the villages of
Oxford and Fairhaven, without destroying any
property, directly to the fort. The troops however
landed at Fairhaven the next night; but through
the bravery of a young man by the name of Israel
Fearing, a major of the militia, and a few others,
they were successfully repulsed, and abandoned
their object, which was undoubtedly to burn the
place.
100
CHAPTER X.
THE WHALE-FISHERY, CONTINUED FROM CHAPTER VI —
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES — ARCHITECTURE OF OLDER
AND MORE MODERN BUILDINGS, &C.
To our sister queen, the ocean-bound island, Nan-
tucket, must be awarded the palm of pioneership
in this noble enterprise. Other branches of com-
merce have their attractive and important features,
in a greater or less degree. Those who spread their
broad canvas and stretch across the almost bound-
less deep, and bring from foreign climes the com-
forts and luxuries which have become, as it were,
the necssaries of life, bringing into intimate rela-
tionship people remotely situate from each other,
are full of interest, and afford subjects of philosoph-
ical study and research, expanding the energies,
and affording as they do employment to whole na-
tions ; but for noble daring, heroic enterprise, and
thrilling interest, none is so fertile of material as
may be found in the annals and history of the
whale-fishery. Capt. Scoresby, a practical seaman,
as well as a gentleman and scholar, has given in
his elaborate works a valuable record of his experi-
ences ; but it would require the pen of a Defoe or
Cooper t© do justice to the romance of real life to
be found in the experience of many a sailor em-
ployed in this arduous service. Launching out
into the great deep in their small and clumsily
constructed vessels, our early adventurers became
101
noted for their courageous and hardy exploits ; and
with all the improvements in naval architecture,
and the modern appliances of comfort introduced
on board our whaling vessels, the business may
still be considered as the most heroic and hazard-
ous of all maritime pursuits. Cases are not infre-
quent where serious calamities occur, either by the
dying struggles of the monster of the deep, or an
intended attack by him : boats are shattered, and
their whole crews exposed to the double danger of
the sea and the exasperated monster; even large
vessels are sometimes destroyed.* The case of the
♦The ship Union, of Nantucket, of which Capt. Edmund Gardner,
now one of our most respected citizens, was master, was so badly in-
jured by striking a spermaceti whale, in the year 1807, Oct. 1, when
only twelve days from Nantucket, that she soon after sunk. The
conduct of Capt. Gardner upon this terrible occasion, although a very
young man, and this his first voyage as master, is represented as
highly judicious and praiseworthy, for by "his prudence, courage
and fortitude" they were effectual in preserving good order and in
encouraging the crew to use their best exertions for the common safety.
After being at sea seven days and eight nights, Capt. Gardner, with
his officers and crew, consisting of nine in all, reached the island of
Flores, one of the Azores.
The ship Essex, Capt. George Pollard, on the 20th of November,
1820, in latitude 40'' south, longitude 119^ west, was attacked by a
whale, " which, coming with full speed, struck the ship a little for-
ward of the fore chains," injuring her so much as to place her in a
sinking condition; but not satisfied with one blow, the same whale
struck the ship a second blow, and nearly stove in her bows. By the
time the ship's company had got on board the boats "the ship fell
upon one side and sunk to the water's edge." A narrative of the loss
of this ship and the great sufferings of the crew has been published.
" A Whale Attackinq a Ship. The ship Cuban, of Greenock,
Captain Galloway, which arrived at that port from Demarara in 1857,
met with a most extraordinary adventure on her homeward voyage.
When in latitude 43 39 north, longitude 26 50 west, the ship, which
was running before the wind at the rate of 9^ knots an hour, received
such a severe shock that she heeled over several strakes, and her way
was completely stopped, while the men who Avere sleeping in the star-
board beiths of the top-gallant forecastle were thrown out upon their
chests. Shortly after the shock an immense whale rose at a short
distance from the ship's quarter, and after lying motionless for a short
102
destruction of the ship Ann Alexander, of New Bed-
ford, Capt. John S. Dcblois, by a whale, in the Pa-
cific Ocean, August 20th, 1851, and which gave
occasion to the following humorous lines in the
London " Punch " of December 6th, 1851, will be
remembered by many.
THE WONDERFUL WHALERS.
{See the Bedford [ U. S.] Mercury.)
Fathers of the oratory,
List to my surprising tale.
Hearken to a Tvoudrous story
More than very like a whale;
Each mesmeric marvel-monger.
Lend to me your ears likev^ise;
If for miracles you hunger.
You shall ope both mouth and eyes.
In the ship Ann Alexander,
Cruising in pursuit of whales,
Bold John S. Deblois, commander,
With a crew so gallant, sails.
In the South Pacific Ocean,
Reaching to the Off-Shore Ground,
'Mong the waves in wild commotion,
Several monstrous whales they found.
These two boats did follow after.
Larboard boat, and starboard too.
And with shouts of glee and laughter.
The leviathans pursue;
time, as if stunned by the blow, swam towards the vessel, as if with
the intention of repeating the attack. It was a moment of intense
anxiety on board. But fortunately when close to the stern the mon-
ster wheeled round in the opposite direction, and dived, throwing with
his tail as he did so a quantity of blood and water on board. It was
a moonlight night, and the bulk of the huge animal could be seen
distinctly, towering to a considerable height above the surface. When
he dived, his tail appeared to those on board to be from 30 to 40 feet
out of the water. The pumps were sounded, but the ship was found
to be making no water. From the force of the blow, and the fact that
the second mate thought he heard a whale blowing a short time before
the shock occurred, it is supposed that the fish made a regular ijttack
upon the ship, and was not come in contact with while asleep. An
estimate of its immense size and power may formed from the fact of
its bringing to a stand-still a deeply laden shtp of 500 tons, sailing at
the rate of nearly 10 knots an hour."
103
When tlie larboard boat, commanded
By the stout first mate, did soon
In a whale, with force strong-handed,
Deeply plunge a sharp harpoon.
Off the mighty monster started ;
Pain and anguish gave him cause;
Suddenly he backwards darted,
Seized the boat between his jaws;
Into smithereens he cracked it ;
Or, as witnesses declare,
Who beheld the thing transacted,
Bits no bigger than a chair!
In the starboard boat, the captain
Quickly to the rescue struck,
And, although the bark was snapt in
Pieces, saved the crew — by luck.
Now the good Ann Alexander
To their aid the waist-boat sent;
Half the band then having manned her,
At the whale again they went.
Soon the ocean-giant nearing,
They prepared to give him fight.
Little thinking, never fearing, ^
That the beast again would bite.
But without their host they reckoned ;
At their boat he also flew ;
Like the first he served the second.
Snapped it into pieces too.
Sure his jaws, together clapping.
Had the gallant seamen crushed ;
But, when tliey perceived him snapping.
Straight into the sea they rushed.
To afford the help they needed,
Bold Deblois repaired again;
Once more, also, he succeeded,
In the aim to save his men.
Tired, perhaps, of sport renewing.
To their ship this time they hied.
When, behold the whale pursuing.
With his jaws extended wide.
Gloating with revenge, he sought 'em ;
But, with blubber pierced, and gored.
He was crippled, or had caught 'eui;
But they all got safe on board.
Kisk the heroes little cared for;
Speedily they set their sail
In the ship herself — prepared for
One more tussle with the whale.
104
Now they reached him — plunged a lance in
The infuriate monster's head;
Then — of course they had no chance in
Close encounter — onward sped.
For the ship they saw him making,
But the chase he soon gave o'er.
Which the animal forsaking,
Down on him again they bore:
Fifty rods below the water,
There they saw the monster lie;
So, despairing him to slaughter.
They resolved no more to try.
At this time, Deblois was standing
Sternly on the larboard bow.
Ready, with harpoon his hand in,
To inflict a deadly blow:
Up he saw the monster rising.
With velocity and power.
At the rate of speed surprising
Of full fifteen knots an hour.
In an instant — Heaven defend us ! —
Lo, the whale had, near the keel
Struck, with such a force tremendous,
That ij made the vessel reel;
And her bottom knocked a hole in.
Into which the water poured ;
Jtnd the sea so fierce did roll in.
That the billows rushed and roared!
Yet the ship was saved from sinking.
Though so riddled by the whale.
And Deblois and his unshrinking
Crew survive to tell the tale.
Strong are those daring fellows.
Doubtless, the harpoon to throw;
And — to judge from what they tell us —
Stronger still to draw the bow!
Truly the perils of the whale-fishery are great, and
a record of the adventures and escapes on the part
of our seamen would mak-e a volume that for ro-
mantic interest the most fertile imagination \vould
in vain attempt to excel. But for the present my
object is to enter a little more minutely into the
origin, rise and progress of the whale-fishery than
was given in my former article.
105
Although from their greater enterprise in the
whale-fishery, its origin is usually acceded to Nan-
tucket, still the early settlers of Cape Cod, accord-
ing to the historian of Nantucket, Obed Macy, had
made greater proficiency in the art of whale-catch-
ing than themselves ; " so that in the year 1690 they
sent thither and employed a man by the n^e of
Ichabod Paddock to instruct them in the best man-
ner of killing whales, and extracting their oil."
The attention of the people of Nantucket was
peculiarly directed to the whale-fishery, for the first
whale, "of the kind called ' scragg,' killed by them,
came into the harbor, and there remained for three'
days, giving them time to manufacture suitable
weapons for their purpose;" and "the first sperm-
aceti whale known to the inhabitants of Nantucket
was found dead and ashore upon the south-west
part of the island."
As previously stated, the whale-fishery was at
first carried on in boats near the shore, and subse-
quently in small sloops, which ventured along the
coast, and extended their cruises to several weeks.
The process of trying out the oil, it will be remem-
bered, was done on shore, the "blubber," or pieces
of the whale in the crude state, forming the cargo.
" The first spermaceti whale taken by the Nan-
tucket whalers [according to the before-mentioned
author] was killed by Christopher Hussey. He
was cruising near the shore for right whales, and
was blown oft' some distance from the land by a
strong northerly wind, where he fell in with a school
of that species of whales, and killed one and
brought it home. At what date this adventure
106
took place is not fully ascertained, but it is sup-*
posed not far from 1712.
In 1715, the number of vessels engaged in the
whaling business was six, all sloops of from thirty
to forty tons burthen each, which produced XllOO
sterling or $4,888.88."
At this period, and for many years afterwards,
the wnale-fishery was confined to the island of
Nantucket; but by the middle of this century (the
18th) it had been commenced in a small way in
New Bedford by Joseph Russell and others. As I
have already given this part of its history as con-
nected with New Bedford, I shall hasten on to
events of a later date.
The enterprise of our early merchants had been
severely tested by the complete prostration of their
business during the Revolutionary War, by the
ruinous effects of the embargo, the war with Eng-
land, and the later European war; and it was not
until the year 1818 that the whale-fishery in New
Bedford was entered into with that spirit and
perseverance which has brought it up to its present
important and elevated position in commercial
pursuits.
At this time the older class of ship-masters had
relinquished their calling, and many of them had
settled down with their families to enjoy the prod-
ucts of their honestly acquired wealth. From a
familiar acquaintance with the practical part of
the whaling business, their knowledge was of great
value, and as most of them were interested still as
owners in the whaling vessels, they soon became
107
among our most enterprising and successful mer->
chants. As a body, no marine service has produced
a larger number of high and honorable-minded
men and valuable citizens than the whale-fishery.
From an extensive acquaintance, not only with
their own particular department of business, but
in their intercourse with the people of foreign na-
tions during the time of the freighting business
previous to 1812, our older class of ship-masters
in particular were men of extensive practical
knowledge, and marked for their general kindness,
hospitality, and urbanity of manners. The foun-
dation of the wealth now enjoyed by a large
number of our inhabitants was laid by them, and
it is desirable that their example may be cherished.
"The following is an abstract of the duties. col-
lected in this port" for the years inclusive:
Duties.
$26,972
40,018
1,324
6,306
10,703
At this date (1810) the whole township of New
Bedford, which then included that of Fairhaven,
contained but 51551 inhabitants.
Although to Joseph E-ussell must be accredited
the honor of being the father of New Bedford, the
founder of its whale-fishery, and the first manu-
facturer of spemaceti into candles, yet to Nantuck-
et we are indebted for those distinguished merchants
and noble-minded men, the Rotches — Joseph,
William, and William, Jr. — as well as for other
enterprising citizens, merchants, and shipmasters.
Years.
Duties.
Years.
1801,
$58,964
1806,
1802,
15,527
1807,
1803,
13,824
1808,
1804,
27,344
1809,
1805,
35,163
1810,
108
Joseph Rotch, the first of the name that went to
Nantucket, was born in Salisbury, Eng., 3d mo.
6th, 1704, N. S. He was an enterprising merchant,
and as a man was held in high estimation. His
family consisted of three sons, William, Joseph,
and Francis. He removed to New Bedford in the
year 1765, but returned to Nantucket during the
war of the Revolution, and remained until 3d mo.
25th, 1782, when he again removed to New Bed-
ford. He died 11th mo. 24th, 1784, in his eighty-
first year, and was buried in the ground belonging
to the old Friends' meeting-house in Dartmouth.
His wife was Love Macy, daughter of Thomas
Macy, 2d, and Deborah Coffin, of Nantucket. She
was born 4th mo. 20th, 1713, N. S., and died at
Nantucket 3d mo. 25th, 1767, aged 54 years.
William Rotch, Sen., son of Joseph and Love
Rotch, was born in Nantucket 10th mo. 4th, 1734,
O. S., or 12th mo. 15th, 1734, N. S., and died in
New Bedford 5th mo. 16th, 1828, aged 93 years 5
months and 24 days. Elizabeth Rotch, his wife,
the daughter of Benjamin and Lydia Barney, was
born 4th mo. 3d, 1735, N. S. They were married
10th mo. 31st, 1754. She died in New Bedford
5th mo. 14th, 1824, aged 89 years 1 month and
11 days. Their residence was the " Mansion
House," corner of Main (now Union) and Second
streets.
William Rotch, Jr., was born, as per record, on
Nantucket 11th mo. 29th, 1759, and died in New
Bedford 4th mo. 17th, 1850, in his 91st year.
Elizabeth Rotch, his wife, sister of Samuel Rodman,
109
Sen., died in New Bedford 1st mo. 30th, 1828, in
her 69th year.
Joseph Rotch, the ancestor of the Retch family,
lived during the last part of his life in the old
house at the corner of Main (now Union) and First
streets, lately taken down ; and the spot is now occu-
pied by the east end of " Thornton Block." His
former house, which stood where his grandson,
William Rotch, Jr., afterwards built, ori what was
formerly known as " Rotch's Hill," Water street,
was burnt by the British troops during the Rev-
olutionary War, at the time of the general con-
flagration.
William Rotch, Sen., by whose judicious and
persevering efforts his native island was saved from
the twofold danger of the refugees and the British
troops in the time of the Revolution, did not make
his residence here until the year 179-3. Soon after
the Revolutionary War he had gone to England,
with the intention of establishing himself in the
whale-fishery there, the business being ruined in
this country by the heavy alien duty imposed by
■the British government upon oil, Great Britain
being then "the only market of any consequence
for sperm oil." Sperm oil Was sold at Nantucket
after the peace at X17 sterling per ton, which
before the war was worth nearly £oO] and
£2'J was necessary to cover the expenses, and
leave a very moderate profit for the owners. In
this desperate state of things, Mr. Rotch saw no
alternative for the prosecution of his business, "but
to proceed to England, and thence endeavor to
F
110
pursue tlie whale-fisliery." He accordingly, in his
fifty-first year, in company with his son Benjamin,
sailed from Nantucket 7th mo. 4th, 1785, in the
ship Maria, William Mooers, master, and arrived
in England after a passage of twenty-three days.
Not being able to make satisfactory arrangements
for the pursuit of bis business with the English
government, he proceeded next to France, and
there receiving favorable terms from that govern-
ment, in connection with his son Benjamin, estab-
lished their business at Dunkirk. After having so
settled his business that his son could attend to its
prosecution in Dunkirk, Mr. Rotch prepared to
return to his native country. Having purchased a
ship in England, the name of which I have not
learned, but of which William Mooers was master,
he left the Downs 10th mo. 11th, 1786, and "after
a tremendous passage of sixty-eight days, in which
they had twelve heavy storms, they arrived in
Boston."
" After remaining at home nearly four years,"
he again, taking his family, or a part thereof, with
him, embarked from New Bedford in the ship
Maria & Eliza, Abisha Hayden, master, for Dun-
kirk, 7th ino. 29th, 1790, and after a passage of
thirty-eight days they arrived. Here he remained
until the beginning of 1793, when the war between
England and France being expected, Mr. Rotch
was obliged to relinquish his business at Dunkirk,
and after a year's or more residence in London,
finally left Europe on the 24th of the 7th month,
1794, with his family, in the ship Barclay, David
Ill
Swain, master, and after a long passage of sixty-one
days once more reached his native land.
After a year's residence on Nantucket, he togeth-
er with his family removed to New Bedford in
1795, then in his 61st year. Here he remained un-
til his death in 1828, in his 95th year, beloved and
respected by all. His venerable and patriarchal
appearance during the latter part of his life is well
remembered by the writer. Tall and dignified in
his person, his face, expressive of benevolence,
with his long silvery locks, and the drab-colored
suit of the style of the Society of Friends, com-
bined with his noble and philanthropic charac*
ter, rendered him an object of profound respect to
his fellow-citizens, as well as to his numerous
friends among distinguished merchants, and men in
public life at home and abroad.
" Friend Rotch," as he was called, was a fine spec-
imen of a merchant, a man of the strictest integ-
rity, frank, generous, high-minded in its truest sense,
but truly humble in his own self-estimation, of
broad and liberal views, devoted to the principles
of peace and good will, a friend of the oppressed
and down-trodden; in fine, a more perfect character
has never fallen to our lot to know, and is probably
rarely to be met with in any community. May his
noble example encourage others engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits to emulate his virtues. And truly
in this community the sweet savor of his life and
influence should not be suffered to die out. The
writer remembers often to have seen him in one of
the old-fashioned square-topped chaises, with a fa-
112
vorite colored man upon a seat in front of the foot*
board, driving, as faithfully depicted in the pleas*
ant picture of "the old Four Corners" by William
A. Wall.
It is pleasant to recall by the aid of memory
those days of simplicity and peace, when bm' busy,
bustling place was little more than a village. Al-
though the streets have been graded and many
new ones added, and many large and costly edifices
have since been built, in the eye of the lover of
simple beauty, the village of New Bedford then
afforded a far more agreeable sight. The old houses
that stood at respectful distances apart, upon what
was then and should now be know^n as Main street,
with their front yards, the rows of the now despised
but then thrifty and admired Lombardy pop-
lars that graced either side for most of the way-j
the stately mansion of Abraham Russell at its
head, and the mansion of the venerable Friend
Rotch, then possessing ample grounds, with exten-
sive out-buildings, stables, carriage-houses, &C.5
all these, and much more of the same character,
have been, so far as beauty and comfort are con-
cerned, poorly supplanted by our modern improve-
ments. The buildings of that day, not only the
houses, but the old shops with their bow windows
in the best of them, and the warehouses where the
old merchants had their counting-rooms, were far
more graceful in their outlines than those of a later
date. Some of these houses and their surround-
ings have been rarely surpassed, and please the
eye of the cultivated architect, even at the pres-
113
ont clay, much more than the pseiido attempts, and
generally abortions, in the way of town and coun-
try residences. The houses of the two distinguished
merchants, William Rotch, Sen., and his son
William, with their fine gardens and grounds, were
substantial and pleasant residences, but more par-
ticularly that of Mr. Russell before mentioned on
County street, and further down, that of Gilbert
Russell, before mentioned. The latter, now owned
by William R. Rotch, is still, although wanting its
former extensive surroundings, one of the finest
specimens of a genteel residence to be found in our
"city of palaces," as it has been called by strangers.
Now that I am upon this subject, it may not be
inappropriate to make a few suggestions upon our
style of building. It is to be regretted that so
many of our more costly houses are built in a style
of architecture which, however imposing at the
time of their construction, will not bear a judicious
criticism. The form of the Greek and Roman
temple, however beautiful and classic, was never
intended for domestic residences. The houses of
the ancient cities were built in an altogether differ-
ent style from their public buildings, and their villas
were models of grace, domestic ease, and retire-
ment. Every building, whether public or private,
should express the purpose for which it was in-
tended to be used. In a climate like our own,
any style of building which does not admit of the
sight of those objects that are essential to domestic
comfort is at once to be set aside. The temple
form, from the necessity of concealing as much as
114
possible the chimneys as incongruous, is particularly
objectionable. The chimneys, in fact, are con-
sidered by all good architects, when properly built
and located, as among the most expressive and
ornamental features of a domestic residence; and
they have been by some old writer very appro-
priately called "the windpipes of hospitality."
There are but few styles of domestic architecture
of European origin adapted to the climate of our
country as well as to the wants and genius of our
people. Those edifices, with their rich ornamental
work built of enduring stone, when imitated in
perishable wood, are always disgusting to the eye
of a person of taste, and suggestive of weakness
and decay. The style called the Elizabethan,
however beautiful in the old substantial stone or
brick houses of England, surrounded by their ex-
tensive lawns, parks, and pleasure-grounds, is
simply ridiculous when built of wood, and as
usual with some of the most important details
omitted, or supplanted by an altogether different
style, and placed in a lot of perhaps not more than
half an acre of ground. If wood is to be the
chief material for our dwelling-houses, and there
is much to be said in its favor, owing to its exemp-
tion from that internal dampness which, on account
of our penetrating frosts, renders most houses of
stone or brick so objectionable, let us adopt a less
ornate style of building than that which appears
now to be so much in fashion. Every house, no
matter how small and humble or how large and
imposing in appearance, should have a home look;
11/5
and if ilii;^ idra is kopt in mind, instead of the
present glaring, staring, illy constructed edifices,
we shall witness a harmony of cflect which all
must admire. Several of our public buildings and
blocks are very good; and the new Library build-
ing is generally considered an ornament to the
city: but the churches or meeting-houses, with one
or two exceptions, are too outrageous to attempt a
r'riticism upon. The Court- House, for which tlie
citizens of New Bedford are not alone responsil)le,
is a perfect abomination. The architect of this
monster should have been indicted for malefeasance.
Tiiese strictures do not apply any more, and per-
haps less, to New Bedford than to most other places
in New England; for we have really many not
only elegant but graceful residences, and a few
plain but substantial mansions upon County street
which are almost unexceptionable. A very little
alteration, and that generally in the roof, would
render many of the at present distasteful though
costly mansions of our citizens beautiful residences.
Tn such a case, the so-called "pediment end," and
huge pillars of vjood^ would speedily disappear.
TIG
CHAPTER XL
BUZZARD'S BAY -^ ITS DISCOVERY BY THE NORTHMEN,
AFTERWARDS BY BARTHOLOMEW GOSNOLD — ORIGIN
OF ITS PRESENT NAME — THE ELIZABETH ISLANDS —
NAUSHON AND THE BOWDOIN HOUSE — TRIP TO NAU-
SHON IN 1856.
Buzzard's Bay was discovered by the Northmen
in the tenth century,* and by them named Straum-
fiord;f by Gosnold in 1602, and named " Gosnold's
Hope;" and by the early settlers of Dartmouth,
"Buzzard's Bay;" — the latter name probably giv-
en from the fish-hawk, (which in old works upon
natural history is called the buzzardet, or little buz-
zard,) as I suppose, from the great number of this
bird of prey being seen about the shores and isl-
* Antiquitates Americanoe: ante Colum, in Amer. Hafniss, 1837.
t Straumfioi'd: Stream Bay, or Bay of Currents.
The Northmen resided in New England eight years, as appears
from the following summary made from the account given in the
American Antiquities by the author of '-The INorthmen in New Eng-
land," Joshua Toulmia Smith:
*' They left Greenland in the spring of 1007; stayed at StraumSord
(Buzzard's Bay,) during the following winter (1007-8.) in the autumn
preceding which Snorri Thorlinnson was born; stayed the following
winter (1008-9) at Hop; and the next (1009-10) again at Straura-
fiord ; and returned to Greenland in the spring of 1010, after an
absence of three years. You will remember that Thorvald's party
resided here for the space of three years also, fi'ora the summer of
1002 to the spring of 1005; and that Leif's party resided here one
year, from 1000 to 1001; ir^ addition to which Freydis and her
husband remained here one year, from 1011 to 1012."
While the Northmen were living upon the shores of our bay a son
"was born, in the year 1007, to one of the commanders of the ei^pedi-
tiou, Thorfinn and named Snorri Thorfinnson. There wei^e six wom-
en in the company. From this child the celebrated sculptor, Thor-
waldsen, is said to be descended.
117
ands of the bay. To a maritime people like our-
selves, this noble sheet of water becomes an object
of great interest. In fact, this " stately sound," as it
is termed by the old journalist, Gabriel Archer, who
accompanied Bartholomew Gosnold on his voyage
to these shores, in 1602, is one of the noblest bays
upon the coast of North America. To the people of
New Bedford, as well as those who border upon its
coast, our bay has always been highly valued.
How beautiful its broad and blue expanse of wa-
ters must have appeared to those early and hardy
adventurers, who upon the deck of their little ves-
sel first beheld it on the morning of the 25th of May,
1602! They were indeed much delighted with its
noble and attractive appearance. Here they came
to anchor in eight fathoms of water, a quarter of a
mile from the north shore of Cuttyhunk. The same
old journalist whose account I am tracing says " This
island Captain Gosnold called Elizabeth Isle, where
we determined to make our abode. From Eliza-
beth Island unto the main is four leagues. On the
north side, near adjoining unto the island Elizabeth,
is an islet in compass half a mile, full of cedars, by
me called Hill's Hap, [now called Penekese,] to
the northward of which, in the mouth of an open-
ing on the main, appeareth another, the like, that I
call Hap's Hill, [probably the Kound Hills,] for I
hope much hap may be expected from it."
This island, Elizabeth, or Cuttyhunk, now so
completely divested of trees or shrubbery, was then
finely wooded with trees of various kinds, such as
"oaks, ashes, beeches, walnut, witch-hazel, sassa-
118
fras and cedars, with divers other unknown names."
The old journalist goes on to say, " In this island
is a stage or pond of fresh water, in circuit two
miles, on the one side not distant from the sea
thirty yards, in the centre whereof is a rocky islet,
containing near an acre of ground, full of wood, on
which we began our fort and place of abode, dis-
posing itself so fit for the same." Here then they
landed on the day before mentioned. In another
account of this voyage, written by John Brereton,
the author says, in speaking of this important event,
" Captain Gosnold, myself, and some others, went
ashore, and going round about it we found it to be
four English miles in compass."
The island was not inhabited by the Indians, al-
though it was frequented by them for hunting and
fishing. They found the ruins of an old wigwam,
and part of a fishing-weir. The island was thickly
wooded, the principal trees being beech and cedar.
They also found red and white strawberries, which
he describes "as sweet and much bigger than ours
in England," raspberries, gooseberries, whortleber-
ries, vines running upon the trees, also springs of
excellent sweet water. He also describes the lake of
fresh water, "near the sea-side, an English mile in
compass, which is maintained with the springs
running exceedingly pleasantly through the woody
grounds, which are very rocky." They also found
"great store of deer and other beasts, as appeared
by their tracks," also great numbers of sea-fowl,
"geese, mallards, teals, &c." On the north side of
the island they "found many huge bones and ribs
119
of whales." The little island in the fresh-water polid
was also covered with trees; and they feasted and
grew fat upon the young sea-fowl which they found
in their nests upon the banks and low trees.
The description given of this island, Cuttyhunk,
leaves no room for a doubt of its being the one on
which Gosnoid and his company landed; and the
identity of the fresh-water pond, the islet within
it, and the fact that they erected a "place of abode"
and fortified the spot are also beyond a doubt. The
cellar of Gosnold's house and fort were distinctly
to be seen until within' a few years; and although
the m'ound of this little island has been sacrile-
giously ploughed over and cultivated, so as almost
to obliterate the last vestige of this interesting and
important ruin, still the exact location of the first
abode made by Europeans upon this coast can be
identified ; ajid it is highly probable that upon a
c^r^ful examination of the spot, and an excavation
being made, the cellar might be again found. In
the year 1797, Dr. Belknap, the historian, visit-
ed this spot, and found the remains of the cellar.
In the year 1817, July 23d, a party of gentlemeii
from Boston, taking a sloop from New Bedford,
also visited this island, and in a letter published in
the North American Review, vol. 5, an account of
this visit and its results is given, from which I
make the following extract:
" In the western end of the pond is a high islet,
surrounded by a rocky margin and covered w^itli a
very rich soil, in which were growing the wild
gooseberry, the grape, elder, mallows, primroses,
120
ei^lantine, yarrow, sumach, wild parsnip, beach-
pluio, wild cherry, wild pea,- Solomon's seal, the
convolvulus, thoroughwort, and red clover. The
stump of a red cedar stood near the shore, and we
brought home a piece of it as a remembrance of
our expedition. On the northern bank of the islet,
about ten yards from the water, we found a small
excavation overgrown with bushes and grass, on
one side of which were three large stones in a row
at the distance of three feet from each other, having
under them other stones of the same size lying in
the same direction. Between these were smaller
stones, which appeared by their form and smooth-
ness to have been taken from the beach. In
another slight excavation twenty yards south of
the former, near the centre and highest part of the
islet, were similar stones, but very few in number
and not disposed in any apparent order. On dig-
ging in other parts of the islet, we found more of
the same kind. We conjectured that the first
excavation was all that remained of Gosnold's cel-
lar, and the latter a part of the trench dug for the
purpose of forming the fort."
A few weeks after this, a party of gentlemen of
New Bedford made a visitto this spot, among whom
was James Rowland, 2d, who informs me that
they discovered upon the highest part of this islet
what they concluded to be three sides of the cellar
of Gosnold's house, which he estimates to have
been about fifteen feet square.
There can be no doubt that this was the place
of his residence, for there is no other pond con-
taining an islet in any one of the Elizabeth Islands.
The building and fortifications nuist have been
quite substantial, as they were employed three
weelcs in constructing them. As no mention is
121
made of masonry or the use of lime, it is probable
that the house was either built of stones and turf
or mud, or in imitation of an Indian wigwam, the
remains of one of which it will be remembered
was found by them upon the main island. In
either case, it w^ould in a neglected state have soon
fallen down. The old journalist speaks of their
being employed at one time in "rubbishing their
little fort or islet," by which I understand that they
used the bushes and smaller trees for this purpose.
So that should nothing more be found than the
remains of the old cellar, or should even that be
obliterated, sutTicient will be left to satisfy any
reasonable mind that upon this little islet was
erected the first human habitation by the Europeans.
Here was the first settlement made by them; and
from this little isolated spot the history of the set-
tlement of this country by the English or any other
European nation takes its date.* It is truly a con-
secrated spot, and should henceforth be devoted to
the fostering of that noble and adventurous spirit,
as well as the kind and friendly relations be-
tween mankind, manifested in the intercourse of
these hardy adventurers with the natives they here
met. In the -name and to the memory of Barthol-
omew Gosnold, whose bones lie in an unknown
grave in Virginia, where he died 2;2d August, 1607,
let it be consecrated. Gosnoid's islet has lately
come into the possession, by purchase, of Thomas
Nye, Jr., of xM"evv Bedford.
* As I find no mention in the " Antiquitates Anicricanas " of any
building erected bj' the Nurtlmien, and as no subsequent settlement
here wus made by them T conclude this statement to be concct. The
Northmen prob:ibly lived in tlioiv vessels.
122
A small. round and castellated form of tower,
built of stone in a rude but substantial manner,
would be in good keeping with the historical asso-
ciations of this spot, which might be called Gos-
nold's tower or fort. This, with a flag-staff and,
at such times as occupied, with a blue flag spread
to the ocean breeze, and inscribed with the name
of Gosnold, or 1602, or any other appropriate de-
vice, would present a truly picturesque and spirited
appearance. The Indian name of this islet was
QuaiDck^ and that of the main island now known
as Cuttyhunk, Poocutohhunkunnok. This island
contains about five hundred and sixteen acres, and
the soilis said to be very fertile; but how changed
from the richly wooded sylvan retreat which it
offered to its discoverers in 1602, where among the
stately trees the deer browsed or at the sight of
man bounded away into some fancied place of
safety! The lofty promontory running out from
the centre of the island to the northward was
called by the Indians Copicut^ which name it still
bears.
On the 31st of May, Capt Gosnold sailed across
the bay, and came to an anchor near the shore, not far
from the Round Hills. As I have before stated,
there are two distinct accounts of this adventure j
and one of these would seem to place their landing
not far from Gooseberry Neck, for the journalist
speaks of a neck of land which, they "imagined
had been severed from the main, but fielding it
otherwise we perceived a broad harbor or river's
mouth." This would answer for the mouth of the
Acoaxet or Westport River; but as this neck of land
123
•
was not seen until the close of the day, and as they
had been following the coast westward from Round
Hill Point, it is quite certain that the first place of
their landing on the main was upon the shore at
the Kound Hills. In a former sketch of this ad-
venture, 1 have represented the scene of the first
landing upon the main by Gosnold as within our
harbor, having taken this information from others;
but by a very careful examination of every point and
distance mentioned in the old journals of this voy-
age, and the most accurate charts of the bay, I am
well satisfied that Gosnold and his company land-
ed and traced the coast along ts before mentioned,
to wit: from the shore near the Round Hills west-
ward to Gooseberry Neck. I am thus particular,
as it seems desirable that this fact should be estab-
lished. With the journals in hand, and a correct
map or chart, this can easily be seen.
On the shore Capt. Gosnold was met by a num-
ber of natives, men, women and children, "who
with all courteous kindness entertained him, giving
him certain skins of wild beasts, which may be
rich furs, tobacco, turtles, hemp, artificial strings
colored, chains, and such like things as at the in-
stant they had about them." They returned the
same day to the fort. A short time after this visit,
and while busily employed upon the house, which
they thatched with sedge, they espied eleven canoes
with fifty Indians in them approaching the island
from that part of the main they had visited; "and
being loath they should discover our fortification,
we went out on the sea-side to meet them." They
124
appeared very friendly, although armed with their
bows and arrows. The day was "spent in trading
with them for fm's, which are beavers, luzernes,
martins, otters, wild-cat skins, (very large and deep
far,) black foxes, coney-skins, of the color of our
hares, but soQiewhat less, deer-skins (very large,)
seal-skins, and other beasts' skins to us unknown."
These Indians remained three days with Gosnold
and his company, retiring every night to a distant
part of the main island. The journalist describes
the men as much higher in stature than themselves,
and of great symmetry of form. Some of them
had thin black beartls ; they also had beards of the
hair of beasts; and one of them oftered to exchange
a beard of this kind with one of the sailors whose
beard was of a red color, which "they judged to be
none of his own." They saw but three women,
whom they described as of low stature, "fat, and
very well favored." Their garments were made
principally of deer-skin ; and both sexes dressed in a
similar manner. The adventurers were delighted
with the climate, the beauty of the country, and
the fertility of the soil.
Their intention originally was for a part of the
company to remain for the purpose of forming a
colony, but having loaded their vessel with sassa-
fras-root (which at that time was considered val-
uable for its medicinal properties) and cedar, those
who were expected to remain, thinking the cargo
would prove very profitable, for fear of losing their
share became discontented, and they finally all left
on the 18th of June the same year. The vessel
125
wliich boro these hardy adventurers to these shores
was very small, but the tonnage is not mentioned,
probably less than one hundred tons. Her name
was the " Concord," and she belonged to Dart-
mouth, on the English Channel.
Gosnold sailed from Falmouth, England, March
26th, 1G02; landed on Elizabeth Island, or Cutty-
hunk, May 24th, 1602; left for 'England, June ISt'h,
1602 ; arrived at Exmouth, on the English Chan-
nel, July 20th, 1602; absent 4 months less 6 days.
It is highly probable that the earliest settlers of
our old township of Dartmouth came from the
English town of the same name, and whence Gos-
nold obtained his vessel, the " Concord." On the
return of this little vessel to her port, the voyage
and discoveries of the adventurers would be a
source of much interest and inquiry among the in-
habitants. It will also be remembered that in a pre-
vious chapter I make mention of the fact that the
Speedwell, which sailed in company with the May-
flower from Plymouth, put back into Dartmouth,
and was there left. These circumstances undoubt-
edly excited in the people of this maritime town
the spirit of emigration ; and it requires but little
eftorfc of the imagination to conclude that from
this port sailed the first settlers of our old township
of Dartmouth.
It does not appear from the journals of Gos-
n old's voyage I have made use of that they visit-
ed all the Elizabeth Islands, but from the descrip-
tion given iff the account of Brereton, there is no
doubt but that during their stay at Cuttyhunk
126
they went at least twiee to Naushon, which tlicy
describe as "greater than they imagined, being
sixteen English miles at least in compass." They
speak of the soil being " fat and lusty, finding places
where the grass grew." "In mid-May we did sow
in this island, (for a trial,) in smidry places, wheat,
barley, oats, and pease, which in fourteen days
were sprung up nin'e inches and more."*
Of all the Elizabeth Islands, Naushon may be
said alone to retain its primeval characteristics.
Here the noble forest trees of beech, oak, &c., with
tlie wild grape-vines growing upon them, and the
native fallow deer roaming at large, are still to be
seen, affording to the lover of nature a scene simi-
lar to that which so charmed the eyes of Gosnold
and his company more than two centuries and a
half ago.
On the afternoon of the 27th of June, 1856, in
company with a congenial friend, I visited this isl-
and. Leaving New Bedford, in less than two hours
our gallant steamer, the " Eagle's Wing," landed
us at Hadley's harbor, upon the east end of the isl-
and. Our object being to see the natural beauties
and productions of this comparatively unmolested
*Tlie sources fiom which I have deduced these historical facts and
reminiscences are: " Bartholomew Gosnold's Letter to his Father,
touching his Voyage to Virginia, 1602." *'The Relation of Captain
Gosnold's Voyage to the North Part of Virginia, Begun the Six-and-
Twentieth of March, Anno 42 Elizabethce Regince, 1602, and Deliv-
ered by Gabriel Archer, a Gentleman in the said Voyage," " A Brief
and True Relation of the Discovery of the North Part of Virginia,
]>eing a Most Pleasant, Fruitful and Commodious Soil, Made this
Present Year 1602, by Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, Captain Bar-
tholomew Gilbert, and divers other Gentlemen, their Associates, by
the Permission of the Honerable Knight, Sir Walter Raleigh, &c.
AVritlen by M. John Brereton, one of the Voyage." London, 1002.
127
realm of nature, we at once proceeded into the an-
cient woods, where we were soon amply rewarded
by a sight of some of the noblest trees and forest
ranges we had ever seen. The beeclies, oaks and
other trees here grow to a large size, many of them
undoubtedly of great age. Soon after our entrance
we were greeted by the sight of a beautiful fawn,
that stood gazing at us from a thicket at a short
distance, but quickly bounded away from our view.
The island being private property, the native deer
are still preserved ; but at certain seasons, we re-
gret to say, these beautiful and noble creatures are
hunted and shot. Naushon is the largest of the
Elizabeth Islands, and is about seven miles in
length and a mile and a quarter in breadth. It
was formerly the property of the Hon. James Bow-
doin, a Governor of Massachusetts, by whom
it was bequeathed to his nephew, James Bowdoin,
and by him bequeathed to his nephew, James Tem-
ple Bowdoin, who resided in London. It is
now the property, by purchase, of William W.
Swain, of New Bedford, and John M. Forbes, of
Milton. The old mansion-house upon this island,
which has been for many years the summer resi-
dence of the elder proprietor, Mr. Swain, was built
•by said James Bowdoin, an old bachelor, who died
there while seated in liis chair. The house was
closed for many years, and had the reputation of
being haunted, and was occasionally visited from
this cause by the curions.
To the natives, this island, as well as the rest of
the group, was a favorite resort, both on account
of the refreshing ocean breezes of summer and the
128
tempered air of winter, besides affording them the
necessaries of life in abundance. To the natm-alist,
this island affords much attraction. The trees,
plants, &c., grow in unusual luxuriance ; and we
saw a grape-vine, which my companion thought
might have dated back to the time of Gosnold,
that measured twenty-three inches in circumference
six feet from the ground, firmly interlaced with a
sturdy beech, each apparently striving for the
mastery.
The fine old w^oods were vocal with the songs
of birds, and it was singularly pleasing to hear, on
this ocean isle, the familiar notes of the wood-thrush,
the veery (Wilson's thrush,) the yellow-throat, wood-
pewee, &c. So with the plants and flowers which
greeted our way. A more genial and heart-moving
welcome we could not have desired than was thus
afforded us by the bountiful hand of nature.
A melancholy interest is attached to this island in
the minds of the readers of the beautiful and in-
structive narrative of the heroic life, sufferings, and
death of Robert Swain, a talented and accomplished
young man, the only son of Mr. Swain, who lies bur-
ied in a pleasant and retired spot chosen by himself.
Here his exhausted body found its last rest; but
the beautiful and noble spirit that invested it
dwells in the genial atmosphere of kindred natures.
Sacred the spot -where virtue lies!
Though we may see his form no more,
In vain we say the good man dies;
He lives more truly than before.
Passing out of the woods, we stopped upon a
rising ground to view the hospitable mansion of
Mr. Swain, which stands upon an elevated spot at the
129
north-east part of the island, commanding a fine
view of the broad landscape around, the bay, and
the adjoining main. This house, the same before
spoken of, is a large old-fashioned mansion, fronting
the north, hip-roofed, with several tall chimneys,
which with its ample piazzas presents an imposing
and agreeable appearance. During the past year
(1857) this house has been enlarged by the addition
of a wing upon each side, and in other respects
materially improved by the proprietors. Mr. Swain
is familiarly known as "the governor," but truly
he belongs to a more gallai'vt and noble class, the
ancient Lords of the Isles; and thus regarding him,
we were reminded of the hospitable chieftains visit-
ed by Doctor Johnson and his friend Boswell dur-
ing their tour among the Hebrides.
Buzzard's Bay lies between north latitude 41 25
and 41 42, and between 70 38 and 71 10 west
longitude from Greenwich; from its entrance be-
tween Saughkonnet Point and the ledge of rocks
that makes off from the west end of Cuttyhunk,
known as the " Sow and Pigs," it stretches away
north-east-by-north for thirty miles, with an average
breadth of seven miles, laving the southern shore
of old Dartmouth, beautifully indented by those
fine rivers, the Acoaxet, the Pascamanset, and the
Acushnet; with Dumpling Rock and the Round
Hills on the north, while on the south lies the
beautiful and noble group of the Elizabeth Islands.
Pleasant must it be to our seafaring brethren, after
a long voyage into distant oceans, once more to
behold the familiar objects herein described. With
a fine ocean breeze, the canvas all spread, the sig«
nal flying at mast-head, and richly freighted, each
moment bringing them nearer to those so near and
dear, until the anchor drops in our harbor, every
object that meets the eye must extend a welcome.
The depth of water in our bay is from six to twelve
fathoms.
The Elizabeth Islands are sixteen in number.
Beginning north-east, the first island is Nonamesset,
which is a mile and a quarter long and half a mile
broad, and contains three hundred and sixty acres.
Tthe soil is said to be as good as that of Naushon.
The next, Onkatonka, is three quarters of a mile
in length and half a mile in breadth. It is sepa-
rated from Nonamesset on the southeast by Had-
ley's harbor. Between Nonamesset and Naushon
are two small islands called* the Buck Islands.
Naushon (or Naushaun) lies southwest from On-
katonka, separated by a narrow passage. On the
south side of Naushon, about midway, is Tarpaulin
Cove, which affords good anchorage, being sheltered
from all winds except those which blow from
east-south-east [to east. The Weepeckets, three
small islands, the largest of which is not a quarter
of a mile long, lie about half a mile north from
Naushon. The next island west is Pasque, which
is a mile and three quarters long and a mile broad,
containing a thousand and two acres. South-west
of this island is Nashawena, and between them is
Quicks Hole, through which is a safe passage into
Buzzard's Bay for ships of the largest class.
Cuttyhunk is the westernmost of the Eliza-
1^1
beth Islands, and next to Nasliawena. This
island is two and a half miles long and three
quarters of a mile broad. On the south side of
this island, which lies open to the Atlantic, is a
celebrated beach covered with stones ; these being
constantly rolled back and forth by the waves, a
booming sound is created, which renders it sublime
to the imaginative mind. A little north of Cutty-
hunk is Penequese, three quarters of a mile long
and half a mile broad. This is the island visited
by Gosnold, and called by him "Hill's Hap," and
from which he took a canoe and carried to Ens:-
land on his return. Gull Island, a mile east of
Penequese, is less than a quarter of a mile long.
These islands, together with Martha's Vineyard,
Chappequiddick, and No Man's Land, form Dukes
County, Mass., so called from the Duke of York,
who in 1664 received from his brother, Charles II,
a grant of New York, including Long Island, Mar-
tha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the adjacent isl-
ands.
The largest of the islands in Buzzard's Bay,
not belonging to the Elizabeth Islands, is West's
Island, situated on the eest side of Sconticut Point,
a neck of land which makes out from Fairhaven,
and corresponds with Clark's Point on the New
Bedford side.* This island is about a mile and
a half long, and three quarters of a mile broad.
There are several good farms upon it, the soil be-
ing very fertile. It was formerly the property of
* Sconticut was the Indian name of Faiibaven.
132
John West, who left it by will to help support the
industrious poor of the town of New Bedford, which
then included Fairhaven. Since the division of
this town in 1812, this island has belonged to Fair-
haven. Bird-Isfand, in the north-east part of
this bay, has a lighthouse with a revolving light.
Mashno and Onset, small isles, are situated in the
north-east extremity of the bay. Angelica, a very
small isle off Sconticut Point, about six miles from
New Bedford, makes a very handsome appearance
in the summer season from the high green grass
growing upon it. The Egg Islands, to which par-
ties for fishing go from New Bedford, were so
named from the great quantities of gulls' eggs for-
merly found upon them.
I am aware that much of the above history does
not particularly belong to New Bedford or the old
township of Dartmouth, but as connected with
our bay, I have made use of it at this time.
For the following additional information relative
to the Elizabeth Islands, and the list of explana-
tions of Indian names made by the late Judge Da-
vis, I am indebted to William W. Swain of this
city.
" Naushon was granted to Thomas Mayhew, of
Martha's Vineyard, in 1641, by the agent of Lord
Stirling. It remained in the Mayhew family 42
years, in the Winthrop family 48 years, and 113
years in the Bowdoin family, and with the present
proprietors since 1843. Mayhew extinguished the
Indian titles by purchase. To one of the owners
of Nonamesset the consideration given was two
coats.
133
The following is from the recollections of Sam-
uel Robinson, a tenant of Naushon fifty or sixty
years ago. If now living [1857] he would be 98.
'During the Revolutionary War about two hun-
dred British soldiers were stationed at Tarpaulin
Cove for twelve or fourteen months. They built
a fort on the east side of the cove, the remains of
which are still to be seen. During the war the
British came down the bay with eighteen sail of
transports and other vessels, and anchored near the
Weepeckets. They landed five hundred men, and
demanded all the stock there was on the island.
Remonstrance or resistance was useless. They
marched to the eastern end of the island, and sep-
arating, drove the stock to Robinson's Hole, and
carried them in boats on board, — say about four-
teen hundred sheep, thirty-five head of cattle, and
twenty-five horses. Some time after a privateer
with two tenders anchored in Hadley's harbor, and
stripped the island of what stock the fleet left, —
perhaps seventy or eighty sheep, some calves, &c.,
allowing Mr. Robinson's father first to shear the
wool, as it would be of no use to them, and also
to retain his cows upon condition he would faith-
fully deliver up all the sheep, which he did, and
worked hard to save the wool.'"
"an INDIAN TESTIMONY RESPECTING THE ELIZAJ3ETH
ISLANDS.
Extracted from the Records of Plymoutli Colony.
' 1679. Old Hope,* the Indian of Manomet, saith
that lie knew the little island, lying next Saconeesef,
called Nanomeeset^ and a neck of land, or little isl-
and, called Uckatincet, belonging to the great island
called Katomuck^ and another little island, lying
* Old Hope, a respectable native, lived at IManoraet, on the back
shore of Sandwich. This name occurs on the jury in 1675 which cou-
deniued the murderer of John Sassamin.
G
184
between the said great island and Nanomeeset,
belonged to Job Antiko, his grandfather Cornuck,*
and so to Job's father, Thomas Antiko ; and the
said Hope further saith that the said great island,
called Katomuck, and another little island called
PeshchcDiieesel, to belong to Webacowet. f Will-
iam Numackf testifies that he hath often heard his
father say the same concerning the said islands,
commonly called Nashanoio Islands.''
Before we enter upon an explanation of the abo-
riginal names which occur in this testimony, it is
proper to premise that in 1680 Plymouth Colony
petitioned for a new charter, and as the Elizabeth
Islands were then under the jurisdiction of New
York, (being included in the Duke of York's second
grant of 1673,) it is probable, from the date of this
Indian testimony (1679,) that the government of
Plymouth Colony was then collecting aboriginal
evidence in order to show that these islands right-
fully belonged to certain aborigines who had ever
been resident in the territory included in Plymouth
Colony.
After the revolution of 1688, these islands v/ere
taken from New York; and annexed to Massachu-
setts, with Plymouth Colony, 1691.
EXPLANATION OF INDIAN NAMES.
Saconeesct was the aboriginal name of Falmouth
and is probably compounded of sau/d (black) and
anaujsuck (shells,) meaning the black or purple eye
of the quahaug clam, which abounds there, and of
which was made the most estimable aboriginal coin.
Ncmomeeset has a diminutive termination, and
doubtless signifies 'little island,' from wa/ia/i, which
*Tb.e phrace .'* grandfutlier Comuck " may Tbe derived from sachimo
comaco, v/hich means the house of a sachem, which is longer and
larger tlian a common one, and was probably introduced to show their
rightful descent and proprietary.
t Webacowet and William Numack lived at Falmouth.
135
occurs in the name for island. Lying near a very
large island, it is by cornj)arison small.
Uckatincet was then, it seems, a neck of land.
Time has worn a channel, yet it is fordable for
cattle at low water. This name has also a dimin-
utive termination ; the first part of the phrase is
probably olikeh^ one of the terms for ' earth,' or
' ground : ' hence it is a simple expression — ' little
ground.' *
Katomuck is familiar to the reader and traveller
as well as historian by the name of Nashaun. The
question will be asked, why the natives called it
Katomuck, as it appears in the testimony. We
can only answer that cautumme is their name for
the natural year; hence they give it to 'planting'
ground^^ and the planting season. Was not this,
therefore, in aboriginal, Planting Island ? f
Peshchameeset has also a diminutive termination ;
pescha being the root of the name, and by which it
continues to be called, The meanins: remains a
question. The Rev. Experience Mayhew wrote in
1726 'Paskehtanesit,^ which is the same name, with
a synonymic diminutive termination. It is the
Tucker's Island of history.
Nashanoio^ according to the testimony, was a
collective aboriginal name for the whole group ; at
the present period, however, it has, with a very tri-
fling variation, become a specific name for two of
them only, which is well known. Taking the lan-
guage for our guide, and keeping tha testimony in
view, we are enabled to explain this name in our
ov/n opinion conclusively. After consulting those
*It jn.iy be remarked that the letter c in our old records frequently
occurs in the place of 5, thus giving a hard sound where a soft accent
was intended; and this suggestion may account for the whimsical
popular variations in some names.
^Coaioom signifies " earth," or " planting ground," in tiie dialect
of the Pelevv Islands, and which is evidently the same i)hrasc. So
universal is this name for the year ?
136
writers * who have written in the aboriginal dia-
lects, it appears that nooshun, with unimportant
variations, is used in the superlative degree — 'the
best,' ' all in all,' &c., &c. In Mr. Eliot's specimen
of the Lord's Prayer it is the beginning phrase.
And in this sense it is evidently used in the Indian
testimony ; that is, they mean to say they were our
fathers^ islands, and therefore in their own dialect
the Nashcmoiu Islands.
The remainder of this group of islands, not in-
cluded in this descriptive testimony, are the We-
peckets, or Weckpeckets, very small, not far from
Falmouth back shore; Cuttyhonk, high and large,
the outermost and most westerly of aJl, with Pen-
iquese and Pasquineag, two lesser isles, a mile or
two north of it. Ketoack signifies to 'depart,' 'go
away,' and is given to a launch of a canoe, to a
ship, &c., &c. We have occasionally thought this
was the meaning of Cuttyhonk; that is, the mere
act of going to it gave it the name. Perhaps We-
peckets has been derived from ivabacucks (white-
head eagles,) which are very common on the oj^po-
site shores, and which may occasionally visit them.
Peniquese has a diminutive termination, and Pasqui-
neag' a collective; but their meaning, as well as the
others mentioned in this note, yet remains a ques-
tion. Copicnt, the small appendage to Cuttyhonk,
is truly Cappiquat (thick, dark Vv'oods,) which was
descriptive in 1602, when it 'was full of cedar?
* Eliot; Danforlli, Cotton.
? 5>
i:J7
CHAPTER XII.
EARLY NEWSPAPERS — SKETCHES OF AN OLD SFIIP-MAS-
TER AND MERCHANT — OLD EDITORS OF THE NEW BED-
FORD PRESS.
It will be perceived in this history that I have ob-
served but little order of arrangement. In fact, the
material is so scattered, and to be obtained from so
widely removed sources, that I should despair in
my often hasty preparations of any great amount
of success, should I make ever so great an effort
for that end. I shall attempt but little or nothing
more than to rescue from oblivion any facts, how-
ever trivial, that may be connected with my object.
•• Colli gite fragmenta, ne quid pereat."
Before me lies the first number of the first news-
paper printed in New Bedford, entitled " The Med-
ley^ or Neiu Bedford Marine Journal. New Bedford,
(Massachusetts.) Printed and Published by John
Spooner, at his Office near Rotch's Wharf. Num-
ber 1. Tuesday, November 27, 1792. Volume 1."
This old sheet, now so dingy and smoky, once pre-
sented its fair and welcome morning face to our
mothers and grandmothers ; and truly welcome
must it have been to our honest and simple-hearted
predecessors, the villagers of New Bedford. How
few of those whose glowing eyes met this humble
sheet remain! The great problem of life to them
has long since been solved. But as my object is not
138
to moralize or preach a lay sermon, with the reader's
permission I will proceed to examine the contents
of this venerable relic of the press. The editor's
address to the public is remarkably well written,
and seldom, it is to be feared, equalled by like pro-
ductions of the present day. After having intro-
duced his paper in due form, the editor goes on
to say:
" Here is an extensive country, situate remote
from a Printing Press — its inhabitants numerous;
but a small part of them knowing or being known
in the transactions of the world unless they ad-
vance a large extra sum for their knowledge. To
instruct them in the vjays of man at a much cheap-
er rate, and make each one who rightly improves
the advantages arising from a weekly Gazette as
knowing as his fellow, &c., the Editor has under-
taken a Weekly Newspaper, and with this ad-
dress introduceth for their inspection, the first num-
ber of his Medley."
He concludes with the following:
"The Editor flatters himself that so lonsr as his
exertions tend to scatter the rays of knowledge, of
morality and of refinement among the people, the
public will afford him every reasonable encourage-
ment, in proportion to the utility of his exertions.
JOHN SPOONER."
Honest old John Spoonerl we trust that our pre-
decessors duly appreciated thy exertions in their
behalf, and that thou wast fairly rewarded for thy
labors. Worthy disciple of thy gTeat exampler,
the illustrious Franklin! njay the principles of
"morality and refinement" thou endeavoredst to
139
inculcate be ever remembered by thy fraternity and
the public. Peace to thy memory!
The first original article after the address, which
is also well and clearly written, is Ujion " The Art
of Printins:." Next follows what would now be
called a fable, but which our editor terms an a])o-
logue, taken from a late London Magazine, Then
follows a long article in defence of Lafayette, who
had lately been impeached by the National Legis-
lature of France, taken from "a Gazette printed in
Philadelphia." Then an article entitled " Save
your Rags!" signed "Nam-Gar," which the reader
can reverse. Then the foreign news, collected from
a London paper. The " Congressional Proceed-
ings — Second Congress of Confederated America."
"Political Occurrences" — Italy, France, England.
"Peace with certain Indians," in which it is stated
that " sixteen of the cliiefs belonging to the nations
with whom Gen. Putnam succeeded in burying the
hatchet, are on their way to this city [Philadelphia,]
via Pittsburg." No death record : but
" Married, in this town, Capt. William Allen to
Miss Mary Taber; Capt. Gamaliel Church to Miss
Lydia Alden."
Next follow
" Custom House Office, Port of New Bedford,
from Nov. 17th to the 24th. — ExXtries. Sloop
Mayflower, Gibbs West, from N. York. — Clear-
ances. Schooner jCfi;e///, Rowland Gibbs, a whale
voyage. Sloop Jcnriy^ Nichols Stoddard, for New-
bern. Sloop Lively^ Shubael Bunker, for Philadel-
phia. Sloop Friendship^ Job Gibbs, for Savanna.
Ship Dauphin^ Stephen Gardner,
140
"To Correspondents. Thanks \o Equitas and
Leander. The Editor sincerely hopes their lau-
dable example vnll be followed by many of the Sons
of Minerva; and that originality ivill henceforth
abound in the Medley."
""I^^ The Printer has been obliged to alter the
date for publishing the Medley /row^ Thursday as
mentioned in his proposals, so as to comport ivith the
arrival of the Northern Mail. While the Stage
continues its weekly route, Saturday tvill be the
day af publication.^^
TAKE :^rOTICEI
rnilE inhabitants of the town of New Bedford are hereby notified,
X that the Town Committee of accounts will meet at Capt. Thomas
Croindofl's the 30th instant at 10 o'clock A. M., to receive and exam-
ine all accounts brought in against said town. Therefore all persons
having such accounts are requested to exhibit them at the aforesaid
time and, place. WALTEH SPOONER, ) ^
JETHRO HATHAWAY, } p -II
ABRAHAM SMITH, ) committee.
New Bedford, Not. 23, 1792.
WILLIAM ROTCH, JUN., Respectfully informs his Customers
and Friends, He has for sale, Wholesale and Retail, At his
store in New Bedford, Sail Cloth, oT an excellent Quality, of No.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8; coarse and fine 5-4ths sheeting; 6 by 8, 7 by 9,
8 by 10, 9 by 11 and 10 by 12 Window Glass; Large and small
Looking Glasses, and Plates unframed ; Glass Tumblers; Twine and
Cordage; Flour and Shipbread; Pork; Salt; Philadelphia and Russia
Bar Iron, excellent for cart tire; Paints of several kinds; Sheathing
Paper, Wrapping Paper, &c.
New Bedford, Nov. 23, 1792.
Here comes another, full of marine spirit, with
a great wood-cut of an old-fashioned brigantine,
with a flag-staff at the stern and another from the
bowsprit, and a flag flying from each, headed
FOR HAVRE I>E GRACE.
THE Brig Mary, Cornelius Grinnell, Master, Will sail on the
20th of December. Eor freight or passage apply to Seth Russell,
or to the said Master on' board.
New Bedford, Nov. 22, 1792.
A rare chance for the young gentlemen of Bed-
ford to shake hands with "Johnny Crapeau." And
141
one of them, who for many years was a prominent
merchant of this place, and son of the owner of
the brig, Seth Russell, 2cl, went out as a passen-
ger. While in Havre the captain and his passen-
ger, who were intimate friends, were invited out to
dine with the consignee, for which occasion it was
necessary to have their heads dressed by a barber.
While the knight of the comb and brush was at
work upon the hair of Mr. Russell, Capt. G. stood
behind, giving the barber directions ; and when the
operation was finished, his companion's hair was
curled, frizzled and powdered in a most charming
manner, the excessive fashion even of that day, by
the winks and nods of Capt. G., exceeded. So hurry-
ing out of the friseufs shop, they returned to the
good brig Mary's cabin ; and here our worthy friend,
who on the way had attracted much attention from
the beaux and belles^ got the sight of himself in a
mirror, and by the aid of Capt. G. restored his crown
to its pristine simplicity.
During their stay in Havre, Capt. G. had the
fine old nautical portrait of himself painted which
has for several years hung in the house of his son-
in-law, William T. Russell. It represents him in
the fashion of that day, with sky-blue-colored coat,
buff waistcoat, white cravat, ruffled shirt and wrist-
bands, his hair brushed back and powdered, the
countenance fresh and expressive of frankness;
before him lies a chart, and in his right hand he
holds a pair of dividers. Capt. Grinnell was the
father of the Hon. Joseph Grinnell, of this city,
Hon. Moses H. Grinnell and Henry Grinnell, the
U'2
philanthropic merchants, of New York, — the lattei*
the father of the Kane expedition.
Captain Cornelius Grinnell was one of that class
of worthy old ship-masters and merchants, of whom
I have before spoken. He was born in Little
Compton, R. I.,- 2d mo. 11th, 1758, and died ill
New Bedford 4th mo. 19th, 1850, in his 93d year.
His ancestors came from England about the year
1710, and settled as farmers in the place of his
birth ; but more remotely of the Huguenots, who
emigrated from France to England during the
persecution of their sect in 1572. He came to
New Bedford a poor boy, and served his apprentice-
ship with his brother-in-law, Joseph Austen, as a
hatter. By the destruction of his property during
the general conflagration of the place by the British
troops in 1778, he was left several hundred dollars
in debt, having just started in business; but being
of an ambitious and energetic character, he chose
the life of a sailor, and became a ship-master at
an early age. His great nautical skill and expe-
rience, and his extensive intercourse with the most
intelligent merchants at home and abroad, prepared
him for that successful career which he afterv/ards
led as one of our early merchants. Captain Grin-
nell was a gentleman of the old school, hospitable,
urbane, a man of sound judgment and unswerving
integrity of character. In his personal appearance,
particularly his countenance, he was said strongly
to resemble the great Lafayette. He retained
until his last years the costume of his earlier days,
and was remarkable for the neatness of his person.
143
When passing through our streets, with his quaint
but tasteful costume, usually of dark green broad-
cloth of the best quality, his handsome white-topped
boots of the highest polish, knee-breeches, and cane
in hand, his appearance was pleasing and attractive;
and for many years after the death of that pattern
of old-fashioned Quaker gentility aiul neatness,
Samuel Rodman, Sen., was to the eye of the
writer, and probably to many others^ the best-
dressed man of our place. The old class of wor-
thies which he so well represented is now all gone;
and it will be my endeavor from time to time to
make a just and respectful notice of them. Their
memories are surely worthy of being preserved.
While the good brig Mary was lying at her
wharf in Havre, that distinguished merchant. Will*
iam Rotch, Sen., a sketch of whose life and char-
acter I have before given, came on board, and the
portrait before spoken of, which had been placed,
upon the wails of the cabin, was at once recognized
by him, and pointing towards it, he said, " That is
Cornelius Grinnell." How valuable must such a
remembrancer, with so many pleasant associations,
be to its present possessor and the rest of his family I
But to return to the old "Medley," of which. I
desire to make thorough work, as it is probably
the only copy of this number in existence:* the
next advertisement, headed by a tub-like sloop,
with the bowsprit at an angle of forty-five degrees
and the main boom to correspond, reads :
* Since writing the preceding sketch of the old Medley newspaper,
I have seen a nearly complete tile of all the numbers of that paper,
which fully sustains the favorable estimate I deduced from the first
number.
144
FOR NEW YORK AND C HESEPEAK.
THE sloop Mayflower, Gibbs West, Master, Will sail on or aboiii
the first of next month. For freight or passage apply to the'
blaster on board at Rotch's Wharf, or to Elisha West.
I have now reached the last page of this venerable
relic of the press; and in the coluriin devoted to
the Muses, with the caption " Pierian Spring," 1
hnd some original lines on the Acushnet Rivefy
which the poet (Elihu Doty, a native of Rochestery
Mass.) calls " Quishnet," with this introduction:
'• For the Medley.
Mr. Printer, Anxious to please others, and willing
to be pleased myself, I have written the following
stanzas to be inserted in the first number of the
Medley: by doing which you may possibly oblige
many, but I dare say none more than yours, &c.
Leander."
The modern Leander does not liken his Quish-
net to the Hellespont, and Editor Spooner is the
Hero of his verse. Here follow the stanzas, which,
are really very good :
Old pow'rful Quishnet quiet slept.
Amidst his oozy bed;
Around his shores the marshes swept.
And rushes crown'd his head.
O'er his broad back the western breeze.
With chilly v/hispers flew.
When Sol behind the leafless treeSj
The morning curtains drew.
Sloping along the Eastern skies-,
Till almost noon he ran,
When thus beholding with surprise.
The shining God began :
'♦Rouse! King of waters, and survey
The bliss the Gods design
For mortal man this happy day.
And be the glory thine!
See with what diligence and skill.
The Printer rears his press!
May its good infl'ence wide distil.
And in distilling bless."
145
Apollo spoke, and o'er the waves
The sea-green power arose,
His breast the dimpling billow laves,
And alders shade his brows.
Around the glist'ning chores he view'd,
Well pleased with what he saw,
A rev 'rend horror still the floods
The winds attend with awe.
*' Spooner! the pleasing task pursu*,
Of spi'eading knowledge rotind!
Tho' to my shores the deed be new..
Yet may the work abound.
My waves shall waft the Medley o'er.
To bless the Eastern side.
The Gods approve." — He said no more
And sunk amidst the tide.
How many poets are there in New Bedford of
the present day who can excel this? Farewell,
Leander! thou hast probably long since gone down
a stream swifter and more endless than thy admired
Quishnet!
Then follows an original article on " Prejudice,"
signed " Equitas," well written and instructive;
after which are three capital anecdotes, under the
head of "Variety," also the celebrated Sermon on
Malt. Two more advertisements close the page,
one of books and bookbinding, by Caleb Greene,
and the other of books, by our friend, the editor of
the Medley, among which are advertised Watts's
Psalms and Hymns, Vicar of Wakefield, Journey
to Jerusalem, Expedition of Humphrey Clinker,
Devotional Papers, Adventures of Gil Bias, Affec-
tionate Schoolmastear, &c. The latter must cer-
tainly have been a rara avis. And here I close
my catalogue of the Medley, a sheet of which any
editor of the present day need not be ashamed.
146
The successor of the Medley was the " Columbiail
Courier; Printed and Published by Abraham
Shearman, Jun., at the Four Corners, New Bedford.
(1 D. .50 ets. per ann.)" This paper continued a
little more than five years, from 12th mo. 8th, 1799,
to 3d mo» 1st, 1805. Upon the title-page of this
humble sheet (even smaller than the " old Medley ")
and between the words forming its title, is a strik-
ing wood-cut, of oval form, representing a maritime
city, with its spires, observatory, blocks of buildings,
ships at the wharves, with their flags flying at
mast-head, and a ship and sloop, both under sail,
coming into port, the one evidently from foreign
parts and the other coastwise, a courier upon
horseback, riding at great speed from the adjoining
country, and all with important news and intelli-
gence for the " Columbian Courier!"
In the prices current at New York, by the quan-
tity, March SSd, 1799, superfine flour is quoted at
$8 per barrel; common do. at $7.50; butter for
export, 18 to 20 cents; cheese — English, 23 to 28
cents, American, 8 to 12 cents; beef — cargo, $6,
prime, $7.50, mess, $9 per barrel ; wheat, per
bushel, $1.50; rye, 75 cents; barley, 94 cents; oats,
33 to 34 cents; corn, 53 to 56 cents; molasses,
50 to 58 cents per gallon ; rice, $2 to $2.25 per
cwt.; sugar — muscovado, $14.15 to $16.50 per
cwt., Havana, $13.15 to $16, do. white, $19 to
$20, India, first quality, $15.5(^to $15.87, lump, per
pound, 27 cents, loaf, do., 29 cents; bohea tea, per
pound, 62 cents, hyson, $1.35 to $1.43, hyson skin,
$1.06 to $1.09, souchong, $1 to $1.06; wine —
Lisbon, per gallon', $1 to $1.06, port, $1; gun-
powder (English,) 25 pounds, $12.50; shot, per
cwt, $8.50; cordage, per cwt., $13; candles — •
tallow, 15 to 17 cents, sperm, 50 to 62 cents per
pound; oil — linseed, per gallon, $1, whale, per
tun, $75 to $80, spermaceti, per gallon, 87 to 90
cents; tobacco — very dull — 9 to 11 cents per pound.
Attached to a notice directed to Caleb Greene,
clerk of the proprietors of the New Bedford bridge,
are the following names : William Rotch," Jr., Thom-
as Rotch, Thomas Hazard,- Jr., Preserved Fish,
Joseph Maxfeld, Peleg Rowland, Benjamin Hill,
Isaac Shearman, Ebenezer Perry: New Bedford,
12th mo. 24th, 1798.
In the marine news: December 25th, 1798,
" Sailed Ship Maria, Paddack, bound to the Pacific
Ocean on a whale voyage." This is the old Maria,
the oldest whaler, if not the oldest ship, in the
United States, formerly owned by Samuel Rod-
man, Sen., and lately owned by his grandson, Sam-
uel W. Rodman, of Boston. Her register is 202
tons burthen.
The numbers of the Columbian Courier which
I have examined are very much occupied with
public matters, home and foreign news.: "An
Address to John Adams,- President of the United
States," " Fate of Buonaparte," news from Italy,
Turkey, Germany, &c.; "Extract from the British
Monthly Review for July, 1797. As a friend to
human kind, Mr. Wilberforce is already well
known to the public, and his benevolent though
hitherto unsuccessful exertions in favor of an in-»
148
jured race of men must entitle him to the esteem
of- every philanthropist*"
The motto of the Columbian Courier is given
upon. the third page of the number before me:
*' To mark th' unfoldings of eventful time."
The only worshippers before the hymeneal altar
are given as follows :
"Married, in this town, Capt. Samuel Borden
to Betsey Huttleston, only daughter of Peleg
Huttleston, Merchant, of this town."
Among the advertisements:
NEW INSURANCE OFFICE.
JOSEPH RICKETSON, informs the public, That by the request
of a number of his Friends he still continues the ofiBce of Insur--
ance Broker, &c.
Other advertisers are Rowland & Hathaway,
Michael Graham, William Ross, Jeremiah May-
hew, Daniel Ricketson & Son, Caleb Greene &
Son, "William Rotch, Jr., & Co., Seth Russell &
Sons, Henry Dean, Jonathan Card; all of whom
have passed off the stage of life, and are succeeded
by a more ambitious but probably no more happy
class in their various pursuits of commercial en-
terprise.
Of the editor of this newspaper, Abraham Shear-
man, Jr., I have before spoken, but his superior ex-
cellencies entitle him to something more than a
passing notice. Asa man of sound judgment, pure
and refined nature, honest, faithful and truly relig-
ious, all who knew him readily acknowledge. His
fine moral and literary tastes led him, in his long ex-
perience as the chief bookseller of New Bedford, to
149
fiiniLsh Itis customers with the best works of genius
in the ditferent departments of belles-lettres; and
many are undoubtedly willing to acknowledge that
from this source, they received encouragement in the
fields of literature, among whom the writer of this
history, if it be not invidious for him so to do, would
gladly add his testimony. Friend Shearman was
born upon his father's farm, about a mile north of
the Friends' meeting-house at Acushnet, 4th mo.
4th, 1777, and died in New Bedford, at the corner
of Fourth and Walnut streets, I2th mo. 26tb, 1847,
in his 71st year. He was for a long time a j^rom-
inent and valuable member of the Society of
Friends, and held several important offices in this
fi'aternity. Owing to an injury in his youth, he
became quite lame and somewhat of an invalid
during the remainder of his life, yet his personal
appearance was highly respectable, and dur-
ing his latter years venerable. He possessed con-
siderable literary as well as business talent, and
his acquirements were superior to most of his co-
temporaries; yet, owing to his great modesty, and
conscientious scruples lest he should transcend the
good order of the Christian society to which he was
so much devoted, his accomplishments were but
little known, except to his most intimate acquaint-
ances. His life was one of remarkable purity,
and his memory will be long treasured by his
friends.
On Friday, August 7, 1807, commenced the
''''New Bedford Mercury^^^ now one of the oldest
newspapers in New England. In the spring of
150
that year, upon a certain day, a tall and well-dressed
young man, erect in person, with cane in hand,
stepped briskly into the office of the old Marine In-
surance Company, at the corner of Elm aiid Wa-
ter streets, and inquired for a person with whom
he had had some correspondence in relation to the
establishment of a newspaper in New Bedford;
the " Columbian Courier," as it will be remem-
bered, having ceased on March 1, 1805. This gen-
tleman was Benjamin Lindsey, Sen., of Boston ;
and the interview with the gentleman he sought,
who was Joseph Ricketson, Sen., appears to have
been satisfactory, as the first number of the Mer-
cury was issued, as before stated, in the following
A ugust.
Mr. Lindsey was a man of great energy and in-
dustry, an editor of the old school. His constant
devotion to his profession much impaired his health,
and for many of his last years, as remembered by
the writer, he bore the appearance of a valetudi-
narian; but he retained his quick step and industri-
ous habits to the last. His appearance was remark-
ably editorial, but decidedly of the olden time,
and like his predecessor, John Spooner, of the
Franklin school of printers. The New Bedford
Mercury daring his editorship was of the Federal
school of politics, and was ever one of the most
consistent and able journals in the State. During
the latter part of his life, he was assisted by his
eldest son, the present editor, who established the
Daily Mercury, not without the distrust of his father
for its success, in 1831.
151
At present there are three newspaper establish-
ments in this city : the IMereury, claily, semi-week-
ly, and Weekly ; the Standard, daily and weekly ;
and the Times, weekly.
Mr. Lindsey was a practical printer^ having
learned his trade in Boston. He was born in Mar-
blehead, Mass., and died in New Bedford, November
10, 1831, in his '54th year. He was a man of sound
judgment, exemplary virtue, unobtrtisive in his
manners, and died much respected by his fellow-
citizens.
lo2
CHAPTER XIII.
RECAPITULATION IN PART OF FORMER MATTERS— PAR-
TIAL GENEALOGY OF THE RUSSELL FAMILY — OLD PRO-
PRIETORS — CASES OF LONGEVITY, &C.
Although I have given this work the title of a
History of New Bedford, I have included consid-
erable which more j3roperly belongs to the old town-
ship of Dartmouth, of which New Bedford is but a
part, the old township having been divided in the
year 1787, as before stated; and that territory, once
known only as Dartmouth, included the present
townships of Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford
and Fairhaven. The two latter were until the year
1812 one township, under the name of New Bed-
ford, at which time Fairhaven was separately in-
corporated.
The first settlement of Dartmouth, so far as I
have been able to ascertain from a diligent exam-
ination of the old records, was made at " Russell's
Mills," by Ralph Russell, soon after the purchase
of the Indian chiefs, Wasamequin and his son
Wamsutta, by William Bradford and others, as
per deed dated " New Plymouth, November 29th,
1652," a copy of which will be found in my first
chapter. Here, upon the west bank of the Pasca-
manset river, in a beautiful and picturesque region,
came the ancestor of the Russell family, the afore-
said Ralph Russell, who, as before stated, had been
engaged with Henry and James Leonard in the
153
iron maniifacturo at Raynliam. In an account of
the early settlement of Braintree, Mass., given in
the collections of the Massachusetts Historical So-
ciety, mention is made of a company of iron man-
ufacturers, who having heard of the facilities for
obtaining their ore, had emigrated to that place for
the purpose of establishing their business, but were
disappointed in the result. Of this company, the
said Russell and Leonards moved to Raynham in
the year 1652, and established their business on
what is known as the " Two Mile River." They
originally came from Pontipool, Monmouthshire,
Eng., a place still noted for its iron manufacture.
Ralph Russell was probably an elderly man at the
time he emigrated from Taunton to Dartmouth,
and must have died soon afterwards, as the name
of John Russell, Sen., who was undoubtedly his
son, appears first in the early records of the town-
ship as a proprietor. The remains of the old iron-
forge established by Ralph Russell are still to be
seen at Russell's Mills.
There were thirty-six original purchasers of the
township of old Dartmouth, among whom was
Capt. Miles Standish, whose portion was purchased
by John Russell, as per deed from Edward Gray,
attorney to Miles Standish, dated " March y« 9th,
1664."
In the year 1665, Dartmouth was represented for
the first time at the General Court at Plymouth,
by John Russell.
''John Russell, Sen., died y^ 13th day of Feb^
1694-5. Dorothy Russell, wife of John Russell,
154
Sen., died y« 18th day of December, 1G87." Dart-
mouth Records.
His age is not given, but he was undoubtedly an
old man, as it will be remembered he was the
representative in 16G5, and was probably born in
England.
"Joseph Russell, son of John Kussell, Sen., was
born y^ (3th day of May in y^ year 1650, and died
December 11, 1739, in the 90th year of his age.
Elizabeth Russell, y® wife of Joseph Russell,
Sen., was born y® 6th day of March, 1657, and died
25th September, 1737."
Joseph Russell and John Russell, twin brothers,who
were born in the garrison on the east side of Appo-
neganset River, the remains of which are still to be
seen, "y® sons of Joseph Russell and Elizabeth his
wife, were born y^ 22d of y^ month called November,
in y^ year 1679."
"John Russell, Jun., deceased y® 20th day of
March, in y^ year 1695-6."
John Russell, twin brother of Joseph Russell,
married Rebecca, daughter of William and Eliza-
beth Ricketson, 2d mo. 26th, 1704.
Joseph Russell, 1st, son of the aforesaid John
Russell, Sen., settled within what is now the limits
of the city of New Bedford. His house stood near
the site of the " Tyson house," now owned by
Capt. John A. Delano. The original well which
belonged to his house is now in the cellar of said
Tyson house, and is still in use.
Joseph Russell, 2d, twin brother of John, lived
on County street near the head of Walnut street.
155
His house was standing within the memory of
some of the oldest inhabitants, kitely deceased, and
the well of the same, still in use, is between the
residences of Capt. Caleb Anthony and Barton
Ricketson.
There is a confirmatory title of land, dated 25th
May, 1711, conveying to Joseph Russell, Jr. (2d,)
his homestead, made by Her Majesty's (Queen
Anne's) Justices of the Court of Quarter Sessions
for the County of Bristol : Sam.uel Hammond,
Benjamin Hammond, and Benjamin Crane, sur-
veyors.
Joseph Russell, 3d, the fourth son of the forego-
ing Joseph Russell, 2d, and Mary his wife, whom
I have before mentioned as the founder of New
Bedford, was born, as is supposed in the house of
his father, near the head of Walnut street, 10th
mo. 8th, 1719, and died at his house, near the head
of William street, 10th mo. 16th, 1804, aged 85
years.
Caleb Russell, Sen., whose house is still standing
upon the south part of County street, and Abraham
Russell, the grandfather of the late Seth and
Charles Russell, merchants, of New Bedford, were
also sons of Joseph Russell, Jr. (2d,) and Mary his
wife.
Judith, the wife of Joseph Russell, od, and
daughter of Barnabas and Rebekah Howland, was
born 1st mo. 14th, 1725, O. S. They w^ere maimtl
5th mo. 29th, 1744, O. S. She died 2d mo. 26th,
1807, in her 82d year. Their children were as
follows: Barnabas, born 3d mo. 26th, 1745, O. S.;
156
Rebekah, bom 2d mo. 30th, 1747, O. S.; Patience,
born 1st mo. 10th, 1749, O. S.; Martha, 12th mo.
14th, 1751, O. S.; Elizabeth, 8th mo. 1st, 1753, O.
S.;- Abraham, born 2d mo. 25th, 1756, O. S.;
Humphrey, born 5th mo. 25th, 1758, O. S.; Gilbert,
born 5th mo. 2d, 1760, O. S.; Mary, born 11th mo.
9th, 1763, O. S.; Judith, born 11th mo. 26th, 1765,
O. S.; Joseph, born 12th mo. 13th, 1768, O. S.
Joseph Russell, 3d, was a man of medium stature,
and of rather slender figure. He wore the old-fash-
ioned costume of the Society of Friends, of which he
was a strict member: the long-skirted coat, long
waistcoat, and knee-breeches, with buckles in
his shoes, or top boots, and a three-cornered hat.
His hair, even in his latter years, was thick, and of
dark color mixed with gray, his eyebrows remarkably
heavy, and the general expression of his counte-
nance stern, though at times he could enter into
the spirit of humor. He was much devoted to the
principles of the Society of Friends, and in reading
the Bible aloud, as was his usual custom, he
adopted the peculiar tone of the preachers of his
sect. He was a man of great industry, prudence,
and enterprise, and of strict integrity of character,
a Jarge farmer, an extensive landholder, and,
as before stated, the originator of the whale-fishery
and the manufacture of spermaceti candles in
New Bedford. He was very hospitable, and his
h^ile, as were those of his ancestors, was the head:
quarters of travelling Friends and other strangers.
He gave, as before mentioned, the Society of
Friends the lot of land on Spring street upon which
157
the brick mccting-house stands. His wife was a
notable housekeeper, and, although very wealtliy
people, all her daughters w^ere thoroughly trained in
domestic duties, and in their turn became worthy
representatives of their mother.
That Joseph Russell was a man of much pres-
ence of mind, the following incident in his life will
show. He was the owner of Gooseberry Neck, a
piece of land which lies in the present township of
Westport, near the mouth of Buzzard's Bay, and
of which I have previously spoken in my account
of this bay. This rocky promontory is completely
insulated at high water, and after a heavy blow
from the south-west, with the huge Atlantic bil-
lows dashing against it, presents one of the
sublimest scenes upon our coast. Having crossed
over to this place on horseback, he remained there
some time, and on his return found the tide had
come in so much that he was obliged to swim his
horse; but the current setting in very strong, and
the distance being considerable, he found when
part way over that his horse would not be able to
proceed much farther with him upon his back. In
this critical situation, he remembered to have read
in the journal of Thomas Richardson, one of the
early Friends, of a similar circumstance happening
to him while fording a stream, who, by slipping off
the back of his horse and holding on to his tail,
was safely carried over. He at once adopted this
expedient, and with like success. A sketch of a
similar character may be seen in one of the tail-
pieces of Bewick's " Illustrated Natural History."
H
158
The oil-factory of Joseph KnsscII, of which 1
have before spoken as the first in New Bedford ^
and which was burnt by the British in 1778, stood
on the north side of " Centre street square." The
art of refining spermaceti was at this time known
to but few, and by these kept a profound secret.
Captain Chafee, of w^hom I have also spoken as
being employed by Mr. Kussell for this purpose,
while at work was shut up by himself, lest any one
should discover the art.
According to Macy's History of Nantucket, the
manufacture of spermaceti candles was not intro-
duced there until the year 1772. From the same
source I learn that "the first manufactory of sperm
candles in this country was established in E.hode
Island, a little previous to 1750, by Benjamin Crab,
an Englishman." In 1753 Obadiah Brown erect-
ed candle-works at Tockw^otten, now India Pointy
Providence, and engaged the above Benjamin Crab
to conduct the business. After this, in 1754 or ^55^
Moses Lopez engaged in the same business at
New York, and was soon followed by Collins &
Reveria, Aaron Lopez, Thomas Kobinson, and
others. Obadiah Brown in 1753 manufactured
about three hundred barrels, which was nearly all
that was in that year saved separate from body
oil, and not sent to England. He was disappointed
of the information w^hich he expected to receive
from Crab, and w^as obliged to learn the secret of
refining by his own experiments. In 1761 there
were eight manufactories in New England, and
one in Philadelphia.
lo9
J II the year 1770, Joseph Russell and his son J3ar-
nabas, who were in partnership, owned, in addition
to several whaling vessels, a number of other ves-
sels trading to southern ports and the West India
Islands. They also kept a store, and inijiorted
goods from London, by the way of Boston, and
their West India goods in their own vessels. To
the time of the Revolutionary War their business
was in a very flourishing state. During the war
their vessels were taken ; and their losses by the de-
preciation of the continental paper money left them
at its close but little beside their real estate.
The following table of the depreciation of pa-
})er currency during the Revolutionary War is cop-
ied from a memorandum, in remarkably neat pen-
manship, by Lydia Tallman,* afterwards the wife
of Gilbert Russell, made by her at the age of 17
years.
"1777, January 1, 100 Spanish milled dollars
equal to 100 dollars paper currency; February 1,
100 do. equal to 107 do.; March 1, 100 do. equal
to 109 do.; April 1, 100 do. equal to 112 do. ; May
1, 100 do. equal to 115 do.; June 1, 100 do. equal
to 120 do.; July 1, 100 do. equal to 125 do.; Au-
gust 1, 100 do. equal to 150 do.; September 1, 100
do. equal to 175 do.; October 1, 100 do. equal to
275 do.; November 1, 100 do. equal to 300 do.;
December 1, 100 do. equal to 310 do. 1778, Jan-
uary 1, 100 do. equal to 325 do.; February 1, 100
do. equal to 350 do.; March 1, 100 do. equal to 375
do.; April 1, 100 do. equal to 400 do.; May 1, 100
* An account of a journey this lady made on horseback from Bed-
ford to Nine Partners, Dutchess County, N. Y., with her brother
Seth Tallman, her future husband Gilbert Russell, and his father
Joseph Russell, will be tbuud in the next chai)ter.
160
do. equal to 400 do.; June. 1, 100 do. equal to 400
do.; July 1, 100 do. equal to 425 do. 1779, Jan-
uary 1, 100 do. equal to 742 do.; February 1, 100
do. equal to 868 do.; March 1, 100 do. equal to
1000 do.; April 1, 100 do. equal to 1104 do. ; May
1, 100 do. equal to 1215 do.; June 1, 100 do. equal
to 1342 do.; July 1, 100 do. equal to 1477 do. ; Au-
gust 1, 100 do. equal to 1630 do.; September 1, 100
do. equal to 1800 do.; October 1, 100 do. equal to
2030 do.; November 1, 100 do. equal to 2308 do.;
December 1, 100 do. equal to 2593 do. 1780, Jan-
uary 1, 100 do. equal to 2934 do. ; February 1, 100
do."^equal to 3322 do.; March 1, 100 do. equal to
3736 do. ; April 1, 100 do. equal to 4000 do."
The original proprietors of land on the west side
of the Acushnet River, beginning at Clark's Point
and following the County road to the Head of
the River in order, were as follows:
1. Benjamin Allen, who owned the whole of
Clark's Point and as far north as the brow of the
hill leading down to Clark's Cove.
2. Joseph Russell, Sen. (1st.)
3. Joseph Russell, Jr. (2d.) They were both
living in 1711, father and son.
4. Manasseh Kempton.
5. Samuel Willis.
6. Stephen Peckham, whose land extended from
Willis's north line (south side of Linden street)
northwardly to the " Russell farm," now owned by
the heirs of the late Timothy G. Coffin; including
the Coggeshall and Tallman farms, the latter now
owned by Willard Nye and Charles R. Tucker.
The old Peckham house stood a little to the south-
west of the entrance gate to " Woodlee," the
161
residence of the latter-named ])erson. The old
cellar lias been filled, but the well still remains.
7. John Hathaway, whose land extended from
the north line of the "Russell farm" to a little
north of the farm of the late Captain William
Hathaway, now the property of Benjamin B.
Covell.
8. The Wrightingtons, who owned from the
Hathaway line to the Head of the River, including
the land of the village of Acushnet on both sides
of the river. The Swifts early in the last century
purchased of the Wrightingtons. Upon a stone in
the old graveyard at Acushnet is the following
inscription: "Tn memory of Dea. Jireh Swift, who
departed this life March y« 16th, 1782, in the 75th
year of his age." This was the grandfather of the
late Jireh Swift, Sen., of Acushnet, who died
recently at an advanced age.
It will be seen by the above statement that the
land upon which New Bedford is built originally
belonged, as described, to the Russells, the Kemp-
tons, and the Willises; and a portion of the
descendants of these old proprietors are land-
holders in their respective localities at the present
day.
I find, upon a further examination of the old
surveys of Benjamin Crane, that all the land lying
upon the west side of the Acushnet road, from
Stephen Peckham's north line to the road leading
over Tarkiln Hill, (which was called the "Rhode
Island Way," being the road from Plymouth to
Newport,) and west for a long distance, and to the
162
Acnshnet River on the east, was originally owned
by John Hathaway. His house, a large old-
fashioned, gambrel-roofed mansion, stood until
within a few years near the corner of the "Nash
road," a little to th©*^ east of the present residence
of Thomas Nash.
The old Wrightington house, a part of the cellar
and wall of which are still to be seen, stood upon
a knoll a little to the north of the residence of
Thaddeus M. Perry, on the Acushnet road.
The following is a copy of an old paper without
date; but the account being in sterling currency,
and the name of Joseph Rotch, Jr., who died in
Bristol, England, previous to the Revolution, place
it at an early date:
Estimate of the expense of 75 rods of stone
wall made each side of King street, proportioned
among the proprietors of Bedford by Bartholomew
Taber, Thomas Hathaway and Jethro Hathaway,
amounting to .£29 2, L. Mo% to be collected by
.Joseph Rotch, Jr., and William Tallman, and paid
to Joseph Russell, viz. :
Josej)h Rotch & Son, accountable for £19 7
Remains to be collected of the following
proprietors by William Tallman, viz.:
John Akins, £ 7
Jei-emiah Childs, 6
Jesse Grossman, 9
Isaac Fish, 7
Isaac Howland, 1
Edward Hudson, 12
John Lowdcn, ■ 1
William Macoraber, 3
Joseph Russell, 2
Barnabas Russell, 15
Carried forward, £6 18
H33
Brought up, £0 18 £19 7
Daniel Rickctson, ' 7
Daniel Smith, 10
AVilliiim Tallman, 15
Deiijamin Taber. 18
Benjamin Baker, G
9 14
Lawful money, £29 1
The late William Tallman, son of the one men-
tioned in the above account, remembered when a
boy of riding down King street on horseback and
finding it dilFicult to get along owing to the stones.
The writer, a few years before the death of this old
gentleman, met him in the hardware store of his
son, William Tallman, Jr., who, in a reply to a re-
marlv upon the great variety of tools and cutlery
to be found at the present time, told the following
anecdote to show the contrast to the days of his
boyhood. A son of William Ricketson was sent
by his father to the blacksmith's to have a horse
shod, with the money to pay for it. On the return
home with the horse, the father upon inquiry found
a penny missing, and that his son had spent it at
the blacksmith's in the purchase of a jewsharp:
"Ah," said the old man, " thes^lacksmith's shops
are lick-penny places." "Lick-penny places" in-
deed! What would the simple-hearted old man
say at the extravagance of the present day?
A grist-mill belonging to Joseph Russell former-
ly stood at tKe head of Main street. It was here
when the house of Abraham Russell was raised,
6th July, 1803, and stood a short distance in the
rear of the same.
In the latter part of the last century, or tlie first
of the present, Abraham Russell established the
164
first line of stage-coaches between New Bedford
and Boston. At this time there was no one in
New Bedford who had seen four horses harnessed,
except the wife of Mr. Russell, who was a Phila-
delphia lady, and the harnesses were brought into
her kitchen and laid upon the floor, for her to
instruct the coachman the way of arranging them
upon the horses. As the road had only been used
by foot-passengers or by travellers on horseback, it
was necessary to cut otT the branches of the trees
that overhung the road. The late Miss Hannah
West, the daughter of Samuel West, D. D., who
lived in the house still standing a little beyond the
hill at Acushnct, seeing men lopping off the limbs
of some fine trees near their house, was at first
quite shocked at the seeming outrage, but on be-
ing informed of the great object in view, that the
Boston stage-coach could pass, she became quite
reconciled. At this period, as we read in the old
"Medley" newspaper, one mail per week only was
received from Boston.
The following list of aged persons within a
circuit of two umes from New Bedford, in a
population not exceeding 20,000 inhabitants, was
made by the late Elisha Hathaway, of Boston, a
native of New Bedford, in the month of September,
1848:
Years
Year?.
Elizabeth Kenapton,
95
Coi-nelius Grinnell,
90
Noah Stoddard,
94
William Rutch, Jr.,
88
Widow Winslow,
94
James Shearman,
88
Elizabeth Peckham,
92
Bethiah Russell,
87
Rhoda West,
91
William Tallman,
87
Nicholas Tcxber,
91
Betsey Fuller,
87
Scth Tallman,
90
Benjamin Butler,
87
Elizabeth Rodman,
90
Samuel Borden,
86
1G5
Years.
YeaiH.
Lois Perry,
86
Rhoda Howland,
82
Humphrey Hatliawfty'
s widow, 86
Charlotte IJrightman,
82
Elizabeth Taber,
86
Susan Delano,
82
Sarah Kussell,
. 85
David Howland.
82
Samuel Tripp,
85
Barnabas Taber,
82
Edith Russell,
85
Ruth Smith,
81
Susan Taber,
84
Mary Taber,
81
Abigail Hathaway,
84
William Holmes,
81
Phebe Meader,
83
John Slocum,
81
Job Akin,
83
Widow Cornell,
80
Elijah Kempton,
83
Pamela Willis,
80
Isaac Negus,
83
Desire Howland,
80
Richard Johnson,
83
Judah Butler,
80
Manasseh Kempton,
83
Francis Taber,
80
Abigail Perry,
82
Abraham Allen,
80
Abraham Pierce,
S-2
Lydia Foster,
80
Miss Rebecca Spooner, who was born on Scon-
ticut Neck April 12th, 1762, O. S., now in her
97th year, possessing her mind but little impaired,
and enjoying a good degree of health, resides at
Oxford village, Fairhavcn.
IT:.
16G
CHAPTER XIV.
THE MODE OF TRAVELLING IN OLDEN TIMES — SKETCHES
OF TWO JOURNEYS ON HORSEBACK, ONE OF WHICH
BREAKS OFF RATHER SUDDENLY- REMINISCENCES OF
OLD CITIZENS.
In my last chapter I mentioned a journey on horse-
back made by Miss Lydia Tallman. When a
young woman, during the Revolutionary War, she
accompanied her brother, Seth Tallman, her future
husband, Gilbert Russell, and his father, Joseph
Russell, from Bedford to Nine Partners, Dutchess
County, New York, thence via Albany to Saratoga;
passing through Rhode Island and Connecticut
going, and returning through the western and
middle parts of Massachusetts, and Rhode Island,
making a journey of between four and five hundred
miles, the last day of which they rode fifty miles.
How many young ladies, think ye, of the present
day, even with the advantages of riding-schools,
can excel this? The roads at this time, too, were
not what they now are, and a considerable part of
the way was through a wild and unsettled country,
covered with the primeval woods.
It is pleasant to revert to those days of healthful
simplicity; and for a moment let us indulge in a
picture of this old-fashioned equestrian party.
The place of rendezvous for starting would probably
be from the house of the elder member of the
company, which, it will be remembered, stood near
167
the County road, a little to the south-cast of the
residence of Charles W. Morgan, and near a white
mulberry tree, still to be seen there. This journey
had undoubtedly been long the subject of conver-
sation, particularly with the young people, and
was not undertaken without due consideration.
The time of their journey, though not known, w^as
probably in the spring or early summer. The day
of their departure having been duly fixed upon,
bright and early the young lady, with her fresh
and handsome countenance, which she always
retained, accompanied by her lover and brother,
mounted upon their sleek and well-fed horses, might
have been seen proceeding at a brisk trot from her
father's house, at the corner of Main and Third
streets, to join their elder companion and guide,
whom we may conclude they found already
mounted at the appointed time before his ow^n
door. The usual farewells being made, the young
lady already in the advance, they cheerfully com-
mence their journey up the old County road.
Behind each saddle are the leathern bags which
contain their luggage. The gentlemen with smart
top-boots and spurs, three-cornered beaver hats, and
genteel Quaker costume throughout, the young lady
with a neat and tasteful though simple travelling
dress, with pieces of gold quilted into her skirt for
security, and hood, all made by her own hands; thus
equipped, we may infer they presented quite a janty
appearance for the occasion. The old woods re-
echoed to the hearty laughter and the good-humored
168
sallies of the young couple. An occasional farm-
house and rural fields only interrupted the nobler
features of nature, while in the pauses of conversa-
tion might be heard the sweet and welcome notes of
the wood thrush, pr the rougher salutations of the
blue jay, and crow. Onward they jog, and crossing
Slade's-ferry, are fairly entered upon their way;
so bidding them farewell, we must leave the re-
mainder of the journey, for want of proper infor-
mation,* to be filled up by our younger and more
imaginative readers, hazarding only the conclusion
that a more auspicious prospect of happiness has
rarely fallen to the lot of youthful lovers. And of
this I have unquestionable proof at hand in the
sequel, as the happy young couple were afterwards
married, videlicet^ on the loth of November, 1783.
I have by me a pocket memorandum, or itinerary,
which it is refreshing, in this age of unquiet and
haste, to peruse, kept by Gilbert Russell on a sub-
sequent journey, and, as will be seen, a few years
after his marriage, through the same route, accom-
panied by his uncle, William Russell, wdiich will
in some measure throw light upon his previous,
and as we may conclude happier, journey. The
time of absence having been duly calculated upon
a broad margin, he records his almanac for the
months of October and November of the year
1786 upon the first page of the cover of the book.
* The memoranda which I had relied upon for notes of this journey,
I unexpectedly found to belong to another one — that Tvhich I haTC
herein recorded.
169
the shape of which was chosen to be readily used
from an inside breast pocket. Next follows the
description of his walch, as follows:
"Marks of my watch: silver watch, made by
Robt. Ovington, London; No. 38594 M. Steel
chain; brass key; pinch back seal, with frame — fig-
ure, man's head. Middling size figures for the
minutes, and dots."
"Steel portmanteau key; chain figured, stampt
I. R. inside."
"Cash taken with me: 2 Jos, (48,) 4 16 — 3
guineas, (28,) 4 4—1 do., 1 8 5— XIO 8 5; 20
dollars, 6 — change, 4 2— <£16 12 7."
" Wearing apparel taken with me : 3 shirts, 3
stocks, 3 pair stockings, 2 waistcoats, 1 pair
breeches, 1 pair shoes, 1 pair buckles, 2 razors —
besides what I have on."
Next follows —
"Description of my mare: about 14 hands high,
dark chestnut colour; trots all; mane hangs upon
the left side; star on her forehead; brand on her left
thigh — marked thus, WP.; interferes. About 10
years old."
Mr. Russell was at this time in his twenty-
seventh year, of small but genteel figure, modest
and retiring manners, and great neatness of per-
son and dress, which he retained throughout
his life. All things thus ready, at half past two
p. M., the 22d of October, 1786, they took their
departure, the weather "cloudy and cold, wind
N. E."
A shade of sadness undoubtedly passes over
the mind of the younger gentleman at the thought
of his former companion, his now fair young wife,
170
left behind him; but pleasant remembrances, and a
slight dash of romance, take the place of sadder
thoughts, and clapping his spurs to the old mare
he hurries forward, calling to his more staid uncle
William, to hasten on.
That evening they reach their friend Thomas
Durfee's, in Fall River — eighteen miles, — where
they remain over night.
The next morning (23d) the weather having
changed to "warm and fine," they set off at quarter
before eight, and dine three miles from Providence,
R. I., on "pork, boiled mutton, cabbage, &c.,"
and reach Coventry, where they put up for the
night, at "William Love's, riding forty miles that
day.
The next morning they "turn out at three o'clock,
get under way at six, with a small air from the
westward, clear and warm," ride five and a half
miles, and oat their horses ; cross Plainfield River,
Connecticut, quarter past nine, eight miles from
last stage, and breakfast. Passing through Ripley,
" a small town," Windham, " a very pretty town,"
where they again oated, and dine at Lebanon on
"fried pork and eggs." The landlord "gone a
courting an old maid of fifty-six, having buried
his wife only six weeks before — he at the age of
sixty." Starting again at four o'clock, they reach
a tavern at nightfall; find the landlord at the door,
who informs them that "the doors ivas shut."
Fatigued, the}^ "put on" in the dark for the next
tavern, which they find full. Riding two and a
half miles farther, they reach East Hartford, in all
171
fifty miles that day, "sup on bread and milk," and
put up for the night.
25th. " Fine weather. Got under way a little
before sunrise." Cross Hartford-ferry at eight
o'clock, and breakfast on steaks and chocolate in
"the city." At eleven they arrive in Farmington,
ten miles from Hartford, oat the horses, and then put
on for Litchfield, our journalist in severe pain; but
persevere, and reach their port a little after sunset,
having rode thirty-eight miles. " Sup on one cup
of chocolate, and no appetite."
26th. Good weather. Get under way before
sunrise, although still " quite meagre," cross Mount
Tom at eight o'clock, and breakfast on chocolate
ten miles from Litchfield. Noon finds them at
New Miliord, where they oated; and at half past
three arrive at their desired port, Nin^ Partners,
after a ride of thirty miles, — a pretty good ride for
a sick man; but it appears to have cured him, for
no further mention is made of pain or "meagre."
This journey of one hundred and seventy-six
miles they accomplished in a little less than five
days, making a fraction over thirty-five miles per
day. Here they remained among their friends and
relatives, ten days. While here they attended a
"quarterly meeting" of Friends, of which society
they were members, and lodged at Daniel Davis's,
where they found "a couple of funny men from
Danbury, Conn., who kept them up till tsvelve
o'clock, telling stories." These w^ere undoubtedly
joking Quakers, who, although rather rare, yet
exist, and are usually found to be quite equal to
the humorists of other sects.
]72
On the afternoon of the 5th November, they
start on what our journalist calls, the second part
of their journey, and put up for the night at B.
Thomas's.
The next day get under way at eight o'clock,
cross Plymouth Hill, and "make the mountains
on the west side of North River, thirty-six miles
distant, although appearing not to be more than
four; arrive at Redhook, twenty-two miles from
Hudson, riding thirty-eight miles that day. Sup on
chocolate, and pass the night at a Dutchman's
house."
The next day (Nov. 7th) start at sunrise, ride
fourteen miles, and breakfast in Livingston Manor,
eight miles from Hudson, at a Dutchman's, on tea
and buckwheat cakes; arrive in the city of Hudson
at 11 A. ivfc . Dine at Captain Marshall Jenkins's
on corne^beef, and sup at the inn on tea and
steaks. "Supposed to be nearly two hundred
dwelling-houses in this city, of all sizes. Thirty-
four miles from Albany."
8th. Fine weather and warm. Leave Hudson,
pass through Kinderhook, eighteen miles from
Hudson, and "at sunset arrive at the ferry, daylight
down,"
Pass the night at Albany, and the next day (the
9th November) they cross the Mohawk River, and
at 11 A. M. reach their long looked for port, Daniel
Shepherd's, at Niskayuna.
On the 10th, attend a Justice's Court. Weather
cold.
11th. Clear and pleasant. Go to Schenectady,
sixteen miles distant. " The town contains about
173
live hundred bouses, chiefly Dutch; a few English
buildings that are very clever."
12th. They attend a Shaker meeting, and wit-
ness the usual ceremonies, which are faithfully
described.
On the loth they proceed on their journey north-
easterly; pass the battle-ground at Saratoga; and
at sunset cross the North River again, pass through
two miles of pine woods, and arrive at Thomas
Dennis's, in Saratoga, at 7 p. m.
Here he was joined by his father, Joseph Rus-
sell, whose son Barnabas subsequently settled in
Easton, opposite Saratoga, remaining until the
19th, when he "turned his face homeward," accom-
panied by his father, and lodged that night in a
log-house for the first time.
20tli. Snow-storm. Dine at "Duel's, in the
woods." Cold and tedious riding. Put up at a
log-house again.
21st. Clear and warm, the ground covered with
snow. Parts with Uncle William, at Akin's. At
half past ten reaches Bennington, Vermont, and
puts up for the night at " Lapham's," in Hoosack,
where they find more snow.
Although his father's name is not mentioned on
the return, I conclude, as he had a companion
throughout the journey, that he was the one.
On the 27th, with "new horses," they continue
their journey, with the "old sort of blue weather,
cold and disagreeable." Bait their horses on the
east side of the_ Green Woods, in W^orthington ;
and at five o'clock, having ridden thirty-five miles,
174
put np for the night within five miles of North-
ampton, Mass., and sup on steaks and tea at
Edward's Tavern.
-28th. Clear and cold. Start before sunrise,
and breakfast in Northampton; proceed to the
ferry; to their sorrow find the river frozen over,
and being unable to prevail upon the ferryman to
cut the ferry open, they go up the river, and find
the ice strong enough to pass over with their
horses ; put on ten miles further, then oat and
warm. The ink froze in his pocket. Pass the
night in the town of Palmer, twenty-three miles
from Northampton. A colder day they never knew
even in winter.
29th. Clear, and very cold. Ride thirty-eight
miles, passing through Brimfield and Sturbridge,
and halting at Woodstock to bait the horses. Plere
they find had lately been a severe hurricane, which
had torn up apple-trees, large quantities of wood,
stables, and roofs of houses. Put up at Killingly,
Conn., twenty-eight miles from Providence, — the
roads very hard and icy,
30th. Snow-storm. Ride six miles, and get
breakfast in Gloucester, R, I. Cross Providence
ferry at three p. m., and reach Thomas Durfee's, in
Fall River, at seven o'clock, having made forty-
eight miles this day.
Dec. 1. At one p. m. arrive at home, eighteen
miles from last stage.
The whole number of miles on this journey, five
hundred and thirteen ; greatest number of miles
any one day, fifty; amount of expenses, X5, 17 s.
175
10 d.; time of absence, from Oct. 22d to Dec. 1st,
forty days.
I have made these copious abstracts from the
aforesaid jom-nal, as a good specimen of the habits
and mode of travelling at this period, which, it
will be remembered, was in the year 1786, and
thinking it might be particularly interesting to the
elder portion of my readers, who were conversant
with the parties concerned.
Gilbert Russell, to whom we are indebted for
these interesting reminiscences, son of Joseph and
Judith Kussell, was born August 12th, 1760, and
died from an injury he received by being thrown
from his carriage, August 22d, 1829. Lydia, his
wife, a daughter of William Tallman, was born
September 30th, 1759, and died September 11th,
1840.
Mr. Russell was a man of refined taste and of
gentle and unassuming manners. He built the
house, on County street, which he afterwards sold
to its present owner, William R. Rotch, and of
which I have before spoken as one of the most
genteel residences in our place ; also the pleas-
ant and tasteful mansion on the corner of Rus^
sell and Sixth streets, now owned by, and the
residence of, S. G. Morgan.
His taste in horticulture employed many of his
leisure hours. And few men in our community led
more unexceptionable lives, or received more re-
spect for their memory. Some of his experiments
in horticulture were quite original. In his extensive
and highly cultivated fruit-garden, now the property
176
of his son, William T. Rassell, are two large rocks,
which the writer remembers to have been used by
this gentleman for the training of grape-vines,
one of which was white, and the other black-washed,
for the purpose of ascertaining which would ripen
the fruit soonest. If the writer remembers correctly,
there was no perceptible difference in the result.
Nearly all of this generation are now gone, and
only one — a sister of the lady mentioned in the
foregoing" journey — remains of a large family,
most of whom lived to a very advanced age. J
refer to Mrs. Mary Hawes, daughter of William
Tallman, 1st, and the widow of John Hawses, Esq.,
formerly Collector of this port. She is now (1858)
in the ninety-first year of her age, and retains in a
remarkable degree the cheerfulness and vivacity of
her youth, which are only surpassed by her unyield-
ing faith and hope in a higher and more enduring
sphere of existence. With considerable skill in
verse, the writer found her on a late visit still favored
of the Muses, and listened with pleasure and instruc-
tion to the recital by herself of some devotional
stanzas, lately composed, and in which her own
personal experiences at the present time are touch-
ingly recorded.
Another sister, the late Mrs. Elizabeth Taber,
was the widow of Captain William Taber of this
place, who was a gunner on board the " Royal
George " at the time of her loss in September,
1782, and was one of the few persons saved.
Eight hundred, who were on board at the time the
ship sunk, were .lost. While the vessel was sink-
177
ing, Captain Tabcr threw a light spar overboard,
and leaping into the water, with this aid swam
ashore. This shocking calamity made so sad and
deep an impression on his mind that he was rarely-
willing to speak of it; I am informed, however, by a
gentleman wlio was an intimate acquaintance,
that he had related to him the particulars of this
occasion.
To those who are uninformed of the circum-
stances relating to the loss of this noble vessel, the
following may be interesting : it appears that the
" Royal George," at the time of her loss, was lying
at her anchors off' Spithead, between Portsmouth
and the Isle of Wight, where the royal navy fre-
quently rendezvous, the weather calm and fine, her
sails loosened and ensign and other bunting set,
and visitors on board, when, by a light breeze
against the sails, at the same time a large portion
of those on board being upon the leeward side, the
ship leaned over, and the lee ports being open, the
water rushed in with such rapidity and in so great
quantity that the noble vessel, with her brave eight
hundred, and Admiral Kempenfelt, who at the time
was seated in the cabin, were lost.
The following elegant and descriptive stanzas
were written by the poet Cowper upon this sorrow-
ful occasion, which struck not only to the heart of
all England, but of the whole civilized world:
OX THE LOSS OF THE ROYAL GEORGE, SEPTEMBER, 1782.
Toll for the brave!
The brave that are no more!
All sunk beneath the wave
JFast by their native shore!
178
Eight hundred of the brave.
Whose courage well was tried,
Had made the vessel heel.
And laid her on her side.
A land breeze shook her shrouds,
And she was overset;
Down went the Royal George,
With all her crew complete.
Toll for the brave!
Brave Kempcnfelt is gone.
His last sea fight is fought ;
His work of glory done.
It was not in the battle;
No tempest gave the shock;
She sprang no fatal leak ;
She ran upon no rock:
His sword was in its sheath ;
His fingers held the pen.
When Kempenfelt went down,
With twice four hundred men.
Weigh the vessel up.
Once dreaded by our foes!
And mingle with our cup
The tear that England owes.
Her timbers yet are sound,
And she may float again.
Full charged with England's thunder.
And plough the distant main.
But Kempenfelt is gone;
His victories are o'er;
And he and his eight hundred
Shall plough the wave no more.
170
CHAPTER XV.
OLD SETTLERS — THE ORIGINAL SURVEYOR OF DARTMOUTH
— GENEALOGICAL SKETCHES OF SEVERAL OLD FAMILIES
— REMINISCENCES OF THE INDIANS.
In this chapter I propose to enter a little more into
the historical detail of my subject than I have done
in my few last.
Below will be found a list of the early proprietors
and settlers of the old township of Dartmouth, tak-
en from the early records. These records or surveys
are contained in five books, the first three of which
comprise the early surveys, made by Benjamin
Crane, and his successors, Benjamin Hammond,
Daniel Wood, and Samuel Smith, but principally,
and in fact most of them, by " old Crane," as he is
familiarly called by those who have been accus-
tomed to consult his surveys. Besides the larger
books of recoKis I have mentioned, there are twelve
smaller ones, used by the old surveyor as pocket
memorandums. The orthography is peculiar, and
the penmanship, though quaint and somewhat fan-
ciful, is generally quite legible, and possesses a
uniformity, which when once learned, enables the
reader to decipher it quite readily.
This old surveyor, Benjamin Crane, came from
Taunton to Dartmouth, as recorded by himself in
one of his pocket memorandum-books, October 2d,
1710. As is usually the fate of old records, those
of Dartmouth previous to 1725 were destroyed by
180
fire; but the old surveyor, Crane, being then still
living, transferred most of the surveys again from
his memorandum or minutes, although undoubtedly
much valuable information of an early date has
perished with them.
The indifference, even on the part of those
interested, in regard to early records, is quite sur-
prising; men who in the ordinary pursuits of life
are methodical and careful appear to possess no
interest whatever, at least as far as any exertion is
required of them, in their preservation ; and these old
records since the death of the last-chosen Proprie-
tors' Clerk have had no authorized keeper. I would
suggest that the records of the township of Dart-
mouth prior to 1787, which, with the said Propri-
etors' Records, belong equally to the several
townships that formerly constituted the township
of old Dartmouth, be deposited with the City
Clerk of New Bedford, to be kept with the other
books of the town, where they could at any time
be consulted by those desiring it. The latter
records are particularly valuable fflr genealogical
researches, as they contain a large portion of the
births, marriages, and deaths of the early settlers.
Here follows the list of names of the early settlers
and proprietors before mentioned, arranged in al-
phabetical order :
ABRAHAM AKIN, EBENEZER ALLEN,
JACOB AKIN, GEORGE ALLEN,
JOHN AKIN, INCREASE ALLEN,
JONATHAN AKIN, JOHN ALLEN,
JOSEPH AKIN, JOSEPH ALLEN,
ABRAHAM ALLEN. JOSIAH ALLEN,
BENJAMIN ALLEN, NOAH ALLEN,
Ibi
NOEL ALLEN,
PHILLIP ALLEN,
WILLIAM ALLEN,
ZAl^HARIAH ALLEN,
WILLIAM ALMY,
CALEB ANTHONY,
ABRAHAM ASHLEY,
JETHRO ASHLEY,
NATHANIEL BABBIT,
BENJAMIN BABCOCK,
OEOllOE BABCOCK,
BENJAMIN BAKER,
EBENEZER BAKER,
JABEZ BARKER,
JOSEPH BARKER,
STEPHEN BARKER,
WILLIAM BARKER,
WILLIAM BARKER,
RICHARD BEDEN,
SAMPSON BEDEN,
JEREMIAH BENNET,
JOHN BENNETT,
STOTEN BOOTH,
BENJAMIN BORDEN,
EDWARD BORDEN,
JOHN BORDEN,
JOHN BORDEN,
JOSEPH BORDEN,
WILLIAM BORDEN,
JOHN BRIGGS,
THOMAS BRIGGS.
HENRY BRIGHTMAN,
THOMzVS BRIGHTMAN,
EZEKIEL BROAVNELL,
GEORGE BROWNELL,
MEHITABLE BURRILL,
. JONATHAN BUTTS,
GEORGE C ADM AN,
GEORGE CADxMAN,
WILLIAM C ADMAN,
ABRAHAM CHACE,
BENJAa« CHACE,
DAVID TO ACE,
JACOB CHACE,
JONATHAN CLARK,
THOMAS COLEMAN,
HANNAH CORNELL,
JOHN CORNELL,
.SAMUEL CORNELL,
• '^'ilOMAS CORNELL,
SAMUEL (CORNISH,
BENJAMIN CORY,
CALEB CORY'S heir?,
THOMAS CRANDON,
CONSIDER CRAPO,
PETER CRAPO,
ABISHAI DELANO,
JETHRO DELANO,
JONATHAN DELANO,
NATHAN DELANO,
NATHANIEL DELANO,
SETH DELANO,
THOMAS DELANO,
CH ARMONT DEMOR AN VILLE,
JOSIAH DEMORANVILLE,
LOUrS DEMORANVILLE,
NEHEMIAH DEMORANVILLE,
JOHN DENNIS,
JEREMIAH DEVOLL,
MARY DEVOLL,
WILLIAM DEVOLL,
AKIN DURFEE,
BENJAMIN DURFEE,
BRIGGS DURFEE,
JOHN EARL,
RALPH EARL,
AVILLIAM EARL,
WILLIAM EARL'S heirs,
JOHN FISH,
THOMAS FITCH,
EDMUND FREEMAN,
THOMAS GETCHELL,
HENRY GIDLEY,
BENJAMIN GIFFORD,
CHRISTOPHER GIFFORD,
ENOS GIFFORD,
JEREMIAH GIFFORD,
JOSEPH GIFFORD,
LEVI GIFFORD,
ROBERT GIFFORD,
ROBERT GIFFORD,
WILLIAM GIFFORD,
BERIAH GODDARD,
JOHN HAMMOND,
WILLIAM HART,
BENJAMIN HATHAWAY,
ELISHA HATHAWAY,
JAMES HATHAWAY,
JETHRO HATHAWAY,
JOHN HATHAWAY,
JONATHAN HATHAWAY,
MELTIAir HATHAWAY,
SETH HATHAWAY,
SYLVAN US HATHAWAY,
I
182
THOMAS HATHAWAY,
THOMAS HATHAWAY, 2d,
JONATHAN HEAD,
GABRIEL HIX,
JOSEPH HIX,
MARY HIX,
SAMUEL HIX, '
EXPERIENCE HOLMES,
ABNER HOWARD,
WILLIAM HOWARD,
BENJAMIN ROWLAND,
GIDEON HOWLAND,
GILES HOWLAND,
HENRY HOWLAND,
NATHANIEL HOWLAND,
NICOLAS HOWLAND,
ZOETH HOWLAND,
SAMUEL HUNT,
VALENTINE HUTTLESTONE,
JOB JENNE,*
JOHN JENNE,t
JOHN JENNE, Jr.,
LETTICE JENNE'S heirs,
LUTHER JENNE,
MARK JENNE,
SAMUEL JENNE,
SETH JENNE,
SAMUEL JOY,
JAMES KEMPTON.
MANASSEH KEMPTON,
JACOB KENNY,
JOHN KIRBY,
NATHANIEL KIRBY,
ROBERT KIRBY,
ISAAC LAKE,
JOSEPH LAKE,
NATHANIEL LAKE,
JOHN LAPHAM,
NICOLAS LAPHAM,
GEORGE LAWTON,
ABIAL MACOMBER,
EPHRAIM MACOMBER,
JOHN MACOMBER,
SAMUEL MACOMBER,
THOMAS MACOMBER,
WILLIAM MACOMliER,
EDi^IUND MAXFIELD.
JOHN MAXFIELD,
TIMOTHY MAXFIELD,
ZADOCK MAXFIELD,
SAMUEL MENDALL,
JONAH MERRIHEW,
JOSEPH MERRIHEW,
PETER MERRIHEW,
JOB MILK,
LEMUEL MILK,
SETH MORTON,
ABNER MOSHER,
BENJAMIN MOSHER,
CONSTANT MOSHER,
DANIEL MOSHER,
HUGH MOSHER,
JOHN MOSHER,
JONATHAN MOSHER,
JOSEPH MOSHER,
MAXSON MOSHER,
NICHOLAS MOSHER,
SAMUEL MOTT,
NATHAN NYE,
MICAH PARKER,
JOSEPH PECKHAM,
STEPHEN PECKHAM,
SAMUEL PERRY,
DAVID PETTY,
EDMUND POPE,
ISAAC POPE,
SETH POPE,
ICHABOD POTTER,
JOHN POTTER,
NATHANIEL POTTER,
STEPHEN POTTER,
STOKES POTTER,
ELEAZER PRATT,
JONATHAN RICKETSON,
TIMOTHY RICKETSON,
WILLIAM RICKETSON,
SAMUEL RIDER,
WILLIAM RIDER,
DANIEL ROGERS, f^
PHILIP ROGERS, ^
GEORGE ROWSE,
JOHN RUSSELL,
JOHN RUSSELL, Jr.,
JONATHAN RUSSELL,
* Tills is the same name now spelt Jenney.
t John Jenne came over in the ship James in 1623, aiid was
elected an assistant of Plymouth Colony in 1637, 1688, and 1639.'
183
JOSEPH RUSSELL,
J()SEL>H[ IIUSSELL, Jr.,
THOMAS RUSSELL,
HENRY SAMPSON,
JAMES SAMPSON,
JAMES SAMPSON, Jr.,
JOSEPH SAMPSON,
STEPHEN SAMPSON.
DANIEL SHEARMAN,
EDMUND SHEARMAN,
JOB SHEARMAN,
JOHN SHEARMAN,
JOSHUA SHEARMAN, »
PELEG SHEARMAN,
PHILIP SHEARMAN,
SAMUEL SHEARMAI^,
WILLIAM SHEARMAN,
DANIEL SHEPHERD,
JOHN SHEPHERD,
JAMES SISSON,
ELEAZER SLOCUM,
GILES SLOCUM,
MARY SLOCUM,
PELEG SLOCUM,
BENJAMIN SMITH,
DELIVERANCE SMITH,
ELEAZER SMITH,
ELIASHAP SMITH,
GERSHOM SMITH,
HENRY SMITH,
HEPSIBAH SMITH,
IIEZEKIAH SMITH,
HUMPHREY SMITH,
INCREASE SMITH,
JUDAH SMITH,
MARY SMITH,
PELEG SMITH,
AMOS SNELL,
BENJAMIN SOWLE,
GEORGE SOWLE,
JACOB SOWLE,
JOHN SOWLE,
JONATHAN SOWLE,
NATHANIEL SOWLE.
TIMOTHY SOWLE,
WILLIAM SOWLE,
BENJAMIN SPOONER,
ISAAC SPOONER,
JOHN SPOONER,
JOHN SPOONER, Jr.,
MICAH SPOONER,
NATHANIEL SPOONER, Jr.,
SAMUEL SPOONER,
SETH SI*OONER,
WALTER SPOONER,
WILLIAM SPOONER.
JOSEPH STAFFORD,
JOHN SUxMMERS,
JACOB TABER,
JACOB TABER, Jr.,
JOHN TABER,
JONATHAN TABER,
JOSEPH TABER,
PHILIP TABER,
PHILIP TABER, Jr.,
STEPHEN TABER,
THOMAS TABER,
THOMAS TABER, Jr.,
WILLIAM TABER,
JONATHAN TALLMAN,
EBENEZER TINKHAM,
JOHN TINKHAM,
PETER TINKHAM,
ELISHA TO BEY,
ELNATHAN TOBEY,
JONATHAN TOBEY.
WILLIAM TOBEr,
ZACHEUS TOBEY,
JOHN TOMPSON,
ABIAL TRIPP,
BENJAMIN TRIPP,
EBENEZER TRIPP,
JAMES TRIPP,
JAMES TRIPP,
JOHN TRIPP,
JOSEPH TRIL'P,
PELEG TRIPP,
RICHARD TRIPP,
TIMOTHY TRIPP,
ABRAHAM TUCKER,
HENRY TUCKER,
JOHN TUCKER,
JOSEPH TUCKER and sons,
CHRISTOPHER TURNER,
BENJAMIN WAI'I,
REUBEN WAIT,
THOMAS WAIT,
RICHARD WARD,
THOMAS WARD,
MOSES WASHP.URN,
PETER WASHBURN,
ELI WASTE,
NATHAN WASTE,
JOSEPH V/EAVER,
184
BARTHOLOMEW WEST, DANIEL WILLCOX,
SAMUEL WEST, JEREMIAH WILLCOX,
STEPHEN WEST, SAMUEL WILLCOX,
JOSEPH WHALEN, SAMUEL WILLIS,
GEORGE WHITE, JOSEPH WING,
JOHN WHITE, MATHEW WING,
ROGERS WHITE, DANIEL WOOD,
SAMUEL WHITE, GEORGE WOOD,
WILLIAM WHITE, GEORGE WOOD, Jk.,
SCIPIO WILBOUR, WILLIAM WOOD.
STEPHEN WILCOX,
It will be remembered that'the first purchase of
Dartmouth was made of the Indian sachems,
Wasamequin and Wamsutta, by William Brad-
ford and others, in the year 1652, and by them
sold to fifty-six persons, whose names I have already
given,* as mentioned in the confirmatory deed from
the said William Bradford, then governor of
Blymouth Colony, dated Nov. 13th, 1694. Many
of those whose names are included in the foregoing
list tv-ere either the heirs of the original proprietors
or later purchasers of the same.
For more than forty years Dartmouth had been
settled when the aforesaid deed was given, and a
immber of the earliest settlers do not appear in
this list of names ; among whom were Ralph
Russell and Anthony Slocum, the two earliest
settlers of whom we have any account, and wdio
were undoubtedly deceased at the time the said
confirmatory deed was given.
The land appears to have been regularly pur-
chased by the earliest settlers, of the Plymoulh
people, and to have lain in a kind of common or
undivided state for many years, eacli one choosing"
»
* See page 83.
185
mu-h a location as he ]:)lcascd. 'J'lie parts lirst
settled were, as before stated, at Russell's Mills and
Acushnet, also upon the banks of the Pascamanset
and Acoaxet Rivers, and upon the necks of land on
Buzzard's Bay now known as Smith's and Slocuni's
Necks. The former was called by the Indians and
early settlers Nomquid.
Amoncf the first settlers in these necks were
Deliverance and Judah Smith, Giles and Peleg
Slocum, Benjamin and Nathaniel Rowland. The
homestead farm of Benjamin Howland, containing
one hundred and forty-six acres, on Nomquid
Neck, was surveyed May 12th, 1712, and that of
Nathaniel Howland May Sth, 1712.
Arthur Hathaway, whose name is mentioned in
the list of proprietors, came from Plymouth, lie
married Sarah Cooke in 1652, and their son John
was born 1653. John Hathaway, who was probably
the son of said John and grandson of Arthur, was
the father of Thomas Hathaway, whose son Jetlu-o
was the father of the late Stephen and grandfather
of the late Humphrey Hathaway, of Acushnet.
Sarah Cooke was probably the daughter of John
Cooke, who represented Dartmouth at the Old
Colony General Court in 1673, and granddaughter
of Francis Cooke, one of the "Pilgrim Fathers"
who came over in the Mayflower, 1620.
The Hathaways were extensive landholders,
derived from John Hathaway, who held a share in
"the eight hundred acre division." Their lands
were situate on both sides of the Acushnet River,
commencing about half way from New Bedford
186
to Acushnet. Jethro Hathaway, as well as his
father and grandfather, was a prominent man in the
early history of Dartmouth; and the handwriting
of the former, who was one of the committee on
surveys from 1758 to 1773, is remarkably hand-
some, and rarely equalled by the professors of
penmanship at the present day. The old home-
stead of Stephen Hathaway, son of Jethro, is
about one mile below Acushnet village, on the
east side of the river. A still older home of the
Hathaways, and probably the original one, stood
until within a few years on the road from New
Bedford to Acushnet village, a little north of the
Nash road.
It is much to be regretted that these old family
mansions are so fast disappearing. Every year
witnesses the demolition of more or less; and for
another generation hardly a vestige of them wdll
remain. It is quite remarkable, too, that these old
houses should be so little valued ; one would sup-
pose that an ordinary respect for our forefathers
should be sufficient to save them from destruction.
But, aside from any such consideration, they were
built in so substantial a manner, their massive oak
frames and boarding held fast by treenails, and in
most of them no other wood used than oak and
cedar, which, unless where neglected and exposed
to the weather, remain as fresh and sound at
the expiration of a hundred years as on the day of
the building. How much more picturesque and
home-like, too, appear these old-fashioned farm-
houses of our ancestors, so strong and so durable.
187
compared with tlio modern upstart cottages,
usually painted white, with green blinds, which
have in a great measure taken their places!
With the loss of the old houses also come the
more artificial and enervating habits of the people.
The representatives of the old settlers now to
be seen rarely present the fresh countenances
and robust health of their fathers; and the ap-
pearance of the women, even our farmers' wives
and daughters, particularly since the introduc-
tion q£ stoves and less comfortable clothing, has
perc^TTDly changed for the worse. Let the old-
fashioned houses, then, be spared from any farther
destruction, and the cheerful wood fire substi-
tuted for the health-destroying stove, so we may
again hope to witness some vv hat of that comfort
and prosperity which was the happy lot of our
ancestors.
One of the early settlers of this, town, and a
proprietor in "the eight hundred acre division,"
was Colonel Samuel Willis, who was born in
Bridge water, Mass., in the year 1688, and died in
Dartmouth Oct. 3d, 1763, in the seventy-sixth year
of his age. His wife, Mehital)lc AVillis, died Jan.
18th, 1782, in the ninety-fourth year of her age.
They lie buried in the old graveyard at Acushnet.
Their children were Eliakim, Benjamin, Samuel,
Ebenezer, Zerviah, Hannah, and Jireh.
Major Ebenezer Willis died Nov. 7th, 1809,
aged eighty-three years and four days. Elizabetli,
his wife, died Aug.' 9th, 1807, in her seventy-ninth
year. Samuel, their son, died at sea March 4th,
1805,
ISS
Saiiincl Willis, the father of Colonel Willis,
graduated at Harvard College in 1602. Eliakini,
Ms grandson and son of Colonel Willis, graduated
at Harvard College 1735, Benjamin, son of Col-
onel W., graduated at Harvard College 1740.
The earliest record of Samuel Willis in the old
feook of surveys by Benjamin Crane bears date
Oct. 3il, 1713. He was alt this time abont twenty-
five years of age. Colonel Willis also held a
Justice's commission ; and the records of his judicial
proceedings are supposed to be still in e:^||nice7
but 1 have not been able to find them. ^^^
A mural monument, with the following inscrip-
tion upon a horizontal slab of freestone, is to be
vjcen in the aforesaid graveyard :
"In memory of Col. Samuel Willis, Esq., who
departed this life Oct. 3d, 1763^ in the 76th year of
his age."
From papei:s supplied me by a lady of this city,
a great-granddaughter of Colonel Willis and
daughter of Samuel W^illis, 3d, I make the follow-
ing extracts:
" He [Colonel S. Willis] was the first who owned
a sea vessel in what is now called the port of New
Bedford. One of his sons who had graduated at
Harvard College, Eliakim Willis, navigated the
vessel as master. He was afterwards settled as
minister in Maiden, near Boston, sixty years. Jireh
Willis, Esq., commenced the practice of law in
• early life, but disliked the profession, and lived a
retired life, except at the breaking out of the
American Revolution, when he devoted a large
portion of his time to animating, consoling and
• aiding his fellow-citizens. His son, William Willis,
American Consul at Barcelona, Spain, who at one
189 •
lime lived in Europe, lately died at the age of
iiiiiety-six years at Vernon, Virginia. Ilis niother
was a descendant of Lord Blaney, in Ireland, who
had wealth as well as title, but both are now
extinct." Manuscript of Charles WilllSj son of
Augustus P. Willis, Neio Orleans.
The following additional information of the
Willis family is from a paper containing stalemenis
of Miss Pamela Willis, daughter of Jireh Willis,
Esq., who died in the year 1847, aged eighty-eight
years :
" Her father, a vei^ pious man, was quite a.ctive
in those severe times which preceded the Revolu-
tion. He contributed, through the press as well as
otherwise, to mature the people of the country for
an independent existence. He wrote those articles
for the Royal American Magazine, over the signa-
ture ' Cato,' which attracted public attention and
excited much interest at that time."
Her brother, the Hon. William Willis, "at the
age of sixteen joined the army under Washington,
and adhered to the public service until the liberties
of our country were established. During a part
of the Revolutionary struggle he commanded a
brig-of-war, and after peace was restored re-
ceived an appointment under the elder Adams to
represent the Republic as Consul at Spain." After
his return from Europe, he was a Representative
to the General Court of Massachusetts.
A gentleman of this city informs me that he was
present at the old state-house while Mr. Willis was
making a speech. His hair was powdered, and
being otherwise dressed as a gentleman of the old
190
school, and of fine personal appearance, and some*
what excited upon the occasion, he attracted much
attention.
" I remember," adds this venerable lady in her
reminiscences of New Bedford, " being told by my
grandfather [Col. Samuel Willis] that a number
of Indians had huts down where Purchase street
runs, or nearer the water where clams were plenty,
and that a mortal sickness came among them and
swept them all off; but none of the white peo])le
had it. My grandfather told me about the Indians
lashing their children to boal-ds, to make them
straight; and at one time, two squaws, who had
been drinking rum, placed their children, as usual,
against a tree for the night, and one of them placed
hers head downwards, and the night being stormy,
it perished."
There is a tradition in the Willis family that
the Russells and Kemptons purchased their
land of Col. Willis; and I am inclined, after a
close examination of the case, to give it credence,
although the Russells and Kemptons were orig-
inal proprietors, and settled in Dartmouth many
years before the Willises. But their land in the
original division of eight hundred acres was
situated in the south-west part of Dartmouth, at
and about Russell's Mills, at least that of the
Russells, who in the early part of the last century
found their way to the banks of the Acush-
net River. The following statement concerning
this matter is from the same source before quoted: '
" The Joseph Russell farm was Willis property,
191
and sold by her grandfather [Col. Samuel Willis^
Esq.] to them; or rather her uncle Benjamin had it
set off to him as his portion, and then it was sold
to the Russells," She also thinks that the Kemp-
tons and Aliens purchased from the same source.
The original Willis house stood upon the spot
now occupied by the mansion of the late John
Avery Parker, on County street, and was built by
Samuel Willis, 1st, the father of Col. Willis, at an
early period in the history of this town. This
house and the succeeding one were destroyed by
fu-e, — the former supposed to have been caught
from the pipe of an old female servant while
smoking. The third Willis house was built by
Major Ebenezer Willis, and was removed to Pur-
chase street; and this also was destroyed by fire a
few years ago.
The house built by Jireh Willis, Esq., brother of
Major Ebenezer Willis, is still standing on the
west side of County street, at the corner of Robeson
street, and is now owned by the heirs of the late
Samuel Rodman, Sen., to whom it was conveyed
by the late Hon. William Willis.
The aforesaid Jireh Willis, Esq., drew the deed
of the first lot of land sold by .Joseph Russell from
his paternal homestead, to John Lowden, who built
upon it the first house below the County road, in
1764, and which, it will be remembered, was burnt
by the British during the Revolutionary War.
The Willises were people of superior abilities,
and probably one the best-educated families among
the old inhabitants of Dartmouth, and consequently
192
among the most prominent and valiiable citizens.
Their extensive landed estates have in a great
degree passed into other hands, but a portion is
8till held by the lady before mentioned^ whose
mansion stands upon a part of her ancestral
domains, and whose family, with herself, are the
only remaining representatives of this once wealthy
and prominent family in New Bedford.
The Rev. Eliakim Willis, the minister of Maiden
for so long a time, and whose old parsonage-house
is still to be seen there, was a man of superior
attainments. By him the late distinguished Greek
Professor of Harvard University, John Popkiuy
D. D., was educated.
In the reminiscences before mentioned, the nar-
rator speaks of "a place in the woods where was
formerly an Indian hut, and where we found hoar-
hound and other herbs still growing. The Indian
who had occupied this spot was named Adam; he
Avas called 'old Adam.' We also found shells
there. Once I lingered there, and my party left
me — the children used to play there — and went
into the Allen woods, and it was some time before
I could overtake them. Being a very timid child,
I was much alarmed, and I cannot forget the joy
I felt when I overtook my party. At that time
there were many Indians in the neighborhood, but
our parents told us not to be afraid of the Indians,
— never to be afraid if we saw the Indians, for
they would not hurt us; and so we did not fear
them at all. For one day myself and little brother
were in the woods, and we saw a number of
193
Jiuliaiis coming, so wc stepped upon a rock tipoli
one side of the cart-path, and let them pass, and
they went along two and two, and one of them
had something in his arms that looked like a baby;
and when we told om* mother about it, she said
she thought it was a funeral." The location of
the above sketch of the primitive life of our old
settlers is a short distance to the north-west of the
spot on which the old WiUis house stood.
Since writing the preceding, the following addi-
tional genealogy of this family has been forw^arded
me by an estimable lady, a granddaughter of
Ebenezer Willis:
"Colonel Samuel Willis held his military com-
mission from the English crown. He married a
Quaker lady of the Gifibrd family in Dartmouth.
His son Eliakim married in 1738 Miss L. Fish, of
Duxbury, who died in 1769. In 1770 he married
Miss M. Marchant, of Boston, who died in 1796,
leaving no children.
Ebenezer married in 1751 Miss E. Hawes, of
Chatham, Cape Cod. Their children were Hannah,
married to J. May hew, who died in 1812, leaving
no children; Esther and Elizabeth, died in youth;
Sarah, who was adopted by her Uncle Eliakim,
married to B,ev. F. Sargeant in 1786, and to Colonel
John Popkin in 1797 — died in 1849, leaving three
children. ^
Samuel married Miss M. Tallman, a lady yet
living. He died in 1795.
Zerviah Willis married; her descendants are
among the Kem.ptons of New Bedford. Ephraim
Kempton is her grandson.
Hannah married; her descendants are in the
Hathaway name. One of them, Mr. James Til-
ton, is now living on the land once her great-
grandfather's.
194
^rhe deed of purchase of the land of the old
parsonage at Maiden bears date 1757, in the ninth
year of His Majesty's reign. Mr. Willis was or^
dained in 1752.
In Professor Felton's memoir of Doctor Popkin,
he says: 'Dr. Popkin was placed when six years
old under the charge of Kev. Mr. Willis. Six
years later he was transferred to the North Latin
School, in Boston.' "
The grandmother of the writer of this history
— a daughter of Joseph Russell, Sd, born 4th mo.
30th, 1747, O. S.— informed him that in her youth
an Indian wigwam stood in the woods near "the
block," lately removed, on Bridge or Middle street.
A hut occupied by an Indian woman, named
Sarah Obadiah, stood a short distance north of
Clark's Cove, about one mile south from the centre
of the city, within the memory of a number of our
citizens, and was a favorite place of resort by the
young people of both sexes. I have often heard
these visits spoken of with much interest as pleasant
reminiscences by those who had participated in
them.
It is quite possible that the Objects of interest
and excitement of the present time afford less real
happiness than the simpler amusements of the
earlier days. But youth is evej||iiappy and hopeful,
and will find new spheres of enjoyment when the
older ones fail.
195
CHAPTER XVI.
EARLY INTERCOURSE WITH ENGLAND — LETTER OF INTRO-
DUCTION GIVEN TO A MERCHANT OF THIS PLACE BY A
FIRM IN LONDON, PREVIOUS TO THE REVOLUTIONARY
WAR — A STRAY LEAF FROM THE DIARY OF SAID MER-
CHANT— OLD HOUSES — GENEALOGICAL SKETCHES OF
OLD FAMILIES— HISTORICAL REMINISCENCES.
I HAVE previously written of the early mercantile
and commercial transactions of those old merchants
of New Bedford, Joseph Russell & Sons, who
previous to the Revolutionary War, besides their
whaling business and the manufacture of sperma-
ceti candles, had opened a trade with London, and
imported English goods by the way of Boston or
in their own vessels.
It will be remembered that at this time there
were few articles of domestic or agricultural use
manufactured in this country; and this intercourse
with the mother country was undoubtedly one of
the greatest sources whence the village of Bedford
received its first impulse as a commercial place.
A large proportion of the implements of industry
of English manufacture were thus supplied to our
ancestors ; and besides these, many articles of luxu-
ry and comfort. Even at this day, in the older fam-
ilies may be seen specimens of fine old China
ware, silver, and the homelier articles of domestic
use, which were brought over at this early period.
By the time of the commencement of the Rev-
olutionary War, the yeomanry of old Dartmouth,
196
as well as the citizens of the village of Bedford,
were noted for their prosperity and general thrift-
ness. The wild and extensive forest lands had
yielded to the persevering exertions of our hardy
forefathers, and smiling farms, with their broad
acres of cornfields and meadows, had taken their
place. The little village of Bedford had sprung
up on the banks of the Acushnet, and the founda-
tion of her great commercial enterprise was already
laid.
On their outward voyages these vessels took oil
and candles ; and by the commencement of the
war the port of Bedford, Dartmouth, had become
well known among commercial people. But the
war ruined the business, which, with the subse-
quent burning of the place by the British in 1778,
would have completely discouraged any people
but such as are of the most industrious and cour-
ageous character. The loss of their vessels and
the depreciation of the continental paper money
left them at the close of the war stripped of nearly
everything except their real estate.
The business of Joseph Russell & Son having
become quite important, in the year 1770 Barnabas
Russell, the eldest son and copartner of Joseph
Russell, went out to London for the purpose of
enlarging their business relationship with merchants
there, and making purchases for their home trade.
The following copy of a letter of introduction,
and notes from the diary of this gentleman, have
been placed in my hands by a lady, one of his
daughters, now a resident of this city :
197
"London, y^ 11th Angnst, 1770.
Mr. Trios. CrRirFiTiis — Sir: This will be deliv-
ered you by Mr. Barnabas Russell, who we recom-
luend to you as a very prudent, careful young
gentleman. He has opened an account with us in
company with his father, under the firm of Joseph
Russell 6c Son, of Bedford, in New England. We
supi^ly them with the articles they want from
thence, and if you supply them with what they
want from your port, you will be very safe in your
advance. Any civilities you shew Mr. Russell
will be a favor done to, S^',
Your most humble servants,
LANE, SON & ERASER."
The following is a stray leaf of all that remains
from tlie aforesaid diary, kept by Mr. Russell while
in London, which we trust will prove interesting
as a reminiscence of olden times:
"First-Day, y« 26th, 1770. At eleven o'clock
took a walk into Saint George^s Fields. In the
afternoon went to meeting. [Here the maruiscript
is torn and obliterated.]
Fifth-Day. Went with Ward into the Tower.
Saw them make guns, and saw the brass cannon,
small arms, and the horse armour; the King's
crown, and the lions, leopards, and })anthers.
Dined at Latham's; then went with Polford, got
the knee straps, and returned home.
Sixth-Day. Picked out some hardwares. Dined
with Lane and Eraser; then went with Capt. Jar-
vis to the rope-walk, there bought me some tow-
lines; returned home, then went into the borough,
spent the evening with Doctor Gray and Doctor
Jones, and returned home at ten o'clock.
Seventh-Day* Bought parrot })attern for a
gown. Dined at home with » gentleman; then
took coach with Polsford -and Latham and three
198
ladies. Went to Vauxhall; saw the gardens,
cascade, and heard the music. Returned home at
twelve o'clock.
Fourth-Day. In y^ afternoon took a walk with
Ward into the Pantheon^
Second-Day. Dined with Thomas WagstafF^
a Friend, in Grace Church street.
Third-Day — morning. Went to Smithfield,
then to the coffee-house and the borough, dined
with Doctor Gray, and returned into the city.
Went to the insurance office, and spent the evening
with John Harrison, a very agreeable man. Re-
turned home at eleven o'clock.
Fourth-Day — morning. Had a boy, Thomas
Baxter, bound to me for six years. Dined with
Friend Masterman. Went with Gray and four
more doctors in two coaches to Ranelagh; there
saw the grand fireworks and a great deal of com-
pany. At twelve o'clock returned home."
Do the young gentlemen of New Bedford who
go to London in these days do things better than
this? Here we see business and pleasure hand in
hand.
Barnabas Russell, the gentleman to whom wc
are indebted for this pleasant little piece of his
early experience, was a brother of the late Abraham,
Gilbert, and Plumphrey Russell. He was born in
Dartmouth 3d mo. 26th, 1745, O. S., and was
therefore in his twenty-sixth year at the time of
this visit. He subsequently removed to Easton,
Washington County, New York, and there died
May 14th, 1812.
The following is a list of houses standing in
New Bedford in ^846, erected previous to the
Revolutionary War :
199
ON SOUTH WATER STREEf .
No. 1 , Fatty Hussey liouse. •
No. 4, County liouse, much enlarged.
No. 37, Shepard house.
No. 40, William Russell house.
No. 45, Jonathan Howland house.
No. 55, Fitch house.
No. 57, Pardon HoTvland housev
No. 65, brick house.
No. 67, James Allen's house.
ON NORTH WATER STREET.
No. 13, Seth Russell house.
ON FIRST STREET (BETHEL COURT.)
Nos. 2 and 4, Isaac Howland house.
Nos. 3 and 5, Joseph Rotch house.
No. 7, Walter Chapman house.
No. 13, Bethel house.
ON SOUTH SECOND STREET.
No. 6, James Davis house; this was removed from the site of " W^a^ih-
ington Hall," formerly the market.
ON NORTH SECOND STREET.
No. 45, Manasseh Kempton house (Silas.)
No. 85, Benjamin Kempton house.
No. 97, Drew house.
No. 104, Thurston Potter house.
No. 116, Claghorn (George) house.
ON FOURTH STREET.
No. 4, Akin house, moved south from the corner of Main street.
ON PURCHASE STREET. •
No. 18, Barnabas Russell house, moved north from the corner of Main
sti-eet, now owned by Edward Stetson. , , , . . >
No 194, Simeon Price house (the small house south of his present one. )
No. 252, Willis house, removed from the present site of J. A. 1 arker s
house.
ON MAIN OR UNION STREET (ORIGINALLY " KING STREET.")
No. 66, Widow Ross house, west part.
No. 120, Daniel Ricketson house.
No. 137, William Tobey house.
No. 140, Eagle tavern.
No. 143, May hew house.
No. 146, Widow West house.
No. 152, Grinnell (Moses) house.
No. 159, Humphrey Howland house.
No. 164, Gideon Howland house.
No. 166, Mason house.
No. 167, Caleb Green house.
200
ON NORTH STREET.
^0. 1, Patrick Maxficld house.
No. tl, Jonathan Russell house. *
No. 16, Jabez Hammond house.
ON MAXriELJ) STREET.
■No. 2, Zadock Maxfield house.
No. 13j John Lawrence house.
ON RAY STREET.
George East house.
OliYcr Price house.
Philip Cannon house.
ON COUNTY STREET.
Cove house (originally Allen.)
No. 27, Caleb Russell house.
No. 59, Allen Kempton house, near the corner of Allen street.
No. 175, Ephraim Kempton house.
Jireh Willis house, corner of County and Robeson streets.
ON ELM STREET.
No. 129, Joseph Russell house, north of the academy, removed from
County street.
ON THOMAS STREET.
No. 60, Thomas Kempton house.
OUT OF TOWN.
Samuel West house (B. Rodman's farm-house.)
Jesse Reynolds house.
William Tallman's farm-house (Willard Nye's.)
Charles Russell's farm-house (Mrs. CoflBa's.)
Dr. Perry house (Thaddeus M. Perry. )
Paul Swift house, ~|
Jireh Swift house, |
Elisha Tobey house, )■ Acushnet.
Sommerton house (Thomas Hathaway 's,) |
Samuel Hunt's house, (Augustus Harrington's,) J
John R. Davis (Sen.) house, North Fairhaven.
Thomas Wood's, North Fairhaven, one of the oldest in New England.
Old Taber house, Oxford village.
Old Akin house, on an old cross road near Padanaram.
Old Ricketson house, near Russell's Mills.
The four last have stone chimneys.
Eleven houses were burned by the British during
the Revolutionary War, Sept. 6, 1778.
1. William Claghorn's, on South Water street, west side.
2. John Lowden's, on South Water street.
The latter, which was farther south, was on the
site now occupied by the Benjamin Hill house.
20i
3 and 4. Benjamin Taber's, north side of Union, east of Water street.
5 I'.arzillai Merrick's, south side of Union street, and opposite Taber s.
g! Joseph Russell's, of Boston, east side of South Water street, — now
entrance to Commercial wharf. fwiv„«,
7. Joseph Botch's, occupied by Joseph Austen, on the site of William
Botch's, Jr., Water street.
8. Joseph Botch, 2d, south of the latter.
The number of old houses is lessening very fast ;
but there are a few more within the limits of the
old township of Dartmouth than I have mentioned.
I have been agreeably surprised to find in my
investigations so large a number of the original
settlers of the old township of Dartmouth repre-
sented here by their descendants at the present
time, and generally occupying the localities of then-
ancestors. On looking over the map of the present
towns which comprise the original township, viz.,
Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Fair-
haven, a large proportion of the names which appear
are those borne by the original settlers. Of course
there has been a considerable emigration, and a
few families have become extinct, but enough re-
main to prove the correctness of my statement.
The stock from which this people came was re-
markable for their industry and sobriety, containing
a large infusion of the Quakers; and consequently
a general thrift and prosperity was the consequence,
which to a good degree remains to the present day.
May it so continue!
Even in New Bedford, now containing some
twenty thousand inhabitants, a fair proportion of
the active energy, enterprise and wealth arc to be
found with those whose names are to be seen
among those of the early villagers of Bedford. By
referring to tlie list of names in the last chapter,
202
and comparing the same with those to be found in
the New Bedford Directory or the tax-list, this will
be at once observed.
Let us therefore thank God, and take courage,
that in this age of hurry and change we have some
evidence of stability and endurance left. We
should remember also how much we owe to those
who have preceded us and prepared the way, and
that nothing less than a proper regard and emula-
tion of their virtues can entitle us to a continuation
of their prosperity and success.
With this episode, I will again return to the
subject matter of our history.
From the Proprietors' Records, book 1, page 205,
I make the following extract, preserving the origi-
nal orthography :
"An account of the several parcels of land laid
out to Manasseth Kimton in the Eight Hundred
acre devision and where they are laid as followeth
1st The first peace is forty, acres Lying on the
East side of Clarks neck
21y Five acres more laid out adjoyning to s^^
Kimtons meadow that Lyes nere to Clarks neck
on the west side of Cushnet River
Sly One hundred and twenty nine acres more
Lying in Sconticut neck at and southwardlv end
of s^ neck ^
41y Seventy two acres more Lying to the north-
ward of Stephen Wests homsteed
51y Two hundred and eighty one acres and sev-
enty eight Rods Lying on the west side of Acush-
net River to the north of Joseph Russels Jun^ hom-
steed
61y Two hundred and ten acres more Lying to
the northward of parronoput and on the west side
of the way that goes from poneganset to assonet
20:J
71y twenty acres more Lying on the back side
of accushnet great ceader swamp all the several
]:)caces aded into one sum makes 760 acres and
the s^ Kimton sold forty acres part of the Eight
hundred acre devision which makes up his Eight
hundred acre devision as afores*^
w^hat is above written is to be recorded by the
desire of M^" Manasseth Morton next after the re-
turns of the Eight hundred acre devision
Recorded June y'^ 28th 1728 "
The Kempton family is one of the oldest in New
England, although no one by that name came in
the Mayflower. But in a list of the inhabitants of
Plymouth taken 22d May, 1627, are the names of
Manasses Kempton, and Julian Kempton, his wife.
From a note in " Davis Morton's Memorial," page
226, their names are mentioned as among those
who arrived in some one of the first four ships, the
Mayflower, Fortune, Ann, or James.
They came in the Ann. From the same source
I find that Julian Kempton died in 1664, at the
age of 81 years. Her husband, Manasses Kemp-
ton, died 14th January, 1663. Farmer's Register,
New England Settlers.
The eafliest mention of the name in the afore-
said surveys, is that of Manasseth Kempton —
spelt as before Kimton — March y^ 24th, 1710-11.
He was probably a grandson of Ephraim and
grandnephew of Manasses. The children of
Julian were by a former husband, whose name was
Morton, probably George Morton, who was also
an original shareholder in Dartmouth. The name
pf Manasseth Kempton, it should be remembered,
204
is also to bo found in the list of thirty-six propri-
etors, as recorded at Plymouth March y'^ 7th5 16''52,
given, in a previous cliapter. By this it appears
that the said Manasseth owned at the above period
one thirty-fourth part of the whole township of old
Dartmouth.
The names of others mentioned in the list of
thirty-six, who came to Dartmouth, or whose
immediate posterity settled here, were John IIow-
land, John Downam (Downham or Dunham,)
Francis Cook, John Cook (Cooke,) George Soule,
John Jenne, Henry Sampson, Philip De la Noye
(Delano,) Samuel Hicks, George Morton.
In the old burying-ground at Acushnet, formerly
connected with the society of Doctor West and
his predecessors, I find the following inscriptions:
" In memory of Patience, widow of Mr. Ephraim
Kcmpton. She died May y« 2d, 1779, aged 10^
years 6 months and 6 days."
She Avas the daughter of Elder John Faunce,
who died in Plymouth in 1745, aged 99 years.
"Mr. Thomas Kempton, died Dec. y« 29, 1768,
in y® 65 year of his age."
"Ruth, wife of Mr. Thomas Kempton, deceased
Dec. y^ 6th, 1771, in the 25th year of her age."
" Col. Manasseh Kempton died Dec. 14, 1804, in
his 66th year."
" Mrs. Lois, widow of Col. Manasseh Kempton,
died Oct. 11, 1813, aged 77 years."
A number of the 9th generation from Ephraim
Kempton, 1st, (inclusive,) are now living in Ne\y
Bedford. Valuable landed estates descended froni
205
the original proprietors are still owned by members
of the Kemptou families.
The results of the above records go couclasivcly
to prove that the Kemptons were not pm-chasers of
the Willises, but that they derived their estate from
the original purchase. It may, however, be the
case, that at some early period they purchased land
of the Willis family, but subsequent to their occu-
pation of the original allotment. A large portion
of the Russell property in this part of the old town-
ship was also prior to the Willis purchase. But
land was quite early purchased by the Russells from
the Willises, which had previously been conveyed
to Col. Willis by Joseph Russell, 2d. And these
facts were probably the ground upon which the
statement made by an aged member of the Willis
family, given in the last chapter, was founded.
The names of the other settlers in this part of
Dartmouth, at Acushnet and upon the east side of
the Acushnet River, besides those already men-
tioned, were Pope, Jenne, Delano, Spooner, Taber,
Tobey, Davis, Wrightington, and others. The fol-
lowing inscriptions are taken from the old grave-
yard at Acushnet :
" Here lyes buried y° body of Seth Pope, of
Dartmouth, who died March y« 17tli, 1727, in the
79th year of his age."
By which it appears he was born in 1648. He
was one of the original proprietors of the town-
ship, and the ancestor of all who bear the name of
Pope in this place.
J
206
" Mrs. Deborah Pope, wife to Capt. Seth Pope,
departed this life February 19, 1710-11, aged 56
years."
" Capt. Lemuel Pope died May y« 23, 1771, in
y*^ 75th year of his age."
" Mrs. Elizabeth Pope, wife of Capt. Lemuel
Pope, died July y^ 2th, 1782, in the 85th year of her
age."
" Col. Seth Pope died June 9, 1802, in his 83d
year."
" Mrs. Abigail Pope, wife of Col. Seth Pope, died
died with the small-pox May y« 8th, 1778, in the
59th year of her age."
"Elnathan Pope died Feb. 8th, 1735-6 in the
45th year of his age."
" Mr. Lemuel Pope died Dec. y^ 13, 1796, aged
64 years 6 months and 21 days."
" Mrs. Mary, widow of Mr. Lemuel Pope, died
Dec. 12, 1808, in her 81st year."
" Rebecca, wife of Seth Pope, died January y®
23d, 1741, in the 79th year of her age."
"Thankful, wife of Mr. Thomas Pope, died
April y« 13th, 1756, in the 38th year of her age."
« Mr. Thomas Pope died March y^ 2, 1784, in
the 75th year of his age."
The two last were the parents of the late Edward
Pope, Esq., 'formerly Collector of this port, a man
of eminent virtues, and for many years one of the
most prominent citizens of this place. He was
also for some time a Judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas, and is usually mentioned as "Judge
Pope." His residence was upon Main street, at
tlje corner of what is now known as North Sixth
street. As rernembered by the writer in his boy-
207
hood, this old-fashioned mansion, stable, carriage-
house, front yard, and large garden in the rear,
(soon after the decease of this gentleman,) some-
what in a state of dilapidation, was to him one of
the most attractive places in the village. At this
time it was occupied by the widow of Judge Pope,
and her son, Thomas Pope, now of Michigan.
Among the earliest visits the writer made, and
which were continued for several years, were those
upon this old lady and her sister, known as " Aunt
Bell." Accustomed only to the plain and simple
colors of the Quakers, he remembers the strong
impression made upon him by the black gowns
and black ribbons around the caps of those genteel
old ladies. Their manners were peculiarly Bos-
tonian, and of the old school; but exceedingly
agreeable, intelligent, and well-educated ladies were
they.
Their maiden name was Greenleaf; that of
Mrs. Pope Elizabeth. She was the second wife
of Judge Pope, and the widow of Samuel Eliot,
of Boston. The late William Eliot, of Washing-
ton, the father of Hon. T. D. Eliot of this city
and Rev. William G. Eliot of St. Louis, was the
child of her first marriage.
In the rear of this old mansion, which extended
a great length to the northward, was a lumber-
room, filled with all manner of rubbish, old papers,
books, furniture, &c. There appeared to the
youthful mind of the writer a sort of legendary
character attached to this place. He remembers
the great satisfaction he felt while rummaging
208
about with a grandson of Judge Pope, a school-
fellow about his own age, and on one of their
searches of discovering a strange piece of furniture
which for a long time was a great wonder to them,
but which they at last ascertained to be a musical
instrument, one of the predecessors of the piano-
forte, a Harpsichord.
This was undoubtedly the instrument upon which
the Misses Greenleaf charmed their adoring " Stre-
phons" prior to the days of the Revolution. Good,
devout women they were, and have long since
joined the bright band of those from whom they
were separated.
The old homestead of the Pope family was upon
the east side of the Acushnet River, and a quarter
of a mile below the Friends' meeting-house. The
house of David Russell occupies nearly the same
spot as the old Pope house, which was burnt many
years ago.
The original settler, Seth Pope, was a large
landed proprietor upon Sconticut Neck, and
branches of the family are still land-owners there.
The oldest inscription in the grave-yard before
mentioned at Acushnet is as follows:
" Here lietli the body of Lieut. Jonathan Delano,
died Decem. y*^ 23d, 1720, in y^ 73d year of his age."
He was accordingly born in 1658, at Plymouth,
and was a son or grandson of Philip Delano, who
came in the Fortune, 1623. " The name was first
spelled De la Noye, by which we may conclude
that he was a French Protestant who had united
209
himself to the Church of Leydcn." Savag-e 3IS.^
note.
Jonathan Delano is also mentioned as one of the
proprietors of Dartmouth, in the confirmatory
deed from Gov. Bradford, Nov. 13, 1G94. His
right derived from Philip Delano, whose name is
among the thirty-six share-holders who received
their titles from the Indian Sachems, Wasamequin
and Wamsutta. Two other inscriptions L find in
the same place : one of " Jabez Delano, who died
Decem. y^ 23d, 1734, in y« 53d year of his age ; "
the other, " Mary Delano, wife to Jabez Delano,
died April 29, 1716, aged 33 years."
Since writing the preceding sketch of the Kemp-
ton family, the following memoranda, collected by
the late Samuel Kempton, of this city, have been
placed in my hands by a gentleman, one of the
present most prominent representatives of this
ancient race :
"It appears that Ephraim Kempton arrived at
Plymouth in the ship Ann, August, 1G23; that his
son Ephraim, who must have been quite young,
came with him. This son settled in Scituate, and
there married Joanna, the daughter of Thomas
Rawlins. They had two sons, Ephraim and Ma-
nasseh. It further appears that Ephraim married
Mary . They had a son, Ephraim, 4th, who
was born Nov. 14th, 1674. On Jan. 2d, 1702, this
son (Ephraim) married Patience Faunce, of Ply-
mouth, daughter of Elder Thomas Faunce, who was
the Town Clerk of Plymouth thirty-eight years in
succession. He died 1758, aged 84 years. Pa-
tience, the wife of Ephraim Kempton, was born
November, 1673, and died May 25th, 1779, aged
210
105 years 6 months and 6 days. She lived to a
greater age, perhaps, than any other person in this
part of the country. She used to speak of King
Philip's head, that was placed upon a pole in
Plymouth, and there remained over twenty years.
She said there was a wren that used to make her
nest in the skull every year, and there rear her
young.
Their children were Ephraim, born 1703, Thom-
as, 1705, "William, 1707, Joanna, 1710. Ephraim
died in 1720. Thomas married: his first wife was
Esther Throop, of Bristol ; his second wife, Mary
Hathaway, daughter of Thomas Hathaway, of
Dartmouth, (now Fairhaven.) Their children were
Esther, born 1736, Thomas, 1740, Hepsebeth, 1743,
Jonathan, 1756.
Ephraim, son of Thomas and Mary Kempton,
married Elizabeth, daughter of Rowland Tupper,
of Sandwich, whose wife was Zerviah, daughter
of Colonel Samuel Willis, of Dartmouth, (now New
Bedford.) Their children were Lydia, born 1774,
Mary, 1777, David, 2d, 1779, Thomas, 1783,
Ephraim, 1789, Elizabeth, 1794. Ephraim Kemp-
ton, of New Bedford, died Jan. 25th, 1802, aged
55 years. Elizabeth, widow of Ephraim Kemp-
ton, died Nov. 29th, 1848, aged 95 years."
These were the parents of the present Ephraim
Kempton, who, with his sister, Mrs. Lydia Foster,
(widow,) are the only survivors of this family.
They are the great-grandchildren of Ephraim,
whose wife Patience died in this place in 1779,
aged 105 years.
The original Kempton house stood upon the
west side of County street, next north of the
residence of Alfred Kempton. It was of two
stories in front, sloping off to one in the rear, as
211
was the custom in many of the oldest houses in
New England, and faced the south. It was taken
down in the year 1809 by the late David Kempton,
2d, who built the house which now occupies nearly
the same spot.
Not far from this house, upon a road which led
up to the County road from the shore, now North
street, three men, by the names of Russell, Trafford,
and Cook,* were shot by the British troops, Sept.
5th, 1778, These men were passing up this road,
which was then only a cart-way through the woods,
in the evening of the day on which the village was
burnt, the said 5th of September. It being moon-
light, one of the party, who was armed, saw stand-
ing against a tree a British grenadier, at whom he
fired, killing him; when immediately a volley of
muskets was discharged upon these three unfortu-
nate men, killing one outright and wounding the
other two, who died within a few days. These
soldiers were undoubtedly dispatched from the
main army to watch the movements of these three
men, and they would probably have allowed them
to pass in peace, had they not been first assaulted.
These were the only lives lost upon this memorable
occasion.
The horror which remained upon the minds of
the old inhabitants of New Bedford, who witnessed
the destruction of their property, and, in a great
measure, of their hopes in life, is well remembered
by the writer, who has often heard their accounts
of this calamitous event. The story of the death
* Abraham Russell, Samuel D. Trafford, and Job (or John) Cook.
212
of the three men who were shot by the British
was one of the nursery tales of his childhood; and
It IS difficult even at the present day for him not
to associate the names of Kussell, TrafFord and
Cook among the most romantic and tra-ic scenes
of our national history.
213
CHAPTER XVII.
AN OLD PENSIONER'S STORY.
Our armies swore terribly in Flanders, cried my uncle Toby.
Tristram ^tiandt.
It was my custom, many years ago, and probably
before some of my readers had seen the hght ot
day, while on my daily walks, frequently to cross
over the bridge between New Bedford and Pairha-
ven, usually making a detour upon the beautiful
little island with its cedar trees that lies about halt
way, and known as "Pope's Island," thence en-
joying the picturesque and extended view up and
down the river, to stroll along, occasionally haltmg
to exchange a word with some old fisherman who
was eagerly engaged in catching his supper from
the great public larder of the aforesaid places, our
own handsome Acushnet.
On one of these occasfons my attention was at-
tracted by a new and remarkable looking person-
age, quite a different character from the old stock
with whom I had become familiar and had formed
a certain kind of acquaintance. It was an o d
man, apparently about eighty, whose strongly
marked countenance and genial aspect moved me
to address him. Like the ancient manner of Cole-
ridge, "he held me with his skinny hand for a
long time, and having completed his day's work, or
amusement if you please, started for his home.
214
which was in an humble tenement a short distance
from the old toll-house on the Fairhaven side.
Walking by his side, the old man, who by this time
I had learnt to be a Revolutionary soldier and pen-
sioner, hobbled along, for he was very lame, until
we came to his door, where we parted.
This interview resulted in a familiarity; and as
he and his wife soon after removed into New Bed-
ford, I had the opportunity during the subsequent
winter, that of 1835 and '36, when the following
sketch was written, of often seeing him. When
dressed in his Sunday clothes, an old-fashioned
blue coat with bright buttons which had been kept
very choicely for more than a quarter of a century,
with an equally old-fashioned waistcoat with a
double row of small brass buttons, and primitive
trousers, his noble head with its silver locks set
firmly upon his square shoulders, he presented a
venerable and interesting appearance. His narra-
tive was taken down at his dictation, and I have in
a great measure observed his own phraseology;
in fact,^the whole sketch is substantially in his own
language. The name of our hero was Deliverance
Bennett. He died in the Fall of 1836, aged 86
years.
THE OLD PExNSIONEr's STORY.
"I was born in the old township of Dartmouth,
at Long Plain, on the eleventh day of November
m the year 1750. I worked with my father, who'
was a farmer, until I became nineteen years of age
l.ike most of the boys in our neighborhood, I had
but little education, sufficient however to write a
215
legible hand, and to perform the usual business
transactions of a farmer's life. During my youth
I was always fond of adventures, and generally
spent what leisure I had in hunting and roving.
Deer and foxes, as well as many other kinds of
game, were then plenty in our woods, and it was
no uncommon affair to see them near our house.
An anecdote illustrative of this fact I will now
briefly relate. On a Thanksgiving Day, all our
family, with the exception of my father, was
invited out to dinner. The old man, feeling some
'disappointment at this, was determined to amuse
himself in his favorite sport, that of hunting, and
if fortunate, to have a dinner for himself and some
of his friends. Before the family had gone, he
took down his gun, which was always kept, when
not in use, over the fireplace, and ivhistling- out his
hounds, marched for the woods. He had been
away from the house but a short time when I
heard the report of his gun and the yel}nng of the
hounds not far distant. My spirits were aroused
by the music of the dogs and gun, and off I started
to learn the result. I had not proceeded far, when
I saw the old man standing in the road without
his gun. On approaching him I asked him the
cause. He pointed to the butt of a tree where his
gun siood, and told me to bring it to him. I
sprang to get it, and before I was aware stumbled
over one of the noblest bucks I had ever seen.
My amazement was truly great. The old man
obtained his wish, and instead of being balked of
his own dinner, was able to have thirty-two of his,
neighbors to dine with him, together with the
whole of his family, who preferred a good fat
buck to the entertainment they had expected. I
was at this time about fourteen years of age.
A trivial circumstance whieh occurred some
years after this separated me from my father's
family, and determined me to commence a new
216
line of life, .somewhat of the history of whieh is
here to be given.
The canse which induced me to leave home 1
will briefly relate. My father, who was a very
passionate man, and with whom I was no favorite,
in a fit of anger threw an iron bar at me, while I
was assisting him in erecting a horse-block. This
I could not bear from him whom I was bound to
respect, and I therefore determined to leave the
roof under which I had passed my childhood.
The Revolution had then commenced, and troops
were being raised throughout all parts of the
country. Having some predilection for a military
life, I enlisted in the army for three years, and
received my bounty of three hundred dollars, old
currency.
It was about three weeks after I had enlisted,
before I was ordered to march. During this time,
I went frequently to my father's house, taking care,
however, to be there only in the old man's absence.
I left one hundred dollars of my money with my
mother for my father.
Orders for march came on the Sabbath. I went
home to get my clothing, and to bid the family
farewell My father was there, but said nothing.
After waiting some time for him to speak, and
finding him determined to persevere in his silence,
with injured feelings I bade him adieu, and left the
house. At the outer door, I drew two pistols that
I had at my side, and firing one into the air and
the other into the ground, invoked a blessing for
my father, and then set off for the meeting-house,
where our company was assembled to hear a fare-
well discourse from our parish minister. Rev. Mr.
Lewis.
We then marched into Middleborough, where an
entertainment was prepared for us. After having
partaken of the collation, we were regularly formed
into columns, and marched to Boston.
217
When we left home there was many a wateiy
eye among us, as well as among om- friends! One
yonng woman, with whom I was intimately ac-
quainted, had persevered in her coolness, and was
determined not to be affected by our departure.
After the meeting, those who were desirous of hav-
ing a last look at us went some distance along the
road, and waited till we came up. Among them
was this young woman. I was determined to try
her feelings, so, springing out of the ranks, I ran
up to her, and giving her my hand, bade her 'good
bye,' telling her 'the Lord only knew when we
should meet again.' She could restrain herself no
longer, and burst into tears.
At Boston we passed review before Nathaniel
Morton, Esq., and then took up our march for
Stillwater. On our way, we halted at Springfield,
and remained there two days, during an election
of officers. Here we joined Col. Patterson's bri-
gade under Gen. Schuyler, who had retreated from
Ticonderoga.
Soon after our arrival at Stillwater, the com-
mand was transferred to Gen. Gates, under whom
we took up our line of march for the army at Sar-
atoga.
During the action which ensued soon after our ar-
rival, October, 1777, I fired thirty rounds, and at one
time my gun became so hot that I was unable to
hold it in my hands. I threw it down, and taking up
another, for they were to be picked up in any part
of the field, performed my duty until sunset. The
actioiFcommenced about ten o'clock in the fore-
noon.
After the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, our men,
being wear} , disposed themselves at pleasure, some
upon the green-sward and some on the meeting-
house steps. As I sat there resting on my gun, I
was much amused at the conduct of the British
soldiers, who^ being no longer under the control
218
of their general, committed every kind of indecency
and mad prank they could devise while marching
down the hill, tripping up each other's heels, knock-
ing off hats,. &c. This I must confess appeared
truly disgraceful, and showed to me the true
character of our enemies. ,
After our affairs were settled at Saratoga, we
again resumed our line of march, and proceeded
to West Point under Gen. Gates. While here, a
draught was made from the army, as a brigade of
light infantry, and placed under Gen. Wayne,
among whom it fell to my lot to be chosen. We
were as nearly of a size as possible, and dressed
as nearly alike as could be expected. After we
were embodied, we left the main army and marched
to a place called ' Sandy Beach.' While there a
party was chosen, of which I was one, to recon-
noitre the works at Stony Point, which was then
occupied by the British. Our party consisted of
twenty men, with Col. Putnam as leader. We
marched down in the night, and halted in the
woods near the point, so that we had full view of
the garrison.
While here, feeling some spirit for adventure, I
thought one night that I would sally out and see
what I could bring to pass. Near where we were
encamped was a small village, called ' Cricket
Town,' which supplied the British troops with
provision, such as butter, poultry, &c. This was
mostly carried on in the night by the women, whom
we called ' butter-gals.' So on this occasion, as our
captain lay by the fire, wrapped up in his bmnket,
I borrowed one of his pistols, telling him that I
was going to try to take a ' butter-gal.' I strapped
my blanket on my back, slung my canteen to my
side, and started off. I pushed on through the
woods, whistling and singing, when all at once I
was saluted by a British sentinel with ' Who 's
there?' 'A friend,' I replied. He bade me advance
219
and give the countersign. I approached him, and
told him I had none — that I was a deserter from
the American army, and wanted to find the way
to the picket. He ordered me to sit down, pointing
to a place on the ground, and said that he would
be relieved in about lialf an hour, and would then
conduct me to the garrison. I now began to realize
ray situation, and keeping my wits about me, had
recourse to the following stratagem. As I had
never known a soldier but was fond of liquor, I
proffered him my canteen, after pretending to take
a draught myself. He received it, and, tipping it
to his mouth, was in the act of drinking, when,
watching an opportunity, I sprang upon my feet,
seized his gun with one hand, and, presenting my
pistol with the other, bade him not to speak a word
or offer resistance, on the peril of his life. I then
told him to march with me, and we proceeded to-
gether to our place of encampment. After we had
arrived I went to our captain, who asked me where
the ' butter-gal ' was. I pointed to the British sol-
dier in full uniform, at the sight of whom he was
much surprised, and gave me hearty thanks for my
exploit.
We made a guide of this fellow, and the next
day joined the regiment and marched for Stony
Point. We left our encampment about nine o'clock
in the morning, and halted at Sandy Beach, ten
miles from Stony Point. Here we remained until
twelve o'clock at night, when we marched for the
garrison, arriving there before one. It was very
dark, and we had much difficulty in proceeding, as
the enemy had dug pits to hinder us. We had also
to pass through a creek, which almost spoilt our
ammunition. After this we met with some imped-
iment by a strong hedge, made of trees, with their
branches towards r.s ; this we had to cut away be-
fore we could reach the garrison. While we lay
in the woods. Gen. Wayne had given us strict or-
220
ders not to fire a gun, as he intended to take the
garrison by the point of the bayonet. As we ap-
proached we could distinctly hear the enemy driving
tlieir shot. We immediately fell down ; and when
they fired, the shot passed over us without injuring
any of our men. Before they had an opportunity
to reload, we made a rush, and took possession of
the fort without much difficulty. We lost but two
men, and the enemy seventy, besides fifty wounded.
The remainder, about three hundred in number, we
took prisoners. The next day we executed three
of our men, whom we found in the fort, having
previously deserted.
We then evacuated the fort and marched for
Sandy Beach, from which place we went to West
Point, thence to White Plains, under the command
of Gen. Patterson, and there remained until the
battle, which took place some time afterwards, as
follows. A detachment of our troops, of which I
was one, being on the scout, fell in with a party of
the British troops, by whom the engagement com-
menced. ' Soon after, a body of French horse came
to our aid, and after a smart action, of about an
hour's duration, the British retreated. Our loss
was small, and I came oft" unwounded.
Soon after this battle, we were ordered to Schuyl-
kill River, Pa., where we built a bridge, under the
superintendence of Gen. Carleton.* After we had
finished it, some of our officers came down from
the camp, which was about three miles distant, to
see the bridge, and to pass over it. ' Old Carleton,'
perceiving them approach the bridge, ordered them
to return, loudly vociferating that ' if the angel
Gabriel were there he should not cross it before
General Washington had seen it : ' such was the
respect towards that great and good man by his
* I am unable, after the closest research, to find this name amon<
the American officers of the Revolution.
221
])rotlicr oflicers. We remained at this station all
the winter of the year 1779, as near as I can re-
member.
During our stay on the Schuylkill, at one tmic
we were very short of provisions, and the little wc
obtained was of an inferior kind. One day, my*
self and a companion, having a holiday, went into
the country with the intention of purchasing some
fowls. We came to the house of an old Dutch
farmer, and told him our wishes. He replied that
the officers had engaged all his poultry, and lie
would not sell us any of his fowls. 1 told him
that if he would not sell me any I should take
some the first chance I had. He was inexorable,
and again said that he would not dispose of any.
On our way back, we determined that night to go
to the old man's farm-yard and carry off as many
of his fowls as we could. As soon as we thought
they had all retired for the night in the neighbor-
hood, taking advantage of the rising moon, we
started off with a lantern, and each armed with a
club for defence. Stealing along through the old
man's orchard^ we came to a small out-house
where the fowls were shut up for the night, the
door secured by a strong padlock, and the only
place we could find to enter, a small opening
on one side of the building. 1 agreed to go in, and
told my companion, if he heard any sign ot our
being suspected, to whistle, and make off' through
the orchard. Accordingly I climbed up and after
some ditficulty got in at the hole. The turkeys
were aff at roost*"; and the moment I got into their
company, they gave me a most clamorous greeting,
little to my pleasure. However, 1 secured two of
1hem, and was ready for mj departure, when I
heard my comrade whistle and make off. I got up
and looked out of the little window, and there saw
the old Dutchman, with his gun in his hand, coin-
\ir down the lane from the house. 1 now perceived
iilb
222
there was no chance for me to escape through the
window; so I took my usual recourse to stratagem,
which I ever had ready in case of necessity. Plac-
ing myself beside the door, and holding a turkey
in each hand, I waited for the old wan to come. I
could not exactly devise how the affair would end,
but knew my only chance of escape would be in
acting promptly. As soon as the door was open,
I swung the fowl I held in my right hand with all
my strength into his face, and made a bolt, but
finding him ready to confront me, I let him have
the weight of the other turkey in a similar manner
as before, which effectually baffled his efforts, and
succeeded in getting clear from him. After I had
run a few rods, I turned about, and made myself
known to him, at which he blazed away his old
fowling-piece at me, lodging a good charge of shot
into my right leg. Being used to these things, how-
ever, I hurried away as fast as I was able with the
turkeys, which I still kept, determined not to 4ose
my bacon' this time, for which I had paid so dearly.
The next day I was mostly employed in extracting
the shot from my leg, but I could not get them all
out, and some of them are probably there at this
day. We had our feast, however, and I soon re-
covered from my wounds, and little regretted the
adventure, as it proved a good story to tell, and made
much laughter among our men.
In the Spring of 1781, we decamped and
proceeded to Danbury, where we remained nearly
two months, and then marched to the head of Elk
River before we were known to the British, who
were then at Yorktown. We were soon honored
by the command of Gen. Washington, w^ho quickly
laid plans for commencing an attack upon the ene-
ndy. We began by heaving up batteries, working
at night and secluding ourselves by day, until we
had advanced within one hundred and fifty yards of
the enemy's quarters; the action was then com-
223
mcnced on our part. We had thirty pieces of mor-
tar and plenty of cannon.
The heat of the engagement continued two days
and one night, when we finally compelled them to
capitulate. Gen. Cornwallis sent out a flag of truce
and a paper, wishing for a cessation of arms, to
which Gen. Washington did not agree, and sent
word back that Gen. Cornwallis would have fifteen
minutes to determine whether to surrender or con-
tinue the battle. This was followed by the surren-
der of the British commander.
Our advantage was superior to that of the ene-
my; for we had advanced our rows of batteries,
which were eight or nine in number, with perfect
safety, until we had fair play upon the British
ranks. We lost but a small number, but the ene-
my's loss was very great.
After our affairs were arranged, we were marched,
being about two thousand in number, to New
York, which the British soon evacuated. Here we
had a fine display of fireworks.
From New York we w^ent up the Hudson river
to West Point, where we remained until after peace
was declared.
In the month of January, 1783, I started for home
on foot, having about one hundred and fifty miles
to travel, which I accomplished in about a week,
without a cent in my pocket. I found my friends
all well, and felt thankful that I had been preserved
to see them again.
But my hardships were by no means at an end
— the times extremely bad, and every man who
owed a dollar was liable to be sued. At this
time I felt very much interested for my suffering
countrymen, for I was exempt from prosecution,
owing to my service in the war. I had fought for
my country, and any usurpation of her rights
aroused my indignation. Hearing that there was
going to be an attempt among the people to secure
224
their rights, and deeming the cause a good one, I
offered my assistance.
The day appointed for holding the court at
Ilaunton had arrived, and having mustered about
thirty men, we started for that place to stop the
proceedings of the court. We encamped for the
night at the Weir Bridge, AAdiere one David Valen-
tine joined us with his party and attempted to
take command. But the men being dissatisfied
with him, we went into a field and put it to vote,
by which I was chosen leader. We waited until
about ten o'clock the next day, and then marched
across to Taunton Green. Here we found a large
body of armed men in front of the court-house.
I his looked rather formidable; however, we kept
up our courage and marched up to them, when
Col. Sprout [Sproat] came forward, with his sword
drawn, and demanded of me why I presumed to
cross the line. I replied that if he would mark
out his bnes I would observe them, and then,
taking a pistol from my pocket, told him that I
was armed as well as himself, and if he did not
sheathe his sword I would discharge it at him.
lie then stepped into the ranks, and 1 marched my
men with music, having a fife, two drums, and a
liddlc, before them, and got about thirty of their
number to join us. I called one of them to me,
and asked him to give me a correct account of the
state of their matters. He told me that not one
to thirty had any powder in their guns, and those
who had w^ere destitute of balls. I then gave
orders for my men to prime and load, and then
marched through the ranks of our opponents with-
out hmderance. As I approached the court-house
door, old Judge made his appearance, and
immediately recognized me, although disguised in
a British uniform. He asked me what was my
desire. I replied all we wished was that no execu-
tions or taxes should be levied for the space of
225
twelve months. To this he at once agreed, and
we then peaceably marched home."
The death of the old man, whose narrative we
had thus far penned, brought it to a hasty close.
Subsequent to the time of the last-mentioned
adventure, which appears to have been a bold if
not rebellious undertaking, he became a sailor;
and was pressed into the British service during the
last war between England and America; and
during an engagement received a severe wound in
one of his legs from a splinter thrown off by a
cannon ball. Having in vain for a long time
sought an opportunity to escape from his servitude,
he kept this sore open and aggravated by the
application of copperas, until he was pronounced
by the surgeon incurable, and was consequently
discharged. He was never able to heal this wound
afterwards, which was the cause of his lameness.
His suffering from this source during the acquaint-
ance of the writer were sometimes so great as to
render him unable to converse. It finally, more
than old age, for he had an otherwise remarkably
sound body, caused his death.
At the celebration of the Fourth of July, 1835,
our old friend rode in an open carriage, in company
with two or three old Revolutionary soldiers, in
the procession. His appearance on this occasion
was a very dignified one.
The foregoing narrative, although but few dates
are given, will be found to be substantially correct,
if compared with the authentic historical accounts
of tlxp events herein recorded. Many scenes and
226
events the old man had in store for me to record,
my object being to produce a narrative which he
might sell to assist him in his support, as he and
his wife had nothing but the pension to depend
upon for their livelihood. On one of my last visits
to him, he said that he had "just begun."
There was much of the true old republican in
him; and though rough hewn and somewhat of
the "Uncle Toby" school, yet he possessed many
estimable qualities, and was a good specimen of
those to whom this country owes much for her
national existence. Of the other old soldiers of
Dartmouth who suffered in the Revolutionary War,
history has no record.
It will be perceived by those conversant with the
dates of the devolution that our old friend, the
pensioner, has confused the order in which the
battles transpired wherein he took part, and that
his statements in other respects disagree with other
records. This does not, however, invalidate his
testimony, particularly when his great age is taken
into consideration, as the main facts and circum-
stances are a still further corroboration, if any be
necessary, of the historical accounts of these events.
For ready reference, I subjoin a list of the battles
in which our hero was engaged, in the due time
and order in which they took place: battle of
White Plains, Oct. 28th, 1776 ; Saratoga, Oct.
7th, 1777; Stony Point, July 15th, 1779; York-
town, Oct. 10th, 1781.
227
CHAPTER XVIII.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS UPON THE MERCANTILE PRO-
FESSION—VIEWS IN RELATION TO MERCANTILE CHAR-
ACTER—THE VALUE OF PROBITY AND INTEGRITY IN
COMMERCIAL PURSUITS— SKETCHES OF TWO OLD MER-
CHANTS, DRAWN FROM LIFE.
Eye nature's walks; shoot folly as it flies;
Ajid catch the manners living as they rise. Pope.
I PROPOSE in this chapter to record g^few reflections
and observations, which, through "the loop-holes
of retreat," I have made during a somewhat length-
ened experience. My remarks are intended herein
to be entirely of a general character, and no one
will regret more than myself, should I uninten-
tionally appear too severe or exacting in my views
and criticisms. Placing the profession of the mer-
chant among the highest callings of human enter-
prise, my object is only to encourage that noble
aspiration among my friends and fellow-citizens
engaged in commercial pursuits, to excel in those
expansive and higher phases of character which
belong to the true merchant; to encourage an
emulation whose end shall be not who shall be
the richest, but who shall be the noblest member
of his fraternity, — not so much a desire for rank
and precedence as for virtue and philanthropy.
Illustrious instances have we of this class in our
owi^ and other lands, — men who, correlative with
their enterprise and success in business, have been
228
benefactors of their several communities and their
race.
All very well, says the reader perhaps, but what
has this to do with the history of New Bedford?
I answer, much, every way; for from her field of
observation, in a great measure, has my experience
been drawn. Here may be found the different
traits of character which mark all commercial
communities: the clear-headed, far-sighted, bold
and fearless man of business; the cautious, timid,
self-distrusting; the steady, persevering, honest,
self-respecting^ the reckless, the avaricious, the
penurious, the generous, benevolent, philanthropio,
intelligent, cultivated, knowing, grasping, the
haughty and overbearing, the shrewd, manoeuvring,
dash-devil, mingled together, and jostling each
other in their daily occupations. Every community
has its own standard of morality ; and every large
commercial body of people is particularly open to
scrutiny in this respect.
From the earliest history we have of commerce
through the flourishing periods of the Lombards,
Venetians, and their rival successors, the Dutch,
the merchant, the true high-minded man of honor,
has ever held an exalted stand and exerted a
mighty sway over the destinies of nations. No
man commands more of our respect, no man
holds a more enviable position, than the honest,
noble-hearted merchant. From his honestly ac-
quired gains have originated a large proportion of
the hospitals and other charitable institutions, as
well as the foundation of churches and colleges,
229
in the Old World. From old Sir Thomas Gresham
down to William Roscoe and Sir Fowell Buxton,
England has been indebted for much of her glory,
as a nation, to her merchant philanthropists. And
in our own country, daily almost do we witness
with what a lavish hand her sons of trade pom-
out their treasures for the public good.
A great and good man, now gone "from works
to rewards," needs only to be mentioned to show
how an unblemished moral character may be
united with a successful business life. I allude to
the late Amos Lawrence, a name which every
good merchant and philanthropist must ever hold
in veneration. Boston may well be proud of his
memory.
New York, too, has her noble-minded merchants,
of Revolutionary and modern times; and her
Grinnells already stand forth as rivals of the
Livingstons and Hancocks of older and the Law-
rences of later times. But we cannot allow our
national metropolis the whole credit of claiming
these last-named gentlemen, the Grinnells. They
are not only natives of New Bedford^ but here
received the rudiments of that education in which
they excfel as skilful and honorable mercliants of
the old Quaker stock, from which they sprung,
and among whom they passed their youth.
New Bedford has ever held a prominent stand
in the business public: no place has maintained a
higher or more deserving character for mercantile
strength and probity than herself. She has afforded
many noble-minded men, ay, and women also:
K
230
and a purer or more honorable state of commercial
enterprise probably as rarely existed in any com-
munity as for a long period obtained here. The
names of William Rotch, Sen. and Jr., the former
of whom I have v/ritten of at length in another
chapter, and of Samuel Rodman, Sen., as well as
the venerable widow of the latter, a daughter of
William Rotch, Sen., lately deceased at the age of
nearly one hundred years, are inseparably connected
with whatever is noble and philanthropic which
New Bedford may claim to possess. Nor has the
spirit of our predecessors entirely left us : we still
possess a body of true and noble-minded men and
women, who are worthy of such an ancestry.
There are, however, in every large commercial
community men who, regardless of those qualities
which mark the true merchant, aim only at success,
as they falsely term it, and who lead a skirmishing
warfare in the mercantile public. Of these men I
would speak justly, but candidly. With them a
failure in business seems to be no particular
obstacle, even for the time; and we soon find that,
mindless of their suffering creditors, they are going
on swimmingly. They have answered the requi-
sitions of the law, and this satisfies their easy
consciences.
Honest men will undoubtedly sometimes becorne
embarrassed, or fail in their business; but it may
be doubted whether the most skilful and accom-
plished merchant will allow himself to be brought
to this strait. At any rate, it is the duty of every
honest merchant not to jeopardize in his business
Ihat property which is not legitimately his own.
Undoubtedly, by so doing many a merchant has,
like some tempest-tossed vessel, passed over the
shoals and quicksand by only scraping the keel.
But should adversity overcome them, they do not
sink beneath it; they preserve their integrity of
character, and rise, like the gallant bark, upon the
succeeding wave. These are the men who cause
their creditors and friends no anxiety; whose first
care it is to pay off their honest debts, principal
and interest. The law may exonerate them ; but
in for o conscienticB they deem themselves bound to
make good all their liabilities, and they do it.
These men deserve all praise and honor ; they give
a high and healthy tone of character to mercantile
morals ; and these are your true merchants.
But there is another class to whom we cannot
award this high praise. With a magician's power
they throw their enchantments, in the shape of
wiles and snares, around a community — they go
on in apparent prosperity, — when all at once comes
the crash I Men supposed to be doing a small busi-
ness on a small capital, fail to the amount of fifty,
sixty, or over a hundred thousand dollars; a mystery
surrounds the whole affair; a small and hardly ob-
tained percentage is all the astonished creditor re-
alizes. But is the man crushed? does he live upon
bread and water? is he homeless, and an object of
pity ? Ah no ! There is a temporary hill^ it is
true: he may lose a little influence in his church,
perhaps, or at the next political campaign. But
how is the matter in the course of two or throe
232
years? He drives his horse — perhaps horses —
and carriage, builds a fine house, gives his parties,
and so goes on. This man seems to forget his
creditors, some of them now, perhaps, poor men,
wofuUy in need of their just dues. But the law
protects him; he finds others in the same category
as himself: and so he sets his brazen face against
the world, and generally succeeds in holding his
own position in society. Can such a man be
respected? can he respect himself ? In a healthy
mercantile community he must ever be regarded
as a dishonest man, and from this he can find no
escape.
If virtue has its reward, vice also must meet its
doom.
These remarks may be considered as a fitting
prelude to the following notices of two well-known
merchants, lately deceased.
Joseph Ricketson, so well and favorably known
in this community, was the first cashier of the
Bedford Commercial Bank, which situation he
occupied for about fifteen years. Previously, how-
ever, as well as subsequently, he was engaged in
commercial pursuits.
His advantages for an education in his youth
were superior to most of his cotemporaries. Un-
der the tuition of his uncle, Caleb Greene, he
acquired, besides a good English education, some
knowledge of the Latin, and subsequently, from
other sources, of the French language. In many
of the more scientific studies, particularly in
chemistry, his acquirements were very respectable.
233
Through all his reverses of fortune, he kept up his
habits of reading and study; and his library,
though not large, was well chosen and valuable.
At the age of sixteen or seventeen, he entered
the counting-room and warehouse of William
Rotch, Jr., who had then just established himself
in business in the village of Bedford. Here he re-
mained until he was twenty-one, leaving with mu-
tual respect, which continued through their lives.
Entering into business with his father, under
the firm of Daniel Ricketson & Son, with the
practical experience of the former as a sea-captain
and his own industrious habits, their business
prospered, and they accumulated, for those times,
a considerable fortune; but the embargo, the war,
failures, and the loss of vessels by capture, com-
pletely frustrated their business, leaving them little
else than their real estate in the village.
He was one of the earliest promoters of education
and of every object for the public good in this
place. As an ardent and effective supporter of the
peace, the temperance, and anti-slavery movements
in this place, he will be long remembered. In all
these noble enterprises for the cause of humanity,
Joseph Ricketson was among the earliest. If they
in some degree were the cause of reproach, his
heartfelt devotion to these great Christian objects
sustained him.
As a man of business, in his long experience
and various relationships he ever sustained the
highest character for honesty and ability. But as
234
a merchant, as usually estimated, he did not possess
that knowledge of human nature which would
have secured him from many great adversities in
his business. Honest to a fault, — if possible, —
he rarely or never distrusted any one, and conse-
quently too often became the victim of others less
conscientious than himself. Most men with his
opportunities would have accumulated great
wealth; but his constant losses, following in unre-
mitted succession from time to time, left him at
his death with but a small part of that wealth
which might otherwise have been secured. Had
it not been for the preservation of his real property,
which he did under great difficulties, he must have
become almost penniless.
Joseph Ricketson, Sen., was born in this town
7th mo. 27th, 1771, and died at his residence on
Main, head of Seventh street, 10th mo. 9th, 1841,
aged 70 years 3 months and 18 days.
George Howland, who for many years w^as Pres-
ident of the Bedford Commercial Bank, and one of
the most successful merchants of New Bedford, was
the architect of his own fortune ; his great success
in the acquisition of his property, and his position
as one of the leading men of business in a place of
distinguished commercial character, having been
altogether the result of a sound judgment, allied
to an indomitable energy and perseverance. Start-
ing in life a farmer boy, his ambition for a broader
and more congenial field of labor brought him at
the age of sixteen years into the warehouse and
235
counting-room of William Rotch, Jr. His great
ability for business and attention to his duties
soon won the confidence of his master, to whom
in after years he was destined to become an un-
envied rival.
As the President of the Bedford Commercial
Bank, which situation he held for more than thirty
years, he evinced great financial skill and talent;
and it is probable that the affairs of this institution
will never be better sustained or administered than
while under the old regime, with him at the head.
George Howland was born in Fair haven, Dart-
mouth, 7th mo. 12th, 1781, and died at his own
house, corner of Walnut and Seventh streets, 5th
mo. 21st, 1852, in the seventy-first year of his age.
He left a large fortune. Among his donations
and bequests were §15,000 to the Friends' School
at Haverford, Pa.; $5000 for a school in North
Carolina; and §50,000, in trust, for the establish-
ment of a school for "young females,'' which it is
to be hoped will be duly appropriated in this place,
where his life was mostly spent and his wealth
garnered.
236
CHAPTER XIX.
THE WRITER'S VIEWS IN REGARD TO THE TITLE OF HIS
PRODUCTION — REMINISCENCES OF ELISHA THORNTON
AND JAMES DAVIS, TWO DISTINGUISHED MINISTERS OF
THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS IN NEW BEDFORD, AND GEN-
ERAL REMARKS UPON THEIR CHARACTERS AND INFLU-
ENCE.
I HAVE dignified these sketches of mine with the
title of a '^listory of New Bedford." Although
I have endeavored to comprise the most important
historical information relating to my subject, still
the discm-sive manner in Which I have performed
my task and the variety of material I have made
use of rather entitles it to a less assuming name,
and that of "Historical Sketches" is all I shall
claim for them.
I propose in the present chapter to introduce
to the remembrance of our older inhabitants, and
to the acquaintance of the younger, a few reminis-
cences of two characters, remarkable for their
superior virtues, and among the most prominent
of our citizens in their day and generation.
Among those of that generation, now so nearly
gone, no one probably held a more endeared and
valued place among his friends and the public than
Elisha Thornton, Sen., the father of the late Elisha
Thornton, so well and favorably known to most
of our fellow-citizens, in fact, the respect for
whose memory is but little less than that felt for
his more widely known parent.
237
•
As a minister of the Society of Friends, Elisha
Thornton, Sen., was distinguished for his richly
poetic style of eloquence, combined with talents
of no ordinary order, and intellectual cultivation.
So correct was his ear for rhythm, as I am informed
by a gentleman who was one of his intimate
friends and admirers, that he would often deliver
a long discourse in blank verse, extempore, of
course, as this is the only manner in which the
ministers of this society preach. His voice was
rich and musical; and the inflections and cadences
of his periods were in admirable harmony with his
gentle and instructive communications, resembling
the chanting of the bards of old.
A remarkable coincidence, and one which ap-
peared to be possessed almost of supernatural
agency, occurred upon a certain occasion during
his ministry. It was during the height of the
bloody campaigns and victories of Napoleon Bona-
parte, and when with each return of news from Eu-
rope the horrid accounts of further bloodshed were
sure to be learned, that the Society of Friends in
this town, which then comprised a large portion of
the most respectable inhabitants, were gathered
together in their old meeting-house, which stood
nearly upon the site occupied by the present sub-
stantial brick structure, upon Spring street. The
respected subject of this notice, at that time some-
what advanced in life, a man of tall and venerable
personal appearance, whose voice, as before stated,
was peculiarly soft and musical, and whose coun-
tenance was full of the deepest kindness and
K.:.
%
sympathy for human woe, was npoh this occasion
dilating upon the miseries of war, and portrayed
in a most graphic manner the scenes of the battle-
field, speaking of the sufferings of those engaged
in deadly strife. "Even now," he said, "can we
see the blood flowing, and hear the groans of the
dying." All present were deeply impressed with
the discourse, the speaker appearing to be possessed
of a prophetic vision, which proved to be remark-
ably verified, for it was afterwards satisfactorily
ascertained that during the time this peaceful body
of men and women were seated in their humble
place of worship, and were listening to the voice
of their beloved minister, one of the most cele-
brated and bloody battles of the great but wickedly
ambitious hero of France was being fought.
Probably no man was ever endowed with a
keener sympathy for human misery or the suffer-
ings of the brute creation than Elisha Thornton. In
this respect, as well as in his fine vein for poetry,
he resembled the sensitive and beautiful Cowper.
His mind was indeed finely attuned to harmony;
and the beauties of nature were not only a source
of constant pleasure and devotional suggestion to
him, but were introduced into his conversation and
public ministrations.
Efisha Thornton was the son of Ebenezer and
Ruth Thornton, and was born in Smithfield, R. L,
4th mo. 30th, 1747, and died in New Bedford 12th
mo. 31st, 1816, in the seventieth year of his age. His
parents being in humble circumstances, most of his
early years were spent in manual labor as a farmer
^239
boy ; but owing to his groat love of I^nowlcdge, as
well as being possessed of talents of a high order, he
acquired, by dint of hard study in the hours not
allotted to labor, and by observation and meditation
while engaged in his daily avocations, an education
superior to most of his cotemporaries in the Society
of Friends. He became a teacher of youth, and
for many years kept a boarding-school at his house
in Smithfield, R. L, at which a large number of
the children of the families of Friends of New
Bedford as well as other places received their edu-
cation. The school was not, however, confined to
the members of the Society of Friends, and a
number of scholars were from other denominations.
Being a lover of youth, and deeply interested in
assisting the development of the purer traits of
his scholars, he was not only their teacher but
their genial friend and guide. A pleasanter school,
or one more free from the usual infelicities and
severities of such institutions, probably never
existed; in confirmation of which, I have often
heard from those W'ho were his pupils the expression
of the happiness they enjoyed while under his
charge, and the love and respect they entertained
for his memory. The gentle and beloved teacher
has long since passed from w^orks to rewards; the
number of his pupils even is sadly diminished,
and but a few only of that once bright band of
young people remain, and they have already
reached the vale of years.
The country around Smithfield is very pictu-
resque, and in the days of the school was remark-
240 ^'
able for its rural beauty ; and the location of the
house was in the most quiet and pleasant part.
The visits made to this home of his maternal
grandparents are among the most delightful and
cherished memories of the writer.
Possessed of a tender conscience, at an early
age the subject of this sketch became awakened
to the importance of leading a pure and religious
life,— -one void of offence before God and man; and
his convictions of duty leading him to an adoption
of the religious principles of the Society of Friends,
he became a member of that body in early man-
hood, and a few years afterwards appeared in the
ministry. As early as the year 1779, when at the
age of 28 years, he made a religious visit to the
families of Friends in Dartmouth, as a companion
of that devoted servant of Christianity, Job Scott;
an account of which I find mentioned in the in-
teresting and edifying journal of the latter.
In the Spring of the year 1807, Elisha Thornton
moved with his family from Smithfield to New-
Bedford. His residence was the house still stand-
ing on the north-west corner of School and Seventh
streets, and here he died.
He was noted for his tender solicitude for human
happiness, and his journal contains many records
of this nature. In a portion of his life when he
passed through some of his deepest experiences, I
find the following record:
" During these years my mind was often led to
view and reflect very feelingly upon the subject of
the African slave-trade, and upon the great in-
2n
justice done to the natives of this land. From the
prospect which I had, 1 should scarcely hesitate to
predict that the United States, sooner or later, will
feel the scourge of the divine displeasure in a very
awful manner on account thereof, and the period
may not be very distant."
In the higher walks of mathematics, and partic-
ularly in astronomy, he was a proficient, and for
several years published an almanac. Not only the
astronomical calculations were made by himself,
but he occasionally contributed the poetry for the
same.
In his almanac for 1789 are the following lines,
which have been frequently published in past years,
and obtained considerable celebrity. Aside from
the poetical merits of the piece, the sentiments, ex-
pressed at that early period, are alike honorable to
his head and his heart.
ON THE SLAVE TRADE.
Almighty Father, thine the righteous cause,
Nor does the muse presume the task (too great
For mortal mau) without a deep-felt need
Of holy aid : may Thou inspire the theme.
Long groaned the seed beneath the heavy task,
Where Nilus' flood o'erflows her fertile banks;
Where Pharaoh proud, with adamantine heart.
Exulted long — exulted in the woe
Of Jacob's seed, till tenfold vengeance sent
To plead their cause, to set the captive free.
Lo! Afric's children — they in bondage too
Long grieved, without a corresponding sigh
To soothe their languid heart, save in a few
Who echoed back their agonizing moan.
Come, feeling heart, and view the tragic scene;
Come view the massacre on Afric's shore,
A scene of blood shed by uninjured men —
By men who worship at the shrine of gain —
By men who bow in Mammon's temple, where
They sacrifice, where they their birthright sell
For pottage poor — their hands imbrue in blood:
242
Most horrible the havoc made of men,
Detested more by how much these profess
The sacred name, the name of him who bled
For sinful men, not causing men to bleed.
But what the charms of gold, alluring wealth ?
"What but a loss to every sense of good ?
What but some demon fiom the lowest pit
Could stimulate the noble mind of man
To deeds so black, under the gospel day ?
To kidnap little children as they pass,
Or while the sultry hours by them are spent
In pretty prattle by some golden brook
Or in some cooling bower — lo, snatched away
By tiger-hearted men, no more to see
Nor evermore embrace parental arms,
Nor parents them enjoy; but pine away
Their days with thoughts of woe they 're doomed tOb
Among thy many crimes, Christendom,
Not one more complicated, one mere black
Than this. ]\Ien too are taught to fight.
See Afric's sons, from thirst of gain, (conferred,)
With reeking blades, nor pity taught to show.
Nor wont to yield, fall weltering in their blood!
See captured wretches, marched now along
Toward the ship ; nor dare they turn an eye
To bid farewell their country or their friends;
But hastened are on board the stifling bark.
Where, close confined beneath the deck, they 're bound
'Midst noxious stench, where many pine and die!
Parents, compelled, must quit their golden coast,
Bent from their babes ; husband and wife must part
And bid adieu: heart-broken sighs ascend.
How wished for now the stroke of death — implored ;
That king of terrors to the human breast
Is now most sought; no remedy but this
To free from bonds — free from the galling yoke.
See black despair: the swollen breast ascends
On deck, and, resolute to end his woe,
Plunges himself into the watery main;
Nor does he dread at all the grim-jawed shark.
But meets of choice the monster's deadly fangs.
The few poor drooping souls who reach the isles
Are like the beasts of burthen, scourged on
In hunger, thirst, and toil, till death release.
Why Neptune ever taught to plough the deep ?
Why e'er Columbia's ships were wafted o'er?
Or why the western world at all explored.
To prove the seat of woe — untimely grave
Of millions of that sable race?
Alas! alas! for Britain, France, and Spain!
Alas! for you our States, who long combined
243
To tyrannize! vain the attempt to joy.
Tottering, our peace, a baseless fabric, stands.
While thus exulting in unrighteous gain.
In vain our States shall hail the youthful morn
Of peaceful independence in our land.
Till At'ric's sons to liberty restored.
0, may the late catastrophe sufi&ce,
When, like the mountain cataract, wild Waste
O'erspread and ravage through a flourishing land.
That woful day, in which we left to dash
With Britain's sons, as earthen pitchers break.
Thou Spirit benign! why stay'd the furbished sword?
Why not provoked to send us famine too.
With pestilence, thy terror-striking rod.
To scourge the world for crime of deepest dye ?
But, gracious Thou, our eyes unclosed to see
Grim tyranny, that monster from beneath
Who sits proud regent of the lowest abyss.
May Britain fraught with Clarksons multiplied $
And may our States with Wool mans meek abound,
With Benezets conspire to plead their cause;
May ruling powers, too, unite with these,
And set the captive free; then peace shall flow.
God bless our States — unite them in a band!
Although these lines will hardly satisfy the cul-
tivated taste of the present day, yet their genuine
simplicity, sincerity and deep-toned humanity will
compensate in a great measure for a more pol-
ished harmony of numbers than they possess.
Their author, it should be remembered, was a self-
educated man ; and although a lover of the more
serious English poets, and possessing a good nat-
ural ear for melody and rhythm, still the classical
scholar will perceive, in his case as in others, that
the want of a knowledge of the established rules of
metrical composition — the a7's poetce — cannot be
dispensed with, except at the great loss of beauty
and strength, at the same time.
The respect for his character was by no means
confined to the religious body to which he was
united, for his philanthropic nature led him to look
244
upon all mankind as brethren, and virtue was ever
attractive to him, wherever found. For the erring,
too, he felt much sympathy, and ever extended to
them his charity, and encouragement for a better
w^ay of life. An instance of this kind has been re-
lated to me by a worthy minister of the Society of
Friends, now living in this city. While on a reli-
gious visit to Friends in Sandwich, he became in-
terested in an Irish youth whom he there found at
work in a rope-walk, and whose habits, from the
roving life he had led, were not exemplary. During
a conversation with this young man, he discerned
the germ of a purer nature in him ; and on his way
to New Bedford, while riding along, his mind be-
came deeply drawn towards him, as by divine di-
rection. He soon afterwards addressed him in a
tender and encouraging manner, in a poetical com-
munication, which so touched the heart of the poor
youth that he awakened to a new life, and new
hopes, and eventually became a worthy member of
the Society of Friends. He resided for a number
of years in this place, and married a daughter of
James Davis, continuing a worthy member of the
society until his decease. Michael Graham, the
person here referred to, will be well remembered by
my older readers. In a copy of the " Columbian
Courier'' of 12 mo. 29, 1798, published in New
Bedford, and edited by Abraham Shearman, Jr., I
find the following head of a long advertisement of
dry goods, English watches, hardware, &c. : " Mi-
chael Graham respectfully informs the public that
he has lately removed to the store formerly occu-
245
pied by William Ross, at the Four Corners, where
he has just received and has for sale" — He after-
wards moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he died.
In personal appearance, Elisha Thornton was
tall, erect, and well proportioned. His head was
remarkably noble, and his countenance mild and
intellectual. His dress was of the primitive school
of Quakers.
On the removal of the graves from the old
Friends' burial-ground to the new one, a few years
since, the writer was present when the remains of
the subject of this sketch (his maternal grandfather)
were disinterred, and an opportunity was thus af-
forded for examining the skull, which had for nearly
forty years remained undisturbed. With reveren-
tial emotions I held the relic in my hands. It was
of great size, and in perfect preservation, even some
of the gray hair remaining upon it. The organ of
benevolence, as well as the whole coronal region,
and the forehead, were particularly full. The size
was one of the largest of human heads, and one
that would have nmch interested the phrenologist.
Had he been born in a different sphere of life, and
had his early education been more perfect, he would
probably have been distinguished as a scholar and
poet.
His attachment to dumb creatures, particularly
to his own domestic animals, was very strong,
and at times painfully so, from the sympathy
he felt for their sufferings and abuse. His domestic
animals also became much attached to him; and
those who have had much to do with these Intel-
246
ligent and interesting creatures will readily under-
stand my meaning. Upon the occasion of a fire
in the daytime, at the house of the late Gilbert
Russell, on County street, now owned by William
R. Rotch, " Friend Thornton," as he was familiarly
called, was standing in the road near the scene of
the fire, where there was a large collection of
people, and the consequent excitement of such an
event, when an old horse that he had owned for
several years, which had been grazing by the
roadside some little distance from the scene of
commotion, became frightened, and seeing his old
master among the crowd, came trotting down the
road, and on reaching him put his head over his
shoulder, as if for protection.
His love for nature continued to the last, and
during his whole life he was in the habit of walk-
ing in the fields and woods. The songs of the
birds and the sight of the wild flowers were sources
of much happiness to him, constantly awakening
in his mind a sense of gratitude to the Creator of
the universe. His knowledge of astronomy as-
sisted his devotional feelings ; and the contempla-
tion of the heavenly spheres at night filled his mind
with the most sublime emotions.
The day before his death, as I am informed by
a gentleman v\dio had been watching with him
through the night, he requested the shutters of the
windows in his room looking toward the east to
be opened, that he could once more behold the ris-
ing of the sun. Raised up in his bed by the assist-
ance of his friend, he looked with much interest
247
and composure upon the scene, and on being
placed back upon his pillow calmly said that it
was the last time he should ever witness that
glorious sight. Within a few hours from this
time his tender spirit passed away from its mortal
tenement.
The prose and poetical writings of Elisha
Thornton are considerable, but they have never
been published, except in a scattered way.
I will close this sketch by the following extract
from a beautiful tribute to his memory, written by
one who knew him well, both as a pupil and a
friend :
" The days of that remarkable man have passed
away, and with them have sunk below the horizon
the cotemporaneous stars which coursed the
heavens and brightly marked the first quarter of
the nineteenth century."
Coeval with the subject of the foregoing sketch,
but who survived his friend and fellow-laborer in
the Christian ministry many years, was the late
venerable James Davis, a man of apostolic char-
acter, and long known as one of the most devoted
and sincere ministers of the Society of Friends. It
requires purer hands than mine justly to portray the
life and character of such men as these faithful
servants of the Divine Master. But as the task
has devolved upon me, I would endeavor, in all
due respect for their memories and the cause they
so ably advocated, to bring their noble examples
before my readers, in some humble measure at least.
248
James Davis was born in Rochester, Mass., on
tlie 22d of the 5th month, 1744, and died at his
house, on Second near Union street, 2d mo. 25th,
1825, in the eighty-first year of his age. His
parents were Nicholas and Ruth Davis ; the former
was a minister of the Society of Friends, and died
in Oblong, N. Y., 10th mo., 1755.
In his personal appearance, as remembered by
the writer, and when he had become an aged man,
he was rather tall and strongly made, and was of
a most venerable and kindly aspect. As he arose
to address the congregation assembled in the old
meeting-house before mentioned, his grave though
calm and gentle manner at once interested all
present ; and the wise counsel, the result of a long
and deep experience, he deliberately delivered, was
listened to with great silence and respect. Prob-
ably no minister of the society in this town or
vicinity was more beloved and respected, or re-
garded with more faith in his sincerity, on the
part of his hearers. Less glowing in his language
and less ardent in his appeals than his beloved
coadjutor before noticed, the depth and beauty of
his religious spirit was excelled by none, and
rendered his ministry one of the most valuable
with which our community has ever been blessed.
In those days, prior to the lamentable schisms
which have since taken place and so stripped this
once powerful body of Christians of much of their
influence, the gatherings on the first day of the
week, as well as on other occasions, were large. It
249
is pleasant to look back on those days, and to call
to mind the venerable personages that were wont
to assemble in that old house of worship. Let us,
in imagination, go back to one of these occasions,
such as the writer remembers in his early years.
The old meeting-house, the same building now
converted into dwelling-houses and standing at
the south-west corner of Spring and Seventh
streets, though not as large as the present commo-
dious brick building, was of good proportions,
and of comfortable and respectable appearance.
No paint or marks of decoration were to be seen
within its time-honored walls. If in warm weather,
the doors and windows being open, the wind would
be heard discoursing its soothing melody through
the old trees and about the angles of the house, or
a song-bird pouring forth his strains in harmony
with the spirit of the occasion, and naught disturb-
ing the solemn silence of the assembly.
Upon the "high seat" — that appropriated to
-the ministers and elders, in England termed the
"gallery" — might be seen the venerable person of
William Rotch, Sen., with his long and flowing
white locks; next to whom the somewhat younger
but equally venerable subject of this notice, James
Davis. All about the house were the old-fashioned
men and women of those times, dressed in the
real Quaker costume. How great the change seen
at the present day by the looker-on upon the
lingering portion of this once numerous body I*
* The original dress of the Friends, as worn by William Penn.'was
a graceful costume, and wlicn upon a handsome person an elegant
250
From the substantial testimony to the the char-
acter of our honored friend put forth by the New
Bedford monthly meeting, and written by Abraham
Shearman, I make the following extract:
" He possessed a sound, stable mind, with much
evenness and uniformity of temper, and from his ha-
bitual cheerfulness enjoyed as much as most men in
social intercourse with his friends; but these cheerful
feelings were accompanied with gravity, and with
innocence and simplicity of manners, ever manifest-
ing an uncommon regard to the feelings of others,
one, not unlike that of the fashion of those times, with the exception
of all ornaments, such as gold lace, embroidery, &c. With the loss
of the old-fashioned round-topped beaver or wool hats, and the knee-
breeches, as well as other changes, the dress of the male portion of
the society is generally at present one of the most distasteful imag-
inable. The stiff hats of the fashionable world are bad enough, but
with widened brims they appear still worse; and nothing could more
violate a true taste. The amplitude of highly starched shirt-collars,
extending to the ears, and covermg a considerable portion of the most
closely shaven face, with a white "choker," as it is termed by the
critics upon " the clergy," are but poor substitutes for the graceful
and easy scarf of the days of the gentlemanly Governor of Pennsyl-
vania, and his friend, Thomas Ellwood, called in his youth "Mad
Tom." Even George Fox, as much as he strove to mortify the crea-
ture, from his simple taste, rarely violated ease or comfort. The
present bonnets of the females, sometimes called "pokes," are also
a poor substitute for the old-fashioned beaver hats worn until within
the last half-century. The last of this pattern remembered was
worn by "Aunt Mary Mitchell," a respected minister of the soci-
ety, of Nantucket.
We occasionally but rarely see a member of either sex who ap-
pears in good taste; and they are usually of that class of fortunate
persons who appear well in any dress — nature's gentlefolk.
It is quite remai'kable that George Fox, in his adherence to nature
and simplicity, should have shaved off his beard. Some years ago a
minister of the Society of Friends from North Carolina who wore a
flowing beard preached in the meeting-house on Spring street.
Don't let any dear old Friend say that "these are but worldly
views, creaturely notions," for, if we mistake not, this same fearful
"world " has had something to do with the innovations herein re-
marked upon.
These criticisms are not intended to be offensive or unjustly severe,
for the writer would not detract from the real merits of a body with
which he has so much unity, and from which his ancestors for many
generations sprang.
251
that nothing should escape him that had a tendency
unnecessarily to hurt or wound, and he was pecul-
iarly guarded as to whatever might lessen or injure
the character of another. Being possessed of a
meek and quiet spirit, Christian humility was in-
deed a conspicuous trait in his character, which led
him to prefer others to himself. By this blameless
life and conversation, and the uprightness of his
dealings among men, he endeared himself to all
who were intimately acquainted with him, — the
youth as well as the aged, — and was generally be-
loved and respected beyond the limits of the soci-
ety of which he was a member."
The life of James Davis was truly one of great
peace and beauty, — so much so that it was almost
void of any striking incidents. Such persons are
rare indeed ; but their example is none the less val-
uable and instructive. It certainly is the greatest
mystery to possess the spirit in peace. The mem-
ory of his transcendent worth will be long remem-
bered and cherished in this community.
252
CHAPTER XX.
THE EARLY AND CONTINUED ANTI-SLAVERY CHARACTER
OF NEW BEDFORD — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CAPT.
PAUL CUFFEE— LINES WRITTEN BY PHILLIS WHEATLEY.
I HAVE before -spoken of the anti-slavery principles
of the early inhabitants of New Bedford, growing
out of the influence of the Society of Friends. It
is said that at one time in the early part of the
present century there was hardly a house in the
place which had not given shelter and succor to
a fugitive slave. Here he found a rest and protec-
tion ; and at the present day, once arrived within
our borders, the panting seeker for a land of liberty
feels himself comparatively safe. The number of
the colored population of New Bedford has always
been large, and has increased proportionally with
the growth of the place. At present there are proba-
bly between two and three thousand, many of
them among our most respectable and worthy citi-
zens, and in their general character, as a whole, re-
markable for their morality, industry, and thrift.
For a number of years the children have had equal
advantages with those of the white population in
our public schools, and many of them have been
among the best scholars. With* the old stock of
the people of New Bedford, owing to the early in-
fluence of the anti-slavery principles of the Society
of Friends, there is but little prejudice against color,
and a general willingness and desire that the col-
2dS
orcd population may onjoy equal rights and privi-
leges with themselves. This to a considerable ex-
tent has been granted, and, so far as I am able to
judge, not only with no disadvantage, but on the
contrary has added to the respectability and pros-
perity of the place. The passage of the odious
" Fugitive Slave Bill " was received here, as will be
well remembered, by an almost universal contempt;
and it is thought that the rendition of a fugitive
from our city could not be effected. We trust that
the attempt will never be made.
In this connection I should not omit to notice
Captain Paul Cuffee, a man of great worth, and
who possessed a most noble character. He was
born on Cuttyhunk, one of the Elizabeth Islands,
in the year 1759, and died at his house in West-
port, where he owned a farm of one hundred acres,
in the autumn of 1817. He lies buried in the
Friends' burying-ground near his farm.
The father of Paul Cuffee was a native of Africa,
a slave belonging to Slocum, of Dartmouth.
His mother was a native Indian, by the name of
Ruth Moses. It was the custom then, as now, for
the slave to take the surname of his master, and
the father of Paul was, I conclude, known as
Cuffee Slocum. But Paul, with the spirit of a
freeman, chose the name his father brought from
Africa. I have, however, seen it stated that the
name of the father of Paul was John. In the
year 1773, when Paul was about fourteen years
of age, his father, dying, left a widow with six
daughters to the care of him and his brothers.
2iji
Although he had no learning, except what he
received from the hand of friendship, yet by that
means he advanced to a considerable degree of
knowledge in arithmetic and navigation. Of the
latter he learned enough in two weeks to enable
him to command his own vessel in his voyages to
many ports in the Southern States, the West
Indies, England, Russia, and to Africa.
Pie afterwards became a worthy and nmch
respected member of the Society of Friends, and
occasionally appeared in the ministry. His com-
munications were usually short and modestly
expressed, but marked by good sense and a deep
devotional feeling. His great respectability and
noble character rendered him a welcome guest at
the house and table of the late venerable William
Rotch and other members of his family, as well as
of the Society of Friends generally. A little
anecdote connected with this subject I have heard
related. On the occasion of one of his visits, he
stopped at one of the public houses in this place;
and while warming himself by the fire in the
travellers' room, the hour of dinner having arrived,
the landlady came to Friend Cuff', and told him
that she would prepare a separate table for him.
He politely thanked her for the attention, and then
informed her, much to her chagrin, that he had
previously accepted an invitation to dine with
William Rotch.
Upon a certain occasion William Rotch, Sen.,
and some English Friends attended the meeting
in Westport, of which Paul CutFee was a member,
255
the meeting-hoii.se, as before stated, being not far
from his house. At the close of the meeting, the
strangers, with their kind companion on this visit,
were invited to dine with Friend Cuffee, a recip-
rocal kindness which was readily accepted by his
friend on the behalf of himself and his gaests.
After the dinner was laid upon the table in a neat
and bountiful manner. Friend Rotch observed that
Paul and his wife had no chairs set for themselves,
and were modestly preparing to retire or remain
until their guests had dined. At this Friend Rotch
arose, and. in a firm but kind manner, addressing
his host and hostess, said that he could not consent
to such an arrangement, and that he should not
take his seat at the table unless Paul and his wife
presided. With all his gentleness and humanity,
no man was more unflinching where a matter of
conscience was concerned than Friend Rotch, and
Paul was too well acquainted with this trait in his
friend's character to demur. The company was
soon seated, and an agreeable as well as bountiful
dinner partaken of.
Paul Cuffee, or Cuff, is represented to have been
a man of noble personal appearance, tall, portly,
and dignified in his bearing. His complexion was
not dark, and his hair was straight. After he
became a member of the Society of Friends," he
wore the plain dress. His farm was situated upon
the west shore of the Westport River, a short
distance below " Hix's bridge." The house stood
near the shore, where he also had his wharf and a
storehouse. Here his vessels were built.
256
A man \vho lived in the neighborhood of Paul
informed me, that upon a certain occasion he
applied to him for the loan of four hundred dollars,
which was readily granted him, and Paul counted
out the amount in Spanish dollars to him.
At the age of sixteen he became a sailor, and
made a whaling voyage to the Bay of Mexico.
His second voyage was to the West Indies; but
on the third he was captured by a British ship,
during the war of the Revolution, about the year
1776, and detained three months as a prisoner at
New York. After his release he went to Westport,
and worked at farming for two years. During this
time Paul and his brother, John CufTee, were
called upon by the collector of the district for the
payment of a personal tax. This they for some time
refused to do, upon the ground of their not possess-
ing the full right of citizens; but being peacefully
inclined, they finally paid the demand, and then
sent in a petition to the Legislature, representing
the injustice done to the free colored people in this
particular. Their petition created a considerable
excitement, as well as debate, and was strongly
opposed by a few; but a large majority were con-
vinced of the reasonableness of their claim, "and
in defiance of the prejudice of the times, they
passed a lav/ rendering all free persons of color
liable to taxation, according to the ratio established
for white men, and granting them all the privileges
belonging to other citizens. This was a day
equally honorable to the petitioners and the Legis-
lature — a day which ought to be gratefully remem-
257
bered by every person of color within the boundaries
of Massachusetts; and the names of John and
Paul Cuffee should aK\%ys be united with its
recollection."
At the age of twenty, Paul, in company with
another brother of his, David, built a boat. They
were to navigate her together; but it then being
war time, and his brother having never been at
sea, after having proceeded a part of the way on
their voyage to Connecticut became so much
alarmed for their safety that Paul was obliged to
return with him. Soon after this Paul undertook
a trip to Nantucket with a boat-load of produce,
but in crossing Buzzard's Bay was seized by
"refugee pirates," who robbed him of his boat and
cargo. Nothing daunted, in connection with his
brother, before mentioned, they built another boat;
and having procured a cargo upon his credit, Paul
again started for Nantucket, and was again chased
by pirates; but night coming, he escaped from
them, but ran his boat upon a rock on one of the
Elizabeth Islands, and so badly injured her as to
render it necessary for him to return to his home
on the Westport River. After having repaired his
boat, he again set off for Nantucket, reaching there
in safety this time, and disposed of his cargo to
good advantage. On a subsequent voyage, how-
ever, he was again taken by the pirates, and deprived
of all except his boat. Still lie continued his trips
to Nantucket until he had acquired enough to
look for a more lucrative business. He applied
himself to the study of navigation, and, as before
258
stated, in a short time acquired a sufficient knowl-
edge to command liis vessels. He now obtained
a vessel of about twelve* tons burthen, and hired a
hand to help him. His voyages at this time were
mostly to Connecticut. At the age of twenty-five
he married a descendant of the same tribe to which
his mother belonged. For some time after his
marriage, he resided at home, and was busily en-
gaged in farming; but his predilections were for
the sea, and, having procured a vessel of eighteen
tons, he sailed for St. George's Banks, and returned
with a cargo of codfish. This, proving profitable,
awakened a spirit for the business in his fellow-
townsmen, who entered upon it, and it became a
source of considerable profit to the inhabitants.
Having formed a connection with his brother-in-
law, Michael Wainer, who had several sons well
qualified for the sea service, four of whom after-
wards became captains and first mates, they built
a vessel of twenty-five tons, and made two success-
ful voyages to the Strait of Belle-Isle. His next
vessel was of forty-two tons burthen, in which he
made several profitable whaling voyages. In the
year 1793 he took a valuable cargo of oil and bone
to Philadelphia, which was disposed of to advan-
tage. He purchased iron necessary for bolts, and
materials suitable for a new vessel ; and in 1795
his schooner of sixty-nine tons burthen was
launched, and named the " Ranger." Having sold
his two boats, he purchased a cargo for his schoon-
er valued at two thousand dollars. This he dis-
posed of at Norfolk, Virginia, and loaded his
259
vessel with corn upon tlie eastern shore of Maryland,
which he purchased at a low price, after consider-
able difficulty on account of his color, as well as
his crew, which considerably alarmed the people
there at first for fear of the unfavorable influence
it would have upon their slaves seeing men of their
own complexion engaged in such different employ-
ment from their own servile labor. His cargo
consisted of three thousand bushels of corn, with
which he returned to Westport, and that article
being in great demand at that time, it was rapidly
disposed of, yielding him a profit of one thousand
dollars. Another cargo soon after proved as profit-
able; and, with subsequent success in the freighting
business, the addition to his property was sufficient
to enable him to purchase the house in which his
family resided and the adjoining farm, for which
he paid thirty-five hundred dollars.
In the year 1800 a brig of one hundred and
sixty-two tons burthen was built, of which he
owned one half, and placed in the command of his
nephew, Thomas Wainer, a man of much respect-
ability and capacity for that situation.
The next vessel, of which Paul owned three
fourths, was the ship Alpha, built in 1806. Of
this vessel he was the commander, the rest of the
crew consisting of seven men of color. In this ship
he made a voyage from Wilmington to Savannah,
thence to Gottenburg, and back to Philadelphia.
After his return from this voyage, the brig Trav-
eller, of 109 tons burl hen, was built at Westport,
of which he owned one half. After tliis pi^riod
260
his mercantile and agricultural business had so
much increased that he found it necessary to
remain at home for several years.
Although Paul Cuft" received much attention
and kindness from his fellow-citizens, and particu-
larly from the members of the Society of Friends,
his interest and sympathy for the people of his
own color was ever uppermost in his mind. The
English colony at Sierra Leone, which at this
period had enlisted much of the attention of phi-
lanthropists of Great Britain, awakened in his
benevolent mind a strong desire to co-operate in
their operations; and he was induced to believe,
from his communications from Europe and other
sources, that his efforts to contribute to its welfare,
and to his fellow men, might not prove ineffectual.
Under these impressions, he sailed for Sierra Leone
in the commencement of the year 1811 in the brig
Traveller, his nephew, Thomas Wainer, being the
captain. He remained there about two months;
and having received a license obtained for him by
the "African Institution," he sailed for Liverpool
with a cargo of African produce, leaving his
nephew in the colony to further his benevolent
plans in teaching a knowledge of agriculture, and
taking with him to England Aaron Richards, a
native of Sierra Leone, with a view of educating
him, and particularly of instructing him in the art
of navigation. His crew consisted of eight men
of color and an apprentice boy. The notice of his
arrival is thus recorded in the Edinburgh Review
for August, 1811:
2Gi
" On the first of the present month of August,
1811, a vessel arrived at I^iverpool with a cargo
from Sierra Leone, the owner, master, mate, and
whole crew of which are free negroes. 'J'hc
master, who is also owner, is the son of an Amer-
ican slave, and is said to be very well skilled both
in trade and navigation, as well as to be of a very-
pious and moral character. It must have been a
strange and animating spectacle to see this free
and enlightened iVfrican entering as an independent
trader with his black crew into that port which
was so lately the nidus of the slave trade."
The brig was consigned to W. & R. Rathbone,
merchants, of Liverpool.
While in England Paul CufFee was twice in
London, the second time by invitation from the
African Institution, whose members received from
him valuable information as to the best means of
promoting their views. While in London he re-
sided at the house of one of the directors of this
society, who had received letters from most respect-
able persons in America, — one of whom was
probably the late venerable William Rotch, Sen.,
— speaking in the highest terms of his integrity
and abilities. He was also consulted by several
members of the old Abolition Committee. A meet-
ing of the African Institution, at which the Duke
of Gloucester presided, was held purposely to
confer with Captain Cuffee. His answers to the
questions of the royal Duke and other members
present, from his frankness and strong good sense,
gave great satisfaction. Having presented "his
royal highness" with some articles of African
manufacture, he received a highly complimentary
262
letter in return, which I regret I am unable to
place before iny readers.
I have obtained the material for the sketch of
this noble representative of the colored race from
various sources, but for a large portion of it I am
indebted to an interesting article written for the
Liverpool Mercury while Paul Cuffee was in Eng-
land. Many of my readers will remember Captain
Cuffee, for he was well known and much respected
by our older merchants and the inhabitants gen-
erally.
Much more might be added to this sketch, did
time and space permit; but in conclusion I would
add, that herein we have a striking evidence of
what may be done by a man of color, laboring
under many great disadvantages. May his noble
example prove an encouragement to others of his
race; and let those who are disposed to detract
from the just merits of our colored brethren revert
to the life and character of Paul Cuffee, or to that
of the noble but unfortunate victim of the treachery
and cruelty of Bonaparte, Toussaint L' Ouverture,
and, in another field, that of the sweet poetess,
Phillis Wheatley, whose admirable lines addressed
to Joseph Rotch, a brother of William Rotch, Sen.,
are annexed.
TO A GENTLEMAN, ON HIS VOYAGE TO GREAT BRITAIN
FOR THE RECOVERY OF HIS HEALTH.
While others chant of gay Elysian scenes.
Of balmy zephyrs, and of flowery plains.
My song, more happy, speaks a greater name,
Feels higher motives and a nobler fl.ime.
For thee, R , the muse attunes her strings,
And mounts sublime above inferior thino;s.
2m
I sing not now of green embowering woods —
I sing not now the daughters of the floods —
I sing not of the storms o'er ocean driven.
And how they howled along the waste of heaven:
But I to E, Avould paint the British shore,
And vast Atlantic, not untried before.
Thy life impaired commands thee to arise.
Leave these bleak regions and inclement skies,
Where chilling winds return the Winter past.
And nature shudders at the furious blast.
0, then, stupendous, earth-enclosing main.
Exert thy wonders to the world again!
If e'er thy power prolonged the fleeting breath,
Turned back the shafts, and mocked the gates of death ;
If e'er thine air dispensed a healing power.
Or snatched the victim from the fatal hour, —
His equal care demands thy equal care.
And equal wonders may this patient share-
But unavailing — fi'antic — is the dream
To hope thine aid without the aid of Him
Who gave thee birth, and taught thee where to flow.
And in thy waves his various blessings show.
]\Iay E, return to view his native shore
Replete with vigor not his own before:
Then shall we see with pleasure and surprise.
And own thy work, great Ruler of the skies!
The fervent wish of the gentle Phillis was not
granted. The subject of her invocation died in
Bristol, England, soon after his arrival, about the
year 1776. His grave was visited by his brother
William about ten years afterwards.
For the information of those who may never
before have heard of Phillis Wheatley, I would
add that she was a native of Africa, and was
brought to this country when a child, in the year
1761, and sold to John Wheatley, a citizen of
Boston. Evincing superior intelligence, Mrs.
Wheatley became much interested in her, and not
only gave her a good education, but adopted her
as a bosom friend and companion. Site subse-
quently accompanied a son of Mr. and Mrs.
264
Wheatley to England for her health, where her
poetical talents attracted considerable notice. She
was presented to Lady Huntingdon, Lord Dart-
mouth, -Mr. Thornton, the philanthropist, and many
other individuals of distinction. These attentions,
however, did not injure her: "she was still the
same single-hearted, unsophisticated being." Her
poems were first pul>lished in London in 1773, and
dedicated to the Countess of Huntingdon. They
have since been published in this country, the last
edition by Light & Horton, Boston, 1835,
265
CHAPTER XXL
THE TOPOGRAPHY OF OLD DARTMOUTH, CONTINUED FROM
A PREVIOUS CHAPTER— THE VILLAGES IN THE VICINITY
OF NEW BEDFORD: RUSSELL'S MILLS, WESTPORT, SMITH'S
MILLS, ACUSHNET, LONG PLAIN, AND PADANARAM OR
SOUTH DARTMOUTH VILLAGE : WITH GENERAL OBSER-
VATIONS INTERSPERSED.
Besides the flourishing town of Fairhaven, our
neighbor across the riverj so intimately connected
with us by the bridge and the excellent steam ferry,
as well as from its particular commercial interest
in the whale-fishery, by which the two places
become almost identical, the villages in our vicinity
possess much interest to our inhabitants, contrib-
uting to the prosperity of New Bedford, whence
they also receive a reciprocal advantage, a market
being alforded for their produce, and an opportunity
for investments in the difiercnt departments of the
business of our city. I shall Iherefore devote a
considerable portion of this chapter to a more
particular notice of them than wdiat I have made
heretofore. These villages and the country around
them, as well as New Bedford and Fairhaven, it
will be borne in mind, are a part of what formerly
constituted the old township of Dartmouth.
Russell's Mills has the honor of being the first
settled part of the old township. Here, as early
as the year 1652, it will be remembered Ralph
Russell removed from Raynham, and established
266
an iron-forge and other machinery, mills, &c., upon
the Pascamanset River, now more generally known
as Slocum's River, so called probably from Anthony
Slocum, who was also a settler in this quarter, and,
as I conclude, coeval with Ralph Russell aforesaid,
from whose mills the village received its name, as
I have also in a prior chapter mentioned.
This is the most picturesque and romantic part
of old Dartmouth; the river, the hills, the masses
of grotesque rocks, from the fissures of which
shrubs and trees appear, added to the peace
and general prosperity of a rural district, render
the little village of Russell's Mills one of the most
attractive spots to the lovers of nature, and a
favorite drive for our citizens and visitors during
the summer season.
About two miles to the north-east of this village
is the spot where the old Friends' meeting-house
— the first house for religious worship built in this
township — stood. It was built, as before stated,
in the year 1699, and was taken down in the latter
part of the last century, and the present house,
which occupies the same spot, erected. In the old
graveyard lie the remains of a large portion of the
early settlers of Dartmouth; but, owing to the
custom of the Society of Friends, which obtained
until within a few years, of not permitting grave-
stones with inscriptions, it is impossible at this
day for any one to ascertain where the bones
of his ancestors rest, except some private designa-
tion has been preserved. Here, in their mingled
dust, remains the perishable part of the ancestors
267
of a considerable portion of our present busy
population.
"Tlic breezy call of incense -bi'catliing morn,
Tlie swallow, twitt'ring from the straw-built slied,
The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing horn,
No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed."
At present a plain stone, with a simple inscrip-
tion, is allowed; but it is to be regretted that in
the early restrictions of the Society of Friends
the ordinary rude memorials of the dead could not
have been spared. In their anxiety to " humble and
abase the creature," the earnest founders of this
worthy body of Christians were occasionally too
little regardful of the more tender and sympathetic
parts of human nature. They, however, by no
means succeeded in this attempt, for no people
have been more remarkable for the kindlier graces
and amenities of character than the Friends.
With them, if to strangers their customs may
appear austere and cold, there is no exception to
the common emotions of the human heart, fully
recognizing the spirit of the beautiful lines follow-
ing, taken from the same source before quoted, the
soul-endeared Elegy of Gray:
" On some fond breast the parting soul relies.
Some pious drops the closing eye requires;
Even from the tomb the voice of nature cries.
Even in our ashes live their wonted fires."
Separated from most of the amusements of
other sects, the Friends naturally depend more
upon their domestic relationships, and in their
simple modes of life — I am speaking of true
Quakers — probably realize more substantial hap-
268
piness than any other class of people. Their thrift
has become proverbial; it is, in fact, one of their
besetting snares. So harmoniously with accumu-
lation do their simple habits and usual industry
operate, together with the provision made for their
needy ones, that an indigent Quaker is a case of
the rarest occurrence.
It will be a sad day for humanity when this
body shall have so far lost sight of its ancient
spirit as to rest alone upon forms and ceremonies, the
rocks upon which so many gallant barks of Chris-
tians have before been wrecked — the Scylla and
Charybdis of Christendom.
I have sometimes thought that a George Fox
was almost as much needed among the Quakers
of the present day as in the time of their beginning
was this bold and faithful apostle of Christianity
called for, to break the image-worship of a priest-
ridden and benighted people.
I must apologize to the general reader for this
digression from my main object; but old Dartmouth
is to my mind so suggestive of the faith of its
early settlers that I find myself involuntarily led to
such reflections; and if it should appear that I
have given an undue amount of notice to this sect,
it should be remembered how inseparably connected
with my subject it has been.
The village of Russell's Mills is situate in the
southern part of the township of Dartmouth about
seven miles south-west from New Bedford and
four miles north of Buzzard's Bay, upon the river
aforesaid, which empties into the bay between Slo-
269
cum's and Smith's Necks. The shove of South
Dartmouth, in its originalc omprehcnsivcness, with
its bays and inlets, more than twenty miles in
length, is one of the finest marine coasts in New
England — the soil naturally fertile; and from the
products of the ocean, — the seaweed and kelp, be-
sides the rock-weed, and the fish — menhaden —
seined in the spring, and used in the cultivation of
the soil, — the farms are usually productive, and im-
proved by a substantial and thrifty people. It will be
remembered by those who have read my earlier
chapters that this was the shore traced by Bar-
tholomew Gosnold in 1602, and with which him-
self and his companions were so much pleased.
The village of Russell's Mills contains about
fifty dwelling-houses and a post-ofhce. The re-
mains of the original iron -forge are still to be seen
there. The river and a tributary stream formerly
afforded fine trout. The may flower — epigcca
repens — so much sought for by young botanists,
grows in the neighborhood.
During the Indian wars, the people of this part
of Dartmouth suffered greatly from their scattered
way of living, which was the occasion of a legisla-
tive act on the part of the Old Colony jurisdiction,
requiring them to build their houses more compact-
ly, for self-preservation. But the Indians became
so hostile that the settlers w^ere obliged to leave
their homes to the destruction of their enemy.
John Russell, the Representative before spoken of,
removed to the east side of the Apponegansct River.
Here a garrison was erected, of which mention is
270
made in Church's History of the Indian War, at
" Russell's Orchard," and here were born John and
Joseph Russell, twins, the ancestors of nearly all
who bear Ihe surname of Russell in New Bedford.
The next move of this ancient family was that
of the last-named of the aforesaid twin brothers,
Joseph, who came into the present limits of our city.
The next village in course is Westport, situate
about eight miles west of New Bedford, at the
head of the Nokochok* River, which takes its rise
from several sources in North Dartmouth and in
the township of Fall River: one of these branches,
the westernmost, is known by the singular name
of "Bread-and-Cheese Brook." The Westport
River has two main branches; the western was
formerly called the Acoaxet, which was also the
Indian name of the western part of old Dartmouth.
The scenery at the village and along the river is
very pleasant; and there arc some good farms in
the neighborhood.
Westport Point is also a thriving little village,
where there are a number of vessels engaged in
the whale-fishery.
The home of the celebrated Captain Paul Cuffee
was upon the west side of the Nokochok River,
about four miles below the " Head of the River."
The township of Westport, as well as that of
Dartmouth, is chiefly an agricultural district, for
which New Bedford affords a ready market for all
manner of produce. The village of Westport
* The orthography of this word yaries in the old surveys of land.
It is also spelt JVoquochoJxe.
271
contains about fifty Iiouses. In the township there
are five meeting'houses, two for Friends, two for
Baptists, and one for Methodists. The stage-
coach from New Bedford to Newport passes
through this village, where there is also a post-office.
On the road from New Bedford to Westport is
the pleasant little village of Smith's Mills, lying
about three miles west of New Bedford. The Pas-
camanset River, affording excellent mill privileges,
passes through this village on its course to Russell's
Mills and its final goal, Buzzard's Bay. As I have
previously, in an incidental manner, written of this
place, as well as the others, I shall have but little
herein to record, except that it is another of the
pleasant drives of the citizens of New Bedford,
and that for many years it has been the home of
several of our ship-owners, to the enterprise of one
of whom in particular the prosperity of the village
is much indebted. Here also still continues one
of the large old country stores, containing a general
assortment of articles of domestic consumption,
to which, as to that spoken of at Russell's Mills,
it was formerly the custom of the matrons of New
Bedford to ride out, for the purchase of a new gown
or some other equally necessary article. With the
introduction of the great number of fashionable
establishments now to be found in our city of
notions, this simple custom of recreation and sup-
posed economy has probably passed away.
There are several good farms in the neighborhood
of Smith's Mills, particularly those of Benjamin Pot-
ter and John Cummings. The latter was formerly
272
little more than a quarry of stones, but, by the inde-
fatigable energy of the proprietor, it now affords
some of the best farming land in the vicinity of our
city. The stock of cattle, particularly the cows, is
of the best blood, in which, as well as in the depart-
ments of agriculture, Mr. Cummings manifests a
commendable pride and interest.
The village contains about forty dwelling-houses,
and has a post-office, two Friends' and one Chris-
tian Baptist meeting-house.
Padanaram, in South Dartmouth, about three
miles south-west from New Bedford, is pleasantly
located on the east side of Apponeganset River,
so called, but which is rather an inlet from Buz-
zard's Bay, over which there is a substantial stone
bridge, leading to that part of Dartmouth known
as Nomquid, or "Smith's Neck."* It contains
some fifty or sixty dwelling-houses, a post-office,
and a Congregational church. The inhabitants
are engaged in the whaling and other fisheries. It
is advantageously situated for a summer residence
or resort, from the vicinity of the sea.
The pleasantest village in the vicinity of New
Bedford — to the writer at least — and the one which
is most intimately connected with it, is Acushnet.
Situate in the valley of the river, at the head of tide-
water, with the surrounding hills, some of them
wooded and affording pleasant rambles, sheltered
from the north-east winds and open to the cooling
* The point laid down on the chart of Buzzard's Bay as " Salter's
Point" is called "Salt-House Point" in the original surveys made
by Crane. It lies a little north of Mishaum Point.
273
sea-breeze that comes up the river from the bay, it
possesses great advantages as to temperature, as well
as rural beauty and quiet. To those who are con-
fined through the day in town, an evening drive or
walk to this village in summer is very pleasant.
The best and the most frequented road in the vi-
cinity of New Bedford is that leading to Acushnet.
This village was the first stopping-place on the old
post route to Boston; and many of my readers will
remember the notes of the stage horn, as the mail-
coach came rattling through the village, the horses
often going at a tearing gallop. How often too have
the slumbers of the good people of the quondam
village of New Bedford, now, alas, a city! been
aroused by the same sonorous peals, blown by
some old " Shepherd," " Southard," or other of those
hardy rosy-faced "drivers" of "lang syne."
The suburbs of New Bedford afford many pleas-
ant localities for rural residences ; but none possesses
the amount of natural advantages that are to be
found in the neii2fhborhood of Acushnet and the
road leading to it from the city. Should New
Bedford continue in its prosperity, with the taste
for landscape gardening and rural architecture
which is already awakened here as well as else-
where in New England, these pleasant and health-
ful localities will be eagerly sought. It appears to
be a natural consequence, as society becomes cul-
tivated, that men of taste seek the country, whose
refreshing and inspiring inlluence is ever in har-
mony with our purer and more enlightened aspira-
tions. There is many a man now confined to the
274
drudgery of business who looks forward to the
time when he shall be emancipated from its chains,
and who in the words of the poet may truly say —
" I nevei' framed a wish, or formed a plan
That flattered me with hopes of earthly bliss,
But there I laid the scene."
But to enjoy the country, the habits and pursuits
of the city must in a great measure be relinquished,
and no lingering business left behind which re-
quires a daily or too frequent attention. A man
might as well attempt to play upon two fiddles at
once, as to endeavor to enjoy the retirement of the
country and attend to his daily business in town.
It does not necessarily follow that a man must be
very rich to live happily in the country. The very
rich probably enjoy the country the least of all. A
family of moderate means, with frugal habits and
cultivated minds, is the best fitted to realize the
advantages of a country life. He who is unsat-
isfied unless his fields are in the highest state of
cultivation; all the shrubs and vines that fringe
them, so ornamental to the eye of the lover of
nature, and where the early Spring flowers grow,
and some of the sweetest song-birds build their
nests — all these destroyed by the scythe and fire;
he who calculates upon a iiaying investment as
closely as in his stocks and trade; he who cannot
see beauty in the wild flower, whose ear is not
charmed by the songs of birds, who cannot admire
even the lichens upon old stone walls and rail
fences, — will obtain but little satisfaction from a
rural residence. Let him keep to" his counting-
house, his sliop, liis gas-lighted drawing-rooms,
and solace himself with social chat and an occa-
sional drive into fair domains of nature and nature's
folk.
The village of Acushnet was one of the earliest
settled parts of Dartmouth, and dates nearly half
a century before New Bedford. A considerable
destruction was done to the property here by the
British troops. At the time of their attack upon
New Bedford, it will be remembered they marched
around the river. Several dwelling-houses and
other buildings were here burned by them.
The village lies upon both sides of the river, the
east part being in Fairhaven and the west in New
Bedford; the division line, taking a north-westerly
course from the bridge, leaves the river above, and
a narrow strip of land which gradually widens to
the northernmost bound of old Dartmoufti, on the
Fairhaven side.
There are three meeting-houses in the village,
one Congregational, one Methodist, and one
Friends'. The celebrated divine. Dr. Samuel West,
D. D., was for many years settled in this village.
The old meeting-house in which he preached stood
upon the top of the hill on the east side of the
river. It was taken down some years ago. The
graveyard connected with it was one of the oldest
in the state. The house of Dr. West is still stand-
ing, a short distance north from the Fairhaven
road, and on the east side of the road leading to
Long Plain, the old Boston post-road. It was at
this house, under the care of Dr. West, that the
276
distinguished ante-Revolutionary patriot, James
Otis, resided for some time after lie had received
the blow from a British oificial which proved fatal
to his intellectual powers. He occasionally walked
to Bedford ; and many years ago I met with an old
citizen who remembered to have seen him and
heard him discourse in a very amusing but incohe-
rent manner, the particular subject of which was
concerning a pumpkin of remarkable properties
and growth that he had observed in a field by the
roadside, on his way from Acushnet to Bedford
village. Dr. "West was a man of considerable
erudition, and in his personal appearance, as well
as his remarkable eccentricities of character, is
thought to have resembled the great Dr. Johnson.
The view from the hill near this old burying-
place, looking over the valley of the river, with the
adjoining country, interspersed with farms and
country-seats and groups of fine woods, is rarely
surpassed for picturesque beauty. A short distance
beyond, to the east, are some fine masses of lofty
rocks from which extensive views are also present-
ed. The naturalist and the lover of nature need
not run away from New Bedford in search of a
pleasanter or more productive field ; here will
enough be found to gratify his tastes and employ
his hours of recreation, should he reach the extreme
age of man.
The last village in the old township, and the
northernmost one, situate about four miles from
Acushnet, on the old Boston road, is Long Plain,
which receives its name from the extended table-
211
land upon which a considerable portion of the set-
tlement lies. It can hardly be called a village, but
a row of houses — most of them neat and comfort-
able — extending for nearly a mile in length. Here
are two meeting-houses, one of the Baptists, and
one of the Friends. Formerly there was a numer-
ous society of the latter denomination here, — sub-
stantial farmers. There are a few good farms in
this village or settlement, but the soil is usually
light ; yet it is one of the healthiest and pleasantest
parts of the township in which it is situate, — that
of Fairhaven, the easternmost portion of the old
township of Dartmouth.
u
27S
CHAPTER XXIL
THE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BY THE BRITISH TROOPS
— EXTRACTS FROM THE OFFICIAL LETTERS OF GENERAL
GREY, THE COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION, TO SIR
HENRY CLINTON— LETTER OF ROBERT FANSHAWE TO
SIR HENRY CLINTON — DOCTOR DWIGHT'S ACCOUNT OF
THE INVASION, DURING A VISIT TO NEW BEDFORD,
FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED OF JUDGE POPE'S INCI-
DENTAL OBSERVATIONS -ADDITIONAL ACCOUNT OF
THE SAME, OF A LATER DATE, BY JUDGE POPE — FUR-
THER REMINISCENCES OF THE REVOLUTION, FROM A
RETIRED SHIP-MASTER OF FAIRHAVEN.
The following official account of the invasion of
New Bedford by the British during the Revolution
is taken from the " Remembrancer," a magazine
published at that period in London :
Extract of a letter from Major-General Grey* to
His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, dated on
board the Carysfort frigate, oft' Bedford harbor,
Sept. 6th, 1778.
"I am happy to be able to acquaint you that I
have been so fortunate, in the fullest manner, to
execute the service your Goodness entrusted me
with at Bedford and Fair Haven.
A favorable wind, and every possible exertion
and assistance received from the navy, enabled us
to land so rapidly, yesterday evening about six
* Charles, Earl Grey, (Major- General,) born A. D. 1729, died
A. D. 1807. He is represented as having on several occasions evinced
as much blood-thirstiness as courage. He acquired the name of the
"no-flint general," from his common practice of ordering the men
under his command to take the flints out of their muskets, that they
might be confined to the use of their bayonets.
279
o'clock, that the enemy had a very few hours'
notice of our approach: the business was finished,
and the troops all re-embarked, this morning by
twelve' o'clock, with the loss, which particularly
gives me pleasure and content, of only five or six
men wounded, one of whom is since dead. The
stores destroyed were valuable, and the number of
ships burnt about 70, privateers and other ships,
ready with their cargoes in for sailing. The only
battery they had was on the Fair Haven side, an
enclosed fort with eleven pieces of cannon, which
was abandoned, and the cannon properly demol-
ished by Captain Scott, commanding ofiicer of the
artillery, and the magazine blown up.
I cannot enough praise the spirit, zeal and
activity of the troops you have honoured me with
the command of upon this service, also their so-
briety in the midst of temptation, and obedience
to orders, as not one house in Bedford and Fair
Haven, I think, was consumed that could be
avoided, except those with stores.
I write in haste, and not a little tired, therefore
must beg leave to refer you for the late plan of
operations and particulars to Captain Andre."
Extract of a letter from General Sir Henry Clinton
to Lord George Germain, dated New York,
Sept. 21st, 1778, brought by His Majesty's ship,
the Eagle, and received 26th instant.
" In my last I had the honor to inform your
Lordship of the success of Major- General Grey at
Bedford and Fair Haven. I have now the pleasure
to transmit an account of his whole proceedings
upon that expedition, which will shew how eflect-
ually this enterprize has been executed, and the
very great loss the enemy have sustained; at the
same time that it reflects much honour upon the
abilities of the (;Jeneral, and the behaviour of the
troops employed on the occasion."
2S0
Copy of a letter from Major- General Grey to
General Sir Henry Clinton, dated on board the
Carysfort, Whitestone, Sept. 18th, 1778.
"Sir: In the evening of the 4th instant, the fleet,
with the detachment under ray command, sailed
from New London, and stood to the eastward, with
a very favorable wind. We were only retarded in
the run from thence to Buzzard's Bay by the altering
our course for some hours in the night, in conse-
quence of the discovery of a strange fleet, which
was not known to be Lord Howe's until morning.
By five o'clock in the afternoon of the 5th, the
ships were at an anchor in Clark's Cove, and the
boats having been previously hoisted out, the de-
barkation of the troops took place immediately. I
proceeded without loss of time to destroy the
vessels and stores in the whole extent of Acushnet
River (about six miles,) particularly at Bedford
and Fairhaven; and having dismantled and burnt
a fort on the east side of the river mounting eleven
pieces of heavy cannon, with a magazine and bar-
racks, completed the re-embarkation before noon the
next day. I refer your Excellency to the annexed re-
turn for the enemy's losses, as far as we were able
to ascertain them, and for our own casualties.
The wind did not admit of any further move-
ment of the fleet the 6th and 7th than hauling a
little distance from the shore. Advantage was
taken of this circumstance to burn a large privateer
ship on the stocks, and to send a small armament
of boats, with two galleys, to destroy two or
three vessels, which, being in the stream, the troops
had not been able to set fire to.
From the difficulties in passing out of Buzzard's
Bay into the Vineyard Sound, through Quickse's
Hole, and from head winds, the fleet did not reach
Holme's Hole harbour, in the island of Martha's
Vineyard, until the 10th. The transports, with
the light infantry, grenadiers, and 33d regiment,
281
were anchored without the harbour, as I had at that
time a service in view for those corps whilst the
business of collecting cattle should be carrying on
upon the island. J was obliged by contrary winds
to relinquish my designs.
On our arrival off the harbour the inhabitants
sent persons on board to ask my intentions with
respect to them, to whom a requisition was made
of the arms of the militia, the public money, 300
oxen, and 10,000 sheep. They promised each of
these articles should be delivered without delay.
I afterwards found it necessary to send small de-
tachments into the island, and detain the deputed
inhabitants for a time, in order to accelerate their
compliance with the demand.
The 12th I was able to embark on board the
vessels, which arrived that day from Rhode Island,
6000 sheep and 130 oxen.
The 13th and 14th were employed in embarking
cattle and sheep on board our own fleet, in destroy-
ing some salt-works, in burning or taking in the
inlets what vessels and boats could be found, and
in receiving the arms of the militia. I here again
refer your Excellency to returns.
On the 15th the fleet left Martha's Vineyard;
and after sustaining, the next day, a very severe
gale of wind, arrived the 17th at Whitestone,
without any material damage.
1 hold myself much obliged to the commanding
officers of corps, and to the troops in general, for
the alacrity with which every service w^as performed.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CHARLES GREY, M. G."
E-eturn of killed, wounded, and missing, of the
detachment under the command of Major-Gen-
eral Grey.
" 1st battalion light infantry — 1 wounded, 3 missing.
1st battalion of grenadiers — 1 killed, 1 wounded, 3 missing.
2H2
88d regiment — 1 missing.
42cl regiment — 1 wounded, 8 missing.
46th regiment — 1 missing.
64tli regiment — 1 wounded.
Total — 1 killed, 4 wounded, and 16 missing.
The enemy's loss, which came to our knowledge,
was an officer and 3 men, killed by the advanced
parties of light infantry, who, on receiving a fire
from the inclosures, rushed on with their bayonets.
Sixteen were brought prisoners from Bedford, to
exchange for that number missins: from the troops.
[Signed] CHARLES GREY, M. G."
" Return of vessels and storey destroyed on Ac-
cushnet River the 5th of September, 1778.
8 sail of large vessels, from 200 to 800 tons, most of .them prizes.
6 armed vessels, carrying from 10 to 16 guns.
A number of sloops and schooners of inferior size, amounting in all to
70, besides whale-boats and others; amongst the prizes were three
taken by Count D' Estaign's fleet.
26 store-houses at Bedford, several at M'Pherson's wharf, Crans
Mills and Fairhaven ; these were filled with very great quantities of
rum, sugar, melasses, coffee, tobacco, cotton, tea, medicines, gun-
powder, sail-cloth, cordage, &c.
Two large rope-walks.
At Falmouth, in the Vineyard Sound, the 10th of
Sept., 1778.
2 sloops and a schooner taken by the galleys, 1 loaded with staves.
1 sloop burnt.
In Old Town harbour, Martha's Vineyard.
1 brig of 150 tons burthen, burnt by the Scorpion.
1 schooner of 70 tons burthen, burnt by ditto.
23 whale-boats taken or destroyed.
A quantity of plank taken.
^ At Holmes's Hole, Martha's Vineyard.
4 vessels, with several boats, taken or destroyed.
A salt-work destroyed, and a considerable quantity of salt taken.
Arms taken at Martha's Vineyard.
388 stand, with bayonets, pouches, &c., some powder, and a quantity
of lead, as by artillery return.
283
At the battery near Fair Haven, and on Clark's
Point.
13 pieces of iron ordinance destroyed, the mac!;azine blown up, and
the platforms, &c., and barracks for 200 men burnt.
£.1000 sterl, in paper, the amount of a tax collected by authority of
the Congress, was received at Martha's Vineyard from the collector.
Cattle and sheep taken from Martha's Vineyard.
800 oxen. 10,000 sheep.
[Signed] CHARLES GREY, M. G."
" Carysfort, off Bedford, Sept. 6, 1778.
My Lord : I enclose to your Lordship a copy of
Rear- Admiral Gambier's* order to proceed with a
detachment of ships and transports, and assist in
such services as His Excellency Sir H. Clinton, or
Major- General Grey, should propose.
Last evening the fleet came before Bedford har-
bour. T send to your Lordship an outline sketch of
the scene of operation, the plan for the execution
of the naval part, with minutes of the manner in
which it was performed.
I am informed that the army in its progress de-
stroyed all the stores, wharves, and shipping at
them ; two or three sloops only, by being on float,
escaped the flames. No part of the town seems
to be destroyed, except such houses whose vicinity
to the wharfs and storehouses made their preserva-
tion impossible at such time.
It is with very great pleasure I hear that the
army has had very little loss. The enemy, not ex-
pecting an attack, was not prepared to resist.
*Lord James Gambier, Admiral, long a distinguished ofiScer in the
British navy, and the commander of the fleet which took possession
of the Danish navy in 1807. His grandfather was a Frcncli refugee,
who left France on the revocation of the edict of Nantes. He was
President of the Church Missionary Societ}^ and was characterized by
great piety and benevolence. He died April 19, 183-, leaving no
heirs; and the peerage is extinct.
2^4
1 cannot particularize the damage done ; but by
the appearance of shipping before dark, and the
conflagration, I suppose it must be very great.
Every thing is now reimbarked, and as the wind
is southerly, all the ships and vessels are preparing
to warp out of the bay, in order to proceed to Mar-
tha's Vineyard, conformable to a requisition this
instant made by Major- General Grey, to procure a
supply of cattle ; but as we have not with the fleet
a sufficiency of empty vessels to contain them, I
am under the necessity of v/eakening the detach-
ment, by sending, according to General Grey's de-
sire, and my orders from Rear- Admiral Gambler,
the Dilligent brig to Rhode Island, for vessels to
receive the cattle, and afterwards to New York
with the General's letters.
What further employment is intended for the
ships and transports with me has not yet been dis-
closed to me. I am, my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient
and most humble servant.
ROBERT FANSHAWE.
P. S. Prisoners report 70 sail destroyed, of which
eight were large ships laden, and four privateers ;
great quantities of canvas, cordage, pitch, turpen-
tine, tobacco^ coffee, &c."
The following additional account of this event
is taken from the Travels of the late President
Dwight, of Yale College, from information received
of the late Edward Pope. It will be perceived that
this, as well as the account of Capt. William Gor-
don, given in a previous chapter, differs consider-
ably from that of Gen. Grey, which is undoubtedly
much exaggerated.
" No events of a peculiar importance occurred in
the history of this town until the year 1778. On
286
Saturday evening, the 3d of September, the Briti.sli
under General Gray landed 4000 troops upon
Clark's Neck, the western boundary of the river at
its month, and marched to the town. Here they
burnt houses, wharves, &c., to the amount of
<£ 11,241, and destroyed English and West India
goods, provisions, naval stores, shipping, &c., to the
amount of X8d,739, amounting in the whole to
£96,980, or $323,266. From this place they
marched around the head of the river to Sconticut
Point, on the eastern side, leaving in their course,
for some unknown reason, the villages of Oxford
and Fair Haven. Here they continued till Monday,
and then re-embarked. The following night a large
body of them proceeded up the river with a design
to finish the work of destruction by burning Fair
Haven. A critical attention to their movements
had convinced the inhabitants that this was their
design, and induced them to prepare for their re-
ception. The militia of the neighboring country
had been summoned to the defence of this village.
Their commander was a man far advanced in years.
Under the influence of that languor which at this
period enfeebles both the body and the mind, he
determined that the place must be given up to the
enemy, and that no opposition to their ravages
could be made with any hope of success. This
decision of their officer necessarily spread its be-
numbing influence over the militia, and threatened
an absolute prevention of all enterprise, and the
destruction of this handsome village.
Among the officers belonging to the brigade was
Israel Fearing, Esq., a major of one of the regi-
ments. This gallant young man, observing the
torpor which was spreading among the troops, in-
vited as many as had sufficient spirit to follow him
and station themselves at the post of danger.
Among those who accepted the invitation was one
M,
286
of the colonels, who of course became the com«
mandant ; but after they had arrived at Fair Haven,
and the night had come on, he proposed to march
the troops back into the country. He was warmly
opposed by Major Fearing, and finding that he
could not prevail, prudently retired to a house three
miles distant, where he passed the night in safety.
After the colonel had withdrawn, Major Fearing,
now commander-in-chief, arranged his men with
activity and skill, and soon perceived the British
approaching. The militia, in the strictest sense
raw, already alarmed by the reluctance of their su-
periour officers to meet the enemy, and naturally
judging that men of years must understand the real
state of the danger better than Major Fearing, a
mere youth, were panic-struck at the approach of
the enemy, and instantly withdrew from their post.
At this critical moment, Major Fearing, with the
decision which awes men into a strong sense of
duty, rallied them, and placing himself in the rear,
declared, in a tone which removed all doubt, that
he would kill the first man whom he found retreat-
ing. The resolution of their chief recalled theirs.
With the utmost expedition he then led them to
the scene of danger. The British ,had already set
fire to several stores. Between these buildings and
the rest of the village he stationed his troops, and
ordered them to lie close, in profound silence, until
the enemy, who were advancing, should have come
so near that no marksman could easily mistake his
object. The orders were punctually obeyed. When
the enemy had arrived within this distance, the
Americans rose, and, with a well-directed fire, gave
them a warm and unexpected reception. The
British fled instantly to their boats, and fell down
the river with the utmost expedition. From the
quantity of blood found the next day in their line
of march, it was supposed that their loss was con- .
281
sidcrable. Thus did this heroic youth, in opposition
to his superiour ollicers, preserve Fair Haven, and
merit a statue from its inhabitants.
A wag, who had divined the true reasons of the
colonel's retreat, followed him to the house where
he lodged, and, finding by inquiry that notwith-
standing his original declarations to the contrary
he had concluded to take up his lodgings there for
the night, resolved to be his sentinel. He therefore
mounted the jaw bone of a horse upon a pair of
small wheels, instead of a cannon. This piece of
artillery he charged and discharged at regular inter-
vals during the night, as the proper means of de-
fence to his gallant commander, and had the satis-
faction of seeing him safe and sound the next
morning.
The township of New Bedford extends from
Dartmouth to Rochester, four miles, and from
Buzzard's Bay to Freetown, thirteen. In 1790 it
contained 454 houses and 3313 inhabitants; in
1800, 626 dwelling-houses and 4361 inhabitants ;
and in 1810, 5651."
I know of but two persons now living who re-
member this event, Miss Rebecca Spooner, of Fair-
haven, and Mrs. Mary Hawes, of this city, both
past ninety years of age.
The fleet consisted of 32 vessels, under the com-
mand of Rear- Admiral Gambier,the largest a ship
of 40 guns, on board of wliich was Gen. Grey, the
commander of the expedition. H" " „ '^\, ^
,, , »., ^,v.w ijunnun Heet, ' Irom
our old people. "+>^- t i r
^, r J. ^ iis lyinof off New liondon lor some time
the to-^ -' -^ .
previous to the invasion, causing much anxiety to
the inhabitants from the expected attack.
288
The Captain Andre mentioned in Gen. Grey's
report was probably the unfortunate and lamented
Major Andre, who embarked under Sir Henry Clin-
ton, and who two years afterwards, October 2d,
1780, at the age of 29 years, was e:?iecuted, in ac-
cordance with the cruel and barbarous rules of war.
A monument to his memory was placed in West-
minster Abbey, by the order of King George III.
This fleet presented a terrific appearance to the
peaceful inhabitants of old Dartmouth and the
villagers of Bedford and Fairhaven, as anxiously
viewed from their house-tops by the aid of their
spy-glasses.
With a fair wind, according to the letter of Gen.
Grey, they sailed up Buzzard's Bay. Aside from
the inimical object in view, this fine fleet of armed
vessels, led off probably by the " Carysfort," with
Rear-Admiral Gambler and Major- General Grey
onboard, — their broad canvas spread to the fresh
ocean breeze, and the bloody ensign of old Eng-
land proudly flapping from its staff, — must have af-
forded a noble and spirited sight.
Four thousand troops were landed upon a bridge
of boats at Clark's Cove, and with quick step
marched into the quiet little village, whose peace-
able and affrighted inhabitants had already fled
into the neighboring country.
The following additional -.r-eount is taken from
an old number of the New Bedford iviercu.^^
«A friend has furnished some items respect-
ing the same affair, gathered from different sources,
289
entitled to fall credit, and more accurate in some
respects than the statement given by the British
generals. A letter from Edward Pope, Esq.,
in 1794, published in the 4th volume of His-
torical Collections, gives the following account of
this affair, which is probably correct, as Judge Pope
was on the spot at the time, and a very intelligent
man.
' The British troops, about 4000, landed on the
west side of Clark's Neck, and at Clark's Cove,
Saturday evening, Sept. 5th, 1778, and marched
through Bedford village to the head of the river,
passed over the bridge and down on the east side,
through and near the villages of Oxford and Fair-
haven, to Sconticut Neck, burning on their march
houses, barns, mills, &c. They encamped on
Sconticut Neck till Monday, when they embarked
on board their ships. The night following they
attempted to land a large number of troops on the
Fairhaven side, with a view probably to burn that
village; but were discovered by Major (afterwards
General) Israel Fearing, who had the command of
about 140 or 150 men there collected, and deter-
mined, if possible, to save the town. He placed his
men behind houses and stores near where he sup-
posed they would land. The enemy reached the
shore with their boats; they were permitted to begin
landing, and fired two or three buildings. Major
Fearing then gave orders to fire upon them. They
retreated with great precipitation, and returned to
their ships in the harbor. By the shrieking, and
marks of blood afterwards discovered, it was sup-
posed many of the British were killed and
wounded.'
It will be observed that the British account
differs much from that given by Judge Pope ; but
his no doubt is the most correct. He does not
"-^'^r to the vessels destroyed, but it is not probable
2'90
there was so great a number as is mentioned in
the British statement. The loss of property has
been variously stated by different American writers,
generally at X 20,000. Judge Pope was a suf-
ferer, and also a prisoner for one night with the
British. On inquiry of Mr. William Russell,
of this town, now living, aged ninety-two, it is
ascertained that the British fleet consisted of
thirty-two vessels, the largest a forty-gun ship,
with Major- General Grey on board, the commander
of the expedition ; that about forty sail of vessels
were destroyed, chiefly ships, and most, if not all,
prizes taken from the British by our privateers a
short time before; that the British troops, in going
up the river from Clark's Point, stopped about half
an hour in Bedford village, and set fire to several
buildings, nine dwelling-houses and four stores
being consumed; that they opened a hogshead of
rum, and that several of the soldiers were intox-
icated, and carried away in carts ; that two young
men, near the road where the British passed and
not far from the village, who had fire-arms in their
hands, were shot, one of whom was killed on the
spot and the other mortally wounded. Near the
head of the river. Lieutenant Metcalf, of the State
Artillery Company, then stationed here, was badly
wounded, and died soon after. The company was
commanded by Captain Cushing. Some privateers
were in the harbor at the time, and lay on the
Fairhaven side, which was, indeed, probably the
chief object of the expedition from the first. " The
fleet came from the New York station. Major
Fearing and men came to Fairhaven on the alarm
given after the first day's landing and marauding.
Messrs. John Howland and Seth Russell were
taken on board the large ship and detained some
time ; and by their influence several of our people
who were made prisoners were released."
291
General Grey speaks with great complacency of
the sobriety of the troops, and their moderation-;
but the real facts in the case are strongly against
his statements.
A man by the name of Joe Castle, who had
been employed by Joseph Russell, went over to
the enemy a\ the time of their landing, and acted
as their guide. The night he left he wrote with
chalk upon the barn-door of his employer,
''I make no more stone-ivall for old Joe Russell :'
When the British troops were marching towards
Acushnet, Dr. Eben. Perry, who had been into the
village on horseback, was returning home, and
seeing the enemy from the top of the hill near his
house — the present residence of Thaddeus M.
Perry-— rode on a short distance, and fearing that
they would overtake him, tied his horse to a bar-
post and fled into the woods. After the troops
had passed, he returned, and found that his horse,
a very valuable young animal, had been killed by
the soldiers, — an act of mere wanton destruction.
For the following additional reminiscences 1 am
indebted to Capt. Lemuel S. Akin, a retired ship-
master of Fairhavcn:
"Probably the first naval action during our
Revolution took place in Buzzard's Bay, not far
from West Island. The late Nathaniel Pope, of
Fairhavcn, was a lieutenant in the expedition.
They captured two tenders belonging to the British
sloop-of-war Falcon, afterwards one of the vessels
that poured her volleys at the breastwork on Bun-
ker Hill on the memorable 17th of June, 1775.
292
On the 5th of May (1775) Capt. Liiizee, of the
Falcon, captured two provincial sloops at Bedford,
He intended to send them to Martha's Vineyard,
and freight sheep to Boston ; but the Bedford people
fitted out two sloops with thirty men, and retook
the captured vessels, with fifteen men on board.
In the action three of the Falcon's crew were
wounded, and one of them mortally. Thirteen
prisoners were sent to Cambridge." Frothing-ham^s
Siege of Boston^ page 110.
" The vessels that took the Falcon's tenders were
out from the village of Fairhaven."
" Nathaniel Pope commanded a company of
twenty-five men, sailors and rangers ; Captain
Egery, another company of equal number. Their
expedition was obliged to be a secret one, as many
at that time had strong conscientious scruples
against shaking off their allegiance to George III.
The whole number of prisoners was twenty-five
or twenty-seven. The fifteen marines were imme-
diately marched off" to Taunton to place them
beyond the reach of a writ of habeas corpus^ which
the timid in this vicinity would procure to prevent
reprisals. The balance — sailors — were permitted
to wander where they pleased. The commanding
officer was for some time in Fairhaven, and was
wounded in the action. He was a North Briton
or Scotchman, and undoubtedly as near as possible
adopted the maxim of Hudibras,
He that fights and runs away
May live to fight another day;
for he kept most of the time during the action in the
cabin, occasionally showing his head from the com-
panion-way to give orders to his men. It was in one
of these venturesome visits to the door that a Yankee
by the name of Shockley, having reserved his fire
for that purpose, wounded him in the head."
293
Extract from a statement of Joshua L. Pope, son
of the late Nathaniel Pope, who commanded the
expedition from Fairhaven.
"The captures were made on Sunday morning,
14th May, 1775, and the captured were from the
Falcon; whilst the Machias capture is recorded as
having occurred on the 12th June.
I am strongly impressed with the belief that the
prisoners comprised twenty-five; the Congressional
record says fifteen — marines, not mariners. 1 feel
quite sure that the spoils embraced twenty-five
' king's arms.' Father had a ' king's arm and
accoutrements,' besides a silver-trimmed cutlass,
— that of an olficer. I think also there were but
twenty-five men on board the 'Success;' it might
have been twenty-five in the hold. Father had the
deck, managing affairs there, and Captain Egery,
w^ith the drummer, was in the cabin. Captain
Egery came on deck to counsel, at father's foot-rap.
There was one other man and a boy, I think, on
deck.
The first lieutenant (of the Falcon) was severely
wounded, and was, with others (probably the other
wounded and sailors,) some time at Bedford and
Fair Haven. They w^ere very clever fellows, and
I think some of them remained there.
Joseph Rotch, Edward Pope, and many others,
came from Bedford on Monday morning, and held
counsel with some of the timid at the house of
Esquire Williams, and concluded to send the
prsioners and captured sloops, with an apology,
back to the Falcon ; but the captors were on the
qui vivc, and marched off" the prisoners for Taunton
before the council rose. Thus defeated, the council
sent a committee to Captain Linzee, at Taunton
Court, with an apology, 'making the best story they
could.' Colonel Edward Pope and 'Squire Will-
iams were of this committee.
294
A strong delegation also met Egery's report at
Cambridge, as it is fairly inferable from the lan-
guage of the committee recorded.
It has for many years been to me a matter of re-
gret that I had not had the curiosity to have retained
from father every particular.
I think the ' sharp-shooter' who was ordered to
stand by the mast and 'drop the dodging officer '
was a Shockley or a Jenney.
The men were equally from Captain Egery's
militia and father's ' minute-men,' and each num-
bered on their roll twenty-fiive or thereabouts.
Father's numbered twenty -five in all.
I have before me a ' pay-roll ' for an expedition
from Dartmouth to the Elizabeth Islands, Sept.
25th, 1775. Charge, — 1 penny per mile for forty
miles, and two days' services ; 8 s. 6 d. for captain,
2 s. 10 d. for men ; together, 11 s. 10 d. and 6 s. 2 d.;
aggregate, X8 6 s. 7 d."
We now return to Capt. Akin's statement.
" While the British were marching up to Bed-
ford [in 1778] William Tobey — once Postmaster
in New Bedford — was driving a team loaded
with goods for a safe place of deposit, but was so
hardly pressed by the British that he unyoked his
oxen, and left his wagon and goods a prize to the
enemy.
Arrived at the head of the river, a party left the
main body, and went north as far as the old gara-
brel-roofed house of Doctor Tobey, still standing.
I believe that it was a general baking-day in these
parts, for here they found in the cellar an oven
full of bread and pork and beans. These they
soon dispatched, and robbed the house of what
they wanted, and endeavored to destroy the rest.
But the British pilferers in going down the cellar
left the door wide open, and that effectually pre-
vented their seeing another door immediately
295
behind it, leading to a room where their most
valuable clothing was deposited, and by that means
was saved. Another instance of the same kind
occurred at Bartholomew Taber's.
They burned several houses at the head of the
river, among others one belonging to Captain
Crandon, who, to revenge himself on the British
marauders, w^ould not suffer his new house to be
placed over his old cellar, nor suffer the cellar to be
filled up, until his son, having the management in
some measure of his father's business, at last
accomplished it.
It w^as at Acushnet village that Lieutenant
Metcalf was mortally wounded. He was from
Boston, and belonged to the Continental army.
Some verses were composed on his death at the
time by a Mrs. Negus. She had not the inspiration
of a Sappho, yet they were much esteemed at the
time; in fact, much worse have been written, and
printed too.
The first building they burned after leaving the
head of the river was a house on the premises
now owned by David Russell, then occupied by
Colonel Pope. Eldad Tupper, a tory, and well
acquainted in these parts, acted as their guide, and
could inform them of all holding office or com-
missions. As they proceeded south, and near by,
they came to Stephen and Thomas Hathaway's.
The latter was a man of handsome property in
those days, and without children ; but he had a ward
living with him, Jonathan Kempton, who event-
ually inherited it. At the time the fleet anchored
he was at the lower end of Sconticut Neck ; and
left immediately for home to remove the household
furniture to a place of safety. After pacidng up,
he took a small trunk, containing quite a valuable
quantity of silver plate; and as he stepped to the
door to leave the house, he was met by their advance-
guard, w^ho told him they would relieve him from
296
any further care of the trunk. After taking what
things they wanted from the house, they collected
beds and bedding in a chamber, and set fire to
them, and very luckily shut the doors. They took
Mr. Kempton a prisoner, and told liim they should
carry him to New York. He entreated them to
let him have his liberty. After carrying him to
the end of the long lane leading to the house, they
consented, after taking one of the two pairs of
breeches that he had on — that he had two pairs on
they knew from having robbed him of his watch ;
but they informed him they must fire at him as a
deserter, which they did, but whether with an in-
tention of hitting him or not, he never knew. The
ball, however, hit a large cherry tree, one of a
number that lined a long passage or lane leading
to the house. Mr. Kempton returned to the house
in time to extinguish the fire.
Proceeding on in something of a hurry, burning
now and then a house or a store, and destroying
property, and frightening men, women, and chil-
dren, who generally, Indian-like, fled to the woods
with what little they could carry for safety, some
rather laughable scenes occurred amid the terror
and confusion. One woman — it is charitable to
suppose not till after mighty efforts and years of
longing — at last procured a brass warming-pan.
This, though previous to Lord Timothy Dexter's
venture of warming-pans to the West Indies, was
too valuable to fall into the hands of the rapacious
'regulars'; accordingly clothes, bedding, household
furniture, — all, except the warming-pan, was
abandoned to its fate. With this she, with many
others, started for the woods. Fear is a great
creator of phantoms. Arrived at the woods, helter-
skelter, there was no time to choose their way —
onward was the word. The bended elastic bushes
and limbs of trees were continually striking the
warming-pan with a force, in their judgment, sufli-
297
cient to give the regulars a clue to their where-
abouts. What was to be done ? The owner must
leave the pan behind, or must herself be left: the
former she would not do, the latter she could not
prevent, and every one fled from w^oman and pan
with as much eagerness as before they fled from
the regulars.
The British fell in w4th a Quaker, Jethro Hath-
away, father of the late Stephen; and took his
broad-brim from his head, hurled it in the air, and
after making much sport with it, said, ' Let the old
Quaker have it again.'
Bartholomew Taber, a calm, courageous man,
remained by his house, and was harshly treated by
the British soldiery. One fellow threatened to
shoot him, and aimed his musket several times at
his head ; but perceiving it was not cocked, he did
not consider himself in much danger. He heard
the bullet whistle in the air, fired from the bushes
at the British, which caused the burning of the
school-house on his premises, and heard them call
for a match at the same time.
Near the Sconticut road, about one mile east of
Fairhaven village, was the house and farm of
Captain John Alden. He had a small stone build-
ing some little distance from his house, in which
he kept groceries for sale. He had moved his
family and some goods to a place of safety, and
had returned with his ox team for more goods or
furniture. A neighbor came to purchase some
rum, and while in the act of getting it, the British
arrived and relieved him of the care of the team.
They drove his oxen on the neck, where they were
slaughtered for the use of the army. On the neck
they stopped at the house of John West, who had
in his pen a large fat hog. They put a bayonet
through him, and left him dead.
Just before they came to what is called the
'narrows,' in a cleared field wdiere there were
298
several stacks of salt hay they left a detachment
of their army, who, fatigued and sleepy, after setting
a guard and scattering the hay, lay on it and took
a nap. The remainder continued on about one
mile, to where the widow Dean now lives, the
place of their final embarkation. They had with
them at this time an active, resolute person by the
name of Pease as their prisoner. He was not very
strictly guarded, and as they were surrounded by
w^oods made his escape to the east side of the
neck, and headed north by the edge of the woods
and marsh, until he came to the narrows, where he
entered the road. Being ignorant at the time of
an enemy near, he was hailed by the guard in the
road; and immedialely advancing to him, w^ith a
club secreted under his jacket, with one blow
over the head dispatched him, and effected his
escape. It was supposed the act was witnessed
by those on board the fleet, who with their glasses
could easily do it; for immediately after the blow
was given, a gun was fired from one of their ships.
There is little doubt the guard was killed, as a
grave was found made by the British near the
spot. Many supposed Pease did wrong, and that
a judgment overtook him at last, as he was killed
by the falling of a well-sweep."
" In 1676 the place lately belonging to the heirs
of Stephen Hathaway [previously spoken of] had
for its occupant one who employed an Indian to hoe
in his field. One day a strange Indian came to him
in the field, and after a long conversation, the
laborer stuck up his hoe and left. His informant
told him Philip was going to commence war
against the English."
Those who now daily travel upon the Acushnet
road hardly realize that on that memorable day,
the 5th of September, 1778, just at night-fall,
299
passed this formidable army of 4000 men, carrying
destruction with them. In imagination we can
hear the sound of the fifes and drums, and the
sharp words of command from the ofliccrs, as they
march onward in their work of devastation. Al-
though their stay here was of short duration, yet
the desolation they left behind was severely felt
for years afterwards by our forefathers. Those who
have heard the old people of that day speak of the
event will well remember the horror which was
impressed upon their minds by the destruction made
upon their property, and the ruin of their business.
Well has the poet said,
War is a game which, were the nations wise,
Kings would not play at.
CHAPTER XXIIT.
RETROSPECTIVE VIEW ^ LIST OF VESSELS REGISTERED
FOR 1818 AND 1819 — STATE OF THE WHALE-FISHERY IN
1830 — CAPTURE OF A BRITISH BRIG-OF-WAR BY THE
ARMED SLOOP PROVIDENCE — THE OLD SHIP MARIA —
MEMORANDUM OF SAMUEL RODMAN, SEN.: ABSTRACT
OF HER VOYAGES — A REMINISCENCE OF INTEREST TO
THE VOTARIES OF MAMMON — NARROW ESCAPE — THE
SEPTEMBER GALE, AND ITS EFFECTS UPON THE SHIPPING
OF NEW BEDFORD.
The last war with Great Britain, and the embargo,
which operated so destructively upon all our mar-
itime towns, were no less severely felt in New
Bedford ; and the business of our place, which had
not only recovered from the losses of the Revolution
but had begun to progress rapidly, was again laid
completely prostrate by these two combined inter-
positions, and it w^as not till the year 1818 that it
again revived. From this year we may date the
commencement of a commercial prosperity which
has rarely been equalled in the annals of history,
and, with but an occasional interruption, has con-
tinued to the present time.
At this period, and for several succeeding years,
New Bedford, although well known abroad as a
place of considerable commercial importance, was
but a village of some thirty-five hundred inhab-
itants. An American gentleman who was iii;
Liverpool about this time was asked by a merchanl^
of that city in regard to the size of New Bedford^.
301
who, upon being informed, was much astonished
to learn that a place so well known should contain
so few inhabitants, having supposed it be a large
city. For a number of years after this period
there was much peace and prosperity here, and
those who remember our place at that time will
readily testify to the simplicity of the habits of
our people in the way of living, and the consequent
comfort growing out of it.
The following is a list of vessels registered at
the Custom-House for the years 1818 and 1819 :
SHIPS.
Pindus,
Independence,
Iris,
Balaena,
Wilmington & Liver-
pool Packet,
Herald,
Bourbon,
Triton,
Golconda,
Victory,
1818.
BRIG3.
Indian Chief,
Protection,
Planter,
Elizabeth,
Agenora,
Trident,
Benezet,
Gleaner,
Juno,
Commodore Decatur,
Minerva.
;flUgUSlUH>
SCHOONEKS.
Midas,
Ann Alexander,
Bodfish,
Charles,
Favourite,
Persia.
John Willis,
Fenelon,
Elizabeth,
Enterprise,
1819.
SHIPS.
Winslow,
Pacific,
Parnasso,
Swift,
Francis,
Phoenix,
Minerva Smyth,
Helen,
Milwood,
Columbus,
Cortez,
Stanton,
Pacific,
Minerva,
Lorenzo,
Timoleon,
Martha,
Phebe Ann,
Carolina,
Sally,
Liberty,
Sophronia,
Dolphin.
SLOOPS.
Milo,
Polly,
Carolina,
Good Hope,
Washington,
Mercy,
Globe,
Harmony,
Atlantic,
Reaper,
Collector,
Catharine,
Amazon,
Fame.
Leonidas,
Sophia,
Portia,
William Rotch.
BRIGS.
Dragon,
Cornelia,
Resolution,
Horatio,
N
302
Leader,
Ebenezer,
Green ^
William Thacher,
Industry,
Sally.
Alliance,
Orion,
Eliza Barker,
William,
SLOOPS.
General Marion,
Superior,
Reformation,
Clitus,
Albert.
Fame,
Traveller,
Hiram,
Ohio,
Ospray.
Ono,
Flora,
Laura,
William,
SCHOONKES.
Emerald,
Spartan,
President,
Rose in Bloom,
Brothers,
Emigrant,
Jane,
Ros^ta,
Polly & Eliza,
Debby.
In 1774, there were 50 or 60 vessels, mostly sloops
and schooners, employed in the whale-fishery from
Bedford, a great proportion of which were captm'ed.
It was several years after the peace before any ves-
sels were again fitted out. In 1787-8, there was
but one ship, and that of but about 180 tons, and 2
or 3 brigs, in the business; but soon after this period
the whaling spirit revived, and with but little inter-
ruption has continued until the present time.
In 1830 the number of square-rigged vessels be-
longing to our port was 120, the greater part of
which was employed in the whale-fishery. The
quantity of oil imported during the year 1830 was
41,144 barrels sperm oil, and 43,145 barrels of whale
oil. At this time there were 10 spermaceti candle
manufactories. The population 7695.
The following account of a tragic event which
occurred during the Revolution was published some
years ago in the New Bedford Mercury, and for its
preservation I herein include it. The writer is un-
known to me, but the public, as well as myself, are
indebted to him for his account of this reminiscence
in our history.
30S
" Many years ago, I heard from some of om' folks
of Revolutionary times a story about the old sloop
Providence, the particulars of which I have nearly
forgotten, but which were, I believe, something as
follows :
The Providence was an armed sloop, commis-
sioned as a privateer early in the Revolutionary
contest. She was very successful in her cruising,
and such was the extent of her depredations on
British commerce it was determined by the ene-
my that a stop should be put to her career.
Accordingly a brig-of-war of nearly double the force
of the Providence was ordered to cruise for her.
The two vessels met, and after an obstinate and
bloody contest the Yankee sloop forced her pow-
erful antagonist to strike, and brought her into the
port of Bedford. It was said that after the sloop
had fired away all her shot her crew used some old
iron spikes and bolts that were on board, belonging
to a citizen of this town, as substitutes, and that
shocking havoc was made by them among the crew
of the British brig. I can remember but two
other particulars. So near to this port was the
action fought that the blood of the killed and
wounded seamen was running down the sides of
the brig when she came into port. The wounded
of the crews who died were brought on shore, and
interred on a small hillock that arose near the shore,
a short distance north of the spot once occupied by
the wheel-house of William Rotch, Jr.'s, rope-walk.
A carpenter's shop, built by William Coffin, covers
the ground where these men were buried.
How much of this story is fact and how much
is fiction, I have no means of determining. My
object in sending you this is to get you to publish
it in your paper, so if there are among us those
who from memory, record, or tradition, can throw
any light upon the affair, the facts may be ascer-
tained. All I know about it is this. Often, in m.y
304
younger days, have I walked among the graves oil
the hillock by the river-side, wondering to whorri
they could belong, and why they were thus neg-
lected. And when the progress of improvement
levelled the little mound that was the only monu-
ment to the 'unknown dead,' I saw their bones
carefully collected, and decently deposited where
they will, I trust, remain undisturbed."
The annexed interesting record of the voyages
of the ship Maria, the oldest vessel in our port, if
not the oldest in the United States, has been for-
warded to me for publication,
was built in 1782.
The "old Maria"
Arrived
Sept. 26, 1795.
Feb. 17, 1797.
Oct. 10, 1798.
March 15, 1800.
June 18, 1802.
Jan. 16, 1804.
May 9, 1806.
Nov. 27, 1807.
May 8, 1810.
May 7, 1812.
May 13, 1817.
May 15, 1819.
Dec. 15, 1821.
April 4, 1825.
March 21, 1828.
April 20, 1831.
May 11. 1834.
Jan. 19, 1836.
Oct. 21, 1837.
Sept. 7, 1840.
Oct. 10, 1843.
May 20, 1846.
Sept. 1, 1849.
Aug. 16, 1852.
April 6, 1856.
Master.
Benjamin Paddack, Jr.
Benjamin Paddack, Jr.
Benjamin Paddack, Jr.
Benjamin Paddack, Jr.
Benjamin Paddack, Jr.
J. Brightman.
David Coffin.
David Coffin.
David Coffin.
David Coffin.
Micajah Swain.
Micajah Swain.
Joseph Chase.
George Sprague.
Ammiel H. Joy.
Ammiel H. Joy.
J. G. Hedge.
J. G. Hedge.
Pearce.
S. Raymond.
S. Raymond.
Joshua Coffin.
Joshua Coffin.
Charles C. Mooers.
Charles C. Mooers.
5i
Sperm Oil.
Bbls. Galls
843 1
864 20
923 21
949
1035
655
1082 26"
1061 11^
1185 16
1267 11
1217 23
1297 18^
1021 24^
Whale Oil.
Bbls.
1143
1237
1295
871
428
340
750
519
880
1025
335
708
30
9
7
14
100
19
In 1795, the population of New Bedford was
about 1,000. The only streets passable at this
time, were Main, (now Union,) Water, North, and
305
parts of Second and Bridge (now Middle) streets.
In an old deed I have seen, the street now known
as North street is mentioned as the first street laid
out from the County road to the river. There
was no market-house, and the inhabitants bought
their meat of the country people. The writer
remembers when the only place for vending mar-
ketable produce was a kind of shed with three
arched entrances, painted or washed with a yellow
ochre color. This old shed, or one similar to it,
formerly stood near the four corners, and is the one
represented in the picture of William A. "Wall.
As I remember, it stood (having probably been
moved) on the north side of Main street, near the
intersection of Third street. In those days of early
rising, William Rotch, Sen., was frequently seen
going to market with a lantern. It was undoubt-
edly his habits of promptness that made him
as a business man so successful. " It is the early
bird that gets the worm," saith the old proverb.
In the rear of this market, a livery-stable was at
one time kept by Samuel Hussey, and afterwards
by Ivory H. Bartlett. Here and at Clapp's stable
most of our citizens depended for their horses and
carriages, very few except the wealthiest keeping
either at that time. Here also wild beasts were ex-
hibited, —" caravans," as they were then termed,
— ^ which some of my cotemporaries will well re-
member.
The chief butcher of the village at this time was
Frederick Read, who lived at the corner of Main
and Seventh streets. In a building painted red.
306
just west of his house, hogs were murdered and
scalded, and at one time a half-tamed wolf, to the
great teiTor of the neighborhood, was kept. On
the corner directly east, the north-east corner of
Seventh street, was the residence of Samuel Stall,
carriage-builder, wheelwright, &c., and whose large
sign, with a coach, chaise, &c., painted upon it, was
placed upon the front of the house, the work-shop
being in the rear. Opposite was the residence of
Joseph Ricketson, Sen., and next below that of Dr.
Ebenezer Perry. The physicians of those days
made their visits to their patients either on foot or
on horseback, the luxury of wheeled carriages not
being known to our older physicians ; and I rarely
remember of seeing our old neighbor. Dr. P., unless
mounted upon his horse, and he usually rode a very
handsome one.
Many of my readers will remember the large
old-fashioned house that stood until within a short
period at the south end of the town, near the beach,
and known as the "old Cove House," originally
the property of Benjamin Allen, but for many
years owned and occupied by Abraham Ricketson.
Not long after the last war between this country
and England, a strange vessel w^as observed by the
members of the family who dwelt in this house,
sailing into the cove and apparently reconnoitring
the shore, but soon leaving. Nothing very remark-
able was conjectured by the observers, until some
weeks afterwards, the wife of the latter named,
who had risen very early on a Saturday morning,
and looking out of the window towards the beach,
307
observed several figures, dressed in white, passing
along the shore, which was covered with snow and
ice, it being winter. Watching their movements,
she saw them pass around the east side of the cove,
and for a short distance along the shore, when they
entered the woods, and disappeared. At the same
time she also observed the strange vessel at anchor
near the cove. Having stated these circumstances
to her family, they naturally excited considerable
curiosity, and the next day (Sunday) her son and
some other boys in the neighborhood set off to as-
certain, if possible, the object of their novel visitors,
the strange vessel having during the previous night
departed. Tracing the foot-prints upon the snow
along the shore and into the woods, they were led to
a rock having a smooth face upon one of its sides,
and close against it a square hole, partly filled with
water, and the sides covered with iron scales; near
by they also picked up a steel rod, and some pieces
of manuscri])t. The conclusion at once drawn
from these circumstances was that an iron chest
of coin had been deposited here during the late
war, and that the object of the visit of the strange
vessel was for the removal of the same. It would
appear that their first attempt in ascertaining the
spot was not successful, as the vessel made two
visits, but did not appear again after this circum-
stance. I relate the tale as it was told me, some
thirty years ago, by the old lady who first discovered
the figures upon the beach. People who rise early
in the morning sometimes see remarkable sights,
one of which to many is probably the rinsing of
308
the sun. My readers, according to their own views,
can give such credit as they may think proper to
the foregoing relation, which, although probably
true, has rather a legendary shade of character.
From the " Bristol Gazette," published in Fairhaven, Mass., Tues-
day, April 16, 1813.
"Narrow Escape. Arrived at this port, last
evening, ship Harmony, Brown, of Philadelphia,
104 days from Calcutta. She was boarded off
Bermuda by the privateer Jack's Favorite, of New
York, and informed of the war, and that the Dela-^
ware was blockaded. Yesterday morning, off Block
Island, fell in with a British frigate and two schoon-
ers, which chased her into this port, and discharged
upwards of a hundred guns at her ; several shots
passed through her sails. The Harmony is a large
ship, and has on board a very valuable cargo of
silksj &c."
Capt. William Slocum, who was crossing the
bay in a sail-boat, with a woman passenger, seeing
the dilemma of the Indiaman, got on board, and
being a good pilot, steered the ship over a shoal
place, and in this way the frigate, following close
in her wake, was grounded.
The Harmony lay at Parker's wharf. The
amount to be awarded to Capt. Slocum was left
to William Rotch, Sen., who fixed the sum at $500,
The woman also received a present of a string of
valuable pearl beads.
One of the most remarkable as well as calami^
tous events in the history of our place w^as that of
the great line gale and storm of Saturday, Septem-
ber 23d, 1815. The rage of this storm, when the
fury of the combined forces of wind and rain ap-
309
})carcd to be aroused, is represented by those wiio
were eye-witnesses as being terrific. It commenced
in the early part of the day, with the wind from the
north-east, which soon hauled round into the south-
east, blowing with increased violence, and bringing
in the sea with a flood tide, until it rose from ten
to eleven feet higher than ever before known in the
highest spring tide, carrying in a general destruc-
tion the wharves, ware-houses, shipping, and the
New Bedford and Fairhaven bridge. Even at
McPherson's wharf, Belville, some two miles up the
river, the ship Ladoga was torn from her fastenings,
and driven above upon the shore, near the present
residence of Isaac Case. The tide rose above the
bridge at Acushnet village, and reached into the mill-
pond at the paper-mill now owned by J. P. Lund
and others. The salt spray was blown so as to settle
upon the windows, and the leaves, and grass, at
Long Plain, extending even as far as Middlebor-
ough, Bridgewater and Taunton, a distance of not
less than twenty miles.
In New Bedford the water rose beyond the build-
ings on Orange street, filling the cellars and lower
rooms. At the south end of the town, the water
reached to County street, in the rear of the residence
of the late Capt. Cornelius Grinnell, filling up the
well of the latter. In the south part of Third street
boats could float.
The following interesting account of this event
is taken from the New Bedford Mercury of Sep-
tember 29th, 1815, then edited by Benjamiii Lind:
sey, Sen.:
310
^' On Saturday morning last, this town, in com-
mon with the other towns in this and the adjacent
States, was visited by the most tremendous gale
ever remembered in this vicinity. The gale com-
menced early in the morning, and continued with
increasing violence until near 12 o'clock. The
scene presented during its continuance was awful
beyond description. The destruction of property
which was occasioned by the wind and tide is ex-
tensive and distressing, and several lives were lost
in this and the adjacent towns.
We cannot go into a particular detail of the de-
vastations which surround us, but some faint idea
may be formed from the following brief sketch of
disasters.
In New Bedford, the whole of the salt-works at
the south part of the town, with about 100 bushels.
of salt, carried away, — [the property of Caleb
Russell.] The lower part of the wheel-house of
Butler & Allen's rope-walk washed away, and
about 30 fathoms of the walk thrown down. Grif-
fin Barney's rope-walk injured. William Rotch,
Jr.'s, rope-walk nearly destroyed; about 60 fath-
oms thrown down, and about 25 fathoms, with the
wheel-house, containing about 14 tons of hemp and
a large quantity of cordage, carried away. Jona-
than Card's turning-mill nearly destroyed. Will-
iam Coffin, Jr.'s, boat-builder's shop thrown down.
William Russell's shop and wood-house injured,
and his barn down. Mrs. Gerrish's dwelling-house
much injured. Mr. Wilcox's blacksmith's shop,
and Mr. Cannon's tallow-chandlery, carried away.
George Caswell's house greatly injured, and much of
his furniture damaged and carried away by the tide.
The store occupied by J. A. Parker, with about
800 bushels corn, and other property, destroyed.
The large range of stores owned by William Rotch,
on his wharf, moved 12 or 14 feet from its founda-
tion, the lower story entirely demolished and the sec-
311
ond story brought level with the ground; by which
means Mr. Weston Rowland, who occupied a part,
lost about 700 bushels of corn and a quantity of
flour. A large, nearly new, staunch store of Will-
iam Rotch, on the north side of his wharf, in which
was deposited nearly all the valuable cargo of the
Regina, from Holland, and other goods, was en-
tirely demolished, and many of the goods destroyed
and swept away by the tide. The large store on A.
Smith's [now Parker's] wharf destroyed. Mr. Ful-
ler's dwelling-house principally thrown down and
destroyed. A small house occupied by people of
color, on A. Smith's wharf, carried aw^ay. All the
wharves much injured, and appear to be nearly in
ruins. The whole of the bridge between Bedford
and Fairhaven villages carried away, and also the
bridge at the Head of the River. The valuable
salt-works of Dr. S. Perry carried away. Some
chimneys were blown down, and many other build-
ings sustained more or less damage. There is
scarcely a store on the wharves but has sustained
some injury; among those most materially, not
mentioned above, are Capt. Hill's, James & Per-
kins', and J. R. Heath's, and their contents nearly
all destroyed; large quantities of goods in other
stores were much damaged. So rapid was the
rise of the tide that the occupants were obliged to
quit their stores precipitately, leaving all to its fate ;
several lost even their account books and valua-
ble papers. The tide rose about 10 feet above high
water mark, and four feet higher than ever before
known.
Shipping on shore: sloop Emily and schooner
Mink, of New Bedford, and Ann, of Dartmouth, are
on Russell's wharf, [now Central wharf ;] schooners
WilliaiTi & Mary and Morgiana, of New Bedford,
and Minerva, of Falmouth, sloops John Adams
and Atalanta, of New Bedford, and Industiy, of
312
Saiidwicb, on Rotch's wharf — the latter npsct and
stove ; ship Ann Alexander, on J. Rowland's
wharf; ship Harpooner, and sloop Superior of
Nantucket, on A. Smith's wharf; Roderick Dhu,
in the street below the Post-Office, — [Francis
Rotch's;] ship Augustus, on Fish Island, — [Hum-
phrey Hathaway's;] sloop Washington, of Fair-
haven, on shore below Maj. CoggeshalPs.
At Fairhaven, two stores on the Old South
Wharf, one store on the Union Wharf, S. Borden's
rope-walk, B. Church's barn and its contents, were
carried away, and several dwelling houses and
other buildings more or less injured. The salt-
works of J. Delano, on Sconlicut Neck, carried
away.
Of the damage sustained in other towns in this
vicinity we cannot give any particular details.
We understand the magnesia-works at Dart-
mouth, with the property therein, were nearly de-
stroyed.
But the loss of lives, though not numerous, is
the most distressing consequence of this tornado.
Temperance Perry, a young woman from Sand-
wich, who was on board a vessel bound for New-
port, which came in here for a karbour, was
drowned, notwithstanding all the exertions which
could be made for her relief. Her body was found
on Sunday and interred on Monday last. Mr.
William Macy, in his benevolent exertions to save
a man who was discovered in great danger, fell
from a boat and was drowned. His body was
found yesterday. Mr. Marmaduke Tinkham, his
son, and two young men, his nephews, of Fair-
haven, were all drowned. Mr. John Snell and Mr.
Thomas Woddell, Jr., were drowned at Westport.
Several others were in imminent danger, and
were saved from death by various interj)ositions
of Providence, which seemed almost miraculous.
313
When llic yliip Angnstns parted her fasls, and
drifted from Rotch's wharf, a young man* was left
by her on a spile which stood at the foot of the
wharf. He was discovered from the shore, and
exertions were made to relieve him, but in vain.
The wrecks and ruins which were lloating around
him in every direction baffled every effort to reach
him ; the wind and waves were beating over him,
and were expected every moment to wash him from
his ])erilous situation : but he remained in this ex-
posed position until the wind and tide abated, and
sustained no material injury."
* William Haskins.
314
CHAPTER XXIV.
ECCLESIASTICAL, LEGAL. AND MEDICAL REMINISCENCES
-> DIALECTIC SOCIETY— FRAGMENT SOCIETY— NEW BED-
FORD LYCEUM— FRIENDS' ACADEMY— CLIMATE— PUB-
LIC ROADS AND STREETS.
The earliest religious society of which there is any
record is that of the Friends, the first mention of
which bears date as follows : " at y*^ house of W*"
Coddington in Rhoad Island y^ 11*^ of 4 in° [cor-
responding to the present 6th month, or June]
1683," where in the disposal of the time for their
assemblies, the meeting at Dartmouth is thus
agreed upon :
" At dartmo^^ y*^ generall meeting Begins y^ next
first-daye After duxbury meeting."
The first meeting-house, which stood upon the
spot now occupied by the Apponeganset meeting,
was built in the year 1699. For further particulars
of this body, reference may be made to Chapter
IV. of this History.
The earliest minister of any other denomination
w^as probably John Cooke, one of the early settlers
and proprietors of Dartmouth. His death is re-
corded in the Dartmouth records, Nov. 23d, 1695.
" John Cooke was a Baptist minister in Dart-
mouth for many years, from whence springs the
Baptist church in the east borders of Tiverton."
Backus^ s Church History^ page 135.
Sept. 16, 1674, John Cotton preached to the
Indians at Acushnot.
315
"In 1698 there were forty Indian communicants,
partly from Assameekg, Cokesit, Acushnet, and
Assawampset." Holmes^s Annals.
" In 1718 a law was made to compel all the
country to assist in building or repairing Congre-
gational meeting-houses. Tiverton and Dartmouth
were the only remaining towns in the province
which had not received any Congregational min-
isters. Therefore a complaint against them was
made to the Legislature in May, 1722 ; and they
voted a salary for such ministers, to be assessed
upon all the inhabitants of said towns, which the
ministers were to draw out of the state treasury.
But their assessors sent and obtained an account
of how much was added to their tax on that
account, and then left it out of their assessment.
For this two assessors of each town were seized
in May, 1723, and were imprisoned at Bristol, until
they sent to England and got that act disannulled
by the King and Council. One of those sufferers
was Philip Tabor, pastor of the Baptist church on
the borders of Tiverton and Dartmouth. But be-
fore the order two more assessors of Dartmouth
were put in prison for not assessing a like tax
imposed in 1723." Backus's Church History of
Neiu England.
" The first Baptist minister w4io preached stat-
edly in New Bedford was Peleg Burroughs, pastor
of the first Baptist church in the then called Dart-
mouth church, now Tiverton. This church was
formed in 1686, and its worthy pastors suflered
much persecution from the unjust laws of clerical
taxation in Massachusetts. One of them refusing
to give his cow for the tax, as that was needful
for his family's sustenance, was imprisoned nine
months! Peleg Burroughs was ordained in 1780
over this church, and as some of the members
lived in New Bedford, he visited and ])rcached for
316
several years at the house of Maltiah Hathaway
on the way, and at the house of George East, now
owned and occupied by his grandson, Bradford
Coggeshall, where his pulpit may still be seen.
As he was endowed with much of the power of
the Holy* Spirit, and used the plain language of
the Friends, who only had a meeting-house, they
offered him theirs, — a thing very unusual with
them ; but I cannot find by his journal that he
occupied it more than once, though he speaks of
uniting with them in silent worship at a school-
house. Few, perhaps, living recollect him. He
baptized many. Quite a number of the members
of this church constituted the first Baptist church
in New Bedford, now under the pastoral care of
Rev. Mr. Girdwood."
Early in the last century, the first church and
society of Congregationalists was formed at that
part of the old township of Dartmouth known as
Acushnet. The meeting-house, taken down a few
years since, having been long unoccupied and in a
dilapidated condition, stood upon the hill about
half a mile to the eastward of the village of
Acushnet. The old graveyard, however, still re-
mains, — one of the most ancient and interesting
burial-places in the Old Colony domain.
The first settled minister was the Rev. Samuel
Hunt, of whose history I have been able to obtain
no information, except what is contained in the
inscriptions given below. The old parsonage-
house built by Mr. Hunt is still standing, though
remodelled of late years. It stands upon an ele-
vated spot at the north-west corner of the junction
of the County road and that leading into the village
oil**
old
of Acushnet, and is now owned and occupied by
Augustus Harrington. Mr. Hunt was probably
one of the old-fashioned agricultural parsons, for I
find in the old records of land surveys several large
tracts of wood and other lands in his name. But
he has long since gone from works to rewards, and
the following epitaph upon his tombstone in the
old graveyard is all that the "inexorable past" has
left to his memory.
*' Approach and read — for thou canst read — the lay
Graved on the stone beneath yon aged thorn."
" Here lieth y® body of the Rev^ Samuel Hunt,
who was the first ordained minister over the church
of Christ in Dartmouth, w^ho died Jan^' y® 25*'^,
1729, in y® 48 year of his age."
He was accordingly born in the year 1681.
Near by the tombstone bearing the above inscrip-^
tion is another with the following:
" Here lieth interred the body of Joanna, wife of
y® Hon. Ephraim Hunt, Esq., late of Weymouth,
youngest daughter of Doctor John Alcock, late of
Roxbury, who died March y« 20, 1746, in y« 87
year of her age."
This was probably the mother of the Rev. Sam^
uel Hunt, by whose filial piety she undoubtedly
made her home at the old parsonage.
The successor of Mr. Hunt was the Rev. Richard
Pierce, who also lies in the same old burial-place,
and whose epitaph contains all I have obtained of
his memory, as follows :
'''•Memento mori. Here lieth interred the remains
of Richard Pierce, A. M., who was born INIarch
29th, 1700, and departed this life March 23d, 1749,
3^8
after having spent 16 years in the work of the
Gospel ministry. A gentleman of an unspotted
character in the ofhce he sustained, of polite be-
haviour, remarkably affable, and kind to all; who
lived greatly beloved, and died much lamented.
Cvjus pulvis in pidvere, dormit, expectans stellam
matutinamJ^
The next minister of this church was the Kev.
Israel Cheever, who is said to have been dismissed
in 1759, and was succeeded by Samuel West,
D. D., in 1761. The tombstones of the wife and
an infant son of Mr. Cheever are in this graveyard,
but he removed to some distant quarter, where he
died.
Under the ministry of Doctor West, the society
was very large, being the only meeting for religious
worship, with the exception of that of the Friends,
for an extensive district of country. Doctor West
was a man of superior abilities and education for
that period, but his great eccentricity, combined
with absence of mind, rendered him less practically
useful in his profession than many of inferior
talents and knowledge. Many anecdotes are re-
lated of him, some of which are undoubtedly
much exaggerated; but among the most authentic
are the following :
His first wife, whose name was Experience, was
a very tall woman ; and he would often remark to
his friends, that he had "learnt by long experience
what it was to have a good wife."
Upon one occasion he found, after his congre-
gation had assembled and he had got into the
pulpit, that he had left home without his sermon.
^;l9
He gave out a hymn with a great number of
stanzas, and deliberately walked to his house,
nearly a quarter of a mile distant, for his sermon,
and returned in due time to deliver the same.
Upon another occasion, he left his wife upon the
horse-block, and rode off" to meeting, supposing her
to be on the pillion; and did not ascertain his
mistake until he had arrived at the meeting-house
door.
Taking a bag of corn from his crib to carry to
mill on horseback, he forgot to use the horse, and
carried the grist upon his own back, leading his
horse the while.
When engaged in an argument, of which he was
very fond, and in which he had few equals, he
forgot everything else; and he has been known to
walk several miles along the road bareheaded,
when in conversation with some of his distant
neighbors. On one occasion, himself and his
brother-in-law, the late Doctor Whitridge, of Tiv-
erton, R. L, the father of the late Doctor William
C. Whitridge, of this city, entered into an argu-
ment early in the evening, by the roadside, and
-talked all night, the rising of the sun alone warning
them of the lapse of time.
Doctor West was born at Yarmouth, Cape Cod,
March 3d, 1729-30, O. S. He graduated at Har-
vard University in 1754, one of the first scholars
of his class, but did not receive his ordination
until several years subsequently. In 1765, the
country then being in a state of great excitement,
owing to the difficuUiPs with the mother country,
320
Doctor West turned bis attention to politics, and
was one of the leading members of the "Whig
party. He was a member of the convention for
framing the constitution of Massachusetts and of
the United States, He deciphered the letter of
his old classmate, Doctor Church, physician-gen-
eral to the army, who was suspected of a treach-
erous correspondence with the enemy, which proved
to be the case, as he was afterwards arrested and
imprisoned.
" Dr. West was chosen an honorary member of
the Academy of Sciences, at Philadelphia and
Boston. He published two ordination sermons,
one election sermon, one at the anniversary (1777)
of the landing of the Pilgrims, and others; with
an essay upon ' liberty and necessity,' in reply to
President Edwards." Blake^s Biographical Dic-
tionary.
He died at the house of his son, the late Samuel
West, M. D., of Tiverton, R. I., in his seventy-
ninth year.
So far as the writer is aware. Doctor West ever
retained the most friendly relations with his society,
and his memory is cherished with much respect by
those of our community who knew him personally;
and the pleasant anecdotes of his eccentricities
will probably be handed down from father to son
for generations yet to come.
He was buried at the old graveyard connected
with his meeting-house, and the following is the
inscription upon his gravestone :
" Samuel West, D. D., &c., the son of Dr, Sack-
field West, by his wife, Ruth Jenkins, was born at
321
Yarmouth, C. C, March 3d, 1729-30, O. S. Or-
dained in this place June 3, 1761. Relinquished
his pastoral charge in June, 1803. Died at Tiver-
ton, R. L, Sept. 24th, 1807."
The earliest physician of thie old township of
Dartmouth, so far as I have ascertained, and who
lived in the early part of the last century, was
Doctor Daniel Hathaway, whose name is attached
to some lines on the death of John Russell, who
died in 1727.
Doctor Benjamin Burg died Sept. 18th, 1748, in
the fortieth year of his age, and was buried in the
old graveyard at Acushnet.
Doctor Elisha Tobey, Esq., died May 10th, 1781,
in the fifty-eighth year of his age, a well-known
physician of his time. His residence was the old
gambrel-roofed house in the north part of Acushnet
village, now occupied by his grandson, Elisha
Tobey.
Doctor Samuel Perry, a physician of considerable
repute, died April 15th, 1805, in the seventy-fourth
year of his age. His residence was the house now
occupied by his grandson, Thaddeus M. Perry, on
the east side of the Acushnet road, near the village
of Acushnet.
Doctor Samuel Perry, son of the preceding, died
of apoplexy at the house of Judge Edward Pope,
on Main (now Union) street, Oct. 26th, 1820, aged
fifty-seven years.
Doctor Ebenezer Perry, also a son of the elder
Doctor Perry, and a physician of extensive practice
in New Bedford and vicinity, also died of apoplexy.
32^
March 18th, 1822, in his sixty-seventh year. His
residence was on old Main street, now owned by
Messrs. Watson & Manchester, bakers, No. 175
Union street.
Doctor William C. Whitridge, one of the most
skilful and distinguished physicians of the present
time, died at his residence, 117 Elm street, corner
of County street, Dec. 28th, 1857, in the seventy-
fourth year of his age.*
The Dialectic Society, formed in 1812, was the
earliest literary society in Nev/ Bedford of which
T have obtained any account. William Sawyer
Wall was the first President, who was succeeded
in his office by Abraham Shearman, and John
Rowland. At the first anniversary John Mason
Williams delivered an address, and Thomas A*
Greene a poem. Their meetings were held at the
Friends' schoolhouse then standing on Prospect
Hill, near the spot now occupied by the " Bethel."
The "Fragment Society" was a charitable asso-
ciation under the direction of ladies, in connection
* The following petition from the old Dartmouth Records is with-
out date, but a subsequent call for a meeting of the town to act there-
on bears date September 5th, 1772.
"To the Selectmen of the Town of Dartmouth, the Humble Peti-
tion of Doctors Gelston and Randall Praying that a Warrant may be
Granted to Summons this Town, to meet to Geather to Declare their
Approbation in regard of said Doctors, Erecting a Hospital for In-
oqulation on anjalaca Island, if Obtainable or Else where as they
Shall think meet, and we as in Duty Bound shall ever pray.
SAMUEL GILSTON
ANNANIAS RANDALL"
A warrant for a meeting was subsequently issued, but that portion
of the record containing the proceedings is wanting. A small Hos-
pital, however, was erected at this period, on a lot a short distance
north of the Oak Grove Cemetery. The place was long known as the
" Pock- House pasture."
323
witii which was a school for poor children, who
were also supplied with clothing. These institu-
tions were supplanted, the former by the Lyceum,
and the latter by other charities and the public
schools.
That great institution of the North, the Lyceum,
has become second in importance to no other as a
source of interest and instruction to the mass of
the people. It is decidedly popular; rich and poor,
the old and the young, attend the lectures, not
only with unabated but increasing interest. It has
opened a new field of emolument for our scholars and
literary men, and we hope in due time to add also
our literary women, to exercise their talents, and
bring forth from the treasures of thought and study
the intellectual pabulum the public appetite so
much craves.
The increased desire for knowledge in our people
is truly very hopeful and encouraging to the lovers
of light, of liberty, and of free institutions. From
ignorance alone can oppression come ; enlighten
the masses, and tyranny must meet its doom.
Every encouragement should therefore be given to
men of thought and learning to enter this new
field of literary labor, particularly in the way of
liberal compensation. It is an old truism that no
labor is so poorly paid for as that of the brains.
We are forgetful, when some talented and eloquent
lecturer has received his fifty or one hundred dollars
for his performance, how much time and study —
how many years of preparation and expense he
may have given, to qualify himself for the same.
324
No men are more busy dm'ing the season than oui*
popular lecturers ; thousands of miles do they
travel, subject to all the inconveniences and expo-
sures during the most inclement part of the yeaf.
The fine scholar, — the man of taste and refine-
ment, — is undoubtedly thrown into many scenes
of painful experience. Some revelations of per-
sonal history in this line would afford a good
subject for a lecture, which we shall probably in
due time hear. Let us then not be niggard in our
remuneration for the services of these devoted
teachers of the people, but in a liberal manner
hold out inducements for the best talent and culture
to continue in the field.
Let us rejoice that there is one place at least
where free thought can find expression ; and may
the spirit of bigotry or sectarianism be ever kept
aloof therefrom.
Although the Lyceum of our time resembles but
little that of the grove of Attica, yet with such
teachers as Emerson, Parker, Beecher and others,
it seems destined to rival even that of Aristotle.
The New Bedford Lyceum is one of the oldest
institutions of the kind in this country. The first
meeting was held on the evening of November
19, 1828: Stephen Merrihew, Chairman, and Joseph
Congdon, Secretary. The Lyceum was organ-
ized on the 8th of December following. The first
board of officers were Stephen Merrihew, President;
Abner Bourne and Benjamin Robinson, Vice Pres-
idents; William C. Taber, Treasurer; "William T.
Hawes, Recording Secretary; Thomas Rotch, Cor-
responding Secretary; Charles W. Morgan, Joseph
Congdon, and Thomas A. Greene, Curators; Orville
Dewey, John H. W. Page, and Samuel Rodman,
Committee of Arrangements. An occasional lec-
ture on chemistry, or some other scientific subject,
or a debate, was then the order of the day, little
dreaming that we were aiding in the establishment
of an institution destined to become so flourishing
and important.
The Friends' Academy, for many years the only
classical institution in New Bedford, was founded
by a number of the Society of Friends in the year
1810. The old building, which is now in a fair
way to be entirely eclipsed by the massive structure
being erected by the Elm-street society of Metho-
dists, and other buildings with which it is sur-
rounded, stood originally upon the then outskirts
of the village, and was one of its most prominent
objects. With its plain but spacious dimensions,
its symmetrical tower, surmounted by a spire and
vane, and extensive grounds, it really presented an
agreeable and even tasteful appearance. But this
old temple of Minerva, the "classic hill" of our
youth, is now in a state of dilapidation; and the
spire which once stood so stately gives signs of
decay; the old vane that had boldly faced the brunt
of so many storms now hangs drooping from its
ancient support; and even the old bell seems to
toll out in mournful numbers a requiem to the
departed spirit of former days.
That an interest was warmly felt in the cause of
education by Ihe founders of this institution, their
o
my
liberal donations sufficiently declare. William
Rotch, Sen., contributed the lot of land, and $2000 ;
William Rotch, Jr., $5000; Samuel Rodman, Sen.^
$2000; Samuel Elam, $1000, and at his decease,
in 1812, his rare and valuable library; Thomas Ar-
nold, $500; his son, James Arnold, $1000; and Oba-
diah'M. Brown, $536; Samuel Rodman, Jr., (1817,)
$1000; Benjamin Rodman, (1820,) $450, and a
share in the Rhode Island Bridge, $100 i amounting
to $13,586. Subsequent subscriptions for the pur-
chase of a lot of land to enlarge the play-grounds
in the rear enclosing the same, and for the erection
of fixtures for a gymnasium : Charles W. Morgan^
George Howland, Sen., Thomas Rotch, and Joseph
Rotch, $100 each; Joseph Ricketson and John
Howland, Jr., $50 each ; Nathaniel Hat h away ,
William Swain and Thomas S. Swain, each $25 i
in all, $575, — making the whole amount of sub-
scriptions $14,161. These sums comprise all the do-
nations to the Academy. The act of incorporation
was granted February 29th, 1812. The original
Board of Trustees were William Rotch, Sen.y
President; Elisba Thornton, 1st, Thomas Arnold,
Samuel Elam, Samuel Rodman, Sen., William
Rotch, Jr., William Dean, Abraham Shearman, Jr.,
and James Arnold. The Trustees at this time
were required to be members of the Society of
Friends. James Arnold is the only survivor of
this board, who was for several years the President
of the same. He was succeeded in 1836 by his
father-in-law, William Rotch, Jr., who was also the
Treasurer, holding both offices until the time of bis
327
decease, 4th mo., 1850, at the age of 90 years.
His successor as President was Samuel Rodman,
Jr., who still holds this office.
The first Principal was John Brewer, a gentle-
man of high attainments and culture, whose mem.-
ory is much cherished by his old pupils, (many of
w^hom are or have been among our most* active
citizens,) as well as by the public generally. Mr.
Brewer held his post for about six years, from 1811
to 1817.
From 12th mo., 1813, Thomas A. Greene was an
assistant until the close of Mr. Brewer's term ; and
9th mo., 1817, the school was re-opened under the
charge of Moses S. Moody and Mr. Greene. Mr.
Moody, however, remained but one year, when Mr.
Greene became the sole Principal, and was assisted
by the late Joseph Congdon. In 1820, 3d mo., Mr.
Greene resigned. On the death of Thomas Ar-
nold, in 1826, Mr. Greene was chosen to fill the va-
cancy in the Board of Trustees. To the unremit-
ted personal attention of this gentleman, through a
period of nearly forty years, this institution is much
indebted. Although not a graduate of any col-
lege, our respected fellow-citizen is a good classical
scholar, and at the request of the late Principal,
A. J. Phipps, Esq., Mr. Greene received from Dart-
mouth College, N. H., the honorary degree of
Master of Arts.
From the time of Mr. Greene's resignation in
the spring of ,1820, the Academy was closed until
the spring of 1824. During this interval the win-
dows were boarded and the library removed to the
328
" stone store" of Samuel Rodman, Sen. Standing
as it did at that time in an isolated place, the Acad-
emy obtained the reputation of being haunted.
Early in the spring of 1824, the boards were removed
frorn the windows, letting in once more the light
of day, the accumulated dust and cobwebs re-
moved from the rooms, and in the month of March
the school was again commenced, George Newell,
a graduate of Harvard University, the teacher, who
continued his charge for two years. Mr. Newell
was an eccentric bachelor, but a good classical
scholar, and a kind-hearted man. He afterwards
became a physician, married, and died many years
since. It affords me much pleasure, as one of his
pupils during the whole of his term here as teacher,
to bear my testimony to his worth. The period
passed at the old Academy when under his charge
was the pleasantest of all my school-days. Gen-
tlest of teachers! a space of more than thirty-four
years has not obliterated thee from my memory.
Thy patience and kindness towards me are among
the most cherished memories of my early days.
Requiescat in pace.
During the Summer term of 1826, Charles Bab-
bage, now a Unitarian clergyman, then an under-
graduate of Harvard University, was the instructor.
He was succeeded at the Fall term of the same
year by John H. W. Page, a graduate of that year
of Harvard, who continued as Principal until the
Spring of 1829. The school during his charge
was in a flourishing state, comprising both sexes,
which had not previously been the case. Our highly
329
respected fellow-citizen, John F. Emerson, Principal
of the High School, a graduate of Dartmouth Col-
lege, N. H., was the first assistant, succeeded by
Alanson Brigham, Charles Devens, Samuel Saw-
yer, Oliver Prescott and William H. Sanford.
William H. Sanford was the successor of Mr.
Page as Principal, and held that station for two
years, assisted during the latter part of the time
by George W. Warren, of Charlestown. In
1831 William M. Holland became the Principal,
but resigned in a few months, having received
an appointment as a Professor in Washington
College, Hartford, Connecticut. David Mack
was his successor in the Winter of 1831-32,
who resigned from ill health in 1835. The school
was very flourishing during his superintendence.
Mrs. Elizabeth Dorr was at this time the teacher
of the young ladies' department, a lady of superior
qualifications for the situation, and who gave much
satisfaction. Henry W. Lee, now Bishop of Iowa,
was also an assistant in the English branches dur-
ing a part of the time of Mr. Mack's charge of the
school. Isaac N. Stoddard succeeded Mr. Mack
in 1835, resigning in the Spring of 1837. In 1837,
June, John V. Beane became Principal, which of-
fice he held for eight years. During the whole of
this period Miss Abby Osgood was the teacher of
the young ladies' department — a lady highly qual-
ified for the office, and much esteemed by her pu-
pils as well as by the patrons of the school. Dur-
ing a short period at the close of Mr. Beane's
charge, the school was confined to the tuition of
330
young ladies alone. In October, 1845, Mr. Beane
resigned his trust, and was succeeded by Simon
Barrows, who resigned in June, 1846. The Acad-
emy was then taken for one year by Misses Caro-
line and Deborah Weston, accomplished and suc-
cessful teachers. William P. Atkinson, a graduate
of Harvard University, was their assistant in the
classical department, in the Summer of 1847, the
Trustees invited Abner J. Phipps, at the time and
for several years previously a teacher in Phillips
Academy, Andover, to become Principal, who con-
tinued at the head of both departments until their
separation in 1855, when the male department was
continued to him, and the female to Edward A.
H. Allen. During the eight years the n amber of
pupils was at times very large for this school ; at
one term there were one hundred and four pupils,
and the average number for the thirty-two quarters
was sixty-eight. Mr. Phipps is a gentleman highly
qualified for a teacher of youth, possessing that
rare quality, the power of maintaining good disci-
pline with mildness, and of inspiring in his pupils
a love for their studies. Pie is a graduate of Dart-
mouth College, N. H., and is one of the Board of
Overseers of Harvard University.
The male department of the Academy is now
under the charge of Thomas Prentiss Allen, a grad-
uate of Harvard University, and a gentleman of the
most enlightened views in the education of youth.
The female department has been removed to the
commodious and substantial building of brick,
erected by the Trustees of the Friends' Academy
331
ill 1856, upon Morgan street, of which Edward
Augustus Holyoke Allen is the Principal, and
Misses Sophia Shepherd and Elvira Johnson, as-
sistants, all teachers of excellent attainments, and
the school is in a flourishing state. The price of
tuition to these schools, as well as the private clas-
sical school, now under the charge of Mr. Phipps,
is one hundred dollars per annum, and the number
of scholars limited.
For a large portion of the statistics contained
herein, I am under obligations to the last-named
gentleman.
Doctor Alexander Read, a physician of high
standing, and much respected for his moral excel-
lence, w^as born at Milford July 10th, 1786, and
died at his house, corner of County and Union
streets, Nov. 20th, 1849, aged 63 years.
Doctor Silas Tompkins, a graduate of Brown
University, was born in Little Compton, R. I., and
died in Ncav Bedford Dec. 21st, 1853, aged fifty-four
years.
" Col. Samuel Willis, Esq.," a man of consider-
able note in the early history of Dartmouth, was
born in Bridgewater in the year 1688, and died in
Dartmouth Oct. 3d, 1763, in the 76th year of his
age. His house stood upon the spot now occupied
by the mansion of the late John Avery Parker,
County street.
" Hon. Walter Spooner, Esq.," an active and in-
fluential man of his day, during the period of the
Revolution, who w^as also at one time Chief Jus-
tice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County
332
uf Bristol, died Oct. 26, 1803, in his 81st year. Hi«
residence was at " the old Spooner place," Long
Plain. - He was twice an Elector of President: in
1789 for Bristol and Dukes, and in 1800 for the
" first southern district."
Edward Pope, Esq., also a Judge of the Court
of Comnion Pleas for the County of Bristol, and
subsequently a Collector for this district, a man of
much ability and worth, died at his house on Main
street June 10th, 1818, aged 78 years.
I shall be able only to give a list of the names
of the later members of this profession, merely ob-
serving that among them are several men of dis-
tinction and legal acumen : * Thomas Hammond ;
* Rhodolphus PI. Williams; John Mason Williams,
late chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas,
now a resident of New Bedford ; *John Nye ;
f Lemuel Williams; * Timothy G. Coffin ; f Charles
H. Warren, late Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas ; | Nathaniel S. Spooner, first Judge of the
Police Court.
ACT OF THE TOWN OF DARTMOUTH IN RELATION TO
BRITISH TAXATION, 1774.
"At a town meeting legally warned and held at
the town house in Dartmouth the 18th day of July
A. D. 1774,
The Hon''^'^ Walter Spooner, Esq., chosen Mod-
erator for s'^ meeting.
Voted to act on the warrant for calling this
meeting.
* Deceased.
i Living, but not residents of New Bedford at the present time.
333
A^oted that the Hon'^'° Walter Spooner, Es(f,
BenjamiQ Akin, Esq'", Will™ Davis, William Tall-
man, Major Ebenezer Willis, Jirah Willis, Seth
Pope, Seth Hathaway and Hannaniah Cornish be a
committee to prepare and draw up what they shall
think most proper relating to s*^ warrant, and make
report to this meeting for the town's consideration
as soon as they conveniently can. Voted to adjourn
to three of the clock this afternoon.
The town meet according to adjournment, the
above committee agreeable to order made the fol-
lowing Report, which was voted by the Town.
Voted, that we are grieved at being necessitated
to act a part which at first view^ appears unfriendly
with respect our manufacturing Brethren and
friends in Great Britian & Ireland. But we trust
we shall readily be excused by them when they
consider that this part of our conduct is wholly de-
signed & in our judgment will have the greatest
tendency of any thing in our powxr to save both
them and us from Bondage and Slavery, for upon
Mature consideration we Judge the several late
unconstitutional acts of the British Parliament
have a direct tendency to destroy the harmony
which has subsisted among all the British subjects
and to entirely abolish the English Constitution
and form of Government, and therefore as the most
probable means to prevent those Destractive Pur-
poses we unite with our American Brethren And
Resolve, that w^e will not purchase any goods man-
ufactured in Great Britain and Ireland which shall
be imported from thence after this day, that we
will not purchase any goods of any hawker or ped-
ler, that we will not purchase any foreign teas
whatever, that we will not export any flax seed to
any foreign market, that w^e do acquiesce in the
Nature and necessity of of Raising our proportion of
Money to pay the Congress and to raise the sum
by subscription, and that these resolves do remain
0;..
334
in force so long as the present grievous acts of the
British Parliament remain unrepealed or until this
town shall see fit to alter or revoke the said resolves,
and that the town Clerk transcribe a fair copy of
these proceedings for the Committee of Correspond-
ence this Day chosen in order for a publication.
Also voted that Benjamin Akin, Esq'", Messrs. Jireh
Willis, William Davis, William Tallman, Seth
Pope, Hannaniah Cornish and Jireh Swift, J*^^""
The rest is wanting. These records are in a
very mutilated condition.
Owing to the vicinity of the sea, the climate of
New Bedford is less subject to the extremes of
heat and cold, compared with places in the same
latitude in the interior, and for healthfulness is
probably unsurpassed by any section of New
England. So far as my own observation has been
made, I know of no particular disease as being
peculiar to our vicinity ; and of late years the
number of cases of pulmonary consumption appears
to be very small. Epidemics are rare ; and we
have never suffered from any of the more contagious
or malignant disorders. Seated upon ground that
gently descends to the river, great natural advan-
tages are afforded for drainage, and this, with a
good attention to neatness on the part of our
municipal authorities, renders New Bedford prob-
ably one of the healthiest and most agreeable cities
for a residence in the land. Cases of extreme
longevity are not infrequent, and mortality among
the youth of either sex by no means great. The
thermometer rarely falls below zero during the
Winter, or rises above eighty degrees in Summer.
1 have said that New Bedford is sometimes
called by strangers the "city of palaces," and truly
the many elegant mansions in the city, particularly
on County street, as well as in the environs, fairly
entitle it to such a distinction. It would be an
invidious task to particularize those v^hich the writer
might prefer, and I shall therefore dispense with
any further remarks than those contained in the
tenth chapter.
Among the public buildings we have several
valuable edifices more or less open to criticism in
their architectural character. The Unitarian Church,
built of native granite, is probably the finest
specimen of architecture in New Bedford, its defect
being the want of length for its other proportions
- — its beauties many. It was built in the years
1837-38, at the cost of $40,000, inclusive of the
land on which it is situate.
The City Hall, also of native granite, and the
Custom-House and Post-OfRce building, also of
the same material, are handsome and substantial
edifices. The former was built in the years
1838-39, at the cost, inclusive of land, of $60,000,
and the latter in the year 1836, at the cost of
$31,740, inclusive of land.
The house of the North Congregational society
is a plain but agreeable edifice, also of native
granite, built in the year 1836, at the cost, inclusive
of the land, of $33,150. The other houses for relig-
ious worship are of wood, with the exception of that
of the Society of Friends, on Spring street, which
is of brick, a notice of which I have before given.
A substantial edifice of brick, on the Academy
lot, County street, is now being erected by the
Elm-street Methodist society, which bids fair to
be an ornament in the way of church architecture
to the city. The corner-stone was laid May 29th.
1858.
The new City Library building is a plain but
elegant structure of brick, the corner-stone of which
was laid Aug. 28th, 1856; and the library was
opened to the public Nov. 9th, 1857. The cost of
this buildijig, with the lot upon which it is situate,
was §45,000.
Although a liberal appropriation is annually
made by our city for the repairs of our roads and
streets, still the great object, viz., well graded and
hard surfaces, secure from dust during the summer
and dry weather generally, as well as freedom from
mud and water after rains and the coming out of
the frost in the Spring, docs not appear to be
effected ; but, on the contrary, by the accumulation
of loam and other material, many of our public
streets and high-roads are really in a worse condition
than they were formerly. Now it seems highly
important for the public that this whole' matter of
roads should be investigated, and the cause of our
failure ascertained. The usual reply to any query
upon this subject is, "the want of gravel." This,
however, is not the real difficulty. Gravel is un-
doubtedly scarce in this vicinity, but this article
is by no means the best material for the surface of
our streets and roads, as has been satisfactorily
proved by the most accurate observers and writers
upon this subject. Wc have plodded long enough
through the combination of dirt and gravel, so
heavy in summer and miry in winter, to satisfy
any common observer that something more is
necessary. A thorough system of drainage is of
primary importance, and all unnecessary accumu-
lation of dirt and gravel removed; a grade to the
road in the most exact and thorough manner, and
as a surface, the use of a material with which a
bountiful nature has so plentifully supplied us, the
best material ever yet discovered for making a
smooth and appropriate surface for roads at all
seasons and all weather, whether wet or dry, — the
granite rocks and boulders which now so encumber
the whole face of the county, to the great discom-
fort of the agriculturist. These, broken up into
pieces from six to eight ounces each, and strewn
upon the properly prepared and graded surface of
our roads and streets, and thoroughly rolled in,
would give us such roads as we need. This system
of road-making has been thoroughly tried and
proved for many years in England and other parts
of Great Britain, as well as in the vicinity of some
of our own principal cities.
The subject of road-making has received the
attention of many scientific men, particularly in
England. To this subject the talented and scientific
scholar, llichard Lovell Edgcworth, the father of
Maria Edgcworth, contributed many valuable ideas
in the latter part of the last century ; and during the
present, the treatises of McAdam, Stephenson,
Telford, Patterson, and others, have brought the
338
matter to such practical results, that England and
other parts of the United Kingdom, formerly noted
for muddy and wretched roads, rendering travelling
in carriages almost impossible, are now celebrated
for their beautiful and durable public thoroughfares
and county roads.
Let us not be discouraged on account of our
severe frost ; this was one of the difficulties to be
contended with in Great Britain, particularly in
Scotland and the north of England, but it has all
been surmounted ; and truly we are not a people
to surrender to any ordinary obstacle; a little more
exercise of skill and science combined will conquer.
Let us not be understood as fault-finding ; this
is not our object. We believe that those engaged
in the care and labor upon our roads have honestly
endeavored to do their best for the public ; but it
can hardly be expected that a superintendent of
highways or a mayor, however respectable and
generally well-informed, without knowledge and
experience, should be able to cope with an operation
which has required years of patient and laborious
study and experiment to produce a system that
may be relied upon.
We may at some future time enter more into
the detail of this subject; but our present object
is principally to call the attention of our fellow-
citizens to the importance of a thorough reform in
our plan of operations upon our streets and roads.
And to this end we would suggest that, both as a
matter of economy and comfort as well as of taste,
instead of leaving the annual expenditures to an
339
inexperienced person, a well-educated and scientific
man be chosen for the especial superintendence of
this matter, whose salary would be more than
saved — ay, many times over — by well-digested
and systematic operations. A correspondence
upon this subject with the authorities of Boston,
Cambridge, and other places which have succeeded
in producing excellent roads upon the most unfa-
vorable bases, would undoubtedly result in good.
;]40
CHAPTER XXV.
SEPARATE NOTICES OF WESTPORT, DARTMOUTH, AND
FAIRHAVEN — FREEMEN OF DARTMOUTH, 1G86 — WAR-
RANTS OF COLONEL SAMUEL WILLIS FOR THE IMPRESS-
MENT OF SOLDIERS — EXTRACTS FROM THE PLYMOUTH
RECORDS RELATIVE TO THE EARLY AFFAIRS OF DART-
MOUTH—FURTHER REMINISCENCES OF NAUSHON —
NOTE RELATING TO THE NORTHMEN'S VISIT TO THIS
COAST — PRIZE BROUGHT INTO NEW BEDFORD BY LIEU-
TENANT THOMAS TRUXTON, 1776.
Although a considerable portion of the following
historical sketches is but a recapitulation of what
I have given in the foregoing pages, the earlier
history of New Bedford being necessarily so iden-
tified with that of the other parts of the old town-
ship of Dartmouth, I have thought that succinct
notices of each of these ,towns would be ^ialuable
as affording an opportunity for ready reference.
WESTPORT.
Westport is the westernmost portion of the old
township of Dartmouth, and was separately incor-
porated at the time of the division in 1787. It is
about thirteen miles in length, and about four
miles average breadth. Its Indian name was
Acoaxet, and it was early settled by a hardy and
industrious body of yeomen. Agriculture is still
the chief employment of the inhabitants, and there
are a number of valuable farms in the township.
341
The Wesiport River is a stream of considerable
importance, and is divided into two branches, the
east and the west. The east river, or Noquochoke,
is supplied by two small streams, which take their
rise in the township of Fall River. From the
" head of the river," so called, to its mouth, where
it unites with the west branch and empties into
Buzzard's Bay, is about eight miles. The west
branch is much shorter, being about three miles
and a half from its head to its entrance. The
widest part of each branch is about one mile, but
where they unite a little more than two miles.
The west branch is more properly called the
Acoaxet.
There are two flourishing and considerable vil-
lages in this township, the one at the head of the
Noquochoke or east branch of the river, and the
other at Westport Point. The scenery at the
Head of the River, as well as along the banks and
at the " Point," is picturesque and agreeable.
Westport has furnished a large number of the best
seamen and ship-masters in the whaling service.
At Westport Point there are eighteen ships and
barks, one brig, and one schooner, amounting to
4233 tons. In 1837 there were but eight whaling
vessels at this place, showing a considerable in-
crease during the past twenty years. In the town-
ship there are five meeting-houses: two for Friends,
two for Baptists, and one for Methodists; also a
society of Congregationalists. There is a cotton-
mill in this town having 3072 spindles, which in
1837 consumed 300,000 pounds of cotton ; 270,000
342
pounds of cotton yarn were manufactured, the
value of which was $67,500.
Westportis bounded on the north by Fall River,
on the east by Dartmouth, on the south by Buz-
zard's Bay, and on the west by Little Compton
and Tiverton, R. I. The village at the head of
the east river is eight miles from New Bedford.
The amount of oil imported into Westport for
the year ending Jan. 1st, 1858, was 4765 barrels
of sperm and 396 barrels of whale.
DARTMOUTH.
With the ancient name, Dartmouth retained the
largest proportion in the division of the old town-
ship in 1787, its length being about fourteen miles,
with an average breadth of about fi^'e miles — its
widest parts being its northern line, a little more
than six miles, and from Mosher's Point, near
Clark's Cove, in a line due west six miles. The
original township of Dartmouth, as it stood at the
time of the division, was about thirteen miles
square. The earliest record relative to Dartmouth
bears date 2d March, 1640-41, when Governor
Bradford surrendered to the freemen the patent of
the Colony, which had been taken in his name, re-
servinof those tracts described in the instrument of
assignment for the purchasers or old-comers. Vide
Hazard's Collections, volume 1, page 468.
One of these tracts, the second named, was af-
terwards known as the old township of Dartmouth,
and is thus described in " Bradford's History of
Plymouth Plantation," lately published by the
343
Massachusetts Historical Society from the long-
lost manuscript of the author:
" A place called Accoughcouss,* which lyeth in y®
botome of y^ bay adjoining to y*^ west side of Point
Perill,f and two miles to y® westerne side of y*^ said
river, to an other place called Acushente river,
which entereth at y® westerne end of Nacata, J
and two miles to y*^ eastward thereof, and to ex-
tend 8 myles up into to y^ countrie." Page 373.
For corroborative evidence, see Davis's Morton's
Memorial, appendix, page 405.
"During Philip's War a great part of Dartmouth
was laid desolate and many of the inhabitants
killed. The most of the Plymouth forces were
ordered hither. In coming to Russell's garrison at
Ponaganset or Aponaganset in this town, they met
with a number of the enemy that had surrendered
themselves prisoners on terms promised by Captain
Eels of the garrison, and Ralph Earl, who persuaded
them to come in by a friendly Indian whom he
employed. It is to be regretted, however, that not-
withstanding the promises made by the above per-
sons to the Indians, they were by the superior au-
thorities carried away to Plymouth, 'then sold and
transported out of the country, being about eight
score persons.' That part of Dartmouth which
was destroyed is about 5 miles south-west of New
Bedford. The cellar of Russell's garrison is still to
* Accoughcouss, also written Acukus, afterwards Acoaxet, the
Indian name of the west part of Westport.
t Now called Gooseberry Neck, the southernmost point of Westport.
t West's Island, near the east side of Sconticut Neck, Fairhaven.
Wassamequin (Massasoit) in the year "1669, for £10 and another
valuable and sufiBcient gratuity," sells to John Cook, of Akusenag, in
Dartmouth, "one whole island near the towne, called Nokatay."
Drake's History, SfC.,page 200.
344
be seen. It is on the east bank of the Apponegan-
set inlet, near its head. It is stated that Indians
had a fort on the opposite side of the river or inlet,
and used to show themselves, and act all manner
of mockery to aggravate the English, they being at
more than a common gunshot off. It is related,
however, that an Indian came out at one time, as
usual, and exposing himself in a contemptuous
manner, some one having an uncommonly long
gun fired and put an end to his mockery." Bar-
ker's Historical Collections^ page 116.
The agricultural interests of Dartmouth are con-
siderable. There are many valuable farms within
its limits, and a general prosperity and thrift is
characteristic of the people. The three principal
settlements are the villages of Smith's Mills, Pada-
naram, and Russell's Mills. At each place there is
a post-office. In the township there are four meet-
ing-houses for Friends, three for Baptists, one Con-
gregationalist, and 1 for Methodists. The popula-
tion of the town is about 4000.
In 1837, there were 5 vessels, amounting to 1490
tonnage, and the amount of sperm oil imported was
74,000 gallons, and of whale oil 73,978 gallons,
employing 129 hands. Ship-building is also car-
ried on to a considerable extent. The manufacture
of salt is also considerable, and at this period, 1837,
there were thirteen establishments for this business.
On Jan. 1, 1858, Dartmouth had 10 ships and barks,
amounting to 2807 tonnage. The amount of oil
imported for the year preceding was 344 barrels
sperm, 49 barrels whale, and 2110 pounds whale-
345
bone. Several of the citizens of Dartmouth, as
well as Westport, are interested in the whale-fish-
ery and other business in New Bedford.
The Pascamanset River, which rises at the north
part of the township of New Bedford, flows through
the centre of Dartmouth, and empties into Buz-
zard's Bay, between Slocum's and Smith's Necks,
a distance of some fourteen miles.
Dartmouth is bounded on the north by Fall
River and Freetown, east by New Bedford, south
and south-east by Buzzard's Bay.
FAIRHAVEN.
At the division of the old township of Dart-
mouth in 1787, New Bedford and Fairhaven
formed the township of New Bedford, bearing the
name of the latter. They were divided into sep-
arate townships in 1812. The settlement of the
village of Fairhaven was coeval with that of New
Bedford, 1764. It is said to have received its name
from its pleasant situation, which more properly
belongs to the north part of the village, known as
Oxford, the ground being much higher, and the
prospect from the houses consequently much more
commanding. Fairhaven proper is really a pleas-
ant place ; but Oxford, upon the more elevated
portion, is rarely surpassed for natural advantages.
Fairhaven is thirteen miles in length, and about
three and a half miles in breadth. It is the eas-
ternmost part of the old township of Dartmouth.
It is bounded on the north by Freetown and
Rochester, east by Rochester and Mattapoisett,
346
south by Buzzard's Bay, and west by New Bed-
ford.
Fairhaven is a place of considerable importance
in the whale-fishery, and, with New London, ranks
next to New Bedford in point of tonnage in this
department of commerce. Her interests in the
whale-fishery exceed considerably our ancient and
much-respected neighbor, Nantucket, the pioneer
of this great enterprise.
" In 1837 Fairhaven had thirty-seven vessels
employed in the whale-fishery, the tonnage of
which was 11,564 tons. Sperm oil imported,
168,524 gallons ; whale oil imported, 350,944 gal-
lons. Value of sperm oil, $144,178.56; value of
whale oil, $152,780. Hands employed, 945. Cap-
ital invested in the same, $957,000. Whalebone,
101,554 pounds ; value of same, $25,312.86."
For the year ending Jan. 1st, 1858, Fairhaven
had forty-seven ships and barks and one schooner,
amounting to 16,840 tonnage. Amount of oil
imported during this year, 5500 barrels sperm,
17,417 barrels whale, and 103,200 pounds whale-
bone.
" The names of the townsmen of Dartmouth who
had taken the oath of fidelity or freemen's oath,"
March 24th, 1686:
JOHN COOKE, JONATHAN RUSSELL,
JOHN RUSSELL, Sen., JONATHAN DELINO,
JOHN SMITH, THOMAS TABOR,
SAMUEL JENE, Sen., SAMUEL CORN WELL,
ARTHUR HATHAWAY, JAMES SISSON,
WILLIAM WOODE, JOHN SPOONER,
JAMES SAMSON, NATHANIEL SOULL,
JOHN SHERMAN, GEORGE SOULL,
SETH POPE, JOHN JENE,
JOSEPH TRIPP, ELIAZER SMITH,
347
RETURN BADCOCK, HOWLAND,
WILLIAM SPOONER, JOHN EARLE,
LETTICE JENEY, RALPH EARLE, Jr.,
GEORGE CADMAN, STEPHEN PECKUM,
JAMES TRIP, RALPH EARL, (son of William,)
SAMUEL JENEY, Jr., WILLIAM MACOMBER,
JOHN HATHAWAY, SAMUEL WILLCOCKS,
JOSEPH SMITH, JAMES FRANKLIN,
JOSEPH RUSSELL, SAMUEL SPOONER,
HEZIKIAH SMITH, WILLIAM WOOD,
DELIVERANCE SMITH, ANTHOJNY SAVORY.
SHERMAN.
♦♦3Sristol sc
Pursuant to his Excellency y^ Governours War-
rant to me Directed — you are hereby ordered
forthwith to Impress for his majesty's service in the
Frontier, Two able bodied effective men out of
your Company of Militia; to be well armed- — and
see that you have them at the dwelling house of
Stephen Shearmam in Dartmouth on Sunday the
27^^' day of June instant at ten of y'^ clock in the
forenoon — for which this shall be your Warrant
and make due return with your Doings herein
Given under my Hand & Seal at Dartmouth
the 17th day of June A. D. 1746
SAJVP WILLIS CoP
To major W'" Richmond in his absence to Lieu*
James Pierce in little Compton "
"3SristoUc.
Pursuant to his Excellency the Governours War-
rant to me Directed — You are hereby Required
forthwith to Impress for His Majesty's service in
the Eastern Frontier three able bodied effective
men out of your company of Militia; and see that
you have them at y^ dwelling House of Lieu^ Lot
Strange in Freetown on Wednesday y^ 30^*^ of
July Instant at ten of the clock in the forenoon —
For which this shall be your sufficient Warrant —
make due Return with your doings herein unto
myself or Order — Given under my Hand & Seal
at Dartmouth the 17^^ ^\^y ^^ j^jy ^ j) ijj^q
SAxM^ WILLIS CoP
348
P. S. the Souldiers to be raised, and that were
to meet at M^ Salsbury's, you are to bring with you
at time and place above mentioned — there with
them must be had.
To Maj^ Richmond or in his absence to his Lieu*."
The superscription is as follows:
^' On bis Majesty's Service
Maj"" W^^ Richmond
III
Little Compton if
absent to his Lieutenant"
ADDITIONAL EXTRACTS FROM THE PLYMOUTH COLONY
RECORDS.
In the bill of rates of the several towns, October
5, 1652, Dartmouth is assessed £2. Vide Court
Orders, vol. 3, page 19.
"Town officers of Acushnet: 1662, Samuel Jen-
ney; 1663, William Spooner; 1664, .lames Shaw;
1665, Daniel Wilcockes; 1666, William Palmer."
,,1667. Celect Men, Dartmouth: John Russell,
Samuel Hickes, Arthur Hatheway." Court Orders^
vol. 4, page 150.
"1667, October 30. In reference to a contro-
uersy between the English and the Indians about
running the line of the bounds of Dartmouth, the
Court have ordered that in case Robert Hazard, of
Rhode Island, may be procured, that he run the line
with the inspection of such as shall be approved
both by the English of the said town and the In-
dians; but in case he cannot be procured, that
John Cobb, of Taunton, shall run the said line, and
that this shall be the final end of this controversy,
and that the charge of the business shall be borne
by the said town." Court Orders^ vol. A, page 168.
"1668, June 3. The Court haveing taken into
consideration the controversy att Dartmouth, aris-
349
ing from a diversity of expressing the eastermost
bounds of Dartmouth, and finding upon serch of
the first ancient record that the bounds was to take
place from the river and two miles eastward; but
this Court alowes of three miles eastward, and
doth mind the river and not the bay, to take the
three miles from ; and the tree that hath bine their
bound soe long, and hath bin proved, the Court
sees no reason but you ought to rest satisfied in."
Court Orders^ vol. 4, page 185.
"ownership of naushOxN island.
In 1641, the agent of Lord Stirling granted the
island to Thomas Mayhew of Martha's Vineyard.
This grant was ratified under a commission from
the Duke of York, by Francis Lovelace, Governor-
General of New York, in 1671. IVfayhew also
bought out the Indian titles, and held it till 1682,
when it was bought by Wait Winthrop, grandson
of the first Governor of Massachusetts. It con-
tinued in the Winthrop family until 1730, when it
was conveyed by John Winthrop, son of Wait, to
James Bowdoin, who sold one third part of the
property to some of the Lechmere family. Of the
other two thirds, one half was set oft' after his
death to his son William, and the other half to his
son James, afterwards Lieutenant Governor Bow-
doin. In 1761, the Lechmeres conveyed by deed
one half of their third to James Bowdoin, aforesaid;
and his brother William became proprietor of the
other half by foreclosure of a mortgage. James
Bowdoin, the Governor's son, inherited one half
of the island from his father, and came into pos-
session of the other half by marriage with his
cousin Sarah, the daughter and only child of his
uncle William. By him the property was left to
his nephew James, the son of Sir John and Lady
Temple, upon condition of his taking the name of
Bowdoin. Lady Temple was Governor James
S50
Bowdoiji^s daughter. This was the late Jarncs
Temple Eowdoin. After his de^ith, October 3lst,.
1842, the Trustees of Bowdoin College instituted
a suit at law, claiming the property, as residuary
devisee under the will of the uncle James Bow-
doin, to the exclusion of James Temple Bowdoin'&
only son, James, to whom the property was to de-
scend by the terms of that will.
The ground of the claim by Bowdoin College
involved the question of citizenship of the son, the
intentions of the uncle, and sundry nice points of
law. An attempt on the part of the College to
take forcible possession of a valuable property on
Beacon street, Boston, similarly situated with that
of the island, was defeated by the agent of Mr,
Bowdoin sending a body of men at daylight, who
tore down the shed erected on the ground by the
College, carted off the materials, and erected a
carpenter's shop, and put a tenant therein on behalf
of Mr. Bowdoin. Eminent counsel were employed
on both sides : Daniel Webster, Franklin Dexter,
Mr. Paine, Aylwin, and Clifford, of New Bedford,
on the part of Mr. Bowdoin; and Jeremiah Mason,
Rufus Choate, Charles G. Loring, Benjamin F.
Hallett, P. W. Chandler, and B. R. Curtis, for the
College. The case was expected to come on at
the November court in Boston, but on the 28th of
September, 1843, a compromise was agreed upon
by the parties, whereby James Bowdoin was to
receive seven tenths (7 lOths) and the College three
tenths (3 lOths) of both properties. Both parties
assented to the sale of Naushon Island, with all
the stock and other personal property thereon, to
William Sturgis, Esq., for the sum of twenty thou-
sand dollars. The purchase was made for William
W. Swain, of New Bedford, and John M. Forbes,
of Boston, who thereby became joint proprietors of
the island property. It was through the agency of
Mr. Sturgis that the compromise between the par-
351
ties was elTected, and tlie object he had in view in
attempting it was to get {possession of the island
for the present proprietors, which he happily ac-
complished."
"Sir John Temple, alluded to in the foregoing
record, was English Consul-General for the United
States, and died in New York in 1798. The old-
est son. Sir Grenville Temple, resided in England.
James Temple Bowdoin was his brother. The late
Mrs. Winthrop, wife of Lieutenant-Governor Win-
throp, and mother of Robert C. Winthrop, and
Mrs. Palmer, of New York, were his sisters, and
daughters of Sir John and Lady Temple. The
father of Governor James Bowdoin was the first
owner of Naushon after the Winthrop family.
Naushon was owned by the Mayhew family from
1641 to 1682, 41 years ; by the Winthrop family,
from 1682 to 1730, 48 years ; by the Bowdoin fam-
ily, from 1730 to 1843, 113 years." Naushon Rec-
ords^ by William W. Swain.
Although the first part of the following mem-
oranda do not particularly belong to the subject,
yet as they were a portion of the record as I
received it, and interesting as a reminiscence, I
have made use of them.
MEMORANDUMS OF WAIT Vv^NTHROP's SON JOHN,
RELATING TO NAUSHON.
"Since I came to years of understanding, I have
taken a little notice of y*^ affairs of y*^ world, and
have found it to be in a most distracted posture,
full of confusion. Not a man or any thing constant
or true. I am now this present year 1702, twenty
one years old, and in all my life hitherto have
never yet found a true friend, one y* I could trust.
Even my very relations have proved false and
betrayed nie. When I rellect upon my mispent
60Z
time and think liow long I have lived, and what
little I have done for y*^ servis of X*^ I mourn and
lye low in the dust before the Lord my creator.
Lord if thy maj*^' wilt vouchsafe to grant me Grace
and enable me, I will promise to serve y*^ my Re-
deemer all y® remaining days of my Pilgrimage.
Dens SecundatP
" Boston August 21. 1702. Reacht M^ Cushins
that night. Next day being Saturday we went as
far as Plymouth, where we kept y^ Sabbath. M"^
Little y® minister of y® town preacht.
Monday morning we got out from Plymouth,
went to Dartmouth, lodged at Capt. Pope's,* next
day we rid round to moniment bay came to a
little farm house where we lay at night. Supt
upon venison &c.
Wednesday morning it rained hard with thunder.
Afternoon it cleared up. We went on our journey
and got to succonessetf where we lodged y' night.
Next morning went over to y® Island in a canoe.
Sept y® 12. 1702. The house on the east end of
Elizabeth's Island was raised. Ye Indians say
before y*^ English came to America, y® was a white
whale kept in y® great pond at y® west end of
Kataimuk island.
M"" Stanton's powow at Stonington before y®
English inhabited Coneticott y*^ Indians could raise
upon Fisher's Island 600 fighting men out of y^
dwellers at y*^ Island.
Tarpolin Cove on Elizabeth's Island September
1702. Here arrived an English ship from Nevis
y*^ master whereof sent my Father a dozen and
half of oranges.
Y® Indians relate a story y* a Powow wh. livd
at Moniment long before y° English came over to
* Captain Seth Pope, died March 17tli, 1727, in the seventy-ninth
year of his age.
t Falmouth.
353
y® nothnii America meting with some afiVont from
y® Indians y* inhabited Naushauna island — Out
of revenge got y® Devell to throw over a Rattle
snake wh. increased much and soon after a squaw
was bit by one.
Y^ natives of y^ Elizabeth Island say y* y*^ Devell
was making a stone bridge over from y^ main to
Nanamesst Island and while he was rowling y®
stones and placing of y^ under water, a crab
cathed him by y® fingers with wh. he snathed up
his hand and flung it towards Nantucket and y^
crabs breed there ever since.
Y® iner bark of y^ root of y'^ taullest baberry bush
steeped in water. Ye Indians on y® Elizabeths
Island cures y® bloody flux with.
Quere Whether if steeped in wine it would
not be better.
Y® Dutch ship that came into y® harbour of New
London before New England was inhabited A
ship to saile under water, also through the air."
Naushon Island Records.
The following interesting reminiscence is also
taken from the same source :
" Mrs. Elizabeth Bowdoin, her husband being in
a very weak state, addresses a letter from Dorches-
ter, June 4th, 1775, to the Committee of Safety,
enclosing a deposition signed by Elisha Nye, inn-
holder at Tarpaulin Cove, on Naushon Island, com-
plaining of depredations committed on the stock
by Capt. Lindsay, of the English sloop-of-war
Falkland, and suggesting ' that if about one hun-
dred men posted on that island, it would be a
sufficient force to protect the inhabitants and also
the stock of cattle and sheep, which are very
considerable, and which have hitherto furnished
divers parts of this colony with fat sheep and
cattle for provisions, and particularly with large
quantities of wool for our home manufacturers.
354
Elisha Nye makes out the following estimate of
the value of the articles taken by Capt. Lindsay
from Tarpaulin Cove :
£ s. d.
4 sheep, 2 16
3 calves (4 months old,) 3 6
4 quarters veal sold, 2 8
1 gun, taken out of my house by the Dr., of great value, 3
Riding my horse, and use of my well, 3
14 10
May 31, 1775. Sworn to before me.
THOMAS SMITH, Jun.,
Jus® Peace, Barnstable.
I beg leave to make this representation, that
you may take such measures as your wisdom shall
dictate; and am, most respectfully in Mr. Bow-
doin's behalf, who is part owner of one of said
islands, Gent^", y'" mo. ob* Humb® Serv^
ELIZABETH BOWDOIN.
To the Hon. Committee of Safety.' "
Nashawena was also formerly owned by the
Winthrops, and is mentioned in the first series of
the Historical Society's Collections, volume 1, page
202, as " Winthrop's Island." Pasque was also
called "Tucker's Island," — owned in 1843 by
Joseph and Benjamin Tucker.
RECOLLECTIONS OF NAUSHON, BY SAMUEL ROBINSON.
" You ask me to tell you what I know of the
Island of Naushon and its dependencies. I am
afraid you have called too late: I am an old worn-
out man ; the 16th day of July next, should I live
till that time, I shall be 83 years of age ; my mem-
ory is gone ; my comforts have been but few; by the
sweat of my brow have I earned my bread all my
days; and in looking back, so far as dates are con-
cerned, I find but little which would tend to fix or
impress them on my mind.
355
You ask me on what part of the island the first
house was built, and the year when. It is my im-
pression that the farm-house is the oldest house now
on the island. It must have been built about ninety
years ago. Zephaniah Robinson was the first ten-
ant; he was my uncle. He was succeeded by his
aon Isaac Robinson, who occupied it for a short
time, wheti his father again resumed it and occu-
pied it until he removed from the island to Kenne-
bec, where he died. This must have been in the
year 1800. I succeeded him in the occupancy, and
continued in it for five years. Soon after leaving
the farm-house I removed from the island, which
was on the loth of January, 1806.
The Nonamesset house was first built about the
year 1769. It was built for my father, Paul Rob-
inson. He moved from Waquoit when I was
about one year old, and took possession of it. How
long my father lived there I cannot now tell; all
that I can say is, that he lived and died there, and
we carried his body across to Woods Hole, where
he was buried. Oliver Grinnell succeeded my
father in the occupancy of Nonamesset, Tarpau-
lin Cove house was built on the site of an old
house, which was torn down to make way for it
the year after peace, say in 1784. I was then about
twenty-five years old, I assisted in the building,
helped make and burn the bricks and burned the
lime, also cut and carted the timber, and enough of
it there is in the frame, I candidly believe there is
as much as in three houses which they build at the
present day. John Nye first lived in it; after him
came Shadrach Robinson, and then I believe some
tenants from the Vineyard, whose names I cannot
now recollect. West-end house (Robinson's Hole)
is a very old building. I cannot recall to my mind
anything which will fix the date of its building.
It was occupied by one William Robinson. On-
katonka house was built about the year 1800; it
was first occupied by Seth Robinson.
356
I lived with my father on Nonamesset when the
mansion-house was built; it must have been over
thirty years ago. It was not occupied by any-
body during my day except Governor Bowdoin
and his family during their visits to the island.
The Governor died in that house, I remember it
well. Everything was left in the house precisely
as they were when the old man died, his wife and
family immediately leaving it, and not stopping to
take care of a single thing; the knives and forks
resting on the shelves, the beds and bedding dirty,
and in great confusion, family stores and provis-
ions left without care. The house remained in
this situation for seven or eight years unmolested,
when Joseph Parker, of Woods Hole, was author-
ized to go and take out part of the furniture, such
as beds and bedding, &c. I remember very well
going with him to New Bedford, and carrying them
in the vessel which was called the old Maria packet.
To the westward of Tarpaulin Cove, about two
miles, there used to stand an old house. It was
occupied by my grandfather, William Robinson,
when I was a boy; it was a very old house then.
It was afterwards Occupied by William Butler.
The cottage was built, I believe, by Solomon
Towne, for the convenience of the wood-choppers.
My wife's father, Nathan Weeks, lived at the head
of Tarpaulin Cove harbor, in a little small house
built in the true log-cabin style. It was torn down
many years ago, but I shall never forget the old
house. It was there that I felt 'love's young
dreams.' I did all my courting in that rude but com-
fortable old house, and was there married fifty-five
years ago. My father-in-law afterwards moved to
Chilmark, where he went the way of all living.
There was a house standing to the westward of the
French watering-place, and occupied formerly by
EInathan Rowley ; after he left, it was torn down.
On the east side of Tarpaulin Cove, there for-
merly stood an old house which was occupied by
357
Zachens Lambert; he left it, and it was afterwards
burnt down by the British in sport during the Rev-
olutionary War. During that war, there were
about two hundred British soldiers stationed at
Naushon, say at Tarpaulin Cove; they were there
twelve or fourteen months. They built a fort on
the east side of the harbor, the remains of which
are still to be seen. They used to barrack in the
old house which stood where the present Tarpau-
lin Cove house now stands. There are a great many
stories connected with that war which history will
never tell, and which will die with the few survivors
who witnessed that terrible but glorious struggle.
It was during that war the British came down
the bay, with eighteen sail of transports and other
vessels, and anchored near the Weepeckets. They
then landed about five hundred men and demanded
all the stock there was on the island. Remon-
strance and resistance were useless. They marched
to the eastern part of the island, and separating,
they commenced driving the stock to the westward
as far as Robinson's Hole, where they took it in their
boats and carried it on board. As near as I re-
member, they took off at this time fourteen hun-
dred sheep, thirty -five head of cattle, and twenty-
five horses. This was stripping the island with a
vengeance, but this was not all. Some time after
a privateer sloop with two tenders came and an-
chored in Hadley's harbor. I then resided, I remem-
ber, with my father, at Nonamesset. There were
remaining of the former stock about sixteen cows,
seventy or eighty sheep, and one yoke of oxen.
The captain of the privateer sent his boat on shore,
and the officer, after looking round awhile at the
stock, spied some calves which we had at Nona-
messet. He gave us orders to dress him four and
send them on board in the morning; this we did
and carried them on board as he directed, which he
paid us for. My father went with me on board of
358
the privateer; and after paying for the calves he
said to my father, ' I shall take what sheep you
have got on the island. I see,' he says, 'that these
are all yarded ; and now, ray friend, as the wool is
of no use to me, you may go on shore and com-
mence shearing them, [for it w^as in the Spring of the
year,] and I shall attend to getting them on board;
and further,' says he, 'if you are faithful in send-
ing all the sheep on board, I will leave the cows
and oxen with you.' I very well remember how
my old father worked to save the wool, and I carted
them down to the boats the next day, with a sol-
dier marching each side of me.
I am very sorry I cannot remember the agents'
names, and the time each had charge of the prop-
erty. John Reed, of Boston, was agent as long
ago as I can remember. He, I believe, was suc-
ceeded by a man by the name of BuUard. After
BuUard came William Putnam; this must have
been about the year 1794. Putnam remained as
agent until 1806 or 1807. 1 cannot tell who suc-
ceeded. One Gallant was agent for a time since
then; also a man by the name of Solomon Towme.
But I find the more I attempt to fix my mind upon
any one point the more confused my ideas grow.
Old age must be my excuse, however.
SAMUEL ROBINSON.
Nantucket, Jan. 28, 1841."
The following account of New Bedford more
than sixty years since, is taken from Morse's
Gazetteer, published in 1797 :
" New Bedford, a post-town and port of entry
in Bristol County, Massachusetts, situated on
a small bay which sets up north from Buzzard's
Bay, fifty-eight miles south of Boston. The
township was incorporated in 1787, and is thirteen
miles in length and four in breadth ; bounded east
359
by Rochester, west by Dartmouth, of which it was
originally a part, and south by Buzzard's Bay*
Acushnutt was the Indian name of New Bedford;
and the small river of that name, discovered by
Gosnold in 1602, runs from north to south through
the township, and divides the villages of Oxford
and Fairhaven from Bedford village. A company
was incorporated in 1796 for building a bridge
across the river* From the head to the mouth of
the river is seven or eight miles. Fairhaven and
Bedford villages are a mile apart, and a ferry con*
stantly attended is established between them.
Since my eleventh chapter went to press, I have
discovered an editorial statement in the American
Antiquities, published at Copenhagen, by which it
would appear that the Northmen erected dwelling-
houses on this coast, at Mount Hope, R. I. ; but as
the history of the visit of the Northmen is involved
in much obscurity, and this statement simply edi-
torial, it can hardly invalidate the usual conclusion,
that the little fort and store house built by Gosnold
and his companions were the first buildings erected
by the Europeans upon this continent.
ADDENDA TO THE REVOLUTIONARY REMINISCENCES.
" Early in 1776, Thomas Truxton sailed as lieu-
tenant in the private armed ship the Congress,
Captures were made off Havana ; and of one of the
prizes he took the command,- and brought her to
New Bedford."
Thomas Truxton died in Philadelphia May 5th,
1822, aged 67 years. He was therefore at this
time (1776) but 21 years of age.
mo
CHAPTER XXVI.
INCORPORATION ACT OF NEW BEDFORD AND FAIRHAVEN
AS A TOWNSHIP, 1787 — ACT OF SEPARATION OF NEW
BEDFORD AND FAIRHAVEN, 1812— ORTHOGRAPHY OF
ACUSHNET — LIST OF THE LIGHT-HOUSES IN BUZZARD'S
BAY — OLD ADVERTISEMENT RELATING TO THE NEW
BEDFORD BRIDGE, FROM THE COLUMBIAN COURIER, 1798
—FIRST WHALING VOYAGE TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN
FROM NANTUCKET —NOTICE OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM
CLAGHORN— CAPTAIN EDMUND GARDNER'S ACCOUNT
OF A PORTION OF HIS SEA FARING LIFE— THE PROGRESS
OF NEW BEDFORD- STATISTICS OF THE WHALE-FISHERY.
The ancient domains of the old township of Dart-
mouth were first disturbed in 1787, by its division
into three separate parts, viz., Westport, Dartmouth,
and New Bedford, the latter including the present
township of Fairhaven, a division between which,
as will be seen by the second act, took place in 1812.
THE INCORPORATION OF NEW BEDFORD AND FAIR-
HAVEN AS A TOWNSHIP, 1787.
•• ©ommonluealtt) of i^ass3e|)usetts.
In the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundi^d and
Eighty- Seven.
An Act for incorporating the easterly part of the
Town of Dartmouth, in the County of Bristol,
into a seperate Town by the name of New Bed-
ford.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives, in General Court assembled, and by
the authority of the same, That the lands hereaf-
ter described, to wit, beginning at a bridge lying
361
across a stream iliat runs through the beach by a
place called Clark's Cove; thence running northerly
as the main branch of the stream runs, till it comes
to a little bridge lying across the County road, at
the foot of a hill about twenty rods to the east-
ward of the dwelling-house where James Peck-
ham, deceased, last dwelt; thence northerly, on a
straight line, to Nathaniel Spooner's Sawmill; from
thence northerly, on the west side of Bolton's Cedar
swamp, till it comes to the dividing line between
Dartmouth and Freetown, near the place called
Aaron's causeway; thence east twenty-two degrees
and one half north, in the dividing line between
said towns, to a rock, known by the name of peaked
rock; thence southerly, by the Country road that
leads from Dartmouth to Boston, one hundred and
eight rods, to the south-west corner of Ebenezer
Lewis' homestead farm; thence east about three
hundred rods, in the dividing line between Roch-
ester and Dartmouth, to a large white pine tree,
marked on three sides; thence south six degrees
and one half east, in the dividing line between
Dartmouth and Rochester, to a heap of stones by
the Sea; thence westerly, to the first mentioned
bounds; with all the islands heretofore known to
be a part of Acquishnet village, with the inhabi-
tants dwelling on the lands above described, be,
and they are hereby incorporated into a town by
the name of New Bedford: and the said town is
hereby invested with all the powers, priviliges and
immunities to which towns within this Common-
wealth are or may be entitled, agreeable to the
Constitution and laws of the said Commonwealth.
Provided^ nevertheless, and be it further enacted,
That any of the inhabitants now dwelling on the
above-described lands, who are or may be still
desirous of belonging to the town of Dartmouth,
shall, at any time within two years from the passing
of this act, by returning their names into the
362
Secretary's office, and signifying their desire of
belonging to said Dartmouth, have that priviledge;
and shall, with their polls and estates, belong to,
and be a part of the said town of Dartmouth; they
paying' their proportion of all taxes which shall
have been laid on the said village of Acquishnet,
or town of New Bedford, previously to their thus
returning their names, as they would by law have
been holden to pay, had they continued and been
a part of the town of New Bedford.
'Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That
the inhabitants of the said town of New Bedford
shall pay all the arrears of taxes which have been
assessed upon them, and their proportionable part
of what remains unpaid of the beef tax, so called,
together with their proportion of all debts that are
now due from the said town of Dartmouth ; and
shall support their own poor.
Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid. That
the public lands, and the buildings standing
thereon, also the town's stock of powder, and other
town's property, shall be estimated and divided in
the same proportion that each Village paid in the
last State- Tax by Committees to be appointed for
that purpose, at their annual town-meeting in
March or April next. And whatever sum shall be
found due to the town of Dartmouth, in conse-
quence of the work-house standing within the line
of New Bedford, as shall be reported by said
Committees, the inhabitants of said New Bedford
shall pay to said town of Dartmouth.
And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That Elisha May, Esq\, be, and he is hereby em-
powered, to issue his warrant directed to some
principal inhabitant, requiring him to warn and
give notice to the inhabitants of .the said town
of New Bedford to assemble and meet at some
suitable place in said town, to choose all such
town-officers as towns are required to choose at
their annual town-meetings, in the month of March
or April, annually.
In the House of Representatives, )
February 22d, 1787. \
This bill, having had three several Readings,
passed to be Enacted.
ARTEMAS WARD, Speaker.
In Senate, February 23d, 1787.
This bill having had two several readings passed
to be enacted. SAMUEL PHILLIPS, Prs*".
By the Govern our. Approved.
JAMES BOWDOIN.
A true Copy. Attest,
JOHN AVERY, Junr., Secretary."
SEPARATION OF NEW BEDFORD AND FAIRHAVEN, 1812»
« €:ommonb3ealtl) of if^assac|)usctts*
An Act to establish the Town of Fair Haven.
Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House
of Representatives, in General Court assembled, and
by the authority of the same, That the easterly part
of 'New Bedford, in the County of Bristol, as de-
scribed within the following bounds, with the inhab-
itants thereon, be, and they are hereby incorporated
into a seperate town by the name of Fairhaven,
viz.: beginning at the mouth of Accushnet river;
thence northerly, by s*^ river, untill it comes to the
north side of a bridge at the head of s^^ river;
thence westerly, by the north side of the highway,
to Swift's Corner, (so called ;) thence northerly, by
the easterly side of the highway which leads to
Rounsevill's furnace, until it comes to Freetown
line; thence easterly, by the line of s'^ Freetown,
till it comes to peaked rock, (so called,) in the north-
east corner of the town of New Bedford ; thence
southerly, by Rochester line, till it comes to Buz-
zard's Bay ; thence, by said s"* Bay, to the first men-
;i64
tioned bound. And the s^ Town of Fairhaven
is hereby vested with all the powers, priviledges,
rights and immunities, and subject to all the duties
and requisitions to which other towns are entitled
and suiDJected by the Constitution and laws of this
Commonwealth.
Sect. 2. Be it further enacted. That of all State
and County Taxes which shall be levied and
required of s^ Towns previous to a new valuation,
the s*^ town of Fairhaven shall pay three tenth
parts thereof.
Sect. 3. Be it further enacted. That all the ex-
penses arising for the support of the poor of said
Town of New Bedford, with whom it is now
chargeable, together with such poor as have removed
out of s*^ Town prior to this Act of Incorporation,
but who may hereafter Lawfully return to said
Town for support, shall be divided between the
two Towns in proportion to the taxes which they
are liable to pay, respectively, according to this act.
Sect. 4. Be it further enacted. That John
Hawes, Esq., be, and he is hereby authorized to
Issue his warrant, directed to some suitable Inhab-
itant of Fairhaven, requiring him to notify and
warn the Inhabitants thereof qualified to vote for
Town officers, to meet at such convenient time
and place as shall be expressed in his s*^ warrant,
to choose such officers as Towns are by law author-
ized to choose in the months of March or April,
annually. And that the s*^ John Hawes, Esq.,
be, and he is hereby authorized and empowered to
preside at said meeting during the election of a
Moderator, and to exercise all the powers and do
all the duties which Town- Clerks by Law have,
and do perform in the elections of Moderators of
Town meetings.
EB. W. RIPLEY, Speaker.
SAMUEL DANA, F of the Senate.
Council Chamber, 22d April, 1812.
Approved. E. GERRY."
;365
Note by John Pickens, Town Clerk of New
Bedford: '' No doubt the above date ought to be
* 22d February.' "
ACUSHNET.
The orthography of the name of this river is
very various as found in the old records : Acoos-
jiet, Cushnet, Acushena, Accushnutt, Acushnett,
Acushnet. The latter is now the usual mode of
writing the word, and being the most easily written,
I have adopted it. The Indians, like the Greeks,
used the aspirate, and it is probable that they called
it Ha cushnet.
The following are the names of the light-houses
in Buzzard's Bay : Cuttyhunk, Dumpling Rock,
Clark's Point, Palmer's Island, Ned's Point, fixed
lights; and Bird Island, revolving.
ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE COLUMBIAN COURIER.
To Caleb Greene, Clerk of the Proprietors of New Bedford Bridge :
WE, the subscribers, Proprietors of New Bedford Bridge, request
thou wilt call a special meeting of said Proprietors, as soon as
may be, to see if they will authorise the Committee or appoint another
Committee with authority to proceed in building the Bridge and com-
pleating the same. Also to hear what report their Committee may
make relative to the business committed to them.
Also to see what order they will give relative to those persons who
are or may be delinquent in paying the sums assessed upon their re-
spective shares; and such other business as they may think proper to
act upon when met. WILLIAM ROTCH, Jun.,
THOMAS ROTCH,
THOMAS HAZARD, Jux.,
PRESERVED FISH,
JOSEPH MAXFELD,
PELEG HOWL.VND,
BENJAMIN HILL,
ISAAC SHEARMAN,
New Bedford, 12 mo. 24, 1798. EBENEZER PERRY.
In pursuance of the above request, the Proprietors of New Bedford
Bridge are hereby notified, that a special meeting of said Proprietors
366
■will be held at the Friends' School house in this Tillage the scTcnth
day of next week, 1st mo. 5th, at 2 o'clock P. M., for the purpose
mentioned in said request, CALEB GREENE, Proprietors' Clerk,
New Bedford. 12 mo. 24, 1798.
" Captain Paul Worth, in a new ship of 280 tons
burthen, called the Beaver, sailed from Nantucket,
on a whaling- voyage in the Pacific Ocean, in the
year 1791." ^
" The ship was out 17 months, and was the first
belonging to the island that returned from the Pa-
cific Ocean." Macijs History of Nanti/cket,p. 142.
It is probable that the voyages of the Rebecca
and the Beaver were nearly contemporary ; but as
the time of the sailing and returning of the Beaver
is not given in the above-mentioned history, I have
published the statement of the Rebecca's voyage
as I received it, taken from the account-books of
Joseph Russell & Sons.*
Captain William Claghorn, a native of Martha's
Vineyard, one of our earliest and most intelligent
ship-masters, was probably the master of the sloop
Betsey on her whaling voyage, an account of which
is given in the sixth chapter. The following elegy,
written by the late Thaddeus Mayhew, of this
city, is taken from a printed copy now in the
possession of Mrs. Maxfeld, widow of the late
Captain Patrick Maxfeld, now living in this city
at an advanced age :
An Elegy to the memory of Capt. William Clag-
horn, of New Bedford; who died suddenly, in a
* Since this was wi'itten, I have been informed that (he ship Beaver,
of Nantucket, sailed for the Pacific Ocean in the month of August,
1791, and returned February 3d, 179-3.
307
fit of the Apoplexy, while on a visit to Boston,
February 24, 1793.
No lingering messenger of cruel fate,
With slow advances, bade our sorrows wait;
The Almighty Fiat, quick as tho't was heard.
And sorrow's aspect o'er the world appear'd,
No haughty despot's expiating blood.
Who grac'd his triumphs with a purple flood;
Nor heroes left upon the ensangain'd plain.
In death advent'rous, wakes the plaintive strain:
Grief o'er the sound and on the music floats,
The muse to Friendship pours her tearful notes,
*******
Sufi'us'd, o'erwhelmed in tears, with sad complaint.
Commix'd with dust the active frame now lies.
Nor unlamented social virtue dies ;
Time's sable curtain's drawn — the hour is past —
Nor Claghorn could withstand the conq'ring blast;
To sooth his soul in agonizing death,
No kindred friends beheld his yielding breath.
So Heaven ordain'd at distance doom'd to die,
And strangers honor 'd with the parting sigh:
By them in earth thy rev'rend limbs were laid,
Alas! by strangers thy sad rites were paid.
But now the fatal tidings reach thine home,
All join the Widow's and the Orphan's moan.
A weeping hermit o'er the sudden bier
Lo! Bedford drops the sympathetic tear.
And joins thy anguish'd Partner to deplore
Her fondest hope, and consolation o'er —
A Son, unconscious of his Mher's fate.
In distant seas thy death shall mourn too late,
Too late return to a fond mother's arms,
To sooth her anguish'd soul in grief's alarms,
To act the filial and the friendly part,
And pour the balm of comfort to her heart.
Thy genius known to many a foreign clime;
W^isdom and wealth departed shade were thine.
Oft on the deep, amid the tempest's roar.
By raging ocean wafted from the shore.
Thy soaring mind far distant countries sought.
And wealth from waves and gaping dangers bo't;
The wide Atlantic oft hath been thy path.
The Baltic oft from thee withheld his wrath:
Thy gen'rous manly soul no danger fear'd.
By truth supported and by .Justice steer'd —
Tho' thou art numbcr'd with the silent dead.
Yet not in dust are all thy virtues laid:
In thy address sweet condescension shone.
And true politeness mark'd thee for her own ;
:J68
So long as Justice bath the pow'r to give.
Thy shining merits in the world shall live.
Almighty Father! gild the stormy day.
From thy rich fount emit one cheering ray!
O calm her breast whose guardian consort 's gone,
A breast to pain and long to sickness known.
Their sorrows soften, and dispel the gloom.
And wrest the weeping mourners from the tomb;
With liberal hand Religion's comforts strew,
And cause their minds immortal joys to view;
'Till past the gulph, their tow'ring Souls shall fly,
And greet their friend above the starry sky;
Where ghastly Death shall lose his mortal sting,
And they with joy shall rising wonder sing.
New Bedford. 4th March, 1793. Philander.
At my request, the following interesting sketches
of a portion of the nautical experience of Captain
Edmund Gardner, a native of Nantucket, one of
our most respected fellow-citizens, were furnished
me. It will afford the public a fair representation
of the life and vicissitudes of that class of our cit-
izens, to whom New Bedford owes so much of her
prosperity.
"After losing the ship Union, of Nantucket, in
latitude 38, longitude 44, twelve days out,* pro-
ceeded on to the Western Islands, seven hundred
miles distant, in two boats, sixteen being the ship's
company ; arrived after a passage of seven days.
We then took a cargo of fruit from Terceira to
New York. On our arrival in the States, found
that the long embargo had taken effect, and navi-
gation was suspended. Many ships were laid up
in New York and in this place. There were one
hundred and four square-rigged vessels lying at the
wharves in this place, quite a difference from my
first visit here in the year 1794, when there were one
small brig and some sloops at the wharves.
*See page 101, note.
369
After remaining at home four months, engaged to
go first officer of ship Maria, David Coffin, master.
The embargo act did not prevent whaling ships
from clearing under restrictions to enter no port or
place inhabited. We sailed under heavy bonds,
and entered no port from 1808 to 1810, when the
embargo act was rescinded ; then went to the port
of Lima for recruits and water, preparatory for the
passage home.
On our arrival home the ship Winslow was
fitted for me, and sailed in 1810 for the Pacific
Ocean; was absent on the voyage eighteen months,
and returned in 1812 with a full cargo of sperm oil
— 1400 barrels.
Soon after our return, the political atmosphere
began to lower and the clouds thicken. In the 6th
mo., 1812, war was declared against England. I
remained at home during the war, three and a half
years ; and then sailed in the ship Winslow, all
my former officers going in her again. After a
boisterous passage around Cape Horn, we at last
arrived in the far-famed Pacific, and commenced
taking oil. We had taken three hundred barrels,
and were in pursuit of a large sperm whale. On
harpooning him, the whale turned towards the
boat, and rolling, brought his teeth directly on my
head ; one of the teeth pierced my hat and head, leav-
ing the skull-bone bare for three inches ; one tooth
pierced my left hand; two others entered my right
arm and shoulder; my jaw, on the right side, and
a part of five teeth, were broken. Leaving the whale
mortally wounded, I was taken on board the ship.
I directed the mate to steer for Paita, where we
arrived in six days. On arriving at that port,
found no surgeon ; sent express to Puno, fifty
miles, for one, who jMcne in thirty-six hours. The
surgeon was an oldman, sixty-nine years of age.
He remained at Paita six days, when I was carried
in a cot to the country to be near the doctor. I
370
remained there between two and three months,
under the care of this skilful man. I joined the
ship at Paita in a weak state, but pursued the voyage
to the completion of a full cargo, and arrived in
1817, having been absent twenty-three months.
From the great loss of blood, I was very weak ;
and I remained at home one year and a half, when
a ship was built for me, called the Balsena. She
sailed for the Pacific in 1818. On arriving in the
Pacific, we found many ships and little success, and
left for the coast of California. After being there
some time, the scurvy making its appearance in
the ship's company, came to the conclusion to go
to the Sandwich Islands, in company with the ship
Equator, of Nantucket ; arrived at Owyhee in
sixteen days, the first whaling ship ever at those
islands, a place of general resort at the present
time for ships in the North Pacific. During the
stay at Owyhee, we caught a large sperm whale,
and took him to the ship. So great was the ex-
citement with the natives that all boats or canoes
were called into requisition, and many came swim-
ming to see the leviathan of the deep. This whale
made one hundred and two barrels of sperm oil.
It is not unlikely there were as many natives
aground the ship as were around Captain Cook's
ship at the same place many years before. The
natives deplore the untimely death of Captain
Cook, and are ready to point out the place where
Terreeoboo was secreted for many days after the
death of Captain Cook, he being the prominent
chief who caused Captain Cook to be killed. The
Balaena was just one year in the North Pacific,
during which time we took 1200 barrels of sperm
oil. We finished the voyage and returned in thirty
months, having procured 200Ji^arrels. During this
voyage my health was much improved.
I sailed on a second voyage within two months
in the same ship, performing this voyage in twenty
371
months, obtaining 2000 barrels of sperm oil. On
our arrival, sperm oil was selling at thirty-seven
cents per gallon, which was not a remunerating
price. After a few months, I took the ship South
America and performed a voyage to the Coast of
Patagonia, being absent eight months, obtaining
1600 barrels whale oil, which was worth eighteen
cents per gallon on my arrival. I then quitted
pursuing the whaling business, and the following
winter, 1824, sailed for Brazil in ship Phebe Ann ;
visited Pernambuco, Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro. I
returned the following summer, and sailed for the
north of Europe; landed the cargo in Hamburg,
went to Sweden and loaded with iron for this place,
had a hard passage home, and arrived on the day
of New Year, 1826, since which I have quitted the
seas. The following summer I came to reside in
this place, where I have remained for the last thirty
years, having been interested in the general business
of the place, — whaling, and various manufactures.
I have now arrived at the age of threescore and
twelve years, [1857,] a monument of God's mercy
for the many favors conferred on me through a long
life.
Thus much for a veteran of the sea, having
commenced a sea-faring life in 1801, and continued
in it until 1826, a period of a quarter of a century."
Since the year 1820, New Bedford has been
steadily progressing, and now, (1858,) notwith-
standing the great embarrassment in the financial
affairs not only of this country but of Europe,
which is particularly severe in all large commercial
places, there are evident marks of increasing thrift
and prosperity, witnessed in the large number of
new buildings rising in every part of our city and
the environs. Although New Bedford has felt to a
372
considerable degree the shock of the late great com-
mercial earthquake, she still remains firm, and her
merchants and mechanics are undismayed. As
one of the oldest seaports in the United States,
possessing many advantages as such in the way of
experience, there is no fear but that her wealth and
enterprise will find new fields of employment as
the older ones fail, and we may confidently hope
that our city, still in her youth, will continue to
grow and flourish. Few places in New England
have experienced so rapid an increase in wealth
and population as New Bedford. In the year 1790,
the population of the village was but about 700 ;
and in 1796, the whole population of the township,
which then included Fairhaven, was but 3313.
As I have before stated in a previous chapter, New
Bedford and Fairhaven were set off from Dart-
mouth in the year 1787, and incorporated into a
separate township. The township at this time was
about thirteen miles in length and three in breadth.
In 1812, as previously stated, New Bedford and
Fairhaven were divided. The present township of
New Bedford is in its extreme length, that is, from
its northernmost bound to the end of Clark's Point,
eleven miles, and about two miles in average width,
the widest part being from the east bound at Acush-
net village due west to Wilson's saw-mill, three
miles.
By the census of 1820, the population was 3947;
in 1830 it was 7592; and in 1836 it was 11,113;
" making an increase of forty-seven per cent in six
years."
373
" 111 1838 the number of vessels belonging to
New Bedford engaged in the whale-fishery was
one hundred and seventy, employing four thousand
hands. At this time there were seventeen candle-
houses and oil manufactories. In 1837 there was
imported into the United States 181,724 barrels of
sperm oil, and 219,138 barrels of whale oil ; of this
quantity 75,675 barrels of sperm oil and 85,668
barrels of whale oil was imported into the New
Bedford district."
The amount of importations into New Bedford
for the year ending Jan. 1st, 1858, was 48,108
barrels sperm oil, 127,362 barrels whale oil, and
1,359,850 pounds whalebone ; ships and barks
employed, three hundred and twenty-four, amount-
ing to 110,267 tonnage.
New Bedford was made a city in 1847. The
population, by the census of 1855, was 20,389.
374
CHAPTER XXVII.
YISIT TO CUTTYHUNK AND GOSNOLD'S ISLET, AUGUST 9TH,
1858 — MUSTER-ROLL OF THE COIVIPANY OF CAPTAIN
THOMAS KEMPTON, 1775— ADDITIONAL LIST OF REVO-
LUTIONARY SOLDIERS OF DARTMOUTH — LINES BY
DR. DANIEL HATHAWAY ON THE DEATH OF DANIEL RUS-
SELL, 1772 — RECORDS FROM OLD BURIAL-PLACES —
LETTER OF JABEZ DELANO, 1727 — SYNOPSIS OF THE
NATURAL HISTORY OF THIS VICINITY — CONCLUSION.
By the politeness of the Collector of our districty
Col. Charles B. H. Fessenden, I visited Cuttyhunk
and Gosnold's Islet on the 9th of August, 1858, in
the government schooner Ranger, Capt. Roland
Gardner, my object being, if possible, to ascertain by
a personal examination and search the cellar of Gos-
nold's store-house and the location of the fort built
by this early navigator and his companions in 1602,
This island, it will be remen#»ered, was visited
by Dr. Belknap, the historian, in 1797, an account
of which I have given in the eleventh chapter of
this History.* Leaving New Bedford at a quarter
past nine, a. m., with a strong and fair wind from
the north-east, we passed swiftly across our beau-
tiful bay, and at a quarter before eleven (one hour
and a half) arrived at Cuttyhunk, distant eighteen
* Capt. William Allen, of this place, wLo took Dr. Belknap in his
sloop to Cuttyhunk in 1 797, fouml the rusty blade of a tahle knife
among the rubbish near Gosnold's fort. Edward Pope, Esq., at
that time Collector of tbis district, and John Spooner, editor of
the Medley, also accompanied Dr. Belknap on this visit.
375
miles. Gosnold's Lslct is situate in a small fresh-
water pond at the west end of this island, separated
from the waters of the bay only by a narrow rocky
beach, so that the sea sometimes flows into it.
This we reached in a small sail-boat under the guid-
ance of the keeper of the light, Mr. Chandler, who
also materially assisted me in the research for the old
fort and cellar. The islet contains a little more than
half an acre. On the west end is a slight eleva-
tion, where we found several stones, apparently
taken from the neighboring beach, in a line with a
small rock ; which we concluded was a portion of
the embankment of the little fort. At a short dis-
tance from this spot, on the south-west part of the
islet, we found a hollow place, and a few stones
similar to the others mentioned, which we conjec-
tured might have been the location of the cellar ;
but the soil being quite fertile, the islet has been
ploughed and tilled in years past, so that the ves-
tiges of these interesting works are nearly obliter-
ated. The space, however, is so small, and the spot
so accurately described by the old journalists and
early visitors before the surface had been disturbed,
that but little doubt remains of the indentical loca-
tion of the fort and cellar. At any rate, upon this
half acre were erected the fort and storehouse of
Gosnold in the month of May, 1602. At this pe-
riod the little island was wooded with beech and
cedar trees. These have long since disappeared ;
but nature, ever ready to repair the destruction of
man, still retains a few of the marks of her original
productions, and has introduced a few others.
376
Growing around the border of the islet were the
sumach, the bayberry, the wild cherry, primrose,
eglantine, skull-cap, and the Virginia creeper ; the
rest of the islet was covered with grass. A solitary
bay-winged finch was flying from bush to bush, —
a kind of mourner over this sylvan waste. In the
pond white perch are numerous.
The surface of Cuttyhunkis very undulating, —
a complete succession of hills and dales — barren, —
not even a solitary tree, and scarcely a shrub, upon
the whole island ; not a vestige, even a decayed
stump, of the noble old woods that so charmed the
old navigator and his companions, was seen in a
walk of several miles. A more complete work of
devastation of the productions of nature has prob-
ably never been effected than may be witnessed
upon this and the neighboring islands. Of the
whole group of the Elizabeth Islands, Naushon
alone retains its primeval beauty ; and what these
now desolate spots once were, the visitor who makes
the comparison may readily imagine. It is to be
hoped that at no distant day an effort may be made
to re-wood these otherwise beautiful islands. By
sowina: the seeds of the forest trees that were nat-
ural to them, in the low and more sheltered places,
and removing the sheep, a few years' growth would
much improve their appearance. Cuttyhunk is
about two miles in length, varying in width, and
three quarters of a mile wide in the broadest part.
In a little pond near by that of the islet the water-
lily was growing in great luxuriance, none of which
I saw in the islet pond, the bottom of which was
thickly matted with grass. The present population
of this island is forty-three persons, a considerable
number of them children. There are seven families :
besides that of the keeper of the light-house, Corbit
Chandler, those of Benjamin Church, George Slo-
cum, Philip Slocum, Holder Allen, William Eliot,
and William Veeder. The latter is the agent for
the owner, Otis Slocum, of Dartmouth. Upon the
top of the highest spot on the island, called " Look-
out Hill," is a little ancient schoolhouse, with a
fireplace for wood — the building not more than
tw^elve feet square, of the most primitive style.
Copicut, or Popicut, is the name of another hill
at the north-east end of this island. Canapitset is
the name given by the Indians to the passage be-
tween Nashawena and Cuttyhunk. Five hundred
sheep are now pastured on this island. The light-
house at the south-west end of the island is sup-
plied with the Fresnel light of the fifth order of
lens ; and the whole establishment evinced by its
order and neatness the faithful attention of the
keeper and his family. Near the light-house are
kept two life-boats from the Massachusetts Humane
Society, and a large sail-boat of the Vineyard
model. In December, 1856, Mr. Chandler, with his
son and son-in-law, saved the lives of the crew" of
the schooner Horace Nichols, consisting of eight
persons, wrecked upon the ledge of rocks off the
west end of Cuttyhunk, called the " Sow and Pigs."
Penequese lies a short distance north of Cuttyhunk,
sometimes called " Pune," is the little island Gos-
nold visited, and named " Hill's Hap," and took
378
therefrom an Indian canoe. This island is also en-
tirely divested of trees, and has one family upon it,
that of Capt. John Flanders, pilot, the owner.
The following manner of rhyming the names of
the Elizabeth Islands has been handed down for
several generations :
Naushon, Nonamesset,
Onkatonka and Wepecket;
Nashawena, Pesquinese,
Cuttyhunk and Penequese.
"A muster roll of the Company under the command
of Captain Thomas Kempton, in Colonel Daniel-
son's regiment, to the first of August, 1775 :"
Thomas Kempton, Captain; Amasa Soper, First
Lieutenant; John Chadwick, Second Lieutenant;
John Swift, George Brownell, Thomas West, John
Sullings, Sergeants; James Spooner, Robert Cros-
man, Elijah Allen, Paul Weston, Corporals; Obed
Cushman, fifer; Simeon Fuller, drummer; Benja-
min Adams, Eleazer Allen, Joshua Austin, David
Badcock, Noah Ball, Jabez Bennet, Thomas Ben-
net, Jonathan Bradshaw, Prince Brownell, Ga-
maliel Bryant, Jessey Burt, John Coggeshall,
William Counts, Robert Crosman, Jr., Louis De
Moranville, Thomas Eskridge, John Gammons,
Phineas Hammond, Roger Hammond, George
Haskins, David Hathaway, John Hathaway,
Lemuel Hathaway, David Kentch, Silas Kirby,
Robert Knowlton, David Lewis, Humphry Macom-
ber, Preserved Merrihew, Jonathan Mosher, Jacob
Mott, Isaac Noble, John Ormsby, Silas Perry,
Peter Phillips, Peter Sands, Daniel Sherman, John
379
Sherman, Lemuel Sherman, John Solomon (In-
dian,) John Spooner, Giles Tallman, Joseph Traf-
ford, Lettice Washburn, Nathan Waste, privates:
amounting to fifty-eight, all from Dartmouth,
with the exception of three, — Louis De Mo-
ranville, Freetown; Phineas Hammond, Roch-
ester; and David Lewis, Rhode Island. The time
of enlistment was in the month of May, 1775.
The time of service, with a few exceptions, was
three months ; the shortest, one month and twelve
>days. Their head-quarters was Roxbury ; the al-
lowance, one penny per mile for travel ; greatest
distance of travel, sixty-nine miles; least, fifty-seven.
The amount the Captain received for this cam-
paign was .£18 10s. lid.; the First Lieutenant,
X12 16 s. 4d.; the Second Lieutenant, c£10 18s.
9 d.; the four Sergeants, £5 15 s. 7 d., £5 9 s.,
£5 15 s. 7 d., £5 2 s. 1| d. ; the four Corporals, X4
12 s. 2 d., £2 18 s. 8 d., £5 3 s., X3 1 s; the fifer,
£4: 10 s. 10 d. ; the drummer, £5 3 s. These were
the amounts paid after deducting what had been
charged for supplies. The difference in the
amounts paid to the officers, as well as the privates,
was mainly owing to the greater or less supplied
them. This old muster-roll contains twenty-three
columns, under the following heads, viz.: "Men's
names;" "Towns whence they came;" "Rank;"
"Time of enlistment;" "Travell;" "Amount at
1 d. a mile;" " Time of service;" " Whole amount; "
"Guns;" "By whom supplyed;" "Price;" "Bay-
onets ; " "Of whom received ; " " Price ; " " Cart-
ridge Boxes ; " " Of whom received ; " " Price ; "
380
"Cloathing;" "Of whom received;" " Amount ji"
" Advance Wages ; " " Blankets received more than
entitled to by enlistment;" "Amount of deduc-
tion;" "Balance." The amount paid for travel,
<£14 5 s. 10 d. The whole amount allowed each
private before discount ranged from a little more
than £4: to £6 10 s. The number of guns sup-
plied was twenty-six, — amount for same X41 10 s. ;
four bayonets, with sheaths and belts, supplied by
Jireh Swift, amounting to 8 s. 2 d. ; thirty car-
tridge-boxes, supplied by Jireh Swift, amounting to *
£6 7 s. 6 d. ; twenty-seven pairs of shoes and one
cap, supplied by Jireh Swift and Commissary
Blaney, the shoes at 6 s. and the cap 2 s,, amount-
ing to £S 4 s.; the amount paid for advance
wages £2 each, excepting the captain and two
lieutenants, — X108 : the whole expense amount-
ing to £389 11 s. 9^ d.; the balance £227 2 s. 1] d.
Capt. Kempton was a descendant from Manas*
seh Kempton, one of the early proprietors of Dart-
mouth, and the father of our respected fellow-citi-
zen, Thomas Kempton. Previously to this period
(1775) Capti Kempton had been master of a whal-
ing-vessel from this port, and a large portion of
those who enlisted in his company had been his
sailors, Capt. Kempton had previously received a
commission as ensign of the militia from Gov.
Hutchinson, bearing date May 13th, 1773. Subse-
quent to his command of the Dartmouth company
at Roxbury, he received the commission of Lieuten-
ant-Colonel, but owing, to a failure of health he
left service at the evacuation of Boston by the
381
British troops. He was born April 20th, 1740, and
died January 27th, 1806, in his G6th year. Of the
two other companies from Dartmouth that joined
the Revolutionary army, one was commanded
by Captain Egery, of Fairhaven, and the other
by Captain Benjamin Dillingham, of Acushnet,
whose muster-rolls I have not obtained ; but suffi-
cient has been given to show that old Dartmouth
was not wanting in Revolutionary spirit.
For the following additional interesting list of a
portion of those who served in the Revolutionary
army from Dartmouth, as well as for the preceding,
I am indebted to the before-mentioned Thomas
Kempton, of this city.
Benjamin Abel, (Indian,) 1775.
Benjamin Adams, 1775, m. m.*
Eleazar Allen, 1775, m. m.
Elijah Allen, 1775, m. m.
Noah Allen, 1781.
Prince Almey, (African,) 1781.
Amesbrey, 1778.
John Amey, 1779.
John Austin, 1779.
Joslma Austin, 1776, m. m.
Befljlmin Babcock, Jr., 1775, '78,
'80.
David Badcock, 1775, m. m.
Benjamin Baker, 1 778, m, m. , '79.
Noah Ball, 1775, m. m.
AVorth Bates, 1778-81.
Weston Bedon, 1778, '80.
Jabez Bennet, 1775, m. m.
Joseph Bennet, 1775, m. m., '79,
'80.
Thomas Bennet, 1775, m. m.
Thomas Berry, 1775, m. m.
Stoughton Booth, 1778.
Thomas Booth, 1778.
Jonathan Bradshaw, 1775, m. m.
George Brownell, 1775, m. m.
♦ Minute-man.
Prince Brownell, 1775, m. m.
Robert Brownell, 1779, '80.
Gamaliel Bryant, ensign, 1775,
m. m.
Jesse Bush, 1775, m. m.
John Chadwick, ensign, '75, m. m.
James Chandler, 1778, '80.
Ebenezer Chase, 1780, '81.
Charles Church, lieutenant, 1778,
'80, '81.
George Claghorn, captain, 1778,
'80,- '81.
John Coggeshall, 1775, m. m.,
'78, '80.
Joseph Cook, 1780.
Richard Cook, 1778, '80.
Thomas Cook, 1780.
Thomas Crandon,capt., 1778. '79.
Robert Crossman, 1775, m. m.
Edward Crowell, 1778.
David Cushman, 1781.
Jaben Daniel, '75, m. m., '78, '80.
John Dayton, 1778.
Calvin Delano, captain, 1778-82.
Henry Delano, 1780.
Thomas Delano, 1780.
Q*
382
John Deverson, 1778.
David Devol, 1780.
Joseph Devol, 1779, '82.
Solomon Dick, (African,) 1782.
Benjamin Dillingham, captain,
1776, m. m.
John Dophson, 1775, m. m.
Benajah Dunham, 1775, m. m.,
'75, '80, '81.
Benjamin Ellis, 1775, m. m.
Thomas Eskredge, 1775, m. m,
Jeremiah Exceen, 1778, '79.
Joseph Francis, 1780, '81.
Simeon Fuller, 1775, m. m.
John Gelat, 1778, '80.
George Gilford, 1776.
Levi GifFord, 1779.
Lewis Gifford, 1779, '81.
Jeremiah Greene, 1779.
Thomas Greenway, 1780, '81.
Cornelius Grinnell, 1780.
David Hammond, 1780.
Jabez Hammond, 1780.
Phinehas Hammond, 1775, m. m.
Roger Hammond, 1775, m. m.
David Handy, 1780.
George Haskins, 1775, m. m.
Shurach Haskins, 1778.
Arthur Hathaway, 1780.
David Hathaway, 1775, m. m.
Eleazer Hathaway, 1777.
Gideon Hathaway, 1778.
Isaac Hathaway, 1778, '80, '81.
Jabez Hathaway, 1778.
Jacob Hathaway, 1780.
John Hathaway, 1775, m. ta.
Lemuel Hathaway, 1775. m. m.
Sylvanus Hathaway, 1779.
George Hitch, 1780.
Samuel Howland, 1775, m. m.
John Humphrey, 1776.
Nathaniel Ingraham, 1780.
Paul Ingraham. 1778, '80.
Thomas Ingraham, 1775, m. m.
William Japes, 1778.
Elnathan Jenne, 1775, m. m.
John Jenne.
Prince Jenne, 1779. '80.
Seth Jenne, 1780.
Timothy Jenne, 1778, '79.
Manasseh Kempton, colonel, 1778.
Obed Kempton, 1778, '80.
Thomas Kempton, captain, I775j
lieutenant-colonel, '76.
William Kempton, 1782.
David Kenleth, 1775, m. m.
Robert Knowlton, 1775, m. m.
Jonathan Lawton, 1778, '79.
David Lewes, 1775, m. m.
Jabez Lumbar, 1778.
Taber Lumbar, 1778.
Humphrey Macomber, 1775, m. m.
Preserved Merrihew, 1775.
Elkannah Mitchell, 1779.
Louis De Moranville, 1775, m. m.
Michael Mosher, 1779.
Samuel Nash, 1780.
Isaac Noble, 1775, m. m.
Robert Nolten, des., 1775, m. m.
Gideon Nye, 1781.
Benjamin Obadiah, (Ind.,) 1779.
John Omey, 1778, '79.
Daniel Ormsby, 1778.
John Ormsby, 1775, m. m.
Avery Parker, captain, 1778*
John Parkes, 1778, '79.
William Pease, 1780.
Pompey Peckham, (African,)
1780, '81.
Henry Perkins, 1780.
Paul Perry, 1778, '79.
Silas Perry, 1775, m. m.
Peter Phillips, 1775, m. m., '78,
'80.
Peter Pon, (Indian,) 1780, '81.
David Pope, 1776, '78.
Stephen Potter, 1778, '80.
Thurston Potter, 1780, '81.
James Pratt, 1778.
Ebenezir Primas, (African,) 1781.
EliasPrimas, 1781.
William Robinson, 1780.
Gideon Rodgers, 1780.
William Rodgers, 1780.
William Ross, 1780.
James Rouse, 1778.
Elkannah Ryder, 1778.
Ezekiel Ryder, 1779.
Baines Sammons, 1779.
Peter Sands, 1775, m. m.
Martin Seekins, 1778.
Daniel Shearman, 1775, m, m.
John Shearman, 1775, m. m.
Lemuel Shearman, 1775, m. m. .
383
Joseph Shockly, 1780, '81.
Amos Simmons, lieutenant, 1779.
John SkiflF. filer, 1775, m. m.,
'79, '81.
Elisha Smith, 1776, '80, m. m.
Jonathan Smith, 1776, m. m.,
'80, '81.
Josiah Smith, 1781.
Thomas Smith, 1778, '80.
John Solomon, (Indian,) 1775,
m. m.
Amasa Soper, lieut, 1775, m. m.
Benjamin Spooner, drummer,
1775, ra. m.
Cornelius Spooner, 1779.
David Spooner, 1778, '80.
James Spooner, 1775, m. m.
Jeduthan Spooner, 1775, m. m.
John Spooner, 1775, m. m.
Simpson Spooner, 1775, m. m.
Charles Stetson, 1780.
Jacob Strange, 1780.
John Sullings, 1775, m. m.
John Swift, 1775, m. m.
Jeduthan Taber, 1781.
Jethro Taber, 1778, '81.
John Taber, 1780.
Philip Taber, 1779.
Thomas Taber, 1780.
Ezekiel Tallman, 1781.
Giles Taliman, 1775, m. m., des.
Thomas Thompson, 1776-78.
Job Tobey, 1780, '81.
Prince Tobey, 1778.
Thomas Tobey, 1780, '81.
Zoeth Tobey, 1780, '81.
Isaac Tompkins,* 1780.
Josei^h TratFordjt 1775, m. m.
Ishmael Tripp, 1776, (Dilling-
ham's company.)
Job Tripp, 1780.
Samuel Tripp, 1775, m. m.
Thomas Tripp, 1770, (Dilling-
ham's company.)
Samuel Tapper, 1779,
Burnell Upham, 1778.
Lettice Washburn, 1775, m. m.
Thomas Washburn, 1775, m. m.
Nathan Waste, 1775, '80.
Thomas West, 1775, m. m.
Thomas Westcot, 1775, m. m.,
'78-80.
Benjamin Weston, 1775, m. m.,
'78, '79.
Eliphas Weston, 1780, '81.
John Weston.
Paul Weston, 1775, m. m.
Stephen Weston, 1782.
Thomas Weston, 1779.
George Whippey, 1778.
Joseph Whitfield, 1778.
Preserved Wilcox, 1778.
Benjamin Willis, 1778.
Samuel Willis, 1782.
William Willis, 1776.
Gideon Woodmanse, 1779, '80.
Gideon Worden, 1778.
Henry Writhington^ 1778.
Robert Writhington, 1775, m. m.
ADDENDA TO THE REVOLUTIONARY REMINISCENCES.
On the march of the British to Acushnct, they
entered the house of Doctor Samuel Perry, which
they intended to have burnt, having set a fire in
one of the chambers and placed beds and bedding
upon it; but these smothered the fire, and thus
the house was saved, and is still standing, — the
same I have before referred to as occupied by a
* Rev. I. Tompkins, Haverhill.
t Killed by the British Sept. 3d, 1778.
• 384 -
grandson of Doctor Perry, — on the Acushnet road,
a short distance south of the village.
The following are the lines by Doctor Daniel
Hathaway referred to on page 821, but they are of
a later date than there given. They were written
upon the death of Daniel Russell, a son of John
Eussell, who died in 1772.
Beneath this mouldering turf and willow shade.
An honest man, one Daniel Russell, 's laid;
Of soul sincere, and good without pretence,
Blest with plain reason and with sober sense.
What bosom heaves not sighs, and groans repeat,
When Russell 's dumb and Hathaway forced to speak ?
To all in want assistance he did lend.
And used each ready person as his friend;
Thousands have eat and thrived upon his bread,
For all the poor beneath his roof were fed.
Did neighbors' quarrels enter but his door.
They were agreed, and contests were no more.
Such use of understanding God had given.
He saw, well pleased, and called him up to Heaven.
From " The Medley or New Bedford Marine Journal for Friday,
May 19th, 1797."
NEAV BEDFORD AND BOSTON MAIL. STAGE
WILL run from New Bedford to Boston thro' Taunton, the ensu-
ing summer season, three times a week, on the following days,
viz. : Leave Bedford on the Second, Fourth and Sixth days of each
week at 4 o'clock A. M. and arrive at Boston on the evening of the
same day. Returning, leave Boston at 4 o'clock A. M. on the Thirds
Fifth and Seventh days of each week, and arrive at Bedford on the
evening of these days. To commence running thus the next week.
The fare of each passage will be as follows : From New Bedford to
Boston, three dollars and fifty cents; From Taunton to Boston, two
dollars and fifty cents ; And for any distance short of the above places,
BIX cents per mile. — One hundred pounds wt. of baggage equal to a
passenger. ABRAHAM RUSSELL.
New Bedford, 4 mo. 27, 1797.
RECORDS FROM OLD BURIAL-PLACES.
From the old graveyard at Acushnet.
BLOSSOM.
" Mehetable, widow of Joseph Blossom, died
March 16, 1771, aged 80 years 6 mos.( and 10 days."
385
"Levi, son of Benjamin and Rebekah Blossoni)
died May 8, 1785, aged 8 months and 16 days."
" Benjamin Blossom died Oct. 25, 1797, in his 76
year."
BURG.
"Mercy, wife of Dr. Benjamin Barg, died July
4, 1746, in the 36th year -of her age."
"Dr. Benjamin Bm-g died Sept. 18, 1748, in the
40th year of his age."
CHAFFEE.
"Ruth, wife of Dea. John Chaffee, died Feb. 26,
1806, in her 69 year.
"Dea. John Chaffee died June 21, 1811, aged 74
years."
CHEEVER,
" Daniel Cheever, son of y® Rev^^ Mr. Israel
Cheever and Mrs. Esther Cheever, born July 6 and
died Nov. 8, 1757."
" Esther Cheever, consort of the Rev. Mr. Israel
Cheever, died April 28, 1761, in the 29th year of
her age."
CHURCH.
" Capt. Nathaniel Church died June y« 22d,
.1748, in y« 57th year of his age."
" Innocent, widow of Capt. Nathaniel Church,
died April y^ 17, 1776, in y^ 84th year of her age."
" Charles Church, drowned in New Bedford
harbor May 19, 1793, aged 53 years."
CRANDON.
"Jean Crandon, wife of John Crandon, born in
Jedburgh, Scotland, in the year 1694, died Nov.
18, 1767, in the 73d year of her age,"
" John Crandon, born in Topsum, upon the
island of Greate Brittain, in the year 1697, died
April 1st, 1773, in the 76th year of his age."
386
DELANO.
" Mary Delano, wife of Jabez Delano, died April
29, 1716, aged 33 years."
" Lieut. Jonathan Delano died Dece"' y^ 23d,
1720, in y« 73 year of his age."
" Jabez Delano died Decern^ y^ 23d, 1734, in y«
53 year of his age."
DILLINGHAM.
'•Ruth, daughter of Capt. Benjamin Dillingham
and Ann his wife, died Dec. 7, 1808, in her 34
year."
" Anne, wife of Capt. Benj. Dillingham, died May
13, 1809, in her 68th year."
" Hannah, wife of Edward Dillingham, died Feb.
21, 1850, aged 80 years."
« Edward Dillingham died Oct. 22, 1852, in his
81st year."
UUKDON.
*'Nancy, wife of Capt. William Gordon, died
Feb. y« 2, 1790, in the 29th year of her age."
"Capt. William Gordon, an officer of the Rev-
olution, born in Boston Oct. 5, 1754, died in New
Bedford June 26, 1835, aged 80 years.
No farther seek his merits to disclose.
Or draw his frailties from their dread abode ;
(There they alike in trembling hope repose,)
The bosom of his father and his God."
* The family of the late Allerton Delano, of New Bedford, and Captain
Warren Delano, of Fairhaven, are lineal descendants of Philip De
La Noye and Isaac and Fear Brewster Allerton. Isaac Allerton
came in the Mayflower in 1620, and Philip De La Noye in the Fortune
in 1621. The latter married, first, Hester Dewsberry, of Duxbury,
1634; second, Mary, widow of James Glass, of Duxbury, and daugh-
ter of James Churchill, 1657.
Mary, first wife of Isaac Allerton, died Feb. 25, 1621, 0. S. His
second wife was Fear, daughter of Elder Brewster. Isaac Allerton
was one of the chief men of the Colony of Plymouth. He was Assist-
ant-Governor with Bradford, on the death of Governor Carver.
387
HATIIAAVAY.
" Hannah, wife of Lieut. Seth Hathaway, and
daughter of Col. Samuel Willis, Esq., and Mehet-
abel his wife, died Jan. y^ 18, 1761, in the 45th
year of her age." •
" Phillip Hathaway died March 2d, 1769, in the
27 year of his age."
" Abigail, whose first husband was Capt. Eben-
ezer Akin, her last husband Mr. Thomas Hathaway,
died April 17, 1781."
" Lieut. Seth Hathaway died May y*^ 11th, 1783,
in y*^ 72d year of his age."
"Jonathan Hathaway died Feb. 3d, 1793, in the
64 year of his age."
" Deborah, widow of Jonathan Hathaway, died
Dec. 27, 1808, in her 77th year."
"Anne, wife of Royal Hathaway, died Mav 16th,
1851, JE. 86 years and 7 months."
"Royal Hathaway died Nov. 12, 1854, in his
86th year."
HAWES.
" Mercy, wife of Capt. John Hawes, died March
11, 1803, in her 37 year."
" Capt. Benj. Hawes died July 18, 1805."
"John Hawes died Dec. 29, 1824, in the 57th
year of his age."
HUTTLESTONE.
" Tabitha, wife of Peleg Huttlestone, died Aug.
24, 1790, in her 47 year."
" Peleg Huttlestone died May 22, 1801, in his
60th year."
JENNEY.
" Elizabeth, wife of Lieut. Cornelius Jenne, died
March 18, 1743, in her 40th year."
388
•
" Caleb Jenne died Aug. 25, 1761, in Kis 63d
yea*,"
" Lieut. Cornelius Jenne died Oct. 12, 1774, in
his 77th year."
• " Eleanor, widow of Mr. Cornelius Jenne, died
Feb. 14, 1780, in her 74th year."
" Capt. Benj. Jenny died at Hispaniola Dec'^ y®
25th, 1787, in his 38th year."
"Nathaniel Jenne died Jan. 13, 1802, in his 82d
year."
" Sarah, wife of Weston Jenne, died Feb. 21st,
1804, in her 31st year."
"Weston Jenne died Jan. 5, 1816, in his "48th
year."
" Maria, wife of Jehaziel Jenney, died Aug. 29,
1837, aged 66 years."
"Jehaziel Jenney died Nov. 13, 1843, aged 73
years."
KEMPTON.
" Thomas Kempton died Dec. 29, 1768, in the 65
year of his age."
" E-uth, wife of Thomas Kempton, died Dec. 6,
1771, in the 25 year of her age."
"Patience Kempton, widow of Mr. Ephraim
Kempton, died May the 2d, 1779, aged 105 years
6 months and 6 days."
" Ephraim Kempton, 2d, died Jan. 2, 1802, aged
55 years 11 months and 18 days."
" Col. Manassah Kempton died Dec. 14th, 1806,
in his 66th year."
" Lois, widow of Col. Manassah Kempton, died
Oct. 11, 1813, aged 77 years."
"Elizabeth, widow of Ephraim Kempton, 2d,
died Nov. 29, 1848, aged 95 years 2 months and 7
days." •
389
LOUDEN.
" Mary, wife of John Louden, died Oct. y® 3,
1775, in the 29th year of her age."
" Urane, wife of John Louden, died March 25th,
1797, in her 28th year."
MANDELL.
" Moses Mandell died May y^ 18th, 1746, in y«
53 year of his age."
" Capt. Thomas Mandell died June 18, 1808, in
the 48th year of his age."
" Sarah, widow of Capt. Thomas Mandell, died
June 3, 1823, aged 66 years."
NASH.
"Joanna, wife of Simeon Nash, died Sept. 25,
1813, in her 65th year."
" Simeon Nash died Jan. 3d, 1824, in his 84th
year."
NYE.
" Rebecca, wife of Alfred Nye, died July 19,
1812, in the 29th year of her age."
"Barnabas Nye died July 24, 1813, in his 79
year."
"Deborah, widow of Barnabas Nye, died Dec.
25, 1820, in her 82d year."
PERRY.
" Jireh Perry died Aug. y^ 3d, 1781, in the 23d
year of his age."
"Abigail, wife of Dr. Ebenezer Perry, died June
12, 1793, in her 33d year."
" Dr. Samuel Perry died April 15, 1805, aged 75
years 9 months and 18 days."
June
"Susanna, widow of Dr. Samuel Perry, died
ne 8, 1806, aged 72."
390
" Sylvia, wife of Dr. Samuel Perry, died April
15, 1815, in her 45th year."
" Dr. Samuel Perry died Oct. 26, 1820, aged 57
years."
" Susan, wife of Dr. Samuel Perry, died Sept.
28, 1842, aged 61 years."
PICKENS.
" Mary Spooner, wife of John Pickens, died Nov.
26, 1809, aged 63 years."
" Capt. Thaddeus Pickens, who was lost at sea
July, 1811, in his 58th year."
"Peace Bennet, wife of Capt. Thaddeus Pick-
ens, died March 7, 1812, in her 38th year."
"John Pickens, an officer of the Hevolution, died
July 31, 1825, aged 82 years."
POPE.
"Deborah Pope, wife to Seth Pope, died Feb-,
ruary 10th, 1710-11, aged 56 years."
" Seth Pope died March y^ 17th, 1727, in the 79th.
year of his age."
" Elnathan Pope died Feb^ 8th, 1735-6, in the
45th year of his age."
" Rebecca, wife of Seth Pope, died Jan. y® 23d,
1741, in the 79th year of her age."
" Thankful, wife of Mr. Thomas Pope, died April
y^ 13th, 1756, in y° 38th year of her age."
"Mrs. Rebekah, wife of Mr. Elnathan Pope,
died Nov. the 30th, 1764, in the 59 year of her age."
" Capt. Lemuel Pope died May y« 23, 1771, in
y® 75 year of his age."
"Abigail, wife of Col. Seth Pope, died of the
small pox May y« 8th, 1778, in the 59th year of her
age."
" Elizabeth, wife of Edward Pope, Esq., died
Nov. 1, 1781, in the 34th year of her age."
391
" Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Capt. Lemuel Pope,
died July y^ 12th, 1782, in the 85th year of her age."
" Mr. Thomas Pope died March 2d, 1784, in the
75th year of his age."
" Mr. Elnathan Pope died May 5, 1794, in the
90th year of his age."
" Mr. Lemuel Pope died Dec. y« 13th, 1796, aged
64 years 8 months and twenty-one days?"
« Col. Seth Pope died June 9, 1802, in his 83d
year."
" Hannah, wife of Ebenezer Pope, died May 12, .
1803, aged 26 years."
"Alice, relict of Thomas Pope, died Oct. 21,
1805, ^. 87. In grateful remembrance of her
transcendant maternal tenderness and assiduous
parental cares, this humble stone is erected by her
bereaved daughter and only child, Nabby Gordon."
^' Mary, widow of Mr. Lemue^ Pope, died Dec.
12, 1808, in: her 81st year."
" Rebecca, wife of Ebenezer Pope, died May 2d,
1813, aged 38 years."
"Rebecca, daughter of Ebenezer and Rebecca
Pope, died Aug. 30, 1819, aged 13 years."
" Ebenezer Pope died March 26, 1828, aged 38."
SPOOXER.
"John Spooner died Feb. 21st, 1773, in his 28th
year."
" Lydia, wife of John Spooner, died June y® 19,
1775, in her 27th year."
" Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Rounsevel Spooner
and daughter of Edward Pope, Esq., died Dec.
6, 1800, in her 21st year."
" Micah Spooner died Sept. 22, 1848, in his 60th
year."
392
SWIFT.
"Jonathan Swift died Jan. y^ 31, 1763, in the
33d y-ear of his age.
Afflictions sore long time I bore.
Till God was pleased to give me ease
And free me from my pain."
" Dea. Jireh Swift died March y^ 16, 1782, in
the 74th y^ar of his age."
" Deborah, widow of Dea. Jireh Swift, died Jan.
y« 7, 1794, in her 82 year."
" Elizabeth, wife of Dea. Jireh Swift, died Aug.
20, 1794, in her 54th year."
" Love, wife of Capt. Jonathan Swift, died June
19, 1809."
"Paul Swift died Nov. 16, 1810, aged 57 years."
" Dea. Jireh Swift died July 26, 1817, in his 77
year."
"Jemima, widgw of Paul Swift, died Jan. 20,
1821, in her 73 year."
" Susanna, wife of Capt. Jonathan Swift, died
Jan. 26, 1828, in her 54th year."
" Capt. Jonathan Swift died Sept. 19th, 1834, in
the 71st year of his age."
TOBEY.
" Keziah, wife of Lot Tobey, died July 31, 1775,
in the 34th year of her age."
" Desire, wife of Dr. Elisha Tobey, Esq., died
Jan. y^ 5, 1778, in the 53d year of her age."
"Dr. Elisha Tobey, Esq., died May y« 10th,
1781, in the 58th year of his age."
" Seth Tobey died May 21, 1793, in the 45 year
of his age."
"Lemuel Tobey died Nov. 7, 1820, aged 72
years 8 months."
393
" Elizabeth, widow of Lemiiel Tobey, died Dec.
20^1835, in the 80th year of her age."
WASHBURN.
"John S. Washburn died March 12, 1842, aged
58 years."
"Bezaleel Washburn died Oct. 2d, 1843, aged 43
years and 3 mos."
"Desire, wife of John S. Washburn, died Nov.
29, 1849, aged 64 years and 6 months."
WEST.
« Capt. Elisha West died Jan. 27, 1794, in his
45 year."
" Louisa, consort of Rev. Samuel West, D. D.,
and widow of Capt. Benjamin Jenny, died March
y^ 18, 1797, in her 41st year."
WILLIS.
" Col. Samuel Willis, Esq., died Oct. 3d, 1763, in
the 76th year of his age."
"Mehitable, wife of Col. Samuel Willis, died
Jan. 18, 1782, in the 94th year of her age."
" Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Willis, died
Sept. 28, 1784, in the 28th year of her age; also
Esther, in the 20th year of her age."
"Samuel, son of Major Ebenezer and Elizabeth
Willis, died at sea March 6, 1805."
"Elizabeth, wife of Major Ebenezer Willis, died
Aug. 9, 1807, in her 79th year."
"Major Ebenezer Willis died Nov. 7, 1809, aged
83 years and 4 days."
WINSLOW.
"John, son of Hezekiah and Betty Winslow,
died Nov. 17, 1754, aged 17 years and 10 days."
" Richard Winslow died June 17, 1816, aged 28
years."
394
« Capt. Ebenezer Akin died Nov. 16, 1770, in y^
54ih year of his age."
"Bethany, wife of John Blackwell, died Oct. 6,
1787, in the 61st year of her age."
"Elizabeth Chapman, wife to John Chapman,
Esq., died Jan. 29, 1725-6, in the 45 year of her
age."
"Benjamin Claghorn, son of Col. George and
Mrs. Deborah Claghorn, died Feb. 23, 1789, aged
17 years and 15 days."
"James Clarke died March 15, 1775, in the 48th
year of his age."
"Deborah Egery, wife of Daniel Egery, died
May y*^ 17, 1770, aged 30 years 11 months and 25
days."
"John S. Haskell died Dec, 1847, aged 71 years."
" Abigail, wife of Dr. Elijah Horr, died March
22, 1841, in 55 year."
" Dorothy, wife of Ephraim Hunt, died Jan. y®
17, 1743, in y^ 30th year of her age."
"John Loring died Jan. y^ 24, 1786, in the 45th
year of his age."
" Judah Paddack, Jun., died May y*^ 29, 1748, in y«
39th year of his age."
" Capt. Elisha Parker died Jan. 22, 1788, in the
44th year of his age."
"Benjamin Pierce died July 29th, 1756, in the
44th year of his age."
"Capt. William Ritchie died April 28, 1844,
aged 46 years."
" Capt. Loum Snow died Jan. 10, 1823, aged 43
years."
395
" Reliance, widow of Daniel Summerton, died
Sept. y« 15, 1788, in y*^ G5tli year of her age."
" Parnel Whitfield died Sept. 1, 1840, aged 85
years."
" Hon. Lemuel Williams, born in Taunton June
18, 1747, died in New Bedford Nov. 9th, 1828."
" Sylvia, wife of Mr. Samuel Wing, died Sept.
5, 1804, in her 33d year."
" Capt. Thomas Worth died Dec. y« 13, 1769,
aged 27 years."
" Aron, son of Henery and Mary Wrightington,
died March y« 23d, 1792, in his 21st year."
From the old graveyard at Long Plain, North Fairhaven.
BENNET.
" Edward Bennet died Oct. 4th, 1812, aged 73
years."
" Elizabeth, wife of Edward Bennet, died D|c.
24, 1826, in her 84th year." ^ ^
"Jacob Bennet died May 27, 1832, M. 60."^
MASON.
" Thankful, wife of Reuben Mason, died Aug.
19th, 1802, aged 46 years."
" Capt. Reuben Mason died Nov. 2, 1806, in his
50th year."
MENDELL.
" Hannah, wife of Ellis Mendell, died Sep. 1st,
1810, in her 41 year."
"Ellis Mendell, born March 20, 1763, died June
12, 1849, aged 86 y-ears."
VVAir.Y.
" liydia, wife of Lemuel Terry, died March 10,
1827, aged 84 years."
396
" Lemuel Perry died April 27, 1846, aged 90
years."
SAMPSON.
" Mary, wife of Edward Sampson, died Feb. y*^
20, 1790, in her 42d year."
" Rualwy, daughter of Edward and Mary Sam-
son, died May 28, 1791, aged 3 years."
" Joseph Sampson died June 27, 1808, in his 82
year."
"Edward Sampson died Feb. 25, 1816, in his
70th year."
SPOONER.
"Allathea, wife of Walter Spooner, Esq., died
May 12th, 1789, in her 64th year."
" Elizabeth, daughter of Walter Spooner, Esq.,
and Allathea his wife, died Sept. 12th, 1793, in
her 36th year."
*# Mary, second wife of Hon'^^® Walter Spooner,
Escj., died Jan^ 30th, 1796, in her 56th year."
"Hon^^« Walter Spooner, Esq^ died Oct. 26,
1803, in his 81 year."
" Nancy, wife of Mr. Walter Spooner, died
Sept. 21, 1806, in her 26th year."
" Mr. Walter Spooner died July 26, 1808, aged
36 years."
" Elizabeth, wife of Hon. Alden Spooner, died
Dec. 14, 1813, in her 64th year."
" Dr. Rounsevel Spooner died March 17, 1844,
aged 66 years."
"Hon. Alden Spooner died Sept. 28th, 1844,
aged 94 years 6 mos. and 15 days."
" Susan, wife of Dr. Rounsevel Spooner, died
April 25, 1846, in her 67th year."
397
SPRAGUE.
"Keturah, wife of Samuel Sprague, Esq., and
daughter of Rev. Thomas West and Drusilla his
wife, died Oct. 29, 1706, in her 74th year."
" Samuel Sprague, Esq., died Feb. 5, 182o, in
his 94th year. The following lines were penned
by the deceased, and ordered to be placed on his
gravestone :
In virtue's school, religion's clieerful voice
Serves as a guide to the most noble choice;
And when God's glory is our chiefest end.
He makes grim death to visit as a friend:
Then welcome, death; I cannot be afraid,
But walk rejoicing through thy peaceful shade."
*' Mary Sprague, widow of the late Samuel
Sprague, Esq., born 29 Oct., 1758, died July 4, 1835."
WHELDEN.
" Ruth, wife of Joseph Whelden, died March 10,
1821, in her 42 year."
" Capt. Joseph Whelden died Dec. 22, 1854, in
his 86th year."
« Ann Gibbens died Sept. 23d, 1849, M. 70 years.
The deceased was a native of Ireland, and came to
America in the 20th year of her age. She lived in
the family of Capt. Joseph Whelden many years,
and also in other families, sustaining in each a
character remarkable for industry, kindness, and in-
tegrity. She made a profession of religion in early
life, and died in the full enjoyment of the Christian
Faith."
" Mary, widow of Leonard Hinds, died Sept. 3d,
1833, M. 72 years."
" Capt Ephraim Simmons died Feb. 21, 1836, in
his 97th year.
The warfare is o'er, the soldier 's free,
The pensioner 's at rest.
To enjoy a glorious liberty
Among the happy blest."
398
From the old buvial-place, Coggeshall's Farm.*
COGGESIIALL.
" Mary, wife of James Coggeshall, died May 26,
1805, aged 19 years 7 mos. and 11 days."
" Capt. James Coggeshall died in the Havanna
24 March, 1809, aged 29 ys."
" Josias Coggeshall, Esq"", born Aug. 15, A. D.
1786, died Oct. 24th, A. D. 1817."
" Major John Coggeshall, a soldier of the Revo-
lution, died July 19, 1830, aged 72 years. A lineal
descendant of John Coggeshall, Esq., first President
of the Colony of Rhode Island."
EAST.
" George East died June 3, 1818, aged 37 years."
" Hannah, widow of George East, died Dec. 12,
1829, in the 72d year of her age."
" George Haydon, son of Theophilus R. and Julia
A. C. Marvin, died in Boston May 15, 1842, aged
7 months."
" Eunice Madderson died March 8, 1837, aged
88 years."
"Benjamin Myrick died July 27, 1779, in the
36th year of his age."
" Caleh Peckura died March 20, 1819, aged 73
years."
I have not, except in a few instances, given every
inscription of any family, my object being only to
make a general record of some of the older names,
those least familiar to the public. In some cases
the stones are wanting, and in others members of
families have died and been buried in distant places,
* Formerly owned by the Peckhams.
:390
so that anything like a full genealogy of any family
could not be made. Yet I trust the record will prove
interesting and valuable to some of my readers.
Letter from Jabez Delano, of Dartmouth, to his
brother, Jonathan Delano,* of Tolland, Connec-
ticut, from the New England Historical and
Genealogical Register, 1853.
" Louing brother :
We haue rec^ two letters lately from you, for
which we thank you, wherin you haue giuen us
an ace"' of your Condition, c^: we are Comforted
to hear it is better with you then we could expect,
considering that diuers reports of sickness in y'^
Country, 6c in your person, & by your letter in
your fammely, had caused us to fear. Brother, I
was Moued to write to you before now, both with
in my self 6z, from mother, but I put her off becaus
of the sickness (that was in my famely of which
through Mercy we haue had a small share to what
many of our Neighbours haue had) but especially
becaus of y^ dangerous condition y* brother Nat*'
lay in for some time. I being greatly desierous
that my letters might be y^ messengers of Joy &
not of sorrow to you. And now brother, as we
haue Rec'^ Comfort from your letter, we hope these
lines may be so to you, &. all our friends, & may
find you in health & peace ; and that our hearts
may be drawn forth to thankfullness unto God for
all his Mercies. And now I shall briefly touch on
what is omitted in Brother Nat'* Letter ; and first,
of y^ sickness ; Concerning Brother Nat" 6c his you
haue an ace"' in his Letter. Our eldest has had a
* " Jonathan Delano and his wife Amy came from Dartmouth, in
the county of Bristol, in his m;<jestie's province of the Massachuiictts
Bay, and settled in Tolland, on yc 8th day of May, 1722. lie
died March 25, 1752, aged 72 years. lie was Town Clerk from 1724
to 1736."
400
long lingering Illness, but is pretty well recruted.
I am but poorly on 't, my self hauing bin Consid-
erably ill, this 4 weeks, which makes me write with
a trembling hand, the sickness has bin uery geuous
in our town, of which there ^re four grown persons
dead in our uillage ; uiz. Jonathan Hathaway, Rose
Spooner, Jemima Badcock, & Amos Taber's wife ;
but people are generally pon recouery, & it looks
like a time of health.
2^ Of the season (we haue Indeferent good
Crops.) We haue had a great drought which
lasted from Inglish mowing till about y® Middle of
Sept. since which we haue had extrordinary groing
w^eatber, till within this 4 or 5 weeks.
3'^ Of an earthquake, which was a week yester-
day, about ten att night, which shook both y^ Land
& water, the Islands & seas, at that degree that
seueral doors were shook of y^ Latch in our uillage,
& 'tis said that at Nantuket y^ harth stones grated
one against another, and, that Oar, y^ boat builder^
Run out of his house, got in to a boat for fear y^
Island should sink.
Mother desiered me to acquaint you that she
Greatly desires to se you, and so w^e doe all. My
Loue to all our friend [s] farwell your Brother
Dar* Nouem^ 6"^ 1727 JABEZ DELANO.'^
It was my intention to have added, a chapter
upon the natural history of this vicinity, but as my
work has already exceeded in quantity the bounds
intended, I have only given a partial synopsis of a
portion of this extensive subject.
QUADRUPEDS.
Foxes and raccoons, though occasionally found in
this vicinity, are very scarce of late years, and will
probably be entirely exterminated by sportsmen.
401
'the fallow-deer were formerly abuiulanf, but, ex-
cepting an oeeasional stray one from the Plymouth
woods, none are now seen hereabouts. In very
early times there were wolves and wild-cats, for
which twopence per head was offered by the Old
Colony government. Otters, though scarce, are oc-
casionally found; one has been killed in the neigh-
boring town of Rochester during the present Sum-
mer (185S.) The mink, musquash, skunk, wood-
chuck and weazel are still numerous; also the hare,
rabbit, and squirrels. Among the smaller animals
are the meadow-mole, field mouse, and wood mouse.
The native black rat has been exterminated by the
Norway or common house and wharf rat, introduced
here from Europe.
BIRDS.
The crow, blue-jay, quail, partridge, chickadee,
meadow-lark, robin, owl and woodpecker (one or
more species) remain here throughout the year.
This is nearly the extreme northern limit on the
seaboard of the quail, but the severe winter of
1856-57 almost exterminated them.
With the earliest opening of Spring come the
blue-bird and song sparrow. I have seen blue-
birds here as early as the middle of February, de-
ceived as it would appear by a few warm days, so
generally succeeded by severe storms and cold
weather, when they necessarily suffer. It is a piti-
ful sight to sec them flying about as though be-
wildered, still uttering their sweet warble, Which
has a singular pathos, heard amid the howling of
the storm. As the Spring advances come the snipe
402
and red-winged black-bird; wild geese pass over;
soon after, arrive the brown thrush, cat-bird, purple
finch or American linnet, ground robin, swamp
thrush, wood thrush, white-bellied swallow, barn
swallow, chimney swallow, bank swallow, cliff
swallow, purple marten, yellow-bird or American
goldfinch, golden robin, bobolink, cuckoo (yellow-
billed and black-billed,) whippoorwill, wood pe-
wee, golden-crowned thrush or over-bird, yellow-
throated vireo, red-eyed vireo, warbling vireo, cow
black-bird, bay-winged finch, tree sparrow, (this
sparrow and the snow bunting are often seen
together in the Vv^inter,) field sparrow, swamp spar-
row, chipping sparrow, pine warbler, the dove,
night-hawk, king-bird, great crested fly-catcher,
kingfisher, redstart, chickadee, parti-colored warbler
or finch-creeper, blue yellow-backed warbler, hum-
ming-birds, butcher-bird, shore lark, golden-winged,
pileated, downy and hairy woodpeckers. The yel-
low-rumped warbler is often seen in numbers dur-
ing the Winter and early Spring.
The birds of prey are the eagle (bald-head,) fish-
hawk or osprey, hen-hawk, pigeon-hawk, sparrow-
hawk, screech-owl, hooting or cat-owl,* and white
or barn owl.
Water-fowl : the loon (green-head, gray-back,
and red-throat,) black duck, sheldrake, water- witch,
red-head or pochard, canvas-back, (occasionally,)
brant, teal, eider or Isle of Shoals duck, (wamps,)
* A large specimen of this owl was shot by Capt. Edward Howland
from an elm tree near the corner of Spring and Sixth Streets, in this
city, in the Fall of 1856,
403
cormorant, coot (white-winged, yellow-billedj and
gray.) widgeon, noddy, whistler, haglet, blue-bill,
herring gull, white and gray gull, wuld goose, wood
duck.
Waders : great heron, night-heron, green heron,
curlew, gray-back, yellow-legs, plover (green-head,
black-breast, and ring-neck,) sandpiper, yellow-
shanks, peet-w^eet, woodcock, snipe.
FISH.
Salt-water: smelt, tom-cod, herring, shad, men-
haden, flat-fish, lump-sucker, whiting, chogset, bass,
tautog or blackfish, scup, (scuppaug, pogies,) cod,
mackerel, haddock, pollock, blue-fish, rock bass,
sheep's-head, flounder, perch, eel, sculpin, scate,
stingray, bellows-fish, rudder-fish, squetteagne,
squid, swell-fish, toad-grunter, shark, dog-fish, frost-
fish, skipjack.
Shell-fish : oysters, quahaugs, clams, lobsters,
crabs, scallops, winkles, razors, muscles, star-fish or
five-fingers, barnacles.
Fresh-water: trout, perch (white, red, yellow,)
pickerel, chub, carp, silver-fish, minnow, hornpout,
eel, clam.
FLORA.
In this department I have only given a few of
the more common plants, such as generally come
under the notice of the amateur. The earliest
blooming plant we have is the epigtra, (the may-
flower or trailing arbutus,) pussy willow, blue,
white and yellow violet, the anemone or wand-
flower, arethusa, (meadow pink,) uvularia, ginseng,
404
saxifrage, columbine, marsh marigold or cowslipj
convallaria, (Solomon's seal,) cinqucfoil, chick-
weed, painted-cup, speedwell, houstonia, lupine,
gold-thread, blue-eyed grass, yellow Bethlehem
star, chokeberry, shad-bush, witch-hazel, viburnum,
azalea, (sw^amp honeysuckle, white and pink,)
bugle-weed, butterfly-weed, water-lily, pickerel-
weed, side-saddle flower, evening primrose, St.
John's wort, indigo-weed, yarrow, orchis, cardinal
flower, white and pink spirsea, (hard-hack,) marsh
rosemary, samphire, potentilla, rhexia or meadow
beauty, willow herb, Indian tobacco, Indian pipe,
angelica, mallows, loosestrife, American centaury,
pigeon-berry, crow-corn, Indian hemp, hawk-weed,
agrimony, pyrola, aster, everlasting, mullein, gold-
en-rod (several varieties,) fringed gentian.
FOREST TREES.
Ash, beech, birch, buttonwood, cedar, cherry,
dogwood (flowering,) elm, hemlock, hickory, holly,
hornbeam, locust, maple (several varieties,) oak
(black, chestnut, red, white, swamp white, yellow-
barked,) pine (pitch, white,) poplar (balm of gilead,)
thorn, tupelo, walnut, willow (a number of varieties.)
SHRUBS, &C.
Alder, azalea (several varieties,) barberry, bay-
berry, beach plum, blackberry, blueberry, bog wil-
low, buckthorn, chokeberry, clamoun, cornel, dan-
gleberry, dogwood, elder, fern, gooseberry, grape
(several varieties,) hazel, holly, honeysuckle (sev-
eral varieties,) juniper, kalmia, privet, raspberry
(black, red,) rhododendron (several varieties,) rho-
405
dora, smilax, spice-wood, stag's-horn, sumach,
sweet-brier, sweet-gale, viburnum, Virginia creeper,
whortleberry, wild black cherry, willow (several
varieties,) witch-hazel.
Some of these are also included in my list of
the flowering plants.
I have intentionally omitted a scientific nomen-
clature, and have in every instance where it has
been possible adopted the popular name. I have
also given the name alone of many genera of which
there are many species, my object being to adapt
the subject to the general reader. It will be per-
ceived that I have not even mentioned several im-
portant and highly interesting branches of natural
history.
AGRICULTURE.
I have said but little about the agricultural in-
terest of the township, which, though compared
with some parts of Massachusetts would not ap-
pear to any great advantage, is nevertheless of no
small importance to the inhabitants.
For more than one hundred years from the first
settlement of this quarter by our ancestors, agricul-
ture was almost the sole employment and means
of livelihood, and the people were marked by a
general thrift and comfort. Though naturally in
many parts very stony, yet the soil, when once
cleared and properly prepared, is strong, and well
adapted to grass, Indian corn, potatoes, and other
staple crops. Our ancestors unquestionably had to
labor vigorously against the stones, rocks and fer-
406
est, but for several generations this soil sustained
a substantial and independent body of yeomen.
Although commerce, the mechanic trades, and
manufactures, have absorbed a large portion of the
enterprise of our inhabitants, still the farming in-
terest is of considerable importance. The interest
in agriculture and the rearing of stock has greatly
increased of late years, and in these particulars, we
may compare favorably with other parts of the ter-
ritory that was formerly under the Old Colony
jurisdiction. In former days nearly every farm had
its flock of sheep and field of flax, and the loom
and spinning-wheel were among the most impor-
tant articles of household furniture. Very few
sheep are now to be seen in the township, neither
for many years probably has there been seen a field
of flax. The old looms and spinning-wheels have
been either broken up and destroyed, or lie stowed
away among the rubbish of old garrets.
Agriculture and its attendant occupations are
undoubtedly the chief reliance of mankind for a
livelihood. Every occupation of human industry
has its value; but the groundwork of all is and
ever has been agriculture, and so it must remain.
Although New Bedford has taken her wealth
legitimately from the ocean, still it may be worthy
of consideration, whether, if a larger portion of the
industry, enterprise and intelligence devoted to
trade and commerce had been given to the cultiva-
tion of the soil and to the agricultural interests gen-
erally than has been the case, a much more general
and substantial thrift among our inhabitants would
407
not have been the consequence. Where the largest
amount of any community are the consumers of
the necessaries of life, there must always be sea-
sons of great vicissitude, and a portion will suffer.
Without intending any unjust disparity in the
comparison between the occupation of the mer-
chant and that of the farmer, it may be added, in
conclusion, that there is much truth in the remark
of the late Henry Coleman, — " The best bank is a
bank of earth, and the best share a plough-share."
Agriculture becomes an elegant occupation in
the hands of the intelligent and cultivated; and it
certainly offers the greatest inducements and at-
tractions to those who have become weary of the
perplexities of commercial pursuits, and whose
tastes lead them to a simpler and purer mode of
life. Of course, a large portion of the fashionable
customs must be dispensed with, and books and in-
tellectual converse take the place of more exciting
amusements. To the man or woman of taste,
horticulture offers a constant source of pleasurable
employment; and this department may also be
made of importance in a pecuniary point of view,
towards the support of a family. Let no young
enthusiast or worn-out man of business, however,
be deceived by any remarks herein contained. The
occupation of the farmer and horticulturist has its
cares and perplexities ; it also has its valuable
compensations, among which are health, and ex-
emption from many of the temptations to evil
connected with the more complicated pursuits of
commerce. To those who would try the experi-
408
ment I would recommeiid to begin in a small way,
doing thoroughly whatever is done. A neat and
tasteful rural home, though humble in its preten-
sions, is far more desirable to the man of taste than
the more ostentatious residence, with its multiplied
care and expense. It is by no means necessary to
leave our native soil for this end : moderation in
expense, and industry, will render it quite within
the reach of a family of small means to live com-
fortably here.
In drawing my labors to a close, I am aware how
imperfectly my task has been performed ; yet, in a
good degree, I feel the assurance of having done
the best I could under the circumstances. The
labor of collecting together from so many sources
the material for this history has been by no means
small, and has required an active attention to the
subject for many years. Therefore, if the reader
shall find a want of completeness and order of
arrangement in some instances, I trust he will re-
member that such must in a great measure We the
case in all efforts of a like nature in an original
work. If I have succeeded in saving from oblivion
a considerable portion of our history, which I have
in many instances received from the lips of those
now passed away and from old and scattered rec-
ords, I shall feel that my time has not been mis-
spent, or my labors in vain.
INDEX,
Acoaxet Eivor. 270, 340
Acushnet Heij^ht^. view from 93
Acushuet, orthography of,. . . .90. 3(35
Acushnet RivcM-, 90. 94
Acushiiet road 273
Acushiiet village 272. 275
fine view from, .276
Agriculture. 405
Akin, Lemuel IS., reminiscences
of. 292,294
Alden, John ; his team taken 297
Allerton. Isaac 386
Andre, Captain, (Major,) 279, 288
Angelica, 132
Ann Alexander, ship, loss of, 102
Anti-slavery character of the in-
habitants, 252
ApponegansctKiver 272
Apponegan.set village, 272 Climate
Architecture, criticisms on the ^'i:--^--
present 113
former. . .' 112
Bapti-tit church of Tiverton and
Dartmouth, 315
British taxation, act of Dart-
mouth relative to 332
British, three men killed by,. .211, 290
Burg, Dr. Benjamin '. .321
Burroughs, Teleg,. 815
Buzzard's Bay,. 129
discovery of, 116
Candle-house, "first, 77, 158
Candles, spermaceti, manufacture
of, 158
Castle, Joe, 291
Census '. 107. 287, 302, 372, 373
Charter of old Dartmouth, 32
Cheever, Rev. Israel, ^ .318
City Hall, 335
Claghorn, Ceorge, 60
Claghorn, Capt. William 366
Clark's Point light-house, 80
'■■■ ■ 334
Clinton, Sir Henry, letter of, 279
Columbian Courier 146
contents of.. 147
Committee of Accounts, adver-
tisement of 140
v(;r, ship, of Nantucket, 366iCongregationalist church, first in
'■ - -' ^' - '- "^^ Dartmouth, 316
ministers, neorlect of Tiver-
ton and Dartmoutli to
provide for, 315
Continental currency, deprecia-
tion of, 159
Cooke, Jolin. 45. 314
appointment of as Justice ot
the Peace, 32
l?fi
r.cdford Bank 80
I'.cdtord Bank building 83
Ik'dford Commercial Bank. 82
Bedford Marine Insurance Com-
pany 81
Bedford, village of, 70
Belville, 78
Bennett. Deliverance, 213-226]
Betsev. sloop, whaling-voyage of,. .62|
Bird tsland,. '. .1321 death of, 314
I'inls.-. 401 Cotton, John, at Acushnet 314
P.ostonTea-l'arty 48 Court-House, 115
Bounds of old Dartmouth, Crane. Benjamin, Dartmoutli sur-
18, 28, 343, 3481 veycd bv 84
Bowdoin, Elizabeth, .853 Crow Isla"nd <)2
Bowdoin, James 127, 349;Cuflee, John and I'aul, obtain the
I'.owdoin. James Temple, 127, 349j rights of citizenship from the
l?ownas, Samuel 38i Legislature 256
Brewer, John.. 327 Cutlee, Paul,. 253-262
Bridge, New Bedford and Fair- | home of, 255, 270
haven. 72, 79 Cumminjis, John, farm of. 271
advertisement concerning,. .365 Custom-House building.. . .' 336
British invasion 73, 78, 278-299 Cuttvhunk 15, 25, 117, 122, 376
invasion, account of from jDartnumth, 342, 344
the New Bedford Mercury, 2881 freemen in, 1670, 32
property destroyed bv, freemen in , 1686 346
74, 200, 2821 old township of, 13, 152
S
410
Davis, James, 247|Grey, Gen. Charles, 278
tesfiniony to the character letters of, 278, 280-282
of, . 250;GrinBel], Cornelius, 61, 141. 142
De la Noye. Philip, .386 Grist-mill, Joseph Russell's, .163
Deed of old Dartmouth, from
Woosamequin and Wamsutta
to William Bradford and others, 16
Delano family 208
epitaphg of, 208, 209, """
Delano. Jabez, letter of,
Devil's. Bridge,.' 353
Dialectic Society, 322
Discovery of Dartmouth by Gos
nold. .- 13
■Dotv, Elihu, stanzas by 144
Duties collected at this port 107
Dwigiit's account of the British
invasion, : 284
Ecclesiastical reminiscences,. .236, 314
Egg Islands, 132
Elizabeth Islands,. 130, 132
discovery or, 14
Indian names of, 134
Indian testimony respecting. 133
rhymed list of, .378
Elm-street Methedist society, new
meeting-house of, . , " 336
England, early intercourse with,. .195
Epitaphs at 'the old Acushnet
graveyard 85, 188, 204,
205, 206, 208, 209, 317, 320, 384
Coggeshall's farm
Long riaiu graveyard, 395
Essex, .'^hip, loss of, 101
Explanation of Indian names,. . . .134
Extent of New Bedford, 372
Fairhaven,.. 345
general character of,
Falkland Islands, prosecution of
the whale-fishery from 76
FanshaAve, Robert, letter of, 283
Fearing, Maj. Israel, defence of
Fairhaven by !.. 74, 99, 285, 289
Figure-head, funeral of a, 60
Fishlsl^nd,: 92
Fishes, 403
Flora, . .■ 403
' Fragment Society, 322
Friends' Academy. 325
teachers in.. 327
.Friends, t)urial custom of, 266
divisions among, 40
• dress of, 249
early.^ 37
Friends' meeting-house, Russell's
• Mills, 37,39,266
meetibgs.list of, 41
quarterly meetings, 41
.Friends,' strictness of, •. 38, 60
Gambler, Admiral,. .'. 283
Gardner, Edmund, 101
sketches by 368
Garrisons in old Dartmouth,
• 15,35,270
Gosnold, Bartholomew, death of. .15
his vovage, ..117, 122-125
Gosnold's Islet, 119-122, 374, 375
Graham, Michael,. . ." 244
Greene, Thomas A., 327
Harmony, ship, narrow escape of,. 308
Haskins, William, narrow escape
of, 313
Hathaway, Arthur, 45
allowed to administer oaths,. 33
Hathaway, Dr. Daniel 321
lines by, ' 384
Hathaway family, 185
epitaphs of, 387
Hawes. Mary, 176
Health, 334
Houses, old 34, 160, 162, 198
disappearance of, 186
Rowland, George 86, 234
Hunt, Rev. Samuel, 316
Impressment of soldiers, 347
Incorporation of Fairhaven 363
New Bedford, '. 360
Indian chiefs .' 20
communicants, 1698, .315
relics, 35
Indians in Dartmouth, 20, 95
New Bedford, 190-192
Intrepidity of a woman, .75
Iron-works at Russell's Mills, 22
Taunton, (Raynham.) 43
Joking Quakers, 171
Journey of the representative
from "Dartmouth to Plymouth,. . .45
Journevs on horseback, 166-175
Kempton familv, 203, 209
epitaphs of, 204. 388
Kempton. Jonathan, treatment of
by the British, 295
Kempton, Manasseh, lands of, 202
Kempton, Patience, longevity of,. .47
Kempton, Thomas, 380
King .street, 23
Landing of Gosnold, Wall's paint-
ing of,. ..'. 17
Last of the AVampanoags, the, 96
Legal reminiscences, '. . . .331, 332
Library building, 336
Light-houses in Buzzard's Bay.. . .365
Liiidsey, Benjamin, Sen .'150, 151
Little Eyes a prisoner at Palmer's
Island 92
Livery stables, 305
Long Plain 276
Longevity, cases of, 164
Loss of the Royal George, Cow-
per's poem on the ' 177
Lsudon, John, purchase of house-
lot by, ......47
Lyceum, New Bedford 324
Lyceums, remarks on, 323
Macadamizing recommended, 337
Main street, V. . .23
Mansion of Governor Swain on
Naushon, 127. 128, 356
Maria, old ship, .147, 304
Marsh, Isle of, 92
Mary, brig, advertisement of, 140
Mashno,.*! ,,. 132
Massasoit^ 15
411
3Iavflower. sloop, advertisement irierco, Rev. Richard 317
o'f, ' 1441'laiits 403
Medical reminiscences, 321, 331 1'lymouth records, extracts from,
Medley, the 137, 143; 16, 18. 21. 24, 26, 28, 31-33, 348
contents of the first number Pope, Judge Edward 206. 332
of. 139, 145,rope family .205
the editor's salutatory .138 epitaphs of. 205, 206, 390
3Ieeting-house, first, in t)art- homestead of. 208
mouth 37, 39, 266 Pope, Nathaniel, naval expedi-
Friends-, on Spring street,. .249 tion of. 291, 293
3fercantile morals 227 Pope-s Island, 92
Merchants, noble-minded, 229iPotter, lienjamin. farm of. 271
Mcrcurv, Xew Bedford 149, 150 Prices current. New York, 1799,. . .146
Progress of New Bedford, 371
< Proprietors, early, 46
names of. ^ 180
Metcalf, Lieutenant, mortally
wounded 290,295
Mitchell, Jacob, appointment of
lis ensign-bearer.
3Iuster-roll of Thomas Kempton"s
companv, 1775
Name of Dartmouth, origin of, 22, r25l*rovidence. sloop, capture by
New Bedford, origin of. 23 Public buildings
..308,313
.400
.125
Narrow escapes
Natural history.
Naushon, (jlosiiold-s visit to,. . .
natural characteristics of.
127, 128
old houses on, 355
ownership of. 3-19
recollections of, by Samuel
Robinson, 354
visit to by the author, 126
Newell, George 328
Ncw.«papers at the present time.. .151
early 137-150
_Nomquid,' (Smith's Neck,) 185
" No<5uoohoke River, 270, 341
North Congregational church,. . . .335
North street, 305
Northmen in Buzzard's Bay,. 116, 359
Uath of fidelitv. names of those
who took the, 1684 45
1686 : 346
Obadiah, Sarah 194
Order of court for more compact
settlements at Dartmouth,. 31
re ative to the support of
the ministry 21, 24, 315
Origin of the whale-fishery, Wall's
painting Of, 66
Otis, James, residence of at
Acushnet, 276
Onset, 132
Oxford village 79
Pacific Ocean, first whalers in, 59, 366
Padanaram, : 272
Palmer's Island, ; .-. . .91
Pascamanset River,. .....: .44, 97, 345
Pensioner, an old, story of, 214
Perry, Dr. Ebenezer '.'. 321
his hor.se killed,; 291
Perry, Dr. Samuel, ■■. 321
attempt of the British to
burn his house, 383
Perry, Dr. Samuel, Jr 321
Philip. King, survey of Dart-
mouth by order of. 18
Philip's War, incidents in, 343
warning of, 298
of Dartmouth. 1(#4.. .33
original, of New Bedford,. .160
Proprietors' Records 46, 180
■ ...302
...335
.26. 28
Phipps, Abner J.,.
Pickens. John,
.85
Purchasers of Dartmouth,
who settled in Dartmouth,. .204
Quadrupeds 40O
Read, Dr. Alexander -. 331
Read, Frederick 305
Rebecca, ship.. 59-61
Records of Dartmouth, from old
surveys, •. 179
Representatives to *01d Colony
Court 45
Revolution, reminiscences of,
48, 73, 78, 99,
133, 159. 211. 216-223. 226. 278-
298; 353, 357, 359, 378. 381, 383
soldiers of Dartmouth in,. . .381
Ricketson, Joseph 86, 232
advertisement of, 148
Rotch family 108
Rotch, Joseph, 22, 108, 109
purchase of land by 98
Rotch, William 108, 109, 143, 264
Rotch, AVilliam, Jr., ; . . . . .108
advertisement of, 140
Roval George, loss of, 177
Russell, Abraham 163, 384
Russell. Barnabas, 155. 196, 198
diary of. 197
letter of introduction given
to 197
Ru.s.«ell, Caleb 155
Russell, Daniel, lines on the death
of, ; 384
Russell, Gilbert, 156, 169. 175
journeys of, 166-175
Russell, John 153, 154. 269
fir.st representative to the
Old Colony Court, 44, 153
Russell, Joseph 154, 270
Rus.«eli; Joseph, 2d, 154, 155
Russell, Jo.seph, 3d, 42, 155, 156
familv of. 155
journeys of, 166, 167, 173
pioneer of the whale-fishery,. 58
presence of mind of, 157
whaling-vessels of, 59
Russell, Joseph & Sons,. .159, 195, 196
Ruisseli; Ralph .22, 152
Russell, Seth. 2d, 141
Russell's Mills, 44, 265, 268
412
Sanchvich Islands, first whalers at,
Hassamon. John,
.Sassaquin's or Myles's I'ond,. . .44
Scenery around New Bedford, . . 88,
.Scouticut,
Scoresby, William, Jr.,
Separation of Kew Bedford and
Fairhaven,
September gale, 308-
loss of lives in
Settlement of Dartmouth,
Settlements, tirst in Dartmouth,. .
Settlers at Acushnet and Fair-
haven, . .
Dartmouth
Fairhaven
Smith's and Slocum's Necks,
Shearman, Abraliam, Jr. ,.70, 146,
Shell-iish,:
Ship, first,
Shrubs,
Simons, Martha,
Slave-trade, lines on the,
Slocum, Capt. William
Small-pox hospital, petition for,. .
Smith, John, appointment of as
Lieutenant,
Smith's Mills,
Smith's Neck, (Nomquid.)
Spooner. Rebecca,
Spooner, Hon. Walter, Esq.,
Squin's brook,
Stage-coaches,' first line of from
New Bedford to Boston,. .
advertisement concerning,. .
Stall, Samuel,
Standish, Miles, purchase of land
from,
Statistics of New Bedford, 71, 358,
Stone wall on King street, tax for.
Story, Thomas,
Streets and roads, construction of.
Streets, change of name of
in Nevv Bedford, 1795,
Suburbs of Isew Bedford,. . '.
Swain, Robert, death of,
Taber, Bartholomew, 295,
Taber, William, a survivor of the
loss of the Royal George
Tallman, Lydia, 159, 166-168,
Tallman, William, anecdote by,. .
322
370 Thornton, Eli-sha. 236-247
.18 tribute to his memory, 247
, 97Tobey, Dr. Elisha 321
, 97 his house pillaged 294
LSlTobey, AVilliam; his goods taken, 294
.57 Tompkins, Dr. Silas 331
Town officers of old Dartmouth,. .348
363 Trees, .' . .404
313 Truxton, Thomas 359
312 Union, ship, loss of, 101
152 Union street, 23
185 Unitarian church 33o
Vessels registered 1818 and 1819,. .301
205 Villages in this vicinity, 265
.30 Votaries of mammon, 'a reminis-
. 98 cence of interest to, 306
185 Wars Avith England, effect of .57. 300
148 Water-fowl, .'.402
403 West, Samuel, D. D., 275, 276, 318
.48 Westport 270, 340
404 Westport Point, 270
.95 Westport village, 270
241 West's Island 131, 343
308 Whale, a large 67
Whale attacking a ship 101, 102
Whale-fishery 53-69, 100-107^ 302
33 early history of, 54, 56, 105
271 of New Be'dfoi-d, statistics
185 of, 373
165 state of in 1830, . . 302
331 Whalemen, bounties offered to by
91 foreign powers, 57
Whaling song,. .'. 68
Wheatley, Phillis 263
lines by,.... 262
Wheldon, Joseph, 60
Whitridge, Dr. William C, 322
Willis, Eliakim, 192
Willis family, 187-194
epitaphs of, 188, 393
houses of, 191
336 selling land to the Russells
23 and Kemptons, 190, 205
304iWillis, Jireh 189
273 Willis, Col. Samuel, Esq., 331
128 first ship-owner, 188
297 Willis, William, 189
Winthrop, John, memorandums
176 of 351
175 Wonderful whalers, the, 102
163iWren, sloop 62
E R K A T A .
exorcised" read exercised.
Pritt" read Prill.
20"' read 22.
as" read has.
• frustrated " restd prostrated.
'then " read thou.
His equal care" read This equal case.
Page 24, line 26. for "
Page 28, line 16, for "
Page 75. line 35, for "
Page 230, line 2, for '•
Page 233, line 17, for
Page 263, line 11, for
Page 263, line 17, for
Page 321, line 10, for '-1727" read 1772. Dr. Burg, and not Dr. Hatha-
way, was probably the earliest physician of Dartmouth.
Page 824, line 30, for " Robinson " read Rodman.
Page 396, line 6, for " Rualwy " read Rualmy.
rv
